The Guide Association founded in 1910 has been inspiring young girls to challenge themselves for generations. As it heads into a new era I had the privilege of interviewing my guide leader, Michelle Nye, or Bubbles, as we call her from the 7th Bromley Guide Unit to ask her about her thoughts and experiences with Girl Guides. This interview gives an insight into how my guide leader came to be an inspiration to a group of young girls and her thoughts on the future of the Girl Guides.
When did you start working for Girl Guides?
I have been helping with Guides ever since 2003 but I took over the unit in November 2015.
What made you want to start working for the Guides?
I have been working for Girl Guiding for 13 years, as a Young Leader then a qualified Brownie Leader. In 2015 the former Guide Leader stepped down. As the unit is the same unit I was working in, I didn’t want to see it closed. I have many happy memories of guides, so I took over the unit to give young girls a chance to have the same opportunities and experiences I had.
How did you find out about the Girl Guiding Organisation?
I joined Brownies at the age of 7 with my school friends. We saw a leaflet on the notice board and decided to join. From there I worked along my guiding journey. I became a Guide and a Young Leader. Then I trained and qualified as an Adult Leader.
What qualities do you think makes the perfect Girl Guide?
The perfect Guide is a girl who is happy to try and get involved. A girl who develops current skills and interests, but also is curious to learn new ones. A girl who embraces challenges and works hard.
I am very lucky to have a great group of Guides who always try and work hard, sometimes in groups and sometimes as individuals, although staying up late at camp talking means they are all only nearly perfect!
What benefits does Girl Guiding provide?
Girl Guiding provides a safe space to girls to learn, grow and develop. To try new challenges and learn new skills. An environment away from the pressure of modern society and social expectation. Where a girl can be comfortable being who she wants to be, even if her hair is scruffy or her nails aren’t perfect. Also learning things you wouldn’t learn at school or with friends socially.
How do you think the Girl Guiding Organisation can benefit young people?
The organisation is always trying to keep up to date with what girls want or can do. With Guides and the Guiding organisation focusing on the needs of young women and girls they can try new things and explore different opportunities, looking at possible career paths or skills for their future. A space where they can explore engineering or construction as well as fashion or music.
Where do you see Girl Guiding in the future?
Guiding is at an exciting time at the moment, with the launch of the new programme and activities. Girl Guiding also has programmes for bigger and wider world issues, which I have no doubt will grow and be stronger.
I always see there being a place for Guiding and the opportunities it offers, to guide, lead and hold the leaders of the future. Whether that’s for Guides, politics or industry and business leaders.
With Guiding’s core focus being me, the community and the world I believe it will play a part in community life and will help shape the future of our communities and world.
Interviewed by Zehra Salim, Patrol Seconder 7th Bromley Guides Unit.
