Perhaps another way of looking at it is, ‘do I want to make friends, learn new skills, and have fun? Why would I NOT want to?!’
If you hang around long enough on local social media, someone will ask ‘I’m looking for something to be part of: friendships, clubs, volunteering. Can anyone help?’ I ALWAYS answer ‘Girlguiding’, as there’s something for everyone, no matter what age.
Rainbows and Brownies often already know each other at school, but they also make friends outside their usual circle. They move up to Guides aged 10 (usually) and become established in a social group that spans both junior and senior school. This makes the transition to Year 7 much easier as there are already familir faces in the older years.
Guides and Rangers provide a safe ‘tribe’ outside the classroom to help with all those tricky teenage issues, with trusted adults alongside, and there are always chances to go on fantastic camps and overseas trips. One of our older adults still has friends that she made in her teenage years at international events, and a group of ex-Rangers recently contacted their former leader to share a photo of them meeting up ten years on, despite living in different countries.
Young Leaders learn to work alongside adult leaders, finding respect, confidence and friendship across the generations. Some of our previous YLs are long-time leaders and still close friends.
Girlguiding has given me wonderful friends who I know share the same values. We all make the same promise, whether we’re four or 84. My role as division commissioner means I regularly meet up with leaders all over the county and it’s always a joy, keeping me teachable and young-hearted, and the Girlguiding experience gives me the confidence to make significant decisions in my day-job too.
As an adult, you don’t have to lead a group. Most groups of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides have an established team, who would love to welcome an extra pair of hands to help with an activity, a game or craft (we rarely use glitter!!), or another task completely.
To find out what Girlguiding holds for you – without being put on a rota! – contact me, Sue (Dragonfly) at godstonedivision@gmail.com.
