Important update on Our Cabaña

After a thorough consideration of the future of Our Cabaña, the World Board has made a decision.

Like all our World Centres, Our Cabaña was closed in March 2020 due to the global COVID- 19 pandemic. In the first half of 2022, we re-opened Our Chalet, Pax Lodge, and Sangam. At the same time, the World Board started considering the future of Our Cabaña, which had been operated by Guías de Mexico between 2014 and December 2021.


 

The decision

Following a year long process of deep reflection and deliberation, the World Board has decided, to reopen Our Cabaña under WAGGGS management. The decision was taken by a majority vote. The World Board understands the importance of this decision for WAGGGS and the entire Movement and took it after serious consideration.

The World Board undertook a lengthy and thorough three-phased process, to hear from the Movement, industry experts and interested partners to understand the centre’s contribution to the Movement, the possibility of immediate and long-term financial sustainability, and how its work contributes to the strategic direction and outcomes for girls and young women, our Movement and WAGGGS.


 

The process

Phase 1: Between February and May 2022, a sub-group of the World Board undertook extensive consultation with a broad group of stakeholders including Friends of Our Cabaña, Girl Guiding, and Girl Scouting alumni, Member Organisations and staff. In parallel, they also undertook a review of relevant historic documents, legal, financial, and management information for the World Centre.

At its meeting in May 2022, the World Board considered the findings of the sub-group and agreed on three options that would be taken forward for external analysis:

  • WAGGGS management of Our Cabaña;
  • Private company management of Our Cabaña;
  • Sale of Our Cabaña.

Phase 2: In September 2022, following a competitive tender process, Ernst & Young (EY), based in the USA and Mexico, was appointed to evaluate and develop a business case for each of the three options.

EY reviewed key documentation, met with key stakeholders, carried out legal, financial, and market research, and delivered a report and set of recommendations to the World Board.

Phase 3: In December 2022, the World Board met multiple times to discuss and consider the findings. Following this process, in January 2023 the World Board made their decision, by majority vote, to reopen Our Cabaña under WAGGGS management.


 

Looking to the future

Our Cabaña has welcomed Girl Guides, Girl Scouts, and their leaders from across the world since 1957, offering them a safe space to connect with others, learn new leadership skills and build confidence.

Building on this rich history and legacy, WAGGGS staff will now begin work to reopen Our Cabaña and continue and grow its work as a favoured destination in the Western Hemisphere. This will be happening at a pivotal time for WAGGGS and the Movement as we develop our 2024-2029 global strategy and prepare to come together for World Conference in Cyprus in July 2023. It is also important that we acknowledge the challenging financial environment of WAGGGS and the Movement in a time of global uncertainty.

We look forward to Our Cabaña once again being open and welcoming Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from across the world. We acknowledge the time and hard work that lies ahead to be successful. The first step will be to prepare a detailed plan for reopening the centre. As WAGGGS has not managed the centre since 2014, it will require a robust process and effective strategy to ensure sustainability. We know there are many factors that need to be considered and worked through.


 

Support of our Movement

We are grateful and deeply appreciative of the generous support that has been shown to Our Cabaña. To enable the reopening of Our Cabaña we look forward to your continued support. In the coming months, we will work to galvanise our efforts and work as a Movement to welcome many girls and young women to visit Our Cabaña and to enjoy an international experience of a lifetime.

Our Cabaña will not accept bookings for the time being, however, we are very interested to hear from any individuals or groups that are interested in visiting Our Cabaña. Please email any expressions of interest to [email protected].

If you would like to do something to support WAGGGS in the reopening of Our Cabaña, you can make a donation on the Our Cabaña webpage. Your contribution will enable WAGGGS to offer girls and young women from across the globe an Our Cabaña experience, where they will connect with others, learn about the world, build their confidence, becoming powerful changemakers.

Donate to Support Our Cabaña - WAGGGS World Centres


Our Appreciation

This has been a long and at times an emotional and difficult journey. We want to sincerely thank our entire WAGGGS family, those involved in the process in any way, and also all who have closely followed the discussion. Your insights, patience and contributions to our process have been very greatly appreciated.

We will share further updates in the near future.

Yours in Guiding and Scouting

Heidi Jokinen

Chair of the World Board


Note

For any booking made prior to WAGGGS assuming management, from 31st January 2014 to 21st December 2021 (inclusive), it remains the responsibility and liability of Guías de México. Therefore, any questions you have regarding your booking should be sent to the President of Guías de México, at the following email address [email protected]

 

Our Cabaña Frequently Asked Questions