I don’t know about you, but I’m a wanderer at heart. Nothing gets my adrenaline going more than stepping foot in a brand new place, whether it’s across state lines or across the world. I love everything about traveling: meeting new people, learning about different cultures, trying new foods, and making connections with the world around me. If this sounds like a girl you know—and she’s between the age of 11 and 18—maybe she’d be interested in Girl Scout Destinations (I know I would have been, if it had been around when I was a scout!).
Destinations are trips offered by GSUSA for individual Girl Scouts throughout the year, and there are a TON of different options for whatever girls are interested in, from space explorers to architecture enthusiasts, environmentalists to animal lovers, photographers to extreme adventurers!
Some things you need to know about Destinations
- Application: Girls can apply for up to 4 different trips each year. The application includes an inspiring essay and two references from people who can gush about how awesome they are.
- Deadlines: The first deadline for applications has passed, but fret not—girls can apply for destinations until February 5. Note that girls are accepted on a rolling basis, so the earlier girls can send them off, the better!
- Costs: Girls can pay for their trips with cookie credits (check out how Girl Scout Jessica paid for a destination trip to Norway!), money-earning projects, and personal savings. Financial assistance is also available (information is sent out in the spring), and some host organizations offer their own scholarships. Don’t let money worries hold girls back from applying!
Check out our website for a detailed breakdown of the application process.
So, what are you waiting for? Share this year’s Destinations with the girls in your troop and open their eyes—and hearts—to the world beyond Girl Scouts River Valleys!
Natasha Brownlee – Other than chatting with Troop Leaders and planning events, Natasha also works with Gold Awards and runs the In the Loop blog! Her background is in curriculum development, programming, and creative writing. She has bachelor’s degrees in Peace Studies and French and a Masters in Gender, Development & Globalization and has worked with various girl-centered organizations in the US and abroad. Natasha loves traveling around the world, practicing yoga, and hanging out with her dog, Rooney!