The Venture Abroad marketing team was recently invited to meet Girlguiding Herefordshire at their second residential at Dinedor Outdoor Centre in Hereford as they prepared for their upcoming trip to Switzerland. We saw firsthand how giving uniformed groups autonomy over key decisions can help develop essential life skills in young people preparing for an international adventure.
Want to find out how Girlguiding Herefordshire is gearing up their Venture Abroad trip to Switzerland? Keep reading!
Getting Creative
The group displayed their creative talents with a badge design contest, with the winning design to be hand-stitched onto the T-shirts they would wear throughout their trip. They also personalised their kits by stamping colourful floral patterns onto T-shirts, making them uniquely theirs.
Using their imagination and teamwork, the Guides invented a game that could be played in Switzerland with limited resources. The Guides designed an obstacle course, a scavenger hunt with clues to find the prize, and a team-shaped formation with twine and a compass!
Making a Menu
Girl Guides from across different areas of the county came together for the second time to get to know each other better and to finalise key aspects of the trip. One of the main focuses was planning their meals, ensuring the menu was full of well-balanced and tasty food that all would enjoy and that would keep them full and energised for all the exciting activities ahead. They made the choices by voting on which meals and food items they liked and didn’t and came up with alternative options when necessary.
Staying safe on tour
Health and safety were also a big part of this weekend. The group discussed potential issues and voiced their concerns about what could happen in Switzerland, such as getting sunburnt, feeling homesick, and avoiding upset stomachs. Their first aid leader provided reassurance that they were well prepared and emphasised open communication if something didn’t feel right. The session ended with practical and important guidance on tick safety, including what to look out for during daily body checks, what a bite looks like, and how to remove them correctly.
Not just any adventure trip
Venture Abroad trips are more than just adrenaline-filled experiences and international travel; they provide uniformed groups with the opportunity to build lifelong memories, strengthen their communities, and develop essential life skills they’ll carry with them as they grow.
I’m looking forward to seeing all of the different cultures and things they do, and all of the fun activities we’ve got planned.
Girlguiding Herefordshire
Life skill 1
Decision making
The group began by agreeing on a code of conduct to follow and strictly abide by during their trips, ensuring they remain active and engaged in the activities and supported by one another.
The code of conduct outlines safety rules, including only going out in groups of three o more and never alone. Phone use is to be limited to taking photos throughout the day and only during ‘Golden Hour’ for calls home and to check social media. Phones are also not to be used from 10:30 pm-7 am. If the rules are broken, the leaders will take custody of the phone for 24 hours.
The code also encourages members to speak up if something feels wrong and not to suffer in silence, as this can help resolve any problems whilst on tour.
Additionally, the group must also listen to one another, be polite, punctual, keep personal belongings organised and tidy, avoid touching others’ belongings without consent, and wear appropriate clothing. The girls must also be in their rooms by 10 pm, with quiet time being from 10:30 pm and 7 am.
One of the most important elements of a trip is the itinerary. The Guides played a key role in deciding which activities they’d like to do during their Switzerland adventure. After hosting several fundraising events, including a bingo night, race night, curry and quiz night, receiving sponsorship, and local council grants, the group was then given a set budget, a map, and a list of possible Venture Abroad excursions they could do in the area.
Using a majority vote and considering factors such as cost and accessibility, the group created a fantastic, action-packed week of excursions! They chose to visit the adventure park in Adelboden, Trummer Woodcarvers, the Alpine cheesemakers, Oeschinensee Cable car, a guided tour of Our Chalet, and even more!
The activity I’m most looking forward to the activity centre because it’s completely different from anything I’ve done before!
Girlguiding Herefordshire
Life skill 2
Teamwork and friendship
During their residential stays and international escapades, teamwork and relationship-building are skills that are constantly forming. Meeting Guide members from other districts and countries, to cooking meals together, sharing rooms, and taking part in team-building activities, these experiences help shape young people both personally and socially.
Joining other Guides on an exciting journey, like venturing to Switzerland, allows them to broaden their connections, from local to regional to international! Teamwork and friendship are at the heart of Girlguiding, strengthening the bonds and values that girls can take with them throughout their lives.
I’m going on this trip because most of my friends are going on it and I thought it would be good to explore the world and different cultures.
Girlguiding Herefordshire
Life skill 3
Responsibility and independence
Another key life skill that’s developed through experience is responsibility and independence. This included the young group taking ownership of packing their kit for the trip and not relying on parents or carers to complete this task. By following a set list by their leader, they have an opportunity to practice organisation and prepare for the trip, taking steps towards increased independence.
During their time in Switzerland, the Guides will be responsible for many things, including getting enough rest, speaking up if something doesn’t feel right, and looking after their personal belongings. Pre-trip meetings and residentials are a great time to reinforce the importance of looking after their personal things and emphasising what their roles and responsibilities are on tour.
What inspires me to do these trips? It’s for the girls, I enjoy giving them opportunities, and it’s about giving them the opportunities to get independence.
Ann, Leader of Girlguiding Herefordshire.
World of Wonders
Our trips are bursting with fantastic moments and unforgettable activities that fill your group with excitement and amazement! See the world, engage with other cultures, and prepare young people with key life skills they’ll continue to develop.
