Once upon a time there was a little Rainbow. She made a promise to think about her beliefs, and to be kind and helpful and, as she grew up, she remembered to keep that promise. She became a Brownie and then a Guide and a Ranger and, because she had enjoyed her time so much, she became a Young Leader (YL) and helped the adult leaders to run the meetings.
That’s not the only way to become a YL. Some volunteer through the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and enjoy it so much, they never leave!
The YL qualification has several modules about key leadership skills, backed up with practical experience and mentor check-ins. Several of the modules count towards the adult leadership scheme.
I asked some of our current YLs about their experience.
Megan has earned a place on a Girlguiding trip this summer, visiting seven countries by train.
She says, “Being a young leader has helped me feel better about myself because I know that I am doing something to help others, as well as helping me feel more connected to my community.”
The Rainbows love spending time with Megan during meetings and engage with younger volunteers in a different way than to the mature adults. There is a huge value in having helpers of different age groups working together. It gives the younger girls something to aspire to. When they see Megan and Emily modelling young leadership, they think, “I can do that when I’m older.”
Emily completed her YL qualification last year and tells me:
“It gave me multiple chances to experience opportunities such as first aid training, and provided knowledge on how to look after people who are in difficult situations. It has helped me to become more comfortable when communicating with others, making sure it’s clear and understandable.”
Our YLs are the future of Girlguiding and take their skills out into the world as they continue to grow in confidence and ability. We celebrate them and all that they do and learn!
To find out how to visit a unit near you, contact our Facebook page, mail Sue at godstonedivision@gmail.com or visit the Girlguiding website.
