destinations

destinations (formerly Wider Opportunities) are adventures designed especially for Girl Scouts ages 11-17. National destinations are one- to two-week events in the United States. International destinations are events in countries with Girl Guide associations and vary in length. destinations are planned around the interests and needs of young women today. The events vary in size, theme, location, and cost.

The adventures are constantly changing! Opportunities for fabulous adventures include learning to scuba dive, playing volleyball, and sailing on cool historic ships. You can sharpen your business skills, watch bison play in the Tetons, and relive the California Gold Rush days. From sports and travel to leadership institutes, we have it all. Find out what destinations are available for 2008!

Careers Rx was a hit in 2006!

Our council hosted a National destination (formerly Wider Opportunity), Careers Rx, in July 2002, 2004, and 2006. With a focus on health careers, this event brought girls together for a close look at a variety of healthcare fields and provided them with an opportunity to see some Kentuckiana highlights. Girls came from as far as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Saint Lucie to participate. The United States was represented from Maine to Hawaii. While in Louisville, the girls explored the Louisville Medical Center and learned from personnel there. They lived in a college dorm during the event and enjoyed several days of home hospitality before and after the event. Many thanks go out to the adults and older girls who helped make this program so wonderful and educational.

Footsteps of the Founders 2005

Not many girls get the chance to walk the path that our founders walked long ago. But Miriam M. of Paducah, KY did. In July, she traveled on a destination to England to seek out the roots of Girl Scouting.

After preliminary briefings at Camp Stem in Laconia, IN, Miriam and the other 11 girls in her group traveled to London. They began their trip by experiencing the history of Girl Scouting firsthand. She stayed at Pax Lodge in London, traveled to the site of Lord Baden Powell's first Boy Scout camp and visited a traditional British Girl Scout camp.

Miriam then set out to see the sights of the country. A major highlight of her trip was visiting the site of the Prime Meridian and stepping into two hemispheres at the same time. Miriam also attended a high tea and saw Stonehenge, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. After touring the British Library and British Museum in London, she was amazed by the original manuscripts of Alice in Wonderland and Beowulf, as well as the Magna Carta and the Rosetta Stone.

In spite of being in England during the second attempted bombings, Miriam had fallen for London. After being home for less than a week, she said, "There is something there that makes you feel like you'd rather be nowhere else. It's amazing; there are so many aspects to London and so many diverse people. After going to London, I know that I won't take life for granted."

Classes - Sharing the Experience!

Each fall, those girls who participated in destinations share their experiences with the rest of us. They eagerly tell younger girls and their leaders about what they have learned and experienced and are open to invitations to talk at service unit meetings and events, troop meetings, etc. Contact Karly Beaven (502-636-0900 or 888-771-5170, ext. 239) at the council office to find out who, in your part of the council, might be available.

Please Note:
destinations are incredibly popular and space is limited, so not every girl will get her first choice and some may not be accepted at all. Girls should know, however, that selections are not made until after the December deadline and not on a first-come, first-served basis. Girls who are not selected can always apply again the following year.

Good Luck! Your Adventure Awaits!

Find out what destinations are available for 2008!
Download the 2008 destinations application! (or Microsoft Word version)
Note: destinations are no longer mailed to Girl Scouts and are available only online. If you do not have Internet access and are interested in attending a destination, please contact Karly Beaven, 502-636-0900 ext. 239 or 888-771-5170 toll-free. The Health Card for destinations is available to download online.