Girl Scout Macy McDaniel traveled to Kefalonia, Greece this summer as part of the Kefalonia Kayaking trip, a Girl Scout Destinations program.
Kefalonia is an island located in the Ionian Sea west of mainland Greece. The island is infamous for its limestone cliffs overlooking the crystal clear water and white sand beaches.
“The water was so beautiful, it was everything I had dreamed about,” says McDaniel, “Running my hand along the cool seawater while I kayaked was almost unreal.”
Each day the girls paddled from the island with their group and tour guides to explore the surrounding area. They explored local towns and spent some nights in local inns. Other nights they paddled back to camp under the stars and cooked dinner together.
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. Applications for 2020 trips are due November 15 and can be found at http://forgirls.girlscouts.org/travel/take-a-trip/destinations/.
One of the highlights of her Destinations experience was getting to make new friends.
“Creating a bond with my sisters in scouting was a major highlight of the trip. We had new paddling partners each day, so I got to get to know everyone in my group. Kayaking all day allowed for lots of conversation time, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to make new friends from across the country.” McDaniel recounts
Although McDaniel loved getting getting to adventure through the pristine waters, her favorite memory from her experience was cooking dinner. “Each night we had a new Greek dish introduced to us and got to help prepare the food on the nights we camped out.”
“I am so thankful for everything Girl Scouts has offered me throughout my thirteen years of scouting. This beautiful trip to paradise helped me enhance my kayaking, cooking, and leadership skills, and I highly recommend Destinations trips.”
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