Voices to the Stars: Girl Guides Make History in Space-to-Earth Conversation

Bush 2 Beach Jamboree 2025 will forever be remembered for one extraordinary moment — when the voices of Girl Guides travelled beyond Earth and reached the International Space Station.

On the final night of Jamboree, as the sun dipped behind the mountains of Murwillumbah and the arena lights dimmed, 1,200 Guides gathered in anticipation. A little weary from a week of non-stop excitement the Bush2Beach closing ceremony had just reached a point where a talented musician was about to start her set when the stage was plunged into silence. Why? The excitement was electric. Within minutes, they would speak live to astronaut Zena Cardman orbiting more than 400 kilometres above Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Thanks to a special radio link arranged by Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), 15 selected Girl Guides were given the rare opportunity to ask their questions directly to space. The VK4ISS ground station in Mackay, Queensland, operated by Shayne Lind, established the communication link as the ISS passed overhead at 27,000 km/h.

And then it happened.

A clear voice came through the speakers:

“VK4ISS, welcome aboard the International Space Station. I have you loud and clear.” — Astronaut Zena Cardman.

Around the arena, faces lit up. Some Guides clasped their hands over their mouths; others gripped their friends’ hands. History was happening — and they were part of it.

What Do You Ask an Astronaut?

One by one, the Guides stepped up to the microphone. They asked about life in microgravity, dreams in space, and whether astronauts ever get tired of floating. Others asked about mentors, advice for aspiring astronauts, and even the weirdest smells on the ISS (the answer involved floating air pockets and made the whole arena laugh).

Some of the most memorable responses included:

• On Sleeping in Space:“You don’t wake up with a crick in your neck — there’s no wrong position to sleep in up here.”

• On Courage and Careers in STEM:“Don’t be the person who tells yourself you can’t do something. Pursue what makes you curious — with passion and persistence.”

• • On the most beautiful sight from space:“The line between night and day from orbit is more breathtaking than any sunrise on Earth.”

• On carrying Girl Guides into space:“The most important thing you take with you is yourself — all your memories, mentors and experiences.”

The questions were thoughtful. The answers were honest, funny, and deeply inspiring.

A Moment Bigger Than Us All

At the end of the conversation, one of the Girl Guides delivered a heartfelt thank you. In response, Zena shared:

“You all inspire me. Thank you for pursuing your passions, leadership and teamwork as Girl Guides. I can’t wait to see where you go next.”

As the signal faded and the ISS slipped below the horizon, applause finally broke out across the arena. Some Guides cried. Some cheered. Many simply stood in quiet awe.

Stephen Vassallo from ARISS called it a “wow moment of history” — and he was right.

More Than a Conversation — A Legacy

This wasn’t just about speaking to an astronaut. It was about showing young people that their voices matter — that curiosity, courage and teamwork can send your words into space.

For the 15 Guides who asked questions, and the thousands watching beside them, this night will be remembered for a lifetime.

From Murwillumbah to the stars, our Girl Guides proved what happens when girls are empowered to dream big.

Don’t tell yourself you can’t. Be curious. Be persistent.