Overview
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is excited to partner with the Girl Scouts Councils of Massachusetts to provide exclusive opportunities for Girl Scouts and their families! Programs are specifically tailored to assist Girl Scouts with earning their Eco Friend Brownie badge and the Eco Camper Junior Badge and other nature based badges. These programs are specially designed for Girl Scouts, but Girl Scouts are welcome to participate in any state program at any state park statewide. To help plan your visit and for helpful links please visit here! To register and for program descriptions please see the program listing below. Please be aware programs do have capacity limits and are noted in the description.
Remember to wear your Girl Scouts uniform, sash, or other apparel to be specially welcomed at DCR properties during the weekend!
For more information or questions please call Hilary Treat, Manager of Statewide Initiatives at (617) 626-4966.
We look forward to seeing you in the parks!
Things to know before you go:
- All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Be season smart and safe. Dress for the weather by wearing sturdy footgear and dressing in layers for maximum comfort.
- Carry drinking water and snacks.
- Have a map and cell phone.
- Seasonal weather such as heavy rains and storms affect parks and trails. All events, programs and activities are subject to change. Please take a moment to call ahead to confirm.
Eastern Region Programs
Hop aboard for a FREE trip to Spectacle Island!
Saturday, September 9 or Sunday, September 10
All Ages
100 Tickets
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Boston Harbor Now and the National Park Service are excited to invite 100 Girls Scouts of all ages out for a day of fun on the Boston Harbor Islands! Walk Spectacle island's sandy beaches and winding trails. Catch the ferry to the island right from downtown Boston's Long Wharf North... for free! Reserve your Free ferry passes no later than Monday, August 7. Tickets are limited so be sure to reserve today! Ferries depart from Long Wharf. Be sure to visit www.bostonharbornow.org for a listing of events happening that weekend and for ferry times.
Great Brook Farm State Park, 165 North Road, Carlisle MA
September 9, 2023 10:00-11:00am
Growing for Pollinators!
Come learn about the measures we take to provide a healthy habitat for our pollinators- a native plant garden, no-mow zones, and more! Program intended for all ages and can accommodate 25 people (children and adults) total. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Program will happen rain or shine.
Great Brook Farm State Park, 165 North Road, Carlisle MA
September 10, 2023 10:00-11:00am
Growing for Pollinators!
Come learn about the measures we take to provide a healthy habitat for our pollinators- a native plant garden, no-mow zones, and more! Program intended for all ages and can accommodate 25 people (children and adults) total. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Program will happen rain or shine.
Harold Parker State Forest, 305 Middleton Road, North Andover, MA
September 9, 2023 9:00-10:00am
Life of a Pond
Discover and learn about the fascinating life of the pond and why we should care for both these fragile creatures and the pond that represents their home. Nets and small buckets will be provided for brief capture and release of the pond creatures. Program intended for all ages and can accommodate 20 people (children and adults) total. Meet at Sudden Pond (18 Middleton Rd, North Andover). Parking is free. Heavy rain or high winds cancels.
Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Avenue, Rockport, MA
September 9, 2023 11:30am-12:30pm
Halibut Quarry Quest to Secret Treasure Box!
Treasure Hunt with clues/directions. Learn about Halibut Point State Park--and visit parts of the park you've never seen before! At the end, you'll find a secretly hidden Treasure Box! Program intended for Brownies and older and can accommodate 30 people (children and adults) total. Meet at the Visitor Center. Be sure to bring drinking water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit, East Falmouth, MA
September 10, 2023 1:00-2:00pm
Art in Nature
Participants will enjoy a short nature walk on trail and through the beach. During this coastal exploration, visitors will gain inspiration to make their own sand art. Program intended for Daisies and can accommodate 20 people (children and adults) total. Meet at the Visitor Center. Parking is free. Be sure to bring Sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes. Cancelled for heavy rain or thundershowers.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit, East Falmouth, MA
September 10, 2023 10:00-11:00am
Art in Nature
Participants will enjoy a short nature walk on trail and through the beach. During this coastal exploration, visitors will collect shells and rock to make their own ocean inspired plaque to take home. Program intended for Brownies and can accommodate 20 people (children and adults) total. Meet at the Visitor Center. Parking is free. Be sure to bring Sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes. Cancelled for heavy rain or thundershowers.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Avenue, North Easton, MA
September 9, 2023 1:00-2:00pm
Family Nature Exploration: Ponding
Curious about the natural world? Use nets and buckets to catch the animals in Leach Pond. Discover what's out there and learn about water quality. Program intended for Brownies and can accommodate 25 people (children and adults) total. Meet at the Visitor Center. Be sure to bring sunscreen, water, and clothes and shoes that can get wet. Cancelled for heavy rain or thundershowers.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Avenue, North Easton, MA
September 10, 2023 12:00-12:30pm
Ames Mansion Tour
Step back in time and explore the first floor of the historic Ames Mansion. Program intended for all ages and can accommodate 15 people (children and adults) total. Meet at the Visitor Center. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes.
Southeastern Region
Fall River Heritage State Park, Davol St, Fall River, MA
Saturday, September 9, 9am-3:30pm
Bingo Adventure
Join Fall River Heritage State Park in Fall River, Massachusetts for your Saturday event of Girl Scouts Love State Parks 2023 weekend! Girl Scouts are invited to join in on the adventure as you earn your Girl Scouts Love State Parks 2023 patch! GSSNE will have a check-in station inside the visitor center where you will receive an activity bingo sheet. Girl Scouts have options to participate through guided activities with park staff as well as self-led discovery! Activity sheets are to be completed before the program time concludes at 3:30 PM. Return to the check-in station and show GSSNE staff your activity sheet to receive your patch! Registration is required as the patch is included in the program cost. This is a registered event that will be running activities from 9 AM - 3:30 PM, and participants can check in throughout the day and check out when they are ready!
Central and Western Region Programs
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge MA
September 9, 2023 10:30am-12:00pm
Freshwater Investigators
Only 2.5% of Earth’s water is freshwater but it is one of our most important natural resources. In this program, become a scientist for the day as we learn why freshwater is so important and how it can be impacted by human activity. Starting with a short hike and ending with an experiment, we’ll explore the history of the Blackstone River and Canal and investigate the different components of a healthy freshwater ecosystem! Program intended for Juniors and can accommodate 25 people (children and adults) total. Total distance is two miles. Meet at River Bend Farm Visitor Center. Parking is free. Be sure to bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, notebook and pencil, and snack. Program will happen rain or shine but will be cancelled in the event of severe inclement weather. If raining, still expect to be outside.
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge MA
September 10, 2023 10:30am-12:00pm
Freshwater Investigators
Only 2.5% of Earth’s water is freshwater but it is one of our most important natural resources. In this program, become a scientist for the day as we learn why freshwater is so important and how it can be impacted by human activity. Starting with a short hike and ending with an experiment, we’ll explore the history of the Blackstone River and Canal and investigate the different components of a healthy freshwater ecosystem! Program intended for Cadets and can accommodate 25 people (children and adults) total. Total distance is two miles. Meet at River Bend Farm Visitor Center. Parking is free. Be sure to bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, notebook and pencil, and snack. Program will happen rain or shine but will be cancelled in the event of severe inclement weather. If raining, still expect to be outside.
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, 198 Purgatory Rd. , Sutton, MA
September 10, 2023 1:00-2:00pm
Chasm Hike
Scramble around boulders while taking in the mystery of Purgatory Chasm. Find out about the park's history, the chasm's rock formations, and its wildlife. As we explore these amazing resources, we will find what it means to be a good steward for our shared natural spaces. Program intended for ages 6 and older and can accommodate 30 people (children and adults) total. Total distance is ½ mile along moderately challenging terrain. Meet at the Pavilion near the chasm's entrance. Be sure to bring sturdy footwear, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Wet weather will cancel. The chasm trail is closed during and soon after rain due to slippery trail conditions. If in doubt, please call the Park Office for an update on current trail conditions: 508-234-3733
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, 345 Mountain Road, Princeton, MA
September 9, 2023 10:00am-12:00pm
Brownie Eco Friend at Wachusett Mountain
This program will satisfy several requirements for the Brownie Eco Friend badge. In this program, Brownies will: interview a park “ranger” and find out about their fascinating job; talk with a park interpreter about animal homes, and will see some actual examples on display; will participate in a fun outdoor activity finding houses in nature, turning over rocks and using magnifying glasses to investigate living things they find; will go on an easy half-mile hike on one of Wachusett Mountain’s beautiful trails, guided by the park interpreter, and will learn how to practice the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
Meet at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation Visitor Center. This program is for Brownies, grades 2-3 and their adult chaperones; total group size should be limited to 15. Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks. The program will run rain-or-shine; the outdoor portion will be cancelled if there are thunderstorms or heavy rain. For questions, call Visitor Services Supervisor Nick at 978-464-2987.
Wachusett Reservoir, 180 Beaman St., West Boylston, MA
September 9, 2023 1:00-2:00pm
Nature Connections StoryWalk®and activities
Come by the Old Stone Church and discover the greater interconnectedness of nature on a short outdoor walk featuring Trout are Made of Trees StoryWalk® by April Pulley Sayre. Activity stations will include a Fish Print Craft and Tree Identification. Program intended for all ages and can accommodate 50 people (children and adults) total. Total distance is ¼ mile. Meet at the Old Stone Church (130 Beaman St, West Boylston). Parking is free on Beaman St. Be sure to dress for the weather. Rain cancels.
Quabbin Reservoir, 100 Winsor Dam Rd., Belchertown , MA
September 10, 2023 1:00-2:00pm
Exploring Animal Habitats
Insects and reptiles, fish and mammals, wildlife lives all around us. Take a hike and learn about what makes a good habitat for our animal neighbors. Program intended for Juniors and can accommodate 30 people (children and adults) total. Total distance is 1/2 mile. Meet at Hanks Meadow. Parking is free. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring water. Rain cancels.
Holyoke Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA
September 9, 2023 10:00-11:30am
How to Hike like a Pro
For first time hikers and beginners learning to day hike. Compete in a "Pack-a-Pack" scavenger hunt to learn what to bring in your daypack. Check out specialized hiking gear. Learn how to read trail maps and to practice "Leave no Trace" hiking. This is an orientation to hiking. Program intended for Brownies and can accommodate 15 people (children and adults) total. Total distance is 1/2 mile. Meet at the Visitor Center. Parking is free. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring water and a snack. Rain cancels.
Clarksburg State Park, 1199 Middle Rd, Clarksburg, MA
September 9, 2023 10:00am-12:00pm
Hooked on Fishing
Girls will learn the basics of fishing including knot tying, casting, conservation, and fish identification. And, of course, we will be fishing!!! Use the park's fishing equipment or bring your own. Supplies are limited. Program intended for Juniors and older and can accommodate 25 people (children and adults) total. Meet at the Nature Center (1199 Middle Road, Clarksburg). Parking is free. Program will happen rain or shine but will be cancelled in the event of severe inclement weather. If raining, still expect to be outside.
Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA
September 9, 2023 10:30am-12:00pm
Art Naturally: Botanical Prints
We'll use gel plates and an array of papers and acrylic paints to make exquisite botanical prints. Whether printing ferns whose relatives lived 200 million years ago or leaves from the magnificent oak tree that supports so much biodiversity, you're guaranteed to create some beautiful nature-inspired artwork—suitable for framing or for small handmade book covers, greeting cards, or collage. We'll have lots of examples for how you can share your nature prints with family and friends. Program intended for all ages and can accommodate 20 people (children and adults) total. Meet at the Great Hall. Parking is free. All materials will be provided. Program will happen rain or shine.