The annual Girl Scouts Love States Parks Weekend is happening Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11, and we are once again excited to share some great programming with you at our local state parks. Details about the programs happening can be found below. All programs will take place on Saturday, September 10- but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore other nearby parks around you on Sunday to keep the outdoor fun going!
You can also download the Girl Scouts Love States Parks Weekend passport that includes activities to complement your time outdoors, as well as earn the 2022 patch.
New River State Park
Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge- Saturday, September 10, 9-11 a.m.
- Hike along the Running Cedar Trail for about a mile, observing nature and working toward earning the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge patch. Open to all Girl Scouts and registration is not required. Girls should wear closed toe shoes and bring water and a small snack with them. Picnic grounds (with grills) are available for lunch. Girls will meet at the Wagoner access of the park (1477 Wagoner Access Road, Jefferson)
Hanging Rock State Park
Earn Your Trees Badge- Saturday, September 10, 2-3 p.m.
- Learn about one of the oldest living things in our parks- the trees! Girls will learn how to tell the age of a tree and have the opportunity to make their own cardstock tree cookie. Girls will hear about the connection between people and trees and why people and animals need trees for everyday needs. For Girl Scout Cadettes- siblings are welcome. To register, please contact melissa.cordell@ncparks.gov.
Earn Your Paddle Badge- Saturday, September 10, 6-7 p.m.
- Girls will learn how to use tandem canoes, teamwork to navigate the waters, techniques for paddling, paddling safety and go on a short canoe trip. For Girl Scout Seniors. To register, please contact melissa.cordell@ncparks.gov. (There is a 13 girl limit for this program.)
South Mountains State Park
Girl Scouts Love South Mountains- Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m.- Noon
- Join park staff in a celebration of Girl Scouts and NC Park’s Year of the Tree. Learn about Native American uses for trees, go on a guided hike and learn to identify different trees. Take home a tree-related craft. Open to all Girl Scouts and registration is not required.
Lake Norman State Park
Make Your Own Tree ID Book- Saturday, September 10, 2-2:45 p.m.
- Come create your own tree ID book! Girls will be looking at and identifying local species to create ID books and include fun facts about each tree they find. Girls will also do leaf rubbings so they can easily identify trees next time they are at the park. Open to all Girl Scouts. To register, please contact lake.norman@ncparks.gov. (There is a 15 girl limit for this program.)
Haw River State Park
Branch Out with Trees!- Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
- Join us for everything trees! Through specific activities, girls will be able to explain the major parts of a tree and their functions and observe tree rings, gaining a better understanding of how they form and what they tell us about the tree’s history. Girls will also make observations about trees using their senses. Open to all Girl Scouts. Please note: This event is currently full at this time. For questions, you can contact kathryn.royall@ncparks.gov.
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