Comprehensive Guide To Free Resources And Activities For Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts offers numerous free resources and activities that can enhance the scouting experience without financial burden. From educational field trips to printable materials and community events, there are many opportunities for troops to engage in enriching activities at no cost. This guide explores the various free resources available to Girl Scouts, their leaders, and parents looking to maximize the scouting experience.

Free Field Trips and Outings

One of the most valuable aspects of Girl Scouting is the opportunity to explore the world through field trips and outings. Fortunately, many organizations offer free admission or special programs for Girl Scouts.

Free Bowling

Participating bowling locations offer 2 free games of bowling per day for kids throughout the summer. This provides troops with an affordable option for physical activity and socialization during the warmer months. The program runs all summer long, making it a consistent resource for troops looking for regular activities. Troop leaders can locate participating bowling centers through the organization's website or by contacting local bowling alleys directly.

EAA Young Eagles Flight

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) provides free Young Eagles flights, giving Girl Scouts the opportunity to experience aviation. This program can inspire interest in STEM fields and provide memorable experiences for troop members. The flights are conducted by licensed pilots and provide a comprehensive introduction to general aviation. Troops can arrange flights through local EAA chapters, and the program is available year-round, weather permitting.

Home Depot Kids Workshops

Home Depot hosts Kids Workshops on the first Saturday of each month at participating locations. These workshops provide all supplies free of charge, including an orange apron and a project pin. Troops can participate in these hands-on building activities that teach practical skills and tool safety. Each workshop focuses on a different project, allowing troops to build a collection of completed projects throughout the year. Workshops typically last 2-3 hours and are suitable for children aged 5-12.

Apple Field Trips

Apple offers free field trips that encourage technology use and creativity. These programs can support various STEM badges including Computer Expert, Digital Photography, Digital Movie Making, Coding, and Digital Art. Girls create amazing projects while learning valuable technological skills. Apple field trips are typically 60-90 minutes in length and accommodate up to 30 students. Troops can schedule field trips through Apple's website, and the company provides all necessary materials and instruction.

Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Stores

Jo-Ann Fabrics provides free classroom space for scout gatherings when not in use. Meet-Up reservations include access to sewing machines, craft tools, project ideas, and knowledgeable team members. Reservations must be made one to seven days in advance and can be arranged by speaking with a team member in-store. The space is available during regular store hours, and troop leaders can request specific project ideas based on the girls' ages and interests. Some restrictions may apply during peak shopping seasons.

Microsoft Store Programs

Microsoft Stores offer programs for Daisy through Cadette Girl Scouts, including specific badge programs like the Brownie Computer Expert Badge and Junior Digital Photography Badge. These educational programs help girls develop digital literacy skills. The programs are typically 60-90 minutes in length and can accommodate up to 10-15 girls per session. Microsoft Stores provide all necessary technology and instruction, and troops can register through the Microsoft Store website or by contacting their local store directly.

Museum Day Admission

Select museums offer free admission on Museum Day, providing troops with opportunities to explore art, history, and science without cost. These cultural experiences can complement badge work and educational objectives. Museum Day typically occurs once a year in September, but many museums offer separate free admission days throughout the year. Troops should check with individual museums for specific dates and any advance registration requirements.

National Parks Annual Pass

Through the Every Kid Outdoors program, 4th graders receive a free annual pass to national parks. This enables troops to explore natural environments, learn about conservation, and complete outdoor badges at no cost. The pass covers entrance fees for the 4th grader and all children in the vehicle, making it ideal for troop outings. Troops with 4th graders can obtain passes through the Every Kid Outdoors website, and the pass is valid for the entire school year plus the following summer.

Amazon Fulfillment Center Tours

Amazon offers tours of their fulfillment centers, allowing Girl Scouts to see how packages are processed and delivered. These tours provide insights into logistics, technology, and e-commerce operations. Tours typically last about 30 minutes and can accommodate groups of up to 20 people. Troops can schedule tours through Amazon's website, and the company provides all necessary safety equipment and information. Tours are available year-round, though scheduling may be limited during peak shopping seasons.

LL Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs

LL Bean provides outdoor discovery programs that can help troops develop outdoor skills and appreciation for nature. These programs often include activities like kayaking, fishing, and camping basics. LL Bean stores typically offer weekend and summer programs designed specifically for youth groups. Programs are led by experienced outdoor educators and provide hands-on learning experiences. Troops can check with their local LL Bean store for current program offerings and registration requirements.

Free Educational Programs and Workshops

Beyond field trips, numerous organizations offer free educational programs and workshops specifically designed for Girl Scouts.

Apple Educational Programs

Apple's educational programs go beyond simple field trips, offering in-depth experiences that align with Girl Scout badges. These programs focus on technology, creativity, and innovation, providing girls with hands-on experience with Apple products and software. The programs are structured to support specific badge requirements, making them particularly valuable for troop leaders looking to complete badge work. Apple's offerings vary by location and season, with some stores offering special workshops during school breaks and summer months.

Microsoft Store Badge Programs

Microsoft Stores offer structured badge programs for different Girl Scout levels. These programs are designed to help girls earn specific badges while developing digital literacy skills. The curriculum is developed in collaboration with Girl Scouts to ensure alignment with badge requirements and learning objectives. Programs are typically led by Microsoft employees who have experience working with youth groups and can adapt the content to different age levels and troop needs.

Jo-Ann Fabrics Crafting Workshops

In addition to providing free meeting space, Jo-Ann Fabrics offers crafting workshops that troops can participate in. These workshops cover various crafting techniques and can help troops complete craft-related badges. The availability of sewing machines and other tools makes these workshops particularly valuable for troops interested in textile arts or fashion design. Workshops can be customized based on troop interests and age levels, and Jo-Ann team members can provide guidance on badge requirements that align with specific crafting projects.

Free Printable Resources and Patches

Digital resources offer another avenue for free Girl Scout materials that can enhance troop activities without cost.

Pinterest Resources

Pinterest hosts numerous collections of free Girl Scout printables and patch programs. One board features 170 different Girl Scout freebie programs and patch ideas, providing troops with a wealth of activity options. Another board focuses on free printable downloads for party decor, Pokemon, camping, Girl Scouts, sports, and more. These resources can be particularly valuable for troops with limited budgets, as they provide ready-made materials for various activities and events. The printables cover a wide range of topics including meeting planners, activity sheets, ceremony scripts, and craft templates.

Activity Guide Downloads

Girl Scouts of the USA offers free activity guide downloads for many of their programs. These guides provide step-by-step instructions for completing activities, badge requirements, and reflection exercises. The availability of these free downloads makes Girl Scouting more accessible to troops with limited resources, as they reduce the need for purchased program materials. Guides are available for all grade levels and cover topics from outdoor skills to STEM to entrepreneurship.

Free Patch Programs

In addition to official badges, many organizations offer free patch programs that troops can complete. These patches often focus on specific themes or causes and can be earned alongside official badges. The patch programs provide additional opportunities for girls to explore interests and develop skills while recognizing their achievements. Some popular free patch programs focus on environmental conservation, community service, and cultural awareness. Patch requirements are typically available online, and patches can often be ordered directly from the sponsoring organization.

Free Community Events

Girl Scouts often participate in or host free community events that provide opportunities for service, learning, and fun.

Trunk or Treat Events

Girl Scouts organize Trunk or Treat events in communities like Omaha and Lincoln. These free family-friendly events feature themed trunks decorated by troops, volunteers, and community partners. Each trunk offers a unique trick-or-treating experience with Halloween goodies and surprises. The events also include games, activities, and opportunities to learn about Girl Scouting. These events are open to the entire community and provide Girl Scouts with opportunities for community engagement and exposure. Troops can participate by decorating their trunks, volunteering at the event, or simply attending with their families.

Community Service Events

Many Girl Scout troops organize free community service events as part of their Take Action projects. These events address local needs and provide girls with opportunities to develop leadership skills while making a positive impact in their communities. The events are organized and executed by the girls with minimal adult intervention, fostering independence and project management skills. Popular community service events include food drives, park cleanups, and assistance at local shelters. Troops can often partner with local organizations to identify service opportunities that align with the girls' interests and skills.

Free Summer Activities

Summer offers numerous opportunities for free or low-cost Girl Scout activities that can keep troops engaged during the break.

Free Summer Troop Activities

Despite common misconceptions, there are many free activities available to Girl Scouts during the summer. These can include outdoor adventures, skill-building workshops, and community service projects. Many organizations offer special summer programs designed specifically for Girl Scouts, often at no cost. Summer is an ideal time for troops to work on badges that require more time or outdoor activities that are better suited to warmer weather. Local parks, libraries, and community centers often offer free summer programming that Girl Scouts can participate in.

Upcycle Crafting

Upcycle crafting, also known as recycled art, involves transforming waste or used materials into art pieces. This environmentally friendly activity requires minimal investment as it primarily uses materials that would otherwise be discarded. Upcycle crafting can be done with troops during the summer and aligns with sustainability badges and environmental awareness objectives. Girls can create useful items, decorative pieces, or art installations while learning about waste reduction and creative reuse. Many upcycle crafting projects can be completed with materials collected from homes or donated by community members.

Outdoor Discovery Programs

Organizations like LL Bean offer outdoor discovery programs during the summer months. These programs provide opportunities for Girl Scouts to develop outdoor skills, learn about nature, and participate in activities like hiking, kayaking, and camping basics. Many of these programs are offered at no cost or minimal cost to Girl Scout troops. Summer outdoor programs can help troops progress toward outdoor badges and provide girls with valuable experiences in nature. Some programs include overnights or