Calling all travel-loving teens!
In 2017, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana will host a Girl Scouts of the United States of America Destination to Mexico.
From the traditional crafts to the tasty cuisine and ancient architecture to the upbeat music and dancing, Mexico’s vibrant culture is rich and exciting. This Destination will begin in Mexico City, the home to Frida Kahlo, Ballet Folklorico, and 2,000-year-old pyramids.
Next, our travels will lead us to Our Cabaña in Cuernavaca, which is located in the heart of Mexico. At this World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) World Centre, our group will meet Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from the around the world in an adventure of a lifetime. Here, we’ll take part in a community service project, learn about Mexican culture, go white water rafting or waterfall jumping, and travel to nearby historic sites.
And the best part is Girl Scouts from our council will have the chance to plan parts of the trip! If you’re going to be a Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador in 2017, you can submit your application and reference form before the April 18, 2016 deadline.
The trip, which will take place between July 20 – 31, 2017, costs approximately $2,500 and includes meals, accommodations, round-trip airfare from Chicago to Mexico City, transportation within Mexico and much more.
For a sneak peek at what you can see and do at Our Cabaña, check out our travel vlog below and be sure to apply HERE before April 18, 2016.
If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Christensen, our manager of arts, cultural awareness and travel programs, at achristensen@girlscoutsgcnwi.org or 312-912-6322.
I was fortunate to be able to stay at the “Cabana” when I was a Girl Scout back in 1968!!! I was part of a team of great girls chosen from the Chicago land area. We came from different troops and had been selected after a series of interviews and meetings to be “Ambassadors” for an event hosted in Mexico for scouts throughout the USA. I still have the patches and pins that we traded with each other as well as pictures of our volunteer work in the nearby village, trips to the “ruins” in the area and cabana life.
My first day at the “Cabana”, we were cautioned to always wear shoes due to the buildings being open to the “wildlife” in the area. Well sure enough, right after the meeting, when I went into the bathroom, I found a Scorpion by the sink!!!
Great memories of times singing songs, participating in cooking and art classes, discussion groups, skits and “free time” just getting to know each other.
It will be a wonderful experience that you will never forget. Ginny Williamson – former Scout / Cadet Troop 378 and Senor Troop 78
Hi Ginny, that sounds like a fun trip! Thank you so much for sharing your memories. We’d love to see pictures from your trip as well as your patches and pins so we can share them on social media. If you’d like, you can email them to me at lpayton@girlscoutsgcnwi.org. Thanks again!
Ginny one of my scouts when we went had the honor of the huge cockroach falling from the ceiling. We still laugh about that almost 15 years later. I personally have been there twice once with the girls (Friendship Session) and another time with adults ( Butterfly Session). My daughter had the privilege of being able to work there for 7 months as an assistant Program Director. She loved every minute of it. Oh the sights, sounds and friendships. Oh and all the silver!!!!!! I think her best friend was the owner of one of the silver shops. She loves to tell her story and show her pictures. She was able to be there when The Friends had a session there. Oh what dedication those ladies have to maintain Our Cabana. The songs tells it all.
When you see the warm red roofs,
you think of hearts that glow with cheer,
and the walls of sturdy stone work,
stand for friendship so dear.
Each day there is filled with laughter,
each evening is filled with song,
and our stay at our Cabana,
gives us memories life long.
When we go to our Cabana,
we will find ourselves at home,
there’s a greeting smile so friendly,
and a handshake so warm.
So come now to our Cabana,
world friendship to increase,
and carry to your homeland,
international peace.
Hi Frances, thank you so much for sharing those wonderful memories and the Our Cabana song. It sounds like such a fun time! We’d love to interview you and your daughter for a potential blog post about Our Cabana. We’ll be in touch via email. Thanks again for sharing!