For many, a trip to England would include enjoying a cup of tea and crumpets in the heart of Hyde Park, or maybe a tour of the crown jewels.

But for a quartet of Blue Forest Girl Guides, a prospective journey across the pond would put their adaptability and resourcefulness to the test.

Hosting a Mad Hatter’s Mother’s Day tea party on May 9, Rangers Abigail Imrie (15), Shayla Morrison (15), Kunashe Nyika (16) and Chenel Vorster (15) kick-started their fundraising efforts to ensure their passports are stamped in June next year as they set off on a 10-day exploration of the roots of Guiding.

Shy, soft spoken and reserved, these girls were enrolled into the Girl Guides as a means of coaxing them out of their shells.

The results are a testament to a 116-year-old movement that fosters formidable young women.

Donning their ‘mad’ hats, the foursome blossom as they recap their seven-year journey from Teddies to attaining Ranger status, the highest accolade within the movement.

“What started as an extramural soon became a space where I was taught new skills, encouraged to use my voice and where hard work is celebrated,” said Abigail.

“Not forgetting the lifelong friendships we built among the towering blue gums,” chimes Shayla, instinctively completing her friend’s sentence.

Speaking of the opportunity of travelling beyond South African borders, Kunashe said the experience will not only allow them to visit the famous Pax Lodge – one of five World Centres of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), located in Hampstead, London – but will also see the troop participating in various challenges, adding a healthy dose of competition to the trip.

“This lodge is the birthplace of a movement that has shaped us in confidence, resilience and contributing to Rangers,” she said.

“Many guides will move through the ranks, but very few will ever have the opportunity to set foot in the place where it all began.

“Of all the adventures and activities planned for the trip, the highlight will definitely be visiting the lodge.”

Of their seven years of earning badges and committing to community outreach projects, Shayla said the skills they have acquired will not only bode well for them on foreign soil but also shape the future adults they strive to become.

“Guides is about girls supporting girls. Although we have been taught invaluable survival skills, the most important facet of the movement is about identifying your strengths, working to overcome your weaknesses and being true to yourself, your values and ambitions,” she said.

“The trip to England will aid us in further cementing our friendship and building intercontinental bonds while creating everlasting memories.”

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With hopes of securing the necessary funding to embark on their journey, Chanel Vorster said that, as Girl Guides should, the troop has already started making a list of the essentials that would accompany them.

“Before anything is packed, a first aid kit takes priority,” she said with resolute conviction.

“Then I suppose other items will include a camera, journal and sensible shoes.”

Meeting with the hosts of the fundraising event, Mrs SA Top 10 Finalist Meg Harvey, gushed over the girls’ ambitions.

“Women need a hat stand to accommodate the various roles they fulfil in society, while still trying to discover themselves,” said Meg.

“These young women, however, seem to have it all figured out. It is evident that the Girl Guides not only impart practical knowledge but also provide a space for self-awareness.

“This is what the modern woman needs: a movement that empowers young girls.”

To assist these Rangers in their quest to conquer England, a BackaBuddy campaign has been established as a fundraising tool.

Anyone willing to assist can go to https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/benoni-girl-guide-rangers-look-wide-can-you-help

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