Troop 52619 is not your traditional troop. Made up of Girl Scout Juniors, Seniors, and Ambassadors from Greenville to Greene County and everywhere in between, they are a travel troop, full of girls and volunteers with their sights set on international travel.
After three years of delays, Travel Troop 52619 finally set foot in Ecuador and the Galápagos islands this June!
The troop started planning their trip in 2019 but were delayed twice—once because of the pandemic and then again in 2022, just three days before they were scheduled to leave, because of civil unrest in Ecuador. But it was “worth every difficulty we encountered to get there,” according to troop leader, Sharon Enslen, who heads up the troop along with co-leader, Susan Finizio.
“Seven planes, three long boat rides, eight water taxis, one hotel, eight hostels, four islands, too many buses to count, [and] five stamps in the passport later, we traveled to one of the most amazing places on earth! This trip was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, and the memories fill my heart with incredible joy. It was worth the wait,” said troop volunteer, Jenn Dayton.
Over the long four years, the troop worked hard to fund their trip by participating in the MagNut and Girl Scout Cookie programs, wrapping Christmas gifts, organizing Journey days, collecting used shoes (over 3,500 pairs!), and more.
Of all their destination options, the troop chose Ecuador and the Galápagos islands due to the growing challenges of visiting the islands. Currently, approval is required to visit the country, and the number of people permitted to enter is limited to reduce the environmental footprint as the government works to protect the ecosystem.
“It’s a treasured experience to be able to go because the Galápagos is a place with many endemic species and can provide so much valuable information. Not just about the island itself, but maybe even how to make other places in the world just as sustainable and beautiful,” said Roma Latimore-Dallas, former girl member and current troop volunteer.
One of the troop’s favorite excursions during the trip was snorkeling—they encountered sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and countless fish and swam alongside sea lions.
“This trip to the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador is an experience I will never forget. The things I saw and what I got to do were absolutely incredible,” said Senior Girl Scout, Isabela Márquez.
The troop also visited two indigenous family homes.
“The sights are beautiful and the landscape is breathtaking, but the thing that will stick with me forever is the kindness and compassion of the people! They are so hard-working and dedicated. They are passionate about their country and culture. Sharing those experiences and time with the local people made memories that will last a lifetime,” said Latimore-Dallas.
Other highlights of the trip include the history and churches of Ecuador, including the Basilica, hiking 13,500 feet high in the Andes Mountains, exploring a lava tunnel, walking to the equator, and seeing iguanas and 140-year-old tortoises roaming the streets.
But the troop didn’t just make memories on their adventure—they made lifelong friendships, including a troop from Georgia that joined them during their journey.
“I can say now that these strangers from day one became my family at the end. I couldn’t be more grateful to have had this adventure, especially with who I was surrounded by. When I was on this trip, all my stress and worries completely disappeared like I went through some sort of alternate world. I loved being able to just relax. Until our next adventure!” said Márquez.
“[It] was a trip of a lifetime that I will never forget,” said Lillian Márquez, troop volunteer and Isabela’s mom. “I feel blessed to have done it with my daughter. I made new friends on this trip and can’t wait until our next adventure with this traveling troop.”
Their next adventures are not far off! The troop already has plans for a trip to Germany, Switzerland, Prague, and Paris next year, and a trip to Greece, Italy, and Spain in 2026, and they are looking for more Girl Scouts to join them. Contact Sharon Enslen at senslen63@gmail.com or 724-496-1264 to express your interest.
For other Girl Scouts interested in travel, Enslen has some advice.
“Plan ahead. Do some research and know what you are getting into. Be accepting of other cultures.”
Enslen also says it is important to let girls lead the way. You have to “let them learn” and “let them grow” as they discover new places and cultures. But above all, “The sky’s the limit. If you dream it, try to get it.”
GSWPA 