1992 Established when L.S.G.A. hosted Two Leaders, Four girls,one boy,+ two men,from Minsk, Belarus, at Poacher. This group was searching for a worthwhile Youth Association to replace the collapsed Pioneer Movement, and came to view Scouting and Guiding. On departure, Luda Zybina, the Leader asked Phyll Sands if she would promise to take a party out to Minsk the following year. Phyll did, never expecting to hear from them again! and sure enough the following April the Official invitation arrived.

1993 Four Leaders and six girls from around the County visited Minsk for two weeks-They camped in Gomel with children recovering from the Chernobly disaster, and stayed in homes in Minsk.

1994 Four Leaders came from Minsk to view Guiding Units in action.

1995 Four Minsk leaders brought 20 girls to the U K staying at Seagull House, Trusthorpe and South Rauceby campsite, plus home hospitality. Later that year Mrs Sue Shooter our C.C. made a private visit to Minsk.

1996 Four leaders and 8 girls from Lincs South visited Minsk for 2 weeks, again experiencing a different culture and home stay.

1997 3 adults from the County, Margaret McGregor, Lynn Kite and Phyll Sands, made a private visit to plan for 20 girls and 4 leaders to come to Lincs in the following year.

1998 As arranged 5 leaders and 20 girls stayed with us for 3 weeks at Seagull House,Wings Meadow Boston and in home hospitality. Over £11,000 was raised towards the cost of the trip through fund raising activities and grants from the Youth Exchange Council ( now Connect Youth International ), and the Chernobyl Link. It was according to the girls a "dream come true " with new friendships developing and guiding skills, crafts and ideas to take back and teach to others in Minsk.
In September, Jacquie Diggle, Janette Abbott-Donnelly and Helen Wydell made a private visit to Minsk and were pleased to learn that guiding had now been accepted as Associate members of World Guiding.

1999 A team of 11 girls and 4 leaders from Lincs South continued our link when they attended a camp and enjoyed home stay in Minsk for 10 days.

2000 4 leaders and an interpreter came to Lincs to learn the role of Commissioners and Advisers.

2001 16 young people and 4 leaders visited us for 3 weeks experiencing outdoor activities, culture, crafts, local history, fun, and home stay. One of many rewarding quotes by a Minsk guide was - "an experience of a lifetime".

2002 With the selection of 13 girls and 3 leaders arrangements went well for their visit to Minsk late July/August. The girls had a great and wonderful experience on this visit. Many new friends and old faces too.
The 7th September was the 10th Anniversary of successful exchanges. A time of celebration was held in Great Hale Village Hall on that day when 4 Guiding guests from Minsk joined us with many members and friends of Lincs South Guiding who have supported this exchange over the years. This year Belarus Guiding became full members of the World Association.

2003 An invitation from our Minsk Guiding friends to join them at their first International camp to be held in the Gomel Region in July/August to celebrate ten years of Guiding in Belarus was accepted by 15 members of Lincolnshire South. Following a 10 days camp the group experienced home hospitality in Minsk. One Senior Section member commented "The trip has been an amazing opportunity for me to experience another culture and way of life. It has helped me think about my own situation, and has helped me grow as a person".

2004 Plans are already going ahead for a visit by 13 girls and 3 leaders from Minsk when they will be our guests at the Lincolnshire International Scout and Guide Camp ( POACHER ), following which they will experience home hospitality around the County.

Whilst these exchanges come under the umbrella of Guiding, it is important to be aware that we do this from the fund raising efforts by all sections (Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Senior Section ) of Lincolnshire South Guides and Guiding Friends in the County. We are grateful to Connect Youth International for grant aid. The cost of bringing a group of some 17 persons from Minsk to Lincolnshire by air, coach, visas, activities and accommodation is £12,500.

Phyll Sands.
Minsk Co-ordinator.
January, 2004.