WAGGGS’ World Centres emerged from a desire to create spaces where Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world could come together for meaningful, life-changing experiences. Through their programmes, activities, and events, the Centres play a significant role in advancing WAGGGS’ mission and vision.
This report looks at how the World Centres contribute to WAGGGS, evaluating their operations, financial sustainability, and alignment with WAGGGS’ global strategy. It responds to Motion 9 from the 38th World Conference, which called for an evaluation of the World Centres. Using data, stakeholder input, and feedback, this report highlights achievements, challenges, and key recommendations to guide the future of the Centres.
Overview of the World Centres
WAGGGS’ five World Centres—Our Chalet (Switzerland, 1932), Pax Lodge (UK, 1939,1991), Nuestra Cabaña (Mexico, 1957), Sangam (India, 1966), and Kusafiri (currently Ghana, 2011)—each bring unique attributes and histories. These Centres collectively embody WAGGGS' mission by fostering global connections, leadership development, and cultural exchange for members and visitors.
While this report dives deep into the operations of the World Centres, it also acknowledges limitations such as gaps in historical data and the challenges in making comparisons across uniquely different Centres. Kusafiri, being a mobile model currently located in Ghana until 2026, after which a full evaluation will take place and be presented at the 39th World Conference, is not included in the full report analysis and is covered only briefly in the Background and Context section.
Future planning and alternative business models were not explored at this stage, as further research, including a year one review of Nuestra Cabaña’s reopening and the Kusafiri Motion 10 report, are scheduled for 2025. Following these evaluations, the World Board will determine the strategic direction for the World Centres. Therefore, the report focuses on current operations, offering broad recommendations, with additional data collection planned to align with WAGGGS’ long-term strategy.
The World Centres are dynamic hubs offering a mix of funded programmes (9%), Guiding and Scouting adventures (52%), independent stays (25%), and commercial services that cater to diverse audiences (14%). While focusing on fostering leadership, cultural exchange, and global connections, they also generate revenue to support the Centres operational sustainability. Each Centre has a unique approach: Our Chalet emphasises outdoor adventure activities, Pax Lodge leverages its London location for independent stays and commercial services, Nuestra Cabaña is popular for Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting adventures and Sangam excels in delivering community programmes and WAGGGS funded programmes.
Visitor and Volunteer Insights
Visitor data indicates strong representation from Europe (55%) and the Western Hemisphere (36%), but significantly lower participation from the Asia Pacific (4%), Africa (3%), and Arab (2%) regions. In contrast, volunteer data reflects more balanced representation across WAGGGS regions: Western Hemisphere (34%), Africa (27%), Asia Pacific (21%), Europe (16%), and Arab (2%).
WAGGGS funding is crucial for promoting regional diversity within the Volunteer Leadership Programme by providing travel grants for volunteers. This contrasts with the self-funded Guiding and Scouting adventures, where participants rely on their own resources. Addressing barriers to diversity—such as accessibility and cost—could further enhance engagement across WAGGGS' membership.
Impact Highlights
From 2018 to mid-2024 (excluding the COVID-19 period of 2020-2022), the Centres welcomed 78,829 guests, accounting for 109,392 bed nights. Of these, 82,624 bed nights were from the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting community, while 26,768 bed nights were booked by non-Guiding guests, reflecting the Centres' success in broadening their reach and supporting their financial sustainability.
Feedback from event participants, volunteers, and Member Organisations shows that the World Centres help people grow, build leadership skills, and develop a global mindset. Participants gain confidence, new skills, and become active global citizens, strengthening the Movement by fostering lifelong connections and developing future leaders. However, while feedback is valuable, there is a need for more robust systems to assess the long-term impact of World Centre experiences on young people, Member Organisations, WAGGGS’ operations and the Movement.
Financial Overview
The 2024 financial forecast presents a combined World Centre surplus of £50,307 after all costs are covered, with individual Centres performance differing within this. Income sources include unrestricted (£2,134,605) from commercial activities including Guiding and Scouting adventures, independent stays, conference hire, and restricted funds (£264,255) made up of donations and grants. The major cost drivers behind expenditure being staffing (33%), programmes (23%) and overheads (24%).
Recommendations and Future Plans
To ensure the future sustainability of the World Centres, a few recommendations have been made: standardising risk assessment cycles, continuing to improve and strengthen financial management systems, and ensuring the Centres can comfortably fund their operational needs while supporting capital investment plans.
Plans include strengthening connections with Member Organisations and promoting the Centres as attractive destinations for international travel, cultural exchanges, and leadership programmes for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. In addition, a long-term investment plan is needed to update facilities, make them more inclusive, and focus on environmental sustainability. Finally, better systems for tracking and evaluating their impact will help guide decisions and show results.
WAGGGS is committed to maintaining strong and responsible management of the World Centres. For a detailed overview and in-depth insights, we invite you to explore the full evaluation report, available below in all four WAGGGS languages. Further research in 2025 will guide the World Board in shaping the strategic direction for the Centres this triennium.
Kusafiri - Motion 10 Evaluation - coming soon
To download the report in your preferred language, use the files below!
