Destinations: Orange County, Boundary Waters, and Southern California

Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate adventure for individual Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Push past your comfort zone by applying for a trip on your own, and make friends from all over the country as you travel with new Girl Scout friends. There’s a unique, life-changing experience for everyone.

Don’t just take it from us though—hear firsthand how Girl Scout Destinations have impacted Girl Scouts from western Pennsylvania.

Destination: Color Me Orange County – Girl Scout Margaret Pivetz

“Attending this Destination has allowed me to expand my appreciation for how much work goes into making the magic of Disney possible. The engineering behind the rides and the effort that goes into designing every part of the park is incredible and expansive. This Destination has allowed me to explore careers and potential futures that I would not have known about otherwise. It has also allowed me to make connections that span across the country—something that would not have been possible without these incredible opportunities.

I was able to participate in a bridging ceremony for graduating Girl Scouts both from Orange County and from my Destination group. The opportunity to experience Girl Scout traditions from other parts of the country and bond with my fellow [Girl] Scouts was one of the most amazing experiences. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to enjoy and learn from all of the amazing people I got to meet throughout this Destination.”

Destination: Boundary Waters – Girl Scout Nadia Grady

“From swimming in waterfalls to sinking up to our chests in mud during portages, I will never forget the past two weeks I spent exploring the wilderness with my new friends. I wish that everyone could have the feeling of accomplishment yet bittersweetness of leaving this trip.

Honestly, I could spend the rest of my life with the people that I met canoeing. We would tell each other riddles and stupid jokes, stay up late to make friendship bracelets for each other, roast s’mores, photograph frogs, try to make brownies, collect wild blueberries, jump into any body of water nearby, swim to islands to explore, catch crayfish, laugh and cry together, and support each other through anything and everything.

Our guides created an amazing atmosphere for all of us to laugh and play in. I had a smile plastered on my face for almost the entire trip and hopefully these photos bring it through!”

Destination: Taste of Southern California – Girl Scout Vaida Ponish

“When I was on my Destination trip in California, I was inspired in many ways by each friend I met. One thing that made me want to change the way I go about my normal day was just smiling at everyone. You could just look at someone, smile, and then they would smile too. One of the girls I met always had the biggest smile and it made me realize that I felt good after seeing her smile, so if I smile maybe someone else will too!

I think that I would also like to try and compliment people more. Every day one of our leaders on the trip would give us a compliment like, ‘Your outfit is very stylish today.’ The compliments were always unique, and they always seemed genuine when they told you, which always made me feel good. Overall, the trip made me want to be kinder and a better friend.”