MOUNT DESERT ISLAND — On September 27, 2025, more than 200 Girl Scouts and families transformed Acadia National Park into an immersive outdoor classroom during Expedition Acadia. Participants explored, learned, and connected through exclusive, guided experiences—enhanced by National Park Service rangers who led fun, educational tracks including an ecology hike and interactive learning activities throughout the day. 

Expedition Acadia opened doors to more than a dozen unique adventures designed to spark curiosity, encourage environmental stewardship, and deepen lifelong connections with nature. Centered around Acadia’s breathtaking landscapes, the event featured activities such as “Paddle the Park,” “Whales on Wheels,” and rock climbing. Camp Beech Cliff served as a home base, offering sweeping views and engaging activities that brought the day together. 

The event invited families to connect with nature—and each other—through guided adventure tracks, and it offered girls the chance to meet and form bonds with other Girl Scouts from across the state. In addition to the exciting experiences, participants received an event T-shirt and an exclusive patch as a memento of their adventure. 

“Expedition Acadia brought us to Acadia at peak foliage to enjoy the history and nature of Maine’s Mt Desert Island while enjoying Girl Scout traditions and tracks of new skills,” said Girl Scout Volunteer Mildred Kennedy Stirling. “We visited gardens, drew plants, learned bouquet design techniques, and talked with professional gardeners. My favorite part was connecting with Girl Scouts from all over the state at Camp Beech Cliff and seeing the girls’ challenged and having fun. The best was when old friends and new enjoyed the grounds’ open space in a huge closing circle.” 

"Expedition Acadia is a testament to the Girl Scouts’ mission of fostering courage, confidence, and character in girls, empowering them to become leaders who make the world a better place," said Girl Scouts of Maine. "This event highlighted how Girl Scouts inspire girls to embrace the outdoors and grow their environmental awareness—core components of our program."

Expedition Acadia was made possible through collaborative partnerships with the National Park Service at Acadia National Park; Acadia Mountain; Sunrise Canoe; The College of the Atlantic and Dorr Museum; Acadian Boat Tours; the Land and Garden Preserve of Acadia; Acadia Mountain Guides; Cyr Bus Line; and Camp Beech Cliff. A special thanks to Gold Sponsor, L.L.Bean; Silver Sponsors, Friends of Acadia and Maine Trust for Local News; and Supporting Sponsors, The Jackson Laboratory and Renys. 

Check out the recap video of Expedition Acadia here or on the Girl Scouts of Maine YouTube page. 

Visit www.girlscoutsofmaine.org for more information about Girl Scouts of Maine and upcoming events.  

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs across the state of Maine and beyond, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit www.girlscoutsofmaine.org. For the latest updates follow us on Facebook @girlscoutsofmaine and Instagram @girlscoutsofmaine.