PROSPECT PARK — Over 300 members of the Girls Scouts of Greater New York (GSGNY) gathered from every borough to lead a major clean up of Concert Grove in Prospect Park on Saturday, Nov. 23. 

“We have a contract with the Prospect Park Alliance for 100 years, and we are in our 34th year,” said Debbi Foreman, volunteer and troop experience manager at GSGNY. “The girls are raking the leaves, sweeping the walkway and collecting as many leaves as they can. They get a sense of community, give back to the community, and they understand that Prospect Park is their park so they’re cleaning up to take care of it.” 

The partnership between Prospect Park Alliance, NYC Parks and GSGNY provides Girl Scouts with opportunities to engage in environmental stewardship, conservation and community service. The group picked up litter and raked and bagged leaves, ensuring the park remains welcoming and usable to all New Yorkers.

“I’m not an outdoorsy person, but I like helping people and helping the environment,” said Girl Scout Madison.

The partnership allows Girl Scouts to actively contribute to the preservation of the park. Girl Scouts are leading efforts to tackle environmental issues and address the climate crisis through large-scale environmental clean up efforts and educational opportunities, as sustainability aligns with the GSGNY’s core values. 

It is necessary for the Girl Scouts to have a sense of ownership and responsibility in their communities, especially when the effects of the climate crisis are clear in historically and culturally significant community hubs like Prospect Park, where recent wildfires threaten the Alliance’s efforts. GSGNY’s initiatives provide opportunities for protecting and sustaining New York’s parks, and Girl Scouts gain leadership skills from these experiences.

About Girl Scouts of Greater New York

Girl Scouts of Greater New York is New York City’s oldest and largest girls’ leadership organization, reaching tens of thousands of girls ages 5 to 18 in every zip code of the five boroughs. Through Girl Scouts, girls explore STEM, business and entrepreneurship, environmental leadership, and outdoor adventure, advocacy, and so much more. Girl Scouting is “by girls, for girls,” and today’s Girl Scouts learn to lead with courage, confidence and character, to make the world a better place. Visit the Girl Scouts’ website to learn more.