My week at the Helen Storrow Seminar 2025

Day 1 – flags, friendships and first snowball fights

'On the first morning, we all wore our national uniforms as the seminar officially opened with the raising of the flags, a rendition of the Our Chalet  Song, and presentation of our Our Chalet pins. We all introduced ourselves and placed our flags in the Flag Log, a large tree branch featuring drilled holes designed for displaying flags from the countries of visiting guests. It was in the dining hall during our stay.

Afterwards, we were given a tour and split into patrols for the afternoon, where we learned about the WAGGGS leadership model, a key focus for the week ahead. After dinner, we headed to the Magic Tree where everyone made wishes and many experienced their first-ever snowball fight! It was the perfect start to an unforgettable week.'

Day 2 – waste not, want not

'The next morning, we walked down into Adelboden to explore sustainability in action. At the local waste treatment plant, we learned how the town turns food waste into something useful.

We then split into groups to visit local shops and cafés, discussing their sustainable and unsustainable practices. I especially enjoyed a traditional Swiss Ovomaltine in a tea shop that makes spirits from stale bread — a perfect example of innovation and sustainability working hand in hand!'

Day 3 – pitching ideas and sharing cultures

'On our third day, we began thinking about approaches to food sustainability and advocacy. We were tasked with delivering an elevator pitch to ‘funders’ to secure support for our ideas on tackling the issue.

At lunchtime, a few of us took the chance to enjoy the Magic Tree walk in the daylight, taking in the beautiful scenery of the area and enjoying the snow!

In the evening, we gathered for the much-anticipated International Night, where we each shared things about their country and culture. It was such a special experience to share my own culture and learning about others – my intercultural highlight was some very tasty French cheese on my Scottish oatcakes with some Greek tomato chutney.'

Day 4 – a day of discovery at the Alimentarium

'We had an early start as we hopped on the bus to Vevey to visit the Alimentarium, a fascinating food museum filled with interactive exhibits and thought-provoking displays about global food systems. We even tackled a food-themed escape room — infuriating, yet so much fun!

In the evening, we had the opportunity to contribute to plans for World Thinking Day 2026. It was exciting to imagine how our collective voices could help shape the celebrations of millions of girl guides and girl scouts worldwide.'

Day 5 – leadership, learning and Swiss night

'Our penultimate day was spent at the chalet, focusing on linking leadership to food sustainability. In the evening, we gathered for Swiss Night, where we reenacted the story of Vogellisi, learned the Song of Adelboden (which was so catchy it’s still in my head!) and, of course, ended the night with some delicious fondue.'

Day 6 – sledging, campfire and farewell

'On our final day, we took a cable car up TschentenAlp for an exciting and fun morning of sledging down a 3,500m sledge run. It was an unforgettable experience. I left with a newfound appreciation for sledging!

We then spent the afternoon working on our change projects and met with our mentors. As the sun set behind the Alps, in true guiding style, we gathered around the campfire for the closing ceremony. We sang songs, shared stories from our countries, and reflected on how much we had learned and grown. Over the week, we formed such close bonds as a group and it was hard to believe that we might not all be together again.

Leaving Our Chalet, I carried home more than souvenirs. The Helen Storrow Seminar was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience - a week filled with inspiration, laughter and learning in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I met incredible people from across the globe, explored new ideas about food sustainability and leadership, and discovered just how impactful powerful WAGGGS can be. I’m endlessly grateful for this experience and the lifelong friendships and memories it gave me.'

Get involved

Feeling inspired? If you want to take part in the Helen Storrow seminar, make sure to check our Events and Opportunities finder. Applications usually open around Spring. You can also find out more about the Helen Storrow seminar on our international webpage and on the WAGGGs website.