World Foundation for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Inc.
Pax Lodge
Pax Lodge holds a special place in the hearts of girls and women of all ages across the globe. Those who have been fortunate enough to visit Pax Lodge or volunteer there have had life changing experiences, developed lifetime friendships and have walked out of Pax Lodge as a changed person. They are more knowledgeable about the world, have a better perspective on how to be a better global citizen and are truly a force for global understanding and friendship. Pax Lodge serves as a hostel on the outskirts of London, but it is truly more than that. It has proven itself to be a place where the mission of the Girl Scout and Girl Guide Movements are both strengthened and emboldened. A place where all cultures and beliefs are openly embraced. A place where strangers soon become friends.
Pax Lodge Tour Video
Real Life Stories
Click on the icon to read her stories.
Gladys -
Guana
My experiences meeting international friends has built my confidence level by taking each task step by step, voicing out and having the can do attitude in whatever I do. I have learnt the value of recognizing and celebrating each team member’s strength. I was glad to know I have helped in making a difference in the lives of others.
Recipient of a travel grant from the World Foundation
Giola -
Switzerland
"I’m Gioia, I’m from Switzerland and I’m 18 years old. Scouting has a huge impact on my life, I wouldn’t be the same person without it. Connecting all the Scouts and Guides of the world is the open-minded and respectful way, how we meet each other and World Centres like Pax Lodge give everyone the possibility to experience that. Seeing other people having this experience, helping them to make it and being a part of it is a great feeling and I’m very glad to be in this position. Compare different traditions, cultures and opinions by talking to people with different backgrounds, experiences and ages is so much more interesting than just read about them and here, this is part of our everyday life."
Recipient of a travel grant from the World Foundation
Sabine -
Germany
I’m Sabine, I’m 18 years old and my home is located in a small town in the south of Germany. Since my group was founded in 2009 I’m an active member.
When I was little I always wanted to be a Girl Scout because my father told me about his great experience with scouting. Joining scouts was definitely the best decision I‘ve ever made. I found the best friends here, became more independent and confident. Nowadays I couldn’t imagine a life without being a Girl Scout.
I lead the group of my town together with some of my friends. In addition to that I was part of the Diocesan leading team until I came here and I definitely will join them again when I’m back home. I became a leader when I was only 14 years old because our local leaders all left to study. So I have a lot of leading experience although I’m not that old yet. One of the things that I like about being a scout is that you can be totally creative and sometimes the strangest ideas become real.
In 2016 I visited Pax Lodge with scouts from home. One of the leaders told us about the experience she made at Our Cabana. Since then I always wanted to be a volunteer as well. I’m very happy to have this opportunity now as I love meeting a lot of new people from around the world, see how big scouting is and learn about other cultures. For me it’s fascinating how similar and yet different again scouting can be.
Recipient of a travel grant from the World Foundation
Rachel -
United States of America
I have been a Girl Scout since I was about 8 years old. I am a Lifetime Member and I am a member of the San Francisco Service Unit Team. Girl Scouts provided me with the opportunity to go to camp and meet other girls. I was also able to travel to amazing places like the World Centers.
Girl Scouts is a very important part of my life and my short time at Pax Lodge has started me on my path of giving back. I have worked on my independence, developed my leadership skills, set myself goals and met them.
I have gained so much from the global experience. I can’t think of a better way to give back than volunteering for an amazing organization that gives the girls the opportunity to see the world outside of themselves and their place in the world.
I want to continue to experience Girl Scouts on a global scale and share my experiences with others a broadly as I can.
Recipient of a travel grant from the World Foundation
Jasmine -
South Africa
"Hi, My name is Jasmine, from South Africa, I was a Pax Lodge volunteer in 2019/20. Being a Pax Lodge volunteer was the best experience of my Guiding life so far. I was able to meet Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world, learn about guiding in different countries and make friends. I was also able to travel around London and explore the rest of the UK. After my time as a volunteer, I have found that I am more opinionated, cheerful and confident. Since being a Pax Lodge volunteer, I came back to South Africa, began studying and been involved in more WAGGGS and Girl Guide South Africa related projects in my country.
Recipient of a travel grant from the World Foundation
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Friends of Pax Lodge USA
Maureen Lienau, Interim Co-Chair
Sarah Edwards, Interim Co-Chair
Marlene Logan, Interim Vice-Chair
Mary Jane Meconi, Interim Vice-Chair
Barbara Johnson, Interim VIce-ChairMarty Allison
Alison Bentley, LOA
Serena Bell
Elizabeth Cline Birmingham
Marty Davis
Sarah Edwards
Lisa Ferreira
Jennifer Glover
Catherine Gritz, Honorary
Mary Helen Horne
Adrienne King
Frances Koren
Mary Koren
Suzi Lenhart
Sandy Lopez
Yvonne Lowrie, Founding Chair, Emerita
Kathy Maxcy
Peggy McDaniel
Beverly Miner
Meg Oldman
Kayla Quinn, Associate
Lee Rasi
Sue Reimer, Emerita
Juila Routledge, Honorary
Karen Saenz
Ruth Sanchez-Way
Leslie Stuart
Susan Drew Thomas
Pam Verhaegen
Debi Willis
Susan A. Yates
Places to visit
Many of the museums in London are free, including: The British Museum The Natural History Museum The Science Museum Museum of London Victoria and Albert Museum Imperial War Museum Wellcome Collection Design Museum
Free Galleries: Tate Britain Tate Modern National Gallery National Portrait Gallery (closed until 2023) Photography Gallery The Wallace Collection
Fantastic Views of London: Parliament Hill Primrose Hill The Sky Garden The Garden at 120 Public viewing gallery at the Oxo tower
Shopping Camden Market Borough Market Portobello Road Market Carnaby Street Regent Street Oxford Street
Paid for tourist attractions; Tower of London London Eye London Dungeon Climb the roof at the O2 Arena London zoo Hampton Court Palace London Transport Museum Thames Cruise
Others: Buckingham Palace – changing of the guard Harry Potter Studio Tour (this is a little outside of London) See Tower Bridge lift up Regent’s Park Crystal Palace Park
Programs at Pax Lodge
Pax Lodge also offers challenge badges:
Pax Lodge Challenge – find out about the history and running of Pax Lodge. Each participant is given a booklet of questions, the answers to which can be found around the ground floor of the building and through talking to staff and volunteers. Upon successful completion of the challenge you will receive a badge.
Challenges Around London – earn a badge whilst you sightsee. Choose one of our themed challenges and explore places in London linked to that theme. Each participant is given a booklet with instructions and a badge. Challenges include: Monopoly, Harry Potter, Turn Back Time (this is based in the Greenwich area of London) or Footsteps of our Founders (this takes you to places linked with the Baden-Powell family and the early days of guiding in London).
Winter Newsletter
Activities at Pax Lodge
Activity Book
History of Pax Lodge
Who We Support
