Over 1000 girls came together from Australia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, Malaysia, the Phillippines, Singapore and Japan for the 2018 Jamboree. 

The participants were aged between 10 and 17-years-old and participated in a number of onsite activities at the Newington Armory, in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct.

”Girls were treated to a wide range of onsite activities including STEM to Aboriginal culture, international guiding and convict history,” Camden Haven Girl Guide unit leader Sally Woodhouse said.

“Women focused organisations joined the Jamboree fun to emphasis the diversity of women’s opportunities.”

Other highlights of the week, Sally said, included exploring Sydney and completing an amazing race challenge to teach life skills and create new adventures.

Many of the girls travelled on public transport for the first time. 

Sally said camp highlights from participants included ‘riding on the train and going on a ferry’.

The girls also enjoyed many of the offsite adventures and expeditions. 

”They were able to challenge themselves and experience activities they were excited to do,” Sally said. 

“These included canyoning, caving, hiking, whitewater rafting and exploring Blue Mountains Scenic World.”

Sally said Girl Guides offers young women the opportunity to develop new connections and relationships.

“It also builds their confidence, resilience and challenges them through a variety of activities and programs,” she said. 

Guides offers girls an organisation where they are safe to be themselves, without judgement or criticism.

One participant said ‘at school, everyone is hassled to look the same and like the same things’.

“None of that matters when I am at guides,” she said, 

“I can be me.” 

Camden Haven Girl Guides meet on a Thursday afternoon at Laurieton Scout Hall.

For more information about Camden Haven Girl Guides, please call Kim Woodhouse on 0427645145 or camdenhavengirlguides@gmail.com