Two Guides from the 1st Carisbrooke (Princess Beatrice Own) Unit and an Island Brownie Leader have been selected to represent the UK at an event in Austria in 2023.
Following a selection process (INTOPS) on the Island the Guides attended a further selection weekend where they were up against Guides from the other 15 counties and Islands within the South-West Region.
Now busy fundraising to cover the costs of their adventure
Both Guides were thrilled to be selected and are now busy fundraising to cover the costs of their adventure. A grand raffle, with sponsored prizes, is in progress so please support the Guides if you can.
Contact any Girlguiding Unit-they have tickets for sale for the raffle which will be drawn on 11th December. Other fundraisers will follow including a sponsored swim so look out for more events as these girls are certainly making a great effort to raise the money.
Accompanied by Brownie leader
Accompanying the UK Girlguiding group to Austria will be Island Brownie leader Harriet Townsend who had already been selected to lead an International Event prior to the pandemic.
When that event was cancelled Harriet’s leadership skills were transferred to the Austrian Adventure and she is now excited that Island girls will be among those travelling.
The two Guides from the Island are Emily Stephens and Keira Wells.
Stephens: A good way to meet new people and experience different opportunities
Emily said,
“I am 13 and I have been a Rainbow and Brownie. I started with Carisbrooke Guides after the first lockdown.
“I enjoy Guides as we complete different activities, and it is a good way to meet new people and experience different opportunities. It is relaxed and fun and I have made some good friends. It makes me feel more confident. I enjoy sports including swimming and running.
“Keira and I were chosen after attending selection weekends. I was excited to apply for this as I have always enjoyed travelling and visiting new places. It seemed like an amazing opportunity to do something completely different; it is a great way of being more independent.
“Keira and I are both working hard to fundraise. I have used my crochet hobby to sell Bees and various other items via craft stalls. We are organising a sponsored swim in February 2023. Both Keira and I are going to swim the same distance as if we were swimming to the mainland. Medina pool have let us use a lane for this and we are opening a Just Giving page.”
Wells: Working hard to fundraise
Keira added,
“I am 13 years old and have been in Girlguiding as a Rainbow and Brownie and will be leaving Guides in May as I would like to become a Ranger to continue my Girlguiding journey there.
“I had to go through several selection meetings and camps making myself stand out and prove to the leaders that I deserved to go.
“I have been making dog biscuits and selling them. Emily and I have also been training to swim the equivalent of the IOW to Southampton.
“I have also been selling all my preloved clothes and toys at car boot sales and I have been working hard with Emily to source raffle prizes.
“I absolutely like earning badges and making friends at Guides. I am a dedicated member of Girlguiding and I am undertaking the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award at school. I am so excited about travelling to Austria.”
Stone: Thrilled Island members have been selected
Linda Stone Island Commissioner said,
“Girlguiding nationally offers these international trips on a regular basis. I am thrilled that Island members have been selected.”
News shared by Suzanne on behalf of Girlguiding Isle of Wight. Ed
