The official newsletter of the Asia Pacific (AP) Region of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), published three times a year.

1. Asia Pacific Region Members Took Part in Professional Fundraising
Workshop
individuals, grants, strategy and governance, and
communications and advocacy.
The Opening speech by Jack Sim (from Singapore) of
World Toilet Organization was extremely inspiring. The
World Toilet Organization has been enabling people
from many parts of the world who still lack toilet and
sanitary facilities to have these facilities. Jack Sim
linked the work of his organization to child health and
safety.
Participants were likewise inspired by the Closing
Keynote Address delivered by HRH Princess Azizah
Iskandar, President of the Tunku Azizah Fertility
Foundation (TAFF). HRH Princess Azizah shared
WAGGGS Asia Pacific Region was represented by 20 about her work in TAFF, a charity which provides
members out of a total of 120 delegates who attended financial assistance to needy infertile couples to help
the International Workshop on Resource Mobilisation them realize their dream of having children. The
(IWRM) Asia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 3 to 6 WAGGGS-AP delegation was delighted to meet HRH
July 2012. The IWRM Asia is an annual event Princess Azizah who is also a passionate Girl Guide
organized by the Resource Alliance, a UK-based and the Patron of the Friends of Asia Pacific
international NGO which has extensive experience in WAGGGS (FAPW), the fundraising section of the Asia
offering training and resources in building capacity for Pacific Region of WAGGGS.
fundraising and resource mobilization.
From the 20 members of the AP delegation, ten spent
an extra day before the main event to attend Master
classes on four important topics “Success in moving
your organization from Mission to Money”, “Inspiring
support for DRTV and film”, Ready for the Fundraising
Revolution”, and “Fundraising Strategy and
Governance”.
During the main event, participants had the opportunity
to attend eight rounds of workshops delivered by
experienced speakers from both the corporate and
non-profit sectors from India, United Kingdom, France,
Australia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and
Malaysia. The workshops were divided into different This is the first time that the Asia Pacific Region
tracks such as general fundraising, corporates, outsourced a capacity building event to an external
organization. After the IWRM Asia, the Asia Pacific
9 October 2012~09:38~MM
W:Asia PacificPublication and PromotionAP Link News2012SeptemberAsia Pacific Link News September 2012 final.doc

2. September 2012
Region hosted a one-day workshop to debrief and of Australian Girl Guides.
discuss plans for the future. The facilitators’ team did a There has been little change
quick survey with the participants and learned that to the wording of the
most of the participants found the knowledge gained Australian Promise since
from IWRM Asia as useful and applicable in their 1969. However, since then,
Member Organizations and that they are confident in GGA has seen great
delivering the learnings to their respective Member changes in the roles of
Organizations. women in Australian society
and an increase in
The participants from Asia Pacific Region would also multiculturalism in the
like to thank Girl Guides Association Malaysia for country. These changes also
hosting us to dinner on 6 July and providing us the include the way girls and
opportunity to interact with Board members, leaders women want to express their commitment to Girl
and Brownie Guides. Guiding through the Promise and Law.
One of the key policies of WAGGGS is that each
Read what the IWRM Participants had to say:
Member Organization identifies and establishes its
own set of values, related to the Law and that are
applicable to its individual national situation. The
fundamental elements of self-development, spirituality
“I had some knowledge and experience gained from and commitment to community are constant, but the
my profession but what I learned from the three days way they are presented and the relative importance
here not only updated my knowledge, but much more given to them may change over time.
than that. I’m fully confident to lead in our fundraising
strategy. I really appreciated this seminar which The extensive review has taken place over the last 18
offered much more than my expectation.” months. A committee of six Australian Girl Guide
- Chihiro Kawai, Girl Scouts of Japan Leaders was appointed to coordinate the review.
These women represented a variety of Girl Guiding
backgrounds and ages and all had participated at a
national level within the organization. Two of the
“Thank you to WAGGGS and the Asia Pacific Region committee members are under 30 years old.
for bringing us to this high class conference. I felt very
blessed to be the only participant from the Pacific The review started with an education process to
explain the meaning of the Essences of the Promise
Nations Member Organizations to attend this event.”
and Law, which were laid down by WAGGGS at the
- Tai Bolabasaga, Fiji Girl Guides
World Conference in 1972. This process was followed
by surveys for Youth and Adult members and the
wider Australian community. It was very encouraging
to see a large proportion of the membership engage
“Participating in this external event enabled us not to with the process and embrace technology like
only think about Girl Guiding and the webinars.
programme/training and that fundraising is everyone’s
responsibility. Thank you to AP Region for recognizing The committee worked with a skilled writer to draft a
this topic as an important issue of the Member Promise and Law that reflected the values represented
Organizations.” in the surveys. The writer is an expert in girls'
- Niumaath Shafeeg, Maldives Girl education between the ages of 5 and 18 and
Guides Association conducted thorough research into WAGGGS history
and policy to complete the task. The draft was
launched using a webinar to ensure all members keen
to participate could be involved. Members provided
extensive feedback using an online survey tool. Slight
modifications were made before finalization to ensure
that the Promise and Law accurately expresses the
values held by Australian Girl Guides.
Girl Guides Australia - Empowering a New The Promise and Law are the codes by which we live
Generation our lives. This personal commitment and spiritual
journey is an essential part of Girl Guiding. Girl
Girl Guides Australia (GGA) has updated the wording Guides Australia is confident that this wording of the
of its Promise and Law to empower a new generation Promise and Law will be more relevant, meaningful,
2

3. September 2012
empowering, inclusive and will better reflect its diverse ask people to support our efforts. It’s important for us
Girl Guiding communities. to let them see our cause, that we are really doing
something”, said Tek Mohamad, GGAM Deputy Chief
The Promise and Law was launched by sending every Commissioner.
Girl Guide member a postcard with the new words and
a media launch that was picked up by the world media. GGAM Chief Commissioner YBhg Datin Seri Hajah
Girl Guides became a talking point in many Zalillah Bte Mohd Taib closed the one day conference.
communities which has led to an increase in “The conference provides opportunities for Girl Guides
membership enquiries. to discover their potential through collaborative effort,
fun and friendship. The environmental element
reminds us to strive our best in saving and preserving
mother nature,” she said.
Girl Guides Australia Promise and Law
Delegates and 50 Queen’s Guides visited the Matang
Promise: Mangrove Forest Reserve & Eco Learning Centre, one
I promise that I will do my best of the best managed tracts of
To be true to myself and develop my beliefs mangrove forest in the world with
To serve my community and Australia an area of more than 40,000
And live by the Guide Law. hectares. After listening to a talk
on how the mangrove ecosystem
Guide Law: functions, they learned about
As a Guide I will strive to: nature and environmental
 Respect myself and others sustainability first-hand by
 Be considerate, honest and trustworthy planting 300 mangrove saplings,
 Be friendly to others taking a tour by boat of the
 Make choices for a better world mangrove forest and taking a
 Use my time and abilities wisely guided excursion to see how
 Be thoughtful and optimistic freshly cut trees are stacked and loaded into large
 Live with courage and strength baking kilns to produce charcoal.
“It was really fun, stepping in the mud and planting the
Girl Guides Malaysia Strengthen the Spirit of saplings. I feel proud for what I did as it’s really
Volunteerism in Environment and Community- important for nature. This is a very meaningful activity
Engaged Initiatives as it reminds us to take care of our environment.
Mangrove trees can reduce erosion and also the
Girl Guides Association Malaysia (GGAM) Perak impact of any natural disaster”, said Ivy Lee, 27.
Branch headed by its President DYAM Raja Puan
Muda Perak Raja Nor Mahani Binti Raja Haji Shahar
Shah organized the National Organization Annual GirlGuiding New Zealand Keeping Girls Safe and
Conference for 200 Commissioners and Guiders Secure Online
representing the 17 branches in the country on 27 May
2012 in Ipoh. This year, the conference focused on GirlGuiding New Zealand has formed a partnership
strengthening the spirit of volunteerism for a with non-profit organization NetSafe to develop a new
sustainable environment. NetSafe Digital Citizen badge.
In line with the World Thinking Day 2012 theme “We The badge gives girls the
can save our planet’ and UN Millennium Development opportunity to explore and
Goal (MDG) 7: Ensuring Environmental Sustainability, learn about many aspects of
a series of talks by a team of accomplished speakers the online world with simple
from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia was and fun activities.
conducted, followed by a workshop
“It is part of our role as leaders
“The conference was an and as an organization to keep
opportunity to share our girls as safe as possible, no matter what activity
and discuss a wide they are involved in,” says Sonia Faulkner, GirlGuiding
range of issues with New Zealand’s National President.
other Commissioners
from around the
country. It is difficult to
3

4. September 2012
“Girls use computers and smart phones every day and Hidalgo Lim Auditorium; the election on 26 May of the
we need to make sure they are aware of the security new Central Board Members-at-Large and the GSP
and safety risks and what they can do to prevent this.” officers; and, also on 26 May the celebration of the
nd
GSP’s 72 founding anniversary at the Manila Hotel.
GirlGuiding New Zealand is currently piloting the
programme with Brownies from the Eden District. Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin A.
Luistro, FSC, was the Guest of Honor and Keynote
“The learning materials and activities included in this Speaker. His inspiring extemporaneous message was
guide will help Girl Guiding leaders learn about core an outpouring of confidence and full support to the
computer safety and security areas and prepare girls organization for the relevant programs it provides to
and their families for the online environment,” says Filipino girls and young women which complement the
Sonia. basic educational curriculum offered by the State. The
best part of Sec. Luistro’s message was his
Scouts New Zealand are also trialling the NetSafe commitment to promote and protect GSP as a single-
Digital Citizen badge. gender organization, believing that girls have unique
needs, potentials, and capabilities.
“We believe the boundaries between offline and online
spaces are reduced for young children who don’t know WAGGGS Asia Pacific Regional Chairman Ms. Low
a time before the internet and so it’s important that Lih Jeng graced the event and spoke about
traditional ‘good citizen’ values be practiced online too WAGGGS’s Vision 2020, with the theme, “Vision 2020:
– by respecting yourself and others, standing together Focus, Lead, Change,” which is its new challenge for
as a community and understanding the responsibilities the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting movement around
that come with the benefits of internet access,” says the world: “All girls and young women are valued and
Chris Hails, Cyber safety and Security Consultant of take action to change the world.” Two goals to help
NetSafe. achieve WAGGGS’s mission were specified: one is
providing girls with more opportunities to grow and
A range of fun offline and online activities need to be lead; and another is empowering them to be agents of
completed before the girls receive their NetSafe Digital change in the world.
Citizen Badge. These include learning about protecting
yourself online, writing a family contract for using Philippine President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III
computers and digital devices, choosing a strong greeted the Girl Scout delegates with his video
password and creating an online cyber security comic. message. WAGGGS World Board Chairman Nadine El
Achy also sent her video message.
NetSafe also has advice
for parents to help keep On the second day of the convention, the National
their daughters safe and Council delegates voted for the new 15 Members-at-
secure while using the Large. The elections during this Convention was also
internet and other online historic, it being GSP’s first automated election, the
services: Use the latest success of which was made possible by enormous
operating system; Use a planning, hard work, and great luck.
firewall; Use anti-virus
software; Set your computer to automatically update As the convention
all of the above; Use a strong password; Back up data ushered in a new
regularly. triennium, the new
Central Board of the
Girl Scouts of the Philippines Holds 22nd National GSP promises
Council Convention innovation in its
program, so that
The Girl Scouts of more lives will be
the Philippines transformed through
successfully held Girl Scouting!
its 22nd National
Council
Convention from
25 to 27 May
2012 at the
Traders Hotel
Manila.
Highlighting the event were the Opening Ceremonies
held on 25 May at the newly-refurbished GSP Pilar
4

5. September 2012
The meeting ended with a common idea of the
strategy to strengthen and revitalize the organization.
Everybody agreed to make full use of their potential
and reflect this in future management.
Girl Scouts of Korea Develop GS-LDP Award
Australia Trainers Gather for a Training TREAT
The Girl Scouts of Korea
developed the GS-LDP
It was a treat to have 49 trainers from all states of
Award, which focuses on
Australia gathered in Sydney to participate in
the needs of Korean girls.
TREAT12 (Technology, Resources, Evaluation,
Analysis, Transformation, 1 weekend, 2gether) – a
There are three areas
training for Australian trainers.
covered in the GS-LDP
Award: Discover,
One of the highlights of the weekend was the focus on
Development and Take
technology, its place in training, and the potential to
Action. “Discover” promotes better awareness on the
engage more learners more easily. Trainers were
concept of the leader, her values and potential
treated to activities at a local school with some
development. On the other hand, the “Development”
Geocaching (using a GPS to locate hidden articles),
area deals with communication, teamwork,
Facebook Facts and a lesson in Green Screen movie
harmonizing and innovation. If girls complete at least
filming and editing.
one activity of the Discover and Development areas
and accomplish an activity in the “Take Action” area,
A technology workshop using w wide range of
they can receive a GS-LDP pin and certificate.
computer programs, phone apps and websites
enabled everyone to try something that appealed to
Through the activities, the girls are able to discover
them and have the time to explore – a treat in itself!
their leadership potentials. The activities also promote
self-esteem. The girls are expected to contribute to
Each patrol randomly chose (via dice shaking phone
make the better world by taking action to change their
apps or other technological means) a training session
local community with others in an effective way.
to present, and two technology items or programs that
had to be used in presenting the session. Of course,
Pakistan Runs Summer Training Programme
technology costs money and patrols had to earn their
‘money’ finding geocaches, solving computer puzzles
The Pakistan Girl Guide Association-Punjab Branch
etc and purchasing items or professional assistance
organized a Summer Training Programme for Senior
from “The Whiz”. With lots of frantic activity, bartering
Guides of Punjab from 6 June to 6 July 2012 at the
and even a bribe or two with special treats, each patrol
Provincial Headquarters in Lahore. The objective of
produced amazing results and we were treated to
this training was capacity building of Senior Guides.
fantastic sessions that exceeded our expectations!
Resource Persons from different Government and
Non-Government Organizations shared strategies to
The other hot topics were the Learning and
achieve the target of women empowerment. 80 Senior
Development Review that Girl Guides Australia is
Girl Guides participated from different colleges of
undertaking and Managing Change. It was a treat to
Punjab.
hear the review results, analysis and
recommendations and to begin work on making
During the
changes.
programme, Girl
Guides had the
Regenerating Girl Scouts of Japan (GSJ) to be a
Powerful Organization opportunity to
experience group
work, learn useful
On 14 July 2012 a training was held for the secretarial
skills, develop
staff members under the guidance of the Staff
leadership qualities,
Reformation Working Group Members, International
run a media
Commissioner Minori Yuda and Board Member Chihiro
campaign, learn floral decorations, gain
Kawai.
entrepreneurial skills, raise awareness about drug
abuse prevention, learn vocational skills, camping
The staff training course reinforced both the
skills and to know more about different issues related
importance of following WAGGGS guidelines as part
to women’s empowerment in Pakistan.
of its mission and vision, and a deeper awareness of
strategies towards the achievement of GSJ’s goals.
5

6. September 2012
Thai Girl Guides at Girls World Forum 2012
Brownie Girl Scouts and their parents participated in
Two Girl Guides from exciting games such as “
the Girl Guides (Girl Standing like Elegant
Scouts) of Thailand Flamingo”, Field Hockey and
were represented at discus throwing.
the Girls’ World Forum
from 12 to 16 July Before the competition,
2012 in Chicago. The everyone did a warming-up
Thai delegation was accompanied by their chaperone, exercise called “Japan
Thamonwan Na Nakara, who attended the Young Swimming warming-up
Women’s World Forum 2010 in England. The Forum exercise”.
focused on the UN Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) comprising MDG1 “Eradicate poverty and Even fathers participated in
hunger”, MDG3 “Gender equality” and MDG7 the Field Hockey competition, playing with a milk
“Environmental sustainability”. Girl Guides and Girl carton shaped like a quadratic prism, and being hard
Scouts from around the world met to find solutions by to handle, the game became quite exciting.
sharing, brainstorming, and learning from each other.
The games were simple and easy to join in and
“On the first day, I was very proud of myself to carry everyone enjoyed playing them.
my country’s flag at the opening ceremony. It’s an Finally, all participants received a special Olympic
awesome experience. Thank you for giving this medal made by leaders.
opportunity which makes me more of a leader” writes
Pinyada Thongrom. The project was held shortly before the Olympic
Games in London.
Napassorn Wattanasiri notes: “On the international
night, we dressed in Thai traditional costume. Girl Scouts of Japan Create New PR image
Everybody was interested in the Thai culture and
asked to take photos with us. It was fantastic to see On transiting from an Incorporated Association to a
people from many countries wearing their national Public Interest Incorporated Association, the Girl
dresses. We had a great time there. Not only did we Scouts of Japan created a new PR image. Their
gain experiences, but it was friendship in a world of the tagline, "生きるが育つ。ガールスカウト (Living is
new generation of volunteers!” Growing – Girl Scouts)" gives a fascinating and
worldwide Girl Scouting impression to the society.
Thamonwan Na Nakara states: "It was such an honour Following this, GSJ carried out a complete reform on
to have the opportunity to represent my country and the design of their PR image. The Girl Scouts of Japan
my Member Organization again in WAGGGS and was also featured both in a Financial Business
GSUSA's event in chaperoning the two girls. I Magazine and also the Life Style Magazine.
sometimes think they mirror myself two years ago
when I was at the YWWF2010. In collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment,
they inserted the new GSJ logo on the poster of
“The resources and discussions we had there are very “Precure All Stars”, an animated film popular among
useful and sent very important messages to young nursery and elementary school students. They also
women and girls around the world that something had close cooperation with other organizations and
needs to be done in order to make this planet a better companies and took part of the “London 2012 Living
place for them." Clock Countdown” organized by the United Kingdom's
International Organization for Cultural Relation and
Educational Opportunities.
Girl Scouts of Korea Provide Scholarship for
Leaders and Persons with Special Needs
Girl Scouts of Korea (GSK) provided Imdang
Scholarship for nine Girl Scouts with special needs in
June 2012. The Imdang Scholarship was established
Japan Takes Part in the Games Go Global Badge in 1990 by MoonHee Kim, former National President of
Girl Scouts of Korea, with the aim of encouraging the
Troop 3 of Chiba Council undertook the programme for girls with special needs to have positive attitudes and
the Games Go Global Badge at the Funabashi Youth overcome their own handicap through Girl Scouting.
Camp Centre on 1 July 2012.
6

7. September 2012
In total, 340 students have received the scholarship Pakistan Runs Seminar on Violence against
since its beginning. In addition, GSK provided Yebin Women
scholarship for two young troop leaders in April 2012.
The Yebin scholarship was established in 1996 by A seminar on “Violence
Juseon Byun, former National President of Girl Scouts against Women” was
of Korea, with the aim of encouraging leaders to have organized by the Pakistan
international experiences for self-development. 80 Girl Guides Association-
leaders have received the scholarship since its Punjab Branch on 16 June,
launching. 2012. The aim of the
seminar was to inform
Renovation of Girl Scouts of Korea National young girls on violence
Headquarters Building against women, its forms,
practices, factors, its
The Girl Scouts of Korea National Headquarters perpetuators, laws protecting women and their rights
building was entirely renovated to improve their image and status of women in Islam.
as a modern and dynamic movement in society and
instill the sense of pride into their members. It has Dr. Ismat Laghari briefed about the issue of violence
been 43 years since the building was built. The against women in an Asian society. SHO (women)
ceremony to celebrate the completion of renovation Miss. Bushra Aziz shared her professional
was held on 27 April and attended by 60 people experiences of different cases related to the violence
including donors and Girl Scout leaders. against women. Mr. Waqas Qadeer Dar elaborated on
the legal status and laws related to women, and said
Queen of Malaysia launches Two GGAM-WAGGGS that the basic reason of women discrimination and
Centenary Commemorative Coins violence in our society is lack of awareness among
women about their rights given by the laws.
In conjunction with
the Centenary of Pakistan Holds Training Workshop on Drug Abuse
Girl Guiding and Prevention
Girl Scouting, Bank
Negara Malaysia The Pakistan Girl Guides
(Central Bank of Association organized a
Malaysia) issued one-day training
two workshop on “Drug Abuse
commemorative coins. They were launched by the Girl Prevention” on 29 June
Guides Association Malaysia (GGAM) Royal Patron 2012. The reasons for
Her Majesty The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku drug addiction were
Hajah Haminah on 29 May 2012 at Kinta Riverfront discussed and its dreadful
Hotel and Suites, Ipoh. She also officiated the opening effects were also revealed to the younger generation.
of the association’s annual general meeting. The event The guest speakers shared that use of tobacco is the
was hosted by GGAM Perak Branch. first step towards the use of drugs. Senior Guide
participants expressed that this type of workshop
Earlier in the morning, Her Majesty The Raja responded to today’s needs to provide the younger
Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah and 200 generation with information regarding important
Girl Guides released 100,000 fish fry of three different issues.
species into the Kinta River in conjunction with the
launching of the Girl Guides theme `We can save our Girl Scouts of Philippines pay tribute to Girl
planet’. She then led the planting of six Bucida Molineti Scouts with Special Needs
(Pokok Doa) trees along the river bank. Present were
th
GGAM President YABhg. Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah In observance of the 34 National Disability Prevention
Mansor who is also the wife of the Prime Minister of and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week from 17 to 23 July
Malaysia, GGAM Deputy President DYAM Raja Puan 2012 with the theme “Mainstreaming Persons with
Muda Perak Raja Nor Mahani Binti Raja Haji Shahar Disabilities in Economic Development”, the Girl Scouts
Shah and GGAM National Chief Commissioner YBhg of the Philippines paid tribute to Girl Scouts with
Datin Seri Zalillah Mohd Taib. disabilities. The half-day event was attended by 285
Junior, Senior and Cadet Girl Scouts, Troop Leaders,
The Queen later presented 29 Asia Pacific Leadership Regional and Council Staff from Northern Luzon,
Awards to adult leaders in recognition of their Central Luzon and Southern Luzon Regions. Girl
achievement in the association and the Queen’s Scouts from different councils performed various
Guides awards to 50 Ranger Guides. intermission numbers to the delight of the audience.
7

8. September 2012
Ms. Maricel S. Apatan, a former strategy to further develop FAPW and to increase
Girl Scout and a Josefa Llanes funding for the Asia Pacific Region. The three new
Escoda Golden Heart Awardee, categories are Crystal for children under 18 years old
who is now a Pastry Chef at at a membership donation of GBP40, Titanium
EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, was the category for membership donation of GBP500 and
Guest Speaker. At a young age, Platinum category for membership donation of GBP
she experienced hardship in life 700.
yet remained strong and Level Donation (GBP)
determined in achieving her Crystal 40
dreams. Her disability (loss of two Silver 80
hands) did not stop her in Gold 200
pursuing her goal. She serves as an inspiration to all. Diamond 300
She encouraged the Girl Scouts to continue dreaming Titanium 500
and to reach for their goals despite adversities in life. Platinum 700
Major Donor 1,000
Gespie, Girl Scouts of Philippines’ mascot, provided The decision was made at a two-day meeting of the
extra fun as she made a surprise appearance and FAPW Working Group held in Kuala Lumpur,
performed a dance number with the girls. Malaysia. The meeting held on 13 to 14 June 2012
was attended by the six members of the FAPW
Thailand Receives Excellence Award Working Group, three members from the Asia Pacific
Regional (APR) Committee and Dr Juseon Byun,
On the occasion of the 10th Founder of FAPW.
Anniversary of Thai
Women’s Day (1 August Among other strategies of the FAPW are to work with
2012) a project submitted to the corporate, high network individuals, legacies and
the National Council of to enhance marketing and public relations activities.
Women of Thailand (NCWT)
received the Excellence The FAPW is the
Award. fundraising arm of the
Asia Pacific Region of
The project was carried out by the Girl Guides (Girl WAGGGS. The funds
Scouts) Association of Thailand GGAT-Northern raised are used to
Training Center working to help the under-privileged in support capacity
the rural, remote areas in the northern province of building activities for
Chiang Rai. The selection criteria for the award girls and young women
included projects which benefited the community are in the Asia Pacific
ongoing and sustainable and involve networking. Region. Currently, the FAPW has 1,616 members from
Associate Professor Dr. Wadee Kheourai, President of 24 countries, including several countries from outside
GGAT received the Exemplary Award Certificate from the Asia Pacific Region. Since its inception in 1999,
President of NCWT and also a plaque from HRH the FAPW has raised a total of GBP600,000 and funds
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who represented raised has supported many girls and young women
Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand. from the Region to attend regional and global training
and capacity building activities, as well as life skills
projects including 19 “3L Projects” (life-long-learning)
since 2005.
Everyone is welcomed to be a member of the FAPW
with a minimum donation of GBP80 for adults above
18 years old and GBP40 for children under 18 years
old. The membership donation is a one-time payment
Friends of Asia Pacific and provides life membership to the FAPW. However,
members are encouraged to upgrade their
WAGGGS membership by increasing their donations from time to
time. Crystal membership will cease when the member
New Membership Categories Introduced for reaches 18 years old, therefore Crystal members are
Friends Asia Pacific WAGGGS encouraged to pledge for other categories of
membership upon reaching 18 years old.
Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS (FAPW) introduced
three new categories of membership as part of their For more information about the FAPW, please visit
here http://asia.wagggsworld.org/en/friends
8

9. September 2012
(wayang kulit) and flash mob. Outside the banquet
Asia Pacific Region Welcomes New Young Donors hall, the girls set up several stations selling products
they made such as patches, button badges, wrist
The Friends of Asia Pacific bands and cupcakes.
WAGGGS (FAPW)
welcomed the first group of Celeste Chew, a Junior Guide who was part of the
Crystal members at the planning team of the dinner said “Guiding has given
“Girls Go Green” Dinner in girls like me the opportunity to play a role in saving the
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on world’s environment.”
15 June 2012. The dinner
was hosted by Brownie As part of the “green” theme, girls from the two
Guides of Bukit Damansara schools also took part in the “100 Tree Quilt Project”
Primary School and Junior Guides of Seri Hartamas where each girl sewed a patch with symbol of a “tree”
Secondary School in conjunction with the 10th from their point of view and the 100 patches were
Anniversary Celebrations of the FAPW Malaysia. joined up to be a quilt. The quilt was auctioned at the
dinner and HRH Princess Azizah Iskandar placed the
It was a historical moment as HRH Princess Azizah winning bid at RM 5100. Money raised from the
Iskandar, Patron of the FAPW presented membership auction will be used to support activities of the Brownie
pins and certificates to 28 girls who pledged as Crystal Guides and Junior Guides of the two schools.
members, a new category of membership of the
FAPW, barely two days after the category was FAPW Malaysia Celebrates 10th Anniversary
launched. The Crystal membership category caters
specially for children under 18 years old who, as other The Friends of Asia
adult members, also wish to contribute to the Pacific WAGGGS
development of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting in the (FAPW) Malaysia
Asia Pacific Region. Chapter celebrated
its 10th Anniversary
The ceremony also witnessed a special presentation with a fun-filled event
of Diamond membership pin and certificate to HRH participated by 180
Tunku Soraya Tuanku Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Friends from 10
Shah, daughter of His Majesty the King of Malaysia. countries. The event
HRH Tunku Soraya is a Diamond member of FAPW which was held from 15 to 18 June 2012 also
since 2011. managed to attract new members to the FAPW and
two membership ceremonies were held to recognize
In the same ceremony, HRH Princess Azizah Iskandar the new members.
also presented membership pins and certificates to 11
girls who pledged as Silver members and one girl who Since its inception, the Malaysia Chapter of FAPW
pledged as Gold member. All the girls are from of Bukit boasts of nearly 200 members and had been actively
Damansara Primary School and Seri Hartamas participating in FAPW events around the Region.
Secondary School. The FAPW also managed to attract FAPW Malaysia also had the honour to host the first
several of the girls’ mothers to become members of General Assembly of FAPW in 2005.
FAPW as five mothers signed up as new Silver
members while one upgraded to Gold membership HRH Princess Azizah Iskandar, Patron of the Friends
and another two upgraded to Diamond category. of Asia Pacific WAGGGS (FAPW) said “It remains and
will continually be my ardent hope to promote and
The “Girls Go Green” Dinner was fully planned and increase membership which is open to all, any
implemented by girls from the two schools as part of individual, Corporation, Foundation or Organization
the efforts to empower girls to develop leadership and willing to support the work of WAGGGS Asia Pacific
self-confidence. The dinner theme “Girls Go Green” is Region. The funds raised and collected thus far has
in conjunction with this year’s World Thinking Day supported many Member Organizations in offering Life
theme “Together we can save our planet” which Long Learning Skills for their girl members and
focused on MDG7 “Ensuring environmental initiated some income generating projects for some
sustainability”. Member Organizations including skills training on
decoration and cooking in Cambodia, Information
The dinner decoration, food and performances were all Technology Literacy in Nepal and Pakistan, Health
based on the “green” theme. Even guests came Education in India and many others.”
dressed in green. Guests were wowed with
performances by the girls which included traditional The first day of the event was a special day as the
dance, cheerleading, slide show, street dance, Girls FAPW witnessed the inaugural installation of Crystal
Speak Up session, theatre, traditional puppet show members, a new category of FAPW membership
9

10. September 2012
targeting children below 18 years old at the “Girls Go The event aims to promote cultural exchanges,
Green” Dinner hosted by Brownie Guides of Bukit international friendship and developing new skills. This
Damansara Primary School and Junior Guides of Seri fun-filled
Hartamas Secondary School. event
brings
Early the next morning, participants departed for Ipoh, participants
Perak and attended a lunch hosted by HRH Raja Nor to several
Mahani Raja Shahar Shah, Deputy President of the important
Girl Guides Association Malaysia. At the lunch, destinations
participants also had the opportunity to interact with along the
members of GGAM Perak Branch. Silk Road,
one of the
Soon after the lunch, participants headed for Cameron world's
Highlands. In the evening, participants were treated to oldest and most historically important trade routes.
dinner by the Cameron Highlands District Office. Girl
Guide members from Cameron Highlands proudly Member Organizations participating in this event are
showcased some traditional dances to the guests. The Australia, Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.
third day was full of activities, starting with a visit to the
Boh Tea Plantation, one of the biggest tea plantation The event began in Beijing with the Kick-Off ceremony
in the country. Participants enjoyed the beautiful
on 4 August. Along the journey, participants travelled
scenery around the plantation and learned about the
by train and visited several pit-stops on the way.
tea production process. Among places visited were the Tiananmen Square and
Imperial Palace in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in
The grand finale of the event was the Farewell Dinner
Xi'an, the Danxia Landform in Zhangye, Mo Gao
and Membership Ceremony held at Cameron
Grotto, the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake in
Highlands Resort. During the dinner, new and Dunhuang, the Great Wall in Jiayu Pass, and the
upgrading members received their membership pins
Yellow River in Lanzhou.
and certificates from HRH Princess Azizah Iskandar.
Participants cheered and applauded at the
achievements and highlights of FAPW shared by The event also provided the opportunity for
representatives from the Asia Pacific Regional participants to interact with local children in two
Committee. separate occasions through the "Love and Care" visit
at Matisi Yugur Primary School and the Open Day at
The ceremony was made extra special with the Lanzhou Middle School.
presentation of Major Donor membership pins and
certificates to the two beloved princesses of HRH Fourth Pacific Strategy Meeting in Fiji
Princess Azizah Iskandar. It was a very inspiring
moment as HRH Princess Azizah Iskandar presented
the pins and certificates to HRH Tengku Puteri Afzan
Aminah Hafidzatullah Tengku Mahkota Tengku
Abdullah and HRH Tengku Jihan Kalsom Aathiyatullah
Tengku Mahkota Tengku Abdullah, both Major Donors
of the FAPW since 2005.
The Fiji Girl Guides Association (FGGA) hosted the
Friendship Caravan on the Silk Road 2012 Fourth Pacific Strategy Meeting for sister Girl Guides
from the other five Pacific Nations Member
Organizations - Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New
About 300 Girl Guides from Hong Kong and several Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tonga at the Centre of
Member Organizations of the Asia Pacific Region Appropriate Technology & Development, Nadave, Fiji
embarked on the adventure of their lifetime in the from 18 to 21 May 2012. The annual meeting allows
"Friendship Caravan on the Silk Road" event face to face contact for the Asia Pacific Regional
organized by Hong Kong Girl Guides Association. Also (APR) Committee with the Pacific Nations Member
joining them are 100 young people from mainland Organizations in order to improve communications,
China.
10

11. September 2012
share progress and ideas to support the growth and
development of Member Organizations in this group.
The AP Regional Committee was represented by
Melanie Bennett, Chair of the Pacific Strategy Meeting,
Ching Ching Wee-Ong, Regional Director of the AP
Region and Grace Tam, Development Executive, Asia
Pacific Region.
Thinking Day in South Australia
During the meeting, each participating Member
Organization presented a report of their progress since Sunday the 26 February
the last meeting held in Auckland, New Zealand in 2012 in Adelaide was
2011. It was interesting to note that almost all Member warm and very humid, but
Organizations had increased in membership and that did not deter more
presented their ways of recruiting and retaining than 200 Girl Guides and
members. Among the methods were effective training, Leaders from celebrating
attractive programme for both girls and adult leaders, World Thinking Day by
and implementing WAGGGS initiatives such as Global joining in games and
Action Theme, Centenary and World Thinking Day to activities designed to
increase profile in the community. All the six Member explore the theme “We
Organizations had also done projects based on the Can Save Our Planet”.
Global Action Theme as agreed in the meeting in
Auckland. Through games and activities, Girl Guides were urged
to “Reduce”, “Save” and “Switch”.
In conclusion, there was much improvement to the six
Member Organizations at the meeting this time In “Reduce”, girls learned about bike maintenance,
including membership increase, stronger leadership created a collage illustrating ways reduce our carbon
teams and members feeling more empowered to make footprint, and learned about how we can reduce our
decisions for the future of Member Organizations in environmental impact by choosing local food products.
this group. In “Save”, Girl Guides made newspaper bags as an
alternative to plastic bags, pledged to help save our
Participating members agreed that this meeting should environment on cards made of recycled materials and
be continued. The next Pacific Strategy Meeting in the made “switch me off” signs for their homes. Jan
Solomon Islands next year will see a difference where Forrest used the Butterfly garden planted by Highgate
the members will co-organize the agenda for the Guides and the Unley City Council to illustrate the
meeting instead of the whole meeting being run by the value of butterflies to the environment, and urged Girl
APR Committee as in the current format. Delegates Guides and leaders to plant their own Butterfly
from the six Member Organizations also unanimously Gardens. In “switch”, Girl Guides brainstormed ideas
agreed to explore ways to extend invitations to other for “Fuel Free fun” and then played some of them,
Pacific Nations which are not members of WAGGGS illustrating how Girl Guides can have fun and be active
to attend the Fifth Pacific Strategy Meeting with focus without using up the world’s resources.
on the countries with the potential and interest to
develop Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting. The 13-17 year old Girl Guides also participated in a
“Trees for Life” workshop. “Trees for Life” provides
After the meeting, the APR team conducted a training opportunities for people to do something practical to
for participating members and 24 leaders from the Fiji help restore and protect our natural environment.
Girl Guides Association. The one-day training covered Volunteers grow trees and shrubs for landholders, to
topics like WAGGGS & AP updates, Centenary, Stop assist with re-vegetation of degraded land. Girl
the Violence Campaign, Games Go Global and Guides then re-potted seedlings into individual pots
Imagine More. The aim is to enable participants to and learned about how they could participate in Trees
learn more about the WAGGGS initiatives and to for Life. During the day, Girl Guides and Leaders
practically use them in their respective roles. signed four petitions which were sent to State and
Federal Ministers for the Environment and members of
Parliament, requesting that they “protect our climate
system so future generations and we benefit from a
healthy environment to live and grow in”.
11

12. September 2012
New Zealand Encourages Healthy Lifestyles Asia Pacific Chairman Visits Shelter for Abused
Girls and Ecology project by a Girl Scout in the
GirlGuiding New Zealand Philippines
(NZ) recently ran a
competition to design a cereal Ms. Low Lih Jeng, Chairman of the Asia Pacific
as part of its Get Going Girl Regional Committee visited project sites involving Girl
challenge. From Pippins Scouts on 27 May 2012.
through to Rangers, the girls
had to taste test existing She was accompanied by Ma. Dolores T. Santiago,
cereals and then create their Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) National
own recipe, name their new Executive Director, Katheri Ann L. Charcos-Puyo,
cereals and design the packaging. Development Executive for Asia Pacific Region,
WAGGGS, Ginnie W. Oribiana, GSP Programme
Pinky Pippins Pick ‘n Mix, Croccy Wokky Kiddy Division Director, Francia B. Rama, GSP Programme
Munch, Brownie Letter Crunch, Woozle Wonder, Staff and Teresita Gonzales, GSP Helenza Z.
Healthy Beast and Waingake Wake Up were just some Benitez National Program and Training Center (HZB
of the names dreamed up by the girls for their cereals. NPTC) Director.
The supreme winner was 12th Aotea Guides from
Taranaki on the North Island’s west coast with Trop-O- They visited St. Mary's House in Tagaytay, a shelter
Pop - a combination of dried banana, pineapple, for abused girls. A simple welcoming ceremony was
coconut, rice bubbles and chocolate raisins. presented by the girls.
Design a Cereal was judged by a panel from cereal The Chairman also had
company Hubbards, Outward Bound and GirlGuiding the chance to visit an
New Zealand. Waikari Pippins won their section with ecology project of Cristle
Best Bouncy Breakfast featuring chocolate buttons R. Lamo, a Chief Girl
and yoghurt covered raisins with gourmet jelly beans Scout Medalist who
in a separate packet to be added after the cereal is revived a river that had
served. become a dumpsite in
Alfonso, Cavite. The
Brownie Letter Crunch, created by the Balclutha Chairman enjoyed the warm welcome of the
Brownies won the Brownies section, with chocolate community members who helped the girl realize her
trefoils from Guide biscuits, dried strawberries, project.
chocolate chips and buttons, pink jelly, cocoa cereal,
sugar, butter and crusted nuts shaped into letters. Sustainable Development in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Woozle Wonder won the Rangers section – a
combination of rolled oats, dried apricots, walnuts, Praiyanthi Hemamali Rajapakse from the Sri Lanka
puffed wheat, dried cranberries and honey. Girl Guides writes:
“We were surprised and excited by the range of When I heard that I was
cereals all the girls produced. Some of their chosen by WAGGGS, I
ingredients were very inventive and produced some couldn’t believe it but
great combinations,” said Hayley Hickey, Hubbards felt it was a blessing for
Ltd, who was on the judging panel. the work that I am
carrying on for the girls
Trevor Taylor from Outward Bound said he was and young women in
impressed with GirlGuiding NZ’s Get Going Girl rural and suburban
Challenge and its focus on girls learning more about areas. My Project Director and the International
keeping fit and looking after their emotional, mental, Commissioner arranged for me to meet eminent
spiritual and physical wellbeing. Each year Outward people for briefings on the environment. I was
Bound runs a course for GirlGuiding NZ leaders to prepared with a lot of knowledge before I left.
help them be the best they can be.
Rio +20 was a major event that I had not previously
”The competition was plenty of fun and was a great been to, and I felt proud to participate in it. It was very
way to encourage girls to think more about what they different from the conferences that I had attended
eat and how it contributes to their health and lifestyle,” before. There were many side events and there were
Jane Smithson said from GirlGuiding New Zealand.” major events where we took turns to participate in.
These events were centred on gender equality and
women’s empowerment for sustainable development,
green economy, green jobs for youth, sustainable
12

13. September 2012
planet, global water HIV/Aids, youth voice, Asian
women and indigenous civil society, amongst others. Our Chalet Corner
From the third day onwards we were able to select our
own events. The feedback discussion held every day Every AP Link issue, we will feature stories from one
made us aware of all the programmes the others of the 4 World Centres. In this edition, read more
attended. Some of our members represented about activities in Our Chalet in Switzerland!!
WAGGGS at high level forums such as the high level
round table and the UN Women event. We as Volunteers at Our Chalet from Asia Pacific
WAGGGS representatives provided positivity and
innovation through the Tree of Vision and the Mary Hookway – Tasmania, Australia – Winter
Awarding of Girl Guide badges. 2011/2012
We successfully lobbied for the inclusion of non-formal Throughout the first few days I was
education in the text, and also ensured that gender here I knew the magical place that I
equality and sexual and reproductive health rights had stepped into. It’s hard to
were part of the conversation. We were busy and describe the feeling that this place
productive, and ensured that WAGGGS was gives you. I have had the joys of
presented in a positive light throughout the Rio meeting some of the most amazing
process. people and discovered wonderful
and fun facts about the different
Thailand Receives Grant for its Tsunami Project cultures around the world!
Through the Asia Throughout my time at the Chalet I have learnt how to
Pacific Region, the snowboard, some Spanish, that going into town is not
Girl Guides (Girl just a stroll down the road, but a 30 minute hike down
Scouts) Association of and back up the nice steep mountain side. That no
Thailand (GGAT) matter what your age you can still zoom down black
received a grant from runs like the speed of light and that snow shoveling is
the WAGGGS my new passion!
Tsunami Fund to
organize a camp in Southern Thailand, an area So my time here at the Chalet is quickly drawing to a
affected by the 26 December 2004 tsunami. The close, once Thinking day has been and gone the end
objective was to raise awareness so the community is just around the corner. I leave knowing that I have
can be prepared should disaster strike again. The “Be left a little bit of me behind with some of my well know
Prepared Camp” took place in Phang-nga Province sayings of she'll be apples and I know that 'classic' will
from 19-22 March 2012 with 160 participants. Activities be venturing all the way back to Costa Rica.
included outdoor practice on how to command rescue
activity, traffic signs, escape route, running to safety, Putri Winata Kartika – Indonesia, Singapore –
other essential life skills, etc. Spring 2012
Rangsiya Boriboon noted “Before coming to this camp I have been a Girl Guide since the
I thought that it is a normal camp which gives us age of 9 and involved in running a
knowledge. But when I attended this camp I think it’s Guide unit in recent years. I am
different from other camps. I’ve gained knowledge, currently a Young Adult Branch
practiced using rescue toolkits, gained new friends and Council as a sub-committee for
the most important thing is knowing about natural Programme. During my 3 months at
disasters. In addition to the content was the visit to Our Chalet, I faced many
areas which were destroyed by tsunami.” challenges (from hiking to Kandersteg International
Scout Centre to Skiing) and adventures. As soon as I
Miss Kantinee Boonteam writes “I feel good. I have came to Our Chalet I was welcomed into the family
received warm friendship among friends from different and it felt like I had been here forever not just a couple
schools. I’ve trained to be prepared of tsunami. I have of days.
got new experiences and gained more knowledge and
more understanding about tsunami. I have learned During my volunteer season, I’ve learnt that being
how to plan and how to be a good leadership. I have away from home did me a lot of good and that
learned new knowledge which I never knew before. I travelling and volunteering at a World Centre gave me
am proud so much for once I have been in this “Be a perspective of the world that I would never otherwise
prepared of tsunami camp”. experience. I realized that there is so much that you
can learn at the World Centres which you can never
learn back at home. Among the YAs in Singapore, a
13

14. September 2012
few of us have been to the World Centres or been to a And it does. Our Chalet has the magical power of
WLDP seminar, and if only we could take what we saw gathering people of different backgrounds yet with the
there to the guides/girls in schools, it would in turn give same passion for Girl Guiding. I have met people who
them the perspective that they need to stay in guiding. had dreamt of visiting and finally made it after years;
It would be a dream come true to bring them to a troops that had spent years to raise fund for a trip to
World Centre, or any of the YAs, for that matter. I Our Chalet; mothers who came when they were young
would love to see how they react to the life that I’ve and decided to bring their daughters back. I have
known during spring this year. witnessed young ladies exploring their limits and
challenging themselves. They persevered to hike in
Naomi Peacock – Dunedin City, New Zealand – the dark just for a glimpse of the sunrise, gathered
Summer 2012 their courage to abseil down a gorge or jump off a
bridge; they opened their mind, explored and pushed
So, Our Chalet? Quite possibly the to their limits.
most life changing thing to happen
to me so far. I feel like the Chalet is Through these lovely moments I understand the secret
already teaching me how to make a of the magic. Staff members including volunteers are
difference. I’ll be returning home all very enthusiastic Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. They
with a new prospective on how empathize with the young guests, and retrieve what
people from other countries, and a they gained from their Girl Guiding experience on
new appreciation for what program planning. I learn from Our Chalet the value of
international links can give me. giving.
I’m developing a new awareness for the outdoors as There is always more in girl guiding than you imagine.
well. A knowledge that the Great Outdoors are actually Visit Our Chalet and explore!
great. You might think coming from New Zealand, I’d
be all active all the time, in touch with nature and all
that. But the truth is, I’m not. I grew up in a city, and I Do you want to come and volunteer at Our Chalet?
thrive in one too. Being a volunteer offers you the chance to meet Girl
Guides and Girl Scouts from all around the world, live
But here at Our Chalet, I’m learning that I enjoy being in Switzerland, learn new life skills, enjoy the outdoor
outside, not just for a few hours, but all day. I like the lifestyle in beautiful Alps, make friends for life, have
feeling of the sun on my back and the wind in my hair. endless laughs and lot of fun living your dream! You
can volunteer here from a few weeks as a short term
One thing I don’t like is heights. But, already in the last volunteer offering special skills or experience up to
few weeks, being at the Chalet has pushed me out of several months as an Our Chalet Assistant. We offer
my comfort zone. And I know, even when my legs are you four different volunteering options suited to your
shaking from the top of the smallest rock climb, that time availability and wishes. Check out our webpage
this is a good thing. That every time I hear the bell ring for more information about becoming an Our Chalet
when I reach the top, I have accomplished my own volunteer.
little personal battle. By the end of the summer I will be
able to do all the climbs, and even come down smiling. What has been happening at Our Chalet?
I’m learning that my fears are only hurdles, they are
never walls. Our Chalet Turns 80 this Year
Crystal Wong – Hong Kong – Summer 2012 On 31 July Our Chalet turned
80. The day was action-packed
I joined Girl Guiding as a Ranger at 13 with activities, cake, balloons
and opened my eyes to Girl scouting and lots of fun. We had a
skills and community services. Every special surprise for the event
experience, every person in Girl arrival day: a waterslide. But
Guiding has inspired me and shaped that was not the main highlight
me into the person I am. But as years of the day, abseiling down the
went by, what I could gain from it outside of Main Chalet was.
seemed to reach a bottleneck. This
was when my guider told me about From the top of the Main
the volunteer opportunity at Our Chalet. Chalet there was a stunning view, the clear day meant
that you could see all of Adelboden below. The staff
I applied, hoping that this experience would stimulate and volunteers joined the guests in making the most of
and guide me on my journey of girl guiding. the lovely weather by cooling off with the waterslide
and enjoying a slice of cake at the international cake
14

15. September 2012
stand. After their welcome tour the guests were treated Up and Coming Events at Our Chalet
to an Our Chalet birthday surprise and then tucked into
a yummy Chalet cake. The celebrations continue into Winter Ski and Winter Adventure Weeks 2012 /
th
September when we will be having a special 80 2013
Birthday event. We still have some spaces left so book
your place today by emailing info@ourchalet.ch. Winter Ski Weeks: Whether you are an experienced
or a beginner skier or snowboarder we are sure you
Australians Visiting for a Winter Adventure Week will enjoy these weeks packed with opportunities to
During the 2011/2012 Winter Season Our Chalet meet new friends, carve some fresh powder and
introduced Winter Adventure and Winter Ski Weeks to spend an unforgettable week in the Swiss Alps.
the programme. These have been a success with
participants from Australia, USA and Norway joining in Winter Adventure Weeks: If your idea of fun includes
the fun. The group from Australia were the first ever snow and the outdoors, we are sure you will enjoy
Winter Adventure Week participants: some of them these weeks packed with opportunities to meet new
had never seen snow before which made the week friends, try new quirky activities and spend an
extra special for the group. The week consists of a unforgettable week in the Swiss Alps.
snowshoe hike, sledging, snow Olympics, cross
country skiing, Woodcarvers hike, Snow BBQ at Roverweek 2013
Engstligen falls and snow tubing.
Roverweek is an international event where Rangers
“I have had a fantastic week at Our Chalet, lots of fun and Rovers get together to have fun in the snow.
and many great experiences gained. I will definitely be Roverweek is open to male and female members of
back. Our Chalet has a fantastic atmosphere, the staff WAGGGS or WOSM between the ages of 16 and 26.
and volunteers are keen to join in and we really got to During the week you will take part in many winter
know them” - Australian Participant. outdoor activities in the Swiss Alps such as downhill
skiing, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, winter
Summer 2012 – Youth Events hiking, sledging and a snow BBQ.
Summer 2012 youth events are in full swing: so far we
have had over 140 participants take part in the A week of fun, friendship and adventure for only CHF
programme, with another 160 still to come. For the first 980.00. To book your place email info@ourchalet.ch
time this year we have run both a Swiss Experience today!
and a Swiss Adventure event. Participants in both
events have had an amazing experience helping to Summer 2013
celebrate Our Chalet’s 80th Birthday. During the event
the girls take part in a wide range of activities from Summer International Events also called Swiss
abseiling and rock climbing to hiking and learning Challenge Events are open to youth (Girl Guides,
about the environment. Girls and Boy Scouts) from 12-18 of age. The last
event taking place from 20-28 August 2013 is open for
“I have learnt to respect the beauty and environment participants from 16-26 years of age! The week will be
and recycle to keep it that way” Summer 2012 event packed full of adventurous activities including: hiking,
participant rock climbing and abseiling, visiting the adventure
park, visiting traditional Swiss towns, trying traditional
Robin’s Adventure crafts and learning about local environmental issues. If
On the 22nd May this year (an Australian) Robin you would like to come and visit Our Chalet during the
Brown cycled up the Our Chalet hill. The staff and summer of 2012 please email info@ourchalet.ch for
volunteers were very impressed by this (for those of more details on availability.
you who have never visited the hill is quite steep!)
However for Robin this was just the first step of a long For up to date information on what is happening at Our
rd
journey, on the morning of the 23 May the real Chalet follow us on our Website, Twitter, Pinterest or
adventure started. Robin was tracing the route that his Facebook.
mother and friend (Freda Cole, Robin's mother and
Doris Rowberry) had cycled in 1939, from Our Chalet News at our Other World
to Bergen in Norway. Robin is raising money to
support the MDGs and Girl Guiding in the Asia Pacific
Centres
Region.
Olympic Fever Takes over Pax Lodge
Read all about Robin’s epic journey here
(http://billberryride.com/journals-part-2-1939-and- The spirit of the
2012/) Olympics aligns
perfectly with the
values and
15

16. September 2012
friendship of international Guiding and Scouting – and Site, organizers told nice stories about when they went
that is immensely evident at Pax Lodge. Our team and abroad as a Girl Scout. That experience inspired me
guests spend many hours in the OWL room watching and that is why I came here!
and rooting for their own teams as well as each others.
Many of our guests and some of our team have even Girl Scouting always brings me a new door to open.
managed to secure tickets to some events like fencing So I hope staying at Pax Lodge will show me
and archery. Each night at the dinner table we get to something new!
hear our friends’ exciting recounts of their day and flip
through the photos on the cameras. Everyone is An Australian Family Becomes Part of the Pax
excited for each other and eager to share. The Lodge Family
friendship a World Centre offers has never been as
obvious as it is now. Life in a World Centre is unique! We would like to
thank the Eldridge family from Australia (mum, dad
Even before the Olympics officially kicked off, our team and their two boys) for the laughter that they gave us
members were making plans to see the Olympic torch all during their two week stay.
as it made its way across the U.K. However, it wasn’t
until the day before the opening ceremony when the The entire family was always so cheerful, helpful and
torch came though Camden that many actually made engaging. The boys helped the volunteers clear the
those plans a reality. Our girls got up super early, dining room after dinner, did some s
painted their faces, donned their country flags like
super hero capes and walked down to Camden to shredding in the office and were always so
catch the 6:45 am beginning of the relay. And after the enthusiastic to partake in any activity.
flame was whisked away our team became an
attraction themselves. People wanted to take pictures On their final night at Pax Lodge, in addition to
with them – they even had an official photo taken by introducing and serving dinner, the boys also wrote us
the press and were interviewed for radio. On the way a new grace to add to our grace books. It was such a
back to Pax Lodge it hit them; this is it, the Olympics hit that following dinner the boys, two volunteers, one
are here and we couldn’t feel any more privileged or intern, one member of staff and two Canadian Guides
proud to be in London supporting our home teams and gathered in the guest kitchen to film a music video to
the teams of our friends. accompany the grace.
New Volunteer Follow the link to watch the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8buKCd9gfE4
Meet our new volunteer from the Asia Pacific Region:
Hello! My name is Tomomi Come and celebrate Sangam’s 46th Birthday!
Shiokawa from Tokyo,
Japan. I've been here at Join in the fun on World
Pax Lodge for one and half Sangam Day together
months as a Resident with staff and
Volunteer and will stay here volunteers on-site! Find
until the end of October. out the latest news
about the ten million
strong World
Association of Girl
I am in the middle way of my degree; art education for Guides and Girl Scouts, as we celebrate over one
hundred years of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting across
elementary school. I have finished third grade but I
the globe.
stopped studying since April 2011 for a working
holiday in Ireland last year and
volunteering here. These opportunities have given me Spots are available for small or large groups. For more
a lot of international experience which I would never details, contact ea@sangamworldcentre.org.
have been able to get while I was in Japan. So I am
For more event details click here:
really glad to stay here and share wonderful days with
everybody. http://www.sangamworldcentre.org/en/events/20454
My Girl Scouting life started when I was six years old Gifts for Change
and I have continued through Brownies, Juniors,
Come to Sangam and give the
Seniors and Rangers and became a Leader. At first, I
gift of yourself this holiday
was not interested in going abroad but when we had a
Young Leader Camp at Togakushi Girl Scout Camp season! Volunteer your time to
16