From Dream to Reality: Hillsborough Troop 60143’s Unforgettable Journey to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
When the Girl Scouts of Hillsborough Troop 60143 were in sixth grade as Cadettes, they dreamed of celebrating their high school graduation with an extraordinary adventure. That dream stayed with them, and in March 2023, it was time to make it a reality. Troop Leaders Jaclyn LaMotta and Tara O’Brien met with the now Ambassador Girl Scouts—Alexa L., Chiara S., Elina A., and Kathleen O.—to see if they still wanted to pursue the adventure they had envisioned years earlier. Without hesitation, all four girls enthusiastically agreed. Their destination of choice? The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France!
A whirlwind of planning and fundraising began. The first order of business was to secure a place to stay and obtain Olympic event tickets. After extensive research, the girls found an ideal location just outside of Paris and locked it in with a deposit. The excitement was palpable as the reality of their trip started to set in. But the real thrill came when the troop was selected in the Olympic ticket lottery. They secured tickets for Women’s Soccer, Water Polo, and Volleyball—events they couldn’t wait to witness in person.
With their accommodations and Olympic events secured, the next challenge was fundraising. The girls organized a variety of events to raise the necessary funds. They hosted movie theater mornings with the latest kid-friendly releases, taught younger Girl Scouts how to make S.W.A.P.S. at special events, partnered with a local playhouse to sell tickets for a percentage of total sales, participated in the Raise Craze platform to turn Acts of Kindness into donations, and hosted popular Foam Parties. Their hard work and dedication paid off, and soon, everything was in place for their dream trip.
As the departure date approached, Troop 60143 had several experiences that heightened their excitement. They had virtual meetings with four-time Olympian Joetta Clark Diggs and gymnastics star Laurie Hernandez, attended the Today Show’s “100 Days to Paris on the Plaza,” graduated from high school, and completed their Bridge to Adults requirements.
On August 1st, they packed their suitcases, checked their passports, and said their goodbyes. It was time to head to Newark Liberty Airport—and Paris. Their nearly two-week stay in Paris was everything the girls had imagined and more. They attended the Olympic events they had planned for and were fortunate to see Team USA compete, with the highlight being the Soccer Gold Medal game, where they cheered on their country in red, white, and blue. When not at the Olympic venues, the girls explored Paris, touring Versailles, visiting the Louvre, Disneyland Paris, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. They even participated in croissant and perfume-making classes, fully immersing themselves in the local culture.
The trip ended on a poignant note. On their last day, Troop 60143 held a special Bridge to Adults ceremony on the Pont Alexandre III bridge over the Seine River. With their final membership stars pinned to their vests, they walked across the bridge together and received their Bridge to Adult pins on the other side—a symbolic end to their Girl Scout journey and the beginning of their new adventures as adults.
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September 04, 2024
