Over 200 Girlguiding members from across South West England recently took over UKSA in Cowes for a special watersports weekend.
The event across 12th/13th July welcomed girls and leaders from the Region’s 16 counties, which stretch from Cornwall to Berkshire and include Devon, Bristol, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and the Isle of Wight. Region Chief Commissioner Racheal Tattum was also in attendance.
The watersports weekend aimed to introduce members to activities that are not part of everyday guiding programmes, giving them the opportunity to prove that “Girls Can Do Anything”. As well as trying their hand at sailing, kayaking, canoeing, raft building and even enjoying a water slide, the girls took part in team building activities and made new friends.
It is not the first time Girlguiding members have tackled ambitious water-based challenges – a few years ago, volunteers from the organisation completed the 600+ mile Rolex Fastnet Race.
Island Guide Imy said:
“I was brick scared before the first activity and did not want to do any, but now I have tried two I can’t wait to do them all. It is so much fun.”
3 girls from the Isle of Wight made their Girlguiding Promise during the weekend, making the event extra special. A group who had travelled from Devon said that while sailing facilities exist closer to home, coming to the Isle of Wight made the adventure feel unique. For several girls, it was their first visit to the Isle of Wight.
Linda, a Guide Leader, added:
“This is a great weekend. It enables so many girls from across the region to get together and unlock their potential. It would be great to make it an annual experience.”
