In early May 2026, a group of 165 Girl Scouts gathered at Camp Conowingo in Maryland for an intensive, hands-on educational weekend focused on heliophysics and space exploration. Organized with support from NASA’s Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) and the PUNCH mission outreach program, the event provided participants with the opportunity to earn their official Space Science badges and the Ancient and Modern Sun-Watching patch.

The curriculum was divided into seven distinct activity stations, each designed to demystify complex astronomical concepts. Campers explored topics ranging from the mechanics of the solar system and lunar phases to the practical study of space weather. Beyond scientific theory, the program emphasized career diversity within the aerospace industry, highlighting that successful missions require a wide array of professionals, including writers, artists, and financial analysts, in addition to scientists and engineers.

A unique aspect of the weekend was the peer-mentorship model, where high school seniors were trained to lead the younger scouts through the various experiments. This leadership initiative allowed older students to refine their communication skills while fostering a collaborative learning environment. The event proved so popular that organizers had to conduct additional outreach sessions for troops that could not be accommodated at the capacity-limited campsite.

Since 2019, the Girl Scouts have offered a comprehensive space science badge series, but this event marked a significant milestone in the rollout of the Ancient and Modern Sun-Watching patch. By blending traditional camping experiences like stargazing and campfires with modern scientific inquiry, the initiative successfully engaged a new generation of learners, sparking interest in the vast possibilities of space science and future STEM careers.