Extended Troop Trips

What is a trip?

Taking a trip is progressive and starts with a simple trip during regularly scheduled meeting time and can end with international travel. An extended troop trip is any trip longer than two nights.

Where can you go? Anywhere!

Here are where some other troops have gone:
London - London Dungeon, Stonehenge, Tower of London, Harrods
Washington D.C. - Tour of the Capitol, Holocaust Museum, memorials, Ford's Theatre
New York City - Central Park, Statue of Liberty, ground zero, Broadway, Empire State Building, Times Square, the Metropolitan Museum, SoHo and much more
Wyoming/Montana - Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park

Types of Trips

A simple overnight, no longer than 2 nights

Form needed: Activity and Quick Trip Approval Form Word document
Form submitted: 3 weeks prior
Submit form to: Community Team

An extended trip, more than 2 nights

Start by reading the Extended Troop Trip Guidelines.
Form needed: Travel Plan for Extended Trips Form
Form submitted: 6 months prior for domestic trips and at least 1 year prior for international trips
Additional form needed: Travel Checklist
Submit form to: Girl Leadership Experience Team, Bedford Service Center

Note: If your group is planning long-term, more than a year out, for a trip, and wants to keep money in your account for this purpose:

Form needed: Travel Plan for Extended Trips Form
Form submitted: 1 year prior
Submit form to: Girl Leadership Experience Team, Bedford Service Center

Stuff to Know

Whether you want to spend a few nights in the White Mountains, visit Savannah and the Birthplace of Girl Scouting, or really get adventurous and head to a different country, here is some stuff you need to know!

First, travel is expensive! You may need to earn more money. In order to do any additional money-earning activities for your trip, you must participate in the Council-sponsored Cookie Sale Program and also have a trip form on file at the Bedford Service Center.

FAQ's

Q. Aren't a troop trip and a destination the same?
A. A troop trip is taken and planned by the troop. A destination is offered by GSUSA and provides the opportunity for independent travel.

Q. Are there travel limitations?
A. Feel free to travel throughout the world. It should be a place where your troop feels comfortable and safe visiting.

Q. What if a parent has concerns about a trip?
A. Before making official trip plans, it is advisable to conduct a parent meeting.

Q. My troop is thinking about going white water-rafting, are there restrictions we should know?
A. Before participating in any activity, please refer to Safety-Wise Program Standards for information.

Q. How can we afford to go on a trip?
A. You should start by planning in advance, so you have ample time to save for the trip.The Girl Scout Cookie Sale and Fall Product Sale are the primary money-earning activities in which girls can participate. If additional funds are needed,
Troops/Groups must review the guidelines and submit a Troop/Group Money-Earning Permission form at least four (4) weeks prior to the activity to the appropriate Regional Office for approval. Click here for more info from Girl Scouts of the USA about money-earning.

Q. Who approves money earners?
A. Your regional service center does.

Special Offerings on Travel

Hostelling International USA, Eastern New England Council (ENEC)

Scouting and hostelling are American traditions that go hand in hand. Since the 1930s, Hostelling International USA has provided Girl Scouts with opportunities for travel through educational, cultural, and recreational programs that build life skills and promote global understanding. Together, HI-USA and GSUSA are helping girls enjoy the wonders of the world through travel in a safe and fun atmosphere.

HI-ENEC continues this strong tradition through our specialized programs and activities for Girl Scouts at our hostels in Boston, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. HI-ENEC has hosted Girl Scouts from all over New England and beyond. Visit our website and learn more: http://www.hinewengland.org/program.php?id=1.

For more information on travel to our hostels, please contact groupsales@bostonhostel.org or 617.536.1027. We also provide programs and education to Girl Scout troops in the local community. For more information on educational programs for Girl Scouts, please contact programs@usahostels.org or 617.718.7990 x17.

Education First Educational Tours

1.800.637.8222 or www.eftours.com

Junior Tours

1.800.631.2241 or www.juniortours.com