CAMPS AND HOLIDAYS

Camps and Holidays provide opportunities for girls and young women.......and adults too...........to learn many basic life skills, as well as those essential for a comfortable life under canvas!!! It is a great opportunity to learn a lot about yourself, and there is usually plenty of fun and friendship for good measure.

Within the County there are many opportunities for residential experiences, suited to all ages and interests. These include camps, sleeping in tents and living mainly outdoors – our own activity site Briarlands can offer this; or indoor holidays in purpose built accommodation, Youth Hostels, Guide Training Centres, village halls and of course we have the lovely Badminton Cottages.

Once you have gained the experience of leading camps or holidays, you can embark on the added challenge of taking the girls on an international adventure.

CAMP AND RESIDENTIAL ADVISERS

As County Camp and Residential Advisers it is our role to co-ordinate and liaise with the Division Residential Advisers, ensuring a continuity of standards across the county in relation to taking all sections away on residential events.

We are responsible for assessing new facilities being proposed for residential stays and overseeing the training and preparation of Guiders working to gain a residential licence.

It is obligatory to meet with your mentor, usually your Division Camp or Pack Holiday Adviser, and agree with her all the relevant training needed prior to the 'application form for assessment' being submitted, which needs to be completed 6 months before the assessment.

Here are the first steps you need to consider when taking girls away:

• Speak to your District Commissioner and Division Adviser
• Do you have the correct qualifications and experience, if not training and assessing will be required? A Mentor will be assigned to you and she will assist in gaining a licence.
• You should obtain a copy of the Training Opportunities, Camps and Holidays Scheme Book.
• Talk to your adult leaders and girls – what type of event would they like?
• Select a suitable venue
• Now carry on with booking, planning, submitting forms and then have fun

Deb Wilkey, County Camp Adviser (Guides and Senior Section)
Una Dunford , County Residential Adviser (Brownies and Rainbows)

For further information please contact admin@girlguidingbsg.org.uk