Courtesy Photo A group of Girl Scouts enjoy hiking on one of Michigan’s trails. Sept. 11-12 is Girls Scouts Love State Parks weekend.

Every year, Girl Scouts explore the natural wonders found across our country during the Girl Scouts Love State Parks (GSLSP) weekend, Sept. 11-12. This year marks the third annual GSLSP and Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore (GSMISTS) has partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for girls to experience the great outdoors, an integral part of the organization’s all-girl leadership program. The theme for the year is sustainability and encouraging responsible recreation.

“The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is proud to partner with Girl Scouts on Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend,” said Parks and Recreation Division Event Coordinator Elissa Buck. “This initiative aligns well with our mission, as we strive to engage youth in the outdoors, help them find value in the protection of our natural and cultural resources, and encourage sustainable recreation and enjoyment of those resources for future generations.”

All school-aged children are invited to join in the celebration. GSMISTS staff will be present at select state parks to host activities, answer questions about the organization, and distribute an Adventure Guide with self-guided activities and GSLSP patches, while supplies last. You can see where staff will be and download an Adventure Guide for yourself at www.gsmists.org/love-state-parks.

“This initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for all girls to connect with the outdoors, which are especially beautiful here in west and northern Michigan,” said Vivian TerMaat, CEO of GSMISTS. “Our goal is to introduce girls to the joy of outdoor experiences so that they can develop healthy lifestyle practices, along with an appreciation of nature.”

GSLSP is a nationwide event coordinated by Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA). The legacy of Girl Scouts and the outdoors is profound. GSUSA’s cutting-edge 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.

For more information about Girl Scouts, visit gsmists.org, email customercare@gsmists.org, or call 844-GSMISTS.