An old American saying declares that there are two things you can give your children; One is roots, the other is wings. Give them roots to keep them grounded through tough times. Give them wings to soar above everything, explore new worlds and fly farther than we ever did.

During their summer camp in Ghajn Tuffieha, this is exactly what a group of 55 girls and young women from the Qawra Girl Guides tried to achieve. The camp combined the movement’s founder, Lord Baden Powell’s original ideas with the challenges WAGGGS (World Association for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) is presenting them with today, that is, taking action with regards to the MDGs (Millenium Development Goals).

In one of the sessions, the girls learned to use solar power to cook instead of the traditional ‘wood burning’ cook out. The girls not only cooked their own meal, but also learned how solar cooking is revolutionising the way cooking is done in many third world countries expecially in refugee camps. The system enables women and children to remain in the safetly of their camp rather then travel for hours to find fire wood where they face the risk of violence and abuse. It even enables these same people to use their time in a more productive way such as taking care of their children, learning a new skill or producing something to earn an income. Furthermore, solar cooking is not only beneficial to the well-being of refugee women and children, but it is also a means of reducing deforestation. This all links up to the MDGs which focus on improving the status of women and on sustainable development. The girls also participated in a number of workshops related to all eight MDGs.

Traditional guiding activites also took place. Within four days, the girls managed to go swimming, participate in a camp fire, paint their own individual T-shirt, make gadgets and go rafting. They also had an extremely interesting session lead by the Malta Astronomical Society. The guides learned how to spot Ursa Major, the North star and also observed a double star through the telescope among other things.

Probably the camp’s highlight was a session of rambling along the Ghajn Tuffieha cliffs. The girls loved the thrill of finding a passage way, facing their fear of heights, spotting a wild rabbit, scrambling over rocks and finally the sense of achievement at the end of it all.

The Girl Guide Association is open to girls, regardless of ability, religion or race. Should anyone require further information or wish to join us, please visit www.maltagirlguides.com or call on 9945 2602.

Marializa Scicluna

Qawra Girl Guides