After the first day of the Girls World Forum I feel a brand new sense of inspiration and excitement about all that has happened and is happening in the WAGGGS world. I remember what it was like the very first day of the YWWF in 2010 the loud and energy filled music, the dimmed lights and colorful backgrounds- all of it just felt the same except I was not only excited for myself, also for the other Canadian girls and all of the girls at the event. All of the flags paraded in without a hitch and I got all emotional (as I always do) at the sight of just how big this incredible organization truly is. 145 flags were displayed and it was a sight that I will never forget.
Then we had some great speakers from WAGGGS and an inspiring young woman named Sejal Hathi who founded the organization Girls Helping Girls. She had a lot to say and I am definitely going to check out more about the organization and spread the word. Her information is here. www.empoweragirl.org
Next we broke into various sessions- the girls in their patrols learning about Millennium Development Goal #1- eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. The chaperones got together and had a session about the MDGs as a whole and did some really cool activities which I will definitely be using at home! We had lunch and then did a few more sessions about WAGGGS and how it is organized. I also was able to have a mini reunion with the YWWF2010 delegates who are serving as chaperones as well. It was awesome! We shared a few memories and got caught up on each others lives which was really nice.
Next was a delicious dinner and an open bus tour of Chicago where we saw the beautiful architecture and landmarks of a city I am slowly falling in love with. :) We saw the Willis (Sears)Tower, amazing churches and cathedrals, theatres and skyscrapers, Oprah's former houses and of course Lake Michigan. We had a fantastic tour guide who included not only what the buildings were but also the history behind them, stories to go along with the buildings, and pop culture references like which restaurants celebrities like to eat in and where movies were filmed. It was a great way to end the official part of the day.
Next the Canadians decided to venture off to Navy Pier to see the rides and the sights and sounds of the pier. We got a great picture in front of the enormous Ferris Wheel and had a great ride around. I am so impressed with these girls and they are a lot of fun to be with! Overall despite the nasty humidity it was a fantastic day and I cannot wait for the trip to the zoo tomorrow!
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