International Guiding centres to visit

The World Association of GirlGuiding and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) has four World Centres which welcome GirlGuiding and Girl Scout members from around the world.

Each centre offers opportunities for international friendship and education and the chance to learn about WAGGGS. All current members of GirlGuiding New Zealand are welcome to stay at the World Centres, either to attend an event or just to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. The four centres:

• Sangam – Pune, India (www.sangamworldcentre.org)
• Pax Lodge – London, England (www.paxlodge.org)
• Our Cabana – Cuernavaca, Mexico (www.ourcabana.org)
• Our Chalet – Adelboden, Switzerland (www.ourchalet.ch)

Sangam – India (Asia Pacific region)

Sangam's birthday / World Sangam Day

The aim of World Sangam Day is to promote knowledge of Sangam around the World, as there are many Girl Guides/Girl Scouts and leaders around the world who have never heard of Sangam. There are also many who know that Sangam is the Indian World Centre, but don't really understand what that means.

Sangam Staff, Volunteers and Friends of Sangam have created an activity pack that we hope will:

• promote an understanding and appreciation of Indian culture;
• interest all members in visiting Sangam as an event participant, seminar participant or independent guest; and
• encourage adult members, particularly young women, to apply to be a Sangam volunteer, or to take part in Sangam's Community Volunteer Programme.
  

Send your birthday greetings, photos or stories you would like to share during our celebration to info@sangamworldcentre.org

Help us to celebrate Sangam's Birthday and World Sangam Day.

Are you travelling to India or thinking about it? Don’t forget Sangam. The Sangam World Centre is located in the city of Pune which is in the state of Maharashtra. Pune is about 190 kilometres (120 miles) from Mumbai (formerly Bombay) on the west side of the country. The centre is located about 20 minutes by rickshaw from the Pune airport, bus or train station.

Because Sangam is in the Asia Pacific region, New Zealand members identify more with this World Centre and support it as much as possible.

International events are scheduled from July to the following March. Event topics vary, but all emphasise:

• cultural sharing
• common links in GirlGuiding and Girl Scouting
• the rich cultural heritage of India
  

Special events are also organised for groups of ten or more who request their own “tailor made” event. Space permitting, accommodation is available for current GirlGuiding members (and people travelling with them) to stay for a few days while travelling in India.

For further information, visit the Sangam website www.sangamworldcentre.org. The email address is info@sangamworldcentre.org

English is the working language for both correspondence and events.

Friends of Sangam NZ

Friends of Sangam New Zealand (FOS NZ) was formed in 2008 and is a member of Friends of Sangam International (FOSI). FOS NZ is 'committed to increasing interest, participation and enthusiasm for Sangam through promotion and attendance at events, and fundraising’. Any person or group can join FOS NZ and be instrumental in supporting this WAGGGS World Centre in the Asia Pacific Region. See FOS NZ for more information.

Pax Lodge – London, England (Europe region)

If you are looking for accommodation when visiting London, don’t forget Pax Lodge. It is situated in Hampstead, North London, 20 minutes by underground from the West End.The red star in the map below shows where Pax Lodge is located.

Pax Lodge is set in the grounds of the Olave Centre which includes the World Bureau. They welcome individuals and small groups all year round and their calendar of sessions from 2002-2004 can be found on the Pax Lodge website www.paxlodge.org. Information about bookings is also available on this site.

Pax Lodge has a number of exciting events coming up over the next few months!

If you are interested in any of the following, please follow the links to get more information and application forms from our website.

Changing Lives Seminar

2-8 December 2010
In this seminar participants will look at the WAGGGS Global Action Themes, explore several of the Millennium Development Goals and gain an international perspective on how these issues affect individuals, communities and our world. These trainings are ideal for Senior Section members or leaders of Brownies, Guides or Senior Section.

Join us for the whole week or individual sessions.

Winter Celebrations around the World

15-19 December 2010
Enjoy a week of activities at Pax Lodge and in London! Celebrate festivals and events that take place around the world. See the lights on Oxford Street and the festive window displays at London's department stores. Come by yourself, with your family or a group and make new friends while exploring the city and experiencing the international element of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting. This is a 5 day event.

New Years in London

29 December 2010 - 2 January 2011
Spend a few amazing days around London and Pax Lodge celebrating the season. The New Years event is open to individuals, families and groups. Activities will include:

• Welcome international night with songs and activities from all over the world
• Winter wonderland carnival at Hyde Park
• Visits to museums and festive shopping
• Ice skating at Somerset House
• Evensong service at Westminster Abbey
• New Years Parade
• Adventurous challenge for you around London
• And of course the fantastic fireworks on New Year's!

You can join us for the full event, or just the activities that appeal to you.

If you have queries regarding the events or would like to register, please email programme@paxlodge.org.

Our Chalet – Adelboden, Switzerland (Europe region)

Our Chalet is a very popular World Centre chalet with stunning views of beautiful mountains. In summer guests are able to walk or hike about the area or try mountain biking, rock climbing or even adventure sports. Adelboden is a very popular ski resort. There is snow boarding, ice skating, sledging and curling to try in winter.

Adelboden is a small town at the end of a valley in the Swiss Alps and just 30 minutes from Interlaken and less than an hour from the Swiss capital, Bern.

Our Chalet is open for groups, individuals and families. To check their official 2002 and 2003 programmes, check their website www.ourchalet.ch Information about bookings is available on this website.

Our Cabaña – Cuernavaca, Mexico (Western Hemisphere region)

Our Cabaña, the largest of the four world centres, is located 47 miles from Mexico City and two miles from the city of Cuernavaca (1 million population).

Our Cabaña offers both youth (13-18 years) and adult programmes to WAGGGS members. Adult sessions usually focus on given themes, Mexican festivals or special events. Youth sessions are intended to encourage international friendship and team building.

All members of WAGGGS are welcome to spend a few days visiting Our Cabaña when space is available. Visit their website, www.ourcabana.org for more information and to make a booking.