We’ll hear more from Anya & Frankie next month, as they’ve only just got back from their travels. Anya has been at Camp America, bringing her enthusiasm and leadership to young people. Meanwhile, Frankie has been in Madagascar volunteering with SEED, the charity she first connected with on a region international trip back in 2023. It’s been amazing to see her return to a project that meant so much to her. They have both been living guiding values this month.
Now that both are back from their travels, we can’t wait for them to get stuck into their Assistant Chief Commissioner roles and bring all that fresh experience and inspiration into the region team.
Here’s what your Chiefs have been up to this month — in their own words.
Rona’s August
It’s been a quieter month in terms of being together, but still full of important Girlguiding work behind the scenes.
I’ve continued with my monthly international meetings with Becky and Lisa our International Advisers and my weekly catch ups with Kelly, our Executive Manager, keeping everything aligned while the Chief team has been scattered across the globe. I joined the HQ policies and procedures meeting, which always brings useful clarity. I’ve also been spending some time this month working closely with a few parents to help resolve concerns and support positive outcomes. Thank you to everyone involved for approaching these conversations with openness and care. I also took part in the Chiefs Country and Regions call — a good chance to stay connected with my counter parts from across the UK and updated on national priorities.
Tracey’s August
August has been unforgettable — our long awaited region ICE (International Community Experience) trip, that I led on to Gibraltar finally happened! It’s been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but so worth it!
We stayed at Rock Lodge and had the most incredible time. The girls and leaders embraced every moment, and we fitted in so much during our week away: meeting the famous monkeys, exploring the caves, dolphin watching, and enjoying the sunshine. It was wonderful to reconnect with members in Gibraltar and to take part in our social action project in partnership with Nautilus on a Beach Clean whilst we were there. I’d encourage you all to look out for the international opportunities for 2028, which you’ll be hearing about soon!
Back home, I’ve also been planning Adventures… in the City, which is shaping up to be a brilliant event full of energy, exploration, and opportunities for our members, I hope you are planning to join us along with Priscilla the pigeon!
Wrapping Up
August has been a month of adventure, international guiding, and keeping things steady while the team have been overseas. Whether it’s dolphins, monkeys, lemurs or children, policy meetings, or volunteering on the other side of the world, it’s been guiding at its most varied.
It’s also been great to see so many of you having your own residentials and international adventures over the summer.
We’re looking forward to being back together in September — and to everything the autumn term will bring across Girlguiding North West England.
