Wondering what it’s like to go on a Girl Guide trip? It’s E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. Gabriella shares her recent experience in the Andes. Just in time for our Nationally-Sponsored Trip applications – closing October 9, 2019.

I got back from my Girl Guide trip to Ecuador a few weeks ago and my mind is still processing everything I experienced. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I could tell this would be different than any other school or family trip I could ever go on. Even though few of the girls on the trip had never met before, I could feel the almost immediate bond we all had.   

The trip itself was absolutely incredible. Every activity we did from the volunteer work and cultural experiences to making our own chocolate and going on early-morning hikes in the Amazon was unique, inspiring, fun and even challenging. But what made this trip truly special to me was the people. One of my favourite moments was after a long day of working up in the Andes we were surprised with a campfire! Being in a place that is so new to me and doing something so familiar really makes you feel at home. Campfires are such a special time, especially for anyone who’s been in Girls Guides and it was really cool to learn some new songs to bring back to my unit as well as share some old favourites.

It wasn’t just the girls on this trip that impacted me, but our trip leaders, and the local people. We went to visit a women’s artisan group sponsored by WE while in the Andes. They taught us about how to make and spin wool and we had the chance to hear stories about how things had changed in their community since WE had started working with them. They told us about how they could make a living and help support their children, and how, unlike themselves, their daughters could now finish high school and be independent. It was beyond inspiring, and for me it made me realize what I might like to do with my life is work for an NGO or something where I can help people. 

Every place we went I felt immediately welcomed by the locals. One day I will always hold particularly dear to my heart was while working in the Amazon. It was incredibly hot. During our lunch break in an unfinished classroom, we noticed a group of children. They had been watching us all morning slowly getting closer and closer. When we brought out the soccer ball we had brought, they quickly showed us to the field to play a game.  I’ve never considered myself a coordinated person and have actually never really liked soccer, but something about playing it on a muddy field while wearing knee high rubber boots in 40° C weather made it extremely fun, even if we were absolutely destroyed by the competition.  

Ecuador. Kenya. The Yukon. Switzerland – and more! Check out our next group of AMAZING Nationally-Sponsored Trips destinations. Applications for our 2020 travel experiences close October 9, 2019
 

Meet our guest contributor: “Hi! I’m Gabriella, I’ve been a Girl Guide for 12 out of the 16 years of my life. I’ve had the privilege of literally growing up with wonderful leaders and a great unit. Even when my life gets busy, as I also swim, row and have school, Girl Guides has always been a place I can come to relax, have fun and be truly myself.”