Girlguiding members from across Fermanagh recently returned from the trip of a lifetime at Larkin International Jamboree.

The jamboree was held in Duncombe Park, Helmsley, York from July 27 to August 3, with 18 girls aged between 13 and 17 from Guides or Rangers units in Fermanagh travelling to York.

The Guides came from units in Newtownbutler, Enniskillen, Kesh and Tempo, and were accompanied to the jamboree by five leaders: Ann McCrea, Linda Fitzpatrick, Susanne Crowe, Gemma Crowe, and Emma Crowe.

As this was a jamboree, the girls were joined on their adventure by members of the Scouting and Guiding family from around the world, as well as a strong contingent from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Those attending were able to meet new friends and make connections for the future, with many expressing an interest in attending the next jamboree.

The girls enjoyed a wide range of activities including water activities, live music in the evenings, a carnival and other activities such as go-karting and ziplining.

They also enjoyed several excursions off the campsite including a day trip to York, a trip to a water park and a day trip to Scarborough.

The Fermanagh girls left camp early to accommodate for travel so were able to enjoy a shopping trip in Liverpool before getting the boat home.

One of the leaders who travelled on the trip with the girls was Linda Fitzpatrick, who said that the girls all made the most of the jamboree.

She continued: “They have learnt their new skills; they learn life skills and independence.

“We had duties for them on camp so they were put into patrols. For example, there was a washing-up patrol, a cooking patrol, an orderly patrol.

“It means the girls can say, ‘I cooked that meal this evening', or 'I cleaned up’.”

Reflecting on the camp, Linda said: “I think there was a great camaraderie. We took girls away from other units who we did not know, and we bonded with those girls and got to know those girls, and we have made connections with other leaders too.”

Linda remarked that they even had people seek out the Fermanagh group on their sub-camp, some who had previously lived in the county or else had connections to the area.

She said: “We met with people who have connections to Fermanagh. One lady came around and it turns out she was related to one of our Guides, and another lady found us and her husband was originally from Irvinestown, so you make lovely connections like that too.”

Girl Guiding Fermanagh units are just about to open for the new school year, with places available in all sections: Rainbows (those aged 4 to 7), Brownies (7 to 10), Guides (10 to 14), Rangers (14 to 25), and Trefoil (18+).

For further information, email ggu.fermanagh@girlguidingulster.org.uk.