Hello!  I live in the Washington DC area.  Washington, DC is a wonderful
place to take your Junior troop.  Here are a few of  things you requested.

First - How are you traveling to Wash DC?  By car, rail, or air.  National
Airport is the most convenient for air travel.  AMTRAK has special rates for
groups of 15 or more.  The train station is opposite the Capitol.  Travel for
girls round trip Wash DC to Savannah, GA is    $ 75 or less.  Public
transportation is readily available.

Get a good map - Washington is a confusing city to drive into and through.
It was purposely designed that way.  Study your route into the city
beforehand.

Best way to get around - Metro (local subway system).  I believe they have a
multiday unlimited ride pass.

There is a tourmobile near that goes by all the major museums, monuments,
Capitol, White House, etc..  You get on and off as much as you want.  I am
not always sure this is cost effective as each museum can take several hours.

Best Guide Book -  
	Michelain Guide has the most comprehensive write up on DC.

Other Sources of Information -
	Check the Travel section of this service
	Write to the District of Columbia Washington Convention and Visitors Assn.,
1212 New York Ave, NW  Washington, DC 20005  (202) 789-7000
	Visit your library for books on Washington, DC
	Your library may have a travel video on Wash DC

Weather in Summer - hot and humid.  Bring sun block and filled water bottles.
Temperatures and humidity are in the 90s and higher.  There are thunderstorms
2-3 times per week around 5 pm.  Bring ponchos/umbrellas.

Local GS Counci - 
	Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital
	2233 Wisconsin Ave,  NW, Suite 410
	Washington, DC 20007-4187
	Attn: Information Center

	Phone (202) 337-4300		(also referred to as GSCNC)
	E-Mail GSCNC Info@aol.com

The girls can earn the 'Discover the Nation's Capital' patch.  This is a
local patch ($ 1.25 per patch) which introduces GSs to the highlights of
Washington, DC.  Girls must visit museums, monuments, etc in each of 5
categories.  Contact  GSCNC for requirements.  The patch shows the capitol
building and cherry blossoms and has silver threads.
 
Places to Stay 

No GS camps near by.

Camping at Greenbelt National Park (tent camping) - a great bargain at $
10/night.  At the end of June there were campsites available during the
weekend.  There are nature trails and good ranger programs.  The park is
located near a Metro station. Call (202) 344-3944 for info and campground
reservations.

Othe possibilities (all within a few blocks of a metro station)- see if you
can get group rates, also try your corporate rates.  Good rates possible with
Govt. rates.

	Days Inn at Van Ness
	American Inn in Bethesda, MD
	WestPark Hotel in Rosslyn, VA
	Holiday Inns at Chevy Chase/Bethesda

Food Costs - Some hotels provide a continental breakfast.
	You can prepare and pack daily bag lunches.
	Do not eat at the Air and Space Museum.  Food is expensive.
	There are tons of MacDonalds, Roy Rogers, etc.
	Try the food court at Union Station.

What to See -  lots.

	The White House - contact your local Congressman/woman for special tour
tickets 3-4 	  months in advance of your trip.
	The Capital Building - visit your local Representative/Congressman
	The Smithsonian Museums (multiple)
	Eat lunch in the sculpture garden.
	Arlington Cemetary
	Mount Vernon (30 minute drive south)
	Vietnam Memorial
	Skip the zoo  
	C&O Canal Barge ride - from Georgetown.  The barges are pulled by mules and
often 		  their are folk singers aboard.
	NASA Goddard Space Center - Nice exhibit plus 2 Sundays a month people
launch their 	  own rockets.  I have seen Brownie troops build and launch
their own rockets.

Nice side trip or overnight - Annapolis.  Scouts can stay at the Naval
Academy.  This is tent camping with flush toilets and showers.  Tours of the
academy can be made.  During the summer, the girls can use the swimming pool
(with lifeguard) for a fee.  It may be possible to use the academy dining
hall.  To find out more, contact:

	Naval Station Annapolis Campground
	Bldg 89, Special Services, Scout Liaison
	Annapolis, MD  21401

	phone (410) 267-3580

Good luck on your trip.

Feel free to ask any questions.

Karen