Have you wanted to explore outdoor opportunities with your troop, but you weren’t sure where to start? We’ve got you covered!

Join us for “Basic Outdoors,” part of our Volunteer Education Series. The program will be held on Saturday, April 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Camp Furnace Hills.

“This hands-on course will provide tips for introducing girls to the outdoors as well as helping girls discover how their behaviors impact the environment,” said Janelle Brewer, volunteer training manager for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.

Participants will learn more about Leave No Trace, a set of outdoor principles designed to promote conservation. The program will also cover campfire-building skills and will highlight Safety Activity Checkpoints to employ during outdoor activities.

Kathy Ledzinski, Anne Marie Shuey, and Mary Noel “Gus” Stenberg – all experienced Girl Scout leaders – will offer advice on getting the most out of your outdoor experiences.

Kathy is a lifetime member who has been a Girl Scout for 59 years. Her current Girl Scout focus is serving as lead of the Foxfire Team at Camp Furnace Hills. She has been sharing her camp skills and love of the outdoors with girls and adults since she was in high school. She has participated in and volunteered with troop camping, Service Unit encampments, day camps, and resident camps. She has also volunteered at the council level in many capacities, including serving as an outdoor trainer and facilitator. As a Master Trainer, she helped to write and present trainings for leaders, counselors in training, and camp staff. Kathy believes in the importance of training adults to have fun safely in the outdoors as they encourage each of their girls to reach her fullest potential. 

Anne Marie, also a lifetime member of Girl Scouts, has been a Girl Scout for 64 years, joining as a Brownie at age 7. Although she enjoyed many Girl Scout activities, the outdoor experience kept her coming back year after year.  Anne volunteered as a leader in Lebanon County in the legacy council of Penn Laurel and is still a leader of a multilevel troop in our council.  She has held numerous volunteer positions, including serving as Outdoor Program Specialist for Penn Laurel Girl Scout Council, where she was responsible for three resident camps, the Nature Explorer program, and the Mariner program.

Gus has been a Girl Scout for more than 60 years.  As a girl, she earned her Curved Bar (a precursor for the Gold Award), attended the 1965 Round Up in Idaho, and journeyed to Our Cabana World Center in Mexico.  As an adult, she has been a troop leader, served with Service Units and helped with special events both county- and council-wide.  She serves on the local Catholic Girl Scout committee develop programs to help girls earn local, regional, and national Catholic Girl Scout religious recognitions. She has attended the Girl Scout National Conventions and traveled to Sangam World Center in India. Calling herself a “resource person,” she regularly gives talks on World Centers, religious recognitions, and the importance of progression in outdoor experiences.

Written by Cathy Molitoris, Marketing Coordinator for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.