27 July 2010 - Senior Section Ultimate Adventures

As teenagers across the UK prepare for a summer of relaxation following a year of exam stress, thousands of Girlguiding members are challenging themselves to the limit at home and abroad, taking part in a host of adventurous trips.

Thousands of Girlguiding members will this summer test themselves like never before on one of many adventurous activities set up to celebrate Girlguiding’s Centenary right across the globe. Today (27 July) saw two of those adventures kick-off in spectacular style.

Around 300 young women started the Centenary Stampede – an event which sees members trek across Europe choosing a route of their choice – beginning their adventure at the British Embassy in Paris.

After meeting the British Ambassador, the young members broke off in to pre-arranged groups and set-off in different directions around Europe.

They will return to Birmingham in two weeks' time having completed a number of set challenges en route.

Meanwhile, around 30 Girlguiding members are all set to find their sea-legs when they set sail on the latest leg of the Ultimate Tall Ship Adventure – a 100-day voyage around Britain involving 10 different crews on 10 different legs on board the Jubilee Sailing Trust’s Lord Nelson ship.

Their departure from London kicks-off the sixth leg of the adventure with the ship having already visited the ports of Glasgow, Oban, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Boston since the voyage began at the start of last month.

In total, just under 400 Girlguiding members will get the chance to sail on the Lord Nelson – one of just two ships in the world specially-built to accommodate participants of all physical abilities, allowing them to play a full part in a voyage.

Young women from right across the UK will be jetting off around the globe with members heading as far a field as Botswana, Uzbekistan and Mexico with many more signing up to have fun at local-level events.

Adventures that have already taken place during the Centenary year include trips as far a field as the Falkland Islands, Botswana and even the Arctic.

Liz Burnley, Girlguiding Chief Guide, said: “A huge part of being involved in guiding is the chance for our girls and young women to have a go at something exciting alongside a group of friends.

“Both the Centenary Stampede and the continuing Ultimate Tall Ship Adventure sums up what Girlguiding’s Centenary celebrations have been all about – a huge adventure for us all and one which we will never forget.”