What is ICE?
International Community Experience (ICE) is for Guides aged 11-13. To meet the criteria of the ICE, the Guides will need to be aged 11 by 1 September 2024 and 13 or under by 1 August 2025. The purpose of an ICE weekend/trip is to give girls a taste of community action, increase their global awareness and prepare them for international experiences.
Our ICE 2025 Brownsea Island report - by Sam Turner event lead
After months of planning, the first briefing weekend of GirlGuiding Cymru's ICE (International Community Experience) Brownsea was held at Cefn Lea, Powys, from 18–20 October 2024. Twenty-seven Guides and five leaders came together to meet one another, learn more about the ICE project, set their goals for the year ahead, and meet Delyth the Dragon (GGC’s international mascot).
The group was divided into five patrols, named after wildlife found on Brownsea Island: Red Squirrels, Sika Deer, Peacocks, Common Blues, and Common Terns. Over the weekend, the Guides designed a group logo and chose their challenges, badges, and activities. They decided on the Ocean Challenge, Seahorse Challenge, and RNLI Mayday Challenge.
The second briefing weekend was also held at Cefn Lea, from 21–23 March. During this gathering, the Guides painted pebbles, decorated bags, created artwork from beach plastic, played ocean bingo, practised pitching tents, and went on a hike, learning map reading, observing nature, and listening to birdsong along the way. Food choices and menus for the trip were also finalised.
On 10 August, 27 of us gathered at Cae Glas, ready to set off for Brownsea Island. After an early night, we boarded the coach at 9:45 a.m.—though Delyth had to be persuaded to give up the driver’s seat first!
It was a glorious day of sunshine. We travelled across the country through pretty towns and villages, thankful for the coach’s air conditioning as temperatures outside hit 31 degrees. At Poole Harbour, we unloaded all the luggage, food, and equipment, enjoyed a late lunch, and then headed to the ferry terminal beside the statue of Lord Robert Baden-Powell.
Boarding was quick, and soon we were sailing toward the island. After so much preparation, it felt surreal to finally arrive at Brownsea. Staff welcomed us warmly and helped us transport our food and tents to South Shore Lodge. We carried our rucksacks on the 20-minute walk to the Lodge, grateful when a short burst of rain cooled the heat.
Those camping—Squirrels, Blues, and Terns—then hauled their gear further to the campsite. At first there was some confusion as to why we were pitching so far from the Lodge, but we soon discovered we were camping on the very site of the first trial camp held by Baden-Powell in 1907. What an honour! Thankfully, we managed to pitch our tents before a storm arrived. Dinner that evening was served at the Lodge.
Tuesday began early and dry. After breakfast, Lodge residents visited the campsite and, on arrival, spotted a red squirrel—the first of many. This was especially exciting for Carol, one of our leaders, who had always hoped to see one.
We spent the morning exploring the western side of the island, visiting Pottery Pier, Maryland Village, and Cambridge Woods, where we relaxed along the mindfulness trail. A scavenger hunt kept us busy along the way. After lunch, we completed activities from the May Day Challenge, learning about water safety and even creating safety raps. That night, many campers chose to sleep under the stars, hoping to glimpse the Perseid meteor shower (sadly, the clouds had other plans).
Wednesday was overcast and cooler but no less exciting—it was watersports day! Four groups rotated through kayaking, paddleboarding, beach art, and a litter pick. In the afternoon, campers swapped accommodation, and after dinner we hiked to the adventure playground.
Thursday dawned bright and dry, perfect for cooking eggy bread and beans at the campsite. We spent the morning at the Trading Post, explored the Scout museum, stocked up on badges, and admired a collection of neckerchiefs. Afterwards, we enjoyed a Guiding history quiz and renewed our Promise at the Scout Stone.
In the afternoon, we explored the eastern side of the island, visiting St Mary’s Church, where a kind volunteer shared its history and pointed out the best squirrel-spotting areas. Sitting quietly nearby, we were rewarded with a visit from a few playful red squirrels. Later, we treated ourselves to ice creams at the café before strolling back via the Avocet hide on the lagoon, spotting water birds—including a possible spoonbill.
That evening, we held a campfire. Because open fires are banned on the island, Jacqueline’s electric fire made a perfect substitute. While campers hiked back in the dark, we listened to fireworks drifting across from Poole and gazed at a sky filled with stars—though still no meteors.
Friday began early, with ducks waddling around our sleeping bags at dawn! After breakfast, we packed up and left a “Gone Home” tracking symbol— a circle with a stone in the middle, first introduced by Baden-Powell.
At the jetty, we were treated to the sight of a seal swimming nearby. The ferry ride back to Poole was much easier without all our food supplies. Once ashore, we visited Poole RNLI Station for the final part of the May Day Challenge. The volunteers gave us a fascinating 90-minute tour of the boats, control room, and kit room, sharing inspiring and humbling stories of their work. After lunch, we boarded the coach for the journey back to Cardiff, taking an unexpected detour through Bath before arriving at Cae Glas in the evening.
That night, we listened to whale music—the final challenge of our ICE Adventure.
Saturday morning brought sunshine, a real campfire, songs, and toasted s’mores. Our closing ceremony gave us time to reflect on all that we had experienced and achieved. It was a week filled with adventure, learning, and friendship—memories that will last a lifetime.
Some facts and figures from the ICE Adventure
Food highlights
Feeding a lively crew of Guides for six days took serious planning—and plenty of supplies:
Over 9kg of cheddar and vegan alternatives
14 whole cucumbers sliced and devoured
4 loaves of white bread, 84 sandwich rolls, 30 pain au chocolat, 32 croissants, and 108 tortilla wraps
12 frozen pizzas demolished with enthusiasm
30 tins of baked beans (perfect for campfire breakfasts)
72 eggs scrambled and flipped into eggy bread
Steps walked
Monday: 12,028
Tuesday: 10,684
Wednesday: 18,812
Thursday: 18,140
Friday: 11,980
Total: 71,644 steps—around 55 km across beaches, trails, and campsites!
Standout moments from the Patrols
Monday 11 August
“Seeing peacocks” – Peacock Patrol
“Spaghetti bolognese for dinner” – Common Blue Patrol
“Getting to Brownsea Island” – Common Tern Patrol
Tuesday 12 August
“Sleeping outside under the stars” – Common Blue & Common Tern Patrols
“Mindfulness under the trees” – Peacock Patrol
Wednesday 13 August
“Meeting different Scout units from other countries” – Red Squirrel & Common Tern Patrols
“Watersports – kayaking and paddleboarding” – Sika Deer Patrol
Thursday 14 August
“Seeing red squirrels” – Common Blue Patrol
“Sleeping under the stars and eggy bread and beans!” – Sika Deer Patrol
Friday 15 August
“RNLI visit / tour” – Unanimous from ALL Patrols!
