One of the things I love most about Girl Scouts is that it offers so many opportunities for independent travel and makes it easy to connect with girls from all over the world! One easy way to get involved is through the Destination program, which provides opportunities for girls to travel without their troop or parents. Each year, hundreds of Girl Scouts from more than 80 councils embark on the adventure of a lifetime through Destinations!
With more than 25 trips to choose from, girls can choose experiences that focus on their own interests and travel dreams. Want to make a movie in Hollywood? Hollywood Dreamin’ is your trip! Have a goal to see as many National Parks as possible? Check out Wildlife, Geysers and Mountains! If you’ve been dreaming of an international adventure, there are a variety of countries to choose from including Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, China, Cambodia, Costa Rica and more.
Last summer, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee sent four girls on GSUSA Destinations. Alyssa and Lorelei both traveled to Minnesota to participate in North Country Rock N’ Wilderness.
“My Destination experience taught me to respect nature, try new things and embrace change,” said Alyssa. She feels accomplished after learning to travel by herself and spend days in the wilderness.
Similarly, Lorelei, who also went to Space Camp, said that both experiences “gave me the adventure that I was looking for this summer. I gained knowledge that will almost always help me. And, the friendships I made will last a lifetime.”
Verona attended the Colorado Horseback Adventure, where she not only rode horses for several days in the Rocky Mountains but also went white-water rafting.
“I learned more about the importance of helping others, and I really discovered things about myself that I didn’t know before,” said Verona. “I definitely have a new perspective about nature and how beautiful it is. I will never ever forget that amazing trip.”
Our international traveler, Ellie, praises her trip to Costa Rica as being “a highlight of my long Girl Scout career, teaching me skills and knowledge firsthand and building confidence to try new things while widening my perspective on the world.”
In addition to the other opportunities available, we are excited that our council is sponsoring two destinations over the next two years!
Put on your riding boots and join girls from all over the country at Camp Sycamore Hills July 29-August 7, 2018 for Saddle Up Sycamore! Girls will improve their skills in walking, trotting, cantering, jumping and vaulting.
In Summer 2019, a group of 24 Girl Scouts will travel to Japan for Konnichiwa Japan! Experience the culture, food and art of this ancient civilization while also meeting members from Girl Scouts of Japan and GSUSA Overseas.
Want to know more information? Visit the GSUSA Destinations page to see available trips or contact Lauren Reichstein at lreichstein@gsmidtn.org or (615) 460-0212.
Girls may apply for up to four trips per year and may apply up to two years in advance for trips available in 2019. Deadlines for applications this year are December 5, 2017 and February 20, 2018. Applications are available on the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee website and must be submitted (with references) to Lauren Reichstein.