As a sport this year I dove into climbing. I was inspired by a climbing trip I went on with my dad in Krabi, Thailand one year ago. It had been my first time climbing, and the views pared with the challenge climbing posed for me made me fall in love with the sport. This year, equipped with my own climbing gear, I got to practice regularly at a climbing gym near us. I had lots of fun getting through new challenges, testing out routes, and practicing techniques. 

Inspired by a pottery class we took last year in Greece, I decided to pursue pottery this year. I started attending weekly wheel-throwing classes, and soon, I taught myself lots of techniques, with the help of guidelines from teachers. I had lots of fun watching my inspirations come to life, and then bringing them home to share with family. Below is one of my favorite little vases, before firing and glazing. 

With the help of my cousin, I joined a Polish scouting group this year. I never thought it would be so fun! I attended meetings when I could, winter camp, and the pinnacle of the year; summer camp. I learned so many skills, gained badges, hiked, and got to experience a Polish scouting camp. We built our own bunk beds out of wood, lived in them for three weeks, hiked, completed tasks, and most of all, I had a great time facing hardships, surviving tougher moments, laughing, singing by campfires, and living in the forest with my friends for three weeks. 

This year, I took an ASA 101 Sailing Course with my mom. We prepared by reading books and watching lectures, and then we had three days on the water with an instructor. We got to practice all that we had learned before a final exam. We both passed. This was a great experience, and it was very helpful later in the year when my mom and I were able to take over the steering wheel and sails during our sailing trip.

Polish Girl Scouts ZHR work a bit differently than American Girl Scouts. We earn Merit badges, but we also have 'Progression Steps'. These are big steps you can take (without changing your role in the troop), to improve yourself, expand your interests, and become a better scout. These steps are composed of a series of tasks you choose with a person of higher rank. Apart from the five merit badges you have to complete, you have around 10 set tasks and around 10 tasks of your own choosing (within categories). A step like this can take anywhere from two months to a year to complete. This year, I finished all the requirements for my step, and concluded with my personal 'trial', and I got to participate in the 'coronation' ritual with my friends, who were also finishing their steps. During the ritual, our fleur-de-lis was exchanged for 'scout crosses', pinned to our uniforms. This step is called 'Ochotniczka'.