Mosta Girl Guides at Essex International Jamboree 2024
The Mosta Girl Guides embarked on an unforgettable journey to the United Kingdom this summer, where 33 participants including 11 adult volunteers, proudly represented Malta at the Essex International Jamboree 2024 (EIJ 2024).
The international event, themed a Celebration of Girl Guiding and Scouting, and held in Chelmsford between 27th July and 7th August 2024, offered the girls a chance to engage in diverse activities, form new friendships, and immerse themselves in an international cultural exchange. The jamboree was an action-packed week that provided the girls with opportunities to try new experiences and develop new skills. They participated in activities like cycling, archery, shooting, abseiling, and high ropes, many of which were new to them. Each task was approached with enthusiasm, with the girls determined to make the most of the experience. The campsite was organised into different zones, each offering unique activities. In the Tech Lab, the girls engaged in creative problem-solving, while the Enterprise zone allowed them to practice entrepreneurship by making and selling sweets. The Wet and Wild zone was all about water-based fun, including canoeing and inflatables.
The girls also enjoyed a taste of traditional English culture with activities like bell ringing and cricket, and they were thrilled at the Motion zone’s bumper cars. A particular highlight was “It’s a Knockout,” a zone featuring fun and competitive challenges requiring teamwork and agility. The girls also tested their aim in the On Target zone, trying archery, plate shooting, and even axe throwing. The experience was as much about physical challenges as it was about building lifelong friendships. Through team-building activities, the girls connected with guides from around the world, transcending language and cultural barriers. Camping skills were a crucial part of the adventure. The girls, well-prepared in Malta, not only pitched their own tents but also helped set up kitchen, store, and dining tents. They displayed their competence in knots and lashings, working alongside UK Girl Guides to construct a sturdy and visually appealing gate for their sub-camp entitled Seine. The themed decorations, inspired by Paris’s River Seine, featured Eiffel Tower replicas and Monet-inspired water lilies, adding a creative touch to their camp. Evenings were filled with themed events like the Barn Dance, French Waiters Night, and Neon Night, allowing the girls to relax and enjoy themselves. A memorable campfire evening brought everyone together for storytelling, songs, and camaraderie. The EIJ’s Got Talent show provided a platform for the Mosta Girl Guides to showcase their creativity, earning them applause and admiration. One of the most significant moments was the International Night, where the Mosta Girl Guides proudly represented Malta, sharing their culture, folklore, food, and beverages with their international peers. The Maltese contingent, made of the Mosta Girl Guides and the Fgura Scout Group, performed Maltese songs on the main stage, captivating the audience, whilst encouraging them to dance and sing along.
After the Jamboree, the adventure continued in London. The girls explored iconic sights such as Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. They enjoyed a Thames River cruise, watched the musical, Mamma Mia!, and visited Pax Lodge, one of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) world centers. A day at Chessington World of Adventures, with its thrilling rides and safari experiences, was another unforgettable highlight.
The trip concluded with the Mosta Girl Guides hosting a group of 15 Girl Guides from Buckinghamshire, in Malta, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cultural exchange. This journey was more than just an adventure; it was an opportunity for the girls to grow, learn, and proudly represent their country on an international stage, creating lifelong memories and friendships that will continue to enrich their Guiding journey.
