Girlguiding is the UK’s largest girl-only youth organisation which started in the UK in 1910 when a group of girls appeared at a Boy Scout Rally. They declared themselves as Girl Scouts. Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Boy Scouts, decided there should be a Movement for girls, leading to Girlguiding being formed, which includes Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers.

The purpose of Girlguiding was to create an environment where girls and young women could challenge themselves, put their ideas into action, take part in a range of activities and gain the skills needed to confidently navigate their world. I have been fortunate enough to take part in Girlguiding and experience this first-hand, thanks to my Girlguiding leaders.

I interviewed one of my previous leaders, Georgina Churchlow, from 98th Old Palace Guides and 99th Broadwater Weybridge Rangers:

What made you want to become a Guide leader?

‘I was briefly a Brownie then a Guide and I loved it as I was a very outdoors child. Guides did all the things I really loved: campfires, whittling things, making shelters, laying trails, camping etc. So, I never left. I have been a Leader for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers.’ 

What are the benefits of taking part in Girlguiding as a girl/ young woman?

‘Girlguiding has always been about developing skills whether that is practical skills, decision-making, teamwork and having fun. On many occasions parents have said how lovely it was that their daughter learnt to sew, do first aid, find out about some topic or whatever. We can fill in gaps that parents don’t feel confident in teaching. Also, because we set a programme but encourage girls to do it themselves, they learn how to organise but in a positive environment. Leaders are there to provide activities and to help when needed. Somewhere I read a statistic that when you look at influential women a large number have been a Brownie or a Guide.’

What do you think girls and young women enjoy most about Girlguiding?

‘Being together in all-girl groups. I think being single sex is very important as I think it lets girls be themselves, so they let their hair down. I hope they like the programme too but being together and making new friends is so important. When they hit 11 they suddenly go off to all sorts of different schools but they still keep their old friends in Guides and make new ones.’

Do you think that Girlguiding has made a difference in girls and young women’s lives?

‘Yes, I do. I believe it creates good citizens. It builds confident and independent young women.’

Why do you think Girlguiding has become so popular?

‘It was founded in 1910 and has been popular almost from the start. It remains the biggest female youth organisation because it has the trust of parents. They know that if their daughters join Brownies or Guides, they will have fun and they will do fabulous things – or at least I hope so.

It is also quite inclusive. Although we do charge, the costs are very low compared with music lessons, horse riding, stage school or whatever. This is because it is almost entirely run by volunteers who give their time, energy and enthusiasm free. So, we can keep our costs down so everyone can join.’ 

Personally, I believe that Girlguiding is a fantastic opportunity, which gives girls and young women experiences and skills which will stay with them for a lifetime, as well as a great opportunity to make new friends.

Link to the Girlguiding website: https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/