Strong Women. Better Future.

Sterlington, Louisiana.   Looking to make a difference in the world? Join the Girl Scouts of Louisiana! This weekend Traveling Trainers Dani and Roland spent an evening at the Pinewood Lodge in Northern Louisiana. We had the pleasure of meeting several fabulously ambitious women who are very enthusiastic about implementing Leave No Trace into their on-going curriculum with the Girl Scout of Louisiana, the Pines to the Gulf.The Pines to the Gulf is a charter council with the Girl Scouts of the USA, that serves 42 towns west of the Mississippi River and supports nearly 12,000 girls through programs, community and learning opportunities. 

The Girl Scouts of the USA organization is dedicated to helping all girls fulfill their potential and gain valuable skills to ensure their future success. Outdoor activities like camping, hiking and other opportunities to experience the natural world are part of the girls' personal growth and leadership development experience. Unplugging from our technology driven world and spending a few nights under the stars is a great way for girls to build new skills, gain a sense of community and establish a deep appreciation for nature and the environment.

Centuries ago, when Americans challenged the Great Western Wilderness and headed to Oregon, California and Utah, only 10% of the pioneers were women. As we find society in a new era, we will not be able to change that ratio unless woman begin to change it themselves by teaching young girls what the great outdoors has to offer. The future needs accomplished outdoorswomen who have experienced a sense of freedom, a sense of belonging to the natural world, a spiritual connection and a feeling of ownership with America's vast public lands.

The goal of Girl Scout Leaders in Louisiana is to help girls feel comfortable in an outdoor setting and to use the forest as a window to the world. These leaders are equipping themselves with Leave No Trace ethics, skills and techniques in order to share their knowledge and love of the outdoors responsibly with their Girl Scout Troops across the state.

Through the challenge and support of the wilderness, The Pines to Gulf Council will be implementing the applicable Seven Principles of Leave No Trace into their outdoor curriculum. By planning ahead and preparing, these influential women will be able to preserve and protect the integrity and beauty of our lands by enabling girls to become lifelong stewards for the out of doors. Building strong, confident girls of all ages with leadership skills and a deep connection with the environment will make our world a better place.

Ninjas for Nature - dani and roland