In early May 2026, NASA hosted a three-day space science event at Camp Conowingo in Maryland, bringing hands-on heliophysics education to 165 Girl Scouts. The program combined interactive activities led by NASA staff and volunteers to help the girls earn their Space Science badge and Ancient and Modern Sun-Watching patch.
What happened
From May 1-3, Girl Scouts from across the region attended a science-focused camping weekend organized with support from NASA’s Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) and the Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission outreach program. The event was led by NASA heliophysicist Nicholeen Viall and involved seven activity stations featuring experiments on the Sun, space weather, planets, stars, and the Moon. The Girl Scouts rotated through the stations in groups named after constellations, gaining hands-on experience about solar phenomena, space missions, and astronomy.
Highlights included playing with polarized sunglasses and ultraviolet beads to understand light properties, role-playing to learn about the Sun and NASA’s PUNCH mission, a scaled Solar System Walk, moon phase demonstrations, and star gazing sessions that identified Jupiter. Older Girl Scouts served as mentors, leading activities after receiving training from NASA educators. Participants also engaged in traditional camp activities like bow and arrow practice and campfire performances, many with space-themed skits.
Why it matters
The event advances NASA’s commitment to STEM education by inspiring young learners, particularly girls, in space sciences. Introducing diverse career aspects within NASA—including roles beyond scientists and engineers—highlighted the wide-ranging opportunities available in this field. The mentorship component fostered leadership skills among older Girl Scouts, promoting peer-to-peer science education. By connecting space science with outdoor learning traditions, the program helped spark sustained interest in heliophysics and astronomy among the next generation.
Background
Girl Scouts of the USA have offered a Space Science badge series for students from kindergarten through 12th grade since 2019. The Ancient and Modern Sun-Watching patch, introduced through collaboration with NASA’s PUNCH mission public outreach, provides an immersive learning experience about solar phenomena. After a successful prototype event in Southwest Texas in 2024, the May 2026 Camp Conowingo weekend marked a significant expansion, engaging a full capacity of 165 Girl Scouts and prompting NASA to reach additional troops through follow-up lessons.
Viall, PUNCH Mission Scientist, and the HEAT team utilized NASA educational materials to integrate space science concepts with traditional Girl Scout activities, encouraging a broad appreciation for space exploration.
Sources
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