Learn interior decoration, sailing, robotics & AI, anatomy, woodcarving at Sharjah Girl Guides summer programs
This summer, Sharjah Girl Guides (SGG) has researched and developed a set of programs that will embed specific skillsets in the participating guides and brownies that may well develop into their life’s passion.
Registrations opened on July 22. Two sets of exclusive programs will be organised for participants of different age groups. For guides and senior guides (12–18 years), these programs will take place over August 18 – 21. Brownies (7–11 years) will have their four days of fun and education with their own set of programs, from August 25 – 28.
Programs for senior guides and guides
An interior design course will introduce basic concepts to senior guides, beginning with the relationship between different elements such as colours, fabrics and materials and how to use them to improve the surroundings. They will specifically learn to draw up a plan and design a bedroom. At the culmination of the program, the girls will get to participate in a competition to decide the best practical bedroom design. Participants will earn an Art badge on completing the course.
Another program for senior guides with an interest in sailing, the modern sailing sport program aims to make competent sailors out of participants by teaching them modern sailing techniques. SGG has collaborated with Al Hamriya Sports Cultural Club to develop this professional-level course. They will be awarded the Sport badge.
The third program, future scientists, is on human anatomy. Designed for guides, this program will introduce participants to the vital functions of the heart and lungs employing virtual reality (VR) techniques. They will get to build their own model of lungs as part of the program. It can serve as primer for students interested in pursuing the study of medicine. On successful completion, guides will be awarded Social Skill badges.
Badges will be awarded to all successful participants at an SGG badge ceremony on Thursday, August 22.
Programs for brownies
From August 25 – 28, SGG brownies will have the opportunity to dive into a world of new explorations at four unique programs. Make your own Robot will teach them to build a robot from scratch using a mBot, understand programming as well as coding in simple ways. On the last day, their learning will be tested in a series of fun robotics and coding challenges. They will be awarded a Robotics badge.
The second program on Artificial Intelligence (AI) will introduce brownies to this important concept. They will learn about the real-life applications of AI and products that employ its principles. The participants will receive a Robotics badge.
Brownies interested in carpentry can enrol in the Wood Making program. They will invest three hours each day learning a new skill and apply it making items like tissue boxes, bird houses, coasters and frames, and carve dowels and pens out of wood. The coveted SGG Art badge will be awarded to successful participants.
The Stronger Brownies program aims to empower these girls by introducing them to the entrepreneurship space. Training on speaking and facilitating community and ecosystem engagement are part of this program. Overcoming daily challenges, personality refinement, confidence-building are some of the objectives of this program. Participating brownies will receive a Social skills badge.
The badge ceremony for brownies will be organised on Thursday, August 29.
Shaikha Al Shamsi, manager of SGG, said: “The idea behind this series of summer programs for our senior guides, guides and brownies to continue on their path of self-development, and use their summer break gainfully to pick up skills that will stand them in good stead later in life.”
She added: “The planning of our program content was informed by our core objective of establishing Sharjah Girl Guides – to upskill girls and young women in Sharjah, guide them in their own endeavours and help them contribute meaningfully to their communities. I look forward to seeing enthusiastic participation in all our programs.”