Fourteen Girl Scouts and volunteers started their summer with an adventure full of firsts. From unforgettable rock-climbing experiences to crafting gnomes, Girl Scouts navigated physical challenges that tested their comfort zones. Girl Scouts supported one another during their trip to Colorado and made lasting friendships. In this post, you’ll get a day-by-day recap and hear some stories from the attendees.

July 26, 2023 Girl Scouts landed in Colorado on July 25, but their activities started on July 26 with a hike along the Colorado River. On the way, the hike turned into a step-uphill climb. Girl Scouts encouraged each other to keep going as they trekked up the side of the Rocky Mountains. The high altitudes posed some challenges, but by taking breaks and having oxygen tanks on hand, the Girl Scouts were able to reach the top! They saw many native animals, including moose, deer, and elk, and enjoyed the lovely views. The group also visited a historical site where Girl Scouts got to tour the different buildings, including an old cottage where ranchers would come and stay for the night and a building where ranchers would bring their horses into when it got cold. While visiting the local town, Girl Scouts enjoyed some tasty ice cream!  

July 27, 2023 After breakfast, Girl Scouts got to go on a four-mile horseback ride. They were very eager to ride horses and had lots of fun being able to ride together. After horseback riding, the group completed a high ropes challenge at Camp Chief Ouray. Girl Scout Victoria soared with courage when participating in a high ropes challenge.

“It was very scary climbing the swinging ladder and jumping off the ledge. I felt accomplished after jumping because it was a very high ledge, maybe 20 feet or more, and I was terrified of climbing up the trunk. After completing the climb, I felt proud that I did it, and I can now say that I had jumped off a 20-foot platform,” said Victoria.

Girl Scout Lily conquered her fears and reached new heights. “I was very scared because it got really windy, and the ladder rocked. I felt it was going to fall over. At least I completed it,” said Lily.

July 28, 2023 The most anticipated day of the trip! Girl Scouts spent half the day white water rafting. Before they could get in the water, Girl Scouts had to practice all the commands for paddling. The tour guide from MAD Adventures told the Girl Scouts about the three different types of rapids that they would go through: Snooze, which was just a wave train; Wake Up, which was an actual rapid; and Needles Eye, which was the hardest out of all three. After learning about rafting safety, it was finally time to board the raft and get in the water!

“The experience was dynamic: at times, you were gently floating down the river and taking in all of the magnificent views, and then suddenly the rapids would pick up, and the raft was bobbing up and down. I will always treasure the experience – and hope to do it again,” added volunteer, Misse.

“My highlight of the trip was going white water rafting. I love traveling and trying new things, so this was a great fit. It felt like a water ride, almost like nature’s very own Six Flags. The boat was rocking and swaying, but in a good way. We even jumped off a cliff into the water! It was really cold but refreshing. The best part, though, was having awesome friends with me the whole boat ride,” said Girl Scout Francesca. 

After conquering one challenge, it was time to take on the next! When the group made it through the rapids, they reached Jump Rock, which, as the name implies, was a rock about 25 feet above water, perfect for those looking for a thrilling experience. A few Girl Scouts accepted the challenge and jumped off the rock.

“We were able to jump off the high cliff into the Colorado River. My Girl Scout was smiling the whole time,” said volunteer Claudia.  

July 29, 2023 The morning started with some downtime for Girl Scouts to work on crafts. Girl Scout Kelly worked on decorating some gnomes. She made one for herself and one to share with her grandma. Around 10:00 AM, the group headed to the Kiva Center for indoor rock-climbing. Girl Scouts learned all about rock-climbing safety, and we’re ready to climb. There were four different climbs that varied in difficulty. Some Girl Scouts made it to the top, while others made it halfway, still a challenging experience for everyone! After rock-climbing, the group went roller-skating and then had lunch. After lunch, the group traveled to Sulpher Springs, a resort and spa with healing mineral water pools for ultimate relaxation. Well-deserved after multiple days of hiking and using upper body strength!  Girl Scouts had a lot of fun getting to know each other better while exploring the different pools.  

“As I was getting ready to jump into the pool, my friend pushed me in, which I was not expecting, but it was funny, and we laughed it off,” said Girl Scout Kelly. “This was the best part of the day; time just flew by,” said Girl Scout Soleil. Girl Scouts ended their day by enjoying dinner together, playing two truths and a lie, and making s’mores.

July 30, 2023 The day started with more downtime for Girl Scouts to work on their creative arts and crafts projects. Girl Scout Liliana learned how to do leather work on a wallet. She was in the middle of finishing up the stitching when the group had to leave to go ziplining. However, the weather had changed once they got there, and it was no longer safe to zipline. Lucky for Liliana, she got to return to the craft shop to finish her wallet!

“I’m really glad I learned how to leather work. I probably would not have been able to learn this anywhere else, or at least not for a long while,” said Liliana. After spending more time at the craft shop, Girl Scouts went back to the roller-skating rink and enjoyed more quality time together.  

July 31, 2023 For the last day of the trip, Girl Scouts were able to squeeze in their rescheduled ziplining adventures! After soaring through the sky on a zipline, Girl Scouts headed for the airport to fly through the friendly skies and return home.

Overall, Girl Scouts thrived while expanding their comfort zones and trying new things.  

“Watching my daughter that week started off unsure and afraid of each of the adventures (white water rafting, ziplining, the high ropes course, climbing to the highest point in the Rocky Mts., etc.) and slowly achieving success with each of them was the best experience I could have imagined. That is what Girl Scouts is all about. I am so very fortunate to have the opportunity to attend this trip twice,” said volunteer Lisa.

Take a look at the fun the Girl Scouts had by browsing the gallery below.