International
camps. We often receive invitations for groups of girls and
adults to join international camps in other countries. Many of these
are in Europe, which provides a good starting point to experience
international guiding. Some are further afield and our members have
been offered places on trips organised by Commonwealth Headquarters
(CHQ) to more exotic parts of the world. Recent travellers have
been to Ireland, Denmark, Russia, Namibia, Singapore, Montserrat
and New Zealand.
The girls will usually spend at least part of the trip at an international
camp, learning about that country and the others represented. They
may be offered home hospitality - the opportunity to stay with a
family in that country for a few days. We also try to arrange a
few days sight seeing before their return home, full of enthusiasm
with many tales of the good time they've had and the friends they've
made. Strangely enough, disasters such as awful weather, tents leaking,
blisters and 'different' food just seem to add to the fun of it
all! Click here to read what the travellers
say.
Seminars. Sharing experiences and ideas with Guiders from
other countries is a wonderful opportunity to experience the international
dimension of Girlguiding at first hand. If you would be interested
in taking part in a WAGGGS seminar, contact your County International
Adviser.
GOLD (Guiding Overseas Linked with Development) Projects
for the 16 - 30 year old. You could work on a project from 3 weeks
to several months. Projects are usually involved in primary health
care; teaching English; organising play schemes for young children;
conservation; food production etc. and in recent years have taken
place in Belarus, Chile, Indonesia, Thailand and Uganda to name
but a few.
Publications
The Guide Association produce many publications to give you ideas
of how you can introduce international guiding in your units. The
latest publication 'Small World' is aimed at Rainbows and Brownies.
Also look out for ' A World of Ideas', 'Celebrating Thinking Day',
'Festivals and Celebrations'. All available from Glrlguiding Trading
Service or your local trading outlet. Visit the website for more
information: www.guidingessentials.org.uk.
There are also other publication produced. Many Regions produce
their own books. North East England have a very good one on Russia.
Look out for 'Sangam Sparkle Pack' and 'The Spirit of Sangam' available
from FOS (UK) Trading c/o Mary Taylor, 26 Godwin Way, Bromham, Bedford
MK43 8JH. The 'Sangam Sparkle Pack' is £3.50 plus an A4 sae
80p postage and the 'Spirit of Sangam' is £5 plus an A5 sae
50p postage. Cheque payable to 'Friends of Sangam (UK) Trading'
And of course don't forget 'Guiding' magazine. Plenty of international
ideas there!
International Advisors
For details of the International Adviser
for your county please contact the
Anglia Region Office.
6 March, 2005
