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Posing with a statue of Girl Scouts of the USA founder Juliette Gordon Low in the front yard at Low’s birthplace in Savannah, are members of Girl Scouts of Eatonton (l-r): Zoey Robinson, Elizabeth Hensley, Karmen Spillers, Sophia Talavera, Victoria Hensley, Raegan Ogden, Tegan Rainey, and Stormy Kendrick. LENA HENSLEY/Staff -
Eatonton Troop 60516 visits the historic Tybee Island lighthouse. LENA HENSLEY/Staff -
Both kids and their parents enjoying the exploration of marine creatures at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. LENA HENSLEY/Staff -
The girls and their parents are seining – catching fish with a net – into the waves that sweep you off your feet leaving no chance to remain fully dry. The group caught two fish, which were released back in the ocean. LENA HENSLEY/Staff
As proof that education is fun, Girl Scouts of Eatonton went on a road trip Aug. 18-20, to explore Savannah and Tybee Island.
“We chose Savannah because it is the birthplace of Girl Scouts,” troop leader Tiffany Ogden said. “From day one I said that this was not a vacation, but an educational field trip.'
Visiting the Savannah birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA, the Eatonton troop learned about Low’s life and later played campfire games specifically designed for large groups of people. At the first Girl Scout headquarters, they heard how the Girl Scout movement developed over the years.
Upon returning from a trip to England accompanying Boy Scouts founder Sir Robert Baden-Powell, Low, known by the nickname “Daisy,” initiated the U.S. Girl Scouts movement in 1912 with 18 girls in her hometown Savannah.
At a time when women in the United States couldn’t yet vote and were expected to stick to strict social norms, encouraging girls to embrace their unique strengths and create their own opportunities was game-changing. According to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (wagggs.org), Girl Scouts now reaches approximately 10 million girls and young women in 152 countries.
Later, at the Tybee Island Light Station, the Eatonton girls climbed all 178 steps to the top of the lighthouse, looked out upon the Atlantic Ocean from the observation platform, and learned about the role the lighthouse played in the history of maritime safety, as well as about the lives of lighthouse keepers.
Next, the Girl Scouts encountered various sea creatures at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. They also enjoyed some purely fun experiences, such as going to Savannah Candy Kitchen and Leopold’s Ice Cream, having a picnic lunch at the Oglethorpe Square in Savannah, and they got to try “seining,” which involves catching fish with a net, on the beach. The fish were then released back into the ocean.
“It was a great learning experience,” Girl Scout Stormy Kendrick said. “I enjoyed sand seining and learning about Juliette's life.”
“Loved the food,” added Zoey Robinson.
“I liked having fun and spending time with my friends and learning together. I hope the others get the opportunity to go and spend time together like we did,” said Karmen Spillers.
Eatonton Troop 60516 has been in existence in Putnam County for nine years. Ogden said she started it because her elder daughter, Ryleigh, who was five at the time, wanted to join Girl Scouts.
“No one stepped in, so I volunteered,” she said. Ogden began her Girl Scouts journey by attending a meeting at the primary school, where a Girl Scout representative from the Macon office, which the Putnam troop is associated with, explained all the ins and outs. Initially, the troop consisted of eight girls and currently has 12 of various ages and Girl Scout levels.
“We have daisies, brownies, juniors, and seniors. Five girls have been with me for at least six years,” Ogden said.
She also explained the Eatonton troop travels each year after the cookie season, which lasts from Jan. 1 to the first weekend of March, when the Girl Scouts sell their famous cookies. In previous years, they went to Disney on Ice in Macon, Medieval Times in Atlanta, and a swimming pool in Madison, but the trip to Savannah and Tybee marked their first overnight trip.
The sale of cookies is an important fundraiser but also provides a way for the local troop to give back to its community. In the past, they donated clothing, blankets, and other items to Putnam Christian Outreach, made cards for the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, and made Christmas cards and ornaments for the nursing home in Milledgeville.
Any remaining funds support various activities of Girl Scouts, including their annual trips. The sale of more than 5,000 boxes of cookies this year enabled a longer trip.
“Hopefully, we'll be able to take more trips,” said Ogden, who planned and organized the entire trip to Savannah.
She added, though, she’s “happy to do it. Seeing the growth in the girls is my reward.
“Initially I thought being a Girl Scout was about meetings and doing arts and crafts,” Ogden continued. “I've learned over time that you are learning life skills. My favorite part is watching the shyer girls come out of their shells and blossom.
They've made friends doing the badge work and other activities. Being a Girl Scout gives them space to be themselves and an opportunity not to feel shy around other people at school.”
Troop 60516 meets at 5 p.m. every other Tuesday at VFW Post 6686 (914 Oak St., Eatonton). To join the troop, visit online at gshg.org, search for Troop Number 60516 and Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, and then follow the links to join. Parents also can email Ogden at gstroop60516@gmail.com with any questions.