National S’mores Day is observed every year on August 10, but we’re celebrating all month long! These yummy campfire treats have long been associated with the Girl Scouts, who are credited with popularizing s’mores. The first recorded recipe appeared in a 1925 issue of Girl Scout Leader magazine and, then, as “somemores” in an official 1927 Girl Scout publication. The traditional s’mores recipe is just one component of Girl Scouts’ longstanding commitment to the outdoors, a cornerstone of the organization that plays a vital role in girls’ leadership development.
According to a Girl Scout report, More Than S’mores, there is a clear connection between outdoor experiences and girls’ understanding of their leadership potential. Girls who spend time outdoors through Girl Scouts eclipse their peers in environmental stewardship, more readily seek challenges, and are better problem solvers, all of which are traits needed for twenty-first-century leadership!
While there will be plenty of folks making s’mores over campfires in August, you can also have some family fun by making s’mores indoors. Get creative with your ingredients, or follow these steps to create traditional s’mores in the microwave or an oven.
Ingredients: graham crackers, marshmallows, and your favorite chocolate bar.
Microwave S’mores
- Place graham crackers on a microwave-safe plate, top with chocolate and marshmallows.
- Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds, watching as the marshmallows puff up. Microwaves vary, so adjust as needed.
- Carefully remove from microwave and top with the other graham cracker half, pressing gently. Note: Marshmallows puff significantly in the microwave (they will shrink down once removed).
Oven S’mores
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (or use the broil setting for a quicker, more charred marshmallow).
- Arrange graham crackers on a baking sheet, topped with chocolate and marshmallows.
- Bake for 3-5 minutes (or broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely) until marshmallows are golden and puffy.
- Remove from oven and top with the remaining graham crackers.
Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast invites you to come out and “have s’more fun” and at a free Discover Girl Scouts “S’mores Day” event near you. Register to attend at gsccc.org/discover or email customercare@gsccc.org for more information.
· Monday, August 11, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at A Place for Girls, Chesapeake
· Monday, August 11, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Gosnold’s Hope Park, Hampton
· Wednesday, August 13, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Camp Skimino, Williamsburg
· Sunday, August 17, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Chesapeake City Park, Chesapeake
· Thursday, August 28, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Poquoson Public Library, Poquoson
· Sunday, August 31, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Bennett’s Creek Park, Suffolk
