Contributed

Girl Scouts, Hornets’ Nest Council recently celebrated the Girl Scout Loves State Parks Weekend at Morrow Mountain State Park in Albemarle.

Almost 200 Girl Scouts, volunteers and family members participated.

Throughout the day, Troops representing all eight of the GSHNC membership counties went canoeing, spent time in the pool and learned about stargazing.

Partners from Atrium Health facilitated a guided hike, the Stanly History Museum provided hands-on programing about volcanoes, park rangers held Junior Ranger programs and a local astronomy club led a solar viewing.

That night, the Astronomical Society of Rowan also let girls stargaze and put their astronomy knowledge to the test with their Star Party event.

Additionally, early registered Girl Scout Troops and families were invited to camp at some of the designated sites at Morrow Mountain State Park.

The Girl Scouts Love State Parks Initiative is a nationwide collaboration between Girl Scouts of the USA and the National Association of State Parks Directors.