Congratulations Victoria Patterson!!!

Here's a few words from Victoria about her project.

Camping supplies cost too much and take up too much space. Some troops can't afford to purchase the equipment necessary for a camping/outdoor event. Some troop leaders have nowhere to store the equipment once it's been purchased. 

Being able to get outdoors has many benefits for girls. Studies show being outdoors can help build personal confidence and self esteem, create a positive body image, become more independent, as well as improve physical health and mental health. 

According to Girl Scouts Soar in the Outdoors, a 2019 Report from the Girl Scout Institute, "80% of girls say they love doing outdoor activities with their troop! Importantly, how often girls do outdoor activities matters. Girls whose troops do three or more outdoor activities a year get more enjoyment out of the outdoor activities they do and are more excited about being a Girl Scout than girls whose troops do two or less outdoor activities a year."

In More than S'mores: Successes and surprises in Girl Scouts' Outdoor Experiences "they say outdoor experiences in Girl Scouts provide them with unique opportunities to try new things, improve skills, overcome fears, and help other girls." 

In The physical benefits of camping by Christina Pay, Extension Assistant Professor at Utah State, She says "camping is good for you, both in body and mind. Benefits include relationship building, opportunities to learn and develop new skills, unplugging and getting away from screens, connecting with nature, stress reduction, and increasing physical fitness. The fitness benefits of camping are well documented. Research suggests that physical activity in the outdoors and feelings of connection to nature enhance psychological health and well-being. Activities such as walking in forests and participating in outdoor activities have been shown to enhance mood and focus, and increase attention and cognitive capacity. Additionally, significant improvements in self-esteem occur with physical activity in the great outdoors" 

• I created a lending library filled with outdoor gear to make it so the troop leaders can take their girls on camping trips and do outdoor activities without costing a lot of money on gear they may only use once or twice a year. Here's the link to access the  Camping Closet inventory 

• I put together an encampment planner for older girls or troop leaders can use to plan their next outdoor adventure.  Here's a link to the Encampment Planner 

• I compiled several campfire recipes and put them together in a document for girls and leaders to use.  Here's the link to the Outdoor Cooking guide