Destination Report: Troop 2834 in Amsterdam
October 31, 2025
This month, Troop 2834 took a trip to Amsterdam! They were gracious to send in photos and a report of their experiences traveling overseas:
Pelham Girl Scouts, Troops 02834 Amsterdam Adventure - Art, Culture, and Conservation
Pelham Girl Scouts Troop 02834, now a troop of 10th graders, got the chance to experience Amsterdam this fall. We were inspired by our visit to the NYC Anne Frank Exhibit last year and wanted answers about Anne’s original diary and the city that housed her hiding place.
From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in the art, history, and culture of this exciting city. At the Rijksmuseum, we viewed the works of the Dutch Masters, like Rembrandt’s NightWatch, preserved by low lighting and glass, and Johannes Vermeer’s Milkmaid. Both artists’ techniques captured the light and emotion of life hundreds of years ago. In contrast was the Van Gogh Museum, where we sought out Sunflowers and Irises – a beautiful and brave exhibit.
Then came the moment for the reason of the trip. As we walked in silence through the secret annex of the Anne Frank house and stood in the small rooms where the family hid during WWII, we were reminded of the bravery it took to stand up for others, especially when it’s hard. This was the most powerful yet humbling moment of our trip, which served as a reminder that leadership often begins with empathy. Later on, we shared heartfelt discussions about bravery, hope, and the role of young people in shaping a better world.
Just outside Amsterdam, we explored the charming Dutch village of Zaanse Schans. There we walked among windmills, wooden houses, and cobblestone paths, learning about traditional Dutch crafts like cheese-making, wooden-shoe carving, and chocolate production.
Our adventure also had a strong environmental focus. We joined a canal cleanup with Plastic Whale, collecting plastic waste from Amsterdam’s waterways to help protect local ecosystems. What started out as a fun boat ride quickly turned into a friendly competition: who could collect the most trash, the weirdest item - and protect the planet one bottle at a time.
This trip was equally hands-on fun and cultural discovery. As we rode the tram and walked along the canals, our Amsterdam adventure brought us closer together, took us on memorable adventures and reminded us that we play a role as future leaders - values that echo the Girl Scout promise to make the world a better place.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Any other troops who want to share their travel stories can send them to marcomm@girlscoutshh.org.
