Before we finished for the summer we decided to celebrate the Olympics by looking at some of the countries that take part. Brazil was our first country and the Guides made carnival masks with a selection of gems and feathers. We attempted traditional cheese bread. This is made with tapioca flour and grated parmesan cheese. Australia was celebrated by doing some aboriginal dot painting and armchair rugby. Although this sounds sedentary there is still a lot of running about. We tried singing waltzing Matilda with little success; I don't think it's one they listen to on spotify! India meant we could indulge in trying some Indian snacks which went down well. We tried mendi painting on our feet and played cricket. To finish off the sporting theme the Guides walked to John Smeaton for a swimming session. We finished the term with an Olympic games night. It was such a hot evening this was cut short and we visited the new ice cream parlour.

Unfortunately our usual summer camp was cancelled due to maternity leave and illness. We have got a Division Adventure weekend to look forward to. We are visiting Kingswood at the end of September for a weekend of activities including archery, raft building and bush crafts. The accommodation is in dormitories with cafeteria style food giving the leaders a lighter work load. We had booked a Guide centre called Robin hole in Ilkley for our summer camp. As it provides indoor accommodation we have decided to go for a winter camp in November. This provides plenty of opportunity for the Guides to go away.

If you are interested in joining Guides and aged 10 to 14 years find us on www.girlguiding.org.uk and register your interest. Select 3rd Cross Gates Guides as your preferred unit.

Jackie Nithsdale