Following much fundraising the three members of Girlguiding IW who were selected to represent the UK on an Austrian Adventure flew to Salzberg.
Guides, Emily Stephens and Keira Wells,( pictured below) both members of the 1st Carisbrooke (Princess Beatrice Own) Guide Unit travelled to Austria with IW Brownie leader Harriet Townsend plus other Guides and three leaders who made up the UK contingent.
They had a busy start to their adventure exploring Salzburg filling their days with everything from a Sound of Music tour to exploring Mirabelle Palace Gardens and the Salzburg fortress plus experiencing views of the Untersberg Mountain by Cable Car.
It was then on to camp, learning new skills, making more memories and new friends from across the World.
Now named “Team Austria” all the UK girls had a great time at “Together 2023” immersing themselves in every aspect of camp life- putting up canvas tents and building shelters and cooking areas undertaken with their partner unit from Linz 5.
Camp activities included: taking mud baths, chopping wood, welding “Together 2023” signs, swimming in Lake Attersee, going to offsite workshops and enjoying live concerts.
In the process they’ve made lifelong friends from the UK and across the World as well as making memories that will last a lifetime.
After the camp there was 24 hours in Vienna. After booking into a hostel, they enjoyed food at the World-famous Schnitzel house, “Figlmüller”. On the following morning they enjoyed Vienna site seeing on the open top bus seeing the concert hall, Schonbrunn Palace and St Peter’s Cathedral.
Returning to the UK Emily commented: “Girlguiding international opportunities are not just about travelling to new places and meeting incredible people it’s about a transformative experience that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who embark on the journey.
The breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures, the sense of community, the spirit of unity, and the knowledge that I am part of a global network of Girl Guides and Scouts. It was about gaining self-confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility that will serve me well throughout my life.
The people I met, the challenges I faced are all things that will stay with me forever. It was a reminder that the World is vast, and the path to happiness begins with a step into the unknown.”
Keira added: When I went to Vienna, Austria I stayed in a hostel. I saw beautiful mountains and it was unreal. My favourite part was going on the cable car to go to the top of the mountains through the clouds, it was amazing. We didn’t have any unusual foods, it was simply just pork and bread most of the time, but there was schnitzel which is pork battered and it was delicious. The whole experience was amazing, and I am very thankful to have had this opportunity.”