About, face! Earlier this summer, Cadette Troop 75237 from Dunstable experienced life as servicewomen during an overnight on the USS Constitution.

The Girl Scouts got to tour the ship and see areas not shown during public tours, including the captain’s bathroom and the only truly original part of the ship, underneath in the medical area. They learned a lot about the ship, which is the oldest commissioned warship in the world, and what life was like when she was actively in battle.

The girls also learned and performed drills and facing movements with the servicewomen and servicemen. “We had a lot of fun with the sailors,” says Caragh, another Cadette in the troop. “I loved engaging with them. We played cornhole, which was crazy fun.”

At night, the girls slept on the floor of the ship’s second level, which they insist was comfortable.

Kelly, the troop leader, says, “Our assigned servicemen and servicewomen were young, dynamic, enthusiastic, patient, and kind. They were quick to laugh and were clearly having a great time with us. Before we left, one of the sailors gave a talk to the girls about how he found his discipline and inspiration through the Navy. He went on to explain that it doesn’t matter where you find this, but you need to seek out the thing that makes you a better you. It was a lovely speech, age-appropriately directed at these 7^th and 8^th grade girls who were hanging on his every word.”

She adds, “The girls have been together since Daisies and have gone on some fairly remarkable trips. Every one of the nine girls who attended said it was the best trip we’ve ever taken.”

“I would do it again in a heartbeat,” Shannon confirms.

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