Emu Plains Girl Guides have just returned from a cultural trip to Mexico, where they represented Australia at the Day of the Dead Camp which was held at Our Cabana, a Girl Guides and Girl Scouts World Centre in Cuernavaca last month.

The team of 8, consisting of 4 senior guides and 4 adult members were able to make the trip thanks to the amazing efforts of Emu Plains Girl Guides, who raised $31,283.86 through their Cheezels and Easels paint alongs, BBQs, market stalls with handmade goods, high teas and community donations.

“We are so grateful for the generous community donations and support. Thank you everyone who had a part in sending us on our once in a lifetime adventure!” said Thea Hams of Emu Plains Girl Guides.

Whilst visiting Our Cabana, the team participated in a variety of activities which included Mexican crafts, cooking, games, traditions as well as interacting with a group of children from the local orphanage.

When in Mexico City, they went to Biblioteca Vasconcelos (library), Anthropology Museum, Chapultepec Zoo, Chapultepec Castle and the artist market. With only 2,000 tickets sold a day, the group were amongst the privileged who make the pilgrimage to the Frida Kahlo Museum.

The cultural experience also included trips to Taxco (known for its silver), Ocotepec where they visited alters and watched celebrations and back to Cuernavaca to look at the Catedral de Cathedral.

The Girl Guides thoroughly enjoyed their time in Mexico and the wonderful memories that were made.

“My favourite part of the trip was getting to know all of the interesting people along the way. From the people at our fundraisers, to the people living in Mexico, there was always an exciting fact to listen to. Meeting everyone at Our Cabana was fun too including the participants, volunteers and staff alike. Getting to know the girls who went on this trip was incredibly rewarding also” said a member of the Girl Guides.

“Personally, I enjoyed seeing the culture and meeting new people. I got so much out of experiencing all the different traditions and the way that they do things. Another part that was really memorable was working with the children and putting a smile on their face” ended another Girl Guide.