Submitted by Frieda Knezek
Southwestern CO
Mancos
“What did you do this weekend?”
“Oh, you know. We went to space and touched the moon. We stirred up dirt on Mars. We strolled through the space shuttle and ate lunch with astronaut Mark “Roman” Polansky, who told us what space smells like (hot metal, in case you’re wondering). We made it snow, built a rocket, and, best of all, made some new friends. (Hi, Frisco Cadettes!)”
A few years ago, after a particularly fun overnight trip to the aquarium and zoo in Denver, our troop decided they were ready for something a little bigger. So, we did some research and narrowed it down to a visit to Disney or NASA. The girls chose NASA, so that they could eat lunch with a real astronaut.
Together, we made a plan, a plan to be go-getters. We figured out how much it would cost, and how we’d earn that money. Then, the girls rolled up their sleeves and got busy. They sold cookies, so many cookies, but also wanted to do something more so they could go on their trip sooner. Innovators that they are, they hosted a Fall Color Run and created a mystery troop camp for Girl Scouts all over Colorado and even from Texas!
Right about now, I’d really like to say how grateful I am for the moms in our troop. They are a powerful force all their own, and they lead this troop every bit as much as I do. I call them the magic. They have helped build an atmosphere, community, and energy in our troop that I didn’t know were possible, and it’s because of them that I feel confident in encouraging the girls to dream as big as they want.
Back to the girls. It took them two years, but they did it. They were risk-takers and hard workers, and they made it happen. They paid for their trip…every cent. Friday, March 1, 2019, they boarded a plane to Houston, Texas, and the adventure began. They spent the day at the Johnson Space Center where they saw Mission Control, the astronaut training facility, the Orion capsule mock-up, rode a simulator into a nebula, and so much more.
That night, they got to stay past closing hours for the Girl Scout Camp In, where they built and launched rockets, solved a mystery box, and slept under an astronaut out on a space walk! (Ok, that was an exhibit, but it was still breathtaking and inspiring and magnificent.) They ate space ice cream, hit the gift shop, and walked away with stars in their eyes. We topped off the trip with a “one-a-cure,” their choice of pedicure or manicure, and a movie.
Everywhere we went, we met Girl Scouts of all ages and people who were thrilled to share in the girls’ adventure. We’re so proud to be a part of this magnificent organization that really throws the doors wide-open for girls and encourages them to dream big, work hard, and realize their visions. Thank you, Girl Scouts. Thank you for the G.I.R.L. Agenda, where they’re taught to be go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders. Here’s to the adventure, to the journey, and to a brighter future because of our girls…
Girl Scouts of Colorado is hosting a photo challenge! Just submit your favorite Girl Scout photo and the story behind it using the Share Your Stories form (www.gscoblog.org/share). Winners will be featured in future GSCO marketing materials, on GSCO’s social media networks, and on the GSCO Blog.