girl scouts of the colonial coastEileen Livick is a go-getter volunteer who wears many hats. She says her favorite role has always been as troop leader. While she has led girls of all grade levels in the past, today she leads a Girl Scout Ambassador troop and is loving it. She also serves as a GSCCC National Delegate, is a member of GSCCC’s Board of Directors’ Sustainability Task Group, is active as an outdoor facilitator, and is the Council’s Girl Scout Destination Coordinator. Known as the “travel queen” by many, Eileen has gone on more than a dozen international trips and has advised many other councils regarding travel for Girl Scouts. She was spotlighted in a EF Tours for Girl Scouts publication!
Eileen began her career as a Girl Scout in San Diego Imperial Council, now known as Girl Scouts San Diego, and as an adult uses her skills and talents to help girls have awesome experiences, like traveling the world, as a destinations coordinator.
Eileen said, "I believe the travel bug came very early in my life. Growing up in a military family I was fortunate to be able to see much of the United States during our many moves. My parents taught us to read a map, find landmarks, suggest a route to drive, and pinpoint our location which answered our own question of 'are we there yet?'"
She continued, "Traveling with Girl Scouts gives girls a safe place to be risk takers. A place to be a problem solver, a navigator, and a time manager, a chance to get out of their comfort zone, to practice a new language and try new foods while interacting in a new and different culture. I want girls to look beyond being a tourist and become a traveler, to never minimize the value of a detour as it is part of the journey."
Eileen has five tips for leaders interested in taking a troop trip-
1. Remember, this trip is for the girls. Get and keep them involved in every step of the planning process.
2. After making plan A... make plans B, C & D.
3. Do your research: Learn as much in advance of your travel destination. Know the customs, language, currency, dress code, transportation and food options, to list a few.
4. Learn to pack light. Know it's okay to re-wear your clothing & practice packing before you go
5. Be flexible and most of all have fun!
Resources such as Guide to U.S. Travel, Road to Global Travel, and Global Travel Tool Kit all provide insightful information and are available on the GSUSA website. On a more local level, consult with your service unit volunteer support team, look through the GSCCC magazine for travel opportunities, and network with other adult volunteers and troops who have previously traveled.
