Don't forget your toothbrush!

All the prep, all the anticipation, I can't believe it's nearly here!


I have been packing and repacking, walking round with my dogs to get fitter and drinking loads of water in preparation for the heat.



So soon it will be farewell UK, Konnichiwa (こんにちは。) Japan!

My goal is reached!

Thanks to craft sales, cat sitting, folding what seems like 100s of cranes, generous donations from family and sponsorship from Bakewell & Calver District Guiding I have reached my fundraising target! 

I have to say I've really enjoyed the fundraising, particularly standing on the craft stalls and talking to people about the guide experience and what a Jamboree in Japan might be like. I was touched when some people gave me a donation and didn't even buy any craft.

It's made me aware of the effort of the guiding community to raise funds for many activities that young women can benefit from. I was happy to donate some of my Christmas money to a young guide in M&S bag packing, they were raising money for camping equipment.

The journey so far with my new unit has been amazing. Getting to know new people and learning new skills has been great. For practicing going to Tokyo we went on a fantastic trip to London. It was a great way to bond as a patrol and we met Paddington.  I'm so excited to be going to Japan!

Catching the waves with the Highflyers

Training weekend 4...we were instructed to bring swimming gear and plenty of towels as we were likely to get wet...at least twice! Oh yes - and don't forget a baby potato? 

We arrive, we carry all the food to a little boat, we board the boat and we were at camp. Camp was at theTrent Lock Scout Activity Centre. I'd not been there before so had no idea what to expect, apart from water.

The weekend included learning about Japanese culture, building and setting sail on a raft, kayaking and eating rice. The potato was for a for a challenge one of the leaders (George) came up with. We had to put it in our mouth and talk Danish.

We had to put up strange tents which was OK. 

We performed Jack and the Beanstalk. I played the 'main' part as the front of the cow, and a magic castle door. People laughed. We had a singsong in the traditional campfire way. In my humble opinion, the guides are way better at singing than the scouts! 

We got some top tips from Japanese cultural guide about going to the Jamboree: Take old clothes which we are happy to leave behind to make sure we can carry back souvenirs. She said to bring back unusual things like tea bowls that can be used for interactive presentations when we return.


All aboard for the homeward journey.

Training weekend...catching up with the unit

This weekend was training weekend with my Japan Unit the 'Highflyers'. I really enjoyed catching up with people. 

We were given a tube of smarties which I ate and a post it note on arrival. The post it note turned out to be for nothing but the smarties tube, we have to see who can collect the most smarties tubes with 20ps in! Chocolate and fundraising - what a good combination. Get in touch if you would like a tube of smarties!

Our first activity was patrol time which involved us deciding on a name for our patrol - our unit of 40, is divided up into 4 patrols - we came up with 'The Trolley Dollies' - not sure why!

We were given a present from our leader Ali of a small origami star and were given a chance of making one. I was hoping my crane folding would help but I didn't manage it. I did make a crane from the post it note though.

The year 11s spent quite a bit of time burning their revision notes on the bonfire! I managed to grab some helpful business studies notes before they met the flames!

Part of the weekend was training with the RAF  - they had us doing team building skills with our patrol. We learnt about communication, trust, team work and co-operation.

OK Paperclip time!

I have been given a paperclip to help raise funds. I have until September to trade it for bigger and better things, hopefully ending up with something more valuable to sell to contribute to my Jamboree fund. 

So the question is...anyone want to swap a paper clip with me? All offers considered!