Three girls, along with their two leaders, Frances Faulks and Jacqueline Johnson also with Pat Lyons of Girl Scout Troop #208 of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, recently returned from Salt Lake City, Utah to attend the 53rd Triennial Convention for Girl Scouts (GSUSA). Shonna Edwards was selected from the local council to serve as a girl delegate. Joining her as visitors were Ambassador Scout Kennedy Windham and Cadette Taylor Player. Also visiting with them were adult volunteers Peggie Myles (a former Cahaba Girl Scout Board President) and Flora Blackledge. Deemed by the girls, this was an experience of a lifetime.
Among the opportunities for the group were several motivational speakers. Shonna attended all business sessions to witness the processes of governing for Girl Scouts. The girls also heard testimonies from girls who received national recognition as Young Girls of Distinction who received the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. This inspired them to return home and get busy to “Go for the Gold.”
The concept of SWAPS came to life for the girls as they were able to meet adults and girl scouts from around the world. A tour of Temple Square was a chance to understand the history of the Mormons compared to the beliefs of the Baptist faith, of which they are a part. A live organ performance in one of the Temples and an awesome aerial view of Salt Lake City were features of this visit.
As an extra historic adventure the girls were treated to a tour to see up close the Salt Lake, to meet “almost” head on a live herd of Bisons, and view the awesome mountains of Salt Lake City, Utah,
This new and fulfilling opportunity to meet over 6,000 Girls Scouts will be a lasting memory for all. The 2017 National Girl Scout Convention will be held in Columbus, Ohio. Excitement to attend and bring along some more of their troop scouts are underway.
