Local Girl Scouts roll up their sleeves to clean up Long Island beaches and parks
Dozens of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County took to the shoreline at Heckscher State Park in East Islip last month to comb the shoreline for discarded trash, collect litter and learn about proper waste disposal and recycling practices.
The two-hour beach cleanup on Sunday, September 13, brought together Girl Scouts, troop leaders, parents and volunteers of all ages as part of the annual “Girl Scouts Love State Parks!” initiative, a nationwide event organized by Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) to encourage girls to explore, appreciate and protect state parks.
“Long Island’s beaches and parks are some of our community’s greatest natural resources, and we want our Girl Scouts to understand that they have a responsibility to help protect them,” said Tammy Severino, president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “Activities like this teach girls that leadership isn’t just about having ideas. It’s about taking action, working together and making a positive difference in the world around them.”
Beyond removing litter from the shoreline, the cleanup provided an opportunity for girls to develop teamwork, leadership and environmental stewardship skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural spaces while giving back to their communities.
“Community service is an important part of the Girl Scout experience, and this event gives girls an opportunity to see the direct impact of their efforts,” said Amanda Adair, senior program coordinator, outdoor and older girl programming for GSSC. “They can look at the beach when they arrive, see the difference they’ve made when they’re finished and understand that they have the power to create positive change. Those are lessons that stay with them long after the event is over.”
Participating Girl Scouts also earned a special “Girl Scouts Love State Parks” patch in recognition of their efforts. To learn more about Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, visit www.gssc.us.
