Adult Leaders Corner

A wide range of projects and opportunities are available through the partnership between Girl Scouts and the National Park Service. National parks provide settings for day hikes, overnight campouts, service projects and volunteer opportunities. Through the aforementioned, girls can develop outdoor skills, learn about the land, and explore careers in environmental and related fields. Girls can also design projects to meet the goals and requirements for various badges, Journeys, and Highest Awards. National Park Service staff is available to help.

Planning Take Action Service Projects

• Choose project content that meets the girls' interests and fulfills their service requirements.
• Be prepared to explain your project needs to the park with which you wish to collaborate: the number of Girl Scouts, their age range, skill level, and the project time commitment
• Ask the park about existing partnership opportunities: volunteer service projects, career programs, special events, or nature conservation activities. Visit volunteer.gov to locate existing volunteer opportunities in national parks!

Project ideas can be simple or elaborate:

• Hold an event at an historic site exploring archaeological digs
• Build an accessible walking trail
• Count migratory birds or survey plant communities
• Conduct a low-impact camping workshop for girls
• Co-sponsor a National Public Lands Day event
• Assist with Junior Ranger Day activities
• Involve girls as interpreters at an education center in a natural area
• Co-host a career day with hands-on activities

Invite a national park ranger or superintendent to your Girl Scout troop meeting. Make an appointment to visit them at their park. Ask questions about their involvement as managers and protectors of the national parks.

Job Opportunities and Websites for Students

The National Park Service is uniquely positioned to help millions of young Americans reconnect with our natural resources and cultural heritage. NPS puts thousands of young people to work in the great outdoors, and inspires the next generation of conservation leaders.

National Park Service Jobs for Students - https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/jobsforstudents.htm
Department of the Interior's Website for Youth Opportunities on Public Lands - https://youthgo.gov/