Connecting and creating change at the Academy
Hear from Gemma, Anna, Rowena and Danni who attended the event
Each year, Scouts and Guides from across Europe come together for something truly special – the Academy.
Organised by WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) and WOSM (World Scout Movement), the Academy offers high-quality training and inspiring workshops. It's also the chance to meet people who are passionate about making guiding and scouts even better.
In 2024, the Academy took place in Poland. Gemma, Anna, Rowena, Lauren, Emma and Danni - all Girlguiding members with different experiences in varying roles - attended the event. Everyone taking part spent 6 days learning, collaborating and exploring how we can build a connected, peaceful, sustainable and purposeful world, as well as what they want to change.
We caught up with Gemma, Anna, Rowena and Danni to hear about their experiences.
What is the Academy all about?
Gemma: 'The Academy is an amazing opportunity to network with Guides and Scouts across Europe, learn about volunteering trends, improve support for volunteers, and explore the host city while meeting new friends.'
Anna: 'It’s a 6-day event focused on adult leadership, bringing together over 30 European Guides and Scouts to share experiences and learn from each other.'
Rowena: 'They offer workshops and training sessions to help participants develop their ideas, collaborate on strategies and gain new perspectives on volunteering.'
Danni: 'I found it to be a place to exchange ideas, share knowledge and connect internationally.'
What did you learn about while there?
Gemma: 'There were lots of leadership tips and tricks I picked up for both youth and adult members, and made amazing memories. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!'
Anna: 'The Academy helped me make new connections and reignited my passion for Guiding.'
Rowena: 'I built relationships with people in similar roles across Europe. I came away with new ideas for upcoming projects.'
Danni: 'There were lots of fresh ideas I could bring back to my role as Inspire lead volunteer and help the members I support.'
How did you share what you learned?
Gemma: 'It gave me lots of new resources, like a volunteer lifecycle plan, tools for supporting weaker areas, and new ideas around AI and social media.'
Rowena: 'I’ve been encouraging others to reflect on successes and challenges and to develop strategies around volunteer recruitment and youth leadership.'
Danni: 'I shared everything with my regional leadership team so others could benefit too.'
I found the seminars really informative, and I’ve already been sharing follow-up topics in my region. There’s lots we’ve already discussed!' - Anna
Why do you think other people should attend The Academy?
Gemma: 'It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn and reflect alongside passionate people from across Europe. You’ll grow personally and professionally.'
Anna: 'For me, I made lasting international friendships, and I grew both in my guiding role and in confidence too.'
Rowena: 'The Academy is perfect for anyone working on youth voice, volunteer sustainability or environmental commitments. It’s a great opportunity to develop your skills and widen your perspectives.'
The Academy is perfect for anyone interested in international guiding. There are so many opportunities to learn from others and meet people from different backgrounds.' - Danni
Who do you think would benefit most?
Gemma: 'The Academy is amazing for anyone in adviser roles, especially around membership growth, volunteering and youth engagement. It’s great for anyone ready to share their learning and engage with others too.'
Anna: 'I think it’d be really valuable for those in leadership or commissioner roles, or wanting to be in them. I’m not in one myself, but it’s helped my personal development a lot.'
Rowena: 'Anyone in roles linked to volunteer recruitment, youth leadership or international partnerships would get so much out of it.'
Danni: 'It’s great for people under 30 or anyone in a leadership role who can pass on their knowledge to others.'
What was the time commitment like?
Gemma: 'It’s around 6 days including travel, plus some pre- and post-event briefings. It’s full-on, but worth every second!'
Anna: 'I think it took me about 6 days in total, plus some video calls for details and feedback.'
Rowena: 'The event runs from Friday to Wednesday, with some time afterwards to review and share what you’ve learned.'
There’s a mix of seminars, fun activities, and the chance to meet people from all over Europe. You make so many great connections' - Anna
What did you get to do?
Gemma: 'It’s busy, but lots of fun. You’re constantly learning, connecting and chatting with people from all over the world. There’re sessions in the day and evening activities, with breakout spaces for relaxation.'
Rowena: 'I loved the variety of workshops and the chance to reflect with peers, and we had so much fun along the way!'
Get involved
Feeling inspired? You can get involved. The Academy is a yearly event. When applications next open, it'll be advertised on our Events and Opportunities finder. In the meantime, check out other WAGGGS events and opportunities.