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Samantha has been involved in the Guiding movement since age 4 when she joined Sparks. "I have always liked being a part of Girl Guides. It provides opportunities to meet new friends, discover your potential, overcome challenges, and to be yourself."
GGC is a place where friends and mentors support and encourage their fellow Members. Samantha's favourite GGC activities are camping, volunteer opportunities and travel. "The best thing about Guides is going to camp and meeting new people. I have been Camping at least once a year since I was in Brownies. I have attended camps at Camp Ma-Kee-Wa, Bonita Glen as well as Wye Marsh."
Girl Guides programs provide varied experiences that open horizons and introduce girls to new experiences and skills. Samantha has had the opportunity to visit Our Chalet in Switzerland and she recently returned from a trip to Our Cabaña. While staying at the Girl Guide Hostel Ticali in Mexico City, Samantha had the opportunity to climb pyramids, visit a cactus farm and floating gardens, eat authentic Mexican food, and enjoy Mexican culture by going to the ballet.
"My Pathfinder Guider motivated me and gave me the confidence to apply for the travel opportunities offered in Guiding. Girl Guides has given me the opportunity to travel and make new friends. I have made friends from all over the world and hope to keep these friendships."
Upon arrival at Our Cabaña, Samantha's group received a warm welcome from staff which was made up of girls from Canada, United States, Switzerland, and England. Her busy days at Our Cabaña were filled with different activities and morning trips to Cuernavaca, Taxco, Tepoztlan, and Xochicalco. Afternoons allowed for time to relax and enjoy the facilities provided by the Cabaña: the swimming pool; craft house; tennis court; open fields; volleyball court; computer room; trading post (gift store) and a sports hut filled with equipment.
"My favourite part of the day was the evening program in which everyone had the opportunity to participate and get to know each other better."
Some of the practical skills learned in GGC programming can help girls make key decisions in her life. Fundraising and working towards goals provides a strong foundation for successful young women in school and the workplace.
Samantha feels well prepared to further her education by studying business and is considering studying at a University overseas. "Through Girl Guides, I have learned to take initiative, organize myself, and have more patience when dealing with others. My leadership skills have enabled me to take the initiative with group work at school. I also feel that I am organized enough to handle a heavy workload at school as well as having time to volunteer with a Brownie unit." As well as her time at school and Brownies, Samantha also finds time to tutor other students.
Samantha believes that Guiding is especially relevant to today's girls, "It is a place for girls to be themselves. It is a place where nobody judges your moves or looks. It is a time for you to be you. Guiding gives you the time to be yourself and discover who you are."
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