Want to learn about who is behind many of the incredible Girlguiding tours at Venture Abroad?
Meet Katie – our Operations Supervisor and Guide Extraordinaire!
Katie has been a part of the VA team since 2012 but has been a dedicated Girlguiding member for almost her entire life. Like the rest of the team at Venture Abroad, Katie is passionate about creating memorable experiences for uniformed groups – and her extensive career as a Guide Leader ensures that these trips are bucket-list worthy!
We spoke to Katie about her experience in the world of Girlguiding, and needless to say, she is brimming with stories and achievements! From fundraising for a trip to the Great Wall of China to earning her Queen’s Guide Award, Katie’s Girlguiding journey has been incredible.
Read on to find out more about Katie’s experience…
How it all started...
Katie’s beginnings in the world of Girlguiding began at 7 years old, as she put on her Brownie sash and got started in Norfolk. After her time in Brownies, she moved on to Guides and took part in fantastic Guide trips to Switzerland what a coincidence, as she now operates tours to this very destination!
At 14 years old, she became a young leader and a year later, in 2002, she travelled to Russia with Girlguiding Anglia. According to Katie, this incredible feat was the ‘first Girlguiding trip to Russia’ since 1992 – not only that, but her experience there also sparked her love for travelling.
An important milestone in her journey as a Guide was joining the Scout and Guide society at university. This experience provided her a unique opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded people!
Leading with excellence…
After graduating from university, Katie became a Guide Leader and moved to Munich, where she contributed to the British Guides Overseas unit. Following an exciting year abroad, she returned to the UK to lead a Brownie unit.
In 2017, she embarked on an adventure to the Great Wall of China and raised funds to support her trip, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact. Two years later, in 2019, Katie began her career as a PR expert for Girlguiding Nottinghamshire County – she is beyond valued there!
One of Katie’s most impressive achievements is completing the prestigious Queen’s Guide Award – the highest honour a Guide can receive. It’s truly admirable to see her accomplish such a challenging award!
Katie’s favourite thing about Girlguiding…
According to Katie, the best thing about Girlguiding is the incredible sense of community that’s captured. She’s made lifelong friends – some lasting over 20 years – thanks to the shared adventures Girlguiding offers.
Katie has experienced some incredible opportunities through her commitment to Girlguiding, including visiting WAGGGS World Centres like Sangam, India! Katie describes Sangam as a captivating and culturally rich place bursting with opportunities for groups to grow and connect with one another. The experiences centred around community, leadership, and a stunning culture – once in a lifetime!
Inspired to Guide?
Have Katie’s amazing adventures encouraged you to kickstart your Girlguiding trip? Contact us today to get your tailor-made tour launched – get ready to make unforgettable memories!
