Local Girl Scout troop returns from Savannah trip

Girl Scout Troop 1485 from Lewes recently returned from a four day trip to Savannah, Ga., which is the birthplace of Girl Scouts in the United States and the birthplace of the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low.

While in Savannah, the troop visited Low's family home where she was born, called the Birthplace; The Andrew Low House, Low's home after her marriage; and the first Girl Scout Headquarters.

The troop also visited Tybee Island and climbed the 178 stairs of the Tybee Lighthouse, spent some time on the beach, and enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage tour around historic Savannah and a ghost walk around the haunted squares and homes of Savannah. The troop took in some local culture by dining at Lady & Sons, Paula Deen's restaurant in Savannah; The Pirate House; and The Crab Shack.

The troop has been planning and fundraising for this trip for more than two years. Members held many fundraisers including car washes, bake sales, yard sales, recycling aluminum cans, and made and sold handmade holiday cards, as well as their annual Girl Scout Cookie sales.

"The girls really worked hard to make this trip happen," said Troop Leader Janet Maher. "The girls raised over 85 percent of the money for the trip themselves. The other 15 percent came from family contributions." The troop also received a travel grant from the Juliette Low Birthplace.

"The girls will be repaying the grant by providing community service determined by the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay council as part of the grant," said Troop Leader Anna Moshier.

"Besides working on their Silver Award projects, the girls have already started planning their next three trips," said Maher. In March 2012 they will be traveling to Ocean City, Md., for the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Girl Scouts.

In June 2012 they will be a part of Rock The Mall, a national celebration of Girl Scouts' 100th anniversary, and they plan a European adventure to visit two of Girl Scouts' four World Centers, in London and Switzerland, in 2016.

For more information on how to join Girl Scouts, visit http://www.gscb.org/.