The Four World Centres
WAGGGS’ four World Centres provide Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from all over the world with the opportunity to stay in a ‘home away from home’ and have fun, learn and share new experiences with a ‘family’ of new and old friends. Each centre has a unique character, based on the environment and culture of the country it’s in and the program of activities it offers.
The centres - in India, Mexico, UK and Switzerland - are open to all, and you can join in an organised program of activities or stay as an independent guest.
All the World Centres offer an extension to your normal Girl Guiding programs and provide the chance to learn about international aspects of the Movement whilst meeting people from different countries and cultures. Activities focus on self-development, leadership training and community action projects.
The World Centres have programs for young Guide Adult Members to volunteer to help at the centres for short periods from 6 weeks to 10 months. Sangam offers a chance to be based at Sangam and volunteer in a community project. Adult Guide members can apply for staff positions at the World Centres. You can read Andrea's report of her experience working at Pax Lodge on our Travel News page. Check the WAGGGS website for vacancies.
Become an Australian member of Friends of the World Centres – enjoy news from around the World, gain new international program ideas, find out about your opportunities to experience Guiding overseas, relive memories of past travels - discover your international Guiding potential.
In June and December each year, Girl Guides Australia sends donations from Guide members of the State organisations to each World Centre. The World Centres put these funds to good use as testified in the thank you letter from Our Chalet. Please send Australian funds raised to Girl Guides Australia to be sent on your behalf to the World Centre you have fund raised for or stipulate how you would like it to be split between the four centres rather than sending the money directly yourself.
Our Chalet
Our Chalet is the oldest World Centre, built in 1932. It is popular in both the winter and summer, offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains – part of the Swiss Alps.
Its organised activity program includes skiing and snow sports in the winter, and a choice of walking, sightseeing and adventure activities in the summer. Our Chalet also provides nightly evening programs that include Swiss evenings, campfires, international nights and the ‘Chalet Challenge’.
All Guides can celebrate together the 75th anniversary of Our Chalet on 15 and 16 September,2007 no matter where in the world you are. Let's see how we can celebrate this event together. Maybe hold a Birthday Party with a Swiss theme and instead of bringing a gift, bring a monetary donation to send to Our Chalet as a 75th birthday present (Donations raised in Australia to be sent to Girl Guides Australia to forward to Our Chalet). Please send your ideas for activities to web@girlguides.org.au
Visit the Our Chalet website at www.ourchalet.ch
Our Cabaña
Our Cabaña is 70 km away from Mexico City, set in its own tropical garden overlooking the city of Cuernavaca and surrounded by distant snow-capped volcanoes. It has a lively atmosphere, solar heated swimming pool, volleyball and tennis courts, campfire circle, Guiding and Scouting ceremonies and regular fiestas.
Programs provide a colourful experience of Mexican culture, food, language, arts and crafts. Activities always encourage international friendship and team building, include discussions of WAGGGS themes and current worldwide issues, and time to help a local community project.
To experience a little of Our Cabaña try a Mexican theme meeting.
Visit the Our Cabaña website at www.ourcabana.org.
Pax Lodge
Pax Lodge is the newest of the four World Centres, built in 1991, although the first World Centre based in London was built 65 years ago in 1939.
Pax Lodge is an international gathering place for members of WAGGGS. Just 20 minutes away from the heart of London, it is a convenient place to stay whilst exploring the city’s historical sights such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, as well as its famous museums, theatres and shopping centres.
A variety of organised programs are offered, and the centre also gives guests a chance to meet people from other countries and to learn about their culture.
Visit the Pax Lodge website at http://paxlodge.org/.
Sangam
Sangam is on the outskirts of Pune, a “small” city of 3 million people, around 190 km from Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay). With a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere, the Centre’s focal point is a large outdoor swimming pool in a central courtyard surrounded by covered walkways connecting the main buildings.
Sangam provides outstanding international opportunities for training and self-development in a multi-cultural environment. Visitors are offered a truly life-changing experience, with programs providing a rich experience of Indian culture and a real opportunity for service in the local community.
From Sangam it's possible for visitors to go on an Explore India Tour to places such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur etc, and explore this colourful, intense and exotic land.
To experience a little of Sangam try an Indian theme meeting.
Sangam’s Manager, Sally Thornton, comes from Australia.
Visit the Sangam website at www.sangamworldcentre.org/en/home. You can download Sangam's monthly newsletter Sangelee Spirit from the Sangam Website.