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1. Why change the name of "Wider Ops"?
The original definition of wider opportunities encompassed troop, service unit, council-wide, regional, national and international travel opportunities. Over the years, the popular meaning has been reduced to only those national and international annual events facilitated by GSUSA for girls 14 to 17. Given that the kinds of events advertised for girls are expanding and the means for advertising these events will be changing, a new name was fitting.
2. How did GSUSA arrive at "Destinations"?
With input from the By Girls For Girls National Advisory Committee and focus groups made up of Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts, ages 11 to 17, GSUSA learned that girls shy away from the name "Wider Op" because they do not see the name reflecting traveling. Girls helped choose the name "Destinations." A "Destination" is any experience, regardless of distance or length of time, that provides a girl 11 to 17 with an opportunity to expand her personal experience beyond her everyday scope.
3. Where is "Destinations" headed?
Although councils have been sponsoring travel events for Girl Scouts for many years, there is a growing need for girls to become more involved in the development of travel opportunities--by girls, for girls, the philosophy of STUDIO 2B.
Destinations will focus on:
- Girl planning and input--creating experiences driven by girl interests
- A more accessible and equitable selection process
- Equity in event costs and financial assistance
- Intra-council events, such as special regional events
- Networking, mentoring or service opportunities for the individuals and groups
- The use of available technology to connect girls to events and to each other
4. What happened to the catalog that listed the events?
There is none. Destinations 2008 is totally online. All destinations events will be posted on the STUDIO 2B Web site within the ESCAPE section.
The Web site will not contain only information about all of the national and international destination choices, but it also will contain additional travel information including:
- The application and reference forms, which girls can download
- Tips for writing application essays
- Tips for choosing a personal reference
Each registered Girl Scout ages 12 to 18 will receive a postcard in the mail notifying them of the information, the Web site and the kinds of opportunities available to them.
5. What about girls who don't have home access to a computer?
Girls can make the Internet connection through some of the following community resources: schools, public libraries, recreation centers, community computer labs, community colleges or university computer labs, computer stores, businesses and senior centers. Because travel opportunities will be on the STUDIO 2B Web site, event details can be updated and events added throughout the year. The site will be updated on a monthly basis. |