In March, Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos announced Girl Guides Victoria would receive $1 million over the next four years to establish new groups with a focus on increasing diversity within their ranks.

Supported by the grant funding, guides from Horsham, Kaniva, Warracknabeal and Dimboola units recently attended a four-day school holiday camp at the Arura Campsite on the Wimmera River, Dimboola.

Girl Guides Victoria outdoors and adventure officer Cat Anderson traveled from Melbourne with canoes, kayaks, ninja-lines and slacklines, providing challenging games and alternative cookery activities.

The camp had a Survivor theme, based on the TV game show.

Patrols tested out their camping skills to compete for the Golden Billy, and girls worked in their patrols to put up tents and cooking shelters. 

The guides cooked their own meals using a variety of alternative cooking methods which were assessed by leaders.

They were also assessed on their attitude and helpfulness, as well as creating bush gadgets, campsite layout, site hygiene, first aid and safety.

The winners of the Golden Billy were the Ghost Warriors from Dimboola Guides.

Girl Guides Victoria community development officer Mel Reoche said support from the grant would continue.

“We are also looking to partner with other organisations for support to maximise this opportunity for growth in rural guiding,” she said.

Wimmera Region manager Marion Smith said the camp was a great success.

“Many skills were learnt by the guides, coupled with fun activities such as canoeing led by Cat Anderson,” she said.