Inspiring each other through adventure
A volunteer tells us why it was worth taking the plunge at her first adventure residential
Across Girlguiding our members are supporting each other in many ways.
This includes training events like South West England’s Try, Inspire, Qualify - an exciting adventure weekend for volunteers. The weekend looked to build confidence in adult members around leading adventure and gave them the chance to experience adventure for themselves.
Members tried out activities available to girls and learnt from one another through skills sharing sessions. At the end they had the opportunity to complete recognised qualifications. Everyone then networked with each other, as well as region outdoor advisers.
This year, the weekend was part funded by a grant from the adventure fund, which made it affordable for more members.
We spoke to first time attendee Kathryn about why it’s worth taking part in these residential adventure events because as she says:
'There is honestly nothing to worry about. Everyone here wants to have fun, everyone is smiling and friendly and warm – it’s like going to a festival!'
If you want to take part in an event like this, see what opportunities are available to you by checking your country/region website or your local county, division or district events.
Kathryn: ‘I wanted adventure for myself’
'I came to guiding as a Rainbow unit helper around 2021. This is my first residential event in guiding, and I came here not knowing anyone.
I came because I wanted adventure for myself. Every week I take my daughter to Brownies and she has a fantastic time, so why can’t I have a fantastic time too? I wanted to do some adventurous activities.
[It’s amazing] just how many activities I’ve managed to experience in one weekend. Everything I’ve done has been new!
I’ve tried things and just had a laugh. I feel inspired to take things back to the leader of my unit and feel confident to even lead an activity or two myself. [This is definitely] something I could take and give back to my unit.'
I’ve enjoyed meeting more people from across the region, networking and making new contacts with other volunteers who want to include more adventure in their units.’
'I didn’t know anyone else before I came here, but everyone has been warm, welcoming, friendly, embracing and accepting - all that I knew it would be.
I would recommend checking your kit list before you go – but if you forget, don’t worry! One of your new guiding friends will probably be able to lend you a plate bag (speaking from experience!).
It’s been nothing but a positive and fun weekend and a really safe space, emotionally and physically.'
Get a sense of the event
Check out some the activities done by leaders at South West England's Try, Inspire, Qualify event including bushcraft skills, archery and more.
Take part in a leader training event
A huge thank you to all the incredible volunteers leading events like this. If you want to get involved see what opportunities are available to you by checking your country/region website or your local county, division or district events.