Training 1, 2, 3!

So here it is, the long awaited blog post about our first three training sessions!! We've had a very busy few days of planning and running three training sessions, but still managing to squeeze in some sight seeing and relaxation time. 

Session 1 - Getting to know GOLD 2018 

This session took place on Saturday afternoon and was a fantastic introduction to the APG members! In attendance there was a mixture of APG board members, unit leaders, Padvinsters (Guides), Pioneers (Rangers) and Young Leaders. They were all very enthusiastic and joined in with a range of energetic team games, such as passing the ball down the line etc... We think everyone was in agreement that the polo match-stick relay was the most entertaining!! We left the session with a better understanding of the APG and its members and were ready to finish the planning for our next two sessions.

Nicki and Mirtha excelling at the polo match-stick relay!

Session 2 - Padvinsters Leadership 1 

Our second session was where we got down to the real business that we came to Aruba for - training the young APG members on leadership. We soon learned that we'd have to get used to the relaxed "island time", but we worked really well as a team to adjust our training plan and still deliver a fantastic session. The girls delivered some excellent pitches on why their chosen famous leader was the best, came up with some great positive and negative qualities of a leader, and learned what style of leader they were. Towards the end of the session they each had some time to reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses. All the Padvinsters had a great time and were enthusiastic about attending future sessions and our upcoming camp this weekend.

Session 3 - Padvinsters Leadership 2

Last night we ran a follow-up leadership session for the Padvinsters. We had a larger group than our previous session, but most of the attendees from session 2 returned. Success! This session focussed on exploring their opportunities within the APG and developing personal journey plans. The girls discussed why they are members of the APG, what they enjoy and the first word that came into their head when thinking of the APG. They then took these ideas and produced TV adverts for the APG to encourage other young people to join them.

All hands, legs and wheels on deck to hold down the flipchart paper!!

Other things to note from the last few days:

• We've now been in Aruba for over a week - WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?!
• Lizards get everywhere - who knew they could swim?!
• Aruba is a windy place. Always. 
• Flip chart paper is unruly in the wind. 
• Sunrise is early and not very easy to see when it's cloudy...
• Watch out for road obstacles: goats, shipping containers, fluorescent orange rocks etc.
• Cultural parades are a great excuse to dance in the street.
• Salt fish is not salty.  
• Ice cream is always a welcome treat (thanks Mirtha and Cecelia!)

#theAteam