Travel connects Girl Scouts to new places, new people, and opportunities to learn about different cultures and ideas.
Girl Scouts have three avenues for travel: GSGCNWI Travel, which encompasses council-led trips; Troop Trips, organized by individual troops; and GSUSA Destinations, offering curated experiences by Girl Scouts of the USA.
Whichever path they choose, Girl Scouts embark on transformative journeys that leave a lasting impact.
Your one-stop spot for planning safe, fun, and unforgettable Girl Scout adventures.
Before planning your trip, all leaders must complete the required Travel Training in GSLearn.
This ensures your troop is prepared, safe, and ready for a smooth travel experience. Note: You must be logged in to GS Learn to access training., search for the course titled, "Ready, Set, Travel!"
Once training is done, it’s time to complete the forms needed for your trip.
Forms to Complete:
Let us know about your upcoming trip so our team can support you and ensure everything is approved in time. Council approval is required before booking flights, lodging, or transportation.
Help your girls take the lead and plan a successful trip with these resources:
We love to highlight Girl Scout travel stories from across our council. After your trip, please share photos, memories, and what your girls learned!
SHARE YOUR STORY
The Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) Global Awareness Team is made up of adult Girl Scouts who have been volunteering for the council for 10+ years, some as current/former troop leaders; who are passionate about travel and have extensive travel experiences. Traveling on a council-sponsored trip with the Global Awareness Team provides girls the opportunity to be involved in most aspects of trip planning. Pre-trip meetings will include trip brainstorming, research, and team activities. In addition, at least two parent/guardian meetings will be scheduled to allow for conversation with the Trip Lead and Trip Advisors.
If you are a current Girl Scout volunteer and are interested in joining the Global Awareness Team, please email GSTravel@girlscoutsgcnwi.org
“I would rather be in a tent on the side of a mountain than any other place in the world!”
Joined Girl Scouts in 1967
Visited Our Cabana as a member of Mitten Bay Council trip in 1975
Served as a troop leader and Camp CEO mentor
Earned First Class Award
Has visited all 50 states and almost 50 countries
Gold Award Girl Scout, Girl Scout member for over 45 years.
Professionally serves as the Executive Vice President and CFO for WINGS Program, Inc, a domestic violence survivor services nonprofit serving families in the Chicagoland region.
Currently serving as a GCNWI National Council Delegate and on GSUSA Movement Governance Advisory Taskgroup.
Led several Girl Scout troops, including daughter’s troop from Kindergarten through Senior Year of High School. Troop trips included weekends in the Wisconsin Dells and St. Louis as well as camping in the Chicagoland area, five days in Savannah and two weeks in Europe.
Recently chaperoned a 2-week GS Destination to Switzerland.
Personal travel includes Australia, Canada, Aruba and Bonaire internationally, and numerous states, cities and National Parks domestically.
Enjoys researching and planning trips, with focus on immersive experiences to get to know the people, nature and cuisine of the destination.
Travel goals include seeing all 50 states (currently at 38), visiting all WAGGGS World Centres (currently at 2) and the 6 main continents (currently at 3).
"Travel is the only true way to get to know the people of the world. Trying their food, seeing their sites, learning their challenges and experiencing the uniqueness of the locale helps me be a better global citizen.”
“The skill girls can gain in planning and participating in travel opportunities in Girl Scouts sets them up to tackle many of the challenges the world will present. From scheduling and budgeting to problem-solving and flexibility, having to navigate the travel experience with teamwork and leadership gives them practice for the rest their lives.”
