Girlguiding news: celebrating our leaders

This month I’m sharing a few of our leaders’ Girlguiding stories.

I’m Sue, aka Dragonfly, and I run Rainbows and Brownies. I was a Brownie, Guide and Ranger when I was young. When my children joined Rainbows I stayed to help as they had separation anxiety, and I never left! I now oversee Girlguiding in Godstone Division, which roughly equates to Tandridge. One of my ‘career’ highlights is stewarding the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, but the many experiences over the years have made me who I am today, for which I am immensely grateful.

Brogan (Bumblebee) completed the Leadership qualification in 2023, having come into Girlguiding as lockdown ended. After uni, she found herself in Caterham and looking for something to do:

“It brings me immense joy to support the growth and development of the Brownies, fostering their confidence and independence along the way. Helping them learn life skills and watching them evolve into well-rounded individuals is incredibly rewarding. Volunteering with Brownies is the best part of my week.”

A Girlguiding leader wearing uniform and glasses — **Catherine (Eeyore)**

Catherine (Eeyore) volunteers in Chelsham.

“I joined Girlguiding as a complete newbie in 2020 as an extra pair of hands for summer camp. Sadly it was cancelled due to the pandemic but I was instantly hooked. Within 18 months, I was a qualified leader for all four sections and was awarded my ‘going away’ residentials licence. Girlguiding has provided me with some incredible opportunities; the most memorable being volunteering at the Festival of Remembrance in 2022 at the Royal Albert Hall. I am now a district commissioner and I can’t wait to see what memories and lifelong friends I make in the years to come!”

I will end with the wonderful news that in March, Lorna (assistant division commissioner) and I were proud to present Sarah (Brown Owl) from Warlingham Brownies and Guides with an award to honour 40 years of service. Now there’s a tale to be told!