Girl Scouts Celebrate 1st Nationwide 'Love State Parks' Weekend

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore joined thousands of Girls Scouts across New Jersey and the United States this weekend exploring the great outdoors as part of the first ever nationwide ‘Girl Scouts Love State Parks’ initiative.

From star gazing at Island Beach State Park and kayaking the waters off Sandy Hook to climbing the steps of a lighthouse at Twin Lights Historic Site in Highlands, nearly 1,000 Girl Scouts and their families experienced the beauty and history of 34 New Jersey state parks on July 13 and 14.

“Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend was aimed at getting more girls and their families outside to experience the outdoors, an integral part of Girls Scouts’ all-girl leadership program,” said Eileen Higgins,” chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, one of four Girl Scout Councils in New Jersey.

The legacy of Girl Scouts and the outdoors is profound, Higgins noted. Studies show that 71 percent of girl members ages 8–14 tried their first outdoor activity through the organization and half would not have had access to outdoor activities and programming if not for Girl Scouts.

The organization’s focus on environmental conservation, camping, and outdoor science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming is rooted in a passion for adventure and healthy risk-taking combined with taking action to protect the environment for present and future generations, Higgins said.

The outdoor initiative was developed in collaboration with the National Association of State Park Directors and plans are already underway for the next Girl Scouts Love State Parks program, tentatively in September 2020.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for our girls to unplug from cell phones and technology and connect with their families and friends in our beautiful state parks,” Higgins said.

For information on becoming a member of Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, visit www.jerseyshoregirlscouts.org or call (800) 785-2090.

About Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore
Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore serves nearly 10,000 girls ages 5-18 in Monmouth and Ocean counties, providing a time-tested leadership experience that inspires and motivates them to take action for themselves and their communities. For over 100 years, Girl Scouts has helped girls become women of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For information on how to join, volunteer, partner or donate, visit jerseyshoregirlscouts.org or call (800) 785-2090.