Get Darcy to Croatia - Journey to Zero

My name is Darcy Stephens. I am aged 13 years old and currently a member of 22nd Leigh Guides Unit in Leigh. I have been a member of Girlguiding since the age of 5 when I started as a Rainbow,

then progressed to Brownies and now I attend Guides on a weekly basis.

Throughout my time in guiding, I have enjoyed learning new skills, trying lots of different activities and making friends as I continue with my adventures.

I recently attended a selection weekend with other guides from across the county and I was delighted and thrilled to be selected as a representative of Girlguiding North West England, for a

group trip going to Croatia in July 2025. On this trip we will be working on a project called ‘Journey to Zero’ in which we will be working with Maritimo Recycling.

Maritimo recycling collects plastic waste from the ocean and also waste that has been washed onto the shore lines and turns it into beautiful jewellery and sunglasses.

We will be going to the Elaphiti Islands where I will be part of a team to complete a sea and land clear-up and will then go and watch the process of this plastic waste being made into something

new.

Our aim of the trip is to have a low carbon output as close to net zero as possible. We hope to achieve this through carbon offsetting and creating sustainable habits and using more eco-friendly modes of transport during the trip.

Whilst in Croatia I shall face many new and demanding challenges, have many unique experiences and learn and participate in activities with members of Girlguiding from many countries who are of different cultures and faiths. It will also be a fantastic opportunity for me to develop life and personal skills, to share my knowledge and skills with others and to make international friends.

To experience an international trip to another country is a wonderful, once in a lifetime opportunity.

I am now tasked with fundraising £1500 in total – to fund travel & essentials that I need for the trip. Each girl who attends must raise their own funds, therefore I would be extremely grateful if you

would be able to offer any financial assistance/donation or a gift which could be used as a prize to help me with my fundraising.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me . Any support will be greatly received.

Yours faithfully

Darcy Stephens