Welcome back to the 2nd edition of Laura’s GOLD blog.
This time, we’ll be talking all things Go! For GOLD. As some of you may know,
Go! For GOLD is the selection weekend, which narrows down further the possible applicants for that year’s cohort. Mine took place in Bristol, on the first weekend of October 2022.
Each Go! For GOLD weekend takes place in the autumn, with the projects themselves following in the next year. I turned up at Bristol Temple Meads station, completely unknowing of what to expect. Then, a short drive in a minibus later, with several other GOLD selectees, we arrived at a Scout park in the woods.
Now I can’t reveal too much about the weekend itself, as we’re sworn to secrecy, but let’s just say, there’s a lot of socialising, team-building, and problem-solving, and let’s not forget the element of surprise!
The weekend was action-packed, adventurous, and awe-inspiring. The GOLD co-ordination team took such good care of us all, both physically and mentally, and I would wholeheartedly recommend GOLD to anyone looking to take their Guiding international, or to challenge themselves with their Guiding adventures!
Many GOLDies will go on to participate in other international adventures, or to
undertake the Queen’s Guide Award, and every previous GOLD team member
I’ve spoken to has praised the programme, and the many memorable moments it gave them.
We’re back with Holly, whose Go! For GOLD weekend was held in Yorkshire in
2018. She remembers it fondly:
“I had so much fun! It was an action-packed weekend, trying new activities. I
got to reconnect with old guiding friends I hadn’t seen in years, and also make
lots of new friends. The highlight for me was the food we ate. Even if I hadn't
been selected for a project, I came away having had such a blast!”
But don’t just take our word for it, why don’t you see for yourselves? Applications are now open for GOLD 2024, but hurry, as they will close on the 4th June. Successful applicants can be supported by several grants/bursaries, so don’t let this hold you back! It would be amazing to see Cornwall’s next generation of women take on their Guiding international challenge!
So, what are you waiting for? Complete their short online application form
today!
You can apply here!