Youth members, adult volunteers, chaperones and staff from several counties across the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways (GSNYPENN) Council footprint recently traveled to the Galapagos Islands as part of the council’s travel program which equips Girl Scouts to change the world by allowing them to experience it.
The 43 travelers spent eight days this July immersed in Ecuador’s culture, geography, plant and animal life, cuisine and unique experiences. GSNYPENN council staff began planning the trip with travel partner EF Tours in 2022. Some Girl Scouts traveled with caregivers and family members while others traveled as individuals under the guidance of trip chaperones. Many participants funded their adventure through Girl Scout Cookie Program earnings.
“International travel is both priceless and integral to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience because it demonstrates to our youth members that they can do hard things and still have fun! I’ve been all over the world with Girl Scouts of all ages and they surprise me every trip. They become more confident in themselves and their ability to adapt to new situations and return braver and bolder than ever,” says Liz Schmidt, GSNYPENN’s Vice President of Property & Programs.
GSNYPENN’s travel group flew to Ecuador to begin their journey, meeting tour directors in the capital of Quito. Destinations included Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, San Cristobal Island and Otavalo. They toured several historic sites in Quito, took an excursion to the Equatorial Line where they stood in both hemispheres, learned how the Incas determined the middle of the Earth at the Intiñan Museum, saw wild tortoises at a ranch in the Santa Cruz Highlands and visited a giant tortoise breeding center at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
They also enjoyed snorkeling with sea life, participated in a boat excursion to the Las Tintoreras Islet made entirely out of lava where they also explored lava tunnels, hiked Tortuga Bay and Tijeretas Hill, visited the Peguche Waterfall, relaxed at Playa de Los Alemanes and La Loberia beach, learned about natural history at the San Cristobal Interpretation Center and experienced the market town of Otavalo for a unique glimpse into traditional Andean culture and handcrafts.
“My favorite part of the trip was snorkeling at the Tintoreras Lava Islet on Isabela Island because I saw a lot of wildlife I’d never seen before,” says Sophia Polise, a Girl Scout Cadette from Horseheads. “Traveling abroad impacted me positively. I experienced many new things and lifestyles and came home with a new appreciation for the world.”
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip with my daughter,” says Latrica Polise, Sophia’s mother. “Not only did we immerse ourselves in different cultures and experiences, but I was also able to see Sophia gain confidence and independence each day. She developed a great sense of cultural awareness and learned how to navigate change through being pushed out of her comfort zone.”
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