In 1970, ten Girl Scouts from across the United States were chosen by their councils to participate in the “1970 Scandinavian Camps” through the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund. These young women, all rising high school seniors or college freshmen, shared a passion for Scouting and were seasoned campers. After a brief orientation in New York, they flew to Europe to join the "big camp" of the Norway Girl Guides, a week-long event that brought together over 4,000 girls from Norwegian troops. Following the camp, the Scouts enjoyed week-long homestays with welcoming families eager to share their homes, communities, and culture with American Girl Scouts. The journey continued with similar camps and homestays in Denmark and Sweden.
The 1970 trip was a whirlwind of travel, camping, sharing, singing, learning, and forging friendships that would endure for a lifetime. Throughout their adventure, these young women understood their role as ambassadors of Girl Scouting and the United States, especially during a time when America's involvement in the Vietnam War was widely unpopular in Europe.
After the summer, the Scouts returned to their high schools and colleges. Over the years, they built successful careers in commerce, education, medicine, public policy, and science, and became spouses, parents, and Girl Scout leaders. Despite the physical distances, they remained connected as years turned into decades.
The 2023 eclipse provided the perfect opportunity for a reunion. The group gathered in Albuquerque and rented a house in Santa Fe, opting for comfort over camping. As they reunited, time and distance seemed to disappear. The eclipse was a spectacular event, but reconnecting with cherished friends was even more special. These women have been sisters in Girl Scouting for over 50 years and will continue to be forever.
"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other, gold."
Annette (GSNMT Girl Scout and Lifetime Member), Claire, Donna, Jan, Kathleen, Lorie, Louise, Maggie, Nancy, and Theo.
