ISGF Asia Pacific Gathering 2009

A report back from two Trefoil Guild members, Ella Kell (South Otago) and Helen Mitchell (South Canterbury) who attended  the International Scout and Guide Fellowship (ISGF) Asia Pacific Gathering 2009:

"This was held in Kaula Lumpur from 16-21 July 2009 at Selesa Resort, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malayasia.

The theme being "towards a better world". Most of the meetings held were informal and discused in English so was really easy to follow.

Ten countries were represented, Australia, Bangladesh, Holland, India, Japan, Malayasia, Meldives, New Zealand, Pakistan and Tunisia. The biggest group coming from Malayasia.

Accommodation was at the Resort plus many of the meals.

Trips out and about KL were well organised and included visits to  the Guide and Scout centres. Both buildings were multi stories and well equipped. At the Scout centre each country planted a "cinnamon" tree. One visit was to the Batu Caves where quite a number of the group climbed the 254 steps to view the major cave. Small monkeys were running round the court yard and were quite inquisitive.

Some free time was allowed on the Saturday evening before going to The Fellowship Banquet which was a Chinese meal of approx 7 courses. Entertainment was provided by the Malaysian women, a soloist and a three piece band/singers plus Radah Krishnan who was the main MC for most of the weekend.

It was agreed  that a new committee be formed and Bangladesh volunteered to attempt to host the next Gathering in 2012. Representives should be notified about this event about the end of August 2009."

For more information about the event visits the official ISFG website.