43-574: Girlguiding is the operating name of The Guide Association , previously named The Girl Guides Association . It is the national guiding organisation of the United Kingdom . It is the UK's largest girl-only youth organisation. Girlguiding is a charitable organisation. Within Girlguiding, participants take on adventurous activities, such as climbing, canoeing, sailing and orienteering and have
86-462: A girl is not allowed to run, or even hurry, to swim, ride a bike, or raise her arms above her head, how can she become a Scout?" Nevertheless, Girl Scouts were registered at Scout Headquarters. In 1909, there was a Boy Scout rally at Crystal Palace in London . Among the thousands of Scouts at the rally were several hundred Girl Scouts, including a group of girls from Peckham Rye who had no tickets to
129-467: A good turn every day. For effective administration of Girlguiding, the UK is split into smaller areas. At the top level there are ten Countries and Regions. The Countries are: The Regions are: Countries and Regions are split into Counties. These in turn are split into Divisions. Divisions are split into Districts. In some areas with few members, County, Division or District level may be omitted because effective communication occurs without it. Each area
172-504: A promise that mentions god, particularly atheists and this has attracted criticism from the National Secular Society . In 2013 a nationwide consultation of the promise was carried out by Girlguiding. This took the form of a questionnaire with 44,000 respondents being asked for opinions on each line of the promise (not just 'Love my God') and gave a number of options of different wordings. Effective from 1 September 2013,
215-703: A separate organisation for girls. The Guide Association was a founding member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in 1928. Girlguiding is supported by around 100,000 volunteers. Following the origin of the Boy Scouts in 1907 many girls took up Scouting. In 1909, a number of Girl Scouts attended the Boy Scout Rally in Crystal Palace Park The girls told Robert Baden Powell that they wanted 'to do
258-889: A variety of themes including flowers, Winnie the Pooh characters, gems or even stars. Brownies have mix and match clothing based around the colours of yellow, brown and blue. Items include baseball caps, gilets, cycle shorts, hoodies, leggings, long-sleeved tops, short sleeved tops, skorts, trousers and a sash. Brownie units may also wear neckers. Guides are aged 10 to 14 years old. Guides work within six core themes: Know Myself, Be Well, Express Myself, Take Action, Have Adventures, Skills For My Future. Guides can choose to work on unit meeting activities, skills builders and interest badges. They take part in indoor and outdoor activities that challenge them to do their best. Guides choose and plan most of their own activities, which can include themed evenings and trips. Guide units meet regularly, usually once
301-441: A week during school terms. There are often other opportunities for Guides to take part in special activities and events throughout the year. Many Guide units go away on holiday, to camp or on overnight sleepovers. Guides work in small groups between 4 and 8 called a patrol. Patrol names vary between different units but include flowers, like rose and poppy, animals, like panda and parrot and famous landmarks, like pyramids. Each patrol
344-570: Is appropriate for the activities. Rainbows and Brownies can choose from skorts, cycling shorts, leggings, joggers or trousers. All adult members of Girlguiding make a promise upon joining but young members only have to do so before achieving section awards. The current promises for each section are: Rainbows: I promise that I will do my best, to think about my beliefs, and to be kind and helpful. Brownies, Guides, members of The Senior Section and Leaders: I promise that I will do my best; To be true to myself and develop my beliefs, To serve
387-560: Is led by a Commissioner. Girlguiding is also active outside the United Kingdom . In nine British overseas territories , there are branch associations with slightly different Guiding programmes adapted to the local conditions. Most of the branch associations use different uniforms or lighter textiles. Branch Associations are active in More details can be found in The Branch Association Members website. Guiding in
430-421: Is run by a patrol leader who is assisted by her patrol seconder. The Patrol Leader can be elected by her patrol, elected by the whole unit or chosen by the leadership team. The Patrol Leader is given extra assistance from the leader team to develop her Leadership skills. For girls between 14 and 18 years old, there are a variety of schemes and groups to choose from. With the new program Rangers have new badges in
473-565: The Bergen-Belsen displaced persons camp , while others served in British Malaya . There has been much discussion about how similar Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting should be to boys' Scouting programmes. While many girls have sought to follow similar practices as boys' groups, some girls' organisations have sought to avoid simply copying or mimicking the activities of boys' organisations. Julie Bentley , appointed chief executive of
SECTION 10
#1732779878451516-473: The 1980s and 1990s, Rainbows wore a tabard in one of the colours of the Rainbow. Nowadays, the red uniform is worn, with Rainbows often referred to as “Little Reds.” There is a baseball cap, cycling shorts, hoodie, joggers, and polo shirt to choose from. Each girl makes a promise on their enrolment in a Rainbow unit and must be able to understand and carry out the promise. This Promise is a simplified version of
559-467: The Boy Scouts. Officers wear ordinary country walking-dress, with biretta of dark blue, white shoulder knot, walking stick, and whistle on lanyard. Guide uniforms vary according to cultures, climates and the activities undertaken. They are often adorned with badges indicating a Guide's achievements and responsibilities. In some places, uniforms are manufactured and distributed by approved companies and
602-488: The King and my community, To help other people and To keep the (Brownie) Guide Law. The guide's promise was changed several times due to religious beliefs being offended. In 1994, the promise was altered from 'To do my duty to God' to 'To love my God', in order to accommodate different faiths and the word 'God' was allowed to be replaced with a faith's own word for their god (e.g. Allah). Some do not feel they are able to make
645-596: The Queen Mother) in a dinghy. She became Chief Ranger of the British Empire in 1946. When she married Lieutenant Mountbatten two of her bridesmaids were former members of the Buckingham Palace company. Girl Guides Australia provided the ingredients for the couple's principal wedding cake as Britain was still under post-war rationing conditions. In 1952 when she ascended the throne she became
688-596: The UK has had a long association with the British royal family , in 1920 Princess Mary , daughter of George V became President of the Association, 1937 saw Princess Elizabeth, who would go on to be Queen Elizabeth II become a Guide, and Princess Margaret become a Brownie. Princess Elizabeth joined the 1st Buckingham Palace Unit , whose first meeting was held on 9 June. She became the Second of Kingfisher Patrol, and
731-702: The UK remains limited to girls. Transgender girls are admitted to units in some countries. Transgender women are also allowed to become leaders in some countries, including the UK. Things that are shared amongst all Guide Units are: Two central themes have been present from the earliest days of the movement: domestic skills and "a kind of practical feminism which embodies physical fitness , survival skills , camping , citizenship training, and career preparation". These two themes have been emphasized differently at different times and by different groups, but have remained central to Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting. Individual national or other emblems may be found on
774-785: The United Kingdom Girl Guides in 2012, described the Girl Guides in an interview with The Times as "the ultimate feminist organisation". Even when most Scout organisations became mixed-sex, Guiding remained sex-separated in most countries to provide a female-centred programme. For example, the UK Scout Association introduced a mixed-sex group in 1976 with the Venture Scout programme, which opened to all age-based sections in 1991 and became fully co-educational in 2007. However, Girl Guiding in
817-696: The United States and some other countries) is a worldwide movement, originally and largely still designed for girls and women only. The movement began in 1909, when girls requested to join the then-grassroots Boy Scout Movement . The movement developed in diverse ways in a variety of places around the world. In some places, girls joined or attempted to join preexisting Scouting organizations. In other places, all girl groups were started independently; some would later open up to boys, while others merged with boys' organizations. In other cases, mixed-sex groups were formed, some of which sometimes later disbanded. In
860-737: The association patron. When Princess Mary died Princess Margaret became the new president in 1965. In turn on the death of Princess Margaret, the Duchess of Edinburgh (then the Countess of Wessex), wife to Prince Edward became president in 2003. Following the Queen's death in 2022, the Duchess of Edinburgh became the organisation's patron in 2024. The highest award in Guiding, the Queen's Guide award
903-533: The event and asked that Baden-Powell let them join in. Following negative publicity in The Spectator magazine, Baden-Powell decided that a separate, single-sex organisation would be best. Baden-Powell asked his sister, Agnes Baden-Powell , to form a separate Girl Guides organisation. In 1910, The Girl Guides Association was formed in the United Kingdom. Other influential women in the history of
SECTION 20
#1732779878451946-783: The girls get ready to move on to Brownies, girls undertake the personal Pot of Gold Challenge. Brownie Guides or Brownies are aged seven to ten years old. They go along to camps, holidays, day trips and sleepovers. They get together with their friends at regular meetings where they learn new hobbies, get creative, develop skills and have outdoor adventures. Brownies work within six themes: Know Myself, Be Well, Express Myself, Take Action, Have Adventures, Skills For My Future. Brownies can choose to work on unit meeting activities, skills builders and interest badges. Brownies units are divided into Sixes, small groups of girls who work together. Sixes are traditionally named after fairies e.g., Gnomes, Elves, Leprechauns; however, many Units have adopted
989-434: The individual country's Scouting article. The uniform is a specific characteristic of all Scouting movements. Robert Baden-Powell said it "hides all differences of social standing in a country and makes for equality; but, more important still, it covers differences of country and race and creed, and makes all feel that they are members with one another of the one great brotherhood". In the 1909 The Scheme for Girl Guides ,
1032-692: The movement were Juliette Gordon Low , founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA , Olga Drahonowska-Małkowska in Poland and Antoinette Butte in France. The first Girl Guide company to be registered was 1st Pinkneys Green Guides (Miss Baden-Powell's Own), who still exist in Pinkneys Green , Maidenhead , Berkshire . Many Girl Guide and Girl Scout groups trace their roots to this point. Baden-Powell chose
1075-722: The name "Guides" for the organisation from a regiment in the British Indian Army , the Corps of Guides , which served on the Northwest Frontier and was noted for its skills in tracking and survival. In some countries, the girls preferred to call themselves "Girl Scouts". The Guide International Service was an organisation set up by the Girl Guides Association in Britain in 1942. Their aim
1118-419: The newer six naming style of woodland animals. Each six has a leader named a 'Sixer' and a deputy leader, a 'Second'. The adult leader in charge was traditionally called Brown Owl with other leaders being named after other owls, such as Snowy, Tawny, and Barn. However, these days, only some units still use owl naming – although the variety of owls has increased much, e.g., Wise, Little, Rainbow. But most units have
1161-454: The north-west frontier in India, their main task was to go on hazardous expeditions. These men had particularly influenced Baden-Powell as they continued training minds and body even when off duty. As a result, Baden Powell decided Girl Guides would be a suitable name for the pioneering young women's movement he wished to establish. In 1914 Rosebuds were established for girls aged 8–10, this name
1204-461: The opportunity to get involved in camps and international events, including girl-only festivals and overseas development projects. In local groups – called 'units' – girls complete badges and challenges that cover topics from circus skills, stargazing and scientific investigation, to first aid, camping and community action. Each year, the organisation publishes the Girls' Attitudes Survey, which surveys
1247-413: The promise that older members make. Rainbows can also receive other badges for activities that they attend (possibly with other units), and other activities they complete within their unit, maybe after a themed half term. During 2008, a special challenge book Olivia's Favourites was produced to commemorate the 21st Birthday of the section and a badge was produced. At the end of the Rainbow programme, as
1290-407: The same thing as the boys'. Guiding was introduced to respond to the demand. In 1910 Robert Baden-Powell formed the Girl Guides and asked his sister Agnes to look after the Girl Guides organisation. A few years later Baden-Powell's new wife Olave became involved and, in 1918, was appointed Chief Guide. The name Guides was chosen from Baden-Powell's military background, "Guides" had operated in
1333-485: The same vein as the younger sections. This group choose to wear a hoodie, jacket, polo shirt, or smart shirt. The Girlguiding uniform has evolved over the years, from its first design by Baden-Powell and his sister: long dresses, neckerchiefs (like the Scouts) and wide hats. The previous uniform was designed by Ally Capellino in 2000. There are no compulsory trousers, for guides and rangers but girls in guiding wear what
Girlguiding - Misplaced Pages Continue
1376-428: The same way, the name "Girl Guide" or "Girl Scout" has been used by a variety of groups across different times and places. The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) was formed in 1928 and has member organisations in 145 countries. WAGGGS celebrated the centenary of the international Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting Movement over three years, from 2010 to 2012. Lieutenant-General Robert Baden-Powell
1419-409: The then Girl Guides Association was one of the founding members of The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS) , which was created with the aim of promoting and supporting youth development work across England. Girlguiding has remained a member of NCVYS ever since. In 1964, a "Working Party" was established to review and update the whole programme of the association; their 195-page report
1462-403: The uniform for the newly emerging movement was given as: Jersey of company colour. Neckerchief of company colour. Skirt, knickers, stockings, dark blue. Cap – red biretta , or in summer, large straw hat. Haversack , cooking billy , lanyard and knife, walking stick or light staff. Cape, hooked up on the back. Shoulder knot, of the 'Group' colour on the left shoulder. Badges, much the same as
1505-479: The views of girls and young women on topics such as body image, career aspirations and mental health. Girlguiding is also a campaigning organisation, having supported the No More Page 3 Campaign and lobbied the government on sexual harassment in schools, women's political representation and media sexism. Guiding began in the UK in 1910, when Robert Baden-Powell , founder of The Scout Association , established
1548-460: The words 'to be true to myself and develop my beliefs' replaced 'to love my God', and the words 'to serve the Queen and my community' replaced 'to serve the Queen and my country'. The rewording has been criticised by some Christian organisations. Upon the royal death in September 2022, it was changed to 'to serve the King and my community'. A Brownie Guide thinks of others before herself, and does
1591-689: Was a British soldier during the Second Anglo-Boer War in South Africa (1899–1902). He was the commander during the Siege of Mafeking , and noted during the siege how young boys made themselves useful by carrying messages for the soldiers. When he came home, he decided to put his Scouting ideas into practice to see if they would work for young boys, and took 21 boys camping on Brownsea Island , near Poole in Dorset on 1 August 1907. The camp
1634-606: Was a success, and Baden-Powell subsequently wrote the book Scouting for Boys . The book covered topics such as tracking , signalling, and cooking, and it outlined a method for an "instruction in good citizenship". Soon boys began to organise themselves into patrols and troops and calling themselves "Boy Scouts". Girls bought the book as well and formed themselves into patrols of "Girl Scouts", while some girls and boys formed mixed patrols. In those days, camping and hiking were not common activities for girls, as shown in an excerpt from The Boy Scouts Headquarters Gazette of 1909: "If
1677-688: Was created in 1946. Girlguiding celebrated its centenary in 2010. The historic maze at Crystal Palace was re-opened on 5 September, remembering the 1909 Crystal Palace Scout Rally . The Centenary Camp was held from 31 July–7 August 2010 at Harewood House . The tall ship Lord Nelson made a 100-day voyage around the coast of the UK to celebrate the centenary. The Lord Nelson set sail from Glasgow on 7 June 2010. She has called at Oban, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Boston, London, Chatham, Portsmouth, Falmouth, Milford Haven and Whitehaven. At each port she took on new crew, many of whom had never sailed before. Girl Guides Girl Guides (known as Girl Scouts in
1720-477: Was enrolled by her aunt Princess Mary, association president, on 13 December. At the start of World War II the company was closed, and Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret were attached to a Balmoral Company. In 1942 the Buckingham Palace company reopened at Windsor, and Elizabeth became Patrol Leader of Swallow Patrol. In 1943 she became a Sea Ranger undertaking usual activities including gaining her boating permit and taking out her mother Queen Elizabeth (later
1763-548: Was later changed to Brownies. Two years later in 1916 the first Senior Guide groups were formed, in 1920 these groups became Rangers. 1943 saw the establishment of the Trefoil Guild for members over 21 (now 18) who wished to remain a part of the movement but couldn't remain active with a unit. The section for the youngest members of the association, Rainbows, was introduced in 1987 for girls aged 5–7 (4–7 in Ulster ). In 1936
Girlguiding - Misplaced Pages Continue
1806-595: Was published in 1966 under the title Tomorrow's Guide . These recommendations were implemented in 1968 and included new uniforms, badges and awards across all the sections of the association. Land, Sea and Air Rangers were merged into a single Ranger Guide Service Section. Girls are organised into sections by age. These are Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. Rainbow Guides or Rainbows are aged from 4 to 7 years old (5 in some areas). Activities are organised around six core areas: Know Myself, Be Well, Express Myself, Take Action, Have Adventures, Skills For My Future. In
1849-409: Was to send teams of adult Girl Guides to Europe after World War II to aid with relief work. The work of the organisation is described in two books: All Things Uncertain by Phyllis Stewart Brown and Guides Can Do Anything by Nancy Eastick. A total of 198 Guiders and 60 Scouts, drawn from Britain, Australia, Canada, Ireland and Kenya, worked in teams during the relief efforts. Some went to relieve
#450549