Sedgefield News-Online

This is the story of three incredible journeys by four amazing young women that started at the Sedgefield Scout Hut and ended in Canada, Bermuda and Nepal.
Pictured L-R, Abbie Walker, Kate Wallace, Jenny Walker and Katelyn Craig, are all Sedgefield Rangers and their journeys all began when they attended a Girlguiding UK selection event. After a series of assessments and application forms, the girls were chosen for three different international camps.
Katelyn and Abbie would head to Canada, Jenny was chosen for Bermuda, and Kate selected for a trip to Nepal. But this was only the start of their adventures, as the small matter of £8,450 needed to be raised to fund the trips.

Keen readers of Sedgefield News may remember some of their sponsorship activities - a fashion show with Betty’s Boudoir; musical performances at Sainsbury’s; a sponsored swim; climbing Scafell Pike; and many others. With the kind generosity of local people, the money was raised. The girls began to pack.
Canada
Katelyn and Abbie travelled to Canada to join 1,200 other guides at Doe Lake in Huntsville. They were the only English group in their section and everyone loved them, particularly their wonderful accents. They were made to feel at home, and given some handy tips on how to prevent bear visits! As well as camping, they also spent a lot of time on the lake, with canoeing, paddleboarding and white water rafting just a few of the activities they tried. There was also time for sightseeing in Toronto and Montreal, with highlights including climbing the CN Tower and visiting Niagara Falls.
Bermuda
Jenny’s trip was part of the celebrations for one hundred years of girl guiding on the islands. One hundred guides were selected, six from England and the rest from other British Overseas Territories including the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands. At the opening ceremony, attended by the Premier of Bermuda, traditional Gombey dancers with multi-coloured costumes, masks and drums provided the entertainment.

There is only one place in Bermuda you are allowed to pitch a tent, Paget Island, and this became their base. The local police department ran many of the activities including high ropes, raft building and a tour of the spooky naval fort in total darkness. There was also time to catch the tourist sights with visits to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the aquarium and the Crystal Caves. One of the highlights of the trips was snorkelling on the unspoilt coral reef.
Nepal
Kate’s adventure took her to Nepal, volunteering at a local school. Five classrooms needed to be painted and decorated with murals. Once the decorating was complete they planned and delivered lessons to the children.

Their original plan was to teach English but it quickly became apparent they were fluent, so instead they taught them about crafts and dental hygiene. After all their hard work they visited Kathmandu and Pokhara. One journey involved an arduous, slightly terrifying, seven hour bus ride through mountains.

They visited beautiful temples including the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Stupa). Kate’s favourite experience was watching the first rays of sunlight creep over the Himalayan peaks. The girls will keep in touch with their many new friends through social media, and they have all made memories that will last a lifetime.

Rangers, part of Girlguiding UK, give young women aged 14 - 18 the opportunity to take part in a range of fun activities, which the group decides on the activities. The Sedgefield group has a healthy interest in food, so recent events have included Come Dine with Me & Bake Off competitions, alongside the more traditional camping, adventure and community activities. If you are interested in joining, check out the website, www.girlguiding.org.uk or contact Marie Walker (marie.walker1992@gmail.com).