On July 6th, a girl scout’s group from Belgium, the Korangas, from the 14th Unit, came to Armenia for two weeks of volunteering and visiting Armenia.
17 girls and 6 leaders arrived to help My Forest Armenia. It was quite an organisational and logistical challenge as the group was meant to sleep in tents in the mountains of Lori and be totally self-reliant, then stay in different parts of the country. Their program involved staying four days in the mountains around Lernajour, at one of our reforestation sites, to help with the weeding of the newly planted seedlings, then a week-end of rest and again two days of volunteering at the Benjamin Gumuchdjian nursery, to help the workers in their daily tasks.
17 girls and 6 leaders arrived to help My Forest Armenia. It was quite an organisational and logistical challenge as the group was meant to sleep in tents in the mountains of Lori and be totally self-reliant, then stay in different parts of the country. Their program involved staying four days in the mountains around Lernajour, at one of our reforestation sites, to help with the weeding of the newly planted seedlings, then a week-end of rest and again two days of volunteering at the Benjamin Gumuchdjian nursery, to help the workers in their daily tasks.
Their task turned out to be more challenging as the weather was quite rainy the first day. Fortunately, Sarkis, the mayor of Lernajour, offered the group to stay the first night in the small village’s community building.
The next morning, our team brought the whole group to the area where they would pitch their tent at 2100 m altitude, a place we call “The Restaurant,” as it is a flat area, right at the centre of the reforestation area with a breathtaking view. Because of the weather, we provided the scouts with one of our 3x3m shelter tent which allowed them to cook without being drenched and a small wood stove which provided some welcome heat to warm up a bit or dry up their clothes.
Despite the weather, the girls accomplished their activity with enthusiasm, understanding the importance of their work. They worked in the morning and did some hiking in the afternoon. The girls gave their very best and worked diligently. Luckily the last two days, the weather improved, the sun shone and they fully enjoyed their stay. In four days of work, the girl scouts cleared the grass around 2,000 trees!
Eugenie, leader of Koranga, said: “We came to Armenia to volunteer with My Forest Armenia because we thought it was important for society and for the environment. These girls are going to be leaders next year, so it’s very important to learn to work with nature, not against it.
We had an amazing experience with My Forest Armenia. I think it’s a great opportunity for Scouts and Guides around the world, especially if they want to do something outside Europe. My Forest Armenia was super welcoming, and the work was very rewarding. We loved it here — it was an incredible experience. If any Scouts want to do it, I would recommend it 100%.”
The next morning, our team brought the whole group to the area where they would pitch their tent at 2100 m altitude, a place we call “The Restaurant,” as it is a flat area, right at the centre of the reforestation area with a breathtaking view. Because of the weather, we provided the scouts with one of our 3x3m shelter tent which allowed them to cook without being drenched and a small wood stove which provided some welcome heat to warm up a bit or dry up their clothes.
Despite the weather, the girls accomplished their activity with enthusiasm, understanding the importance of their work. They worked in the morning and did some hiking in the afternoon. The girls gave their very best and worked diligently. Luckily the last two days, the weather improved, the sun shone and they fully enjoyed their stay. In four days of work, the girl scouts cleared the grass around 2,000 trees!
Eugenie, leader of Koranga, said: “We came to Armenia to volunteer with My Forest Armenia because we thought it was important for society and for the environment. These girls are going to be leaders next year, so it’s very important to learn to work with nature, not against it.
We had an amazing experience with My Forest Armenia. I think it’s a great opportunity for Scouts and Guides around the world, especially if they want to do something outside Europe. My Forest Armenia was super welcoming, and the work was very rewarding. We loved it here — it was an incredible experience. If any Scouts want to do it, I would recommend it 100%.”
After a week-end rest, they were back for two days of work at the nursery.
On Wednesday the Korangas continued their tour by visiting different sites of Armenia and ended their stay with a whole day visit of Yerevan.
This cooperation was very satisfactory and fulfilling to all involved - the scout’s leaders, the young scouts themselves, the parents and we ourselves We want to thank the young girl scouts and their leaders for their unrelenting commitment to help out, the quality of the work they did and their persistence for making this trip a reality.
We definitely want to encourage other scout’s groups from all over the world, to follow the Koranga’s example, to come visit Armenia, help with the maintenance of young plants, thereby contributing to protect the environment and discover this wild, secretive and interesting country.
On Wednesday the Korangas continued their tour by visiting different sites of Armenia and ended their stay with a whole day visit of Yerevan.
This cooperation was very satisfactory and fulfilling to all involved - the scout’s leaders, the young scouts themselves, the parents and we ourselves We want to thank the young girl scouts and their leaders for their unrelenting commitment to help out, the quality of the work they did and their persistence for making this trip a reality.
We definitely want to encourage other scout’s groups from all over the world, to follow the Koranga’s example, to come visit Armenia, help with the maintenance of young plants, thereby contributing to protect the environment and discover this wild, secretive and interesting country.