This web site is copyright Girlguiding Jersey Registered Charity No: 155
Islands of Girlguiding South West England
Over the summer 2 guides, Eloise Hamon, and Megan Barette went on an International trip to Canada.
On their return both girls talked about their amazing experience. They flew to Toronto for a few days sightseeing before camp. They travelled to see Niagara Falls—beautifully lit up at night, then close up on a Maid in the Mist boat trip the next day. “It was awesome ! The little blue macs they give you were not entirely waterproof but that was no problem as the weather was so hot!” said Eloise. They travelled on the rainbow bridge from Canada into America and took photos on the international boundary line. Megan explained “I chose to make my promise into the senior section standing in the middle of Rainbow Bridge looking out over the waterfall and with one foot on either side of the America and Canada border line.”
In Toronto the girls visited an enormous shopping mall, The Eaton Centre which was fantastic. They went up the CN tower—the tallest building in the world when it was built—now the 3rd tallest. The views were incredible and a few of them were even brave (or mad) enough to plank the glass floor.
They flew from Toronto to Halifax in Nova Scotia, visiting an animal sanctuary and sightseeing in Halifax before being picked up and taken to camp in the beautiful Musquadobit Valley. Camp activities were varied and fun. Canoeing and swimming in the stunning onsite lake, night manoeuvres, a ham radio station, a day out in Halifax and a visit to a heritage centre where they learned about the Mi’kmaq who are native American people from the east coast of Canada. They made snuggly fleece dressing up capes for children in the local women’s refuge and various other crafts . “One of my favourite camp memories is when we all lined up to have our heads dunked in buckets of freezing cold water in order to wash our hair, as the solar showers we had been given didn’t work” said Megan. The evenings were spent making friends and getting to know more about their countries and provinces. We shared something about the south west of England too, which included a mention for Jersey cows ! Both girls swapped badges, e mail addresses and made many friends and both hope to have another Guiding adventure soon.
Eloise finished with “At the end of our amazing adventure, our trip leader suggested that, in a couple of years when I’m old enough, I apply to be part of the leadership team of one of these trips. Food for thought perhaps – and a realisation that the adventure continues.”
