About: The Minnesota Council of HI-USA is based in St. Paul, MN. We promote travel and cultural exchange through hostelling and travel education. We manage the Mississippi Headwaters Hostel in Itasca State Park. We also organize the Minnesota Ironman® Bike Ride.

Travel education programming

Educational programming is part of our mission, and an integral part of our organization.

Mission: To develop culturally sensitive world citizens through educational programs, promotion of responsible travel, and positive hostelling experiences.

Along with providing the highest quality budget accommodations for travelers and groups, young and old alike, we strive to promote international travel and to teach intercultural awareness and respect.

We provide these educational programs on a regular basis (largely free of charge) because we love to share our passion for travel and to promote responsible travel practices.

Mount St. Michel - France

Travelers Circles

Discover the world each month with this informal, discussion-oriented program. Each month we host a presentation on a specific travel destination, discussing both the nuts and bolts of travel as well as the intricacies of cultural exchange. About half the time is spent hearing from our speaker and the rest in dialog. Ask questions, share stories, provide your travel insights. Bring a friend!

Travelers Circles are free and all are invited. They are held the 3rd Thursday of every month, 7-8:30pm, at our St. Paul Headquarters: 622 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104 | Telephone 651.251.1495 | link to map.

Note: Parking - please park on the street or in the lot (free) just south of the Mississippi Market on Hague Street. Please do not park in the Mississippi Market lot.

Resources and handouts from past Travelers Circles can be found here.

world travel 101

This is an excellent program for those new to the complexities international travel. We cover everything from pre-trip planning, documents, money matters, rail travel and accommodations, to how to be a culturally sensitive traveler. In short, everything you need to make your trip more rewarding and culturally rich.

World Travel 101 programs are designed to:

- Improve ones confidence to travel around the globe
- Provide superb recommendations to save you money
- Teach the values of responsible travel
- Build cultural awareness and cultural understanding

We provide World Travel 101 to encourage global travel, to provide insights on safe, healthy and affordable travel, to show appreciation towards other cultures and languages, and to build a new generation of responsible and sensitive travelers.

Please contact us if you would like us to present World Travel 101 to your group. Contact Jeremy Weizel, Program coordinator, 651.251.1495.

girl scout usa programming

Girl Scouts + Hostelling International USA

Girl Scouts love to travel! Hostelling International has been working with Girl Scouts of America to bring cultural and travel education to girls around the country. Minnesota is proud to offer these interactive programs developed by HI education staff in Chicago and Girl Scouts USA. The following programming options are expected to be suitable for junior Girl Scouts and older.

Programs

World Travel 101 for Girl Scouts

Specifically designed for girls, World Travel 101 for Girl Scouts is fun and interactive. Girls learn what it takes to travel internationally - from pre-trip planning, budgeting, health and money matters, transport and rail passes to cultural recognition and sensitivity. This program is best suited for girls who are thinking about planning a trip abroad, and need an introductory course.

Trip Planning 101

Trip Planning 101 introduces girls to culturally sensitive travel and helps them start planning a trip to take with their troop, with their family, or on their own. During one troop meeting girls are introduced to the art of packing light, the philosophy of hostelling, and the tools to be a respectful, global citizen. This program is best suited for girls who are currently planning a trip abroad.

Cultural Kitchen

Cultural Kitchen gives girls the opportunity to learn about a new culture and try delicious food in the company of travelers. Girls spend one troop meeting plus an evening dinner researching a culture, reporting on their findings and enjoying good food and conversation.

For More Information

If you are interested in getting your Girl Scout troop involved, want to be added to the invitation list for a Cultural Kitchen event, receive training, or lead any of these programs, e-mail our GS coordinators at girlscouts@himinnesota.org.

ImageGirl Scouts Go Hostelling Patch
Here's a patch that's fun to earn and can start you on the path to traveling around the world! The patch can help you become a global citizen who is connected to people and places near and far. Get connected by getting your patch when you complete just one activity in each of the three areas.

Once your troop has earned the Discover the World patch or other patches while staying at hostels please share your story with us. Give your troop extra recognition and help other troops by sharing your ideas.

ImagePassport To Adventure

Developed in partnership with GS USA, the Passport to Adventure is full of great activities and tips to help Girl Scouts interact with fellow travelers from all over the world and make the most out of their travel experiences.

ImageGirl Scout Get Aways
HI-USA hostels now offer Getaway packages! Formerly known as Wider Opportunities, Getaways are two to four day travel experiences for Girl Scouts that are part of the Studio2B program. From exploring the cities and making peace in the world, to learning new skills, Getaways offered by HI-USA help Girl Scouts add to their adventure and work towards meeting their personal goals.

For more information

Visit the HI-Chicago web site for information on all the above and more...

Or contact Kati and Barb, Girl Scout Coordinators at HI-MN at girlscouts@himinnesota.org.

Volunteers wanted

We are always on the look-out for people who are passionate about international travel, intercultural exchange, and global issues. If you would like to volunteer with HI-MN, please see the volunteer page for current opportunities, or contact us!

Thank you!

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©2008 Hostelling International USA, Minnesota Council - a 501 (C)3 non-profit charitable organization. The marks IRONMAN, IRONWOMAN and IRONWOMEN are used with the permission of the World Triathlon Corporation. However, the Minnesota IRONMAN Bike Ride is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with the World Triathlon Corporation.

Minnesota Council Address : 622 Selby Ave. St Paul, MN 55104 | Telephone: 651.251.1495 | Email