The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts has four World Centres, where girls from all over the world can meet as friends and share new experiences and ideas. The four World Centres are:
Our Chalet:
It took some time, but the ideal spot was found for thid World Centre, across from the village of Adelboden in the Swiss Alps.Our Chalet got its name: "Our" so that it was understood that it belonged to all Guides and Chalet as it is the most popular form of architecture in the mountains of Switzerland. Our Chalet was the first World Centre- opening it's doors July 31, 1932. Girls who stay here are placed in patrols to help out. The most popular activities are hiking, climbing and skiing.
Pax Lodge:
This was the second World Centre. It was first named Our Ark, opened in 1939 in an older building near Buckingham Palace. 20 years later it was moved to a larger building and renamed Olave House to honour Lady Baden-Powell. This house closed in 1988 and Pax Lodge was opened in Hamstead, London. "Pax" is the latin word for "Peace".
Our Cabana:
This World Centre opened in 1957 in the city of Cuernavac. That is Spanish for "eternal spring" no matter what time of yearit is, it always feels like spring.The front door of Our Cabana has a huge brass trefoil. This is known as the Chief's Door. There is a beautiful tropical flower garden, and pond. This Centre also has a swimming pool.
Sangam:
Sangam was opened in 1966, it has huge white arches for an entryway.There are many bedrooms in this large World Centre, but they also have campgrounds and hiking areas. "Sangam" is Sanskrit (the ancient language of India) for "Coming Together". This is an appropriate name, as Guides from all over the world come together to visit and share customs and traditions.