Two years of planning pays off with successful Switzerland visit for girl guides

NEARLY 30 guides, rangers, and adult leaders from Girlguiding Minehead Division have returned from an alpine adventure in Adelboden, Switzerland, a trip which took two years to plan.

The group, made up of young people from Watchet, Williton, and Minehead, spent 10 days exploring the Swiss Alps, experiencing Swiss culture and traditions, challenging themselves, and building friendships.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to Our Chalet, one of the five world centres of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Built in 1932, Our Chalet has welcomed guides and girl scouts from around the world for generations.

The girls explored the historic centre, took part in a traditional pinning ceremony, and raised the flag before enjoying a picnic and taking part in crafts.

The group also visited Interlaken with its lake and mountain scenery, and travelled by cable car into the mountains where they learned about the craft of Swiss cheesemaking.

Another highlight was a visit to an adventure park high above a spectacular Swiss gorge.

After completing their training and safety checks, the girls tackled a series of challenges in the treetops, climbing, balancing, and flying through the trees.

A spokesperson said: “On their final day in Adelboden, the girls were given 10 Swiss francs and encouraged to independently choose their own lunch.

“While a simple activity, it gave them a valuable opportunity to practise budgeting, decision-making, and independence.

“After a final meal of lasagne and caramel cake, the group began the long journey home.

“As the coach finally arrived back in Watchet, parents and families gathered to welcome everybody home, bringing an emotional end to an adventure to remember.

“The trip provided learning experiences far beyond the activities themselves.

“The girls developed confidence, resilience, and independence while learning to navigate unfamiliar environments, use public transport, manage money, make decisions, and work together as a team.”

The leaders also praised the support received from the local community, without which the adventure would not have been possible.

The spokesperson said: “The trip was about far more than simply visiting Switzerland.

“It gave the girls the chance to try things they had never done before, face their fears, experience another culture, and create memories they will carry with them for many years to come.

“Special thanks go to BRS Shipbrokers, who sponsored the adventure park zip-lining day, Risdons Solicitors, who supported the Swiss Fondue Night, Verraton, who sponsored the final meal, and Watchet Community Bookshop, whose donation helped provide a varied menu.”

Thanks were also paid to local Freemasons who supported the group’s food shopping, Mr and Mrs Housden, who gave both time and money and prepared travel kits for the group, and the Saull-Hunt family, whose donation helped fund the boat trip to Interlaken.

There were also a number of anonymous individual donors whose generosity helped make the visit to Our Chalet and the special pinning ceremony possible.

More information on joining Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, or Rangers can be obtained by calling MarthaEichler on 07584037156 or emailing [email protected].