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Photographer Ian Gerald gives a lesson to a brownie at their sleepover at the Governor's residence. (Guides Photo)
Photographer Ian Gerald gives a lesson to a brownie at their sleepover at the Governor's residence. (Guides Photo)

Brownies and Guides Sleepover at the Governor’s Residence

On March 31st, 28 girls got the chance to have a sleepover at the Governor’s residence in Palm Loop.  The 24-hour event dubbed Camp Flower Power 2017 was organised for the Guides and Brownies of the Montserrat Guide Association.  This event was made possible by the very kind gesture of Her Excellency the Governor Elizabeth Carriere, who was a former guide.

The Guide and Brownie leaders who developed the theme wanted to convey the message to each girl that she was beautiful, strong, unique and special.  This, they felt, was captured by the beautiful flora around us and the name Flower Power.

The girls arrived on Friday evening and at the crack of dawn Saturday morning, Phillip Mulcare was on hand to get the day started with heart thumping, body bumping aerobics and a walk around Palm Loop.

Inspirational speaker Eugene Skerritt encouraged the girls to place value on themselves using an analogy of money and also to have integrity and courage.  

This was further emphasised by Governor Carriere, who willingly spoke and interacted with the girls in more than one session.  Governor Carriere shared stories of how she grew up, the places she has lived and encouraged the girls not to be afraid to be strong.

Photographer Ian Gerald gives a lesson to a brownie at their sleepover at the Governor's residence. (Guides Photo)
Photographer Ian Gerald gives a lesson to a brownie at their sleepover at the Governor’s residence. (Guides Photo)

The Guide and Brownie leaders led the girls in the art of flower making from paper and Styrofoam. Easton Taylor-Farrell gave a demonstration on floral arrangements and taught the Brownies and Guides the names of some flowers. The young ladies also got a crash course in photography with Mr. Ian Gerald of Hypnotik Montserrat.

The climax of the Camp Flower Power was a Treasure Hunt around the grounds of the Government House which has many beautiful plants and flowers ideal for hiding clues.  The team captained by Miss Sharri Barzey won the treasure.  As a good Guide she shared her treasure with all.

The girls had an awesome time.  They were excited about this once in a lifetime experience to be sleeping at the Governor’s residence with her nearby and also to be able to interact with her up close,” said Dr Coretta Fergus, Guides leader. “The Montserrat Guide Association is grateful to Her Excellency for initiating this event for the young girls and to Mrs Anjelica Sweeney for co-ordinating the details.”