The Guides attended the Great Guide Sleepover, held on Cockatoo Island in Sydney, an event that has now been held for 20 years.

In order to attend the event the girls needed to raise money for this year’s chosen charity – The Butterfly Foundation.

For the third year running, the Highlands’ own 2016 Young Citizen of the Year Amelia Brook was awarded for being the highest individual fundraiser. 

Amelia raised a total of $1174 to go towards the foundation’s efforts.

The Moss Vale Girl Guides contingent was also recognised for impressive fundraising.

With $1654 raised all together, the group was named the highest overall fundraising unit.

The Butterfly Foundation supports Australians in the treatment and prevention of body issues and eating disorders.

Amelia said she was passionate about helping a charity that could help young people to fight a terrible disease.

“Body image is such a big focus now through social media, TV and magazines that it sends out this message of how we should look,” she said.

“It’s a nice feeling to know I’ve contributed to this charity so it can help Australians feel comfortable in their own skin. We are all beautiful no matter what shape or size we are.”

After approaching friends and family to sponsor her, Amelia also posted letters at her parents’ workplaces to explain the cause she felt so strongly about, and also sought donations from organisations.

“This year I made cupcakes and biscuits to sell and used that money toward the foundation too,” she said.

“I set myself a goal to reach a higher amount each year. This year my goal was to reach $1000 and I ended up beating that.”

A cheque for $10,000 was presented to The Butterfly Foundation CEO Christine Morgan on the night, and the Moss Vale Girl Guides were able to participate in the handover ceremony.