Are you interested in going on a wider opportunity? Have no idea what a wider op is? Jeanna, who has been on two wider ops tells all in this informative interview.
Nora: So what exactly is a wider op?
Jeanna: A wider opportunity is a trip sponsored by a girl scout council that other scouts can apply to attend.
N: What is the application process like?
J: Well, first you fill out an application and write several short essays explaining why you would like to attend. Then you ask at least two people to fill out a refrence form and send it to the council office.
N: What is a refrence?
J: Anyone who is not a relative who knows you well, and preferably likes you (laughing). Some wider ops request refrences from a certain field such as a history teacher, or someone who can attest to your canoeing skills.
N: Great, so what else do you have to do?
J: Then the council will schedule an interview with you. After the interview the interviewer can choose to highly recommend you or not recommend you. All three parts of the application process are sent to the hosting council and the board planning the wider op chooses the participants.
N: What kinds of questions are involved in the interview?
J: You're asked about what you would contribute to the wider op, why you would like to attend the wider op, and how you would share your experience back home.
N: Tell me briefly about the two wider ops that you havc attended.
J: My first wider op was a backpacking trip in Colorado. I spent about 10 days there, and the last day was an excursion in Denver. My second wider op was a historical/sight-seeing trip in Mississippi. We spent 2 weeks visiting historical sights in Mississippi and created several art pieces with the help of local artisans.
N: What do you look for in selecting a wider op?
J: I look for a trip that covers topics that I am interested in. I decided to alternate outdoor wider ops with sightseeing wider ops. Other factors that are important in selecting a wider op are cost, location, and your own personal interests. You can choose a first choice, second choice, and third choice wider op.
N: How much do wider ops cost?
J: Depending on the length of time and location of the wider op, they can range anywhere between $400 to $2000. Keep in mind that the Outward Bound programs are generally a lot more expensive than the council-run wider ops. The average wider op is probably around $700. You do have to pay for your own transportation, also. Financial aid is definitely available. The Wilderness Road Council usually pays $400 towards the trip, and your troop or service unit may also choose to contribute money. GSUSA offers "travelships" that one can apply for, also. There is always fundraising, too.
N: What advice would you give to those who are applying to go on a wider op for the first time?
J: Choose a wider op that you think you will enjoy, but don't worry too hard because you will probably have fun wherever you go! Take your time on the application and pick references carefully. I would suggest attending the wider opportunity workshops sponsored by our council because they give tips for interviewing and writing essays. Don't get discouraged if you aren't accepted and try again next year!
If you would like to find out what kinds of wider ops are being offered this year then go to the Offical Girl Scouts Wider Ops page!
Links | Wider Ops | Fun Stuff | Girl Scouting |
Troop News | Home