I like being a member of GOLD Team Aruba 2017 because...

During the last three weeks we've played a lot of circle games asking participants what they like about being a leader, being a girl, being a Padvinster or a Kabouter. As we approach the end of our project (we have our final evaluation with the board this evening) we felt it was time to ask "Ami gusta ser un mucha GOLD Team Aruba 2017..." (I like being a member of GOLD Team Aruba 2017 because...):

Amy likes being a member of GOLD Team Aruba 2017...

"...because I got to enjoy an APG camp. Having experienced many Brownie pack holidays and Guide camps in the UK, I was very excited to see what an Aruban camp would be like. From start to finish, it did not disappoint and I had such a great time. I loved getting the time to interact with the leaders and girls that attended and got the chance to know them better. The girls taught us a lot about the island's languages, culture and people (whilst also beating us at Dobble and Quartet)."

Bridget likes being a member of GOLD Team Aruba 2017...

"...because I have made friendships which I hope will last a lifetime. I've had the opportunity to work with inspirational girls and young women and been welcomed like family. This project has been a constant reminder of how much we all have to learn from each other and that was never more obvious to me than n our training sessions. Each training session we met passionate and dedicated volunteers who not only engaged totally in activities but also shared ideas, stories and lessons with us about guiding in Aruba and the Western Hemisphere. I feel that as a team we go back to the UK richer in knowledge and friends. 'Make new friends and keep the old, one is silver and the other GOLD.'"

Helen likes being a member of GOLD Team Aruba 2017...

"...because I have had the opportunity to get to know inspirational women who are passionate about improving the lives of young women and girls. Over the last 3 weeks I have been working with my incredible team of leaders from the UK and I have watched us grow as a team and develop our training skills together. I cannot thank my 5 new friends enough for all of their hard work. As well our amazing team I have had the opportunity to make new friendships with the awesome volunteers in Aruba. The APG have been like a family to us over the last 3 weeks and we couldn't have had a successful project without them."

Laura likes being a member of GOLD Team Aruba 2017...

"...because swimming in the Caribbean Sea is awesome! Our favourite swim had to be on Saturday afternoon during our camp; after a very busy sweaty day (average 'feels like' temperatures of 40c throughout our stay here!) we cooled off with a dip in the sea. I think we had as much fun as the girls and it was truly magical to watch the sun go down with our new Guiding friends."

Pippa likes being a member of GOLD Team Aruba 2017...

"...because during our time in Aruba the leaders and girls have shared their culture with us, taking us to see landmarks from the lighthouse to the anchor, and to events from the Carubbian Festival to the cultural parade in Brasil. We've been introduced to some delicious dishes: arros con pollo, cabrito stoba, and pastechi; and attempted to recreate the Aruban fried rice we tucked into at camp. We've been able to travel far off the tourist track, learnt a little Papiamento along the way, and are indebted to the girls and women we've met who have made our trip into a true exchange of cultures."

Rachel likes being a member of GOLD Team Aruba 2017...

"...because I have made the most amazing guiding friends in the UK who I would never have met without being part of GOLD but I have also made the most inspirational guiding friends internationally from the moment we landed in Aruba being picked up at the airport to our first leader training session, the Padvindster camp, the visits to the girls at their first unit meetings back after vacation and finally to our last training with the APG board. Everyday of project I have made new friends, laughed until our stomachs ached and passed our six smiles around the island and I have loved every part of it."