Dozens Of Suffolk Girl Scouts Team Up To Clean Long Island Beach

KINGS PARK, NY — Dozens of Girl Scouts from Suffolk County rolled up their sleeves to help protect Long Island's natural environment, collecting litter and cleaning up the shoreline at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park on Sept. 13.

The two-hour beach cleanup brought together Girl Scouts, troop leaders, parents and volunteers as part of the annual "Girl Scouts Love State Parks!" initiative, a nationwide program organized by Girl Scouts of the USA to encourage girls to explore, appreciate and protect state parks.

Participants combed the shoreline for discarded trash while learning about proper waste disposal, recycling and the importance of environmental conservation.

"Long Island's beaches and parks are some of our community's greatest natural resources, and we want our Girl Scouts to understand that they have a responsibility to help protect them," said Tammy Severino, president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. "Activities like this teach girls that leadership isn't just about having ideas. It's about taking action, working together and making a positive difference in the world around them."

Beyond removing litter, the cleanup gave participants an opportunity to develop teamwork, leadership and environmental stewardship skills while gaining a greater appreciation for the natural spaces in their communities.

The event also reinforced one of the central principles of Girl Scouting: giving back through community service.

"Community service is an important part of the Girl Scout experience, and this event gives girls an opportunity to see the direct impact of their efforts," said Amanda Adair, senior program coordinator of outdoor and older girl programming for Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. "They can look at the beach when they arrive, see the difference they've made when they're finished and understand that they have the power to create positive change. Those are lessons that stay with them long after the event is over."

Participating Girl Scouts also earned a special "Girl Scouts Love State Parks" patch in recognition of their efforts.

The annual initiative encourages Girl Scouts nationwide to visit state parks, participate in outdoor activities and engage in conservation projects. The program aims to introduce girls to outdoor recreation while emphasizing the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.

Through camping, hiking, conservation projects and other community service activities, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County seeks to help girls build confidence, develop leadership skills and make contributions to their communities.

"Girl Scouting is about giving girls the confidence and skills to take on challenges and become leaders," Severino said. "When girls participate in projects like this, they learn that they don't have to wait until they're adults to make a difference. They can start right now, right here in their own communities."