A Girl Guides Trip to Kingswood Staffordshire

Dating back to 1909, the Girlguiding movement was created to encourage girls to take part in activities, such as canoeing and orienteering, so their adventure packed day at Kingswood perfectly fit the brief.

The day was also a way of introducing a number of guides who had recently been selected from across the Midlands to take part in an overseas fundraising visit. A preliminary meeting was a fantastic opportunity for Guides to meet face to face for the first time ahead of their important trip later in the year. From morning to afternoon, the group worked together on activities that enabled them to bond as a team and grow individually, with challenges designed to develop resilience, communication and critical thinking skills.

Here’s what they got up to…

Low ropes

A fantastic activity that encourages participants to cooperate as a team and build confidence together. The Girl Guides navigated their way through a purpose-built low ropes course, under a series of brides only a metre from the ground with poles and ropes. Working in teams of three or four, with one or two 'spotters', they moved around the course tackling the challenges along the way.

Abseiling

Slowly stepping back over the edge of the large abseiling tower at Staffordshire is a challenge, but by adding blindfolds Girl Guides had to rely on guidance from their team mates on the ground, and their own instincts, to navigate down. Their efforts were rewarded with congratulatory applause at the end, and a great sense of achievement.

Obstacle course

Problem solving tasks were given to complete our challenge course which involved sharing ideas and experiences, to work together, build trust and communication. Obstacles were adapted to a progressive level of challenge to keep the Girl Guide teams engaged.

Zipwire

Flying through the air on a zipwire is great fun, but it is also an activity that requires confidence and determination when stepping off the platform. Zipwire gives young people the chance to experience the perception of taking risks. A great activity all round for fostering group spirit and bonding.

Archery

With bows and arrows matching the strength, size and age of each individual, flexible target ranges were set up, with our trained Instructors concentrating on developing the Girl Guide’s techniques. Arm braces were also used for extra safety and support. A few bullseyes were scored to rapturous applause and smiles all round.

Fencing

Still smiling through their fencing masks, the Girl Guides gave fencing a go with some friendly competition. Dressed in protective clothing, they learned the basic principles of attack and defence, including the en-garde stance and the lunge. Once they mastered the basics, they combined these tactics and created their strategy. A brilliant activity that combines strength, control, balance, and tactical awareness.

Leaders joined in too!

Ben Ireson, National Youth & Partnerships Manager, Kingswood, said:

“A brilliant day was had by all. It was great to see the Girl Guide leaders getting involved in the activities, which really added to the overall team bonding experience. Coming to Kingswood ahead of an overseas trip is a wonderful opportunity to break the ice and nurture friendships, it also overcomes any apprehension around a longer trip away from home with new people. Our instructors commented on how much the group got out of their Kingswood experience in terms of building confidence and bonding as a team. Whether they wanted to have a go or not, coaches supported them with our challenge by choice encouragement throughout their day.”

Uniform Group Takeover Weekends

Inspired to visit Kingswood with your group? Bring your group to a Uniform Group Takeover Weekend, taking place over two weekends and across 10 activity centres this September. Geared towards uniform groups and badge acquisition, with lots of opportunities for networking, our uniform group weekends are not to be missed!

Find out more, here

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