The 1st Okotoks Pathfinders toughed out the rain and mud at the 2016 Girl Guides Mosaic earlier this month.

The mosaic brought together around 2,800 girls and guides from around the world for nine days in Sylvan Lake.

1st Okotoks Pathfinders Guide Leader Lisa Penzo says mosaic is a week-long adventure.

"It's a national camp with an international attendance. So we joined a little under 3,000 girls from all over Canada and the world in a week-long adventure of different programming, themes, arts and crafts, music and survival-type skills."

Along with daily activities, Penzo says the pathfinders completed a service project in Red Deer before heading to West Edmonton Mall for a day of fun.

"We visited the animal shelter in Red Deer and our group got to hear what the animal shelter was about and what their job is in the community. The girls got to make cat toys and play and cuddle some of the cats...and then they got to hang out with one of the dog residents for the moment, looking for adoption, and keep him company."

She says even through the rain, it's a wonderful experience that unites the young ladies.

"It works on the sisterhood of guiding, making friendships and developing connections. For the girls, its benefit is that they witness that guiding goes around not just in Okotoks but provincially, nationally and elsewhere around the world."

The mosaic takes place every three to five years and even though it rained all nine days, the girls can't wait for the next mosaic adventure. 

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