“Davao
girl scouts join int’l. camp in NZ”
Sun.Star
Davao, Feb. 22, 2014
Stella
Maris Academy of Davao girl scouts Zoe Alessandra Huang, Samantha Nuñez, Claudine
Angelika Barroso and Pia Angelika Puentespina together with girl leaders Denisa
Nenita Navales and Marina Mesina of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines-Davao
Council, represented the country in the F14ME International Ranger Camp held at
Wesley College, Pukekohe, Auckland, New Zealand last month.
Three hundred thirty scouts and
girl guides from various countries which included Malaysia, Singapore, Cook
Islands, Fiji, Australia and different parts of New Zealand joined the camp.
During the opening ceremony, there
was a cultural presentation highlighting the represented countries’ traditional
songs and dances. One of the most applauded performances of the talent night was
the Davao delegation’s upbeat Bagobo dance.
The girls had the time of their
lives with the “Flaming Challenge” where each color group had to undergo
exciting team-building activities and physical challenges creating the chance
to meet and know the other international scouts.
On the fourth day, the “Try-it Day” had
the dynamic young ladies choosing new activities such as Aquaerobics, Archery, Barista
Training, Beginner's Belly Dancing, Box Fit, Circus Skills, Clay Pigeon
Shooting, Contemporary Dance, Cookies and Marshmallow Pops, Fitness Fun, Flower
Power, Laser Skirmish, Massage Therapy, Orienteering, Pamper Experience, Photography,
Raft Survivor, Self Defense Skills, SNAG Golf, What to Wear - Color
Consultation, What to Wear - Style, Yogalates and Zumba/Laughter Yoga.
On that same day, the girl scouts
had their closing ceremony and disco party during the evening.
Before the girl scouts flew to New
Zealand, they had to pre-select off-site adventures in their registration
forms. Based on their choices, the girls were divided into groups for their
3-day Off-Site Adventure.
The
memorable adventures were Auckland Allsorts, Awesome Auckland, Canyoning
Adventure, Completely Kayaking, Just Dessert, Kawau Capers, Middle Earth in
Matamata, Mud Slingers, Over the Rainbow Auckland, Pinnacles & Pioneers,
Ride & Glide, Splash 'n Dash Goat Island, Tauranga Wonderland and Waitomo
Blackwater Glow.
The
myriad of activities showcased the wonders of the Kiwi nation through biking,
caving, swimming, kayaking, hiking, abseiling and sailing.
On the final day of their camp, all
teams from the various adventure groups gathered together again to bid each
other farewell. It was also the day that some of the girl scouts who opted to join
the home stay program met their foster families.
The
four girl scouts from the Philippines and other international girl scouts were
divided into groups of 2 or 3 for their home stay.
The home stay program was truly an
unforgettable experience where the participants enjoyed first-hand the
hospitality and generosity of their New Zealand foster families.
Three of the Davao girl scouts, Zoe,
Claudine and Samantha who also joined the Giggles Camp in the United Kingdom
last July 2013, had nothing but praises for their New Zealand scouting
experience.
“We could definitely say that this
New Zealand camp was different from the UK camp. The camp was full of
simultaneous activities. It gave us another chance to meet new friends, see a unique
culture and experience adventures. How grateful and blessed we are to be part
of another incredible and priceless journey!”, they exclaim.
“We are very thankful to our parents
for their unending support. We also thank our teachers, school administration,
the GSP Davao Council and the GSP National headquarters for allowing us to join
this wonderful encampment. Lastly, we thank the Lord for guiding us the whole
time and for never stopping us from the thing we love to do – camping”, the
girls express.
Truly, as Zoe, who happens to be my
eldest niece, reflects, “the best things in life can't be learned from books
alone. They are also learned from experience”.
E-mail
the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit
www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.
