The group visited the Roman Forum and the Colloseum. PHOTO PROVIDED

A group of six determined and adventurous Girl Scouts from the Gulfcoast footprint recently returned from an extraordinary journey 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 Gulfcoast Girl Scouts who sold over 5,000 boxes of Cookies during the 2022 and 2023 Cookie Seasons.

From the bustling streets of Rome to the iconic landmarks of Florence, and the breathtaking beauty of the Adriatic Coast, the six Girl Scouts explored the rich history, art, and culture of Italy. 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.

Thanks to their local communities’ generous support of their entrepreneurial endeavors, these Girl Scouts were able to witness firsthand the architectural marvels of Rome, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican City. They also toured Saint Peter’s Cathedral and the Catacombs. In Florence, they marveled at the historical cityscape, attended a traditional leather demonstration and pasta-making class, and strolled along the charming Ponte Vecchio. The scenic Adriatic Coast offered them a much-needed respite, where they enjoyed a nighttime ferry ride through the crystal-clear waters.

Crossing over to 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 insights into the religious and cultural practices of ancient Greece. The journey culminated in Athens, where they walked in the footsteps of the great philosophers at the Acropolis and toured the Athens Museum at their own pace.

The group traveled with fellow Girl Scouts from Pennsylvania and Kansas, who also earned the trip as a Cookie Reward.

Six Gulfcoast Girl Scouts pose in front of the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece. PHOTO PROVIDED

The Girl Scouts from the Gulfcoast footprint included: Grace P, Troop 655, Fort Myers; Adilynn I, Troop 677, North Port; Ruby K, Troop 336, Bradenton; Marisol D, troop 97, Branford; Valerie D, Troop 97, Branford; Holly T, Troop 776, Parrish. NOTE: Girl Scouts’ privacy policy prohibits releasing the girls’ last names.

The girls expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to travel abroad through their participation in the Cookie Program. This incredible opportunity has not only broadened their understandings of the world but has also empowered them with a global perspective and a renewed sense of curiosity.

During Cookie Season, Girl Scouts around the country venture into the entrepreneurial world to learn business and financial skills and earn money to fund their Girl Scouting goals. Through “learning by earning,” Girl Scouting aims to empower girls through the development of five essential skills: goal setting, money management, people skills, decision making, and business ethics. In addition to the five key skills girls learn from the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls can earn individual Cookie Rewards. Cookie Rewards vary each year and may include reward items, clubs, events, and trips. Direct, booth and online sales, as well as cookies sold for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s Mints for the Military Program all count towards a girl’s end-of-sale totals.

Ashley Gill, GSGCF Product Program Manager, shared her thoughts on this life-changing experience, saying: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community, who made it possible for these Girl Scouts to embark on this incredible journey. The 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 teamwork, communication, and entrepreneurship.”

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is immensely proud of these six exceptional Girl Scouts, who exemplify the spirit of determination, ambition, and resilience that the organization seeks to instill in its members.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.

Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has a membership of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in 10 counties including: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent the geographic, ethnic, and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit gsgcf.org.

Source: Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.