Carla Montana’s love for travel was fueled by her experience as a Girl Scout, and as a member of a military family. She traveled extensively and had many meaningful experiences both personally and professionally, but her Girl Scout memories were among her most cherished. Her adventures involved being an exchange student in Chile, and teaching language on military bases in Italy, which ultimately led to a career in the State Department.
In memory of Carla Montana, her family established a fund in her name to enable Girl Scouts, ages 6 – 18, who have parents serving in the military or who have been honorably discharged, to experience the learning opportunities, joy, and camaraderie acquired through travel and adventure.
This fund can be used for any overnight experience, domestic or overseas, requiring independent travel (not troop or family travel) that will enrich a girl’s personal or Girl Scout experience. Travel must be sponsored by GSUSA, WAGGGS or another Girl Scout/Girl Guide Council or organization.
Girl Scouts must be registered for a trip before applying for the scholarship. Girl Scouts who apply and are not registered for a trip, will not be considered.
How will a Girl Scout be selected to receive a portion of this scholarship?
A Girl Scout will complete her application along with a parent/guardian. The scholarship application requires a description of the trip and more. You can find the Carla Montana Scholarship Application here.
Eligibility:
• For registered Girl Scouts ages 6-18 years at time of travel.
• Applicants can be from any part of Colorado, but preference will be given to girls from El Paso County. Applicants must read information about Carla Montana and write a one-page essay explaining what being a Girl Scout means to her and what part of the story about Carla Montana was most interesting to her. Carla Montana's Story.
• Applicants must be the daughter of an Active Duty, Reservist, National Guard, or an Honorably Discharged Veteran of a Department of Defense service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines). The parent must submit proof showing a minimum of 180 days of service via form DD-214 and discharged veterans submit proof to Honorable Discharge. Currently serving military parents must submit current military orders showing assignment or a letter from the commanding officer of the unit providing current assignment.
• It is required that all recipients of this scholarship write a thank you letter to Domenica Williams about the trip and its impact on her future in Girl Scouts. Letters should be sent to GSCO within two months of returning from the trip. GSCO will get the letters to Domenica Williams.
• This fund is for individual Girl Scout travel and not troop travel. Once the application is received, it will be reviewed, and the applicant will be contacted regarding transfer of any awarded funds to the Girl Scout.
GSUSA’s Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate adventure for individual Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Push past your comfort zone by applying for a trip on your own, and make friends from all over the country as you travel with new Girl Scout friends. There’s a unique, life-changing experience for everyone.