Girl Scouts Love State Parks
September 10, 2025
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced the agency will welcome hundreds of Girl Scouts to state parks for the seventh annual Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14. In recognition of this event, Governor Maura Healey proclaimed the second weekend of September as Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend in Massachusetts, continuing the tradition of encouraging environmental stewardship among the next generation. In honor of the Girl Scouts, DCR will waive parking fees for all visitors at all agency parks across the state on Saturday and Sunday.
“As a former Girl Scout, I remember learning how to follow a compass, build a fire and work as a team to solve real challenges outdoors. Those are moments that empower girls and young women and teach them important life skills,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend honors experiences like these – when girls step into nature and discover what they’re capable of.”
“The Girl Scouts instill leadership and confidence, inspiring the scouts to make a difference in their communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Girl Scouts Love State Parks provides an opportunity for participants to experience our amazing state parks and learn how important these spaces are to our well-being through fun and engaging programs.”
“DCR is thrilled to once again be partnering with the Girl Scouts on this wonderful tradition of bringing Girl Scouts into our parks for free and engaging programs that enable them to earn their nature-based badges,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s proclamation of Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend strengthens our commitment to bringing more families and young people into the outdoors to connect with the natural world around them.”
This year, DCR is offering 15 programs at 12 state parks for Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend. Each program helps qualify Scouts for their Eco Friend Brownie Badge and Eco Camper Junior Badger, as well as other nature-based badges. Outside of event-specific programming, Scouts are also encouraged to take part in any interpretive programming currently being offered at DCR parks across the state. To register for Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend activities or learn about the weekend’s programming, visit DCR’s program Girl Scouts Love State Parks website.
“It’s an honor to be able to partner with the Department of Conservation and Recreation,” said Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts CEO Monica Roberts. “Outdoor exploration is crucial to youth development, and our collaboration with the DCR is one of the ways we encourage our Girl Scouts to build confidence, curiosity, and lifelong appreciation of the outdoors.”
“Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend is a celebration of adventure, discovery, and our connection to the natural world,” said Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts CEO Theresa Lynn. “We’re proud to partner with DCR again to open doors for girls to explore, lead, and learn in the great outdoors.”
All children participating in programming must be accompanied by an adult. DCR is encouraging participating Girl Scouts and their families to wear sturdy footwear and dress in layers for maximum comfort; bring water and snacks along with a map and cell phone. Girl Scouts should wear their uniform, sash or other Girl Scout apparel. All events, programs and activities are subject to change with the weather. Participants are urged to call ahead to confirm programs will run as planned.
Programs that are part of Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend include:
Explore Nature: By the Pond at Borderland State Park on Sunday, September 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. in North Easton for an exploration of pond life. Participants will use nets to stir up the bottom of the pond to see what they catch. This program can accommodate 20 people.
Brownie Eco Friend at Wachusett Mountain on Saturday, September 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Princeton where Brownies can complete several requirements for the Brownie Eco Friend badge, including learning from park rangers and interpretive staff and going on a hike to learn how to practice the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
Falling for Trees Gel Printing at Great Falls Discovery Center on Saturday, September 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Turners Falls where Scouts can earn their Outdoor Art Maker and Outdoor Art Creator badges. Participants will show their appreciation to oak trees by making their own fall colored leaf gel print.
For a full list of all programs DCR is offering for through the initiative please visit the Girl Scouts Love State Parks website.
