On July 14th through the 17th of 2022, I had the privilege of traveling to the state of South Carolina to attend their “Let’s Go Explore” Grand Assembly! This was a very exciting trip for me because I not only went as the Grand Representative to South Carolina, but I also went to support our sister state and see all those who I met back in 2016 when I first visited South Carolina.
To start, the car ride up was a very enjoyable experience. I got to spend some quality time with just me and my mom! This was the first long trip that we were able to just ride together, and I had the best experience spending time with her! On the way, we even found a Bath and Body Works Outlet in Smithfield, North Carolina! Now that was exciting! As we continued our travels, mom and I even stopped at a Ross that was right by our hotel where she got beautiful new dresses and I got a new pair of the most beautiful rainbow ombre high heels!
Following the Thursday night, I joined South Carolina in their arrow making showcase. The Grand Representatives of South Carolina were tasked with decorating arrows that described their states. I was so excited to see Virginia’s arrow! The arrow was decorated beautifully with the background being blue with a VA in the center in pink! The boarder of the arrow was surrounded by pennies, indicating the charity for the past term with even a paw print sticker at the base of the arrow! All the Grand Representatives did beautiful jobs on their arrows, but Virginia’s was by far my favorite!
The next day, we dove into the beginning of the sessions. But us Virginia girls had some time on our hands before the first session, so naturally, we explored the area! Dad Jenkins even found a local zoo! Ella, Noelle, and I had such a blast at the zoo, seeing all sorts of different animals and even getting the chance to feed parrots! It was very entertaining to see so many birds land on Mom Jenkins trying to get the nectar that we were feeding them! Ella even had two land on her head! It was such a funny sight!
Friday afternoon was the beginning of the sessions. The Grand Worthy Advisor, Sabrina, and her respective Grand Officers performed the initiation service doing their ritual work absolutely beautifully. They initiated three new girls into South Carolina Rainbow, and I couldn’t be more excited for them! That night, we dove into the second session of this Grand Assembly, where we got to hear remarks from South Carolina’s respective dignitaries. Each dignitary had an amazing speech and thoughtful message to leave for all of the Rainbow Community.
On Saturday morning, we had the final session for South Carolina. At this session, Lorkin and I were able to bring remarks on behalf of Virginia Rainbow as the Grand Worthy Advisor and the Grand Representative. During my remarks, I was able to surprise everyone with a fun little activity that Virginia Rainbow enjoys… the Funky Chicken! To fit with Sabrina’s theme, I told everyone that I wanted to see their dinosaur, and everyone impressed me with their dinosaur impressions! After all remarks were given, it was time to hear the announcement of the new Grand Worthy Advisor and Grand Worthy Associate Advisor. Bethany was elected to be the next Grand Worthy Advisor and Ashley was selected as the next Grand Worthy Associate Advisor for South Carolina. This is truly an exciting moment for all of South Carolina Rainbow and I cannot wait to see these girls grow as leaders!
On Saturday night we had the book of memories and the Grand Banquet. To start with the book of memories session, Sabrina gave her final message as South Carolina’s Grand Worthy Advisor and retired her crown during the book of memories. While her officers where signing, Sabrina gave each of them a grape soda pin to signify the movie “Up” reference of being an explorer. I thought it was such a cute idea! Following that session into the Grand Banquet, I had an enjoyable time talking with others that were seated at the head table alongside me. We had an enjoyable time playing games and solving puzzles while we waited to hear the announcements. When it came time to announce the new Grand Representatives, I was beyond excited to find out who my new counterpart would be! It turns out, my counterpart was one of the initiates that I presented the Rose Lecture too back in 2018 Supreme Assembly! My what a small world it is! I was so excited to meet my new counterpart and find out who the next Grand Officers of South Carolina were going to be!
The installation service followed Sunday afternoon, but I was unfortunately not able to stay. Even though I couldn’t stay for the entirety of South Carolina’s Grand Assembly, I had the best time being with my Rainbow sisters and making more memories along the way! I cannot wait until the next time I am able to visit South Carolina!
In Rainbow Love and Service,
Kaitlyn, Grand Representative to New Jersey and South Carolina
