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Girl Scouts: Conservation, Caring, and Respect for the Earth
Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, who founded what we now know as the Girl Scouts, was far ahead of her time. She was an advocate not only for girls but also for the environment. A statement in the 1913 Girl Scout Handbook sums up her attitude: “[In the] United States . . . we have cut down too many trees and our forests are fast following the buffalo.” Another half century elapsed before Congress passed the Endangered Species Act and developed the Environmental Protection Agency. (We know Daisy would have loved the Girl Scout Tree Promise service project.)
Girl Scout program offerings have always included nature and environmental badges and projects. The 1955 Girl Scout Leader’s Guide stated, “The Girl Scout approach to nature is . . . through understanding of living things, appreciation of their beauty, and conservation of them as they live.” Today, Girl Scout program continues to support environmental conservation and encourage ecological understanding, including appreciation of natural environments and the interconnectedness of nature. During this year’s legislative day, Girl Scouts advocated on behalf of House Bill 47, which dealt with invasive plant species.
Through the Girl Scout Journey It's Your Planet—Love It!, girls can learn about environmental issues such as clean water and air, noise pollution, soil contamination, and agriculture. There is also the Girl Scout Climate Challenge which gets girls outdoors to learn about climate science, connect with their community to understand how it is impacted by climate change and spread awareness of the issue to make a difference. Thanks to WHRO’s Officer of Community Engagement, Nancy Rogan, a Girl Scout alum who earned the highest award as a Girl Scout growing up in Norfolk, GSCCC was invited to exhibit and showcase the Girl Scout Climate Challenge program, along with several Girl Scout award projects rooted in environmental community service, at the premiere of their 2024 release documentary, Against the Current. Two Girl Scout Gold Award projects were included in the exhibit: Girl Scout Caitlin W.’s project, “Living Classroom” and Girl Scout Avery R.’s project, “Hugo Owens Middle School Courtyard Beautification.”
Being protectors of our Earth is in our DNA, starting with our founder who was a famous lover of nature. We continue to honor her legacy by promoting respect and love of the great outdoors far and wide. Through Girl Scouting, girls see the Earth as their home. When Girl Scouts learn about endangered wildlife, develop creative recycling projects, or work toward a grade-level award, they focus on care, conservation, and responsibility. They make sure the beauty and wonder of our planet endure for future generations to enjoy.
Thank you, Girl Scouts, for being stewards of the environment and for making a commitment to embrace environmental attitudes — making the world a better place!
