Gulf Coast Cyber Challenge: July 7–12, 2025

Travel to the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast, where you will navigate the world of cybersecurity. In the afternoons, you will explore this southern hidden gem with visits to the Infinity Space Center, the Mississippi Aquarium, and a cruise to Ship Island.

About the Trip

Are you interested in cybersecurity? Have you wondered what it takes to keep yourself unhackable, protect yourself from cyber criminals, be on the front line of your own business, or how important cybersecurity is in our day-to-day life?  

Join Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi as we partner with The Mississippi Cyber Initiative and Women in Cyber to take a trip down the cyber range and learn how to properly maintain cyber hygiene at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College/Mississippi State University. We'll meet a panel of female specialists in the Head of Cyber through the forensics lab shared by local and government law enforcement agencies. We’ll visit the Stennis Center and Infinity Space Center and learn about the importance of cyber and technology through robotics. You’ll also get to experience life on a military base, as we will be staying at Keesler Air Force base.

In the evenings, we’ll wrap up by exploring the Gulf Coast nightlife at different beach venues, visiting the Mississippi Aquarium, creating a bowling team with your Girl Scout sisters, and taking a trip on the famous Ship Island Excursions. 

MS Aquarium – https://www.msaquarium.org/

Ship Island Excursions – https://msshipisland.com/

Infinity Space Center – https://www.visitinfinity.com/

Mississippi Cyber Initiative – https://www.mscyberinitiative.org/

81st Training Group – https://www.keesler.af.mil/About-Us/Tech-Training-Info/

Who Should Apply?

• Age: Girl Scouts entering grades 7–10 in summer 2025.
• Interests: Cybersecurity
• Requirements: Be able to work in a team environment, be open-minded and flexible and comfortable in moving water and on a large moving vessel. Girls 16 years old and older must have government-issued identification to enter Kessler Air Force Base. 
• Equipment: A packing list will be provided upon acceptance.
• Ignite Your Passion! This trip is great for Girl Scouts who are interested in exploring their future.

The Cost

Program fee: $650. The Program Fee does not include airfare. Girl Scouts must arrange transportation to Gulfport, MS.

Deposit due upon acceptance: $150

Cancellation policy: A cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. No requests made after May 17, 2025 will be eligible for a refund unless there is a medical reason and we receive written notification from a medical professional. .

Financial aid may be available. Check with your local council.

Host and Contact Info

Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi www.gsgms.org

Laurel Jalufka , Cyberchallenge2025@gsgms.org, 228-864-0932