International Adventures

Girls have repeatedly said that they would welcome more international adventures in Girlguiding, and to go on a trip is not only an enormous adventure, but also potentially life-changing. Every year lots of trips take place from World Centres, to small and large European jamborees, to projects in under privileged countries and it is through trips such as these girls discover the world, new cultures, different lifestyles and ways of thinking and, sometimes, encounter thought provoking issues of which they were previously unaware. As they take on these challenges they also discover a lot about themselves, and usually return inspired and anxious to make a difference, either to their own way of life or to others around the world whose lot is perhaps less fortunate. Eventually many go on to lead a guiding trip themselves, thus enabling future generations to have the same opportunities.

Anglia region has many international opportunities; so if you are 11 years old or over there is an opportunity out there for you!

Hundreds of girls from Anglia region have travelled abroad through Girlguiding and had the experience of a life-time. Small trips, big trips, there is something for everyone.

Read on or ask your unit leader, commissioners or county international adviser.

Take that first step, it will make a difference!

'Sangam was a completely eye opening, and full of incredible new experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life. It gave me opportunities to experience a completely new culture, seeing the contrasts of the rich and poor in India to an extent I had never seen at home and could never have imagined, but also experiencing the complete craziness of Indian roads and rickshaws! I grew to love this culture during my time in India which has made me want to return one day. Sangam’s community projects helped me develop leadership skills that I hope to apply to being a Brownie Young Leader, as well as much more international community work that I hope to do in the future.'

Girlguiding Anglia trip to India 2016

Ruth (Oxfordshire)

'Before going on our trip to Singapore, Fiji and LA, I couldn’t have imagined having as much fun and of making as many close friendships as I did. Not only did we learn a lot about the cultures and differences in ways of life, but I genuinely believe we all developed as people through this character building experience.

While being away for a month we took hikes, saw landmarks, taught children, ate new foods, learnt new songs, made new international friends and I could confidently call it the most exciting month of my life. Highlights had to include: teaching games to the kindergarten children in Fiji and playing with them in the sun every day, and our group trip to Robinson Crusoe Island where we all relaxed on the white beach and danced the whole evening together.

It felt so rewarding knowing we made a difference in Natalau, a village where
everyone was so welcoming to us. We painted and helped construct a new village bus-stop, painted the kindergarten and their playground, each taught a lesson during term time at the nursery and ran the whole of holiday school for children aged 3-17.

Although pushing us out of our comfort zones regularly, I know all of us valued this trip as one of the best experiences of our lives.'

Girlguiding Anglia trip to Fiji 2017

Lorelei (Essex West)