Longford contingent from Ardagh Girl Guides savour enjoyable trip to Switzerland

The girls have been hearing and learning about the World Centres since starting their Guiding adventure in Ladybirds and Brownies, so to finally get to visit one was a very exciting adventure for everyone, including the Leaders.

Looking out over the village of Adelboden, Our Chalet was the first World Centre and has visitors from all over the world, throughout the year, and last week was no exception as our Irish group connected with several guiding units from parts of England, Wales and the US. Over 80 girls experienced the Our Chalet Discovery Programme run by International Guiding volunteers, including Lauren from Drogheda Sr Branch.

As part of the programme, our group hiked through Adelboden, visited Engstligenalp located at 1,964m with Switzerland’s second highest waterfall. Going up in a cable car, girls had a bird’s eye view of the waterfall below, and were greeted by the ringing of cow-bells as we visited a cheesemaker and were lucky enough to hear Swiss horns and music as part of the day.

Visiting the glacier-fed Lake Brienz, girls had a guided kayak tour and swam in the lake. Other activities making up the week included a walk across a suspension bridge. On the return journey, via Geneva, a visit to the CERN Universe of Particles Exhibition.

“I found CERN very interesting learning all about how the Universe is made.” said Caoimhe Farrell. As part of an International evening at Our Chalet each group had to give a brief overview of their country, Caoimhe challenged the other Guides units to spell her name – that kept the evening going for a while! Giving all the other Guides pins of the Irish flag kindly given by Joe Flaherty and Irish and Swiss flags from Enterprise Ireland, many Guiding friendships were sealed that night.

Joanna Pearman, one of the Leaders, expressed her appreciation of the opportunity to take the girls away. “It is a big step, letting your child go even just to Guide Camp, never mind to another country. With Guides aged 12 there is a huge amount of trust being placed on you and I am grateful for that trust and chance to give this group the most amazing experience.”

“It is a wonderful place with a lovely group of girls who stepped out of their comfort zones and took part in all the activities. Thanks so much to Our Chalet staff and volunteers who made this such a memorable experience!” enthused Donna Reilly, another Leader on the trip. Donna is the Sr Branch Leader in S.Longford and took the opportunity to enrol new members into the unit, making their Guiding promise all the more memorable.

Donna’s twin daughters, Chloe and Kayla agreed, “So glad I made the trip, it’s lovely place, got to meet loads of other guides and enjoyed taking part in the programme activities” said Kayla, “ Views from the campsite were amazing, enjoyed doing the Our Chalet challenge, pushed me to talk to other guides” agreed Chloe.

Senior Branch has activities and events for ages 14 right up to age 30 years with no commitment to weekly meetings and opportunities to travel the world. There is no need to have been in Ladybirds, Brownies or Guides to join Sr Branch and there are plenty of volunteering roles available to those starting Gaisce this year. For further information please contact Donna on 087 220 0406 or visit our social media, FB @ArdaghGirlGuides or Instagram @ardaghsb.