The camp logo symbolizes the SGD goals for Girl Scouts and the Girl Scout movement’s worldwide impact, fostering cross-cultural exchange and leadership development among young women
In a society where females are looked under-worthy, the Sri Lanka Girl Guide Association (SLGGA) empowers young women through educational and leadership programmes. TheInternational Camps stand as a testament to this legacy; serving as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, skill-building, and the nurturing of international friendships among Girl Guides from diverse backgrounds. “For 107 years, International Camps have been a cherished tradition within our guiding community, offering children enriching experiences and unforgettable memories. With the introduction of our new camp logo, we eagerly anticipate embarking on a fresh chapter in our illustrious history, poised to enhance the camping experience even further,” said the International Commissioner and Camp Commandant Nadeeka Gunasekara.
The SLGGA announced that an international camp will be held at
Ibbagamuwa Central College, Kurunagala. The goal of the camp is to
foster global unity and empower young girls and women with invaluable
skills and experiences. SLGGA announced that the International Camp to
be held is titled ‘Ceylona 2024’. The main highlight of the event to be
launched is the unveiling of the camp’s logo. Crafted to mirror the
varied backgrounds and dreams of the Girl Guides taking part, the logo
stands as a symbol of motivation for everyone engaged in the endeavour.
According to Gunasekara the camp is scheduled to take place from August
18 to 23
Moreover, a description of the logo, according to Gunasekara, signifies
many aspects. She explained that the branches carried by the elephant
have 17 leaves which symbolizes the sustainable development goals (SDGs)
of the SLGGA and the country’s unique identity and commitment to global
cooperation. The globe symbolises the Girl Scouts and the Girl Scout
movement’s worldwide impact, fostering cross-cultural exchange and
leadership development among young women. In essence, the logo embodies
diversity, empowerment, and collective action, serving as a powerful
reminder of our shared responsibility to work towards a brighter, more
sustainable future. SDGs are a set of universal goals that meet the
urgent
environmental, political, and economic challenges facing our world.
“Activities related to life on land and life on water are done in
collaboration with the United Nations (UN) at the campsite. Activities
at the campsite, which will be conducted in collaboration with the UN,
emphasise environmental stewardship and sustainable development,” said
Gunasekara.
The scheduled International Camp is poised to offer a plethora of
enriching activities and experiences. From outdoor adventures to
leadership workshops, the camp aims to provide a holistic learning
environment where participants can develop essential life skills while
forging lifelong friendships.
The SLGGA has water and adventure activities which give courage to the
Girl Guides to make decisions wisely and strategies to manage their
timing. It was explained that the guides are given 20 minutes for a
specific task and they have to somehow finish these activities within
the provided time slot; which helps develop time management skills.
“The YUNGA Challenge Badges aim to raise awareness and motivate
individuals to become proactive agents of change within their local
communities. Another challenge is the Tide Turners Plastic Challenge
aims at putting youth at the center of its talking plastic pollution,
whilst encouraging them to believe that they can make a difference in
the world,” were two challenges explained by Gunasekara. Moreover, she
explained that the challenge will develop leadership skills and enable
young people to make an impact on issues that matter, and also help in
cutting back on the use of single-use plastic (use of plastic only once)
to recycling more effectively and finding sustainable alternatives to
plastics and plastic pollution. The challenges are organised into three
levels; Entry Level, Leader Level and Champion Level. They are certified
by the World Association curriculum.
“The registration fee for butterflies (Grade 5-7 years) and little
friends (Grade 7-12) is Rs.1500 and for Girl Guides the fee is Rs.3000
(The registration fee will include the Camp patch, Activity patches, ID
card, certificate, a water bottle as a souvenir, Activity book and Camp
book). The registration fee for the Camp Service Team is Rs.3000
(Registration fee will include the camp patch, ID card, certificate, and
a water bottle as a Souvenir). Gunasekara proposed a solution for
sponsors to decrease the fee. Sri Lankan girl guiding is based on the
Sri Lankan Education Ministry, whereas this is operated at school
levels. There is an activity called networking. It’s a process where the
guides collaborate with the International guides and share their
cultural differences. She pointed out that Sri Lankan Girl guides will
be treated differently therefore they will get adapted to the new
surroundings.
“Moreover, when Girl Guides are given riddles during hikes. The main
objective of sending guides is to explore the surroundings. The new camp
patch will be given only after the necessary steps are completed”
explained Gunasekara. Answering a question on the lack of communication
fluency in Sri Lankan girl guides, Gunasekara said that there are always
low fluency guides among the fluent guides during the International
camp tours. Therefore, they can improve their fluency when
communicating.
“The camp will also host distinguished guests, including the Chairperson
of the Asia Pacific Regional Committee, and a representative from the
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) World Board,
Ms. Chempaka Emalin Pahamin. Their presence underscores the
international significance of the event and the commitment to empowering
young women worldwide,” said Gunasekara.






Gunesekara explained that the camp aims to Provide opportunities for the
Girl Guides to gain experience while participating in different types
of activities that fulfill the educational objectives and to be able to
develop follow-up initiatives or projects that empower participants to
apply the knowledge and skills gained during the camp to their
communities, contributing to positive change on a local and global
scale. She added that, as anticipation mounts for this landmark event,
the SLGGA reaffirms its commitment to empowering young women and
fostering the development of future leaders. During the International Camp, participants will not only forge cherished memories, but also embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
by Pinidi Attanayaka
https://www.dailymirror.lk