Girl Scout
Tree Promise™
2024 Activity Guide
Activities for Girl Scouts and Non-Members
Made possible by
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 2
Table of Contents
Girl Scout Tree Promise .............................................................................................................. 3
Words to Know ............................................................................................................................ 4
Step 1: Make the Girl Scout Tree Promise ................................................................................ 5
The Power of Trees ..................................................................................................................... 6
Step 2: Plant, Protect, or Honor Trees .......................................................................................7
Activity: Plant Trees ................................................................................................................ 8
Tree-Planting Type: Bare-Root and Containerized Seedlings .................................... 9
Tree-Planting Type: Containerized and Rootbag Trees .............................................10
Tree-Planting Type: Balled and Burlapped Trees .......................................................12
When You’re Done Planting ............................................................................................14
Activity: Protect Trees ...........................................................................................................15
What Happens When There Aren’t Enough Trees? ....................................................16
Activity: Honor Trees .............................................................................................................17
Keep the Fun Going! .........................................................................................................18
Build the Future of Trees ................................................................................................19
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Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 3
Girl Scout Tree Promise
If you’re accessing this program online, this
booklet contains live links to many relevant
resources. If you’re using the printed booklet,
many of the resources can be accessed through
the primary program page at:
girlscouts.org/treepromise.
Trees are nature’s superheroes! They help people, animals,
and the planet. Trees clean our air, reduce pollution, prevent
erosion, provide living space for wildlife, and so much more.
Our planet’s need for trees is more urgent than ever as
climate change presents new challenges for humans
and animals.
Whether it’s in a backyard, at camp, or in your community,
you can join Girl Scouts from all over to plant, protect, and
honor trees with the Girl Scout Tree Promise. By working
together, we can create a better future for ourselves and
the planet.
Steps:
1. Make the Girl Scout Tree Promise
2. Plant, protect, or honor trees
Unlock the Patch
Once you make the Tree Promise and complete one activity
to plant, protect, or honor trees, nd the patch in the
Girl Scout Shop.
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 4
Carbon cycle: Trees and other plants take carbon out of the
air to make food. They store some of the carbon and release
the rest back into the air. When forests are cut down, not as
much carbon is taken out of the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide: A greenhouse gas that traps heat in
the atmosphere. It’s produced when people and animals
breathe out. It’s also released when coal, natural gas, oil,
and wood are burned to operate things like cars
and factories.
Carbon footprint: The amount of carbon dioxide humans
release into the environment.
Carbon pollution: The introduction of harmful materials
into the environment. When we burn oil, gasoline, and coal,
the carbon becomes carbon dioxide and goes into the air as
a gas.
Citizen science: When members of the public participate
in scientic research by recording and sharing data.
Climate: Average weather patterns in an area over a
longer period, like 20 or 30 years. Climate is different from
weather because weather changes daily.
Climate change: Long-term shifts in temperatures and
weather patterns. The shifts can be natural or due to
human activity.
Deforestation: The process by which trees are cut and not
replanted, ultimately destroying forests.
Drought: A continuous period of dry weather when an area
gets little or no rain.
Ecosystem: A community of living organisms that interact
with one another and their environment.
Environment: The air, water, and land in or on which
people, animals, and plants live.
Global climate: The average climate over the whole world.
Global warming: An increase in Earth’s average
temperature that causes ice to melt and sea levels to rise.
Greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide and other gases that
contribute to the greenhouse effect. They act like a blanket
around Earth, trapping heat and making the planet warmer.
Tree equity: When every neighborhood or place has
enough trees for everyone to experience their benets.
Weather: A specic event—such as a rainstorm or hot
day—that happens over a few hours, days, or weeks.
Words to Know
What Is Climate Change?
Our climate is changing as carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases are released into Earth’s
atmosphere. While small, natural changes have
also happened, human technologies such as
factories, cars, and planes create most of the
greenhouse gases. These gases act like a blanket,
trapping heat from the sun and making the
planet hotter.
As Earth’s temperature rises, our climate changes,
too. We now experience hotter summers and
warmer winters, on average, than we did several
decades ago. Weather is more extreme with
droughts, hurricanes, and blizzards. Glaciers are
melting, changing beaches and shorelines. Animals
and plants are losing their habitats. People around
the world have lost their homes and loved ones due
to this extreme weather. Climate changes are also
damaging the ability of damaged forests to grow
back on their own.
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 5
Since 2021, Girl Scouts of all ages have planted, protected, and honored trees for
the Girl Scout Tree Promise (GSTP). Together, we’ve pledged to take 5 million
actions to address climate change, including planting, protecting, and honoring
trees. From Daisies through Ambassadors to adults, every member and friend of
Girl Scouts can get involved.
Make the Girl Scout Tree Promise and explore all the ways trees make our world
a better place. The activities can be done at events, in troop meetings, on your
own, or with your family and friends.
Choices—do one:
● Create a tree dictionary. Do you know the difference between deciduous
and coniferous trees? What tree species are native to your area? Can you
explain to a friend how trees reduce climate change? Make a list of key
“tree” words as you learn how climate change impacts your area. Dene
any new vocabulary, such as “greenhouse gases” and “carbon footprint.”
● Observe nature. Relax outdoors near trees. Watch or listen to the leaves
and branches move in the wind. If the timing is right, watch the sun set,
the moon and stars appear, or the sun rise through the trees. What do you
notice? If you can, go under a tree and look up. Notice the phenomenon of
“crown shyness,” where trees seem to grow in a way that their branches
don’t overlap. What else do you see?
● Get moving. Play games such as hide-and-seek or tree tag. Hug a tree or
spend time in a treehouse, if one is available. If you love high adventure, try
recreational tree climbing, a ropes course in the trees, or canopy zip-lining
to see trees from a new perspective. Whatever you do, take in the trees:
What do you notice about their bark? About how they grow? What animals
use trees as their home?
● Make and create. Read, write, draw, or make art (such as leaf rubbings,
leaf murals, or wire and clay tree sculptures) next to or underneath a tree.
Feel the inspiration owing from the rustling leaves and the calming shade.
Connect with the beauty of nature and let your imagination run wild.
The Girl Scout
Tree Promise
I promise to be a friend to every tree,
just like they’re a friend to me.
I will plant and protect them through and through
with the help of my loyal Girl Scout crew.
Besides being beautiful, there’s more to see;
for climate change, they hold a key.
They ll our lungs with cleaner air;
it’s our responsibility to care.
That’s why I’ll advocate for every tree.
Because I need them, and they need me!
Step 1: Make the
Girl Scout Tree Promise
Mindfulness Moment
Have you ever sat beneath the shade of a tree when the wind is whispering and rustling through the leaves? Or maybe
you’ve been to a place where leaves change colors in the fall or grow back in the spring? Perhaps you’ve plucked a
piece of fruit from a tree? How did these experiences make you feel? Trees can improve our emotional well-being.
They can help us feel better and improve our mood by increasing mindfulness, lowering our stress, and promoting
relaxation. Consider the nature around you and nd a way to celebrate!
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 6
Trees are an important part of our local and global ecosystems. They’re unlike any other living thing! They remove pollution,
cleaning the air and our drinking water, too. They bear nuts, fruits, and foods such as chocolate, olives, and maple syrup.
Their canopies provide shade from the sun and protect our homes from the heat and cold. Some plants, like Spanish moss
or certain mushrooms, grow on trees. Trees also provide space for wildlife to live, eat, and play, and they support threatened
pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. They even help the soil, protecting it from the effects of heavy rain and erosion.
Trees also help address climate change. They take carbon out of the air and use it, along with water and energy from the
sun, to make food. They store some of the carbon and release the rest back into the air. This is called the carbon cycle.
When forests are cut down, not as much carbon is taken out of the atmosphere. Better environmental stewardship,
especially planting trees, can help.
The Power of Trees
Captures air
pollution
Absorbs heat
Helps
cooling
costs
Creates
jobs
of food
Source
for wildlife
Shelter
Provides
shade
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 7
Step 2: Plant, Protect,
or Honor Trees
To stop climate change, individuals, communities, businesses, and countries all must reduce their carbon footprint. This is
the amount of carbon dioxide that gets released into the environment by humans. For example:
● Businesses create the majority of emissions, so they need to nd cleaner ways to make and ship products. They also
need to use alternative energies, such as electric, solar, and wind.
● Governments need to make laws and policies around fuel, pollution, and carbon limits.
● Individuals can turn off unused lights; walk, ride a bike, or use public transportation instead of driving; reduce food
waste; and more.
● Nature is also full of solutions, including trees! Trees remove carbon dioxide pollution from the air and create fresh
oxygen. That’s one of the many reasons it’s important to plant, protect, and honor trees.
To complete the Tree Promise, choose one activity to either plant, protect, or honor trees. Talk to your volunteer, caregiver,
or council to gure out what’s possible. Explore where trees exist in your community and what groups are already doing to
address climate change. Decide what works best for your time and resources.
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 8
Activity: Plant Trees
Planting a tree may seem like a little thing, but it makes
a huge difference. Planting trees means an area will have
more trees and reap more of their benets. You can plant
trees through Girl Scouts, attend a tree-planting event
with another organization, or host your own tree planting.
You can also plant trees where they’ll be most helpful or
sponsor trees to be planted to honor loved ones.
First, explore tree planting and decide what
to plant.
Who? You, your family, friends, troop, Girl Scout council, or
even your community.
What? Trees come in all shapes, sizes, and species.
Research your local planting zone, climate, and which trees
are native to your area. Choose a seedling, sapling, or one-
to three-year-old tree. Make sure the climate, planting zone,
soil quality, water, space, and sun exposure of your site
match the species.
When? Though it varies by region, trees usually do best
when planted during times of moderate temperature and
rainfall. For example, you might choose a planting time in
spring or fall so each new tree has time to settle in before
the rst frost or summer heat.
Where? You can plant trees in a yard, at a park, on a
campground, or in many other places. Get permission to
plant from the local government for public land or from the
private landowner. Contact 811 before you dig to locate and
avoid underground and overhead utilities.
Why? An apple tree bears fruit. Trees at camp can provide
shade. There are so many benets of having trees! Consider
how a tree can help your community. How will it look when
it’s full grown? Will it bear fruit or provide shade? What
animals might be able to use it as a home?
How? Trees and equipment can be purchased online, at a
local nursery, or through the Arbor Day Foundation. You
may also be able to nd local tree giveaways for
your community.
Next, prepare your site and plant the tree(s).
Plant at least 15 feet away from buildings and hazards,
such as poison ivy and broken glass. Look “up, down, and
around” to make sure there’s enough space for the tree to
reach full size without extending onto nearby property,
sidewalks, or driveways or overhead into power lines. Clear
any competing vegetation, such as weeds. Once your site is
ready, plant your tree(s). Find full instructions for planting
different types of trees starting on page 9.
After planting, create a plan to protect
the tree(s).
Find out what to do after planting starting on page 14.
Find Your Planting Zone
Because our climate is changing rapidly, some
experts recommend planting trees for your area’s
future climate conditions. For example, a species
might tolerate hotter or drier conditions, or it might
currently grow at a lower elevation or south of your
location. Use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Plant Hardiness Zone Map to nd your current
local planting zone and check out future planting
zones here.
Explore More
Watch this video and explore How to Choose and
Plant a Tree from American Forests. You can also
nd tree planting and care information and other
resources from the Arbor Day Foundation.
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 9
Too Deep
Needles buried
hole okay
tree position poor
Too Shallow
Roots exposed
hole too shallow
Air Pocket
from improper
tamping
“L” Roots
Hole shallow
“J” Roots
Hole shallow
roots often
exposed to air
Compacted
Roots
Hole too narrow
not properly
opened
Not Vertical
Shallow planting
caused by
improper
digging of
hole
Too Loose
Improper
tamping
after
planting
Poor Planting Soil
Planting in rotten wood,
deep duff or debris,
not damp mineral soil
Satisfactorily
Planted Tree
Too Deep
Needles buried
hole okay
tree position poor
Too Shallow
Roots exposed
hole too shallow
Air Pocket
from improper
tamping
“L” Roots
Hole shallow
“J” Roots
Hole shallow
roots often
exposed to air
Compacted
Roots
Hole too narrow
not properly
opened
Not Vertical
Shallow planting
caused by
improper
digging of
hole
Too Loose
Improper
tamping
after
planting
Poor Planting Soil
Planting in rotten wood,
deep duff or debris,
not damp mineral soil
Satisfactorily
Planted Tree
How to Properly Plant:
1. Measure the height of the seedling.
2. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the seedling
height and deep enough to accommodate the roots.
3. Remove any grass within 3 feet around the hole.
4. Gently remove the packaging to nd the root are (the
place where the roots join the trunk) and place it in
the hole at soil level, making sure that the roots stay
straight and do not form a “J” (see below).
5. Gently pack the soil back around the root are. Break
up any large dirt clumps. Lightly tamp the soil in
around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
6. Add mulch beginning 2–3 inches away from the
seedling to create a 3-foot-wide at ring. Make the ring
2–4 inches deep.
7. Pour about 1/2 gallon of water around the entire area.
8. Protect the seedling from any potential damage
caused by feet, lawn mowers, pets, deer, or anything
else. Use plastic tubing that covers the entire seedling
or use a wide tube that is 2–3 feet tall, held by stakes
to protect them.
Tree-Planting Type: Bare-Root and Containerized Seedlings
Cost: $
Description: Small and lightweight; they can t in an adult’s hand
Requires: Easily planted by one person
You’ll Need:
● Seedling
● Shovel
● Measuring tape, ruler,
or yardstick
● Mulch (wood chips,
ground bark, pine
needles, or compost)
● Gloves
● Water
You Might Also Use (Optional):
● Rake
● Tarp
● Plastic tubing or mesh wire tubes
Tip: A tarp can help hold dirt next to the hole.
Hardwood seedling
Pine seedling
Root
are
Too Loose
Improper
tamping
after
planting
Poor Planting Soil
Planting in rotton wood,
deep duff or debris,
not damp mineral soil
Satisf
Planted
Root
are
Hardwood seedling
Pine seedling
Root
are
Too Loose
Improper
tamping
after
planting
Poor Planting Soil
Planting in rotton wood,
deep duff or debris,
not damp mineral soil
Satisf
Planted
Root
are
3 feet
Remove grass
and add mulch
(2–3 inches away
from the seedling).
Hole two
to three
times wider
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 10
How to Properly Plant:
1. With your hands (or a trowel), gently remove a small
portion of the top of the root ball to nd the root are,
which is the place where the roots (pencil size or larger
in diameter) join the trunk.
2. Measure the height of the container (from its
base to the root are). Then measure the width of
the container.
3. Dig a hole two to three times the width of the
container. Measure the depth of the hole to make
sure the root are will be exposed and slightly above
ground level. If the hole is too shallow, continue to dig.
If it’s too deep, return soil to the hole.
4. Firmly tamp around the outside of the container with
the back of a shovel to separate the soil from the sides
of the container. Then carefully remove the tree from
the container and expose the root ball.
5. Have an adult make four or ve vertical (straight up
and down) cuts along the side of the root mass with a
sharp knife to sever circling roots.
6. Gently lift and lower (or roll) the root ball into the
center of the hole. The root are should be exposed
and slightly above ground level. Then gently pack the
soil back around the root ball, setting the root ball on
at, rmly packed soil so the tree is straight. As you
place the dirt back into the hole, ask two planting team
members to help ensure the tree is straight. Break up
any large dirt clumps. Lightly tamp the soil around the
roots to eliminate air pockets.
7. Remove any tree tags, ribbons, or trunk wrapping
from the nursery.
8. Add mulch (wood chips, ground bark, pine needles, or
compost) beginning 2–3 inches away from the trunk to
create a 3-foot-wide at ring around the tree. Make the
ring 2–4 inches deep.
Tree-Planting Type: Containerized and Rootbag Trees
Cost: $$
Description: Large and very heavy
Requires: Three or more adults to move the tree to the planting hole
You’ll Need:
● Containerized or
rootbag tree
● Shovel and/or trowel
● Measuring tape, ruler,
or yardstick
● Water
● Mulch (wood chips,
ground bark, pine
needles, or compost)
● Gloves
● Sharp knife (to be
used only by adults)
You Might Also Use (Optional):
● Rake
● Tarp
● Stakes
● Wire cutters
Tip: A tarp can help hold dirt next to the hole.
Important Note: Always handle trees by the
container or root mass.
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 11
Tree-Planting Type: Containerized and Rootbag Trees
9. Pour 5 gallons of water around the entire area.
10. If the root ball is unstable or your area experiences
high winds, place two opposing stakes with exible
ties on the lower half of the tree. For larger trees, use
tree guards, such as plastic tubing or mesh wire tubes
that are 3–4 feet tall. Make sure the guards are wide
enough so they do not touch the tree trunk.
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 12
How to Properly Plant:
1. With your hands (or a trowel), gently remove a small
portion of the top of the root ball to nd the root are,
which is the place where the roots (pencil size or larger
diameter) join the trunk.
2. Measure the height of the root ball (from the base of
the root ball to the root are). Then measure the width
of the root ball.
3. Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Measure the depth of the hole to make sure the root
are will be slightly above ground level. If the hole is
too shallow, continue to dig. If it’s too deep, return soil
to the hole. Then gently lift and lower (or roll) the root
ball into the center of the hole. The root are should be
exposed and slightly above ground level.
4. Cut away as much of the wire basket as possible
without breaking the root ball. Cut and remove all
twine and rope. Remove the staples holding the burlap
together and peel the burlap back. Cut away any loose
burlap. Put your removed materials in a trash pile
away from your planting area.
5. Gently pack the soil back around the root ball. Set
the root ball on at, rmly packed soil so the tree is
straight. As you place the dirt back into the hole, ask
two planting team members to help ensure the tree is
straight. Break up any large dirt clumps. Lightly tamp
the soil in around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
6. Remove any tree tags, ribbons, or trunk wrapping
from the nursery.
7. Add mulch (wood chips, ground bark, pine needles, or
compost) beginning 2–3 inches away from the trunk to
create a 3-foot-wide at ring around the tree. Make the
ring 2–4 inches deep.
8. Pour 5 gallons of water around the entire area.
Tip: A tarp can help hold dirt next to the hole.
Tree-Planting Type: Balled and Burlapped Trees
Cost: $$$
Description: Large and very heavy
Requires: Four or more adults to move the tree to the planting hole
You’ll Need:
● Balled or burlapped
tree
● Shovel and/or trowel
● Measuring tape, ruler,
or yardstick
● Water
● Mulch (wood chips,
ground bark, pine
needles, or compost)
● Gloves
● Sharp knife (to be
used only by adults)
You Might Also Use (Optional):
● Rake
● Tarp
● Stakes
● Wire cutters
● Trowel
Important Note: Always handle trees by the
root ball.
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 13
Tree-Planting Type: Balled and Burlapped Trees
9. If the root ball is unstable or your area experiences
high winds, place two opposing stakes with exible
ties on the lower half of the tree. For larger trees, use
tree guards, such as plastic tubing or mesh wire tubes
that are 3–4 feet tall. Make sure the guards are wide
enough so they do not touch the tree trunk.
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 14
1. Log the trees. Add the trees to the Girl Scout Tree
Promise Tracker. If you’re under 13 years old, a
parent, caregiver, or volunteer must add the trees on
your behalf.
2. Create a care plan. Use the chart below to create
a plan (or share it with the person who will be
responsible) to take care of the trees. The most
important tasks are:
● Watering. During the summer and during hot
or dry periods, water twice a week, taking into
consideration natural rainfall. For November
through March, water the planting area with
2 gallons per tree inch diameter once a week
during the rst three years for temperate
climates. If a tree is doing well in its third year,
water every other week. If you live in a drier or
hotter climate, water the new trees once a week.
● Inspection. Each time you care for the trees,
inspect for scratching or eating by deer, mice,
voles, or other animals (put up protection, such
as a fence, if needed!). Make sure each tree’s root
are is still slightly above ground level, gently
removing soil or mulch to expose it if needed (this
helps the tree to grow).
● Mulching. Mulch one to two times a year. Each
time, remove old mulch, make the mulch circle as
wide as possible, and add 2–4 inches of mulch,
keeping it 2–3 inches away from the tree trunk.
● Delittering and weeding. Clean the area twice
a week from March through November, or
as needed.
● Stake and tie removal. Remove any ties and
stakes one to two years after planting.
3. Protect the trees. As planned, visit the trees, and
follow your care plan to protect the trees. Use the chart
to track the dates you complete the tasks.
Tree Maintenance and Care Schedule
When You’re Done Planting
Tip: Taking a photo each time you care for the trees
can help you evaluate their health and any changes to
their maintenance schedule.
Tip: Remove any ties and stakes one to two years
after planting!
Tasks Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Watering
Inspection
Mulching
Delittering
Weeding
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 15
Activity: Protect Trees
Different environments naturally have different amounts
of trees. It’s normal and healthy for some areas (like
rainforests) to have lots of trees, while others (like deserts)
have very few. Today, trees and forests all over the world
are being destroyed. This is called deforestation. Growing
populations of people cut down trees to make space for
crops, homes, businesses, and factories. Businesses and
governments harvest trees (called logging) for use as fuel
and in manufacturing. Natural threats, such as wildres,
drought, disease, and erosion (worsened by climate change),
also damage trees.
Trees need protection to thrive—if they’re threatened, they
can’t just move somewhere else. Protecting existing trees
and planting new ones are necessary steps to help our
ecosystems and combat climate change.
Choices—do one:
● Take on invasive species. Invasive species are plants
or animals that aren’t native to a specic area and have
a harmful impact on the local ecosystem. Research
which plants and insects are invasive to your area.
Why are these species harmful to trees and the local
ecosystem? What can you do to remove them from
your community? Can you help a local organization
with their work in tree removal or education about
invasive species?
● Collect data about trees. Citizen science is when
members of the public gather information and
observations to help scientists with their research.
Participate in a citizen science project and collect
data about trees, such as their species, health, growth
patterns, and environmental conditions. Find a full list
of tree-related citizen science projects for the
Girl Scout Tree Promise on SciStarter.
● Engage elected ofcials. What do you know about
tree policy in your community? Are there any local
ordinances or state laws? What efforts are already
happening? Connect with your elected ofcials
through a letter, email, call, or visit. Share why trees
are important to you and your community. Find out
what programs exist to protect local trees.
● Connect with others. Are there local community
groups and organizations working on tree protection?
What about global organizations? Search for ways
to support them. For example, you might volunteer
with your state park, a conservation group, or a group
that monitors tree identication tags. You might raise
awareness about the local or global threat to trees and
what people can do to help.
Explore More
Check out American Forests’ advocacy actions.
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 16
What Happens When There Aren’t Enough Trees?
When places suffer from a lack of trees or from their destruction, so do the people, wildlife, and plants that live there.
Heat islands: When neighborhoods lack trees for shade, their buildings, pavement,
and machines generate and trap heat. This creates pockets of excessive heat called
“heat islands.” Lower-income neighborhoods are more likely than higher-income
neighborhoods to lack trees, so they’re particularly prone to becoming heat islands.
Heat islands carry more pollution and dirtier air, which is dangerous to people’s health.
Floods and mudslides: Trees help prevent or lessen natural disasters. For example,
when it rains, trees slow down the ow of water by absorbing it through their
roots and holding soil in place. Rural areas that lack enough trees are more likely to
experience serious ooding and landslides.
Loss of homes, medicines, and clean air: Rainforests are home to half of the
world’s plant and animal species, 90 percent of the world’s birds, millions of
Indigenous people who have lived there for thousands of years, and plants that
are needed as food and to make medicines. They also create oxygen and store
carbon that would otherwise contribute to climate change.
Want to Explore Tree Equity in
Different Cities?
Tree equity is when every neighborhood or place
has enough trees for everyone to experience their
benets. Go to TreeEquityScore.org and click on
“National Map” to zoom in or search to nd the tree
equity score for many cities across the United States.
Then, using the “Dynamic Report” link (upper right
on the map), research to nd what can be done to
raise the Tree Equity Score in the selected area.
1
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2115329119
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 17
Activity: Honor Trees
When we take care of trees, we’re taking care of ourselves
and our planet. Learning about and appreciating local trees
deepens our connection to trees and nature. And when we
feel a deeper connection, we are inspired to take action.
Climate change may seem like an unsolvable problem,
but there ARE things one person can do. You can help
others learn about the power of trees and how they help.
You can build a personal story about why you care. You
can join groups already spreading awareness about the
important role trees play for humans, animals, and our
environment. By raising awareness, you’re honoring trees
and encouraging others to do the same. By doing so, you
can create lasting change.
Choices—do one:
● Explore trees’ special role across cultures.
Throughout history, communities all over the world
have honored trees. Japanese people honor the
cherry tree and recognize the welcoming of spring
with Cherry Blossom Festivals (Sakura Matsuri).
Lakota (Sioux) people consider cottonwood trees
sacred and use them as the center pole for their Sun
Dance (Wiwáŋyaŋg Wačípi) ceremonies. Across the
African continent, the baobab tree, which is native to
Madagascar, is recognized as a symbol of resilience
and a gathering place. Pick a place or a community
and explore how trees are honored there, or pick one
tree species and research its cultural signicance.
● Identify trees. Scientists estimate that there are over
70,000 tree species worldwide
1
—that’s a lot of trees!
To learn more about the trees in your area, collect
data for a citizen science project on the Girl Scout
Tree Promise on SciStarter. You’ll help professional
scientists with their research and honor trees at
the same time! You might also nd or download a
tree identication guide, head outside, and practice
identifying trees in your area.
● Share a special tree’s story. Do you have a favorite
tree? It might be in your nearby park, be very old, have
a unique shape, or hold a special memory. How can
you tell others about the tree? You might tell its story
with photos, drawings, or videos. You might write a
poem, story, song, or news article. You might let others
know about the tree on social media.
● Try tree math. Did you know you can tell a lot about
a tree just by looking at it? Calculating the height or
age of a tree can help you honor old or tall trees. For
example, measuring the circumference of any tree’s
trunk can tell you its age. So can counting the rings on
the cross-section of a dead tree trunk. You can gure
out how tall a tree is by measuring yourself and the
tree’s shadow. Find a Girl Scout badge (like Numbers
in Nature!) or any activity to discover what math can
teach you about trees.
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 18
Keep the Fun Going!
Going Gold for Trees!
As part of her Gold Award
project, “Combating
Deforestation,” Zoe from
Girl Scouts of the Nation’s
Capital teamed up with local
forestry experts and recruited
volunteers from other Girl
Scout troops and her school’s
environmental club. Together,
they planted more than 400
trees! Zoe coordinated and led
a climate change campaign,
meeting elected ofcials to
share her story and stance.
Find out more about Zoe’s
project here.
Check out these ideas for your next climate action:
● Earn a badge about trees or the environment.
● Complete a citizen science project through SciStarter.
● Take on the Girl Scouts Climate Challenge or the Girl Scouts Love the
Outdoors Challenge.
● Do a community service or Take Action project with your troop.
● Earn the Community Service bar by volunteering for a local environmental
group.
● Go on a Destinations trip, a troop trip, or any trip that involves trees or
environmental stewardship.
● Visit a state park as part of Girl Scouts Love State Parks every September.
● Attend a climate-focused event in your community, at your Girl Scout
council, or at your local state park.
● Earn the Silver and/or Gold Torch awards by supporting an organization
that works on tree protection.
● Do a Highest Awards project to help the planet.
The Girl Scout Tree Promise is just one way to have fun while helping the environment—there are so many other ways to
make the world a better place. All of these small actions add up to a big change we can make together!
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First published in 2024 by Girl Scouts of the United States of America, 420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018-2798, www.girlscouts.org
Girl Scout Tree Promise Activity Guide | 19
Build the Future of Trees
Take a moment and imagine yourself in the future. What are you doing? Are you helping people, protecting the environment,
or designing and improving our world? A career related to trees, climate change, or nature can help you make the world a
better place. There are so many ways you can make a difference—what role you play is up to you!
Made possible by General Motors and the Elliott Wildlife Values Project.
Special thanks to American Forests, the Arbor Day Foundation, and SciStarter.
What’s your dream career helping trees? Would you like to:
● Spend time in nature? An arborist spends a lot of time outdoors,
planting and caring for trees. A park ranger protects parks and creates fun
experiences for visitors.
● Study science, weather, and nature? A hydrologist collects water
samples and creates models of it to protect trees. A climatologist
investigates climate patterns and their impact on various ecosystems,
including forests.
● Do puzzles and solve problems? A Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) analyst uses large amounts of data, or information, to create
systems—such as maps—to help keep forests healthy. An urban forester
helps improve city green spaces through tree management.
● Advocate for environmental issues? An environmental advocate
raises awareness of pollution, climate change, and wildlife protection
and promotes solutions. An environmental advisor gives advice on tree
populations and ecosystems, including protection, tree planting, and
habitat restoration.
● Spread awareness through creativity? A documentarian or artist
can create lms, paintings, and more to tell the story of trees and
their importance, inspiring people to care. Someone who works in
science communication can combine entertainment, storytelling, and
environmental education to get others excited about nature and trees.
● Build things to make a difference? A landscape architect designs parks
and outdoor spaces. A design engineer creates eco-friendly construction
methods and materials that protect trees and forests.