Members and leaders from Island Guide Units attended an International Camp in Berkshire during the school summer holiday. Entitled ‘Wings’ and held at Windsor Great Park the camp saw Guides from around the world undertaking special activities as well as learning camping skills.
Before their trip all the Guides were expected to fundraise so that they could attend this special event and to this end Ventnor Guides undertook various fundraising events including a successful bag packing session at Sainsbury’s, Newport whilst the Guides from Carisbrooke undertook various craft making sessions before selling their goods at Riverfest, Newport Quay, a coffee morning/ sale at Carisbrooke and at other local events.
At ‘Wings’ there were opportunities to take part in numerous programme zones, including age specific programme zones and evening programmes across three dedicated venues with something to cater for everyone.
Included in events were: Challenge Yourself Survival Zone, Team Challenges, Get wet- go wild, Discover together- Girlguiding solutions to global issues, Imagine that Perform and Create and Reach out to a Community and Life Beyond ‘Wings’.
There was also the chance to socialise with Guides from all over the World in the unique “Squircle” central space which included an international showcase, shops, food, cinema, stages and a radio station.
Camping was in 5 amazing sub camps with up to 6,000 participants and Unit Leaders.
Guides could gain ‘Wings’ Challenge Awards, designed to test, encourage and stretch everyone and these unique awards were only available at the camp.
UK Units were partnered with an International Unit before, during and after the event with the aim to grow international relations, provide programme opportunities and build international friendships.
Julie Hudleston, Ventnor Guide Leader said, “The camp was absolutely brilliant.” Deborah Meadows and Janet Lovell visited ‘Wings’ for a day whilst all the Guides from the Island were camping there.