Norfolk Girl Scouts Adopt a Tall Ship at Sail250
GSCCC’s Norfolk Service Unit grabbed an opportunity to participate in Sail250’s Adopt-a-Ship Program in June. Coordinated and led by Girl Scout volunteer Barbara Bonheur, a lifetime Girl Scout alum, the unit chose to “adopt” the Colombian ship ARK GLORIA. Through the program, the Girl Scouts became ambassadors for Virginia, learning about Colombia, communicating with the ship’s crew in advance, and welcoming ship members when they arrived in Norfolk.
The unit prepared well in advance of the arrival and held a “maker party” where they created gifts, including a giant lei, that would be presented when the ship docked. Colors of the Colombian flag, American flag, and the Girl Scout flag were used to make the lei that was created from recycled plastic tablecloths and plastic bags.
“We shared in an incredible historical moment,” Barbara shared. “Greeting the ship was an awesome experience. The ship’s lei that was made to welcome our Colombian friends will forever be a part of many visitors’ pictures because it was used as the backdrop for their photos. Many of the the crew of GLORIA commented on how wonderful it felt as they sailed into Waterside and saw the beautiful welcome signs we had made. It was an honor to share this Girl Scout offering of friendship to our visitors from Columbia.”
Sail250, which was part of Harborfest in Norfolk, was held from June 19-23. Girl Scouts from the Norfolk Service Unit volunteered over that weekend to offer activities at the Nauticus Discovery Deck such as Nautical Flag Code Breaker and a flag matching/memory game.
Of course, Girl Scout Cookies were part of the festivities! At Saturday’s Sail250 Soccer Tournament, the Girl Scouts set up a welcome tent where they handed out Girl Scout Cookies, water, and oranges to the Colombian players.
“Everyone was thrilled with the treats,” Barbara said. “Even the police who were beside us asked for some cookies and we were happy to give them out and say thanks for all their support. It was truly delightful to be able to adopt the ship and add on the soccer tournament as well!”
On Sunday, a Tea and Tour event was hosted on board the ship. The table was decorated in a Girl Scout theme complete with Spanish descriptions of the Girl Scout Cookies being served and friendship bracelet S.W.A.P.S. along with a special patch for the occasion. Each girl and adult were presented with a beautiful gold pin with an etched depiction of the ship.
“We invited the crew to learn Make New Friends and sing with us in the traditional friendship circle,” Barbara said. “From start to finish the theme of friendship was remarkably articulated.”
Sail250 may have moved on up the coast, but Girl Scouts still have plenty of events and activities to choose from to celebrate America250, including a special commemorative set of fun patches!
