More than 100 Girl Scouts – 17 groups representing entire and combined troops, FaB Factor program participants and independently registered Girl Scouts – participated in the Amazing Race Martha’s Vineyard this past weekend. The program puts a Girl Scout spin on the popular reality television scavenger hunt adventure series.

Armed with Girl Power and wearing bandanas brandishing their team colors – some even made their own team t-shirts – GSEM Amazing Racers followed clues and worked together as they traveled in packs around Oak Bluffs. Tasks included placing the United States Presidents in chronological order, communicating at a sign language station, and guessing the correct fudge and ice cream flavors.

Bridgewater Troop 73502 took first place, Troop 74951 from Millis ranked second, and
a combined force from Walpole, Troop 73425 and Troop 74678 rounded out the top three.

First-place finishers: Bridgewater Troop 73502

In addition to the rewards of tackling team work, taking on leadership roles, and trying new things, all participants earned patches in the Amazing Race colors. The top three teams received special versions denoting their placements.

Amazing Race Martha’s Vineyard is one of many events and programs comprising GirlSports, a Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts initiative designed to help inspire girls to develop the courage and confidence to be leaders in sports and life. Through sport activities that promote self-discovery and sportsmanship, girls are given the opportunity to experience healthy living, leadership and skill development. This positive experience aims to help them feel confident to say, “I am an athlete.” GSEM GirlSports activity offerings include rock climbing, geocaching, paddleboarding, and summer camp programs.

Past Amazing Race events were offered at both Camp Wind-in-the-Pines in Plymouth and Camp Cedar Hill in Waltham. This weekend’s sold out Vineyard adventure was the first destination offering. The event’s success has helped fuel plans to bring a new Amazing Race event to Salem this fall and a second installment on Martha’s Vineyard in spring 2015.

Keep an eye out for upcoming GirlSports, Camp opportunities, and all our girl programs here.

Thanks to all the AMAZING people who participated in and helped organize the Amazing Race Martha’s Vineyard. We hope to see you at another program soon!