International experiences without going abroad
Attend an international event in the UK and make new friends from all over the world
International camps in the UK are a chance to immerse yourself in adventure and enjoy an amazing international experience without needing to travel.
Each camp offers something different, but at all of them you’ll get to:
- Take part in adventurous activities.
- Build lasting connections with like-minded people from across the UK and the rest of the world.
- Have lots of fun.
Who can go to international camps?
International camps in the UK are typically for guides and rangers, and most are organised jointly with the Scouts. Some camps have smaller events or activity days for younger sections.
Members over 18 can usually also apply to join the service team. Service team members will normally require you to have completed a criminal record disclosure check for Girlguiding.
Please be aware we're not part of the organising committee for these events. If you have any questions, please visit the individual event's website for contact information.
If you'd like to add an event to this page, please send us an event promotion request.
When are the international Guiding and Scouting camps?
2026 dates
- Unity - Staffordshire, England, 25 July - 31 July 2026.
- Olave - Sussex, England, 25 July - 1 August 2026.
- WINGS - Berkshire, England, 25 July - 1 August 2026.
- Poacher - Lincolnshire, England, 1 August - 8 August 2026.
- Chamboree - Cheshire, England, 8 August - 15 August 2026.
Make Girlguiding friends around the world with pen pals
You don’t always have to travel overseas to meet Girl Guides from other countries. There are over 11 million girls and young women all around the world who are part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
One of the easiest and most exciting ways to connect is through pen pal friendships. A pen pal gives you a window into another country, lifestyle, or culture. Many of these friendships last for years!
If you’d like to find a pen pal for yourself or your whole unit, here are some great ways to start:
- Explore the WAGGGS website*
You’ll find contact details for countries across the 5 WAGGGS regions - Western Hemisphere, Africa, Arab, Europe, and Asia Pacific. With your leader’s guidance, send a friendly email introducing yourself and your unit. - Check out the Girl Scouts/Guides International Pen Pals Facebook page*
Many units around the world post there looking for pen pals. It’s a lively, global community!
*Please be aware that these are 3rd-party websites, they will be responsible for how your personal data is used under their own privacy notice.
Digital safety tips for pen pal connections
- Always involve an adult or your unit leader before sending or replying to messages.
- Use official or group email accounts rather than personal ones whenever possible.
- Keep personal details private and don’t share your home address, phone number, or school name.
- Be kind and respectful online, and remember you represent Girlguiding and your unit.
- Think before you post or share photos and only share images that your leader has approved.
- Stay on trusted platforms (like the Girlguiding noticeboard or WAGGGS channels).
- Report anything that feels uncomfortable to your leader straight away.
- Never meet a pen pal in person without an adult present and proper planning.
Check our digital safety guidance.
