LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND:

Building Partnerships with Natural 

Resource Conservation Agencies and 

Girl Scouts of the USA

Resource Guide

January 2004

 

 
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 1

Table of Contents

Overview of Linking Girls to the Land.....................................3

How Girl Scouts and Federal Agencies Can Work Together................................................................................................ 3

What Girl Scouts Can Do For Natural Resource Agencies...............................................................................................4

What Natural Resource Agencies Can Do For Girl Scouts...............................................................................................4

Interagency Program Management............................................................................................................................................ 5

Linking Girls to the Land Programs and Opportunities......................................................................................................... 7

Introduction to Girl Scouts of the USA.....................................8

Girl Scout Membership and Organization................................................................................................................................ 8

Girl Scout Program Age Levels.................................................................................................................................................. 8

How the Girl Scout Program “Links” Girls to the Land ....................................................................................................... 9

Environmental and Outdoor Programs...................................................................................................................................10

Elliott Wildlife Values Project...................................................................................................................................................11

Major Programs of the Elliott Wildlife Values Project ....................................................................................................11

Federal Natural Resource Agency Partners...........................13

Bureau of Land Management (BLM).......................................................................................................................................13

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)................................................................................................................................14

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) ................................................................................................................................16

U.S. Forest Service (USFS) .......................................................................................................................................................17

National Parks Service (NPS)...................................................................................................................................................18

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)..............................................................................................20

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).................................................................................................................21

United States Geological Survey (USGS)...............................................................................................................................23

Non-Federal Agency Partner ...................................................24

Americans for National Parks (ANP) ......................................................................................................................................24

Linking Girls to the Land Programs and Opportunities......25

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants..............................................................................................................................25

Tips for Girl Scouts as they develop Linking Girls to the Land project partnerships.................................................29

Leave No Trace Program...........................................................................................................................................................30

Leave No Trace Master Educator Scholarships....................................................................................................................31

National Park Guide Opportunity ............................................................................................................................................32

Water Drop Patch, EPA .............................................................................................................................................................33

STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations..........................................................................................................................................................34

Natural Science in the Tetons...............................................................................................................................................35

NOAA Aquarius Project ........................................................................................................................................................36

Examples of National Conservation Events............................................................................................................................37

National Public Trails Day ....................................................................................................................................................37

National Public Lands Day (NPLD)....................................................................................................................................38

World Water Monitoring Day...............................................................................................................................................39

2004 Calendar of Conservation Events...............................................................................................................................40

Sample Application Forms.......................................................41

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants..............................................................................................................................41

2004 GSUSA Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator Course Scholarships Application Packet...............................53

Appendix 1 – Girl Scout Council Map....................................56
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 2

Partners:

Girl Scouts of the USA’s Elliott Wildlife Values Project

Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Interior

Environmental Protection Agency

Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Interior

Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior

Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

United States Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Interior

National Parks Conservation Association – Americans for National Parks Campaign

_______________________________________________________________________________

The Girl Scout Promise

On my honor, I will try:

To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times,

And, to live by the Girl Scout Law.

The Girl Scout Law

I will do my best to be

honest and fair,

friendly and helpful,

considerate and caring,

courageous and strong, and

responsible for what I say and do,

and to

respect myself and others,

respect authority,

use resources wisely,

make the world a better place, and

be a sister to every Girl Scout. 

For more information on Linking Girls to the Land activities across the country, contact: 

Jodi Stewart

Elliott Wildlife Values Project Consultant

Girl Scouts of the USA

420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10018

Phone 212-852-8076, Fax 212-852-6515

jstewart@girlscouts.org

www.girlscouts.org

www.epa.gov/linkinggirls

This Resource Guide is intended to be updated annually and distributed in print and 

electronically to agency partners and Girl Scout councils. Please provide suggestions and 

comments to:

Jodi Stewart, Girl Scouts of the USA, at the above address, or

Anne S. Fege, Forest Service, phone 858-674-2982 or afege@fs.fed.us
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 3

Overview of Linking Girls to the Land

What is “Linking Girls to the Land?”

Linking Girls to the Land is an interagency partnership initiative between the Girl Scouts of the USA’s 

(GSUSA) Elliott Wildlife Values Project and federal natural resource agencies. The initiative works 

toward the vision that every girl will have an opportunity to participate in conservation and outdoor 

programs. The purpose of the interagency effort is to encourage partnerships between Girl Scouts and 

federal agency representatives on national and local levels in order to offer more joint conservation 

and outdoor programs to 3.7 million girl and adult members nationwide. Linking Girls to the Land 

provides environmental education programs, outdoor recreation skills, volunteer service, and career 

awareness. 

The Linking Girls to the Land program is built on the existing infrastructure of the Girl Scouts. It 

recognizes the handbooks and Earned Age-Level Awards that already include extensive outdoor 

programs and conservation education, the longstanding emphasis on volunteer service, and Girl Scout 

troops serving many communities near and distant from public lands. This interagency effort is 

unique in the extent to which natural resource agencies and the Girl Scouts have accomplished the 

design, development, communication, implementation, and evaluation together since 1995. 

Linking Girls to the Land began in 1995 with five federal natural resource agencies:

• Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Interior (BLM)

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Interior (USFWS) 

• U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USFS)

• National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior (NPS)

• Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (NRCS)

Since its inception the initiative has expanded to include the:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

• United States Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Interior (USGS)

• National Parks Conservation Association (NPCS) – Americans for National Parks Campaign, a 

non-governmental conservation organization (ANP)

Linking Girls to the Land is designed to encourage Girl Scouts to work with federal and state natural 

resource agencies in an effort to do conservation work and career exploration. However, in addition 

to a federal or state natural resource agency partner, it is likely that many Girl Scout troops and 

councils will also collaborate with county, city, and other local natural resource agencies to offer 

conservation and outdoor programs to girls. Additional collaborators may include non-profit and 

volunteer groups that offer environmental education and outdoor programs, which troops and 

councils can work with.

How Girl Scouts and Federal Agencies Can Work Together

Girl Scout councils are informed that limited funding and staffing means that most agencies are 

unable to work directly with individual Girl Scouts and troops. Multi-troop or council-wide activities 

are encouraged in order to best utilize each agency professional's time and maximize the number of 
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 4

girls who experience the outdoor activities. Councils interested in doing this would designate a contact 

person to meet with agency professionals and then distribute the information to volunteers, troop 

leaders, and girls. This council contact would work with the local or regional agency contact to 

identify and offer meaningful opportunities that can be accomplished with agency staff and resources, 

or perhaps other volunteer groups.

What Girl Scouts Can Do For Natural Resource Agencies

Girls are very interested in field ecology, ecosystem monitoring, biological research, and local 

conservation issues. Volunteer (www.volunteer.gov) projects could include hands-on service projects 

on federal or state land to re-vegetate damaged meadows or hillsides, remove exotic plants, monitor 

stream quality, restore historic buildings, and more. More outdoor recreation (www.recreation.gov) 

opportunities can be offered to Girl Scouts through organizational camps, group campsites, recreation 

permits, and Leave No Trace training. This will help girls develop outdoor skills such as developed 

camping, backpacking, horseback riding, skiing, hiking, fishing, and other activities. Career awareness 

could include meeting professionals, gaining experience in hands-on field procedures and scientific 

research, and first-time work experiences through internships. 

Some suggested projects and activities for girls include:

• Disseminating information about the agency’s natural areas, education programs, and 

hiking/camping facilities through a Girl Scout newsletter and the council communications 

network. However, a council cannot endorse, lobby for, or raise funds for other organizations.

• Co-sponsoring service projects with the agency so that interested girls can participate. They can 

build picnic tables and storage sheds, and design, create, and maintain hiking trails, plus so much 

more.

• Highlighting the work of the agency in the community by asking representatives to speak at 

important Girl Scout ceremonies, participate in events, or provide educational materials. This 

type of community outreach can generate good public relations for both the agency and the Girl 

Scouts.

• Gathering Girl Scouts to assist in conservation projects on the agency’s land, collecting accurate 

data on water quality in streams or counting the number of amphibian species in certain areas. 

Such data can help monitor ecosystems and provide alerts to potential environmental impacts 

occurring locally.

How can I contact a local Girl Scout council? Look at the “Map of Girl Scout Councils” 

(Appendix 1) to locate a council near you. Find the name and telephone number of the local Girl 

Scout council by looking under “Girl Scouts” in the telephone directory. You may also use the 

“Council Finder” on the Girl Scouts Web page www.girlscouts.org/councilfinder/.

What Natural Resource Agencies Can Do For Girl Scouts 

The public benefits through service projects completed by the Girl Scouts on federal lands and 

environmental education efforts within communities surrounding these lands. Through educational 

programs, girls and adults increase their knowledge of public lands and natural resource principles. 

Through volunteer (www.volunteer.gov) service projects, they learn how they can participate in the 

conservation of public lands, and will be the future advocates for public lands. Through outdoor 

recreation (www.recreation.gov) activities, girls and adults enjoy the outdoors, learn skills based on 

teamwork and individual competence, and learn how they can use the land responsibly. They are the 

future users, likely to be more representative socio-economically and demographically of the 

American public. Through contact with professionals and career awareness programs, the agencies 

will recruit some of the girls and adults to become future agency professionals. All of these 
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 5

experiences will build from awareness to knowledge, from interest and skills to participation, and 

ultimately to conservation as a value and habit.

Some ways agencies can collaborate with Girl Scouts include: 

• Sharing information with a Girl Scout council representative about agency programs. Girl Scouts 

need to know who to contact to arrange special programs, field trips, or hiking/camping 

experiences.

• Involving girls in hands-on scientific research and conservation projects such as counting birds 

and restoring wetlands.

• Serving as short-term consultants to groups of girls working on badges or patches in subject areas 

such as wildlife, ecology, plant life, eco-action, outdoor survival, camping, and hiking.

• Serving as consultants to girls working on Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards.

• Inviting girls to participate in hands-on service projects such as replanting prairies, putting up bird 

and bat boxes, or combating soil erosion on hiking trails.

• Serving as property consultants for Girl Scout councils that own land. Agencies can offer 

technical assistance so councils can set up long-range management plans.

• Guiding girls in inventorying ecological communities or setting up wildlife education centers for 

their Lou Henry Hoover Memorial Sanctuary or Herford N. Elliott Wildlife Memorial Bird 

Sanctuary projects on Girl Scout property.

How can I contact the local Federal agency office? Look first at the “Federal Natural Resource 

Agency Partners” section of this Resource Guide for more information about contacts and programs 

for each agency. Girl Scouts and other partners can also contact federal agencies by looking up the 

name of the agency in the “blue” or government pages of a local telephone directory to find the 

location of the nearest national wildlife refuge, national park, or national forest. Sometimes these are 

listed by local name, and sometimes under the U.S. Department of Agriculture or U.S. Department of 

Interior. Listings are also available for the county offices of the NRCS and for the BLM state and 

field offices (which are found mainly in the western part of the U.S.). 

Interagency Program Management

Strategic Plan. The Linking Girls to the Land Strategic Plan was developed at an interagency 

strategic planning workshop in August 1998 with 25 participants from Girl Scouts of the USA, local 

Girl Scout councils, field professionals, and agency leaders. Goals developed for 1999-2002 included 

integrating Linking Girls to the Land into current Girl Scout program elements and training, 

developing Earned Age-Level Awards, offering national programs to teens, evaluating programs, 

gaining funding from agencies and foundations, gaining commitment and participation at the local 

level and from agency leaders, and enhancing communications within agencies and Girl Scouts.

Regional Workshops. The first Linking Girls to the Land activity was an interagency workshop 

with 42 Girl Scout professionals, held at Camp Joe Sherman in southern California. From 1997 to 

2003, the agencies have sponsored Regional Interagency Linking Girls to the Land Workshops in 

Florida, Arizona -New Mexico, southern and northern California, Maryland-Virginia, GeorgiaCarolinas, Kentucky, New England, Louisiana-Texas-Arkansas, and West Virginia-Ohio. These one 

to two day workshops have introduced Girl Scout professionals and volunteers to local agency 

professionals for the purpose of learning how to build partnerships, strategically building projects, 

"networking," and developing specific local events. More workshops are planned.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 6

Most recently with a $5000 grant awarded from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), an 

expanded Linking Girls to the Land Regional Workshop was held September 19-21, 2003 at the Brier 

Inn and White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery in Lewisburg, WV. Eighteen adult and Senior 

Girl Scouts learned effective techniques for designing sustainable wildlife and environmental action 

projects and activities. Agency and GSUSA professionals led group discussions about Linking Girls to 

the Land and how to get involved. Through an afternoon field trip to the White Sulphur Springs 

National Fish Hatchery, participants learned the importance of USFWS property and programs. Girl 

Scouts learned what opportunities exist with agency partners such as the USFWS. It gave them time 

to think about how they might be able to work with an agency in their own community. It provided 

an excellent example of the Linking Girls to the Land goal for girls to develop conservation projects 

that would benefit both an agency partner and the Girl Scouts. The success of the Linking Girls to 

the Land Workshop is already apparent. Given less than a month to plan, three Girl Scout councils 

who attended the workshop submitted Linking Girls to the Land Grant applications for projects to be 

implemented in the year 2004. Other councils in attendance confirmed that they will be submitting 

grant applications for the 2005 grant cycle. 

In addition, Linking Girls to the Land programs and the Elliott Wildlife Values Project were 

highlighted in seven Regional Program Conferences in 2001, “We Can Make It Happen: Girl 

Scouting for Every Girl, Everywhere.” Agency professionals and Linking Girls to the Land program 

managers offered 90-minute workshops that outlined mechanisms for recruiting and retaining girls 

from under-served communities, identified partnership opportunities between councils and agencies, 

and offered planning steps for an environmental action activity for under-served girls using existing 

Girl Scout and agency resources. Almost 300 Girl Scout adult volunteers and council staff learned 

how to enhance conservation and outdoor programs, and took ideas back to their councils to share. 

Coordination Meetings. Agency professionals meet three or four times annually to plan, develop, 

implement, and evaluate programs. These meetings are coordinated by Jodi Stewart, Manager for the 

Linking Girls to the Land program at Girl Scouts of the USA, and attended by youth program leaders 

or designated Girl Scout contacts from the participating agencies. Sometimes they follow other 

coordination meetings; for example, an interagency meeting was held October 29, 2001 in 

Shepherdstown, WV at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Training Center, preceding the national 

meeting of interagency Leave No Trace coordinators. 

National Girl Scout Council Session/Convention. The national convention is held every three 

years, with more than 13,000 adult volunteers, staff, and older girls representing their councils. The 

agencies worked together for the October 2002 convention in Long Beach, CA to develop and staff 

an exhibit for Linking Girls to the Land, featuring the Leave No Trace program and the new Linking 

Girls to the Land video developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Linking Girls to the Land Video. Through an in-kind collaboration 

with the U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service and 

other federal natural resource agencies, an 11-minute promotional 

video was produced. The video is designed to increase the awareness 

of, and motivate participation of Girl Scout councils and federal natural 

resource agency personnel in the Linking Girls to the Land initiative. 

This video demonstrates some of the benefits and forms that 

partnerships between Girl Scout councils and federal natural resource 

agencies can take. It also illustrates the importance of multi-agency 
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 7

partnerships to provide needed conservation and environmental education opportunities for 

participants from more diverse audiences and underrepresented areas to insure Girl Scouting for 

Every Girl, Everywhere. The video is in English and is close-captioned. Copies were distributed to 

each Girl Scout council and natural resource partner contact. Additional copies of the video can be 

obtained by contacting Marie Spotswood at 301-770-9131 or writing to Video Transfer, 5800 Arundel 

Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852. 

Linking Girls to the Land Web site. A Web site is being developed, with the expectation that the 

pages will highlight methods for partnering with Federal Natural Resource agencies and Girl Scouts 

and will be of use to Girl Scouts and Federal Natural Resource Agency representatives alike. Pertinent 

contact information, examples of partnering projects, GSUSA program links, and summaries of each 

Linking Girls to the Land partner agency and organization will be provided. The Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) has started a Linking Girls to the Land Web site at 

www.epa.gov/linkinggirls. This information is currently being updated. The Girl Scouts of the 

USA Web page also offers program ideas and contacts at www.girlscouts.org. 

Linking Girls to the Land Programs and Opportunities

 

The following programs and opportunities are described in this Resource Guide:

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants

Linking Girls to the Land Projects

Leave No Trace Program

Leave No Trace Master Educator Scholarships

National Park Guide Opportunity

Water Drop Patch, EPA

Studio 2Bsmdestinations (formerly Wider Opportunities)

Natural Science in the Tetons

NOAA Aquarius Project

Examples of National Conservation Events

National Trails Day

National Public Lands Day

National Water Monitoring Day
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 8

Introduction to Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA is the world's pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to 

all girls, everywhere. In an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build 

character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed 

adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives. Such 

qualities include: leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about 

their own potential and self-worth. Information about adult and girl programs is 

found on the Girls Scouts Web page, www.girlscouts.org.

Girl Scouts of the USA helps girls ages 5-17 build their skills and develop into contributing members 

of society. There are 315 Girl Scout councils across the country and a national headquarters in New 

York City. As part of the Girl Scout Law, girls pledge to do their best “to use resources wisely.”

Girl Scout Membership and Organization

Nationally there are 2,900,000 girl and 984,000 adult members in 315 local Girl Scout councils (see 

Appendix 1 for a Map of the Girl Scout Councils). Girl Scouting is open to all girls, 5-17. They 

participate in the more than 233,000 troops and groups throughout the United States and in 81 

countries through “USA Girl Scouts Overseas.” Girl Scouts take great pride in serving girls of all 

racial/ethnic backgrounds, abilities, and income levels. In 2003, about 27.3% of all Girl Scouts were

from backgrounds other than white. National recruitment materials and local goals are to increase

service to underrepresented groups. Girl Scouts have a longstanding emphasis on pluralism (diversity) 

and offer many after-school and troop programs to underserved youth of low income and 

backgrounds other than white. 

Founder Juliette Gordon Low organized the first group of Girl Scouts in March 12, 1912, in 

Savannah, Georgia. Girl Scouts of the USA was chartered by the United Stated Congress on March 

16, 1950. More than 50 million women in the United States have enjoyed Girl Scouting during their 

childhood. 

Girl Scout Program Age Levels

• Daisy Girl Scouts, ages 5 – 6 (kindergarten or first grade), can engage in outdoor activities but 

don’t receive Earned Age-Level Awards.

• Brownie Girl Scouts, ages 6 - 8 (first through third grades), can earn Brownie Try-Its and explore 

lots of topics including the environment and the outdoors.

• Junior Girl Scouts, ages 8 - 11 (third through sixth grades), can earn Girl Scout Badges, explore 

more scientific topics, complete service projects, and look at careers. 

• Girls Scouts 11-17 (Cadettes, ages 11-14, Seniors, ages 14-17, and STUDIO 2BSM members, ages 

11-13, 13-15, 15-17):

o Girls 11-17 can use books from the STUDIO 2B Focus series, set goals, and earn the 

corresponding charms.

o Girls 11-17 can also use Interest Projects for Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts to earn awards.

o Girls 11-17 can mix and match, using both Interest Projects and STUDIO 2B Focus 

books based on their interests.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 9

o Girls 11-14 can earn the Girl Scout Silver Award (for completing a project taking 30 

hours).

o Girls 14-17 can earn the Girl Scout Gold Award (the highest honor in Girl Scouting 

for completing a project taking more than 50 hours).

• Girl Scout Adults. Girl Scout leaders are volunteers who guide a group of girls through the Girl 

Scout experience by helping them plan their meetings and Girl Scout activities. Other adults work 

as volunteers or as staff at the national and council levels. 

How the Girl Scout Program “Links” Girls to the Land

Following is a list of Girl Scout publications that contain a ctivities related to Linking Girls to the 

Land. Many of these publications also include resource information and suggested reading lists.

Daisy Girl Scouts

The Guide for Daisy Girl Scout Leaders, 2000 (English and Spanish versions)

My Community Album, p. 67; Mini-Garden, p. 73; Community Helpers, p. 79

Daisy Girl Scout Activity Book, 2000 (English and Spanish versions)

Daisy Girl Scouts Have Feelings, Thoughts, and Dreams, p. 6; Nature in Action, p. 24; Life Takes 

Shape, p. 32; Move with Me, p. 34; Sound Sense, p. 36

Brownie Girl Scouts

Try-Its for Brownie Girl Scouts, 2000 

Try–Its: Animals, p. 86; Careers, p. 22; Earth and Sky, p. 94; Earth is Our Home, p. 98; Eco-Explorer, 

p. 102; Her Story, p. 106; Math Fun, p. 106; Movers, p. 110; Numbers and Shapes, p. 114; Outdoor 

Adventurer, p. 118; Plants, p. 122; Ready, Set, Go Camping, p. 124; Science in Action, p. 126; Science 

Wonders, p. 130; Senses, p. 134; Space Explorer, p. 138; Watching Wildlife, p. 140; Water Everywhere, 

p. 142; Citizen Near and Far, p. 148 

Brownie Girl Scout Handbook, 2000

Chapter 4: What’s Out There?, p. 47

Guide for Brownie Girl Scout Leaders, 2000 (English and Spanish versions)

Chapter 4: What’s Out There?, p. 47

Junior Girl Scouts

Junior Girl Scout Badge Book, 2001

Badges and Signs: Careers, p. 12; Global Awareness, p. 14; Humans and Habitats, p. 16; Lead On, 

p. 18; Model Citizen, p. 20; Being My Best, p. 32; It’s Important to Me, p. 36; My Community, p. 52; 

Adventure Sports, p. 68; Environmental Health, p. 72; Camp Together, p. 92; Earth Connections, 

p. 94; Eco-Action, p. 96; Finding Your Way, p. 98; Hiker, p. 102; Horse Rider, p. 106; Outdoor Cook, 

p. 108; Outdoor Creativity, p. 110; Outdoor Fun, p. 112; Outdoors in the City, p. 114; Plants and 

Animals, p. 116; Small Craft, p. 118; Swimming, p. 120; Water Fun, p. 122; Wildlife, p. 124; Your 

Outdoor Surroundings, p. 126; “Doing” Hobbies, p. 150; Oil Up, p. 198; Rocks Rock, p. 198; Science 

Discovery, p. 200; Science in Everyday Life, p. 204; Water Wonders, p. 214; Weather Watch, p. 216 

Junior Girl Scout Handbook, 2001

Chapter 3: It’s Great to Be a Girl, p. 40

Chapter 7: Let’s Get Outdoors, p. 128

Chapter 9: Explore and Discover, p. 172

Chapter 10: Junior Girl Scout Awards, p. 189

Junior Girl Scout Leader Guide, 2001

It’s Great to Be a Girl, p. 42

Let’s Get Outdoors, p. 46

Explore and Discover, p. 49
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 10

Girl Scouts 11-17 (Cadette/Senior Girl Scouts and STUDIO 2BSM Members)

Cadette Girl Scout Handbook, 1995

Chapter 2: Wider Opportunities

Chapter 6: Exploring New Interests and Activities

Chapter 7: Recognitions for Cadette Girl Scouts 

Interest Projects for Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts, 1997 

 Interest Projects: Leadership, p. 38; Travel, p. 40; All About Birds, p. 50; Build a Better Future, p. 52; 

 Digging Through the Past, p. 56; Eco-Action, p. 58; From Shore to Sea, p. 62; Math, Maps, and More, 

 p. 98; Planet Power, p. 72; Plant Life, p. 74; Wildlife, p. 80; Architecture and Environmental Design, 

 p. 114; Museum Discovery, p. 130; Paper Works, p. 134; Photography, p. 138; Backpacking, p. 150; 

 Camping, p. 152; Emergency Preparedness, p. 154; High Adventure, p. 158; Horse Sense, p. 160; 

 Orienteering, p. 166; Outdoor Survival, p. 168; Paddle, Pole, and Role, p. 170 

Resource Book for Senior Girl Scouts, 1995

Taking Action, p. 22-28

Outdoor Recreation, p. 130-131

Sample Service Projects, p. 139

 Chapter 6: Recognitions and Wider Opportunities, p. 141

Studio 2B Collections 11-13, 2002

“A Case for the Environment,” p. 76

“Buffy the Pollution Slayer?,” p. 78

Studio 2B Collections 13-15, 2002

“Steppin’ Out for Change,” p. 88

Studio 2B Collections 15-17, 2002

“Mending the Cracks with Gold,” p. 68

Other Girl Scout Books and Resources: 

Linking Girls to the Land Video, 2002 (11-minute tape and 90 second clip, close-captioned)

Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting, 1996

Fun and Easy Activities: Nature and Science, 1996 (Bilingual, English/Spanish)

Fun and Easy Nature & Science Investigations, 2002 (English and Spanish versions)

From Sidewalk to Treetops-The Amateur’s Guide to Exploring Nature in Your Neighborhood, 2003 (Video and 

Booklet in English and Spanish)

Leader Magazine, Summer 2003

 “Aquarius Project,” p. 8

Leader Magazine, Fall 2003

 “America’s National Parks,” p. 18

 “Stewards of the Earth,” p. 24

Environmental and Outdoor Programs

Girl Scouts have done volunteer conservation projects and learned about natural resource careers 

since their very beginning in 1912. Troops hike and camp at their favorite places in National Forests, 

and many summer camps have special-use permits on National Forests or are forest neighbors. Many 

women professionals in the natural resources agencies gained their first passion and competence in 

the outdoors through Girl Scouts (or similar youth organizations). There have been countless local 

projects and relationships between agency professionals and the Girl Scouts over the decades. Girl 

Scouts take great pride in serving girls of all abilities and income levels. Girl Scouts have a 

longstanding emphasis on pluralism (diversity) and offer many after-school and troop programs to 

underrepresented populations.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 11

Web pages that outline ongoing Girl Scout programs in the outdoors and environment include:

• Outdoor programs and agency Web pages: 

http://jfg.girlscouts.org/Go/Outdoors/gooutd.htm 

• Girls Ask Why about Science and the Environment: http://jfg.girlscouts.org/Why/why.htm 

• Links to science and technology resources (including ecology, water) at 

http://jfg.girlscouts.org/LINKS/scilnks.htm

• Outdoor program skills: www.girlscouts.org/adults/outskills.html

• Outdoor education: www.girlscouts.org/adults/progoded.html

• Studio 2Bsmdestinations: www.studio2b.org/escape/destinations/ 

Elliott Wildlife Values Project

The Elliott Wildlife Values Project (EWVP) of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is a nationally 

administered trust fund, launched in 1977. Its activities are designed to give Girls Scouts the 

opportunity to:

• Learn the importance of wildlife, nature, and the environment 

• Have hands-on, field experiences

• Practice science skills

• Investigate careers

• Do community service through activities that benefit plants and 

animals

This goal is achieved through publishing print and electronic materials; 

sponsoring workshops; providing small grants to councils; and 

collaborating with many organizations and agencies that encourage girls to 

develop a lifelong commitment to the conservation of wildlife. 

Major Programs of the Elliott Wildlife Values Project

• EarthPACT (Plant and Animal Conservation Team) – A grant program that supports 

activities of benefit to wildlife and plants through partnerships between Girl Scout councils 

and local government (below the state level) agencies, nature-related institutions, or 

businesses.

• Linking Girls to the Land – A partnership initiative between GSUSA and federal natural 

resource agencies. The initiative offers funding, support, and programs for girls to become 

involved in conservation and natural resource issues on a national and local level through: 

environmental education, volunteer service, outdoor skills development, and career awareness.

• Herford N. Elliott Memorial Bird Sanctuaries – Natural areas developed in collaboration 

with a Girl Scout council and an environmental organization. Funds are given to support bird 

habitat, conservation and preservation, local activism, career development, and research.

• Lou Henry Hoover Wildlife Sanctuaries – Natural areas, surveyed, designed, and managed 

by a Girl Scout council, for plant and wildlife stewardship and conservation education.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 12

• From Sidewalks to Treetops – Video and guide, available in English and Spanish versions, 

helps you guide a group in exploring wildlife and plant life in your neighborhood – even if you 

live in a city and know nothing about nature! This resource is great for youth group leaders or 

advisors. Neighborhood environmental exploration workshops are also offered. Materials 

can be ordered through GSUSA’s NES by calling 1-800-221-6707.

• Collaborations with Environmental Organizations

o Natural Science in the Tetons Studio 2Bsmdestination (Teton Science School)

o Audubon Camp (National Audubon Society)

o Girls for Planet Earth (Wildlife Conservation Society – Bronx Zoo)

o Forces of Nature (National Geographic Society)

• Printed and VHS Resources

o Linking Girls to the Land Video, 2002 (11-minute tape and 90 second clip, closecaptioned)

o Fun and Easy Activities: Nature and Science, 1996 (Bilingual, English/Spanish)

o Fun and Easy Nature &Science Investigations, 2002 (English and Spanish versions)

o From Sidewalks to Treetops-The Amateur’s Guide to Exploring Nature in Your Neighborhood, 

2003 (video and booklet in English and Spanish)

o Studio 2B Collections 11-13, 2002

 “A Case for the Environment,” p. 76

“Buffy the Pollution Slayer?,” p. 78

o Studio 2B Collections 13-15, 2002

“Steppin’ Out for Change,” p. 88

o Studio 2B Collections 15-17, 2002

 “Mending the Cracks with Gold,” p. 68

o Leader Magazine, Summer 2003

 “Aquarius Project,” p. 8

o Leader Magazine, Fall 2003

 “America’s National Parks,” p. 18

 “Stewards of the Earth,” p. 24

For more information about the Elliott Wildlife Values Project contact:

María Cabán Jodi Stewart

Manager, Elliott Wildlife Values Project Elliott Wildlife Values Project Consultant 

Membership & Program Initiatives Membership & Program Initiatives

Girl Scouts of the USA Girl Scouts of the USA

420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor 420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10018 New York, NY 10018

Tel: 212-852-5727 Fax: 212-852-6515 Tel: 212-852-8076 Fax: 212-852-6515

mcaban@girlscouts.org jstewart@girlscouts.org
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 13

Federal Natural Resource Agency Partners

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

What is the BLM Mission? Its mission is to help sustain the health, diversity, and 

productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of both present and future 

generations.

What does the Bureau of Land Management do?

The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for managing 261 million acres of America’s public lands –

about 1/8 of the land in the U.S. The BLM manages a wide variety of resources and uses, including energy and 

minerals; timber; forage; rangelands; wild horse and burro populations; fish and wildlife habitat; wilderness 

areas; archaeological, paleontological, and historical sites; and scenic lands. The BLM manages these resources 

under the principles of multiple use to provide for the present and future needs of the American people. 

Where are BLM Lands located?

Most of the lands the BLM manages are located in the western United States, including Alaska. These lands 

are dominated by grasslands, forests, mountains, arctic tundra, and deserts.

What are some BLM programs and volunteer opportunities available to Girl Scouts?

• Learning and Volunteer Opportunities: To join in and help manage our public lands go to 

www.blm.gov/education/LearningLandscapes/explorers/joinin. 

• Adopt a Horse and Burro Program - a unique opportunity for qualified individuals to care for, and 

then own, a wild horse or burro. For information go to: www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov or call tollfree (866) 4-MUSTANGS. 

• National Public Lands Day (NPLD) – Please see “Examples of Conservation Events” in the back 

of the Resource Guide or go to www.npld.com or call (800) 865-8337 for information. 

• For information on recreational opportunities go to www.rec.gov.

How do you contact your local BLM office?

Call the state office where you’d like to work on a Linking Girls to the Land project, or contact your nearest 

BLM office via the Offices and Centers pull-down menu at www.blm.gov. Ask for the environmental education 

coordinator or the volunteer coordinator who, depending on your interest, can put you in touch with the 

appropriate resource specialist.

Alaska (907) 271-5960 

Arizona (602) 417-9200 

California (916) 978-4600 

Colorado (303) 239-3600 

Eastern States (703) 440-1700 (states east of the 

Mississippi River, plus Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, 

Arkansas, and Louisiana)

Idaho (208) 373-4000

Montana (406) 896-5004 (includes North 

 Dakota and South Dakota)

Nevada (775) 861-6500 

New Mexico (505) 438-7471 (includes Oklahoma, 

 Texas, and Kansas)

Oregon (503) 952-6002 (includes 

 Washington)

Utah (801) 539-4001 

Wyoming (307) 775-6256 (includes Nebraska)

Linking Girls to the Land Contacts: 

Carolyn Cohen, BLM National Office, T. (202) 785-6583, F. (202) 452-5199 carolyn_cohen @blm.gov

Jo Ann Schiffer-Burdett, BLM California Desert District, T. (909) 697-5369 F. (909) 697-5299 

joann_schifferburdett@ca.blm.gov
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 14

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

What is the Environmental Protection Agency’s mission?

The EPA has the mission of protecting human health and safeguarding the 

natural environment – air, water, and land – upon which life depends. The EPA 

ensures that federal laws protecting human health and the environment are 

enforced fairly and effectively.

What are some EPA programs and opportunities available to Girl Scouts?

• Water Drop Patch Project, described in this Resource Guide.

• World Water Monitoring Day, described in this Resource Guide.

• Adopt Your Watershed: Search an on-line database to locate a watershed group active in 

your community and learn about opportunities to help protect your watershed. For more 

information, visit: www.epa.gov/adopt.

• Presidential Environmental Youth Awards: Since 1971, EPA has sponsored the 

President’s Environmental Youth Awards. The program recognizes young people across 

America for projects that demonstrate their commitment to the environment. Young people 

in all 50 states and the U.S. territories are invited to participate in the program. For more 

information, visit www.epa.gov/enviroed/awards.html.

• Environmental Education Grants Program: Some Girl Scout Councils have received 

financial support for environmental projects through EPA’s Environmental Education Grants 

Program. The solicitation is generally posted in the fall. Please check the Web site for the 

latest status. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html.

• Estuary Live/National Estuaries Day: EstuaryLive uses satellite technology and the 

Internet to provide classrooms from around the world the opportunity to take live and 

interactive tours of several of the nation's estuaries. EstuaryLive is targeted to middle school 

and high school age students, but anyone with a computer and internet access can participate. 

The broadcast is usually transmitted in conjunction with National Estuaries Day, which is 

celebrated annually on the last Saturday in September. For more information, visit 

www.estuaries.gov/.

• Hands on the Land: Hands on the Land (HOL) is a network of field classrooms stretching 

across America from Alaska to Florida. HOL is sponsored by Partners in Resource 

Education, a collaboration of five federal agencies, a non-profit foundation, schools, and 

other private sector partners. For more information, visit www.handsontheland.org.

• National Public Lands Day, please see “Examples of Conservation Events” in the back of 

the Resource Guide or go to www.npld.com or call (800) 865-8337 for information.

• Wetlands Five Star Restoration Projects: The Five Star Restoration Program brings 

together students, conservation corps, other youth organizations, citizen groups, corporations, 

landowners, and government agencies to provide environmental education through projects 

that restore streambanks and wetlands. The program provides challenge grants, technical 

support, and opportunities for information exchange to enable community-based restoration 

projects. For more information, visit: www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/restore/5star.

What other EPA resources are available?

EPA Student Center (www.epa.gov/students)

EPA High School Environmental Center (www.epa.gov/highschool)

EPA Environmental Education Center (www.epa.gov/teachers)
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 15

How can you contact your Regional EPA office?

• EPA has 10 Regional Offices, which are listed on the EPA Web page at www.epa.gov (click 

on About EPA). 

• For Linking Girls to the Land projects, call or email the Environmental Education (EE) 

Coordinator in your nearest EPA Regional Office. For a map and a list of contacts, visit

www.epa.gov/enviroed/otherepa2.html. The EE Coordinators can also provide information 

about EPA’s Environmental Education grants program (www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html). 

• If you are interested in organizing a water-related project, you may want to ask to speak to 

one of the Office of Water National Communicators.

Region 1 — CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT

Kristen Conroy and Joe Supple

conroy.kristen@epa.gov (Kristen) or 

supple.joseph@epa.gov (Joe)

Main Number: (888) 372-7341 (for New England 

states)

www.epa.gov/region1/

Region 2 — NJ, NY, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Terry Ippolito and Josephine Lageda

ippolito.teresa@epa.gov (Terry) or 

lageda.josephine@epa.gov (Josephine)

Main number: (212) 637-5000

www.epa.gov/region2/

Region 3 — DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV

Larry Brown

brown.larry@epa.gov (Larry)

Main number: (215) 814-5000

www.epa.gov/region3/

Region 4 — AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN

Ben Blair 

blair.benjamin@epa.gov (Ben) 

Main number: (800) 241-1754

www.epa.gov/region4/

Region 5 — IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI

Suzanne Saric and Megan Gavin

saric.suzanne@epa.gov or gavin.megan@epa.gov

Main number: (800) 621-8431

www.epa.gov/region5/

 

Region 6 — AR, LA, NM, OK, TX

Jo Taylor and Patty Senna

taylor.jo@epa.gov (Jo) or senna.patty@epa.gov

(Patty) 

Main number: (214) 665-6444

www.epa.gov/region6/

Region 7 — IA, KS, MO, NE

Karen Flournoy and Denise Morrison

flournoy.karen@epa.gov (Karen) or 

Morrison.Denise@epa.gov (Denise)

Main Number: (800) 223-0425

www.epa.gov/region7/

Region 8 — CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY

Cece Forget and Jan Osborne

forget.cece@epa.gov (Cece) or 

osborne.jan@epa.gov (Jan)

Main Number: (800) 227-8917 (Region 8 states 

only)

www.epa.gov/region8/

Region 9 — AZ, CA, HI, NV, American Samoa, 

Guam, N. Marianas, Palau

Bill Jones 

jones.bill@epa.gov (Bill)

Main Number: (886) EPA-WEST

www.epa.gov/region09/

Region 10 — AK, ID, OR, WA

Sally Hanft and Pamela Emerson

hanft.sally@epa.gov (Sally) or 

emerson.pamela@epa.gov (Pam)

Main number: (800) 424-4EPA

www.epa.gov/region10/

Linking Girls to the Land Contact: 

Patricia Scott, Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios Building (4501T), 1200 Pennsylvania 

Avenue, NW Washington, DC 2046

T. (202) 566-1292 F. (202) 566-1544 scott.patricia@epa.gov www.epa.gov
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 16

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

What is the Fish and Wildlife Service mission? The Fish and Wildlife Service 

works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their 

habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

 

What does the Fish and Wildlife Service do?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages migratory birds, restores nationally significant fisheries, 

conserves wetlands, enforces Federal Wildlife Protection laws such as the Endangered Species Act, 

monitors international wildlife trade, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. 

The FWS also manages and operates the following to conserve our natural resources:

• 95 million acres of National Wildlife Refuge Systems

• 542 individual refuges, wetlands, and special management areas

• 69 national fish hatcheries

• 64 fishery resource offices

• 81 ecological services field stations

How do you contact your local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office?

The local FWS office is listed in the “blue” or government pages of the phone book under the 

Interior Department. The work of the Service is also described on FWS Web sites. 

Region 1 www.pacific.fws.gov (503) 231-6118

Region 2 www.southwest.fws.gov (505) 248-6282

Region 3 www.midwest.fws.gov (612) 713-5301

Region 4 www.southeast.fws.gov (404) 679-4000

Region 5 www.northeast.fws.gov (413) 253-8300

Region 6 www.mountain-praire.fws.gov (303) 236-7920

Region 7 www.alaska.fws.gov (907) 786-3542

Region 9 www.fws.gov (202) 208-4717

How can you implement projects with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

Call for an appointment to visit your local FWS office. You should request to speak with the Manager 

of Outdoor Recreation Planner, Project Leader, Park Ranger, or Volunteer Coordinator. 

What information is available on the Web site? 

• General information: www.fws.gov

• Information for students of all ages: www.educators.fws.gov

• Information for formal and non-formal educators: www.educators.fws.gov

• Web site resources for environmental educators: www.library.fws.gov or (304) 876-7399

• Where can I find volunteer opportunities? www.volunteers.fws.gov or (800) 344-9453

• Publications, index/site map, agency field locations, permits, Q & A: www.info.fws.gov

• Where can I get information about Refuges? www.refuges.fws.gov or (800) 358-1744

• Where can I get information about Fisheries? www.fisheries.fws.gov or (703) 358-1715

• How do I get a job with the USFWS? www.jobs.fws.gov or www.usajobs.opm.gov

Linking Girls to the Land Contact: Ora Dixon, FWS National Girl Scout Coordinator, U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service, Conservation Training Center, 698 Conservation Way, MS-19 Shepherdstown, 

WV 25443 T. (304) 876-7314 F. (304) 876-7231 ora_dixon@fws.gov
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 17

U.S. Forest Service (USFS)

What is the U.S. Forest Service’s mission? The mission of the Forest Service is to 

help people share and enjoy the national forests, while conserving the environment 

for future generations. We are “caring for the land and serving people.”

What does the Forest Service do? 

The Forest Service manages for multiple uses on the national forests, and these include water, wood, 

wildlife, range, and recreation. It also conducts forestry research and works with state/local governments, 

universities, forest industries, private landowners, and international groups. There are 156 National 

Forests and 22 National Grasslands located in 44 States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, totaling 191 

million acres of land. Each forest is composed of several ranger districts, varying in size from 50,000 

acres (20,000 hectares) to more than 1 million acres (400,000 hectares). Most on-the-ground activities 

occur on the ranger districts, including trail construction and maintenance, operation of campgrounds, 

and management of vegetation and wildlife habitat.

What are some Forest Service programs and opportunities available to Girl Scouts?

• Recreation opportunities on the national forests: People enjoy many leisure activities in 

national forests, including backpacking in remote wilderness areas, staying in a campground, 

mastering an all-terrain vehicle over a challenging trail, enjoying the views along a scenic byway, 

fishing in a great trout stream, and learning about natural history at a visitors’ center. The Web 

page www.fs.fed.us/recreation includes information about how to reserve individual and group 

campsites, cabins, picnic areas and day use sites, and wilderness permits. 

• Job opportunities with the USDA Forest Service: The Forest Service employs about 30,000 

full-time employees and almost as many seasonal temporary employees. They are ecologists, 

wildlife biologists, foresters, hydrologists, engineers, archaeologists, firefighters, research scientists, 

business managers, public affairs specialists, and many more professionals and technicians. The 

Forest Service prides itself on serving the public, getting the job done on the ground, working in 

teams, providing work and training to the under-employed, elderly, youth, and disadvantaged. For 

career and other employment information, call your local Forest Service office or visit this Web 

site: www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs.

• Volunteer opportunities with the Forest Service: Call or visit your local office, and ask to 

speak with the volunteer coordinator or public affairs specialist. Be ready to explain what your 

girls are interested in, their ages and skills, and the time commitment you have. Ask if you can 

come to the office to talk about natural resource and outdoor careers with a Forest Service 

professional. Offer to assist with a volunteer service project that is already organized. Get further 

information on the Web page www.fs.fed.us/people/programs.

Where do I find more information about Forest Service programs?

• There is a “Just for Kids” section on the Web page www.fs.fed.us/recreation that links to the 

“Kids’ Page” at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

• Information about Smokey Bear and fire prevention can be obtained at most Forest Service 

offices, and at Web site www.smokeybear.com. 

• Information about various Forest Service management activities can be accessed at 

www.fs.fed.us/pages/nfs. 

Linking Girls to the Land Contacts:

Anne Fege, Cleveland National Forest, T. (858) 674-2982 F. (858) 673-6192 afege@fs.fed.us

Sue Cummings, Conservation Education, T. (202) 205-0986 F. (202) 690-5658 scummings@fs.fed.us
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 18

National Parks Service (NPS)

What is the National Park Service’s mission? The National Park Service 

preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national 

park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future 

generations. 

What does the National Park Service do? The National Park Service (NPS) administers more than 

350 national parks, seashores, monuments, historic sites, and recreation areas. These lands help to 

define our national identity and tell the story of America’s history. Plus, they a re a great place to go 

on a family vacation or a troop camping trip! 

Do all national parks have large amounts of land?

The National Parks System encompasses approximately 83.6 million acres, of which more than 4.3 

million acres remain in private ownership. The largest area is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and 

Preserve in Alaska. At 13,200,000 acres it is 16.3 percent of the entire system. The smallest unit in 

the system is Taddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Pennsylvania. It is 0.02 of an acre.

How is the National Park Service organized?

There are nearly 400 units in the national parks system and each of these, along with the national and 

regional offices, is available at the NPS Web site at: www.nps.gov. The numerous designations within 

the National Park System sometimes confuse visitors. The names are created in the Congressional 

legislation authorizing the sites or by the president, who proclaims “national monuments” under the 

Antiquities Act of 1906. Many names are descriptive – lakeshores, seashores, battlefields – but others 

cannot be neatly categorized because of the diversity of resources within them. All units of the 

system have equal legal standing in a national system and include a national park, national monument, 

national preserve, national seashore, national historic site, national historical park, national memorial, 

national battlefield, and national cemetery.

Where can you find a National Park?

Each year, millions of people visit America’s national parks. Great Smoky Mountains and 

Yellowstone are two of the most popular national parks. But in fact, you can visit a national park site 

in every state except Delaware! Have you heard of Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park in 

northern California that celebrates the role of women in World War II? You can also visit the 

Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, New York where women came together to 

fight for the right to vote. You can walk the Black Heritage Trail in Boston, Massachusetts to learn 

about the history of Boston's 19th century African-American community and visit the Abiel Smith 

School, built in 1834 to educate the city’s African-American children. And if you explore Olympic 

National Park’s beaches at low tide, you may discover petroglyphs (pictures) that were carved into 

seaside rocks 300 to 500 years ago by Native Americans.

What are some NPS programs and opportunities available to Girl Scouts?

• National Park Guide Opportunity: Earn the National Park Guide Pin or National Park 

Protector Patch by participating in the National Park Guide Opportunity program, which 

provides the opportunity to learn how to be a national park interpreter and then serve as a 

voluntary member of the park staff, educating and interacting with visitors. 

• Volunteer for community service projects. 

• Invite a national park ranger or superintendent to your troop meeting or visit them at 

work to find out how they work to protect and manage national parks. 
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 19

Local National Park Contact Information:

• Call (800) NAT-PARK, extension 122, for a free map of national park sites across the 

country.

• Visit the NPS Web site at: www.nps.gov

• Or contact one of the Regional Offices and ask for the volunteer coordinator or chief of 

interpretation.

Alaska Area Region, Anchorage, AK, (907) 257-2687

Midwest Region, Omaha, NE, (402) 221-3471

Intermountain Region, Denver, CO, (303) 969-2500

Pacific West Region, San Francisco, CA, (415) 427-1300

Northeast Region, Philadelphia, PA, (215) 597-7013

National Capital Region, Washington, DC, (202) 619-7256

Southeast Region, Atlanta, GA, (404) 562-3100

Linking Girls to the Land Contact:

Minerva Woodard, Youth Programs Division

National Park Service

1201 Eye Street, NW

Mail Stop 7431

Washington, DC 20005

T. (202) 513-7163 

Minerva_woodard@nps.gov

www.nps.gov
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 20

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 

Office of Ocean Exploration (OE)

What is NOAA’s mission? NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in Earth’s 

environment and to conserve and manage coastal and marine resources in order to meet our nation’s 

economic, social, and environmental needs. NOAA conducts research and gathers data about the 

global oceans, atmosphere, space, and sun, and applies this knowledge to science and service that 

touch the lives of all Americans. See www.noaa.gov.

What does OE do? NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration was created to investigate the oceans for 

the purpose of discovery and the advancement of knowledge www.oceanexplorer.noaa.gov. The 

program infuses teams of multidisciplinary scientist-explorers with a “Lewis and Clark” spirit of 

discovery, then equips them with the latest exploration tools - some pioneered specifically to support 

OE missions. Missions fit into four distinct areas: 

• Mapping the physical, biological, chemical, and archaeological aspects of the ocean;

• Understanding ocean dynamics at new levels to describe the complex interactions of the living 

ocean;

• Developing new sensors and systems to regain U.S. leadership in ocean technology; and, 

• Reaching out to the public to communicate how and why unlocking the secrets of the ocean is 

well worth the commitment of time and resources, and to benefit current and future generations.

What are some OE activities and opportunities available to Girl Scouts?

• The Aquarius Project, a partnership between NOAA, GSUSA, and the National Undersea 

Research Program (NURP), is a Studio 2Bsmdestination held annually since the summer of 

2002. It offers Girl Scouts, age 14-17, an opportunity to learn about ocean exploration and 

marine science by spending a week in the field working alongside mentor scientists. Staged 

from NURP’s Key Largo, Florida field station, home to the world’s only underwater 

laboratory— the Aquarius Habitat—Girl Scouts learn the fundamentals of ocean exploration, 

coral reef ecology, maritime archaeology, and habitat preservation and experience firsthand 

the excitement and challenges of ocean science (see more information about this project in the 

Studio 2Bsmdestinations section of this Resource Guide).

• Ocean Exploration Patch Project. The Elliott Wildlife Values Project and OE will expose 

all Girl Scouts to ocean wildlife by designing a Web-based curriculum that will teach Girl 

Scouts about ocean science and exploration and provide them with ways to participate and 

contribute to ocean action activities. 

• Ocean Education Fairs. OE holds port call events during the summer and fall to highlight 

major expeditions. Local school and civic groups are invited to learn firsthand about ocean 

exploration science and technology. 

Linking Girls to the Land Contact: 

Joanne Flanders

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Office of Oceans Exploration

1315 East West Highway, Room 10145

Silver Spring, MD 20910

T. (301) 713-9444 x179 F. (301) 713-4252

Joanne.Flanders@noaa.gov www.noaa.gov and www.oceanexplorer.noaa.gov
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 21

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

What is the mission of the Natural Resources Conservation Service? The 

Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership 

effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and 

environment.

What does the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) do? 

NRCS puts nearly 70 years of experience to work in assisting owners of America's private land with 

conserving their soil, water, and other natural resources. Local, state, and federal agencies and 

policymakers also rely on our expertise. We deliver technical assistance based on sound science and 

suited to a customer's specific needs. Cost shares and financial incentives are available in some cases. 

Most work is done with local partners. Our partnership with local conservation districts serves almost 

every county in the nation, and the Caribbean and Pacific Basin. Participation in our programs is 

voluntary. 

What are some NRCS activities and opportunities available to Girl Scouts?

Volunteer projects with the NRCS: NRCS needs Earth Team volunteers who are willing to 

commit their time and talent to conserving and protecting soil, water, and wildlife for their 

community and everyone in it. NRCS accepts Earth Team volunteers to increase soil and water 

conservation efforts by working closely with the Nation’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts. 

In every state in the U.S., the Earth Team is a growing volunteer workforce making a difference. 

The concept of Earth Team includes not only volunteers, but also NRCS staff and Resource 

Conservation Districts. The mission of the Earth Team is to provide an effective volunteer 

workforce within the NRCS to help people conserve, improve, and sustain our resources and 

environment. You can work:

o On the Land - with professional conservationists who are working directly with 

farmers and ranchers.

o In schools - with elementary and high school, college and university students. 

Through camps and classes, you can introduce young people to the wonders of 

nature. 

o With organizations - youth groups, professional societies, or civic groups. All types 

of organizations are joining together to sponsor water quality education campaigns, 

community beautification, and erosion control projects. Cooperative Earth Team 

efforts can help solve many natural resource problems in your area. 

o In offices - where NRCS or your conservation district may want to use your talents 

for clerical assistance, organizing information in a computer, preparing newsletters, or 

educating others about natural resource conservation. 
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 22

On the Land In the Community In the Office

Conservation

Planting Trees

Conservation

Conservation Planning

Drafting

Computer Data Entry

Surveying Writing Map Interpretations

Water Sampling Special Tours and Fairs Typing

Soil Mapping Photography Telephoning

Establishing Wildlife Habitat Nature Areas Editing

Native Grass Seeding Public Speaking Reception

Resource Inventories Working with Youth Groups Filing

Practice Layout Outdoor Classrooms and 

Conservation Education

What Volunteers Have to Say

"Being an Earth Team Volunteer put me in touch with more resources that I can pull into my classroom to teach environmental 

concepts and nurture the responsibility each of us has for our environment." 

- Teresa Bufkin, Prattville, AL Kindergarten Teacher 

“I am majoring in an agri-related field and wanted experience in agriculture. I was not raised on a farm or exposed to agricultural 

information in my family so I needed a way to get this knowledge for my future career." 

- Student Volunteer, AR

 "One of my major responsibilities is presenting programs on Conservation Education to school children which I find both 

rewarding and a lot of fun. The place to start is with our youth. They need to learn the difference between "Conservation" and 

"Preservation" and the importance of both."

- George McNeil, TX Weatherford Field Office

 "Being an Earth Team Volunteer through the Green Thumb Program truly gave me a purpose in life - a reason to get up each 

morning. Having had the opportunity to work with the Windbreak Field Trial Tree Plot and the Living Snow Fence has been a 

real inspiration (education) for me. I love the outdoors, the plants, and the experience of helping to maintain, expand, and improve 

these two projects. I hope to be able to work with the Tree Plot and Snow Fence again this summer."

- W.O. “Dub” Adkins, Pampa, TX

Where can I find a local NRCS office or volunteer for the NRCS Earth Team?

Go to the NRCS Earth Team Web site at: www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/volunteers/vol/join.html. 

Linking Girls to the Land Contact:

Fred Jacobs, Public Affairs Specialist

Natural Resources Conservation Service

14th and Independence SW, Room. 6121-S

Washington, DC 20250

 Tel: (202) 720-6794 Fax (202) 720-1564

fred.jacobs@usda.gov

www.nrcs.usda.gov
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 23

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

US Geological Survey (USGS) is a world leader in the natural sciences. The 

USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to 

describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from 

natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and 

enhance and protect our quality of life. 

Linking Girls to the Land Contact:

Deana Demichelis

Eastern Region Environmental Protection Specialist, 

United States Geological Survey

MS 153 National Center

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive

Reston, VA 20192

T. (703) 648-7943 F. (703) 648-4688

ddemichelis@usgs.gov 

www.usgs.gov
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 24

Non-Federal Agency Partner

Americans for National Parks (ANP)

What does Americans for National Parks do? Americans for 

National Parks is a coalition of 350 nonprofit organizations, private 

businesses, chambers of commerce, and other groups, including 

GSUSA, concerned for the future of our national parks. The 

campaign, launched by the National Parks Conservation Association, 

is working to encourage Congress and the administration to meet the 

annual needs of the national parks to preserve America’s heritage and 

provide 300 million visitors annually with memorable and educational 

park experiences. 

What are some activities and opportunities available to Girl Scouts?

• Troops across the country are encouraged to complete Linking Girls to the Land service 

projects and to take on leadership roles as protectors of the national parks. 

• National Park Guide Opportunity: Earn the National Park Guide Pin or National Park 

Protector Patch by participating in the National Park Guide Opportunity program, which 

provides the opportunity to learn how to be a national park interpreter and then serve as a 

voluntary member of the park staff, educating and interacting with visitors (find more 

information on this program in this Resource Guide).

• National Parks Scrapbook: Americans for National Parks is collecting park photographs 

and memories for presentation to the president. Girls can collect national park photos from 

family, friends, and community members, and submit personal photographs of troop trips and 

volunteer days in the national parks. The photos tell the president just how much we all care 

about the national parks – and how he should, too! Visit the online scrapbook and post your 

photos and memories at www.americansfornationalparks/scrapbook. 

• Get information about other ways to help protect the national parks at 

www.americansfornationalparks.org

Linking Girls to the Land Contacts:

Andrea Keller Marcia Lesky

Director of Media Relations Director of Outreach and Advocacy

Americans for National Parks Americans for National Parks

National Conservation Association National Conservation Association

1300 19th Street, NW, Suite 300 1300 19th Street, NW, Suite 300

Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036 

T. (202) 454-3332 F. (202) 659-0650 T. (202) 454-3393 F. (202) 659-0650

akeller@npca.org mlesky@npca.org

www.americansfornationalparks.org www.americansfornationalparks.org
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 25

Linking Girls to the Land Programs and Opportunities

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants

Girl Scouts of the USA’s Elliott Wildlife Values Project, along with the federal natural resource 

agencies partnering in the Linking Girls to the Land program, have contributed funds and support for 

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant projects. These grants of up to $5,000 encourage Girl 

Scouts to become more involved in natural resource issues and explore careers related to wildlife and 

natural resource conservation. They encourage federal and state agencies to participate in the Girl 

Scout program by helping with conservation related award work, service projects, and Girl Scout 

Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects.

Program History: Since the founding of the grant program in 1998, 74 Girl Scout councils have 

been awarded a total of 83 grants. These projects served more than 46,000 girls and adults. Before 

the Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant program was established, many councils had never 

worked with natural resource agencies and had not budgeted for supplies and other administrative 

costs. Additionally, many agencies rarely directed their declining resources to environmental education 

efforts. The availability of "seed money" brings together the ideas, staff time, and professional 

expertise to create a program and an outdoor experience for girls that otherwise would not happen. 

Projects include cooperation with local natural resource professionals, a communication and media 

plan, and post-event follow-up and evaluation.

Who can submit a Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application? Any Girl Scout adult 

volunteer, council staff member, campus Girl Scout, or Girl Scout 14-17 who has the full support of 

her council can submit a Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant application for up to $5,000. All 

projects must be accomplished in partnership with at least one federal or state natural resource 

agency.

For selection criteria and application information see the Sample Linking Girls to the Land 

Application Packet in the back of the Resource Guide.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 26

Linking Girls to the Land Projects

The Linking Girls to the Land initiative encourages girls to become involved in conservation and 

natural resource issues and careers on a national and local level. Usually Girl Scout councils develop 

projects that fall into three areas: 

• environmental education; 

• outdoor skills development; and

• volunteer service.

It is not possible for all Linking Girls to the Land projects to be funded through the Linking Girls to 

the Land Council Grant fund. We encourage Girl Scout councils and natural resource agencies to 

develop partnerships and projects that meet the needs of all parties involved and seek creative ways of 

making the projects sustainable.

Project ideas can be simple or elaborate. Girl Scout councils and professionals from federal and state 

agencies may work together to: 

• hold an event at a 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;

• offer wildlife research opportunities for girls, such as catching, identifying and tagging fish;

• involve girls as interpreters at an education center in a natural area;

• run a day camp where girls can make bird and bat boxes or create brush piles;

• co-host a career day with hands-on activities; or

• participate in a soil erosion control project, such as replanting a stream bank.

There are many successful Linking Girls to the Land projects, and 10 are outlined below.

A Walk in Our Urban Forest. Three hundred Girl Scouts were introduced to urban forestry and 

non-traditional careers for women in two events sponsored by Pine Valley Girl Scout Council, in 

Georgia. Professional women from various Federal, state, county agencies, and local universities led 

hands-on environmental activities. Partners included the Forest Service, Natural Resources 

Conservation Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and others. 

Create a Rehabilitated Environment. Broward County Girl Scout Council in Florida partnered 

with Division of Natural Resource Protection of Broward County for an event with 150 Girl Scouts 

to remove non-native plants from a Girl Scout property. The Girl Scouts also developed and will 

maintain a nature trail that highlights native plans. A patch program was created, with a focus on 

native versus exotic plants.

Eco-Island. Moccasin Bend Girl Scout Council in Tennessee held an event with activities that 

integrated hands-on learning, math, science, and technology at natural resource areas in urban settings. 

More than 400 Girl Scouts participated, at three different sites depending on their age level. Activities 

also promoted responsible environmental stewardship through habitat restoration. Agency partners 
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 27

were the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Tennessee 

Department of Agriculture’s Department of Forestry.

Fisheries Biology Field Day. More than 375 Juniors (grades 4-6) from Pacific Peaks Girl Scout 

council (near Olympia, WA) explored fisheries biology during three spring field days. Girls saw the 

“critters” in the water, learned about their ecological roles, watched Dr. Deanna Stouder and three 

other Pacific Northwest Research Station scientists collect the fish and other aquatic animals, and 

learned about local Native American connections to fish. 

Fort Ord Lands Habitat Restoration and Monitoring Project. Girl Scouts of Monterey Bay, 

California sponsored hands-on service projects on Federal land that is part of the former Fort Ord 

military base. Girl Scouts learned how to use compasses, clinometers, and Global Positioning 

Systems. In an ongoing effort, they make observations and record data for grassland research, collect 

seeds, restore native plants to control erosion, and more.

Hamlin Habitat Environmental Center. This project is creating a sustainable and wildlife-friendly 

environment surrounding a high-use Sangre de Cristo Girl Scout Council property. Girls are involved 

in the planning and design of the center and its programs that will promote wildlife education, 

enhance environmental stewardship, and highlight the use of solar energy. Girls can earn a special 

patch, Southwest Environmentalist, when they complete special program activities at the Center.

Leave No Trace Training. Spanish Trails Girl Scout Council created and is expanding a network of 

Girl Scout volunteers who teach Leave No Trace camping skills to Girl Scouts at all age levels. A 

training weekend was held in the fall and an event with 200 Girl Scouts was held in the spring at 

Portrero Girl Scout Camp, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, and 

four other Girl Scout Councils. Mohawk Pathways Girl Scout Council in New York completed the 

Leave No Trace training for staff members and adult volunteers, who then created a patch project 

and conducted an event for 200 girls. The Council’s resident camp lies within the Adirondack State 

Park, and the training was conducted with the New York State Department of Environmental 

Conservation and the Adirondack Mountain Club.

Scouting Out Your Future in the Wild. What if your primary workplace had no walls or doors and 

the rising sun or the changing tide dictated your schedule? Or, what if your daily interactions were 

mostly with pods of whales or flocks of birds? For many women, these possibilities are realities 

because they work in careers in natural resource management. Through an immersion weekend, Seal 

of Ohio and Heart of Ohio Girl Scout Councils collaborated with the Ohio Department of Natural 

Resources to showcase the fascinating opportunities and careers that exist in fields concerning the

environment. During the weekend the participants were linked with positive female role models, 

attended forums to share environmental concerns, and created a community of environmental 

activists. The girls also enjoyed a host of unique hands-on experiences in nature such as telemetry, 

bird banding, animal tracking, fishing, and photography.

Vanishing Footprints. Swift Water Council in New Hampshire trained about 500 Cadette and 

Senior Girl Scouts and adult volunteers in the Leave No Trace and Project Learning Tree programs. 

These trained girls and leaders brought these activities into Brownie and Junior Girl Scout troops. 

The council partnered with the Forest Service, New Hampshire Project Learning Tree, and the 

Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 28

Eco-Expo. Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capitol held three Eco-Expo day-long events, with hands-on 

activities conducted by professionals from the Environmental Protection Agency, Fish and Wildlife 

Service, Forest Service, National Park Service, and others. Eco-Boxes, containing materials and 

instructions for easy-to-do environmental activities and experiments, were made and are used by Girl 

Scout troops. Both projects aim to increase Girl Scouts’ understanding of key environmental issues 

such as ecosystem monitoring and conservation of natural resources.

Girl Scouts enjoy the Eco Expo funded through 

a Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant.

Linking Girls to the Land partner, U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service, teaches Girl Scouts about wildlife 

through a creative game.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 29

Tips for Girl Scouts as they develop Linking Girls to the Land project 

partnerships:

• Start with the local conservation or community need.

• Know your local population and target audience; incorporate the diversity of your community into 

your project design.

• Choose issues that interest the girls.

• Prepare your girls and have them approach the agency.

• Be prepared to explain your project needs, the Girl Scouts’ age range, skill level, and project time 

commitment to the agency you wish to collaborate with.

• Ask the agency about existing partnership opportunities with possible volunteer service projects, 

career programs, special events, or nature conservation activities that are already in the planning 

process of the local agency.

Before a Girl Scout calls a natural resource agency, she should be thinking about or have 

answers to the following questions:

• What is the federal natural resource agency that you think would be best to work with? (Do some 

research on different agencies). Why?

• What are the mission statements of the federal natural resource agencies you want to approach? 

(This information can be found in this Resource Guide or on the agency’s Web page). How do 

they differ from one another?

• How could your project idea meet and fit into the mission of the federal natural resource agency?

• What are some of the things that your project and Girl Scouts can do for federal natural resource 

agencies? 

• What are some of the current programs that are supported or sponsored by the federal natural 

resource agency?

• Are there certain times of the year that are especially busy for the agency? How could this affect 

the completion of your project?

• Based on your project idea, what is the job title of the person that you should contact at the 

federal natural resource agency? (The Environmental Education Coordinator? The Volunteer 

Coordinator? A Ranger?)

• What is the federal natural resource agency representative’s name and phone number? 

Before you call, also know the answers to the following questions about Linking Girls to the 

Land, your project, and Girl Scouting:

• What is “Linking Girls to the Land”?

• Why do you want to do a Linking Girls to the Land project?

• What is a brief description of your project idea?

• How many Girl Scouts will participate in running the event or project?

• How many Girl Scouts will be helped or taught by your project?

• Will your community in general be helped? How?

• Are their other organizations, businesses, or clubs that you will be working with on your project?

• What funds and skills do you bring to the project?
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 30

Leave No Trace Program

What is it? The Leave No Trace (LNT) program teaches outdoor skills and ethics. 

It develops confidence in leaders and girls so that they can plan and be prepared for 

the situations they encounter in the outdoors and enjoy their outdoor recreation 

experiences. These minimum-impact camping concepts are strongly woven into 

the Girl Scout handbooks, recognitions, and training objectives, and girls have been 

taught since 1912 to "leave a place better than you found it." 

Leave No Trace Principles. The LNT concepts were developed by scientists at the US Forest 

Service, the National Outdoor Leadership School, and federal natural resource agencies. These 

concepts are taught as seven skills and principles:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Dispose of Waste Properly

• Leave What You Find

• Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Respect Wildlife

• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

The LNT program has developed regional adaptations of the principles and skills for the following 

ecosystems and areas: Rocky Mountains, Southeastern States, Backcountry Horse Use, Western River 

Corridors, Temperate Coastal Zones, Desert and Canyon Country, Pacific Northwest, Rock Climbing, 

Alaskan Tundra, Northeast Mountains, and Sierra Nevada. 

Educational Materials. Target audiences are the outdoor trainers and adult development/volunteer 

directors, with the objective that LNT principles are taught explicitly in the outdoor trainer 

curriculum. The agencies often provide staff to assist in LNT "Train the Trainer" courses that are 

offered to council volunteers, staff, and older girls. 

The LNT principles are written in the Soft Paths book, shown in a Soft Paths video, and printed in 11

ecosystem-specific brochures. All are available from LNT, Inc. and the National Outdoor Leadership 

School in Lander, WY, through the Web site www.lnt.org. "Hangtags" have been produced in 

Spanish and English for outdoor equipment that include the basic LNT principles for children. There 

is a vivid purple patch earned by Trainers and a Girl Scout-specific patch available for girls to earn 

and purchase. LNT, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, was established in Boulder, CO with the 

purpose of promoting responsible use of the outdoors and educating users to Leave No Trace 

principles.

For more information on Leave No Trace, refer to the organization’s Web site www.lnt.org or 

contact: Liz Garland at (916) 669-2777 or email liz_garland@tdogs.org.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 31

Leave No Trace Master Educator Scholarships

The number of Girl Scout professionals and volunteers certified as Master Trainers has slowly been 

increasing. These trainers now offer excellent opportunities for councils to train adults and older girls 

as LNT Trainers (a 16-hour certification) and fully integrate these concepts into the ongoing camping 

programs and leader certification for outdoor activities. For example, Spanish Trails GS Council in 

Southern California gave the LNT Trainer course in 1998 and 2000, Tierra del Oro incorporated LNT 

skills into a national Wider Opportunity in 2003 and certified all participants as LNT trainers, and 

Fairwinds GS Council in Michigan trained most summer camp staff as LNT trainers. 

Scholarship Information. Each year the Girl Scouts of the USA’s Linking Girls to the Land 

initiative offers approximately 20 scholarships for those interested in becoming Leave No Trace 

Master Educators. The goal of this scholarship program, funded by the U.S. Forest Service, is to 

provide Leave No Trace Master Educator Course scholarships for adult Girl Scouts interested in

communicating and integrating the Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics message into their 

council’s outdoor program. Grants recipients receive assistance in the form of a $650 to $765 

scholarship to cover the full tuition for a Leave No Trace Master Educator Course. Tuition includes 

all meals and transportation during the course, including food, instruction, group equipment, and 

curriculum materials. Participants are responsible for travel to and from their course location, and 

sometimes for lodging while not in the field.

Leave No Trace Master Educator Course Description. The five day Leave No Trace Master 

Educator Course provides participants with a comprehensive overview of Leave No Trace techniques 

through practical application in a field setting. The first day is spent in a classroom, introducing the 

course, reviewing gear, and packing. The remaining four days are spent on a short hiking, sea 

kayaking, horse packing, rafting or canoeing trip, learning and practicing the principles of Leave No 

Trace. Currently, all Leave no Trace Masters Educator Courses are offered by the National Outdoor 

Leadership School (NOLS) and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). Leave No Trace courses are 

designed for people in good physical condition with a strong interest in outdoor recreation, a 

commitment to training others, and a desire to protect wilderness resources. Applicants must have 

backcountry backpacking, sea kayaking, or canoeing experience relevant to the offered course in order 

to attend. Applicants must also have completed a two day Leave No Trace train the trainer course. 

Recipients are expected to teach at least two Leave No Trace trainer courses per year. 

Application Process. The Girl Scout Leave No Trace Master Educator Scholarship Application 

Packet is included in the back of this Resource Guide. (See Sample Application Forms) 

Leave No Trace Master Educator courses listings, GSUSA scholarship application forms, and Leave 

No Trace Master Course application forms are available at www.Lnt.org, or call LNT, Inc. (800) 466-

2721. For additional course information contact: National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) 

Michael Cheek (307) 335-2213, michael_cheek@nols.edu or Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), 

Dara Houdek (603) 466-2721 x209, dhoudek@amcinfo.org. For more information on the 

scholarship program please contact: Liz Garland at (916) 669-2777 or email liz_garland@tdogs.org

 
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 32

National Park Guide Opportunity 

The Girl Scouts of the USA National Park Guide Opportunity is a result of the partnership between 

the national coalition of Americans for National Parks (ANP), National Park Service (NPS), and Girl 

Scouts of the USA (GSUSA). This expansion of the GSUSA initiative, Linking Girls to the Land, is 

designed for competitively selected Girl Scouts (ages 14-17). Participating Girl Scouts will assist 

national park interpretive staff and Volunteers in the Parks (VIP’s) in enhancing their community’s 

understanding and appreciation of the resources that their local national parks protect. Upon 

completion of 16 hours of training and volunteerism with the park, including leading younger Girl 

Scout troops through the park, Girl Scouts (ages 11-17) are eligible to receive the GSUSA National 

Park Guide pin. The younger Girl Scouts are eligible to receive the GSUSA National Pa rk Protector 

patch and are encouraged to post their photos to the National Parks Scrapbook at: 

www.americansfornationalparks.org/scrapbook.

Opportunity Objectives

• Engage the interests of Girl Scouts (ages 11-17) with their local national park site.

• Enhance Girl Scouts’ understanding of the resources the national park protects.

• Develop Girl Scouts’ understanding of the National Park Service’s mission and how interpretation 

helps achieve that mission.

• Provide an opportunity for volunteer and career exploration with the National Park Service.

• Help address the staffing needs of national park sites across the country.

• Bring attention to and understanding of the funding needs of the national park s to a broader 

audience and engage Girl Scouts and their families as park advocates.

For more information please contact: 

Elizabeth McCoy, Consultant, Council Innovations, Girl Scouts of the USA

420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor New York NY 10018 T. (212) 852-8681

emccoy@girlscouts.org
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 33

Water Drop Patch, EPA

What is it? 

The Water Drop Patch Project is co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency and Girl Scouts of the USA. Girl Scouts can learn 

about water resources, complete environmental education and community 

service activities, and earn the Water Drop Patch. 

The purpose of the project is to encourage girls to:

• make a difference in their communities by becoming watershed and wetlands stewards;

• use their skills and their knowledge to educate others in their communities about the need to 

protect the nation’s valuable water resources;

• explore the natural world to gain an interest in science and math; and

• use the Internet as a source of information

What kinds of opportunities are available?

The Water Drop Patch Project offers learning opportunities to Girl Scouts in watersheds, non-point 

source pollution, wetlands, and groundwater/drinking water. Service learning and activities range 

from “do’s and don’ts around the home” to stream clean-ups to building your own aquifer. Girls of 

all program levels can participate. 

Why should Girl Scouts participate in the Water Drop Patch Project? 

By participating in the Water Drop Patch Project individual Girl Scouts, troops, or groups gain handson skills in water management and resource conservation efforts. Each project can be conducted in 

conjunction with an EPA or other federal or state water quality agency representative, thereby 

providing career mentoring to interested Girl Scouts. Since the Water Drop Patch project can be 

completed anywhere and because there is a minimal cost (the cost of the patch) for Girl Scouts, this 

project is easily accessible to every girl, everywhere.

How is the patch distributed and troop recognition received?

There is a Water Drop patch order form and application for troop recognition form on the Water 

Drop Patch Web site and in the project booklet. To Order Water Drop patches (at $1.00 each), 

please write to:

Membership, Program & Diversity, 

15th Floor, Water Drop Patch Project 

Girl Scouts of the USA

420 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10018-2798

Where is additional information about the program and projects?

The project booklet can be located on the Internet at: www.epa.gov/adopt/patch/. Copies of the 

booklet are also available FREE by calling the National Service Center for Environmental 

Publications at (800) 490-9198. The project was jointly developed by the US Environmental 

Protection Agency and the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital.

To date, over 10,000 girls are proudly wearing a Water Drop Patch. 
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 34

STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations 

(formerly called Wider Opportunities)

Teens are offered "STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations," as 10 to 14 day events that are organized by local 

councils or the Girl Scouts of the USA. STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations incorporate advanced skills and 

learning about a focused area or subject. Participants are ages 14-17 from across the U.S. and are 

selected based on a national application process. There is continuing high interest in programs with 

advanced outdoor skills, national history, and cultural learning. Agency natural resource professionals 

greatly enhance the programs, serve as role models, and lead volunteer service activities. Many of 

these teens already have an interest in outdoor careers, science education, and leadership—and their 

awareness of natural resource careers through these sessions will enhance agency recruitment of such 

young women.

Natural resource-based STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations 

In 2004, numerous STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations will focus on outdoor adventures, advanced skills, 

leadership, and career exploration in natural resources. Natural resource professionals will lead field 

trips and make presentations at many of these.

• Aquatic Adventure, Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, Benton, KY

• Aquatic Biology, Scuba Diving, Winter Sports, Wilderness First Responder, and Yes, Ma’am 

Captain! (at Great Lakes Maritime Academy), various dates at the Fair Winds Girl Scout Council 

camp near Traverse City, MI

• Canoe Country Rendezvous, Land of Lakes Girl Scout Council, MN

• Expedition: Michigan 2004 (backpacking, bicycling, boating, sailing), Fair Winds Girl Scout 

Council, at camp near Traverse City, MI

• Great Lakes Aquatic Biology, Fair Winds Girl Scout Council, at camp near Traverse City, MI

• Heart of Appalachia, Girl Scouts Heart of Ohio, Zanesville, OH

• Montana Magic (flyfishing, hiking), Girl Scouts of Big Sky Council, Great Falls, MT

• Mountain Majesty (backpacking, wilderness skills), Girl Scouts of Mile High Council, Denver, CO

• Treasures of the Emerald Coast (swim, sea, sail), Girl Scouts of Northwest Florida, Pensacola, FL

• Outward Bound events for Girl Scouts at various locations, focused on backpacking, canoeing, 

kayaking rock climbing, sailing, sea kayaking, and skiing

• SeaWorld Adventure Camps focused on animal care and marine biology, in Orlando, San 

Antonio, and San Diego

For more information visit the 

STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations Web site

www.studio2b.org/escape/destinations/

or contact:

MariClare Krzyzewski

Manager, STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations

Girl Scouts of the USA

420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10018

Tel: (212) 852-6537 Fax: (212) 852-6515

mkrzyzewski@girlscouts.org
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 35

Natural Science in the Tetons 

As part of a STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations sponsored by the Elliott Wildlife Values Project, 15 girls and 

15 adult partners from across the United States learn wildlife biology and naturalist skills under the 

instruction of Teton Science School instructors, each year in the third week of July. Girls and adults 

learn how to keep a naturalist's journal, get up close to some of nature's most intriguing creatures—

wild birds—become part of a national bird-banding effort, and learn how the local ecosystem 

functions. They live among the pronghorn antelope, bison, coyotes, and ospreys, and hike the Grand 

Teton National Park with views that will leave them breathless. As part of the event experience, each 

team is responsible for designing a project or training to share with their council and community 

about what they learned during the STUDIO 2Bsmdestination. Projects will be completed within the 

following year. 

For more details and application information:

Visit the Girl Scouts STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations Web site www.studio2b.org/escape/destinations/

You may also contact Jodi Stewart at (212) 852-8076 or jstewart@girlscouts.org.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 36

NOAA Aquarius Project 

What is it? 

The Aquarius Project is an intensive week of ocean science and discovery for a nationally selected 

group of six Girl Scouts sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA) and the Girl Scouts of the USA. 

Where is it?

The event is based out of the National Undersea Research Center’s (University of North Carolina at 

Wilmington) Key Largo, Florida field station, home to the world’s only underwater laboratory - the 

Aquarius Habitat. 

When is it?

This five-day event occurs annually, usually during the month of July or August. 

What is the event about?

Girl Scouts learn the fundamentals of ocean exploration, coral reef ecology, maritime archaeology, 

and habitat preservation. Lectures and field work may include a SCUBA dive to the Aquarius Habitat 

to visit mission scientists at work; working alongside marine resource scientists on the coral reefs; 

SCUBA diving to numerous sites, including a shipwreck site in the Florida Keys National Marine 

Sanctuary; and, visiting habitats unique to the region such as the Everglades National Park. In the 

Aquarius Project, girls learn about ocean science by hands-on experience and interaction with mentor 

scientists. Each participating Girl Scout devises an outreach plan for taking what they learned home to 

their schools, Girl Scout councils, and communities.

Who can apply?

Any registered Girl Scout who is:

• SCUBA certified and has received open water certification.

• Comfortable in open water.

• Committed to ocean science, conservation, and exploration.

• Willing to share her experience with her council after the event. 

• Between 14-17 at the time of the event.

What are the costs?

This event is sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Ocean 

Exploration. There is NO event fee. Travel costs are fully funded. Food and lodging costs will be 

reimbursed to the participant after the event. Each participant is required to bring all necessary diving 

gear with her to the event (excluding tanks and weight belts).

For more details and application information:

Visit the NOAA Explorer Web site at 

http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/projects/03aquarius/gscouts/welcome.html. or contact:

Joanne Flanders

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Office of Oceans Exploration

1315 East West Highway, Room 10145

Silver Spring, MD 20910

T. (301) 713-9444 x179 F. (301) 713-4252

Joanne.Flanders@noaa.gov www.noaa.gov and www.oceanexplorer.noaa.gov

(You may also contact Jodi Stewart at (212) 852-8076 or jstewart@girlscouts.org.)
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 37

Examples of National Conservation Events

(See Calendar of Conservation Events)

National Public Trails Day

What is National Trails Day? The Girl Scouts of the USA join the American Hiking Society, many 

Federal and local agencies, and the public in celebrating National Trails Day. It is an annual event on 

the first Saturday in June to promote awareness of and appreciation for America's 200,000 miles of 

trails and to encourage cooperative efforts among different trail users, including hikers, bicyclists, 

equestrians, walkers, runners, and others who enjoy being on the trail. This year’s event to discover, 

learn about, and celebrate trails will be Saturday, June 5, 2004, so it makes a great end-of-the-year 

troop activity. Girl Scouts can participate in already-planned community events on National Trails 

Day, or they can help organize an event. In the past, these have included new trail dedications, 

workshops, educational exhibits, equestrian and mountain bike rides, canoe events, trail maintenance, 

and hikes on America's favorite trails. There are more than 3,000 events and a million participants 

annually.

How can you find more information about local National Trails Day events? The American 

Hiking Society is the overall coordinator, but all of the activities are planned locally by community 

groups, four federal agencies, National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, 

and the Federal Highway Administration, and corporate and retail sponsors (an Event Organizers 

manual is available for Girl Scout Leaders from the American Hiking Society). Additional 

information can be obtained from local hiking clubs and outdoor equipment retailers, or from the 

American Hiking Society at (301) 565-6704 or ntd@americanhiking.org.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 38

National Public Lands Day (NPLD)

What is National Public Lands Day? 

NPLD is a Saturday in late September when thousands of people volunteer in our parks and on our 

public lands. Begun in 1994, it is the largest volunteer event that benefits America’s public lands.

What do the volunteers do? 

Volunteers join the staff and managers of our public lands. They build trails, restore wetlands, 

improve wildlife habitats, ba ttle invasive species, harvest native seeds, and sow wild flowers. 

Who organizes National Public Lands Day? 

The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF)

What is the National Environmental Education & Training Foundation’s mission? 

Forging public/private partnerships, The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation 

encourages people to recognize their connections to the environment, and to take innovative and 

effective steps that enhance the environment. One of the signature projects is National Public Lands 

Day, a partnership with federal, state, and local land management agencies. Volunteers help to 

complete needed work on the public spaces where Americans go for recreation and enjoyment.

Who organizes National Public Lands Day events? Who are the partners?

Sometimes individuals or our partner organizations organize an event. Many events are organized by 

our federal agency partners: USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

USDA Forest Service (FS)

USDI National Park Service (NPS) 

 

What opportunities are available to Girl Scouts through NPLD? 

Since the beginning, Girl Scouts have enjoyed the outdoors. With NPLD, Scouts take the next step: 

active stewardship of the environment. Across the country girls are already planting trees, installing 

owl boxes, mending fences, and weeding plant nurseries. One troop’s NPLD project in 2003 led to 

the adoption of a trailhead as its year-long service project. NPLD dovetails with many scouting goals. 

It also gives Girl Scouts ages 11-17 an opportunity to plan a significant project with officials, engage 

their community in environmental stewardship, and make a real difference in their world. Girl Scouts 

working on NPLD have been featured in Parade magazine and in Girl’s Life.

Where do I find more information about National Public Lands Day?

Contact: Patti Pride 

Director, National Public Lands Day

 National Environmental Education & Training Foundation

 1707 H Street, NW – Suite 900 

Washington, DC 20036 

Tel: (202) 261-6474 Fax: (202) 261-6464 

pride@neetf.org

 www.npld.com
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 39

World Water Monitoring Day

What is it?

World Water Monitoring Day, held annually on October 18th, is an event designed to educate people 

of all ages, in all nations, about the value of clean water and the role of water quality monitoring. 

World Water Monitoring Day offers participants an opportunity to use a simple test kit to take water 

quality samples in their local streams, lakes, bays, or wetlands, enter their data into an international 

database, and take part in activities that educate us all about our role in protecting clean water. 

October 18th was selected because it is the anniversary of the landmark 1972 Clean Water Act. 

Why is monitoring important?

We need to monitor in order to answer basic questions about our waters. Can we safely swim in 

them? Can fish and other aquatic animals live in them? Can we safely eat the fish we catch? Is the 

quality of our waters improving? Today we can’t always answer these questions. The U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working to build partnerships with other federal agencies, 

states, local governments, watershed groups, the private sector, and the public to improve the 

comprehensiveness and effectiveness of water monitoring programs. 

Who is organizing this event?

World Water Monitoring Day is planned and coordinated by America’s Clean Water Foundation and 

the International Water Association, in partnership with a number of other organizations including 

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Local monitoring and educational activities are organized 

by participating watershed organizations, schools, government agencies, and individual citizens.

How can Girl Scouts participate?

Beginning in mid-July of each year, Girl Scout troops and Councils can order an easy-to-use water 

testing kit from the World Water Monitoring Web site at www.worldwatermonitoringday.org. The kit 

contains instructions on how to test for four key parameters: dissolved oxygen, water temperature, 

pH, and water clarity. Troops and Councils need to select an appropriate site for monitoring and 

monitor the site between September 18th and October 18th. The kit includes safety instructions, which 

should be followed carefully. Once Girl Scouts have recorded their data, they enter their findings in 

the international database available on the World Water Monitoring Day Web site. Troops and 

Councils may also want to get involved in other fun activities in their area, like water festivals and 

stream cleanups. 

How do I find out more?

Visit www.worldwatermonitoringday.org for more information, to order test kits (international orders 

and bulk orders accepted), register your site(s), enter your data, and find out what’s going on in your 

area and around the globe. To learn more about volunteer environmental monitoring, visit 

www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 40

2004 Calendar of Conservation Events

January 1 On January 1, 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act was enacted to require 

the assessment of impacts of federal actions on the environment

March 1 On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park, the Nation’s first national park, was 

established by an act signed by President Ulysses S. Grant

March 13 On March 13, 1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System was established

April 15-21 National Wildlife Week

April 22 Earth Day

April National Park Week (annually in April during the week of Earth Day)

April 27 On April 27, 1935, the Soil Conservation Service was created in the Department of 

Agriculture

May 5-11 Drinking Water Week (EPA)

May 11 International Migratory Bird Day (FWS)

May 11-18 National River Cleanup Week (EPA)

May 11-18 American Wetlands Week (EPA)

June 1-9 National Fishing and Boating Week (FWS)

June 5 World Environment Day (NRCS)

June 5 National Public Trails Day (first Saturday in June)

July 24-30 Natural Science in the Tetons STUDIO 2Bsmdestination (GSUSA)

August NOAA Aquarius Project (GSUSA and NOAA)

August 4 On August 4, 1954, the Small Watershed Program was enacted to help 

communities protect, improve, and develop watersheds

August 9 Smokey Bear’s birthday

August 25 National Park Founder’s Day (NPS). On August 25, 1916, the National Park 

Service was created by an act signed by President Woodrow Wilson

September 21 International Coastal Cleanup (EPA)

September 18 National Public Lands Day

October 5 National Estuary Day (EPA)

October 18 World Water Monitoring Day (EPA)

October 13-19 National Wildlife Refuge Week

October 15 Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant applications due (GSUSA)

October 18 On October 18, 1972, the Clean Water Act was enacted

November 18 On November 18, 1977, the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act was 

enacted to further the conservation, protection, and enhancement of the nation’s 

natural resources for sustained use

December 23 On December 23, 1985, the 1985 Farm Bill was passed, the first farm bill to 

include a conservation title and the first to link conservation to eligibility for USDA 

program benefits
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 41

Sample Application Forms 

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application Packet

 SAMPLE

What are the Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants?

Girl Scouts of the USA’s Elliott Wildlife Values Project along with eight federal natural resource agencies:

• USDA Forest Service

• USDA Natural Resources

 Conservation Service

• USDI National Park Service

• U.S. Geological Survey

• USDI Fish and Wildlife Service

• USDI Bureau of Land Management

• U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency

• National Oceanic & Atmospheric 

Administration

have developed a partnership and have contributed funds and support for Linking Girls to the Land Council 

Grant projects. These grants of up to $5,000 encourage Girl Scouts to become more involved in natural 

resource issues and explore careers related to wildlife and natural resource conservation. They encourage 

federal and state agencies to participate in the Girl Scout program by helping with conservation-related award 

work, service projects, and Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects.

Program History: Since the founding of the grant program in 1998, 74 Girl Scout councils have been 

awarded a total of 83 grants. These projects served more than 46,000 girls and adults. Before the Linking Girls 

to the Land Council Grant program was established, many councils had never worked with natural resource 

agencies and had not budgeted for supplies and other administrative costs. Additionally, many agencies rarely

directed their declining resources to environmental education efforts. The availability of this "seed money" 

brings together the ideas, staff time, and professional expertise to create programs and outdoor experiences for 

girls that otherwise may not happen. Projects include cooperation with local natural resource professionals, a 

communication and media plan, and post-event follow-up and evaluation.

Who can submit a Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant application? Any Girl Scout adult volunteer, 

council staff member, Campus Girl Scout, or Girl Scout 14-17 who has the full support of her council can 

submit a Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant application for up to $5,000. All projects must be 

accomplished in partnership with at least one federal or state natural resource agency.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 42

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application

Selection Criteria Checklist

 SAMPLE

The following criteria will be used to determine which councils receive grant 

awards. Please use this as a checklist for what your proposal must include and 

attach it with your application.

 

THE PROJECT MUST: 

BE IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING THREE AREAS:

 Environmental Education. This category includes: observation of nature and the environment,

 field ecology, ecosystem monitoring, biological research, interpretive programs, and career

 exploration.

 Outdoor Skills Development. This category includes: developed camping, backcountry 

 camping, horseback riding, cross country skiing, hiking, and fishing.

 Volunteer Service. This category includes: service projects on federal, state or private land.

ALSO:

 Involve the interest of the girls.

 Involve the interest of the community.

 Be focused on local natural resources. 

 Be reviewed and approved by the applicant’s Girl Scout council.

 Be able to be planned and completed within ONE year.

 Demonstrate how the project will benefit both the federal or state agency(ies) and the council.

 Show written commitment of federal or state agencies.

 Present a plan that incorporates the diversity of girl and adult membership within the council’s

 jurisdiction and reaches out to serve underrepresented populations.

 Encourage creative and innovative use of community resources.

 Include natural resource, science and/or environmental career development and awareness for 

 girls.

 Present a plan for post-event follow up and evaluation.

 Be sustainable and replicable within your council and other Girl Scout councils nationwide. 

 Adhere to and support Girl Scouts of the USA policies, safety standards and guidelines. 

 Include a council’s Certificate of Insurance indicating that GSUSA is “additionally insured.” (Only 

 needed if the council is NOT in the GSUSA sponsored Property Casualty Program).
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 43

Linking Girls to the Land Grant Application

Project Timetable

SAMPLE

2004/2006

October 15, 2004 Deadline for Linking Girls to the Land council project applications TO 

BE RECEIVED at Girl Scouts of the USA (faxed applications will not 

be accepted).

October 16 – November 15, 2004 Linking Girls to the Land national committee reviews project 

applications and selects grant award recipients.

December 15, 2004 Girl Scout council grant recipients notified. Initial 75% of total grant 

award check issued.

January 2, 2005 Girl Scout council Linking Girls to the Land project implementation 

begins.

July 1, 2005 Deadline for Girl Scout council Linking Girls to the Land interim project 

report TO BE RECEIVED at Girl Scouts of the USA (faxed reports will 

not be accepted).

January 2, 2006 Deadline for Girl Scout council Linking Girls to the Land Final Project 

Report TO BE RECEIVED at Girl Scouts of the USA (faxed reports 

will not be accepted). Any unused funds should be mailed back to 

GSUSA.

January 3, 2005 – March 15, 2006 Girl Scout council Final Project Reports compiled and evaluated by

Girl Scouts of the USA. Final 25% of award check issued.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 44

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application SAMPLE

Instructions:

1. Please TYPE all materials. 

2. Mail original COMPLETED application with 2 copies to be received by OCTOBER 15, 2004 to: 

Jodi Stewart

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants

Membership and Program Initiatives

Girl Scouts of the USA

420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, New York 10018-2798

A. GENERAL INFORMATION:

Council Name: ___________________________________________________________

Council Address: ___________________________________________________________

STREET

________________________________

CITY

__________

STATE

___________

ZIP

Service Area: ____________

Chief Executive 

Officer: ________________________________ Phone: ( ) ____________

Project Coordinator: ________________________________ Phone: ( ) ____________

Email:__________________________

Project Title: ___________________________________________________________

Project Summary 

Statement:____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Total estimated number of participating Girl Scouts: _______________________

Estimated number of participating Girl Scouts by age level: ____ Daisy ___ Brownie

____ Junior ___ Cadette

____ Senior ___ Adults

____ Girl Scouts 11-17 

TOTAL AMOUNT OF GRANT FUNDING REQUESTED: _______________________

Did representatives from your council attend a Linking Girls to the Land Workshop?: __ Yes __ No

If yes, where was the workshop located? ____________________________________________

What was the month and year of the workshop attended? ______________________________
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 45

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application SAMPLE

Project Category: (please check the one that most represents your project) 

____ Environmental Education _____ Outdoor Skills _____ Volunteer Service 

Federal or State Collaborating Agency (ies): 

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Other Collaborators: 

______________________________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Where will the project take place? 

____ Federal land _____ State land ____ City land ____ Girl Scout property ____Other 

(indicate below)

______________________________________________________________________________

We are assuming responsibility for the attached proposed project, and will submit an interim project 

report to be received at GSUSA by July 1, 2005 and a final project report to be received at GSUSA by 

January 2, 2006.

__________________________________________________ __________________________

Chief Executive Officer Date
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 46

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application 

Project Proposal Format SAMPLE

B. PROJECT SUMMARY: (Two page limit)

Please type an outlined project summary that specifically addresses the following: 

1. Summarize the project and its objectives in one paragraph.

2. Identify the intended benefits for girls and how the project meets their interests.

3. Identify how you are incorporating the diversity of girl and adult membership within your council’s jurisdiction. How 

are you reaching out to underserved girls? 

4. Identify the intended benefits for the community.

5. Identify the intended benefits for the nation’s natural resources.

C. PROJECT TIMELINE: (One page limit)

Please design an estimated project timeline beginning with the grant application and concluding with the final 

project report. The project should be able to be carried out and completed within ONE year.

D. PROJECT PLAN: (Three page limit)

Please type a project plan outline that specifically addresses the following:

1. Describe how the project will be implemented. (Include the steps from the initial start up through the completion. 

List the staff—including agency representatives, Girl Scout volunteers and/or council staff—expected to be involved 

and their role).

2. Describe how this project makes innovative and creative use of community resources. How does the project generate 

community involvement and investment?

3. Identify how you are incorporating natural resource, science and/or environmental career development and 

awareness for girls.

4. List the facilities and/or equipment that are needed.

5. Describe the publicity efforts that are being planned (i.e., local magazines, newspapers, radio, or television).

E. PROJECT EVALUATION: (One page limit)

Please type a brief outline or description of the evaluation methods expected to be used that specifically 

addresses the following:

1. List the methods and/or tools for evaluating project results.

2. Describe how the results will be shared with the general public.

3. Describe how successful results will be used by your council, other councils, and/or outside organizations.

F. AGENCY COLLABORATIONS: (One page limit)

Please type a brief outlined description about your council’s collaborative federal or state natural resource 

agency(ies) that specifically addresses the following:

1. List collaborating federal or state agency(ies) that will be partnering with your council to complete and strengthen this 

project.

2. Describe plans for working with each federal or state natural resource agency in this project so that the collaborations 

are meaningful. How do the Girl Scouts benefit from the collaboration? How does the agency benefit from the 

collaboration? 

3. Include with this application commitment letters from all the federal or state agencies you plan to work with, on 

agency letterhead. 

4. List any other non-federal or state natural resource agencies or organizations that you will partner with and explain 

how. Include a commitment letter(s) if the organization is a key collaborator.

G. POST EVENT IMPLICATIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY: (One page limit)

Please type a brief description about how the project will continue and could serve as a foundation for future 

related projects in your council or community. 

1. Describe how your project will continue without additional funding from Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant 

money.

2. Describe how your project will serve as a foundation for future related projects in your council or community.

3. List examples of how your project could be replicated within your council or by other councils.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 47

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application

Budget Form SAMPLE

EXPENSES: AMOUNT:

A. Project personnel (List project staff support, 

volunteers, honoraria, etc.)

1. _______________________________________ $ ________________

2. _______________________________________ $ ________________

3. _______________________________________ $ ________________

4. _______________________________________ $ _______________

(Use separate sheet if more space is necessary.)

TOTAL PERSONNEL: $ ________________

B. Consumable Office Supplies and Services

1. Office supplies $ ________________

2. Copying/duplication $ ________________

3. Equipment $ ________________

4. Telephone $ ________________

5. Printing $ ________________

6. Postage $ ________________

TOTAL SUPPLIES AND SERVICES: $ ________________

C. Transportation $ ________________

What type is needed? ________________________

D. Equipment [lease and/or purchase] (Please itemize 

on separate sheet) $ ________________

E. Other (Please itemize on separate sheet) $ ________________

TOTAL PROJECT EXPENSES: $ ________________

SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

Linking Girls to the Land Grant Request from GSUSA $ ________________

Council funding $ ________________

Individual contributions $ ________________

Other sources (Please specify on separate sheet *) $ ________________

TOTAL PROJECT SUPPORT: $ ________________

*Describe in-kind support and indicate sources on separate sheet.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 48

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application

Checklist SAMPLE

Be sure to include the following with your Linking Girls to the Land 

Council Grant Application:

1. Completed pages 4&5 of application 

packet and signed by your council’s 

CEO. (General information)

2. Narrative of project proposal

3. Project timeline

4. Letter(s) of commitment from 

collaborating federal or state natural 

resource agency(ies)

5. Project budget form

6. Certificate of insurance (Only needed if 

the council is NOT in the GSUSA 

sponsored Property Casualty Program, as a 

copy of the certificate is already on file). If 

certificate is not on file, please include 

a copy of your council’s current 

certificate of insurance showing 

GSUSA as “additionally insured”, 

with a combined minimum single 

limit of liability coverage in the 

amount of $1 million aggregate for 

bodily injury and property damage. 

7. Additional supporting materials and 

or information (not required)

8. Selection criteria checklist

Mail original application, signed by your council’s CEO and all required forms along with 2 

copies (double-sided and stapled) of the entire application to the address below.

If you have questions about the Linking Girls to the Land Application or the Application Process

Please contact:

Jodi Stewart

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants

Membership & Program Initiatives

Girl Scouts of the USA

420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, New York 10018-2798

(212) 852-8076

jstewart@girlscouts.org
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 49

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Interim Report SAMPLE

 

Instructions:

1. Please TYPE all materials.

2. Mail COMPLETED interim report so that is it received by JULY 1, 2005 to: 

Jodi Stewart

Linking Girls to the Land 2005 Interim Report

Membership and Program Initiatives

Girl Scouts of the USA

420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, New York 10018-2798

A. GENERAL INFORMATION:

Council Name: ___________________________________________________________

Council State: _________ Service Area: __________

Project Coordinator: _______________________________ Phone: ( ) ____________

Email: _________________________

Project Title: ___________________________________________________________

Project Summary Statement: 

______________________________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Total Number of Participating Girl Scouts: _______________________

Number of Participating Girl Scouts by Age Level: ____ Daisy ___ Brownie

____ Junior ___ Cadette

____ Senior ___ Adults

____ Girl Scouts 11-17

B. PROJECT UPDATE:

1. Please write a brief summary of the purpose of your project.

2. Please list the project collaborating agencies.

3. Please provide a brief description of the progress of the project beginning steps. (This may simply 

be a bulleted list of steps.)

4. Please provide a brief update on the project accomplishments to date. (This may be a bulleted list 

of accomplishments.)

5. Please describe any challenges you have encountered to date and how you have/hope to resolve 

those challenges.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 50

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Final Report SAMPLE

Instructions:

1. Please TYPE or PRINT all materials.

2. Please attach photographs or a CD with photos of the project and promotional 

material featuring the event or project.

3. Please attach all receipts related to project expenses covered by this grant award.

4. Please have your CEO sign the report.

5. Mail COMPLETED application so that it is received by JANUARY 2, 2006*to: 

Jodi Stewart

Linking Girls to the Land 2005 Final Report

Membership and Program Initiatives

Girl Scouts of the USA

420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, New York 10018-2798

A. GENERAL INFORMATION:

Council Name: ___________________________________________________________

Council Address: ___________________________________________________________

STREET

________________________________

CITY

__________

STATE

____________

ZIP

Service Area: ____________

Chief Executive 

Officer: _______________________________ Phone: ( ) ____________

Project Coordinator: _______________________________ Phone: ( ) ____________

Email: _________________________

Project Title: ___________________________________________________________

To be read and signed by Chief Executive Officer of the council:

This final report reflects the work completed for the collaborative project funded by the Linking Girls 

To The Land Initiative.

__________________ _________________________________________

Date CEO’s Signature

 

*

 Please contact Jodi Stewart, GSUSA at (800) 223-0624 Ext. 8076 or (212) 852-8076 or 

jstewart@girlscouts.org should you have any questions regarding this report.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 51

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Final Report SAMPLE 

B. NARRATIVE REPORT GUIDELINES:

Please briefly describe the following. A bulleted outline is acceptable.

1. Write a paragraph summarizing the project.

2. Describe why your council project was of particular interest to your Girl Scouts and your 

community.

3. Describe what environmental or social need (issue) the project aimed to address.

4. Describe the process of building a collaboration with the project partners and what role they 

played in the development and implementation of the project.

5. Describe the method of evaluation and evaluation results for the project.

6. Describe the challenges encountered during the planning and implementation of the project.

7. Describe how the challenges were resolved.

C. PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS:

1. An outline of expenditures

2. All expense receipts

3. Samples of evaluation tool(s) used

4. List of media used for informing community of the project

5. Newspaper and magazine articles and other media attention featuring the project

6. Photographs of the project

7. Any program resources that were developed for the project

D. PROJECT SUMMARY INFORMATION:

 1. Participant Information: (Please estimate as best as possible.)

 

 a. Number of girls at each age level: Daisy ______ Brownie ______

Junior ______ Cadette ______

Senior ______ Girl Scouts 11-17 _______

TOTAL GIRLS: _______ 

 

 b. Number of adults: TOTAL ADULTS: _______

 

 c. Racial ethnic breakdown of girls: American Indian/Alaskan ______

Asian/Pacific Islander ______

Black ______

Hispanic ______

White ______

 

 d. Racial ethnic breakdown of adults: American Indian/Alaskan ______

Asian/Pacific Islander ______

Black ______

Hispanic ______

White ______
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 52

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Final Report SAMPLE

2. Collaborations:

List of Collaborating Agencies:

(check all that apply)

__ USDI Bureau of Land Management

__ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

__ National Oceanic and Atmospheric

 Administration

__ USDI National Park Service 

__ Americans for National Parks

__ USDA Natural Resources Conservation 

 Service

__ USDI Fish and Wildlife Service

__ USDA Forest Service

__ U.S. Geological Survey

__ LOCAL (if marked, please list local names

 below)

 _________________________________

 _________________________________

 _________________________________

 _________________________________

 _________________________________

3. Finances:

 a. Linking Girls To The Land GSUSA grant award amount: $____________

 b. Please list any additional support that you were given in the midst of the project: 

 ________________________________________ $_________

 ________________________________________ $_________

 ________________________________________ $_________

 ________________________________________ $_________

 ________________________________________ $_________

 ________________________________________ $_________

 

 c. TOTAL EXPENSES: $____________

E. COMMENTS:

Please feel free to add any additional comments regarding the Linking Girls to the Land 

Council Grant process on a clearly identified additional sheet of paper.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 53

GSUSA Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator Course 

Scholarships

2004 Application Packet

In 2004, the Girl Scouts of the USA, through the Linking Girls to the Land Initiative, is offering approximately 

20 scholarships for those interested in becoming Leave No Trace Master Educators. The goal of this 

scholarship program is to provide Leave No Trace Master Educator Course scholarships for adult Girl Scouts 

interested in communicating and integrating the Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics message into their 

council’s outdoor program. 

These scholarships are funded through a grant made possible by the U.S. Forest Service to the Linking Girls to 

the Land initiative. This GSUSA Elliott Wildlife Values Project initiative encourages partnerships between Girl 

Scouts and federal natural resource agencies in order to offer joint conservation and outdoor programs to Girl 

Scouts nationwide. 

The five day Leave No Trace Master Educator Course provides participants with a comprehensive overview of 

Leave No Trace techniques through practical application in a field setting. The first day is spent in a classroom, 

introducing the course, reviewing gear, and packing. The remaining four days are spent on a short hiking, sea 

kayaking, horse packing, rafting or canoeing trip, learning and practicing the principles of Leave No Trace. 

Currently, all Leave no Trace Masters Educator Courses are offered by the National Outdoor Leadership 

School (NOLS) and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).

Tuition Information

Approximately 20 grant recipients will receive assistance in the form of a $650.00 - $765.00 scholarship, 

depending on location, to cover the full cost of tuition for a Leave No Trace Master Educator Course. 

Tuition includes all meals and transportation during the course. Rations, instruction, group equipment and 

curriculum materials are also included in the cost. Participants are responsible for travel to and from their 

course location--and at some locations--for lodging while not in the field.

Requirements of Scholarship Recipients

Leave No Trace courses are designed for people in good physical condition who have a strong interest in 

outdoor recreation, a commitment to training others, and a desire to protect wilderness resources. Applicants 

must have backcountry backpacking, sea kayaking, or canoeing experience related to the offered course in 

ordered to attend. Applicants must have completed a two day Leave No Trace train the trainer course.

One of the cooperative goals of the GSUSA Linking Girls to the Land initiative and the Leave No Trace 

program is to create a network of Girl Scout volunteers that are trained to teach and integrate Leave No Trace

ethics and skills into their council’s outdoor program. Strongest consideration will be given to applicants who 

have outdoor education teaching experience and can promote the Leave No Trace message in their council. 

Scholarship recipients are expected to teach at least two Leave No Trace trainer courses per year.
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 54

Reporting

Within six weeks of completion of the course, scholarship recipients will be responsible for writing an 

evaluative report summary of their experience. This report must include photos. Reports should be mailed to: 

Jodi Stewart, LNT Report, Elliott Wildlife Values Project, GSUSA, 420 5th Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 

10128.

Application Process and Deadline

The 2004 GSUSA LNT Masters Educator Scholarship applications are due to be received to the 

address below by March 17, 2004.

Applicants must complete the GSUSA Scholarship Application (see last page) and attach all required

information listed on the form. On the GSUSA Scholarship Application you will need to list your 1st and 2nd

LNT course site and date. 

Send completed applications by March 17, 2004 to: 

GSUSA LNT Master Educator Scholarships 

Attn: Jo Ann Schiffer-Burdett

22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos

Moreno Valley, CA 92553

Awarding of Scholarships

Applicants will be notified of their scholarship award by mail during the week of April 14, 2004. Your name 

will be placed on the National Outdoor Leadership (NOLS) or Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) course 

roster. After notification of the GSUSA Scholarship award, RECIPIENTS MUST COMPLETE a Leave 

No Trace Master Course application for the course you wish to attend in order to confirm your spot 

in the course. (Note: The GSUSA Scholarship application IS NOT a course registration or application.) 

Leave No Trace Master Educator courses listings, GSUSA Scholarships forms, and Leave No 

Trace Master Educator Course application forms are available on the Leave No Trace

website, www.LNT.org, or call LNT, Inc. (800) 466-2721. 

For additional course information contact:

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) 

Michael Cheek (307) 335-2213 Dara Houdek (603) 466-2721 x209

michael_cheek@nols.edu dhoudek@amcinfo.org

For more information on the GSUSA Leave No Trace Master Educator Scholarship program 

please contact Liz Garland at (916) 669-2777 or by email: liz_garland@tdogs.org

For information about Linking Girls to the Land activities contact:

Jodi Stewart at (212) 852-8076 or by email at jstewart@girlscouts.org. 
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 55

Leave No Trace Master Educator Course

2004 Girl Scout Scholarship Application

Applicant Name: Date: 

Mailing Address:

City, State, Zip Code:

Phone: Fax: e-mail:____________________

Council Name/Address:_________________________________________________________________ 

City, State, Zip Code:________________________________________ _____________ 

CEO Name: 

Council Contact: Phone: e-mail: 

 

Scholarships for Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator courses are offered to applicants who demonstrate 

their ability to effectively reach large numbers of Girl Scouts with the Leave No Trace message. Strongest 

consideration will be given to applicants who have outdoor education teaching experience and can promote the 

Leave No Trace message in their council. Scholarship recipients are expected to teach two Leave No Trace 

trainer courses per year. One GSUSA Scholarship is awarded per council.

Requirements: You must have back country backpacking, sea kayaking or canoeing experience related to the 

offered course in order to attend. You must also have completed a two day Leave No Trace train the trainer 

course. Within six weeks of completion of the course you must write an evaluative report summary including 

photos. 

Scholarship Applicants Must:

• Have completed a two day LNT Train the Trainer course. Date: ______________________ 

• Submit 2 letters of recommendation; one from your council contact or staff person.

• State why you want to become a Leave No Trace Master Educator. Describe yourself, the nature of 

your council work, your back country experience. Quantify recent achievements related to teaching 

and integrating Leave No Trace into council program. 

• Provide an outline detailing how you will implement Leave No Trace in your council. Estimate how 

many Girl Scouts will be reached annually by the Leave No Trace message and how many LNT trainer 

courses you can facilitate per year. 

• List the dates and course sites you wish to attend. Visit www.LNT.org for a list of Leave No Trace 

(LNT) Master Educator courses or call LNT Inc. at (800) 332-4100.

1st Choice Date _______________ Course Site ___________________ circle: NOLS/AMC

2nd Choice Date ______________ Course Site ___________________ circle: NOLS/AMC

For more course information call:

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) 

Michael Cheek (307) 335-2213 Dara Johnson (603) 466-2721 x209

michael_cheek@nols.edu djohnson@amcinfo.org

GSUSA Scholarship Applications are due to be received by March 17, 2004.

Send completed application form and attach all required information listed above to:

GSUSA Leave No Trace Master Educator Scholarships, 

Attn: Jo Ann Schiffer-Burdett; 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553

For scholarship information call Liz Garland at (916) 669-2777; email: liz_garland@tdogs.org
__________________________________________________________________

LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES

Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 56

Appendix 1 – Girl Scout Council Map