Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouts in 1912 because she imagined a movement where all girls could unite and embrace their unique strengths and passions. Low strongly believed that everything Girl Scouts do should unlock their full potential and raise their confidence. Girl Scouts today continue the path of that first troop in 1912; they connect with their communities, get outdoors, challenge themselves, and find ways to improve the world.
Exploring the Outdoors at Boot Camp: Outdoor Skills Crash Course
By Loretta Golden, Communications Associate at Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
August 01, 2023
Summertime is perfect for exploring the outdoors. Spending time in nature supports an active and healthy lifestyle and can help relieve stress and anxiety. Girl Scouts provides access by opening the door to new outdoor experiences and allowing girls to move out of their comfort zone. This summer, GSSC has added fun summer programs to help you get outside and learn new skills that can expand your knowledge and help to strengthen your mind.
As a proud Girl Scout Alum, I spent
plenty of time in nature. We went for walks as a troop using a map and
compass and learned how to build shelters and spot poison ivy. I
enjoyed my time outdoors more than others in my troop, so I also took
other opportunities to expand my knowledge on my own. I learned how to
pitch a tent, start a fire, pack the perfect backpack, cook outdoors,
and so much more. As a Girl Scout, I had the flexibility and freedom
to grow. I could explore my interests and then return to my troop and
share my experiences with my sister Girl Scouts.
At GSSC, various council-led
programs offer girls new experiences and help expand their skills
in their favorite content areas. Girl Scouts can attend these programs
and events independently or as a troop. It’s a great way to meet
friends and explore new interests.
One of our biggest summer
programs, Boot Camp: Outdoor Skills Crash Course, was held at Camp
Edey on July 22nd. Girl Scouts of all levels spent the day
learning real-world skills that last a lifetime, from archery to first
aid to campfire cooking. Girls traveled the camp in groups, attending
50-minute sessions on the various skills to earn GSSC’s Outdoor Skills Patch.
The fishing station was set on the lake,
and girls learned the basics of catch and release, like how to use and
cast a rod. The Archery session taught safety and form at all levels
with modified suction cup arrows for younger Girl Scouts and complete
equipment for Juniors through Ambassadors. At the First Aid station,
girls learned about dangers they may encounter outdoors, how to tie a
bandage, and an intro to CPR from troop leaders Christine McClure and
Robert LaBoy.
During the Knot-tying session, girls
learned basic knots like the square knot and made a paracord bracelet
to bring home. And the Campfire Cooking session taught fire safety
while Girl Scouts cooked campfire-baked potatoes, complete with their
favorite toppings.
It was a great day at Camp Edey that
brought the best of outdoor programming to Girl Scouts of all levels.
Archery may have been the favorite, but I was surprised by the number
of girls that were most looking forward to fishing. The weather was
beautiful (although a little hot), and the smiling faces and the looks
of determination reminded me of my own days as a Girl Scout.
We are midway through the summer, but you still have time to enjoy the natural world around you. For me, the outdoors is a place that helped me gain the confidence to try new things without fear. I learned it was ok to play in the mud or break a nail, and I still feel that strength today. The Girl Scouts at our Boot Camp event learned essential skills with a great introduction to the wonders of the outdoors. I hope they found joy in their time in nature and the inspiration to keep exploring.
Does your troop have an adventure planned this summer? What skills do you want them to learn? Share your GS story with us today!
- Learn more about our GSSC’s Summer Programs
- Take the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge
- Earn GSSC’s Summer Bucket List Patch
More News
