Girl Scout Troop Eyes European Tour in 2019, Seeks Donations

RIO GRANDE — Members of Girl Scout Troop 45296 are already planning for the summer of 2019. They have their sight set on a tour of Europe with EF Educational Tours.
According to a release from Chandi Ankrum, one of the troop’s leaders, members are excited and anxious for the opportunity to travel abroad.
They will be traveling to four countries learning about the world.
Their itinerary will include a visit to Dachau concentration camp memorial site, a tour of Heidelberg, Germany, a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and will participate in a pinning ceremony at the  World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS) in Switzerland.
Overall, the trip will “help us see how those around the world live their everyday lives across the Atlantic Ocean.”
In addition, members will earn college credits on completion of the pre-tour, on-tour and post-tour courses.
To make the tour, each troop member must raise $4,000. Those planning to join the tour are Tandi Ankrum, Erin Larkin, Lily Zuzulock, Brenna Cassidy, Sophia Malmgren.
“Thus, we need a little assistance to help us reach this goal,” the release stated.
“We are no stranger to working hard to reach our goals. We have all earned our Girl Scout Bronze and Silver awards,” the release continued.
The youngest member is in seventh grade and has finished planning and implementing an informational program about bullying to the local community.
They have received a Presidential Volunteer Service Award twice for volunteer work in the local community. To earn that award, they volunteered 75-plus hours of service annually.
The troop is viewed as a “go-to” troop for its participation in community events.
Additionally, they have received an award from the Lower Township mayor and two commendation letters from the state Legislature for community work.
“We all belong to extracurricular activities such as basketball, lacrosse, band, drama, Key Club and choir,” it continued.
Gifts by check should be written to Troop No. 45296. Online donations can be made by first sending an email for information at rrspecialties@comcast.net.
Checks may be mailed to 126 Holly Drive, Rio Grande, NJ 08242 Attention: Troop 45296.