16th Girl Scouts of Korea Int’l Camp
Davao Girl Scouts recently joined the 16th Girl Scouts of Korea International Camp held in Dangnam-Ri, Yeoju, South Korea.
Proudly representing our region were Jian Mikaela Lasala, Danielle Valencia, Natalia Claudia Uy, Laureen Jade Arot, Mary Therese Atienza, Anna Jedidiah Roque, Jedelle Falcon, Patricia Callao, Jessa Marie Canaynay, Karen Lantajo, Cherry Ann Torres, Anicka Beatriz Teves and their adult leader Mitchelle SayconDinglasa.
Aside from the Davao delegates, other dynamic scouts and adult leaders from the Girl Scouts of the Philippines’ (GSP) councils came from Pasay City, Batangas, Cavite, Iriga City, Zamboanga, Camarines and Ilocos. Their 62-strong Philippine delegation made them the biggest foreign group participating in the said international camp.
Held every two years, the much-anticipated event, with the theme “Act! Connect! Empower!”, gathered around 7,000 Girl Guides/ Girl Scouts and non-member youths from Korea, with 300 overseas guests from member organizations of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) for six nights and seven days.
The well-attended Korea camp aimed to provide Girl Scouts/Guides and Scouts with opportunities to “radiate their youthfulness by participating in a variety of activities which meet their needs; to foster an appreciation for nature and responsibility for nature conservation through camping in nature; to enhance world citizenship by interacting with participants who have diverse backgrounds; and sharing international friendship and caring for each other through camping life”.
In line with the camp’s objectives, the organizers creatively prepared daily course activities such as “Adventure Challenge Valley; Fire Safety Experience; Theme Park on the Water; Traditional Korean Paper Making”; as well as unforgettable things-to-do like the “Military Experience, Temple Stay and Yeoju Museum Tour”. In addition, the overseas delegates staged international exhibitions to promote their country and culture to fellow scouts.
Delectable cooked Korean meals were served throughout the week-long event for the scouts to fully enjoy the camp and allow them to have spare time.
Completing the scouts’ ultimate Korean experience were the heart-stopping performances of famous K-Pop stars Highlight, Astro, B.I.G., April, The King, among others during the spectacular Opening Ceremony and International Night.
After the camp, selected delegates participated in a homestay program with their respective Korean host families while the others explored tourist spots in Seoul for two days.
Truly, the Davao Girl Scouts will forever cherish this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which gave them a beautiful glimpse of the Koreans’ warm hospitality
and the memorable chance to meet new friends from all over the world.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.