Category: Travel

There Was a Wider Opportunity for That!

The Variety of Travel and Learning Experiences Offered with Wider Opportunities

Before there were Destinations for older Girl Scout travel possibilities, local Councils and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) offered Wider Opportunities (Wider Ops).  These were programs that presented Girl Scout Cadettes and Seniors with the prospects of traveling to locations within the USA or around the world, much the same as Destinations do today.  The Wider Ops had various themes, so a Girl Scout had the ability to find an agenda with activities that interested her.  This innovative program gave Girl Scouts amazing experiences that they might never have had if it weren’t for Girl Scout programing.  So let’s take a look at what some of our Girl Scouts encountered through the Wider Opportunities program.

Denise (Schillings) Roche, Legacy South Cook County Council

In 1988, legacy Raintree Council of Evansville, Indiana (now the Southwest Indiana Council) hosted Studio ’88.  Denise Roche was a Cadette in Troop 147 of Homewood at the time and very interested in attending this Wider Opportunity. It was a two-week fine arts Wider Opportunity that was being held at the University of Evansville. Girl Scouts could choose their course of study: instrumental music, vocal music, drama, dance, or visual art.  Denise was an oboist and decided to apply for the instrumental music.  Along with completing the paperwork, she had to have recommendations from her band director and also from the South Cook County Council staff and volunteers who knew her character and intent.  Denise was thoroughly excited when she received the news that she had been chosen to participate in Studio ’88.  Since Evansville is near her Dad’s hometown, Denise’s parents drove her there. The Raintree Council partnered Denise with a host family that took her around Evansville, so she could become familiar with the city before the event started.  Then the girls moved into dorms at the university. The girls were from all over the country, and Denise recalls that her roommate was a ballerina who studied dance for her fine art.  During the day, the girls spent their time attending classes.  Besides her music classes, Denise also chose to do visual arts – a good choice since she is now an elementary art teacher.  In the evenings, the girls had various social events in which they could participate.  At the end of the two weeks, families and friends were invited to attend a full production of all the performing arts, along with visiting an art exhibition that highlighted the visual arts. 

Here is Denise holding her Senior Girl Scout vest, pointing to her Studio ’88 patch.
This is the Studio ’88 patch each girl received.

This initial experience with Wider Ops prompted Denise to apply again in 1991.  This time, she decided on an event called Together We Stand that was being hosted by the Girl Scouts of Philadelphia (now the Eastern Pennsylvania Council). This Wider Opportunity was more of a conference-style workshop. Again, Denise had to complete a substantial amount of paperwork and have recommendations for her application. For this event, the girls stayed in dorm rooms at the University of Pennsylvania. Having the chance to stay at an Ivy League School really impressed Denise.  The girls explored all the educational and historic sites around Philly for the four days they were there.  One evening was all about trading SWAPS.  Denise took rocks from the Thornton Quarry for her SWAPS.  She considers the volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens to be the best SWAPS she received.  Denise was 15 that summer, and it was the first time she had travelled by plane alone. 

Denise went on to earn her Gold Award, is a Lifetime Member, and currently serves as the Fall Product Manager for her daughter Giovanna’s Senior troop, a position she has held from the time the girls were Daisies.

Instead of a patch, the participants in Together We Stand were given a button.
Denise used this SWAP when she attended Together We Stand.

Tamara Anderson, Legacy Chicago Council

As a Girl Scout Senior in Troop 178, Tamara Anderson was chosen to participate in a Wider Opportunity called Music and Medicine that was held in July of 1990. It was hosted by legacy Mid-South Council (now Heart of the South Council) located in Memphis, Tennessee.

Tamara arrived in Memphis on July 20.  She had visited Memphis during previous summers, spending time with her uncle’s family, but this time she went directly to  Rhodes College where the participants of Music and Medicine were housed. Tamara remembers becoming close friends with two of the other girls joining in this Wider Opportunity. One was there for medicine and grew up on a farm. The other was there for music, the same reason Tamara was interested in attending this program. She also recalls that the meals at Rhodes College were undeniably GREAT and that she never ate so good while being away from home. Since Tamara celebrated her birthday two days after her arrival in Memphis, the girls had a party for her with balloons and cake.

The activities that Tamara experienced were so exciting for a girl who was interested in music.  She was able to visit Beale Street, the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the home of the Blues. It was on Beale Street that Tamara purchased her first harmonica, which she taught herself to play. The girls also went to the famous Peabody Hotel to see the legendary duck march to the fountain in the hotel lobby.  Additionally, the group went to Sun Records studio, notable for being where Elvis and Howlin’ Wolf recorded their music. Tamara was even able to play her harmonica in that very studio. The girls then travelled to Nashville to experience the medical and music scene there. While in Nashville, Tamara recorded an original song that she wrote. She also shadowed two doctors.

As with so many Girl Scout gatherings, SWAPS were exchanged at this Wider Opportunity, too.  Some were handmade by the participants, while others used council patches for their SWAPS. Tamara’s Mom sent her with SWAPS from the Chicago Council and the city itself.

This experience has stayed with Tamara. It was a steppingstone to what she is now doing, since she is a professional artist who acts and sings, along with writing music and plays.  And by the way, she can still play a mean harmonica.

Program patch and SWAPS that Tamara received at Music and Medicine Wider Opportunity.
More SWAPS collected by Tamara at Music and Medicine.

Ruth Caragher-Stiles, Legacy DuPage County Council

Ruth Caragher-Stiles went through the Wider Opportunities application process when she was part of Senior Mariner Ship 167 in legacy DuPage County Council. She was chosen for a program sponsored by the Utah Council during July of 1999.  Ruth feels that being selected gave her the chance to mature and grow as a young person. She also saw Wider Ops as a way to explore new experiences that would broaden her horizons.

For Ruth, there were many firsts related to this journey. During the application process, it was her first encounter with sitting down for an in-person interview. Additionally, it was her first time to be on a plane, to see a mountain, to be away from home by herself, to be responsible for herself as a person, along with so many other firsts that are too long to list. It all led to Ruth being more aware of who she is as a person and her ability to recognize her strengths, weaknesses, and maturity level.

When July finally arrived, Ruth flew to Salt Lake City and was greeted by the family who hosted her. She appreciated the family’s kindness and their willingness to take her up into the mountains after they learned Ruth had never seen a mountain before.

The day after her arrival, Ruth met up with all the Wider Op group of Girl Scouts from around the country. The girls had a day of talking and visiting with each other, doing trust games, touring downtown Salt Lake City, visiting the Mormon church, and being together as a group while preparing for the rest of the week. 

The participants traveled by tour bus around the state of Utah for the week. They started out driving to Zion National Park near the Arizona border. Ruth remembers it being quite a long drive, but worth it because of the spectacular view. For Ruth, one of the more rewarding experiences was getting to know the other Girl Scouts during the drive. She recalls that one of the girls was vision impaired and used a walking cane to get around.  The other girls were all inspired by her bravery, since this Wider Opportunity was going to include a lot of hiking, camping, and rafting. She was very trusting, and all the girls surrounded her with support.

After a day of hiking and swimming in the river at Zion, the girls set up camp for the night. Ruth remembers how a thunderstorm rolled through. Since the camp was in a valley between two mountain ranges, the thunder would start at one end and roll like a bowling ball to the other end of the valley and back. The girls sang songs and cooked over a campfire before the rain came, enjoying all the fun.

The following day, the group headed to Bryce Canyon National Park and set up camp again. There was lots of hiking and helping the vision impaired Girl Scout who was so brave, and the group all really built up their friendship during this time.

The next stop on the tour was Moab, where two national parks are located, Canyonlands and Arches. At Canyonlands National Park, the girls saw the beautiful Angel Arch, while at Arches National Park, they saw the magnificent Big Arch. While in Moab, the girls enjoyed white water rafting down the Colorado River.

For the first night in Moab, they stayed in cabins with six girls to a cabin. The other two nights were spent camping under the stars next to the Colorado River. Coming from the Chicago area, Ruth couldn’t get over how quiet it was at night, how beautiful the stars were, and how she had never seen so many of them before in her life. The girls had big bonfires at night and sang songs. They each took turns talking about their lives, homes, and families. Ruth remembers the girls with whom she became close, and how they  would lie together under the stars in the long, tall grass of a field, counting the falling stars until they were fast asleep and not waking until the morning.

During the time in Moab, Ruth had her sixteenth birthday. The rafting tour guide company had bought her a cake. It was the first time Ruth had a birthday away from home, and everyone sang Happy Birthday to her. This was quite a happy time for Ruth.

The blind girl continued to demonstrate her bravery during the hikes in Moab. There were times when the girls had to traverse huge rock faces. At one point they were all completely horizontal and shimming up between a crevice in the rocks, and the blind girl became afraid. The group refused to let her give up and after some time she continued on.  The girls all rallied around her, telling her how proud they were of her. Looking back now, Ruth is proud of the entire group she was with.

Through all the hiking and swimming, the cooking and rafting, seeing all new mountains and rivers, the beautiful scenes at all the national parks in Utah had a profound effect on Ruth. She believes that she became a bit more in tune with who she is as a person because of this Wider Opportunity, which sparked in her a lifetime of curiosity and adventure. There are many times during hikes that were quite challenging that Ruth didn’t think that she could do them. However, after completing these challenges, Ruth’s confidence improved.  She considers her experiences during the Wider Opportunity to have been completely positive.  The Girl Scout leaders, the Girl Scouts who attended from around the country, and even the family who welcomed Ruth into their home, all started out as strangers, but they left Utah as friends.  Ruth is very proud and grateful to have had this experience.

Beth (Pradelski) Kosiba, Legacy South Cook County Council

As a Cadette Girl Scout in legacy South Cook County Council, Beth Kosiba was chosen for a ten-day Wider Opportunity called Porpoises, Patents, and Polymers that was offered by legacy Western Reserve Council (now Northeast Ohio Council) in Akron. During this July 1999 Wider Opportunity, Beth participated in numerous activities, along with 50 other Girl Scouts from 29 states who were also interested in biology, physics, and other science activities.  Beth has always had a love for animals, and this was a perfect match for her to explore the many options for her future.

Program patch for Porpoises, Patents, and Polymers

Before heading to the program, Beth made SWAPS to exchange with the other girls. She made a key chain out of fun foam in the shape of Illinois, painting a tulip on it to show where her hometown of South Holland was located.   

To start this journey, Beth flew into Cleveland, Ohio and was met at the airport by her host family. She stayed with the host family for two days before being taken to Camp Ledgewood, the home base for the program.  Most of the mornings were spent at camp where the participants could enjoy scavenger hunts, snorkeling, rock climbing, or activities planned by different patrols. The girls slept on bunk beds, went on hikes, and used the pool to cool off.  However, one thing that Beth found different at Camp Ledgewood was “timing the showers”, turning the water on and off to make sure that there was enough water for everyone.  There were additional activities, such as campfires in the evening, a pool party, and a tour of the Council office that included a pizza party.

The Girl Scouts spent five days at Sea World, investigating the animals and learning from the instructors.  There was classroom education and behind the scenes exploration. They even had close access to dolphins, penguins, and  whales, along with interacting with the handlers who cared for or worked with the animals.  They learned how to walk with flippers on, and they were able to try out scuba gear in a swimming pool.

A trip to Kent State University let them explore the Liquid Crystal Institute and the displays there.  Here the girls learned a bit about physics and what careers it could lead to. They toured Inventure Place and the Inventors Hall of Fame, where they were able to research and learn about the marvels of invention.

Another outing took the girls to the University of Akron. Here they learned about the Polymer Science Program at the state-of-the-art facility, the Polymer Research Science Center.  At the research center, the girls were able to make something with plastic.

There were also fun times not related to science.  They went to the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and to the Great Lakes Science Museum where they saw an IMAX movie.  The participants also explored the natural wonders of the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation area.  They went to Geauga Lake for an afternoon of fun and had a picnic dinner there.

Beth really enjoyed this Wider Opportunity program and found it to be a lot of fun.   It reinforced her love of science careers and education, along with service to others.  She thoroughly enjoyed seeing the animals behind the scenes, and this program helped her to decide on what she wanted to do in the future. Beth has worked at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, and now at the Indianapolis Zoo in the education department.  While working at the Shedd Aquarium, Beth became friends with co-worker Juliann Krupa and discovered that Juliann’s mom was the person who organized the PPP Wider Opportunity Program for Western Reserve Girl Scouts.  And now, Juliann is currently involved with Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. The Girl Scout sisterhood touches us in a variety of ways!

Beth continued her Girl Scout journey and earned her Gold Award. She is also a Lifetime Member.

These are some of the SWAPS Beth collected during her Wider Opportunity.
The girls who attended Porpoises, Patents, and Polymers received this t-shirt.

Amy (Heyse) Mantuori, Legacy South Cook County Council

Amy Mantuori was fortunate to be chosen for four Wider Opportunities during her time as a Girl Scout Senior with legacy South Cook County Council.

In 1998, Amy went on her first Wider Opportunity, which was hosted by the Nation’s Capital Council in Silver Spring, Maryland.  Rocks, Caves to Comets offered spelunking, fossil digging, rappelling, panning for gems, and whitewater rafting, along with a visit to the Smithsonian.  The participants camped in tents most of the time, but also stayed in hotels and on college campuses as they traveled around.

Legacy Michigan Pine and Dunes Council in Grand Rapids, Michigan (now Michigan Shore to Shore Council) offered the Wider Opportunity Ecoventures in1999. Amy felt fortunate to be chosen for this Wider Opportunity thatwas all about learning science and math, along with how to make it fun to encourage younger girls to become interested in STEM. She was taught all kinds of interesting experiments and how to recreate them.  Learning how to write grants, press releases, and proposals was also part of the program. Additionally, the girls acquired the knowledge on how to set up STEM kits for their councils.  Amy took this idea and made it the focus of her Gold Award project.  A highlight of this Wider Opportunity occurred when astronaut Sally Ride spoke to the participants about the importance of getting girls interested in math and science.

For her next Wider Opportunity, Amy headed to Modesto, California in July 2000.  Legacy Muir Trail Council (now Heart of Central California Council) offered On the Trail for Gold.  During her time there, Amy panned for gold, hiked through Yosemite, crawled through a cave, explored San Francisco, and visited old west towns. The lodgings included camping, hotels,  college campuses, and even homestays with host families as the girls traveled across the west in search of gold.

Amy’s last Wider Opportunity took her to Portland, Oregon in July 2001.  Great Northwest Adventure was hosted by legacy Columbia River Council (now Oregon and Southwest Washington Council).  Amy had the chance to do all kinds of amazing things, such as hiking up Mount St. Helens, windsurfing, whitewater rafting, and hiking through waterfalls.  She also went to museums, the aquarium, and on boat trips and light house tours. There was plenty of time spent on the beach, too.

Amy really enjoyed these experiences for so many reasons.  Although she found it to be a little nerve wracking getting on a plane (sometimes by herself) and heading to another state, not really knowing anyone,  Amy also realized that she was going to have an exceptional experience at each of these Wider Ops. When looking back at these four amazing adventures, she realizes that the most memorable aspects of each trip were the people she met.  She is still in contact with many of the girls who were on the trips with her, some she has seen many times since the trips.  One girl even stood up in her wedding, while another was in attendance.  She reached out to some of her friends to ask about their memories of their Wider Ops.  Most of the memories centered around  just getting to know each other, playing games, having new experiences, and having fun. 

Amy went on to earn her Gold Award, and she is also a Lifetime Member.  She recently became the leader of her daughter’s Daisy troop.

After learning about the Wider Ops experiences of these five women, it is quite evident that the Wider Opportunities program had a profound impact on all of their lives. Girl Scouts helps develop girls of courage, confidence, and character through all of the programming that is offered.  However, Wider Ops was proven to be one of the most influential in girls’ lives, and Destinations is carrying on that legacy.

Girl Scout World Centers

It was at a World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) meeting in Holland in 1929 that the group decided they needed a permanent World Center where girls from many countries could meet and learn how much their lives were the same.  American troop leader, Helen Storrow of Massachusetts agreed to finance the construction of the center on the condition it be built in Switzerland. With the help of Swiss Girl Scout, Ida Von Herrenschwand, or Falk as she was known, Storrow found a lovely, peaceful place in the Alps and Our Chalet construction began in 1931.  It opened in 1932. The flat roof with stones on it prevents large sheets of snow from sliding off in the winter.

Our Chalet patch for Girl Scouts.

A trip to Our Chalet is enjoyed by older Girl Scout troops who have planned and saved for it for much of their Girl Scout lives. Visitors stay in the original building or the newer Stöckli. In summer they can camp in the woods. Skiing is a popular sport in the winter. Tours of the area include a visit to the woodcarver for handmade souvenirs and to the chocolate factory for a tour and wonderful Swiss chocolate. Evenings are filled with songs, games, and programs prepared by the staff.  A birthday at the Chalet is celebrated at dinner with ‘Happy Birthday’ sung in the languages of the multi-national staff.

Girl Scouts visiting Our Chalet as part of their international travel trip to Switzerland in 2023.

Though Our Chalet was the first, WAGGGS now operates five world centers.  In addition to Our Chalet there is:

  • Our Cabaña in Cuernavaca, Mexico
  • Pax Lodge in London, England
  • Sangam in Pune, India
  • Kusafiri, which doesn’t have a permanent home, but rotates hosting duties among several African countries.
  • Our Ark in London, England

Our Ark was established in London, England in 1939. It became a refuge for Guides forced out of Europe during World War II. In 1959, a new building was bought with a request for a penny from “Every Brownie, Guide, Ranger and Old Guide and every Leader and Commissioner.” In 1963 it was renamed Olave House for Olave Baden-Powell. The Olave House closed in 1991 and was replaced by Pax Lodge.

In the pictures above are many items from the woodcarver including a music box with “Our Chalet” and the WAGGGS emblem carved on the top, a Chalet scene on a coaster, a pin with the Chalet scene and dates 1932-2007 for the Chalet’s 75th anniversary.

Using Troop Proceeds to Fund Exciting Adventures

Meet Troop 60314, a multi-level troop from Lansing, IL, who used their troop proceeds for an amazing Girl Scout travel experience to Mackinac Island. 

The troop has funded many great experiences through fall product and cookie proceeds, such as camping at Camp Palos and Camp Butternut Springs and visiting the Art Institute and other landmarks in Chicago, but the troop had yet to travel outside the council for a multi-day trip.  

With six Girl Scouts in the troop graduating this spring and many Girl Scouts having jobs and other after-school activities, the troop decided this was the perfect time to go on a big trip. Girl Scouts brainstormed places to go, set their budget, and agreed that Mackinac Island was the perfect destination. 

From June 12 to June 16, nine Girl Scouts and their families explored the beautiful scenery and learned about the history of Mackinac Island. They went on a ferry tour, a carriage ride, and walked through a butterfly house. They also hiked Munising Falls, and on their last day, the troop toured the old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. The entire trip turned out to be an unforgettable experience for the troop.

Heather, a co-leader of Troop 60314, shared some tips for new troop leaders who are interested in beginning the trip-planning process: 

  • You know your troop and what they’re interested in. Do your research first and share with your Girl Scouts what is reasonable.
  • Keep it simple: the girls will enjoy spending time together regardless of the destination. 
  • Mention that you are bringing Girl Scouts to the places you are interested in visiting – they may offer you a discount! 

You can count Troop 60314 in for participating in the fall product and cookie program this year, as they have already begun planning for their next big troop adventure!  

Learn more about our Fall Product Program by clicking here.

Hiking the Swiss Alps Recap

Embarking on a Girl Scout international destination trip is an incredible journey that expands your global horizons and builds memories, friendships, and fun. To prepare for your trip across the globe, you must have completed the Girl Scout travel progression timeline, starting with field trips for Daisy Girl Scouts and working your way up regional travel as a Junior Girl Scout. When you bridge up to Cadette’s, you will have built the foundational travel skills needed to take the lead and see the world!

After six months of planning, preparing, and connecting over Zoom, 12 Girl Scouts were ready to connect in person and travel to Switzerland. Girl Scouts immersed themselves in the Swiss culture for two weeks, where they went hiking and sightseeing, toured Our Chalet (the first World Centre for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts!), ate lots of fondue, and so much more! Read on to get a daily recap of their trip and hear from some of the world travelers.

All Girl Scouts arrived in Chicago, then flew together to New York:

Unfortunately, the flight to Geneva was delayed a couple of days due to severe weather. But luckily, Girl Scouts were in New York and had an opportunity to explore the city! While in New York, Girl Scouts shopped at Hudson Yards, took a lovely scenic stroll on the Hi-Line, had a delicious lunch at Chelsea Market, visited the Stonewall Monument, and enjoyed some classic New York pizza.

The following day, before heading to the airport, Girl Scouts were able to visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum and learn about the history of flight from their awesome, friendly staff.

First full day in Switzerland:

For their first full day in Switzerland, Girl Scouts explored Lausanne. They visited Lausanne Cathedral and climbed up to the top for some amazing views of the city.

Girl Scouts also had time to explore the Old Town and stop in all sorts of shops before stopping in a creperie for lunch.

 After lunch, they hopped on a ferry to cross Lac Lemon into France!

 Girl Scouts spent a few hours exploring Evian and filling their water bottles at the official source spring that started Evian Bottled Water.

Once they returned to Lausanne, they gathered for an authentic Swiss fondue experience!

Second day in Switzerland: 

Girl Scouts took the train to Montreux on their second day! Girl Scouts saw the Chateaux de Chillon, a castle built in the twelfth century. They toured the castle for the morning and then went into downtown Montreux for the rest of their day. Girl Scouts first stopped at The Queen Experience, a small museum where the band Queen recorded one of their albums.

Then, they all gathered around the Freddie Mercury statue for a photo together. The group decided to split up for a little while in the afternoon. A few of the Girl Scouts went on a hike while the others went into the old part of Montreux to explore. They all met for dinner before catching the train back to Lausanne for the night.

Week in Adelboden: 

For the first night at Our Chalet, Girl Scouts attended a Pinning Ceremony and received their exclusive pins.

The next morning, Girl Scouts were up bright and early for a hike up an actual alp! They hiked all day, stopping for the amazing views and to say hello to some cows. It was a challenging hike, but their months of preparation paid off.

“My most vivid memory is walking up the side of a mountain surrounded by cows and hearing the gentle ringing of their bells. To me, this was a quintessential experience to have in Switzerland,” said Girl Scout Leah.

When they got back to Our Chalet, they enjoyed Swiss Night! Girl Scouts learned about Swiss history and folklore, played trivia, and enjoyed chocolate fondue.

The next day, Girl Scouts had their onsite day. They spent the whole day at Our Chalet participating in activities about knot tying, team building, orienteering, fire building, shelter making, and whittling.

That night, Girl Scouts attended International Night. They got to learn more about where all the Our Chalet volunteers are from and the other guests. They also shared about the 12 different states they were all from. 

“It was really interesting to learn how Girl Scouts is different, but also how the Girl Scouts themselves are similar to me and that we have much in common,” said Girl Scout Abigail.

Girl Scouts had one free day at Our Chalet, where they could plan their own activities. Girl Scouts decided to take a hike up to the Trummer Woodcarver. It’s a family-owned business where everything is handmade, and you can have your name hand-carved into a cool souvenir.

Girl Scouts then hiked back into Adelboden to spend some time shopping! Everyone bought some Swiss chocolate to share with their family back home. 

“Being exposed to the cultural differences on this trip has inspired me to save my money and seek other unique experiences in the future. Now, I have an appreciation for European culture and a drive to experience other cultures around the world as well, said Girl Scout Calleigh.

The next day was their favorite activity of the whole trip – the adventure park! Girl Scouts had two different activities for the day: zip lining and rock climbing. The rock climbing wall was challenging, but a ton of fun, and the zip lines were so exciting! Girl Scouts all got to work together as a team to cheer each other on and help each other through the different levels.

That night, all the groups at Our Chalet gathered for a campfire. They all shared songs with each other and learned songs from different countries!

The last full day in Adelboden was one last big hike. Girl Scouts hiked a steep trail to a beautiful lake with cows hanging out on the beach.

They stopped for lunch and then headed to the toboggan run, followed by a cable car back down towards town.

Girl Scouts spent the evening packing up their rooms and attending the Closing Ceremony.

Being at Our Chalet with people from all over the world was such an amazing experience, and all Girl Scout travelers made some great friends they hope to keep forever. 

“The overall experience was unforgettable and one that I will cherish forever. This trip pushed me outside of my comfort zone. It was my first time traveling to a different country without my parents. I was nervous and anxious to leave my family for so long, but once I made it to Chicago, I felt included and welcomed by all of the Girl Scouts and leaders. This experience has also taught me to persevere during times of adversity,” said Girl Scout Camdyn.

“Coming back from this trip of almost a month in a foreign country with people I hardly knew, I can confidently say that I grew mentally and emotionally,” said Girl Scout Amelia.

For more information on Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana travel opportunities, please contact programs@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.

Adventures in Colorado

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.

Troop Uses Cookie Proceeds To Create Memories That Will Last A Lifetime

Troop proceeds from selling cookies can be used for fun, like taking a trip to Disney World! 

Troop 35580 recently returned from a five-night, six-day trip visiting Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. When visiting Animal Kingdom, girls earned their Animal Habitat patch to enhance their Girl Scout experience.

“We saw the true meaning of sisterhood. They (Girl Scouts) all showed their courage and strength. Many of the girls stepped outside their box and rode rides they would have never ridden at all the parks,” said Troop Leader Kailey Gernenz. 

The troop paid for this trip with the proceeds collected from selling 22,925 boxes of cookies over the past three years.

“Like Walt Disney says” IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN DO IT.” That is what got us to Disney,” said Kailey.

The troop made many great memories and has set another goal for 2025 to return and go to Sea World.

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana created a plan to help troops continue to reach their cookie goals. 

For every online shipped order (Digital Cookie, Ship-to-Customer) placed and paid for by a customer between February 27 and March 20, the troop will receive $1.15 ($1.25, if the troop opted out of rewards) per package as troop proceeds.

Girl Scouts, remember to email your customers on February 27 with your new Digital Cookie link.

Troop 606 – Leave: July 28, 1991, 8:30 a.m. from Mrs. Caragher’s House 

<strong>Troop 606 – Leave: July 28, 1991, 8:30 a.m. from Mrs. Caragher’s House </strong>

By Chris Caragher, Girl Scout Historian

After years of being a Girl Scout troop leader for Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes, I yearned to visit the birthplace of Girl Scouting, Savannah, Georgia. I viewed that as the ultimate pilgrimage to our founder’s home and, by extension, the birthplace of my Downers Grove-based Cadette Troop 606. It was the girls’ last year in this troop as they were faced with the decision to move on to a long-standing Senior Girl Scout troop, a “Mariner troop,” known as Ship 167, or end their active membership as they started high school.  

At our meeting, we decided the trip would be a great idea, and we had enough cookie money in the bank to do it! 

The troop applied for a date, as required by the birthplace, and chose a “high tea” program and house tour. Our reservation was for August 1, 1991. Now, all we had to do was to figure out the transportation costs, logistics, and the care and feeding of each member. Our troop loved camping and had been on short trips to Mackinac Island and Wisconsin and used Camp Greene Wood often, even in the winter, but this was much bigger! So, I called an airline. Tickets to fly would take all our cookie money plus more! We had to figure out another way. 

My co-leader, Ginger, and I wondered if we could drive to Savannah, so we thought we’d check with the parents.  We knew that we had parents who owned vans. We asked, and two dads volunteered, but they would need gas reimbursement  to drive and would go for free. We calculated the miles, cost of gas, food, and activities.  

At that time, the birthplace provided a booklet called Birthplace Bound. It had ads for accommodations, restaurants, local attractions, and some discount admission coupons for Girl Scouts. I called the hotels recommended for Girl Scouts and got a special Girl Scout rate reservation at Budget Inn.  

The trip down to Savannah would take time, so we decided to leave early to do some activities on the way down and some on the way back; it turned into a 10-day trip. It was like a family vacation. We had snacks, drinks, games, camping equipment, luggage, and uniforms in each van.  

The itinerary as told by a Girl Scout:    

7/28 We visited the Kentucky Derby Museum and toured Churchill Downs. Afterward, we drove to Cave City, tent camped and cooked at Mammoth Cave National Park. 

7/29 Mammoth Cave Tour and lunch in their cafeteria, then departed to Indian Springs State Park near Macon, GA, where we visited the Historic District. When we arrived at the campground at 7 p.m., we discovered we had lost our campsite for being late, so we just found a long stretch of grass, set up our tents in a single line, and shared a fire with the friendly campers next door. We made a snack and settled into our tents. After breakfast in the morning, we waded in the creek before we left. 

7/30 We visited the Macon Historic District and a trinket store tourist trap, then drove to Savannah, GA, through a torrential rainstorm and arrived at a flooded Savannah. As troop leader, I was elected to wade through the water to check in to the Budget Inn, 3702 Ogeechee Rd., Savannah. It was an old, one-story motel with outside doors looking nothing like the ad in the Birthplace Bound booklet, but it was clean enough and turned out to be safe. The promised swimming pool was out of order and filled with rainwater, but we went swimming at one of the owner’s other properties. We ate at a real sit-down restaurant and ordered off the menu! Thank goodness! 

7/31 Toured the Savannah Visitor Center, the Savannah Experience, and the Ships at Sea Museum. We walked along the ocean, visited the Andrew Low House and other mansions, learned about the city’s squares, had fun, ate popcorn, shopped for souvenirs, saw a movie about Juliette Low and her childhood, and more. We walked ’til we dropped and ate out, but not at the famous restaurant everyone else was eating at. It was way too long of a wait time for hungry girls! 

8/1 Birthplace Day! – JULIETTE LOW DAY AT HER HOUSE! We had a lovely tour and took pictures. Saw all the rooms, including her bedroom and the old library. We went to the garden and learned all about JGL, her art, her wedding, the history behind the birthplace, and some things about the Civil War. We saw the real oil painting of Juliette Low in her pink party dress hanging in the living room. The docent answered all our questions. Then it was time for our activity program in the basement. We did a project to learn about the Girl Scout history of helping others and interacted with another troop that had signed up to try-on dresses that girls and women might have worn in JGL’s time. We invited the “dress girls” to our tea party. We had fun. Then we went to the gift shop for souvenirs. We all got a Birthplace Pin with a Daisy on it. Our precious spending allowance was also used, so everyone could bring home a keepsake. 

One of our troop’s favorite fun songs was Boom Chica Boom. We came up with new lyrics that didn’t really fit the tune but went like this:  

I said a Boom Chica Boom – a little bit Southern Style: 

“So down to Savannah we went, I said a Boom Chica Boom, 

Little did we know that the Budget Inn, I said a Boom Chica Boom!  

Would be only a little better than a TENT, 

I said a Boom Chica Rocka Chica Rocka Chica Boom!” 

8/2 We started heading home but not stopping the fun. We made our way north to Stone Mountain. This was a place where a large bare rock was carved to show the Confederate Generals. Although we were mostly Northerners, it was interesting to see and part of our country’s history. We stayed in the beautiful campground behind the rock. It was a lovely place. At night, a laser light show reflected off the rock carving and special effects to make it look like the generals were actually riding their horses across. It was kind of like a fireworks show. Very cool. We had a good time, and I shared with the girls that my maternal grandfather, Josepha Bouska, who had been a stone cutter in Chicago, was one of the cutters hired to work on carving the rock.  

I bought a book with a picture of all the stone carvers in a big group. I told the girls I could not figure out which one was my grandfather, but I wanted it anyway. 

8/3 We went home a different way through the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. We stayed at the Tanglewood KOA Swannanoa, North Carolina, near Ashville, which had a swimming pool! It had a big hall in a red building with screens all around, but no windows. We visited the National Park Shop and signed up to learn horseback riding. We had hoped to do this activity while planning the trip, so we packed the helmets. We learned how to lead a horse, not be scared of the horse, and we went on a trail ride. Then we brushed the horses and helped put them in the stable. It was great! There were many water activities around the area as well. Although we could not do the tubing activity because no lifeguard was going down the stream with the group. We still interacted with the water at the edges of the stream and got very wet. This area was beautiful to drive through.  

8/4 Driving home through Indiana, it got to be late, so we decided not to camp. We found a nice hotel and a restaurant for a late dinner and collapsed from all the vacation activity.  

8/5 Arrived back home. We called our moms to let them know we were home. We cleaned out the vans and gave them a car wash to thank the drivers. We had a little goodbye ceremony on the front lawn. It was not only the end of the trip but the last thing for our beloved Troop 606, as we disbanded with hugs and tears all around. 

Tips for planning a long term Girl Scout trip!

Tips for planning a long term Girl Scout trip!

Are you planning a big trip—maybe to one of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) World Centres or on another adventure? Global Action Volunteer Team member, Karen, is a pro at helping Girl Scouts and volunteers plan trips! Before graduating high school, her troop went all over the world, including the WAGGGS World Centre in Switzerland, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Bay Area in California.

Here, Karen shares her timeline for planning a Girl Scout trip:

18 months out

  • Brainstorm ideas for 3-4 locations that would be age appropriate for your group to travel to. A great place to start is GSUSA’s travel webpage!
  • Let your Girl Scouts’ parents know that you’re beginning to plan a travel adventure and ask them to “save the date!”
  • Depending on the ages of your Girl Scouts, ask them to research potential locations, how to get there, where to stay, what to do etc. This takes some time, but eventually the girls will want to have a vote!

12 months out

  • Leaders will need to make sure they have trainings up to date and their paperwork filled out. GCNWI is here to help with this, and our travel webpage has it all listed!
  • Keep your parents updated with travel plans including how your troop has decided to pay for their trip and any special items they might need for the adventure.
  • Financial Assistance and Travel Scholarships are available! Scholarship funds provide girls with the resources to plan and pursue travel, from council-sponsored day trips to international journeys.
  • Start looking at making your reservations for overnight accommodations and travel. Always ask if discounts are available for Girl Scout troops—you would be surprised by how many do!

6 months out

  • Double check that all of your paperwork has been approved via Girl Scouts. Put together a binder with a day-by-day outline of your trip and Girl Scout paperwork including release/medical forms for your girls. You will need to have this with you everywhere you go!

3 months out

  • Everyone should be very excited! You might want to think about making a troop t-shirt, bandana, headband, bucket hat, etc.—not only a fun souvenir but a great way to visually keep track of them in busy areas.
  • This is also when you want to confirm all your reservations you have made, including hotels, tours, and restaurant reservations.

As a volunteer traveling with Girl Scouts, you will have the greatest adventures of your lifetime. Check out GSUSA’s Travel Resources for even more great info!

Make sure to follow our COVID-19 guidelines while traveling.

Around the World and Around the Corner

When you travel with Girl Scouts, near or far, you’re doing more than making memories — you’re also exploring your passions and making global connections! Learn more about traveling with Girl Scouts GCNWI.

Donate to the GCNWI Travel Scholarship

Help make travel adventures like these possible for more Girl Scouts through the GCNWI Travel Scholarship! Scholarship funds provide girls facing financial hardship with the resources to plan and pursue travel, from council-sponsored day trips to international journeys through the Destinations program. Together, we can help Girl Scouts become more knowledgeable, compassionate citizens of the world through global programming and travel opportunities.

It’s time to get back to Girl Scouting with new Winter Programs!

It’s time to get back to Girl Scouting with new Winter Programs!

We’re so excited to launch our programs for winter because we have in-person and virtual opportunities for Girl Scouts to press play and get back in the swing of things. Get ready to start the New Year off with new programs!

Registration for programs from now through April are now OPEN! Ready to join us?

Programs are available for Girl Scouts of all ages and give them the opportunity to reconnect with nature, their Girl Scout friends, and self-discovery in general! Make sure to look through our events calendar above or through our ActiveNet registration portal to see all of our available programs!

Custom Programs for Girl Scouts!

Our custom programs are still available to sign-up for, which includes a fun list of offerings and brand new dates for the upcoming months! Make sure to visit our website to learn more about scheduling an in-person or virtual custom program.

Join us for Team STEAM programs!

Are you a STEAM enthusiast? Then join Team STEAM, where you can connect with other girls who love STEAM and women in STEM careers. Once you complete your first STEM badge as a troop, individual, or council, you can sign up to join the team! You will receive some Team STEAM swag and information about our meetings every other month to connect to other STEAM enthusiasts and hear from women who work in STEM careers.

There are opportunities for all ages of Girl Scouts to become an astronomer, LEGO robotics expert, engineer, and more: explore our website to register!

All Girl Scouts are invited to celebrate our Virtual Cookie Badge Bash on January 8 by joining us for two very special workshops catered to earning NEW cookie badges!

Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors will learn about the cookies, how to set goals, come up with a sales pitch, and learn how to build your team, while Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors will expand upon their knowledge of the cookie businesses, learn marketing tips, and work on building their own customer base!

Reminder: Cookies are “crumbing” December 15!

Become a Digital Leader!

The digital world is run by technology. If you want to change the real or digital world, technology can connect you to people, information, and causes in an instant. It provides tools to help you inform, organize, and mobilize others.

We have a set of programs that will expand upon girls’ knowledge of the digital world and how the internet works, while learning valuable life skills, internet safety, and more!

Camp Registration Opens March 1!

For more than 100 years, Girl Scout camp has brought girls outdoor adventures full of learning, challenges, a whole lot of friendship, and tons of fun. This happens through a community—each girl who comes to camp is welcomed into a group of girls who together can:

  • Discover their ability to better solve problems and overcome challenges.
  • Develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and become team players.
  • Increase their level of overall happiness and gratitude, and care for the environment.

Registration opens March 1, but in the meantime, we have a TON of outdoor winter programs to get you in the camp spirit!

Volunteer programs are back!

As always, we have plenty of opportunities for v[AC1] olunteers, so be sure to browse those as well! These include resources for the cookie season, our Adult Enrichment series, CPR and First Aid, and more!

Your time to shine? Now!

Time to Renew, Girl Scout!

Connecting. Testing her strength. Making a difference. Renew today to make sure your Girl Scout continues to shine her brightest.

She’s ready to explore, learn, and create. She’s ready to come back.

Press play with Girl Scouts and watch her confidence soar.

Remembering a trip to Camp Rockwood

Remembering a trip to Camp Rockwood

Girl Scouts and travel adventures just go together—from the field trips they take as Brownies to the global exploration they go on as teens. Traveling as a Girl Scout has been a tradition for many years; we have a special look into a trip Girl Scouts from our council area took in 1965, thanks to our Girl Scouts GCNWI Historians! Read on.

On August 7, 1965, twenty-three girls and four leaders from Des Plaines Troop 64 and Wheeling Troop 609 boarded a bus for a 10-day trip to Washington, D.C.  According to a letter sent to parents outlining the details of the trip, the total cost per girl was $65.00, which would be $565 today, with a food budget set at $1.24 per day ($11 today).

Girls left in their “full Girl Scout Uniform—including hat, black or brown flats or heels, hose (no anklets) white g1oves, and the two-piece Senior Green uniform.” And then changed into their traveling clothes: “Girl Scout green Bermudas, white Girl Scout blouse, white knee-high hose, white tennis shoes and red flashes.”

In their one duffel and one carry-on tote, the girls needed to pack “towels, wash cloth, soap, toothbrush, tooth paste, head scarf, sewing kit, rain coat, plastic boots or something for [their] feet if it rains, flash light, jack knife, pencils, pen, drinking cup (have it handy on the bus), stationery, stamps, plastic bags for clothing and laundry, Scout uniform,” and much more.

While in the D.C. area, the girls and their leaders stayed at Rockwood National Girl Scout Program Center, located about 15 miles from the capitol in Bethesda, Maryland. The sixty-eight acre site was donated to the Girl Scouts in 1936 by Mrs. Carolyn G. Caughey, who had a vacation home there. The site included a mansion, tennis courts, a swimming pool and cottages—two of which had electricity, modern kitchens and bathrooms.

The camp opened in 1937 and was first operated by the local District of Columbia-Montgomery County Council, which started improvements and renovations to the site, but supply shortages during World War II halted the work until 1949 when the national organization assumed responsibility for the property.

By 1979, the area surrounding the camp was quickly becoming residential and the property was sold. Part of the former Rockwood property is now a facility of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission and continues to be used by Girl Scouts and the public.

Around the World and Around the Corner

These Girl Scouts visited the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama: where will you go? 🌎

When you travel with Girl Scouts, near or far, you’re doing more than making memories — you’re also exploring your passions and making global connections! Learn more about traveling with Girl Scouts GCNWI.

Donate to the GCNWI Travel Scholarship

Help make travel adventures like these possible for more Girl Scouts through the GCNWI Travel Scholarship! Scholarship funds provide girls facing financial hardship with the resources to plan and pursue travel, from council-sponsored day trips to international journeys through the Destinations program. Together, we can help Girl Scouts become more knowledgeable, compassionate citizens of the world through global programming and travel opportunities.