From Princeton to Pune: Girl Scout Experiences Holi and Builds Global Sisterhood

In Girl Scouts, there are boundless opportunities to explore, learn, and grow.

In Girl Scouts, there are boundless opportunities to explore, learn, and grow. Among these, the travel programs stand out as some of the most enriching experiences. One such opportunity is the Sisterhood at Sangam.

The Sisterhood of Sangam is a Girl Scouts travel program that provides an immersive cultural experience at the Sangam World Centre in Pune, India. This program is designed for Girl Scouts in grades 9-12 and takes place during the Indian festival of Holi, offering participants the opportunity to engage deeply with Indian culture through traditional and modern celebrations, including dance, fashion, and food.  This year, Maya Dev, an 11^th grader and Girl Scout Ambassador Troop 79106 from Princeton, applied and was accepted into the program as one of the few girls representing the United States.

Sangam is one of five World Centers operated by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).  These centers are located in different parts of the world and serve as global hubs for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. They aim to provide unique opportunities for learning, cultural exchange, and personal development.  Sangam, located in Prune, India, enables visitors to participate in Holi, the festival of color, in its purest form. The trip is designed to offer an authentic Indian experience, blending traditional customs with modern expressions through dance, fashion, and food.

Maya also explored the colorful city of Pune, visiting its diverse historical and cultural sites. This trip is not just about sightseeing; it's about understanding and appreciating the intersection of different cultures and building meaningful relationships with fellow Girl Scouts from around the world.

A Day in the Life at Sangam

Maya reported that the days were filled with activities that allowed her to connect deeply with Indian culture and each other. Each morning began with optional yoga or a climb up the water tower to watch the sunrise. The day officially started with the morning flag ceremony, where they expressed appreciation for the different cultures present at Sangam, shared wellness tips, and learned a new Hindi word every day.

After breakfast, the real adventure began. Maya and the other travelers spent days engaging in various activities, from shopping at local markets and learning to navigate Pune to trying new foods and discovering Indian art and culture. Evenings were reserved for relaxation, swimming, dinner, and delightful nighttime ice cream runs.

Celebrating Holi

The festival of Holi was the highlight of the trip. Holi is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the promise of new beginnings. The joyful throwing of colors filled the air with excitement and happiness. It's not just an activity for children; everyone participates, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and connection. "Even language barriers dissolved as we shared smiles and laughter, making it feel like a colorful snowball fight," says Maya.

According to Maya, the festival of Holi was more than just a fun experience; it was a life-changing lesson. "The joy and camaraderie we shared with locals and fellow Girl Scouts made it clear that happiness transcends all boundaries. This experience deepened our understanding of Indian culture and reminded us of the universal human desire for joy and connection."

“Traveling to India with Girl Scouts was a humbling and eye-opening experience,” said Maya. “It reminded us of our privileges and the disparities that exist in the world. Seeing firsthand the challenges others face, such as the need to walk miles for clean water, inspired me to work towards making the world a more equitable place.”

Through her experience, Maya formed strong bonds with Girl Scouts from the USA, Japan, Singapore, China, and many other places.  She also connected with local Girl Guides in Pune and participated in community action projects at the Snehalaya Center for differently-abled individuals. “Despite language barriers, we forged genuine connections through shared activities like coloring with children. These experiences underscored the importance of connecting with others and building relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.” continued Maya.

By participating in Girl Scouts travel programs, girls not only get to explore new places but also become part of a global community dedicated to making the world a better place.

Want to learn more about traveling as a Girl Scout?  Visit https://www.gscsnj.org/en/members/for-volunteers/travel.html