Goats, crabs and Venezuelan lightening storms!

Our weekend training sessions are without doubt the most intense, but are also the most rewarding! Today we hosted training sessions for Guides (Padvindsters), existing leaders and those new to Guiding. The pre-session prep was immense. Day 1 has been a great success, as although we saw lower numbers than we hoped, our training hit exactly the mark we were aiming for.

The morning involved a role model themed balloon debate, which challenged participants to choose to save 2 flawed role models from 10 in a sinking hot air balloon! The key aim of the session was to convey that no one person is the perfect role model, we always have something to learn and skills to enhance and grow.

We also ran activities that focused on the unrealistic images of women in the media, talked about coping mechanisms for stress, and we ran another session of Girls Can themed activities. The fabulous resources we have been donated by Girlguiding North East England have been an incredible help; women and girls have bowled us over with their powerful responses.

It has been 37 degrees today in Aruba, and the heat is challenging both for the GOLD team, as well as the Aruban women. Our journey home was very warm, and was delayed by goats roaming in the road! We swam in the sea, watched an astonishing lightening storm light up the sky 20 miles away in Venezuela, and enjoyed watching our Ghost crab neighbours clambering over the beach!

Ridiculous moment of the day:
The realisation that, so far we've broken quite a few things... 4 glasses, the decking, many many pegs, a portable washing line, a hook, a toilet seat, Anne's plug socket and Miriam's elbow skin.

Mountain top moment:
Knowing that the strong bonds we have formed as a team are the fuel for us to deliver training that is receiving great feedback and making the difference that we so passionately want.