March 8-14 is National Girl Scout Week, and today we are celebrating Outdoor Adventure! We’ve asked Adventure Specialist Sara Cassese to share what getting outdoors means to her.
I grew up during a time of Saturday morning cartoons, side ponytails, stonewashed jeans, Atari, and the Goonies. My friends and I would spend as much time as possible outdoors on our own made-up adventures and creating memories. From sun-up to sun-down (and occasionally out past dark), we grew from the experiences we shared while outside.
Studies have shown that girls today do not spend enough quality time outdoors. Technology and structured activities leave less time for girls to get outside and enjoy nature. Did you know when girls spend quality time outdoors, they thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually? Did you know spending quality time outdoors helps decrease anxiety and depression while enhancing mood, boosting creativity, and sharpening focus?
Girls are forces of nature. They are resilient, curious, strong and bold. Outdoor adventure programs at Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee offer opportunities for girls to explore the great outdoors whether with their troop, at camp, or with friends and family. Outdoor adventures are great opportunities to build confidence, solve problems, and overcome challenges. Girls develop leadership skills, build social bonds, become team players, and take healthy risks. Girls also learn to care more about protecting our environment by spending more dedicated time in nature.
Help encourage your Girl Scout to be her own “Goonie”, put down her cell phone or tablet and go on an outdoor adventure. With her service unit and troop or at summer camp, here at Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, we offer adventures including archery, canoeing, kayaking, rappelling, rock climbing, and tree climbing. There is a high challenge course, swing-by-choice, flying squirrel, and so much more. Encourage Girl Scouts to step out of their comfort zone and try something new in the outdoors. Memories await!
Learn More Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee Outdoor Adventure programs