Girls from across the Rapid City area gathered at Custer State Park on September 13 for Girl Scouts Love State Parks, a special weekend of outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, and unforgettable experiences.
From the moment they arrived, the Girl Scouts were greeted with a unique welcome—an entire herd of female bighorn sheep near the check-in area. “The girls were so excited to see the sheep, and they stayed around most of the day,” shared volunteer Lori T. “It really set the tone for the adventure ahead.”
Throughout the day, Girl Scouts rotated through activities designed to connect them with nature, build confidence, and spark curiosity. They:
Learned about bats and built bat houses
Tried their hand at archery
Painted several buffalo sculptures that will be displayed during the upcoming Buffalo Roundup, which draws thousands of visitors each year
Climbed rock walls
Discovered more about birds and their habitats while building bird houses
Explored many other outdoor activities
“The girls had the chance to not only explore the park but also discover new skills and learn more about themselves,” Lori said.
Special thanks goes to Custer State Park for hosting such a meaningful and fun event.