During the Girl Congress in May, we heard loud and clear that girls want to travel! One of the great opportunities that Girl Scouts provides girls is the chance to try something new, and that includes visiting new places.
GSUSA and GSNCA destinations is your passport to travel. GSUSA destinations travel adventures, which range from two days to three weeks, are for girls ages 11–17. Travel categories include International, Outdoors, Science, People, Apprenticeships and Getaways.
International – Your adventures could include camping in Austria, rafting in Costa Rico or learning about the culture in India.
Outdoors – You could explore Alaska's Kenai Peninsula in sea kayaks or visit the Mauna Kea Observatory and volcanoes in Hawaii. How about canyoneering in California, biking through Michigan or trekking across the Colorado Rockies on horseback?
Science – Interested in the Space Camp® at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville? More interested in marine or aquatic biology? Then hop aboard a schooner with real-life scientists and learn about weather, waves and zooplankton.
People – Travel from New York City to Washington, D.C., to trail the history and future of women in leadership, community activism and advocacy. Explore the Mall of America in Minnesota, home to more than 520 shops, the nation's largest amusement park and the biggest underground aquarium!
Apprenticeships – Survey Alaska's Copper River Delta, ancestral home of the Eyak people. Or participate in apprenticeships that run more along the lines of training with special education professionals to become a counselor at a camp for girls who are developmentally disabled.
Getaways – These two- to four-day events take place all over the country and don't require a Girl Scout destinations application. A Getaway can be anything from a Broadway career workshop in New York City to a home-building project with a local Habitat for Humanity group. Age requirements and length of event vary, but with all the choices of Getaways, you're sure to find one tailor-made for you.
All destinations events are sponsored by Girl Scout councils or collaborators such as Alpine Training Services, Outward Bound, U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School and Holbrook Global Field Expeditions.
destinations Scholarships
Did you know that GSNCA offers scholarships for girls attending destinations? A destinations Scholarship Fund is available by submitting a completed application with documented financial need and is allocated on the basis of appropriateness of the event. Completed applications must be returned by March 1, 2011. Up to 50% of the event fee can be awarded depending on the number of applications received. Please note all girls receiving a GSNCA scholarship must participate in the Cookie Sale Program.
Application Process
September–November
Applications Received
Log on to www.studio2b.org/destinations and download the application form for the destination of your choice and complete it.
Participant applications and references are received at the GSNCA offices. The application deadline is November 15, 2010, for the current listing of destinations. Girls may apply for up to four destinations.Applications Reviewed
The Older Girl Program Manager sorts through the applications/references within a week after the deadline has passed.
The Older Girl Program Manager confirms that the applications are complete and all necessary references have been received. Signatures of the girl and parent are confirmed.
The registrar confirms that the girl is a registered member of our Council using the membership registration system.
Participants whose applications are incomplete or missing references will be notified to complete the necessary steps.Applications Mailed
The Older Girl Program Manager prepares and mails all of the completed applications to the sponsoring councils by the December 1 deadline.
An email is sent to all applicants by the Older Girl Program Manager to inform them that their applications have been mailed to the sponsoring council and the timeline for selection and notification as determined by GSUSA.January-February
Applicants Notified
Girls are notified via mail or email of their acceptance or denial to their selected destination(s) by the sponsoring council. GSUSA asks that sponsoring councils notify their applicants from January 15–February 15.
Copies of acceptance letters received at the GSNCA office via mail or email from the sponsoring councils are forwarded to the Older Girl Program Manager.Deposits Due
Most councils will request an acceptance reply and deposit immediately to hold their spot, generally $100–$300.
Funds are available to help offset the costs of the trip through the destinations Scholarship Fund. If parents are going to apply for the aid, they have two options in regards to the deposit:
The parent or participant can call the sponsoring council and let them know that they have applied for and are waiting on scholarship funds from the council. Generally councils will work with the parent/girl on payment if clear communication is made that the girl does want the spot and commits to attending.
Parents can go ahead and pay the deposit, proceed with the scholarship application and submit request for scholarship funding.Scholarship Paperwork
The Older Girl Program Manager will prepare a congratulatory acceptance letter which will be mailed with destinations scholarship application to each participant selected for a destination once the acceptance letter has been received in the Council office.
Girl and adult participants may apply for one destination scholarship award per Girl Scout year. The Girl Scout year is defined as October 1–September 30.
Scholarship applications and all supporting documentation are due back to the GSNCA office March 1.
Sessions are held to discuss tips on packing and traveling alone; girls and parents are encouraged to share their ideas on fundraising and SWAPS.June–August
destinations Take Place
Most events take place in the June–August timeframe; however, some may occur in late May and others take place during winter break.