Submitted by Jordan Connolly,
Cadette, Westborough Girl Scout Troop 30507
Rising 8th grade student, Gibbons Middle School
Westborough -When most people think of Girl Scout trips, they think of going hiking to some strange mountain to do community service and save the world, all the while keeping some “goody goody” reputation. But Westborough Girl Scout Troop 30507, proved this stereotype wrong. Of course, we do hike and do community service, and probably will save the world sometime, but this trip was a little different.
After a wonderful closing to our seventh grade year, Girl Scout Troop 30507 was privileged enough to go on an amazing trip to the island of Nantucket! After school, we drove to Hyannis and caught a ferry to the island, bringing only the bags on our backs, our bicycles, and a pound of pasta and spaghetti sauce.
Once on Nantucket, we were greeted with beautiful scenery in the gorgeous harbor as we biked three miles to a Girl Scout camp, in which we would inhabit for four days and three nights. Even as we rode away from the ocean, I was soothed by the fresh, salty air. Bike paths lined most of the roads, and we were able to ride to a nearby Stop & Shop for all of our food and beverage needs.
Not being much of an outdoorsy person, I wasn’t really looking forward to biking all over the island, to say the least. But Nantucket enlightened me and proved my original thoughts wrong. Biking was surprisingly relaxing, and eased all of my senses. The scenery was exquisite, with uniquely shaped trees and an endless sea of blue as the sky. Our troop biked a grand total of 38 miles, and needless to say, I underestimated the perseverance and strength shared by the entire group.
We visited a few beaches, where we relaxed and created so many great memories. The sand was so white, and the water such a pure blue, that I felt like I was in some foreign land, definitely not Massachusetts. We were even exposed to the wildlife of the island, for we saw several spotted seals.
On our third day, our troop went kayaking in the harbor, which sure was a workout! We explored and observed the life of the harbor, and stayed out the whole day. My estimation is that we kayaked a couple of miles, but it felt like 20. A man living on the island even showed us his collection of “found things” which had everything from horseshoe crab shells, to dolls washed up from the ocean. We went out for ice cream several times, and my personal favorite destination was called “The Juice Bar.”.
This trip was so spectacular in ways I can’t even begin to describe. I feel closer to the girls and leaders of my troop, and I’m more open to try new things. Who knew I loved to bike and kayak, because I sure didn’t! I know that my whole troop, myself included, is thankful to our leaders Julie Baldwin, Karen Yeowell, and Jenn Masciarelli for an outstanding year and little vacation. We also thank Jess Fox for assisting us on this trip. I can’t wait for our eighth grade year; I just know it's going to be awesome!