Wider opportunities are events with nationwide or international participation where registered Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts have the chance to travel and learn about different places and people. There is a magazine, Wider Ops, which lists the different trips available each year. These wider opportunities can last from seven to 21 days. These trips are aimed toward a variety of age levels and interests. Some opportunities have special requirements, so it is important to check and see that you are eligible before you apply.
The costs for wider opportunities with Nationwide participation this year varies between $325 and $898. This fee does not include air fare to and from the event or special equipment costs. Check with your local Girl Scout council to see if they offer any financial aid. If they don't, they will probably have some good fundraising ideas. The deadline for application is December 15, 1995, but your materials must be sent to the local council first, so check with council for their application deadline. You also need to be interviewed by the local council, so be sure to sign up for this. When you are selecting people as references, choose those adults who know you the best and think very highly of you. It may be a good idea to send one or two more references than are required, if you know the adults who have a good opinion of you. When you hand out reference forms, remember to include a stamped envelope addressed to your council. Once you have sent in your application, just relax. If you are not accepted to your first choice there is the "Operation Second Chance," where they send it along to your second and third choices which you could be selected for, if they are not already filled up.
International Wider Ops require a special application form which needs two references: one from Girl Scouts and the other from an adult outside of Girl Scouts. You must be a registered Girl Scout between the ages of 14 and 17 to apply. Every January an international wider opportunity task group selects girls for specific international opportunities and the rest of the applications are placed in an international candidates' pool. You may be picked from this pool at any time during the next year. International Wider Opportunities can take place in Mexico, the Caribbean, Switzerland, India, England, Australia, and many other places.