By: Alyssa H., Girl Scout Ambassador-Troop 1584

Over the summer I had the opportunity to be involved in a Girl Scout destinations trip to Costa Rica. It was a truly life-changing experience that opened my eyes to different cultures and also allowed me to look into myself and to become a better leader. Describing this trip in just one blog entry would be impossible, but I will do my best to explain a few of the highlights.

Friendships: I went to Costa Rica knowing nobody, but by the end of the trip I felt like I had known the girls on my trip my whole life. It was amazing how quickly we bonded and grew close to each other. We still text and send mail to each other to keep in touch.

Adventure: From admiring a new landscape to surfing and white-water rafting, adventure was truly present throughout the whole trip. The views were incredible, and being able to participate in high adventure activities in such a different environment than I was used to really allowed me to experience adventure at a whole different level. I really loved how I went there not having any surfing experience whatsoever, and was able to learn how to surf and actually get up on the board by the first day of surfing.

Leadership: During this trip we were able to experience leadership by being in charge for a day, as well as learn about how to become a better leader through learning sessions that we had all throughout the trip.

Service to the Community: One day on this trip we were able to walk to a local school and serve the kids and teachers there by painting their school buildings. Watching the joy on the students faces as we painted and the experience of playing with them afterwards gave me so much joy and once again showed me the reason why I serve others.

Memories: So many activities led to an abundance of memories that I will never forget. From developing new life-long friends to exploring a whole new landscape and culture, this trip will never be forgotten.

To learn more about what travel experiences are available to girls, contact Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines Program Director Neph Bailey at nbailey@nccoastalpines.org.