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Destinations
Deadline is past, but there may be some space still available.
Check out the full list of opportunities for current availability.
In these exciting one- and two-week Destinations, you'll view the wonders of Yosemite, tour Europe and explore its cultures, or savor Savannah, historic birthplace of our founder, Juliette Gordon Low.
Destinations - they're around the corner and around the world! Be part of the greater Girl Scout community, where girls gather to have fun, test their skills, develop their talents, and build memories. Events are sponsored by Girl Scout councils, Girl Guide associations and GSUSA, the national Girl Scout organization.
Types of Destinations inlcude:
- International—events outside of the U.S.
- Outdoors—events ranging from learning outdoor skills to Outward Bound challenges on land or sea.
- Science—events that take science to a new level. Learn animal behavior or what a doctor's life is like.
- People—events that visit cities and countrysides so you can experience the culture of new places.
- Apprenticeships—events that give you hands-on, real-life experience in a potential career field.
- Getaways—Two- to four-day events all over the country, that don't require the 2007 destinations application.
To qualify for most activities you must demonstrate a special interest in the theme or subject - and in some cases, you'll need a special skill, like swimming, canoeing or diving. You should also feel comfortable about living away from home in a camp setting or a different culture and climate.
In the past, the Girl Scouts of Chicago had many Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts participate in fabulous Destinations from attending in Canada, Ireland, India and more. Click below for pictures and stories from some the girls that attend these Destinations.
See the many options for you on the STUDIO 2B Destinations web site. Download the application forms in PDF format and in Microsoft Word.
Getaways
Does your troop want a get-a-way? Check out these two- to four-day events all over the country, that don't require the 2008 Girl Scout destinations application.
Your Stories
Read the adventurous stories of girls just like you from Chicago who attended a Destination!
Traveling is a wonderful way to learn about people from around the world, as well as to discover more about yourself. Listed below are several articles written by the teens who dared to dream of adventures in far-away places.
In addition, you can read an article published in the Fall 2004 issue of Shades Magazine that details another Chicago teen Girl Scout's account of her experience in Finland as a Destinations participant. Click here to read the Shades Magazine article titled "Teens Soar Above Cultural Camping Challenges." (This article reprinted with permission from Shades, Inc.)
My Adventure to Costa Rica
Caitlin B, a senior Girl Scout
 When our Destination group met the kids at Fatima school in Cartago, Costa Rica, we couldn’t see anything about them that was out of the ordinary. They were energetic, and cheerful, and excited to have visitors to play with. They loved the games that all grade schoolers love, like jump rope, hot hands, and that perennial favorite, “chase anything with feet around the playground until it is too tired to shout ‘no mas!’” They were patient with the language barrier, and continuously asked us how old we were, studiously interpreting what were often broken or stilted responses. But these children were extraordinary. The mere fact that they were at school at all was a miracle.
The population of Fatima school consists mostly of kids the Costa Rican government defines as poor or very poor—those lacking in at least one or two of the basic necessities of life. Many of them live outside the city limits, illegally, on government land. They live in shacks made of cardboard or plywood or tin, with no clean water, no method of waste disposal, and no place even for kids to play. What’s more, they live outside of the dikes that will protect the city should the Irazu volcano ever errupt again. If that happens, the people who live there will be the first to go. Although the Costa Rican government provides education for free, uniforms and school supplies cost money that these families obviously do not have. That is why Fatima school is so amazing, and so important—without it, these children would be stuck.
 America has its share of problems. However, Americans tend to think that we’re the only ones that do. Americans, and Girl Scouts, should learn to think globally. When people reach out, fantastic things happen. Because of an American businessman, Fatima school will get its first computer lab soon. Because of our Destination group, their school is clean enough to paint and fix up. Every little bit helps, and as Girl Scouts, we are quite capable of giving just that little bit more.
"Destinations" Trip Overseas Inspires, Challenges Teen Girl Scout
Written by Ashley, a Senior Girl Scout from Chicago
Tarus, Finland - just those two words bring back incredible memories and experiences, and have inspired and challenged me each day. I remember not wanting to be a part of the group of young women and adults who were selected for the trip. I had many doubts. Could I make it? Would this be a worthwhile experience? How will it be with all of these new people? It wasn't easy to get past my fears. I had to get to know a total of 19 new girls like myself, and had to brace myself to enter a foreign country with none of the comforts of home.
We were camping for over a week, in the middle of the woods, with thousands of others who were so different from us. I was absolutely terrified. But at the same time I was completely overjoyed and restless with anticipation.  It would be an amazing trip, one to broaden my horizons and to provide a chance for me to discover new things. So I went in high spirits despite the knots in my stomach. I became very close with the girls that we traveled with, 10 from the Chicago area and 10 others from all over the United States. One particular girl, Nibia from Puerto Rico, was an amazing influence and presence. She was my buddy, and I was able to spend time with her the week before we left for Finland. Another girl, Erin from the Chicago area, was my partner on the plane trip home. We totally bonded and I feel that I can tell her anything and everything. These friendships, and those that I have formed with the other girls we traveled with, I will never forget.
It's amazing how much you learn about yourself and others when you travel. Independence, patience, and cooperation were three concepts that I had to familiarize myself with more intensely than ever before. Not only was leaving home emotionally straining, but camping in the wilderness was not physically easy. We had to endure the weather, deal with our tents, and survive our overnight hike. We walked everywhere, and boy did we walk with a purpose! We had to use our sheath knives, and sawed wood for fire, furniture, and posts for our campsite. It was very different from the way that I usually spent my summer days.
Through all of the ceremonies and activities, I learned to appreciate the simple things in life that I had taken for granted - sunshine, warm water, chairs, showers, clean socks, and flush toilets. I was able to fully realize and marvel at the vibrancy and diversity of life, and that there is so much to do and to look forward to. Traveling to a jamboree in another country has been such a life-changing experience for me. It is an amazing opportunity, especially for a young teen who’s almost an adult heading into college. It has made me more comfortable with myself and ready to face whatever life presents me with as I become an adult.
My Trip to Ireland
By: Erin L
This past summer, I, along with eleven other girls from all across the United States packed up our tents and hiking boots and hopped on a plane to Ireland. We then spent the next 10 days of our lives together, cooking, dancing, and becoming life long friends. You may think, "this could never happen in real life," but thanks to the Girls Scouts of the U.S.A., the Girl Scouts of Chicago, and the Girl Guides from Ireland, this event did take place.
 We arrived in Ireland, and were pleasantly surprised with the cool but sunny weather, and younger girls who were eager to meet us. We felt the same way. While driving to the campground, we talked with the girls, giggled about their brogues, and were amazed by the gorgeous greenery and ancient castle ruins.
The campsite was enormous, because there were Girl Scouts and Girls Guides representing 14 different countries. All together, there were 1,400 girls present at Solas 2002. We spent the first two days in Ireland setting up our tents and organizing for the events that were to take place. On the first Sunday, there was a unity ceremony, which included songs, dance, and prayers. This was truly inspirational.  On Monday, I participated in a program called WAGGS, in which we went to different stations, each representing a World Center. It was fun, and we got to write poems and songs in different languages! We finished at about 11:30, or as they would say half 11, and proceeded to eat lunch. Every meal, no matter if it was spicy curry or spaghetti, had a side helping of potatoes! I then went rafting in a lake nearby. We had to use our knot tying skills, because before we went rafting, we had to build the raft itself!
The following two days, we went shopping in a nearby town. The shops are quaint, and their clothes and jewelry are beautiful. The streets are very colorful and full of life. We also participated in such events as archery, swimming, star gazing, and a fifteen-mile hike up the Ballyhae Mountains!  The view from the top, overlooking the beautiful country of Ireland is indescribable. We also visited a castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and I even went in the Atlantic Ocean!
We were blessed with no rain, which was surprising but very pleasing. We were also blessed to have met such amazing people. The girls I met, both from Ireland as well as the U.S.A. will never be forgotten. They were kind, caring, and inspiring. We stayed up almost all night reading magazines and talking, and although we were told to quiet down quite a bit, it was worth it!
My trip to Ireland was a once in a lifetime experience. Although we did not have the opportunity to shower for over 1 week, I would not trade my time in Ireland for the world.
Our Trip to Ireland: Memories That Will Last A Lifetime
Written By: Annemarie K
After months and months of countdowns, July 11th, 2002 finally came-it was time to leave for international Girl Guide/Girl Scout Camp in Charleville, Ireland. We started our trip off to a roaring start with dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and a relaxing swim at the Holiday Inn in downtown Chicago. The next morning we rode the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier before heading out for O'Hare International Airport. All the way there we were counting down, the hours, the minutes the seconds, until our plane would take off. It wasn't till the moment we lifted off of the tarmac that we all shouted "Zero seconds!" The waiting was over and we were on our way!
The name of the camp was "Solas", the Irish word for "light." During the opening ceremony, America was introduced as "that little country under Canada." These jokes were all in good fun, as we were taken aback by the friendliness and good nature of our Irish hosts. Throughout the week, we were able to partake in a myriad of activities including canoeing, hiking, archery, backwoods cooking, survival challenges and of course...shopping! The camp even had a local club bring their equipment onsite to turn our camp into a European dance party.  On our last day in the "Emerald Isle", the Girl Scouts rented a tour bus to see the countryside. All over Ireland there were impressive reminders of a long and vigorous history-forts, medieval castles, and beautiful abbeys. We stopped in Co. Clare to see a folk park and Bunratty Castle, a restored 15-th century architectural masterpiece. We went on to the little town of Ennis to enjoy a bit to eat at a European fast food place by the name of Super Mac's. On our last night, we stayed at an old-fashioned hotel in the city of Limerick.
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the entire trip was accustoming oneself to the foreign dialects. Having never traveled to Europe before, we were often confused by the seemly-odd terms used by our Irish friends. When we were in a local restaurant we did not know what to order! The Irish call French fries "chips" and chips "crisps." Back at camp, gym shoes were not longer referred to as simply "shoes", but "runners." "Mud" was muck and "trash" was "rubbish." We were amazed by the concept of driving on the "other side" of the road. When told to bring "togs" (what the Irish call swimming "suits") on a particular outing, many of us came ill prepared.
The fact is, though the girls we met were from different countries, we were all surprisingly similar. Every girl had hopes, fears and dreams just as I have. Some of us listen to the same bands, have read the same novels, even like the same foods. Since July, I have received floods of letter and e-mails from around the world and made friends for life.
"Wow." Going to Ireland was the best experience of my life.
By Julie P
There are many words that come to mind when I think back on my trip to Ireland this summer, but one in particular stands out: "Wow." Going to Ireland was the best experience of my life.
No other trip, Girl Scout-related or not, has or will even come close to the amazing time I had. Experiencing a different culture was incredible. The small differences in food or dialect we all noted didn't bother us at all. We felt so welcomed by the Irish Girl Guides. They treated us like their friends, and that is what they became to us after spending the week with them.
But the best part of the trip was all the people I met. Not only did I meet some absolutely wonderful Girl Scouts from across the country, I met many Girl Guides from around the world. I still correspond with some of them too! I made some lifelong friends there.
If I had the opportunity to go back, I would in a heartbeat. STUDIO 2B Desinations are wonderful experiences for older Girl Scouts. I'm more than glad that I stayed a Girl Scout for so long. Everything I have learned and experienced has been well worth it and I have so many fond memories to carry with me.
Camp Kopparbo: "What?! You've Never Tasted Swedish Fish Candy?"
By: Maureen K
"What?! You've never tasted Swedish fish candy?" I said, staring blankly at a group of Swedish Scouts. Talk about an ironic position -- me, an American, enforcing the term "Swedish delicacy" upon a treat which the Swedes themselves had never heard of before. The notion that Swedish fish were unpopular, even non-existent in the country of Sweden (combined, perhaps, with my lingering jet lag) amused me for longer than it should have.
You do the math: take 2,490 European Scouts (including those from the countries of Scotland and Denmark), add 10 enthusiastic American Girl Scouts, 2 lively (and might I add brave) American chaperones and what do you get? You only get one guess. That's right, it's Camp Kopparbo! (Honestly now, what else could it have possibly been!)
With one glance it is easy to see why Sweden is hailed as the "Green Lung of Europe." There are tracts of endless green land and countless lakes that glisten like sparkling diamonds. Having never been to Europe before, I knew my Scandinavian adventure would prove itself to be a trip of a lifetime!
When we arrived in Stockholm, we could not wait to hit the shops and pick up some souvenirs for everyone back home in "the states." After a quick look around the city, we took three trains to reach our final destination in the town of Ludvika. I can recall the first ten minutes of the ride in full detail -- the breathtaking scenery, the smiling train attendants and then nothing else but waking up at the end of the line. It seemed that after all the excitement of our plane ride "Mr. Sandman" moved in and knocked me out for hours.
At Camp Kopparbo I was taken aback by the kindness and hospitality of our Swedish hosts. They made me feel very much welcomed. Besides teaching me about their culture, I also learned some new camping skills such as lashing when I helped build a bench and tables. To my surprise, even though we live thousands of miles apart, we do have a lot in common. Every Scout has hopes, fears and dreams just as I have. We listen to the same bands, have read the same novels, and even watch the same television shows!
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the entire trip was adjusting my ears to the Swedish dialect. The Swedish people eat many things that I am not typically used to such as fish stew and couscous, and Lappskojs (a kind of mashed potato stew). I noted that most all meals are served with a delicious Lingonsylt berry jam (similar to cranberry jam). I thoroughly enjoyed all the meals, even though I did not know what they were half of the time!
My favorite part of this trip was all the activities we did together with the Swedish Scouts. Whether we were singing Swedish songs in front of the campfire or to cutting down trees to build our camp "village," I learned a lot about not only the Swedish heritage but also developed a greater appreciation for my own culture. We climbed a rock wall, panned for gold, went on an all-day hike, canoed and swam at the camp's beach.
This journey has truly opened my eyes to the world around me. Being involved with the Girl Scouts of the USA has allowed me to do things that I would have never done before. I have never been more proud to be a Girl Scout, to be an American, and consider myself truly blessed to have been among those chosen to represent the U.S. at "Wider-Op" Dalacamp VI 2003 in Sweden.
Nevertheless, I still would like to know -- are Swedish fish candies really Swedish? Really?
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