International updates from Tina Powell, region international lead volunteer

Things may seem to have been quiet on the international front, recently – but we’ve been very busy in the background!

We’re ready to get back to international after the difficulty of the pandemic, with a fantastic team from across the region. Our team have been working hard encouraging units, districts, and divisions in their area to travel. It was great to see international visits being made by Anglia members in 2023. If you were one of those members and would love to write a blog about your experience, please get in touch with international@girlguiding-anglia.org.uk.

In May, to help us prepare for future international events, we held a tea party for leaders interested in joining leadership teams. This was a wonderful way to meet members who are interested in travel and has enabled us to capture details of those who wish to get involved.

What’s coming up?

March training weekend – information updated 4 January 2024

There is a training weekend at Hautbois at the beginning of March.  This is aimed at leaders who are thinking about undertaking the going away with (GAW) international module. It’s also for those who already hold that qualification and are perhaps considering challenging themselves to bigger adventures further away.

Bookings through Hautbois Activity Centre are now open: book here.

International selection weekends – information updated 4 January 2024

There will be an annual Anglia selection event in September/October, starting in 2024. To attend, girls must be aged 14+ at the start of the school holiday in which the trip will take place. They must also have been selected by their county. Details of the regional trips on offer (including their dates and costs) will be made available beforehand. The region international team are currently looking at some great opportunities for our young members.

India and Switzerland trips

We invited expressions of interest for adult trips to Switzerland and India, the responses were overwhelming! There will be an initial trip to Sangam in August 2024 with others to hopefully follow. There is also likely to be a variety of 2025 trips to Switzerland. These will be held at different times of the year with opportunities to stay at Our Chalet, in Adelboden, or at Kandersteg. We can’t promise enough spaces for everyone that is currently interested but we’ll do our best so please keep us informed if you’d like to be considered.

If you’re interested in either of these trips and haven’t received information following your expression of interest, please get in touch with us at international@girlguiding-anglia.org.uk. Please note, our bookings for Switzerland 2024 are now closed.

The team and I are really excited to get Anglia on the move again and we’re working hard to ensure our offer is accessible, affordable and inclusive to all our members. Look out for more exciting information coming in 2024.

Best wishes

Tina and the international team.