I am lucky enough to be a troop leader for 2 troops. One troop is 2nd Grade- 10th Grade and my other troop is 11th and 12th graders. I have talked about our travels before 1810 going to Canyon, Texas and 6458 to New York
Both of these troops have done the travel progression (I will admit the littles of our 1810 group have not done as much travel progression, but were ready for the adventure!)
Couple of things:
-We used PBnJ Tours- and they were AMAZING!!- the tour covered all of the meals, activities (except we planned the Birthplace) for 2 and a half days. Each person was in charge of getting to Savannah- we had one group that drove and some that flew (it was about $600 per person)
-We had 14 people going- 8 girls- 2nd grade through 10th grade and 6 adults (this was not the full troop- so the troop paid for patches/one shirt/tips)
-people traveling paid out of pocket- we did not fundraise for this- but will be fundraising for our next adventure
-there is a WEALTH of knowledge on the Facebook Group- Girl Scouts Traveling to Savannah
Our troop had this on their list from when they were Brownies. Although we used PBnJ Tours- they worked with us to ensure that we had the items that our girls wanted.
We could have easily have put in an extra day- but we had a TON of fun during our 2 and half days. Using a PBnJ also helped because we were such a large group- they took care of all the back end items- and were so good about answering ALL of my questions and text messages.
Ideas that worked:
-it was HOT- I mean- we did go at the end of June. All the girls carried their own water bottles- so every time the church bell rang- we drank water- that was every 15 minutes
-we had the matching shirts- is it required- no.. but we sure did look good! Thanks Layla with Horizon Imprinting for always working with us
-Buddies-we did this in New York for our older girls- but this worked SO great! We had 4 older girls and 4 "littles" each day an older girl got a younger girl to hang out with. I can't tell you how much I LOVED seeing these older girls be in charge!!
Sunday:
-arrival
-eating dinner at Dub's
-Savannah Square Pops- This was one of our FAVORITES
-Headed back to the hotel where we made GORP (those that were driving brought all the materials) and also signed Thank You cards for all the places we were going to stop at- each thank you note also included a SWAP- shout out to Holley for the SUPER cute idea!
Monday:-We wore our vests along with longer shorts and a shirt that we had made
-The older girls ate breakfast with me so we could plan the Girl Scout Own/Pinning Ceremony
-Started our day getting professional photos done at the Birthplace
-Birthplace tour- we also did our own pinning ceremony while we were here- they have one that they give you- but I found this one
-Lunch from Leopolds in the park
-Andrew Lowe House tour
-Trolley Tour- this was a hop on hop off tour- we chose to sit the whole time. The first part of the trolley was great- BUT.. then another troop hopped onto the tour and our girls swapped items. I did have younger kiddos- but they all talked super quiet- and did not interrupt the other passengers- our driver got VERY upset- and the last of the tour we spent in complete silence
-Spent some time in the hotel getting ready for dinner
-B&D Burgers for dinner
-Scouting for Spirits Walking Tour- we were all SUPER tired- so we worked with our tour guide for a shorter tour- that also included our Leopold's Ice Cream.
-Evening swim (the reason I became a lifeguard)
Tuesday- going to the beach- would recommend- EXTRA sunscreen- and eye glass holders for those that wear glasses while in the water
We got to start this day later- and we were all thankful for that! Today we headed to Tybee Island! Transportation was also provided by PBnJ
-Started our day with a SUPER cute Group picture (Danna was in charge of making sure we got our group pics- also with a larger group- a great thing to do is practice where everyone is going to stand when it is picture time- this way when you say picture everyone already has a spot!)
-Captain Derek's Dolphin Tour- it was AMAZING!
-Salty Pelican for Lunch
-Time at the beach-this is what everyone wanted more time with- I did do a little Turtle Ceremony that I found through the Facebook Page- I also gave each person a Turtle Bracelet (which really ended up being an anklet)
-Tybee Island Marine Center for a tour and Seining
-We had some much needed rest/showers before we headed to dinner
-Lady and Sons for Dinner
-ended the trip with some shopping and walking around
The Girls Favorite: We sat down on Tuesday evening before everyone went their separate ways and chatted about favorites
-the older girls loved having buddies
-the beach
-Savannah Square Pops
What was my favorite?
The professional pictures we had taken- and Danna capturing this photo- Did I have all my girls there- no... and that did make me sad- but I had a pretty large group of them. I have talked about it in various places- but because I could not have my own children- I am SO very thankful for these families and girls allowing me to be a part of their lives and adventures. Having these professional photos taken I was able to think about how much they have grown and how lucky I am.
What a whirlwind of days and worth every bit!
