Girls from Clogherhead and Drogheda were among 120 Girl Guides aged 10 and over who, along with their Leaders, enjoyed a long weekend of camping at Kingscourt from 5th-8th July

Lessons learned over the weekend included coping with living in close proximity in tents, the challenges of heavy rainfall and at times intense hot sunshine. All this without the comforts of home and having to be self-determined and independent from their families.

An Olympic themed camp took place in Monaghan Scout Centre in Kingscourt, with an Opening Ceremony Parade which included a ‘Flame’ filled Torch made up of handshapes cut out of paper by each camper.

The closing ceremony celebrated the can-do attitude that had been shown for the whole weekend. Guiding provides a safe space for girls of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to grow in confidence, where there is a real sense of belonging, friendship, and fun.

Camp Torch offered a variety of learning stations from camp cooking, practicing knots , making catapults, boat building using natural materials, Olympic themed games and craft and a session on Global Citizenship Education whereby the Guides learned about Para-Olympians and completed the Disability Awareness badge.

The girls also enjoyed a hike to Dun na Ri Forest, with an ice cream treat for the walk back, a campfire, quiz, bingo, and disco, with rock the boat, always a favourite!

Irish Girl Guides provides girls aged 5+ with a professional standard of youth work, run solely by Volunteer Leaders who are trained in many skills including the running of a safe and successful camp.

This event was divided into three sub camps, Paris, Tokyo, and Rio, working together as part of Camp Torch. The three Camp Organisers were assessed and all passed with flying colours, well done to them and the Medical Officer on one camp, who also passed.

To find out more about Guiding or to get involved check out  www.irishgirlguides.ie

Irish Girl Guides has 10,000 members across Ireland. Guiding started in Ireland in 1911 and operates throughout the 26 counties with 1,600 volunteer Leaders providing an informal educational programme of fun and challenging activities that foster confidence and leadership skills in girls and young women, enabling them to develop to their full potential and to become responsible citizens.