Herford N. Elliott Trust
In the early 1970s, wildlife enthusiast Herford N. Elliott established the Herford N. Elliott Charitable Trust and named Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) a beneficiary. In 1977, GSUSA formed the Elliott Wildlife Values Project (EWVP)* and, since then, the project has instilled in girls a lifelong commitment to the environment and wildlife conservation through hands-on experiences in nature—available to them because of Herford Elliott's vision and generosity.
Through their partnership, the EWVP and Girl Scouts help girls become leaders in wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship efforts that positively affect their communities—as they build the courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place, which is the Girl Scout mission. The EWVP supports girls in developing science, outdoor, and leadership skills through cooperative, girl-led activities in which they learn by doing. In the process, they:
- Discover a strong sense of self, develop positive values, and gain an understanding of their important role in caring for wildlife and Earth's natural resources
- Connect with nature, the outdoors, and their local and global communities; network with environmental experts; and investigate career opportunities
- Take action to identify community and environmental needs, positively influence the environment, and inspire others to act as stewards of the Earth and its wildlife
About the EWVP
The EWVP supports Girl Scout councils and global committees through program development, grants, membership and volunteer resources, learning opportunities, and collaboration with national organizations and agencies.
It focuses on activities with the widest reach so as many of our 2.5 million members as possible can participate, especially girls of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. The work supports Girl Scouts’ environmental stewardship, STEM, outdoors and camp activities.
Online and print program resources, including the It's Your Planet: Love It! Journey series and outdoor and environmental stewardship badges unite girls around a common purpose in fun and educational ways. Wildlife-focused national and international Destinations supported by EWVP scholarships offer girls an opportunity to connect with nature, explore global issues, and take action to protect wildlife. The Girl Scout Outdoor Photo Challenge inspired more girls to explore the great outdoors; appreciate wildlife in unique, exciting ways; and sign up for camp. And through the Girl Scout Tree Promise, girls and their communities will plant, honor and protect 5 million trees by 2026.
Thanks to the EWVP, Girl Scouts of the USA has been able to support councils and volunteers through conservation-related grants, outdoor volunteer resources, such as skill-building videos, Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting, the development of national outdoor outcomes (PDF), Girl Scouts Soar in the Outdoors (PDF) research report, and more. Ultimately, the EWVP brings outdoor experiences and environmental stewardship to the forefront of girls' lives.
Only by educational processes can ... any reasonable quantities of wildlife be preserved for the satisfaction and companionship of future generations. —Herford N. Elliott
*Additional funding and in-kind support has been provided through grants, sponsors, and alliances.
