Girl Scout Michaela Kolarova, Hendersonville, and a member of Girl Scout Troop 30447, traveled to Iceland in June as part of the Escape to Iceland Girl Scout Destinations trip.
Kolarova was one of 12 girls and three adults who made the eight-day trip that traveled the southern region of the country. The group explored natural wonders like waterfalls and black sand beaches while participating in high-adventure white water rafting, snorkeling, glacier hiking and horseback riding. Kolarova said the trip was filled with so many unique opportunities.
“When we rode the Icelandic horses, I got to experience the tölt, a gait specific to the breed,” said Kolarova. “My favorite activity was snorkeling in Silfra fissure between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The water was so cold, but being able to snorkel between the plates and see hundreds of feet down into incredibly clear water was worth it.”
Along with their excursions, the girls were also immersed into the Icelandic culture. They talked with locals, bought food from local grocery stores and experienced Iceland’s independence day, which included a small parade and festival in the capital city of Reykjavík.
“One of the later days in our trip, Iceland was playing Argentina in the World Cup. We watched the game in the dining hall of our campsite and cheering along with Icelanders and watching Iceland tie with Argentina was exciting and unifying,” said Kolarova.
Every year, Girl Scouts in grades 6-12 can apply to attend a Girl Scout Destinations trip. Sponsored by Girl Scouts of the USA, Destinations allow girls to pick from a variety of travel locations, immersing themselves in a new environment, developing leadership skills and confidence all while taking action outside of their normal communities.
“I choose to go on a Destinations trip because I knew that doing a trip through Girl Scouts would result in a fun and safe experience and allow me to meet other girls with similar interests from across the country,” said Kolarova. “Seeing everyone’s positive attitude, willingness to try new things and kind personalities made me proud to be a Girl Scout.”
Kolarova is the daughter of Roman and Holly Kolarova and is a senior at Hendersonville High School. Besides her Girl Scout involvement, she is a member of the symphonic band, cross country team and National Honor Society, serves as the president of the Interact Club and volunteers at Free Reign Center for Therapeutic Riding and Education and United Way.
She has earned her Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Award and is working toward completing her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. She also served as a Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont delegate to the United Nations for the 62nd Commission on the Status of Women in New York City this past March.
“Experiencing the new culture made me excited to travel more and see new places. My great experience in Iceland also made me realize the importance of being a global citizen and how our actions affect people other than ourselves every day,” said Kolarova.
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