Three Wallace High School pupils have been selected to attend International Guiding events in India and Iceland next summer. Alison, Sarah and Rebecca, all members of 12th Lisburn Guides which are based in the school, were chosen following a rigorous selection weekend held in the Girl Guiding Ulster centre at Lorne House near Cultra.
Alison explained, “The assessment weekend last month saw us camping in the grounds of Lorne. We had a hectic but nonetheless enjoyable weekend with a series of activities including archery, bouldering and crafts. Throughout the weekend our teamwork and communication skills were assessed and all three of us are delighted that we’ve been selected.”
Sarah and Alison, both Upper Sixth pupils at the school, have been members of 12th Lisburn Guides since they were four years old, staring off as Rainbow Guides when they were in P One of the Prep Department. The flourishing unit has over 70 guides and the two Sixth years have gained a great deal through their involvement in Guiding. Sarah commented, “Alison and I are now Rangers and we’re also studying for our Leadership qualifications by working with the Brownies. We hope to continue our involvement with the Guides when we go to University next year. Our trip to India in the summer will be the perfect way to end our time in Wallace High.”
The two Sixth years will spend two weeks in July at the Guiding World centre in Pune, India. The centre, one of four worldwide, is called Sangam ,a sanskrit word meaning “Coming together”. Alison went on, “The range of activities planned for the camp is amazing . We’re both looking forward to meeting young people from across the world. The Pune experience is called ” A taste of India” and will involve a myriad of opportunities to explore cultural interests such as yoga, music, dance and cookery. Pune is a city of over 3 million people and is well known for its exoticism with bustling street markets. It will definitely be the trip of a lifetime!”
Fourth Year Rebecca Mitchell meanwhile is looking forward to a very different summer adventure, heading off to Iceland for a jamboree. The event, held in Ulfjotsvatin, is entitled “Power, Will and Love”, and Rebecca will have the chance to explore environmental and conservational issues during her Icelandic adventure. She commented, “Hopefully the experience will help me in my GCSE studies as well as giving me the chance to learn about other cultures. It’s great to be representing Ulster at this event and I hope I can help break down some of the popular misconceptions about life in Northern Ireland.”
All three girls will be busy over the coming months raising funds for their trips. Sarah explained, “We’ve lots of ideas about fundraising, planning car boot sales and sponsored walks. We also are considering writing a cook book.”
Anyone who would like to learn more about 12th Lisburn guides should contact the Guide Leader Jennifer Kennedy via the school.
Last modified: October 16, 2007
