Camp

24 Padvinsters (Guides), 7 Young Leaders and Pioneers (Rangers), 8 Leaders, 7 GOLDies and a flock of sheep met at Emma School for a weekend Best of British camp planned and delivered by us. Emma School provided the perfect location with views of the sea and plenty of classrooms and space out of the sun. The whole weekend had a leadership theme, helping us to inspire and encourage the next generation of APG leaders. 

FRIDAY 

We started off the camp with a series of crafts whilst the excitement rose as everyone arrived. After the opening ceremony we played a very active London Bus Drive game (similar to beetle drive) and sweated from every pore as Becca treated us to some excellent Ceilidh dancing. This style of dance was new to the Arubans and ended in much hilarity as they got to grips with spinning their partner!

SATURDAY 

The day that never ended… 16 hours of training and activities started with a 06.30 am surprise wake up and shake up. 

After a sleepy breakfast (with thanks to Dianna for the food) we split and delivered trainings to the Leaders, PV’s, and YL’s/Pioneers on Guiding opportunities, youth participation, peer led Guiding and action planning. Despite the early start the girls were really engaged, keen to get more out of the APG, and inspired to plan and run activities themselves. Nicki and Caroline ran a very successful session with the Leaders (with a request for another) enlightening them to realise they can allow the girls to take ownership and lead for themselves.   

The afternoon started with a post lunch siesta and a wide game. Stations included team games and challenges with a leadership focus. Nobody told us that we would have some special guests who baa-ed their way into camp! News of the fun we were having had obviously spread far and wide as a flock of sheep tried to join in running in between grass patches! The GOLDies were astounded, and several attempts at herding were made, while the APG were not phased and more interested in finishing their activities.

Ant and Dec and the Britain’s Got Talent judges made a surprise appearance for an evening talent show featuring dances, various baby shark renditions, songs and a winning theatre sketch on bullying. Ant and Dec (Sophie and Emily) enthused the crowds of APG members while Simon was as brutal as ever! A modern-day campfire (minus the fire) gave us an opportunity to share songs and sing together - a great end to the day. 

SUNDAY 

The GOLDies were alive, alert, awake and enthusiastic on Sunday morning while the girls and leaders took a little longer to get going. The morning was spent utilising the girl-led skills they had learnt the day before to create and present their ‘perfect camp’ plans. Ideas included survival camp in the national park, nightmare before Christmas and a joint camp with the scouts.

We were joined for this session by a special guest, Grace, who has been involved in GOLD in Aruba from the start and also had a lovely meeting with her on Thursday. We ended camp with an evaluation and reflection on the weekend - everyone had a great time and learnt a lot. It was great seeing the girls grow in confidence over the weekend and be excited to be the leaders of the future. 

In other news……

·     The wind continues to provide a constant challenge – washing and flip chart paper fly everywhere and you definitely can’t read the daily newspaper or play cards outside (believe us, we have tried!). 

·     ALWAYS wash your Aloe Vera!

·     Sunsets are stunning.

·     Emma does in fact like fish!

·     Vince looks so shiny after a bath.

·     Butterflies live for longer as caterpillars than butterflies (the butterfly farm was very much enjoyed). 

·     Charlie Bar’s is the BEST bar in the world, entertaining us throughout lunch. 

·     International neckers are a great talking point and gives you VIP access!

#theAteam