It is week three of our summer trail adventure! This week we are taking you to Jo Hays Vista located along the Mid-State Trail on your way to Camp Golden Pond at the top of Tussey Mountain in Rothrock State Park just off of Route 26 S. There are stunning views of Happy Valley from the vista and an easy trail walk out and back to another overlook area where the power lines come up the mountain. If you have already done this trail, then we encourage you to cross the road and do the Jackson Trail which also has an overlook. Or really challenge yourself by continuing down the Mid-State Trail to Indian Steps!
Distance: 6.3 miles out and back; 127 foot elevation change
Directions: There are two main access points for this trail. Our family prefers to access the trail off of Shiloh Road just past the fish hatchery where there is ample parking and the information kiosk. To start at that point, simply take I99 North toward Bellefonte and then take the Shiloh Rd. Exit and head North. You will see the signs for the Fish Hatchery ~ keep going and the parking lot for the trail is just a bit further down the road on your left. You can also access the trail from Spring Creek Rd. in Bellefonte. To start at that point, take I99 North toward Bellefonte, take the Benner Pike exit to head North into Bellefonte, turn left onto Paradise Rd. and then take another left onto Spring Creek Rd.
Other info: This trail is also great for biking. There is a visitor center at the Bellefonte acmes point, however it is currently closed. Unfortunately, both hatcheries at either end of this trail are closed due to c-19, however, if you wish to visit them in the future, info on each can be found online using the below links.
Summer is upon us and the weather has been rather nice. In an attempt to get the girls outside and exploring nature, Christy and I have come up with a list of local trails the girls can hike with their families. The trails will range in distance and difficulty, but we will start off with some easier ones to build up endurance. Most trails are clearly marked and many will be out and back trails, however we encourage you to print out a copy of the trail map ahead of time as some trails will overlap with other trails and cell service could be limited.
Dear Members of Girl Scouts – Greetings–I hope this email finds you rejuvenated after the Memorial Day holiday. With summer here, GSHPA continues to offer a full schedule of unique virtual activities for Girl Scouts and volunteers. Please enjoy these programs and activities over the next several weeks. Listed below are highlights along with direct links to register for each offering-
Outdoor Summer Challenge 2020– Embark on your Outdoor Summer Challenge and begin tackling some of the activities on this list! Every girl who completes will receive a fun patch. This is also designed as a service unit challenge. Submit your challenge sheet here. Leave No Trace Principles– Learn the 7 Leave No Trace principles, so important when enjoying the outdoors.
June 6 –GSHPA Movie Nightfeaturing “The Incredibles 2” – join a before and after movie live chat with the GSHPA program team! June 8-12 – Summer STEAM Kickoff Week – Five days of STEAM activities, starting with Science on June 8. Register each day for a new activity. June 19 STEAM with the Program Team – Solar S’Mores– use the sun’s natural energy to make a favorite treat! June 26 – GSHPA Camp In Campout – Virtual camping in your living room, den or basement! July 6 –Virtual Camp Begins – (Week 1 of 5) – Crafty Camper GSHPA unveils five weeks of Virtual Camp beginning July 6, each with its own theme and unique kit of activities. Each registered Virtual Camper receives a kit in the mail complete with a full week of activities, based on the theme.
Visit GSHPA’s Facebook and check our website for events, activities and new programs, added weekly. Tag GSHPA’s Instagram with your favorite pics from an activity! I’m sure you’ll find an event that interests you, because there’s something for everyone at Girl Scouts.
Our Girl Scout troops won’t be making any overnight trips this summer, but if your family loves to camp, Camp Golden Pond is open and dearly misses all our scouting friends.
Families and close knit friends groups can reserve the camp through Airbnb. We are screening reservations to ensure that groups are in compliance with current PA Department of Health regulations involving group size, social distancing, etc, so be sure to include a message with your reservation request.
Camp Golden Pond is also in need of dedicated volunteer families willing to spend a few days at camp. Volunteers willing to do maintenance, site improvements, or just be on site during busy weekends to take care of check-in/check-out can get free or reduced rate camp days. See our “Camp and Work” program for more details.
