Are you between 17* and 30? Ever wanted to do some voluntary work? Wondered what it would be like to work on a community project in a developing country? Want to broaden your horizons and help others do the same?

If so, GOLD (Guiding Overseas Linked with Development) could be for you. GOLD provides members of Girlguiding UK with opportunities for personal development through participation in community development projects overseas, using the medium of Guiding. Development projects vary and could include anything from teaching English as a foreign language to setting up and running a business skills training programme. On return to the UK, participants bring back what they have learned to their own community.

Take part and you’ll travel in a team of four to six others at the invitation of a Guiding Association in another country. You’ll work alongside local Guides on projects ranging from guiding development to self-esteem, and life skills to health awareness.

Projects are typically two to four weeks in duration and currently take place in July to December. You are expected to fund-raise for all project costs including travel and living expenses, and any equipment you may need for use on your project. You will need to be very committed to undertake all the preparatory work for your project which will include a minimum of three briefing weekends and a debrief weekend on return to the UK.

Click here to read about Lorelei Morris' trip to Malawi in 2011

Click here to read about Rachel Payne’s trip to Chile in 2011.

Click here to read about Sian Williams’ trip to Russia in 2011.

Want to take part?

If you are interested in taking part in GOLD, you must attend a Girlguiding UK INTOPS weekend.

If you have any specific questions regarding GOLD, please email gold@girlguiding.org.uk

*All GOLD participants must be aged between 18-30 years old. Participants who are 17 years old at the time of INTOPS must be turning 18 by the time of the first briefing. Participants must be aged 30 or younger at the time of their GOLD project if successfully selected.