In a day and age where kids of all ages are constantly plugged in to various electronics, a local Girl Scout is encouraging youngsters to go outside.

For two Saturdays, Katie Albert will host an event called “Unplug and Go Outside” at two local parks.

From 1 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Lakeview Park in Waterloo, kids in grades kindergarten through fifth will be able to experience outdoor activities like leaf rubbings, nature trails, gardening, games and more.

On the following Saturday at the same time, sports and outdoor activities will be the theme at Konarcik Park in Waterloo.

Youngsters can participate in tee-ball, Wiffle ball, ladder jacks, soccer and many more games.

“I really just want to get kids outside and see that they can have fun without their electronics,” Albert said. “When I was a kid, I went outside every day. Kids just don’t do that anymore.”

Albert said she plans on giving away Frisbees, water bottles and goodie bags.

These events are part of Albert’s Gold Award project, which is the highest award in the Girl Scout program.

Albert got the idea online and wanted to localize it.

“I saw someone else doing it across the county and thought it was so cool,” she said. “I really wanted to bring it to my own community.”

As a scout, 16-year-old Albert has been selected to participate in two Girl Scout travel programs. Last summer, she hiked the Swiss Alps and kayaked and camped around the San Juan Islands in Washington. This year, she visited Chile and Australia.

Albert said she would really like to have 50 kids participate each day of “Unplug and Go Outside.”

The Saturday events are free, and a light lunch will be provided.

To RSVP, email Albert at unplugandgooutside@gmail.com with information on child’s gender and age, adult phone number or email, and requested event date(s).