By Sarah Wilson

The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) and the Girl Scouts of Orange County (GSOC) have partnered to develop the Water
Resources and Conservation Patch Program for all levels of Girl Scouts. The Water Resources and Conservation Patch Program educates Girl Scouts about where their water comes from, the importance of Orange County water resources, and how to be water efficient. Girl Scouts will complete
the program equipped with a better understanding of their local water supply sources, and will discover the value of protecting our most treasured, natural resource. Girls will also be encouraged to take action in their communities to promote water use efficiency and help ensure a safe and reliable water supply for future generations.

Girl Scouts of any level can earn a Water Resources and Conservation Patch by completing a two hour, STEM-based clinic hosted by MWDOC in coordination with Member Agencies and associated partners. Clinic lessons and activities align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and meet the GSOC patch program objectives to Learn, Share, Do.

  • Learn: Visit an Orange County water source, water treatment facility, or ecological reserve to gain a better understanding of the local watershed. With guided instructions, learn about the water cycle, the local climate and ecosystem, types of soil, and ways to adapt resident gardens to survive with less water. An opportunity will also be presented to discover and learn more about careers in the water industry.
  • Share: Use water more efficiently and help friends and family do the same by sharing the Water Resources and Conservation Patch Program learning objectives with others. Educate the community about conserving natural resources or start a conversation about an important water issue. Explore a local water district through printed materials and online resources, and tell others about opportunities to be mindful of the many ways water is used and needed within the community.
  • Do: Complete a service project that helps to protect Orange County’s native habitats and the organisms that depend upon it. For example, you might volunteer to pick up trash at the clinic site or identify other community service or Take Action projects and events to continue water efficient practices and inspire others to do the same.

MWDOC Staff received an overwhelming response from Member Agencies and partners to host the STEM-based clinics. For the 2018-19 fiscal year, MWDOC has scheduled five clinics for Orange County Girl Scouts to earn a Water Resource and Conservation Patch.

The clinic schedule is as follows:

  • November 3, 2018: El Toro Water District
  • November 17, 2018: Laguna Beach County Water District
  • January 26, 2019: City of San Clemente
  • April 6, 2019: Bolsa Chica Conservancy
  • April 13, 2019: Santa Margarita Water District

For questions regarding the Water Resources and Conservation Patch program, please contact us at girlscoutsprogram@mwdoc.com.