destinations

Are you ready to escape? 

Perhaps you can see yourself catching waves in Puerto Rico, heading to the beach in San Diego or exploring outer space (at Space Camp, but you get the idea)!

What is a destination? A destination is: "any experience, regardless of distance or length of time, that provides a girl 11-17 with an opportunity to expand her personal experience beyond her everyday scope" (GSUSA). There are different types of destinations offered by GSUSA:

• Outdoors, Science, People and International - 1 to 2 week events around the country and the world, applied to by individuals.
• Getaways - 2 to 4 day events around the country attended by troops. These do not require the same application process as the others.

Girl Scouts stand in front of the Taj Mahal in India during their Summer 2009 destination trip.

Applying
Check out this year's Girl Scout destinations and find the application at: http://www.girlscouts.org/forgirls/travel/destinations/default.asp

destinations Workshop: From the Amazon to New Zealand

Come learn more about what destinations are, how to apply, and hear about other girls' real travel experiences.  These workshops are co-offered by GSCNC's destinations Coordinator and Girl Scout Teens who have attended destinations. Check out the program registration website to see upcoming workshops!

Application Process

GSCNC will look over the applications, along with your two references, to make sure you have all the pieces and then we will send it on to the host Council/Event host.  *The destinations Council Representative is Brigid Howe.*

Applications that are faxed or e-mailed will not be accepted, so make sure to give yourself a couple extra days for mailing time!

Please mail application to:
GSCNC
Attn: Destinations
4301 Connecticut Ave, NW   Ste M-2
Washington, DC 20008

Tips For Your Applications

• It helps to ask at least 3 people to be references - that way if one person can't finish it in time, you still have the necessary 2.
• Spell check, spell check, spell check, especially when it comes to your essay. Please proof-read your application, so you submit the strongest application possible.
• You can apply for up to 4 destinations - once you get accepted, you can choose which one(s) you want to attend. Definitely apply for 4, if there are that many that interest you - that way you have the BEST possible chance of being accepted.
• Start saving now! Create a budget to make sure you can afford the trip - include money earning ideas (like selling cookies!), gifts, and think about applying for a GSCNC Program Grant using the B252 form. See more suggestions below. 

*Check out the Explore It guide, which is GSUSA's publication on destinations.  It's packed with information about trips and tips for filling out applications and writing essays.

Paying for It
GSCNC recognizes that destinations are expensive, and we want to work with you to make sure that you can go on the destination of your choice.  Use the resources below to learn about how you can fund your destination.

Seven Steps to Financially Plan for Your Girl Scout destination

Destinations Overview Powerpoint - PDF |  Powerpoint

Program Grants are a great way to supplement the cost of your destination.  Simply fill out a B252 form with all of the required information (costs, money-earning activities you've already done, etc), and the Program Grants Panel will review your request.  Grants are not intended to cover the entire cost of your trip, but can definitely give you a boost if any of your money-earning plans fall through. Click here to learn about the program grant process.

For more information about anything above, please contact Brigid Howe at bhowe@gscnc.org.