BLOOM TOGETHER: A Celebration of Different Abilities

The Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association proudly presents its upcoming National Camp for the Branch of Differently Abled Guides, which will be held from Friday  May 22 to Sunday  May 24 2026 at the MJF Moratuwa Centre. This remarkable event will bring together 120 campers from across the island.

This unique and inspiring gathering includes Guides with Down Syndrome, Autism, hearing impairments, visual impairments and slow learners, alongside their dedicated leaders.

Under the theme “BLOOM TOGETHER,” the camp symbolises a garden of diverse flowers — each unique, each beautiful —growing side by side under one campsite. The powerful slogan, “Different Abilities – Endless Possibilities,” reflects the spirit of the camp: celebrating strengths, nurturing confidence, and creating opportunities for every girl to shine.

Speaking on the objectives of the camp, Dilhani Haputantri, Commissioner of the Branch for the Differently Abled Guides, shared that this initiative is designed to provide these young girls with a platform to showcase their talents, build self-confidence, and experience independence by staying away from their parents for two nights under canvas. The camp also emphasises teamwork and ensures that participants enjoy the true essence of the Guiding experience, just like their peers in the mainstream movement.

Blending creativity, skill-building, and fun

The camp programme is thoughtfully designed to blend creativity, skill-building, and fun. The opening evening will feature a vibrant fashion show, where Guides will present costumes made from recyclable materials alongside modern and traditional attire. This open platform allows them not only to express creativity but also to walk with pride and confidence, celebrating both their individuality and the beauty within their hearts.

The second evening will come alive with a grand campfire programme, showcasing performances from representatives of five provinces across Sri Lanka. These performances are the result of months of preparation, with participants practicing since October last year. The campfire promises to be a heartwarming display of culture, talent, and unity.

Environmental awareness is another key focus of the camp. Through engaging games and storytelling sessions, Guides will learn about climate change and environmental pollution in fun and meaningful ways. Activities such as a Butterfly Garden nature walk and a supervised hike with safe cooking experiences will further encourage appreciation for nature and responsibility towards the environment.

The final day will be an open day, where parents and caregivers are warmly invited to visit the campsite. This reunion after three days of independence will be a proud and emotional moment, allowing families to witness the growth, confidence, and joy their children have gained.

“We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our team and the generous contributions of our donors, who have helped make this dream a reality for these young girls,” said Dilhani Haputantri. “Our aim is simple — to give them the opportunity to smile, to feel included, and to shine just like any other member of society.”

The BLOOM TOGETHER National Camp stands as a powerful reminder that when given the right opportunities, every individual — regardless of ability —  can flourish beautifully.