INSPIRING THE FUTURE QUEENS OF PALEONTOLOGY

Dinosaur National Monument (DINO) hosted two separate day camp opportunities for Girl Scouts around the US in the summer of 2022 and 2023, for ages ranging from 5-16 years old. The Girl Scouts had the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of DINO up close and personally, using scientific tools and techniques. These camps involved both in-class opportunities and field trips around the monument. The young women who participated in these camps were able to work alongside paleontologists and science communicators to learn more about the geologic history of the park, how fossils are excavated, how large dinosaurs were and how fast they were moving by analyzing tracks, made their fossil replicas, and more! These lessons included the study of anatomy, geology, stratigraphy mapping, and fossil exploration, with visits to important paleontological sites such as the Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry Hall. These multi-day camps provide a safe environment where these young women can ask questions and develop hands-on skills. Investing in the futures of these young women places them on a journey to become community leaders and to better understand the scientific process.