International
Rita Morfett My own international experiences through guiding have been totally unique. From sitting on the steps of the Kremlin in Moscow to climbing a pyramid in Mexico. One thing both these experiences had in common was guiding! Wherever I have traveled as a Guide, I’ve known that when I meet a fellow Guide, I have something in common. It does mean I’ve never been stuck for something to talk about! |
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There are over 10 million girls, young women and leaders who enjoy guiding in 144 countries across the world. They might not all be called Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Young Leaders or Rangers, but whatever their titles they share a common aim with you. Wherever you travel in the world, you will have friends in guiding.
You can be involved with international opportunities in many different ways. It doesn’t have to be overseas and you don’t even have to have a passport.
Badge-work, Crafts & Activities
There are many resources available in guiding to introduce you and your unit to activities and crafts from overseas. You don’t have to leave the UK to have an international experience: food, games, dance and drama can all add an international dimension to your unit programme. Why not try to work as an individual or as a unit to complete an interest badge on an international theme? There are plenty to choose from.
International Camps
These are held in the UK and abroad, the international camp in Nottinghamshire is held at Walesby Forest Scout Camp and happens every 5 years. Internationals in the UK are a great way of meeting international friends and a great opportunity to take part in unique experience.
Taking your Unit Abroad |
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Travelling Abroad Module 12 of the Camp and Holiday Scheme
This is something you need to work towards when you decide to plan and organise a trip abroad, whether it is for Brownies, Guides, Senior Section or even Leaders. You still need to complete this module of the Camp & Holiday Scheme. I am available to give advice and support about this module and it's very helpful as it gives you a planning guide of what to do.
If you are thinking about taking your unit abroad and want some further information about Travelling Abroad Module 12 then please contact me via the County Office or you can find my details in the County Directory.
Once you have made your first trip abroad – maybe to Switzerland or Disneyland Paris, why not take your unit to an international camp overseas? In Europe, most guides and scouts are joined associations, so one good place to look for camps is on the scout website www.scoutbase.org.uk
Before you start planning your international trip, please let me know and speak to your district or division commissioner. I will be able to offer advice and information about the correct forms to complete and information and assistance on Module 13- the International Endorsement to your Holidays and Camps licence.
Visiting World Centres
There are four World Centres:
Our Chalet in Switzerland ~ Sangam in India
Our Cabana in Mexico ~ Pax Lodge in England
These centres are open to all members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) from groups to individuals just passing through. Visiting a world centre is a wonderful way of making guiding friends from around the world; you build friendships that last a lifetime.
I will be able to help you with the forms and requirements and will try to put you in touch with someone who has traveled to a world centre before. So they can give you some handy tips. |
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Guiding Overseas Linked with Development (GOLD)
This is for members between the ages of 18 and 30. GOLD provides opportunities for personal development through participation in community development projects overseas using the medium of guiding. The programme has allowed members to visit Honduras, Madagascar, Russia, South Africa and Thailand. Look out for information on the INTOPS weekends which are held each year. At these you can learn more about the GOLD projects. Notice of the weekends will appear in Guiding Magazine and details can be found on the International pages on the girlguiding website.
| Guide Friendship Fund The Guide Friendship Fund can help units within the UK who are lacking funds or for unit start up costs. The fund also helps overseas and has emergency funds to give help to associations after disasters and emergencies. In addition, different projects overseas are supported each year. Donations can be made all year round and ALL the money raised goes into the fund, nothing is taken out for administration. |
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The Guide Friendship Fund is not to be confused with the World Thinking Day Fund. The Guide Friendship Fund (GFF) is separate to the World Thinking Day Fund (WTD). The GFF is run by Girlguiding UK, and makes donations to individual associations. The WTD Fund is run by WAGGGS, and the money is used to support all of their work with guiding around the world.
What we do in Nottinghamshire
In the county we have an International Fun weekend, this is for girls aged 12+ to find out more about international guiding through craft, games, presentations, food and cooking.
We also hold an international experience weekend called INTEX for girls 13+ wanting to represent the county at an international event overseas. This weekend is lots of fun but the activities can be challenging. By the end of the weekend, girls will have been tested to the limit to see how they work in different groups and situations as well as having found out about international opportunities from other girls from the summer’s international events
For Leaders
If you are interested or wanting to travel as a leader to an international event then there are a few ways you can do this. You could travel with someone already planning to take a unit trip, this way it will build up your experience. You could assist on a local or county trip, or consider a Midlands region trip overseas. Guiding will provide you with all the support and guidance you need.
The County also holds a Leaders International Fun Day. This will give you more information about taking a group abroad and the kind of international activity you can do with your unit. You will also be asked if you would be willing to assist or lead a county or region trip, so that we can start planning international trips for 2009!
Girlguiding Midlands are also looking for adults looking to lead or assist in Midlands trips during 2009. Their selection event will take place at Midlands HQ. Please comtact me if you are interested in this day.
International Dates (click Diary on the left, for more details & forms)
26th to 28th September 2008 - INTEX (International Experience)
This is for girls aged 14 to 18 before June 2009. Girls will do a variety of activities which will assess how they cope in different situations. At the same time they will have fun finding out about international guiding.
And finally
I hope that some of the information above has given you a flavour of how to get involved with international guiding.
If you are thinking about taking your unit on an overseas event, or would like to be a leader or assistant leader on an international event, or would like an application form for one of the county events then please contact me, you will be able to find my details in the county directory.