Our Journey so far...

Welcome

 

Over a year ago, a small thought has now turned into a reality - going to India on a community project. At times it has been a been a nervous path, but one that we have learnt from and had fun along the way - and we haven't even reached India yet! Over the course of our trip we will be documenting our adventure, from the highs to the lows and everything in between. Join us on our journey by following what will be an amazing adventure, that will no doubt live on through our memories and experiences. Here is our journey so far...

Selection Weekends

 

On both selection weekends, we were thrust into a difficult situation: getting to know strangers. We played the World Game to develop our team building and communication skills. These were further improved upon by putting up tents blindfolded and we also used our initiative constructing catapults. On the first selection weekend there was also a bouncy castle available. There was also different dance class each weekend, with zumba the first weekend and street dancing the second. Furthermore, there were interviews dispersed throughout each weekend, designed to see what trip was suitable for each person. In addition, we learned about Guiding in general: GOLD, WAGGGS and Queen's Guide Award. We learned about how the trips can improve the lives of people in the countries we visit. We even discussed fundraising ideas, as this is the greatest challenge for the India trip in particular, as we have each had to raise over £2000 for the trip.

After the two weekends, we received a phone call and letter telling us we had been selected for the India trip!

1st Briefing Weekend

On the first briefing weekend we began by doing team building exercises to get to know one another because for some of us the other group members were completely new. We then went on to design our epic India badge and group uniform, and after much debate, decided on the purple and green polo with the international kneckers; we even did a washing line of all the new culture changes we would be facing(these included floor toilet holes and how exposing our shoulders are!) After many tea and biscuit breaks we went on to plan the group fundraiser deciding on a pyjama night for rainbows, brownies, guides and senior section members. We did A LOT of planning for this and when we ran the event it was successful, bar a few hiccups. Finally, we finished with some free movie time and got to know each other better.

 

 

 

 

2nd Briefing Weekend

On the Second briefing weekend we stayed in Ashley. We started the weekend by playing a very competitive game of Bench ball around the campfire circle. Later on that evening we began making friendship bracelets to take to Sangam for them to sell and for us to use as swaps with other groups on the event. After a late night of chatting we woke bright and early for a fun filled day. Firstly we had a visitor Lesley who was a guide leader from a previous trip to Sangam, she gave us a power point presentation on what she did while she was there giving us a few clues as to what we could be doing while we are there. Later that afternoon we had a washing line of culture to prepare us for the culture shock that India brings with it. That night we were invited to a campfire with a unit of girl guides where we got a chance to show off our singing skills teaching them some campfire songs and learnt some new ones ourselves! We also got a chance to speak to the girls about our trip and what we will be doing also how we got onto the trip. We spoke to them about Senior Section and encouraged them to check out their local unit. We got to make s'mores around the campfire and roasted marshmallows! In the morning we had a blindfolded trust game on a obstacle course, then said our goodbyes until the final briefing weekend. 

 

 

 

 

3rd Briefing Weekend

 

When we arrived we set up our beds, then had spaghetti for dinner before creating an outline of a play that we might perform in Sangam. it was then time for bed. in the morning we work up early and had a fry up. After we'd cleared away, we talked about scenarios and how we would overcome any problems that might occur when we are in India. after lunch and some sunbathing we learnt about respecting other cultures. Then we reviewed what we need to remember before we leave. After that we went on a scavenger hut around Alsager and had to photograph items for every letter of the alphabet.

In the evening we were treated to authentic  Thai curries cooked by a Chef Jess, and made a start on our scrapbooks.

 

(L = lamppost)

 

 

(X = x marks the finish spot)                                                                      (S = shadow)

 

(R = reflection and reindeer antlers)