A group of six determined and adventurous Girl Scouts from the Gulfcoast footprint recently returned from an amazing trip through Italy and Greece. Through their hard work and dedication to selling cookies, these young girls were able to embark on an educational and cultural experience that will shape their lives forever. The 10-day trip was offered as a cookie reward for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast during the 2022 and 2023 cookie seasons.
From the bustling streets of Rome to the iconic landmarks of Florence, to the breathtaking beauty of the Adriatic coast, the six Girl Scouts explored Italy’s rich history, art and culture. Their journey continued as they made their way to the enchanting Greek destinations of Igoumenitsa, Delphi and Athens, immersing themselves in the wonders of ancient civilizations.
Girl Scouts from Florida, Pennsylvania and Kansas forged friendships while exploring the historical and cultural wonders of Italy and Greece.
The group visited the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
Thanks to the generous support of their local communities in their entrepreneurial endeavors, these Girl Scouts were able to see first-hand the architectural marvels of Rome, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Vatican City. They also visited St. Peter’s Cathedral and the catacombs. In Florence, they marveled at the historic cityscape, watched a traditional leather demonstration and pasta-making class, and strolled along the charming Ponte Vecchio. The scenic Adriatic coast offered them some well-deserved respite, where they enjoyed an evening ferry ride through the crystal clear waters.
Crossing Greece, the Girl Scouts experienced the magic of Igoumenitsa, a coastal town renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. In Delphi, they delved into the ancient ruins of the Oracle, gaining insight into the religious and cultural practices of ancient Greece. The trip culminated in Athens, where they walked in the footsteps of the great philosophers of the Acropolis and visited the Athens Museum at their own pace.
Six Girl Scouts from Gulfcoast pose outside the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece.
The girls began their trip with an overnight stay in Rome, where they visited Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel.
The group traveled with other Girl Scouts from Pennsylvania and Kansas, who also earned the trip as a Cookie reward. The girls expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to travel abroad through their participation in the Cookie program. This amazing opportunity not only broadened their understanding of the world, but also gave them a global perspective and a renewed sense of curiosity.
During Cookie Season, Girl Scouts across the country venture into the world of entrepreneurship to learn business and financial skills and earn money to fund their Girl Scouting goals. Through “learning by winning”, Girl Scouting aims to empower girls through the development of five essential skills: goal setting, money management, relationship skills, decision making and leadership. business ethics. In addition to the five key skills girls learn through the Girl Scout Cookie program, girls can earn individual cookie rewards. Cookie Rewards vary each year and may include rewards, clubs, events and trips. Direct, newsstand, and online sales, as well as cookies sold for the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s Mints for the Military Program all count toward a girl’s ending sales totals.
GSGCF Product Program Manager Ashley Gill shared her thoughts on the life-changing experience, saying, “We are so grateful for the support from our community, which has enabled these Girl Scouts to embark on this incredible journey. lessons we learned, the friendships we made, and the memories we created will stay with us forever. Selling cookies not only helped these girls achieve their goals, but also taught them valuable skills, such as as teamwork, communication and entrepreneurship.
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are extremely proud of these six outstanding Girl Scouts, who exemplify the spirit of determination, ambition and resilience that the organization seeks to instill in its members.
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has nearly 3,500 girls in kindergarten through 12 and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is licensed by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in ten counties including Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry and Collier. The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors that represents the geographic, ethnic and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, visit www.gsgcf.org.
