Represent Girlguiding at The Helen Storrow Seminar

We’re looking for a member aged 18-25 who’s passionate about the environment and wants to grow as a leader.

Applications close at 9am, Monday 16 June.

Be the change in your community and the world

Join WAGGGS members from around the world on this intensive 7-day leadership seminar where you’ll:

• Explore local and global environmental issues through engaging, hands-on experiences.
• Build your knowledge and develop new skills to give you a refreshed focus and confidence to lead on sustainable environmental action.
• Be supported to create an environmental project to benefit Girlguiding members in your area, as well as your local community.

In 2026, the ‘Lead for Environmental Change’ Helen Storrow Seminar (HSS) theme is Water Conservation. For the purposes of the HSS, we define water conservation as responsible management and efficient use of water resources to ensure sustainable water supplies, to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, and to maintain human well-being.

Participants will explore ways to protect water around the world and develop local, regional, or national projects to take action for water conservation.

Event details

• When: 30 January - 7 February 2026.
• Where: Our Chalet, Switzerland.
• How much: The delegate fee and reasonable travel expenses will be covered by Girlguiding.

What would I do?

• You’ll be supported to create an environmental project to benefit Girlguiding members in your area, as well as your local community. The project you’ll design is the heart of the seminar. WAGGGS will support you before, after and during the seminar to form and develop this. You’ll put your project into action on your return home.
• You’ll meet around 35 delegates from other Member Organisations of WAGGGS! So, you’ll experience new cultures and gain awareness and understanding of how Guiding works on a global level and make life-long friends.
• You’ll also be able to develop yourself and your skills as a leader.

How much time will I need to give?

The Helen Storrow Seminar will take place from 30 January - 7 February 2026. There will also be an evening briefing call before the seminar and a debrief call afterwards.

You’ll also make a commitment to design and run an environmental project after the seminar.

Who can apply?

To apply for any of the roles you’ll need to be:

• Aged 18 to 25 in February 2026.
• An active member of Girlguiding.

In order to be selected you must not have participated in a WAGGGS seminar before.

Being passionate about environmental issues is key as you’ll need plenty of enthusiasm to deliver your project after the seminar. You’ll need to be able to commit to designing and running a community environmental project after the seminar as well.

We’d also be keen to hear from applicants who want to develop their leadership skills to support new or current leadership roles within Girlguiding UK. So, don’t worry if it’s your first WAGGGS experience.

Queen’s Guide and Duke of Edinburgh awards

The Helen Storrow Seminar can count as your residential experience for your Queen's Guide award and for the residential element of your Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

How do I apply?

Interested? Then complete the following steps.

1. Download the WAGGGS application form (PDF, 513KB).
2. Make sure you read this page and the form thoroughly to check you meet the requirements.
3. Send your completed form to [email protected] by 9am, Monday 16 June.
4. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Zoom interview that will take place the week commencing 30 June.
5. If successful, we’ll send your approved application on to WAGGGS.

Applications should be submitted by 9am, Monday 16 June. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to accept any applications after this date.