Bordering Medford to the north, the Middlesex Fells is a network of over 100 miles of forest trails, and Friends of the Fells is the non-profit organization dedicated  to protecting and supporting the harmonious use of the Fells.  A fantastic resource for Medford Girl Scouts, the Fells is the perfect destination for outdoor programing and the Friends of the Fells are happy to be a resource for Girl Scouts who want to explore the natural world at their doorstep.

Medford Girl Scout leader, Ann Frenning Kossuth (Troop 65264 Co-Leader), recently started working for the Friends of the Fells as their Youth Programs Coordinator and Lindsay Beal, their Volunteer Coordinator, is also happy help.  Troops or individual Girl Scouts can participate in regularly scheduled programs or they can reach out to the Friends of the Fells for suggestions, insight, and help setting up troop-specific programs. The best way to reach them is to send an email to friends@fells.org.

Lindsay has the following suggestions for different ways individual Girls Scouts and Girl Scout troops can connect with the Friends of the Fells.  She says that:

• We frequently lead educational and trail service field trips for Girls Scouts.  These can be by appointment, and most of the hike leaders listed on the calendar below are happy to accommodate them as well, if something looks intriguing.
• For older Girl Scouts, there are ways to get extra service hours.  They can fill out our volunteer form: www.friendsofthefells.org/volunteer
• Older Girl Scouts can also check out our event calendar–any one of the hike leaders would be happy for an assistant: www.friendsofthefells.org/events-calendar
•  If they have something more major in mind (like for a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award), we can also mentor match, and assist with community connections, and help brainstorm project ideas.

Troops can also head to the Fells to earn badges at every level.  Here are some suggestions for badges which work well in the woods:

• Daisies:”Use Resources Wisely” petal and “Make the World a Better Place” petal
• Brownies:  Hiker, Outdoor Adventurer, Bugs, Senses, and Making Games
• Juniors: Animal Habitats, Staying Fit, Geocaching, and Flowers
• Cadettes: Trailblazing and Trees
• Seniors: Adventurer, Voice for Animals, and Sky
• Ambassador: Water and Photographer

In addition, Troops can look to the Fells as a place where they can work on their “Take Action” projects for the Journeys, or their Bronze, Silver or Gold Award projects.