Lora's London destination, July 2009

Girl Scout destinations are opportunities for girls to discover new people, places and experiences through national and international travel. Last July, Lora F. of Troop #6348 spent 10 days exploring London with other Girl Scouts from across the U.S. This is her destinations experience.

This year I went on my second destination. As soon as I knew the trips were posted I went online to find destinations that I was interested in applying for. I was very interested in going on an international trip this year, and applied to go to London: Discover Your Potential, as well as two other destinations. The application included an essay about why I wanted to go, my previous travel experience and my qualifications to go. I also had to send two letters of reference from people who know about my character and abilities. This year I asked a family friend for whom I dog sit and my awesome backpack leader, Val Ross.

I was accepted for my first choice, London! I immediately replied and sent in the required deposit. This trip was sponsored by San Diego-Imperial Council and they sent me an information packet with forms, budget sheet, financial aid packet and other paperwork. I worked with my parents to get all of the required forms completed and returned and I also got my first passport.

Lora (front row, second from the left) and San Diego Girl Scouts
Della S. (back row, last girl on the right) and Sofia B. (back row, third girl from the right)
visit Buckingham Palace with their new friends.

When you go on a destination you are responsible for the costs of the trip–program, airfare, and spending money. There are some council loans available, but I raised my portion of the money by dog sitting, recycling and asking for money toward the trip instead of holiday and birthday presents. My service unit donated $100 for each member attending an international destination, and our group also received a $300 grant for each girl from the Juliette Low International Friendship Fund.

I really enjoyed my first destination to Wyoming in 2007 and had a lot of fun with the girls I met. I also realized that I could travel with girls I didn't know, learn about people from other areas of the country, and have a great time doing it. I was excited to do another destination and thought that travel outside of the U.S. would challenge me and be a great experience. I was not disappointed!

We flew together from San Diego to London, where we stayed at Pax Lodge, one of the four World Centers for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. We followed the footsteps of the very first scouts and camped on Brownsea Island. We toured London, rode the London Eye, and visited famous landmarks like the Tower of London and Big Ben. Our group of 12 girls and our two chaperones had an amazing time together whether we were visiting Stonehenge in the rain or riding the Tube. We met Girl Scouts from Texas and around the country as well as Guides from Canada, Ireland and England. The international staff at Pax Lodge was very warm and friendly. I found that many of the skills I learned with my troop and backpacking group–such as packing light, map reading, and general travel sense–were very useful in navigating an unfamiliar place. Once again my favorite part was the fun I had with my new friends.

I would recommend that girls 11-17 who think that they want to travel should try a destination. Don't be nervous about meeting new people. You are all in the same boat (or plane). Whether the number in your group is 12 or 30 or 100, you are going to connect with at least one other person and probably more!

Interested in going on your own destination? Visit www.studio2b.org/destinations for more information.