Girlguiding activity camp goes virtual as nearly 200 members across the area take part – in pictures

After the division’s annual activity camp in Petworth Park was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, guide leaders came up with the virtual camp@home event for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers from across the area.

Members across the division units were challenged to take part in activities that covered various camping skills with a special badge to earn.

The activities included pitching a tent or creating an indoor den to sleep in, packing a bag, cooking something on an open fire or over a tealight, decorating bunting for VE Day and creating campfire songs, along with enjoying some family time with a guiding theme.

1st Billingshurst Guide Hannah said: “I have been to Petworth Park three times! This was a bit different but I still enjoyed sleeping outside in the garden and being able to do activities in a different way.”

Nearly 200 members from 14 units across Petworth Division took part and, following the event, there are now plans to hold unit Zoom meetings, complete weekly challenges and start new interest badges – all while still being stuck at home.

An event badge competition also took place, which was judged by Sue Parry, Petworth Division commissioner.

The winning badge was designed by Chloe Newman, from 1st Plaistow Guides, while her sister Lola, from 1st Ifold Brownies, was awarded third place. Second place went to Gracie, from 2nd Storrington Guides.

Four districts make up Petworth Division and cover the area from Midhurst in the west across to Billingshurst in the east, up to Plaistow in the north and down to Storrington in the south.

---

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.