First Briefing

A couple of weeks ago Team Guyana GOLD 2013 came together with all of the other 2013 GOLDies at first briefing. We travelled from the around the country to meet up for the first time since INTOPS (the selection weekend for GOLD; find out more at http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/seniorsection/whatcanido/international/intops.html )

I think it is safe to say that we were all pretty nervous! However, nerves were quickly lost when we sat down and had a really yummy meal together prepared by two ex Guyana GOLDies (because obviously Guyana is the best project country!!). Jess told us that Clare was ill and would not be joining us until Saturday morning :( , so we had to eat her dinner too- tough times :D Then it was on to an evening full of ice breaker games to bond as a team. The highlight was Rebecca attempting to mime "Girlguiding CHQ" and "Brownies" whilst being under a duvet!!! She was successful (although "VERY HOT") and team Guyana came second overall- pretty good for a team with one man down. It was a great evening- I have not laughed that hard in a long time!!!! (Sorry for the lack of photos- note to self, always have camera near by.)

After a fairly good nights sleep we were ready to learn lots and lots and lots about GOLD and Guyana. But before that, we were fairly pre-occupied with welcoming Clare, who must have been up very early in the morning to get to Tolmers for breakfast- we were all seriously impressed with her efforts! We had a full  team and could not wait to begin our GOLD journey together :D.

We spent all day Saturday doing various sessions, from how to look after our lovely leader Jess, to fundraising and PR advice. We took on a lot of information, but this was interspersed with some really fun energisers outside in the snow and sweets provided by Jess and Amelia! I quickly learnt that note taking and "to-do" lists are a must for GOLD. I even had "to-do" list envy with Deborah- hers were just incredible! Jess had this sorted though and gave us lovely note books, post-its and a folder to keep everything organised- mine had pink ladybirds on it :)

Hard at work planning.

We also had lots of group time where we discussed team roles, kit and uniform, project dates, badges and a challenge pack (more on all of these very exciting things in future blog posts- keep a look out!!!!).

After a very busy day we were all summoned to our team rooms and left in them for what felt like an absolute age whilst the GOLD team leaders were preparing for our evening's entertainment. And oh my goodness, it was very entertaining! The theme- 150 years of the tube. Confused?!?! We were too, until... well just look at the picture below.

Which tube stations can you spot?

We enjoyed games, quizzes and a bit of random dancing.Team Guyana's (or rather Victoria line's) favourite game- the alternative bus route game (basically crossing the room by only standing on two carpet tiles). We were very creative in our method of getting across London (the floor), but we were accused of cheating (wrongly) which made us all very sad :(.

I would just like to say a big thank you to all of the GOLD team leaders, Anna and Carrie, and the lovely cooks for putting so much time and effort into the evening- it was truly incredible! Also, Jess- aka Victoria- your costume was amazing!

A vision in light blue and Queen Victoria.

Sunday morning brought more energisers, happy plans, health and wellbeing talks, a culture shock presentation and lots of reminders to share the GOLD love. All too quickly it was time to travel home. After lots of hugs and checking of diaries that we all have the right dates for our up and coming phone conferences, we left feeling tired but super excited for GOLD Guyana 2013. Bring it on.

Lots of GOLD love

Miriam x