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2022 Girl Scouts Love State Parks

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2022 Girl Scouts Love State Parks

What is Girl Scouts Love Ohio State Parks?

ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft has teamed up with the Girl Scout Councils of Ohio’s Heartland, Western Ohio, and North East Ohio to support girls, troops, and families in exploring all that Ohio State Parks offer. Girls can celebrate this partnership by visiting an Ohio State Park with their troop or their family on September 10th & 11th, although there is fun to be had in Ohio’s State Parks all year long.

Goal: To increase girl participation in outdoor experiences through exploration of Ohio’s State Parks.

Featured Events

Featured events are categorized by Council territory in which they are located but girls are welcome to participate in any event, regardless of the Council territory it falls under.

Council of Western Ohio

Mary Jane Thurston State Park in McClure, OH

MIGRATING BIRDS NATURE WALK — During this time of year, birds are migrating south for the winter. Follow a naturalist on a guided hike to learn about the incredible stories of our fall migrants.

Time: Saturday, September 10, 9:00-10:00am
Location: Blue Trail - Meet near the Park Office
Max Attendance: Any
Level: All
Program Type: Family Activity
Note: Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe, comfortable walking shoes.

ARCHERY — Girls are invited to learn the basics of archery shooting. All equipment provided. No experience is needed.

Time: Saturday, September 10, 10:30-11:30am
Location: The Archery Range located near the east side of the day-use area
Max Attendance: Any
Level: Brownies and Up
Program Type: Girls only

FISHING — Have fun fishing with friends. Never fished before? No problem! A Naturalist will teach fishing tips and techniques that often lead to a fun, lifelong hobby. You will be “hooked!” All equipment will be provided. Walleye, white bass, smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, bullhead, and crappie offer good sport on the Maumee River. Note: Girls 16 and over must have an Ohio Fishing License.

Time: Saturday, September 10, 12:30-1:30pm
Location: Meet by the boat ramp in the Park Office parking lot
Max Attendance: Any
Level: All
Program Type: Girls only

SELF-GUIDED STORYBOOK TRAIL WALK — Hello, bookworm! Did you know you can exercise your mind and body at Ohio State Parks? It’s true! This half-mile loop trail features beautiful tall trees and glimpses of the Maumee River.

Time: Any
Location: The Storybook Trail – It can be found at the end of the marina parking lot
Max Attendance: Any
Level: Brownies and Daisies
Program Type: Family Activity

Lake Loramie State Park in Minster, OH

GROWING UP SHAWNEE — Learning about someone is never as impactful as learning from someone! Join Talon Silverhorn (Eastern Shawnee Tribe) as you Learn about Ohio Tribal history, government, and culture- past and present, while participating in hands on activities that place you in the shoes of historic Tribal Nations. RSVP Required

Time: Saturday, September 10, 9:00-10:00am
Location: Nature Center located inside the park campground.
Max Attendance: 15
Level: N/A
Program Type: Ages 8 and up
Must RSVP to Council of Western Ohio

FISHING — Have fun fishing with friends! Never fished before? No problem! A Naturalist will teach fishing tips and techniques that often lead to a fun, lifelong hobby. You will be “hooked!” All equipment will be provided. Lake Loramie provides good catches of crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, bullheads, carp, and fair numbers of largemouth bass. Note: Girls 16 and over must have an Ohio Fishing License; RSVP Required

Time: Saturday, September 10, 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Meet at ADA Kayak Area located at the first driveway off of St. Rt. 362 past the campground entrance. You will turn to your right to park in the ADA Kayak Area
Max Attendance: 15
Level: All
Program Type: Girls only
Must RSVP with Council of Western Ohio

KAYAKING — Paddling in the parks is a favorite outdoorsy pastime in Ohio! Join the Naturalists for a cruise around the lake and learn how to safely enjoy your kayaking adventures. This program is weather dependent. If there is rain, high winds, lightning or any storms, this program will be substituted with a Miami-Erie Canal History Program which will be held at the Nature Center located inside the campground. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes, clothing they can get wet in, sunscreen and a hat. RSVP Required

Time: Saturday, September 10, 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Park Swimming Beach
Max Attendance: 5
Level: Beginner
Program Type: Girls Only ages 8 and up
Must RSVP with Council of Western Ohio

Hueston Woods State Park in College Corner, OH

ARCHERY — Girls are invited to learn the basics of archery shooting. All equipment provided. No experience is needed.

Time: Saturday, September 10, 9:00-10:00am
Location: Meet at the Nature Center
Max Attendance: Any
Level: Brownies and Up
Program Type: Girls only

FOSSIL COLLECTING — Take a step back in time and explore the Hueston Woods Spillway where the ancient Ordovician Sea used to be over 445 million years ago! Evidence of marine life is abundant in the fossil-rich limestone and shale bedrock. RSVP Required

Time: Saturday, September 10, 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Meet at the Nature Center
Max Attendance: Any
Level: Any
Program Type: Family Activity
Must RSVP with the Council of Western Ohio

BIRDS OF PREY — See live raptors up close and learn about the diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey that call Hueston Woods their home.

Time: Saturday, September 10, 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Meet at the Nature Center
Max Attendance: Any
Level: All
Program Type: Family Activity

SELF GUIDED NATURE CENTER VISIT — The Nature Center is also home to a variety of live animals including fish, reptiles, birds of prey, and mammals. Its interactive displays include the park’s history, geology, and Ohio’s native plants and animals. All the animals at the nature center are native Ohio species that are kept at the nature center only because they are unable to survive on their own in the wild.

Time: Open daily, 10am-4:30pm year-round
Location: Near the park office
Max Attendance: Any
Level: All
Program Type: Family Activity

John Bryan State Park in Yellow Springs, OH

5 USEFUL KNOTS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW — Learn five different knots that are useful for the outdoors and everyday life. Practice your skills in a hands-on workshop. RSVP Required

Time: Sunday, September 11, 10:00-11:00am
Location: Meet at the Lower Shelter House
Max Attendance: 15
Level: Age 10 years and up
Program Type: Girls Only
Must RSVP with Council of Western Ohio

LIGHTNING BUGS AND GLOW WORMS — Discover the magic of lightning bugs and glow worms and ways we can help them. Join us for a game of daytime Lightning Bug Flashlight tag. RSVP Required

Time: Sunday, September 11, 11:30am-12:30pm
Location: Meet at the Lower Shelter House
Max Attendance: 50
Level: Age 7 years and up
Program Type: Girls Only
Must RSVP with Council of Western Ohio

ANIMAL CLUES-TRACKS AND SCAT — Learn ways to identify and track animals with footprints and scat. Have fun as you make your own scat collection (from clay) to take home. RSVP Required

Time: Sunday, September 11, 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Meet at the Lower Shelter House
Max Attendance: 20
Level: Age 10 years and up
Program Type: Girls Only
Must RSVP with Council of Western Ohio

SELF-GUIDED STORYBOOK TRAIL WALK — Hello, bookworm! Did you know you can exercise your mind and body at Ohio State Parks? It’s true! This half-mile loop winds through a heavily wooded trail where visitors can experience the peaceful sounds of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River.

Time: Any
Location: The Storybook Trail – It can be found beside the playground
Max Attendance: Any
Level: Brownies and Daisies
Program Type: Family Activity

Council of North East Ohio

Findley State Park in Wellington, OH

NATURE HIKE — Meet at the Storybook Trail for an easy hike to learn about different aspects of the forests at Findley State Park.

Time: Saturday, September 10, 10:00am
Location: The Storybook Trail –25381 State Route 58 Wellington, Ohio 44090 (Park near campground check-in). It can be found just inside the campground to the right of the Check-In building.
Max Attendance: Any
Level: All
Program Type: Family Activity

KAYAKING — Paddling in the parks is a favorite outdoorsy pastime in Ohio! Join the Naturalists for a cruise around the lake and learn how to safely enjoy your kayaking adventures. RSVP Required

Time: Saturday, September 10, 12:00-2:00pm
Location: Campground Boat Ramp area (Kayak Launch)
Max Attendance: 10 (two groups of 5)
Level: Beginner
Program Type: Girls Only ages 12 and up
Must RSVP with the Council of North East Ohio
Note: Participants must be at least 12 years old and physically able to maneuver the vessel. Must sign a waiver to participate, parent must sign waiver for those under 18.

GYOTAKU (FISH PRINTING) — Learn about Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese method of printing fish, a practice which dates to the mid-1800s. We will be making prints of fish that you can take home!

Time: Saturday, September 10, 3:00-5:00pm
Location: Nature Center – 25381 State Route 58 Wellington, Ohio 44090 (Park near campground check-in)
Max Attendance: Any
Level: All
Program Type: Family

SELF-GUIDED STORYBOOK TRAIL WALK — Hello, bookworm! Did you know you can exercise your mind and body at Ohio State Parks? It’s true! This half-mile, crushed stone loop trail immerses young adventurers in nature. After the trail, a natural playground offers additional play space.

Time: Any
Location: The Storybook Trail –25381 State Route 58 Wellington, Ohio 44090 (Park near campground check-in). It can be found just inside the campground to the right of the Check-In building.
Max Attendance: Any
Level: Brownies and Daisies
Program Type: Family Activity

Lake Milton State Park in Lake Milton, OH

GO FISH! — Grab a pole. We’ll show you how to bait a hook and set the hook so you can reel them in. Fishing techniques, equipment, and safety will be discussed. Poles and bait provided. RSVP Required

Time: Saturday, September 10, 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Harry Meshel Picnic area
Max Attendance: 10
Level: All
Program Type: Girls Only
Must RSVP with the Council of North East Ohio

ARCHERY — Hit the bullseye! We’ll provide an introduction to the equipment you will use and share techniques for aiming and shooting a bow. All equipment provided. No experience is needed. RSVP Required

Time: Saturday, September 10, 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Lake Milton Archery Range
Max Attendance: 10
Level: Brownies and Up
Program Type: Girls only
Must RSVP with the Council of North East Ohio

KAYAKING — Let the paddling begin! Have a great time out on the water learning stroke techniques, kayak maneuvering, and safety considerations. All equipment is provided including life jackets (mandatory). RSVP Required

Time: Saturday, September 10, 4:00-5:00pm
Location: Pointview Boat Ramp
Max Attendance: 10
Level: All
Program Type: Girls only
Must RSVP with the Council of North East Ohio
Note: Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Leave your valuables on the shore.

Council of Ohio's Heartland

Alum Creek State Park in Delaware, OH

FISHING — Have fun fishing with friends! Never fished before? No problem! A Naturalist will teach fishing tips and techniques that often lead to a fun, lifelong hobby. You will be “hooked!” All equipment will be provided. Narrow coves and quiet inlets offer fine catches of bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie and saugeye. *Note: Girls 16 and over must have an Ohio Fishing License.

Time: Saturday, September 10, 9:00-10:00am
Location: Park Office at 3615 S. Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43035
Max Attendance: Any
Level: All
Program Type: Girls only

KAYAKING — Paddling in the parks is a favorite outdoorsy pastime in Ohio! Join the Naturalists for a cruise around the lake and learn how to safely enjoy your kayaking adventures. RSVP Required

Time: Saturday, September 10, 11:00am-1:00pm (3 sessions)
- Session 1: 11:00am – 11:35am
- Session 2: 11:40am – 12:15pm
- Session 3: 12:20pm – 12:55pm
Location: Park Office at 3615 S. Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43035
Max Attendance: 10 per session
Level: Beginner
Program Type: Girls Only ages 8 and up
Must RSVP with the Council of Ohio’s Heartland

REPTILES — Join a Naturalist and take a closer look at the native reptiles that can be found in Ohio. Live animals will be present.

Time: Saturday, September 10, 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Nature Center at 2911 S. Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015. Park in the Camp Store parking lot; nature center is located behind the camp store, down the road
Max Attendance: Any
Level: All
Program Type: Family Activity

SELF-GUIDED STORYBOOK TRAIL WALK — Hello, bookworm! Did you know you can exercise your mind and body at Ohio State Parks? It’s true! This half-mile, loop trail features pollinators and glimpses of the lake.

Time: Any
Location: The Storybook Trail – It can be at the north end of the beach, which is on the west side of the lake (follow signs to the Beach).
Max Attendance: Any
Level: Brownies and Daisies
Program Type: Family Activity

Shawnee State Park in West Portsmouth, OH

BIRD AND BUTTERFLY OBSERVING — Discover the beautiful world of birds and butterflies by exploring a pollinator plot with the naturalist. Observe their life cycle in action and discuss ways to help endangered species.

Time: Sunday, September 11, 10:00-11:00am
Location: Meet at the Nature Center (Adjacent to the Turkey Creek Boat Ramp, located on State Route 125 between the lodge road and the campground entrance)
Max Attendance: Any
Level: All
Program Type: Family Activity

CREEK STOMP — Investigate the tiny creatures living under rocks and see what you can catch and identify. The animals tell the story of the stream.

Time: Sunday, September 11, 11:30am-12:30pm
Location: Meet at the Nature Center (Adjacent to the Turkey Creek Boat Ramp, located on State Route 125 between the lodge road and the campground entrance)
Max Attendance: Any
Level: All
Program Type: Family Activity
Note: Wear old shoes and comfortable clothing. Prepare to get wet

KAYAKING — Have fun learning the basics of this fun water sport. Join the Naturalists for a cruise around the lake and learn how to safely enjoy your kayaking adventures. RSVP Required

Time: Sunday, September 11, 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Meet at the Nature Center (Adjacent to the Turkey Creek Boat Ramp, located on State Route 125 between the lodge road and the campground entrance)
Max Attendance: 12
Level: All
Program Type: Girls only
Must RSVP with the Council of Ohio’s Heartland

SELF-GUIDED STORYBOOK TRAIL — Book worms and outdoors enthusiasts now have a little bit of both worlds! This half-mile loop trail provides beautiful scenery in the wooded area of the park.

Time: Any
Location: The Storybook Trail – It can be found behind the camp store in the Marina parking lot
Max Attendance: Any
Level: Brownies and Daisies
Program Type: Family Activity

Mohican State Park in Loudonville, OH

NATURE HIKE — Join a Naturalist on a hike along scenic rivers and explore the beautiful waterfalls of Mohican State Park.

Time: Saturday, September 10, 9:00-10:15am
Location: Meet at the Pleasant Hill Dam
Max Attendance: Any
Level: All
Program Type: Family Activity

ARCHERY — Girls are invited to learn the basics of archery shooting. All equipment provided. No experience is needed.

Time: Saturday, September 10, 11:15am-12:30pm
Location: The Archery Range located off State Route 3, directly across the street from our Class A Campground
Max Attendance: Any
Level: Brownies and Up
Program Type: Girls Only

REPTILES — Join a Naturalist and take a closer look at the native reptiles that can be found in Ohio. Live turtles and snakes will be present.

Time: Saturday, September 10, 1:30-2:30pm
Location: The Nature Center (located inside the Class A Campground)
Max Attendance: Any
Level: All
Program Type: Girls Only

DUTCH OVEN CRAWFISH BOIL — Let’s test your cooking knowledge! Join a Naturalist to cook crawfish in a Dutch Oven while learning about its history as well as how to use a cast iron. RSVP Required

Time: Saturday, September 10, 2:45-3:45pm
Location: The Nature Center (located inside the Class A Campground)
Max Attendance: 20
Level: Ages 10 and Up
Program Type: Girls Only
Must RSVP with the Council of Ohio’s Heartland

You Pick the Time and Place!

NATURE BINGO [pdf] — Cross tasks off the bingo sheet as you explore any state park of your choosing. If you get a bingo, challenge yourself by completing the whole sheet.

STORYBOOK TRAILS — Walk a trail as you read a short story along the way. At the beginning of each trail is a Free Little Library where you can choose to take a book home or leave one for a fellow visitor.

NATURE CRAFTS [pdf] — Get creative and do arts and crafts while learning about the park around you:

Litter Bug Materials needed: Collected Litter, tape or glue, markers

Collect pieces of litter you find during your nature walk
Create your litter bug! If you find bottle caps, use them as a hat or eyes. If you find a bottle, use that as a body and draw legs on it. If you find string or straws, use them as hair. Do anything you can to make it look like a bug!

Leaf Stamping Materials needed: Paper, Leaves, and Paint

Take a nature walk and collect leaves along the way.
Have a piece of paper ready as you dip one side of the leaf in paint (The less paint, the better the prints!)
Take the leaf and press it on the paper

Fall Wreath Materials needed: Glue, paper plate, leaves, pinecones, acorns, sticks

During your nature walk collect fallen leaves, pinecones, acorns, and sticks of all different shapes, colors, and sizes
Take a paper plate and cut out the middle flat surface so you are left with only the rim of the plate
Glue your collected items to the rim of the plate as you begin to create and design your beautiful wreath!

MILKWEED POD HUNT — Take a hike at an Ohio State Park and search for milkweed pods along the way. Did you know milkweed is the only host plant for the Monarch butterfly? Pod collection starts September 1st and runs through October 31st. It is important to only collect pods when they are dry, grey, or brown. If the center seam pops with gentle pressure, they can be harvested! Store pods in paper bags labeled with the date and county collected. Ask your local soil and water conservation district for the collection site nearest you.

GEOCACHING — Use the Geocaching app to cleverly navigate around a state park of your choosing and find 3 geocaches! This treasure hunt will allow you to find stashes of special objects hidden all throughout the park.

KEEP OUR PARKS BEAUTIUL — Girls and their families can participate in the beautification and care of any State Park and participate in #PickUpAmerica. This opportunity allows Girls to be actively involved in conservation and will enhance outdoor recreational needs for all Ohioans. A little litter is a big problem!

Visit www.pickupamerica.com/girlscouts to make your pledge!
How many garbage bags can you collect?
Bring your own bags and gloves

Find Your New Favorite Location

Find Your New Favorite Trail with the New DETOUR App. Whether planning a trails trip from your home computer or on the road looking for spontaneous adventure, the new DETOUR trails app will make it easy to find what you are looking for.

Find Your New Favorite State Park. Open every day and always free, Ohio’s state parks and waterways provide a refuge from the pace of modern life.