The Girl Scouts are dedicated to fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among young scouts. Through their innovative programs, they aim to create pathways to in-demand STEM careers and work to bridge the gender gap in these fields. ms consultants proudly supports these initiatives and was recently honored to host a Camp Innovation session with the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland.
The young campers gathered to explore the wonders of nature, environmental stewardship, and learn more about watersheds and rain gardens. Several engineers from the ms team led interactive activities, hands-on learning, and a deep dive into how we can all contribute to preserving our environment.
Exploring Watersheds with the Brownies
The day kicked off with the Brownies group, made up of second and third-graders, diving into the world of watersheds. ms’ Vice President of Strategic Water Pursuits, Kari Mackenbach, led the group in a discussion about what is a watershed, and demonstrated with a map of the Franklin County, sparking curiosity as the kids learned about their local environment. They discovered the significance of the Great Darby Creek and the Scioto River, identifying the animals that call these watersheds home.
Next, the Brownies learned about native plants and the critical role of rain gardens. Monica Backs, Emily Curtiss, and Lauren Wagner, all from the ms Team, guided them through an exercise that explained why rain gardens are vital for our ecosystem. The kids were fascinated by the demonstration of how water runoff affects the environment, using plant photos and root systems as examples. Hands-on activities illustrated how rain gardens act like sponges, absorbing water and reducing pollution.
A walk through the pollinator garden was a highlight of the morning! The girls marveled at the variety of plants, learning about how each one plays a crucial role in supporting local pollinators. For those who finished the walk early, there was an opportunity to draw one of the plants from the garden—a chance to combine art with science.
Deeper Insights for Girl Scout Juniors + CSA
The session continued with our older participants—Juniors and CSA (fourth grade and up). This group revisited the watershed module with a bit more complexity. Kari guided the campers through discussions on the Franklin County Watershed Map, the Great Darby Creek, and the Scioto River. The afternoon also introduced discussions on pollution, both point-source and non-point-source, providing a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues. The rain garden activities were revisited with a deeper exploration of how these gardens can mitigate pollution and improve water quality.
The session concluded with a walk through the pollinator garden, where the girls identified which plants were native and which were non-native, learning about the importance of biodiversity and the benefits of planting native species.
A Glimpse into Environmental Careers
The session wrapped up with a career panel, where the campers learned about various careers in environmental science and related fields.
Our Girl Scout Camp Innovation session was not just about teaching environmental concepts but about instilling a passion for the natural world, empowering young girls to become stewards of the environment, and encouraging them to explore their interests in STEM careers. We look forward to seeing how these young leaders will take what they’ve learned and make a difference in their communities.