In October half term 2023, over 450 Guides, Rangers, young leaders and volunteers from Girlguiding London and South East England met in Brussels to take part in a one-day wide game to across the city.
Brussels was alive with Girlguiding members gathering clues and completing challenges to earn Trivial Pursuit wedges for art and literature, entertainment, history, sports and leisure, science and nature and geography. They visited famous sights and landmarks, sampled Belgian waffles and chocolate, and even found Tintin and the Smurfs!
The challenge took inspiration from the 2019 Breakaway to Belgium event, with a new game based around Trivial Pursuit. Meanwhile, we challenged units across the region to join in and take part in their own Trivial Pursuit themed challenge at home.
Breakaway to Belgium 2023
It was an amazing opportunity for Guides and Rangers to have a taster of a Girlguiding international event. The girls were able to have fun, work as part of a team, make their own decisions and take part in a range of activities to suit all interests. Thank you so much to the central team.
— Julie - Girlguiding London North East county
I enjoyed walking, seeing the sights, playing the wide game with other Guides and tasting waffles!
— Roisin, 1st Wanstead Guide unit
I enjoyed meeting loads of new people and having lots of fun with my group
— Harriet, Surrey West county
It was great to organise an international trip ourselves, but with the support from the region.
— Alison - 1st Esher Guides
The event was created to encourage groups to explore the city of Brussels, try fun challenges and meet other Girlguiding groups. Each group built their own adventure around the challenge - deciding how and when to travel, what to do, where to stay and how long for. A number of leaders led their first international experience by taking their young members to Belgium, and are on a pathway to complete their Travelling Abroad qualifications.
Thank you to all the volunteers who made this adventure happen for their young members and thank you to our wonderful core team for organising this brilliant event.
Want to be the first to find out about exciting international opportunities with Girlguiding London and South East England? Make sure you are signed up to receive Region Spotlight, our fortnightly e-newsletter, or keep an eye on our International page.