SVG Girl Guides rock Curacao

Members of the local Girl Guides Association have returned home after a successful camp in Curacao. The eighty-eight girl guides and twenty leaders travelled to the highly anticipated Girl Guide camp dubbed “Kampa Tambu,” from March 24 to April 3, 2012.

While in Curaçao, the Vincentian Girl Guides were afforded the opportunity to interact with the Girl Guides from Curaçao. They were presented with treats upon their arrival, welcomed at the opening ceremony and sang and danced together at a very vibrant Campfire evening. In the major awards given on Camp, the Best Guide Overall went to Angelique Fitzpatrick, the Best Camper Demi Ollivierre, Most Enthusiastic Camper Kristal Tash, Most Improved Camper Orvonne Llewellyn and Best Banker Akili Robertson. The Kibrahaca Patrol led by Patrol Leader Sade Bowman was adjusted Most Outstanding Patrol Overall.

Camp Commandant, La Toya Deroche John describes the journey as exciting, fun-filled and fulfilling, though challenging at times. She notes that: “The Girl Guides were exposed to new and fresh experiences that only Curaçao could offer them. There was a balance between finding out about the island itself and interacting with Girl Guides in patrols, highlighting the importance of teamwork for all Patrol members.”

In addition: “The Girl Guides demonstrated perseverance and extraordinary guiding spirit to overcome the challenges of late luggage arrival and different personal and guiding backgrounds. The creativity, energy and enthusiasm demonstrated have allowed the girls to grow more towards becoming strong, beautiful and determined young women. It is the hope that as they move forward each and every one would continue to be true to their Girl Guide Promise and Law as they “discover their fullest potential,” notes De Roche John.

The most testing experience for many would have been to climb Mount Christoffel in very warm conditions. Most of the Girl Guides proved themselves to be conquerors.

Meanwhile, the volunteering guiders have expressed their satisfaction for their meaningful interaction with the 88 Girl guides without incident or injury. Both guides and guiders agree that the experience was an invaluable one. It is hoped that the memories and stories of “Kampa Tambu” will keep all Girl Guides motivated to continue their Girl Guiding journey.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Girl Guides Association works directly with girls and young women to deliver high quality, non-formal, educational programmes and regional/international opportunities that provide girls and young women dynamic, flexible and values-based training in life skills, leadership and citizenship. The Kingstown/Grenadines Division of the SVG Girl Guides Association hosts a regional camp for Girl Guides within the Division biennially.