National Report September 2018

September is Jamboree month! How quickly the year rolls round.

Our Guides will now be counting down the nights until their big adventure begins. For many, if not most, it will be the furthest they have travelled away from their families. Which can lead to some initial nerves. This is where the strength of our Guiding family comes to the fore. New sisters in Guiding are to be found everywhere. Many of whom will remain friends for life.

A significant number of Leaders of youth (and other adult members) have volunteered to attend the Sydney Jamboree. This is certainly a testament not only to the quality of the offerings of this National gathering but also to the positive experiences many Leaders have had at prior events, both as a youth member themselves and as an adult volunteer. Whether working with a sub-camp or elsewhere on site, each Leader has an important role in ensuring that our Guides are happy, healthy, and safe. Please keep yourself happy, healthy, and safe too. Work hard when required, take full advantage of the downtime built into the schedule to recharge your own batteries, and make your own new friends.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the efforts of families and Guiding groups at home that support both youth members and adults in attending. Many groups fundraise significantly to allow Guides to attend. Support groups, District or Region Teams, Managers, and even Boards all play a part in making sure that their members get off to Jamboree appropriately equipped and ready for the week ahead.

My biggest thanks goes to the Convening Committee. Every part of the event has been carefully planned – and then planned again in some cases, when necessary changes have come their way. The Convening Committee is always the first to arrive and the last to go home. I thank each of you for your hard work and commitment. We definitely couldn’t do it without you.

Go well and safely.
Stay well and safely.

Yours in Guiding,

Kate Alcorso
Girl Guides Australia Board Director

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