‘She Can!’ theme and SGD-focused programmes empower girls to build a more sustainable world
Singapore, 1 June 2022 – More than 1000 girls and adult leaders from Singapore and 10 countries are joining Girl Guide Singapore’s (GGS) first-ever virtual International Camp. Held once every five years, GGS’ signature International Camp this year will run from 1 to 4 June. The last International Camp in 2017 celebrated GGS’ Centenary-100 Years of Guiding in Singapore.
Dr. Seetha Subbiah, Council President of GGS, said, “Amidst the pandemic the last two years, GGS remained fully committed to fulfilling our mission of empowering girls to reach their fullest potential, even as we continually adapted to changing demands. In planning for this year’s International Camp, we spared no effort in exploring new technologies to build a platform for hosting a fun and exciting camp, in a virtual space. We coupled this with hybrid physical activities to deliver a highly impactful camp experience. The determination of our Camp Organising Committee enabled GGS to achieve a historic milestone of running our first-ever virtual international camp for developing future generations of female leaders.“
President Halimah Yacob, who is also Patron of GGS, was Guest-of-Honor at the International Camp virtual opening ceremony on 1 June.
‘She Can!’: Equipping girls to build a sustainable world
The GGS International Camp 2022 theme – ‘She Can!’ – embodies GGS’ unwavering belief that girls can do anything. Its virtual camp platform will connect campers across Singapore and around the world with a comprehensive programme of dynamic livestreamed discussions and hands-on workshops. Pre-recorded sessions and online resources expand the girls’ horizons through exploring new interests and in-depth learning, at their own pace.
A major focus of the camp is on equipping girls to support three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – #3: Good Health and Well-Being, #5: Gender Equality, and #13: Climate Action – in order to create a more inclusive and sustainable world. Furthermore, campers can choose from a diverse range of training and development programmes, led by trainers with expertise covering important global issues. Wide-ranging topics include: environmental sustainability and climate change, mental health and gender equality.
Two critical support pillars for Girl Development
Even as Singapore has advanced considerably in the areas of empowering, uplifting, and protecting girls and women, GGS recognises that more needs to be done as society evolves, with critical support from two key constituents.
The first critical pillar of support for GGS, including its International Camps, are female leaders. A longstanding feature of the global Guiding Movement, members across different backgrounds and ages support instruction of programmes and mentorship younger campers. At International Camp 2022, the youngest participants are 9 years old and the oldest in their 80s.
In her speech, President Halimah commended the spirit of volunteerism as adult leaders play a critical role as role models who guide, shape and inspire youths in their developmental years. The strong intergenerational bonds also contribute to building a strong social fabric for Singapore and our world.
The second pillar of support for Guiding programmes are individual and corporate partners who recognise the importance of developing girls.
President Halimah said, “I urge everyone to give of their time and talents to guide and inspire our future generations. It is truly encouraging to see the inter-generational Guiding connections at this International Camp. These bonds of support will contribute to building a strong social fabric for Singapore and our world.”
GGS made two key announcements, in conjunction with International Camp 2022.
- Masonic Charitable Fund – Horsburgh Lodge Pledges $16,000 Support for Girl Members in MOE Financial Assistance Scheme
Masonic Charitable Fund – Horsburgh Lodge recently pledged a $16,000 donation to GGS. Specifically, the MCF is funding support of GGS girl members who are under the Ministry of Education Financial Assistance Scheme (MOE FAS) to enable them to benefit from the full Guiding experience .
…The second is the support of corporate partners who are willing to donate resources to support impactful Guiding programmes. Amongst them is the MASONIC CHARITABLE FUND – HORSBURGH LODGE GIFT, who recently pledged funding support for GGS members in the financial assistance scheme, to enable them to benefit from the full Guiding experience …
- Launch Baden-Powell Eco Challenge@ Camp Christine
GGS received generous support from individual and corporate sponsors to construct the Baden Powell (BP) Eco Challenge activity area at Camp Christine. President Halimah formally launched this “first-of-its-kind” water obstacle course in Singapore as part of the International Camp, reinforcing the Movement’s mission of developing girls holistically through outdoor adventures.
Facts & Figures of GGS International Camp 2022
Key highlights of GGS International Camp 2022 that will enable girls to develop practical 2l51 Century skills and competencies, as well as cultivate meaningful relationships with local and international participants, include:
- More than 1,500 campers, comprising 260 Brownies, 400 Guides, 30 young adults, 80 adult campers, including 10 Trefoil Guild members
- More than 90 Singapore schools are represented, making this truly national event
- More than 400 girls and leaders from 10 countries, including
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Cook Island
- India
- Malaysia
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- South Korea
- We are especially proud that our GGS representatives at the 2021 Global Youth Movement Summit were inspired to put into action what they learnt to help sister Guides in the region impacted by COVID. They secured funding support from the Global Youth Movement to fund the participation of 200 girls from 5 countries, namely Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cook Island, Nepal and Philippines at this camp. They are also sharing cheer and encouragement through care packs and we hope these are foundations that will lead to stronger Guiding bonds in years to come
- More than 20 exciting camp programmes and activities, along two specially curated tracks to meet the diverse needs of girl members and adult leaders
- 9 changemakers and visionaries share inspiring experiences and ideas relating to the SDGs
“Guiding provides equal opportunity for girls to develop knowledge, skills and competencies. Camps support authentic learning experiences outside the classroom, so that girls can exercise confidence, courage and creativity, as well as work collaboratively with others. Guiding prepares girls to rise above challenges, challenge limitations and pursue their aspirations to build a better world.” said Mrs. Koh-Teh Yi Wen, Chief Commissioner of GGS.
