Guides
Guides having fun together
Guides is the section for girls aged between 10 and 14, and has been operating for a century, having been formed in 1910.
Guides work together is small groups called "patrols" that provide a ready-made group of friends and helping the girls to feel that they belong to something special. Patrols usually contain between four and eight girls, and elect their own leader.
Guides get to choose and organise some of their activities themselves with the support and help of adult Leaders and Young Leaders.
Being a Guide is all about belonging to a group, learning new skills, making new friends and helping others. Each Guide is encouraged to achieve her own personal goals through a progressive programme with the opportunity to work for a wide variety of badges. This allows the Guide to mature and develop at her own pace.
What do Guides do?
Guides can participate in a wide range of activities at their regular meetings, and at special events, day trips, sleepovers, camps and holidays. They can find themselves trying out arts and crafts, taking part in activites that they wouldn't ordinarily have the chance to do, taking part in community projects, or even taking part things such as archery, rock-climbing, horseriding or attending the Big Gig pop concert!
The Guide Programme is divided into five areas:
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Discovery | Guides are encouraged to undertake challenges and push the boundaries of their experience. This could involve outdoor activities such as climbing or canoeing, learning a new skill or taking part in a project to benefit their community |
| Healthy lifestyles | Guides promote physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing by informing girls about healthy eating and exercise, and raising awareness of issues such as body image, alcohol and drugs. |
| Global awareness | Guides are encouraged to be active global citizens by raising their awareness of world issues such as development, and perhaps by providing opportunities for them to travel and meet members from overseas. |
| Skills and relationships | Girls' self-confidence are an important part of Guides, as well as improving their inter-personal and life skills. Guide activities foster communication, team work, decision-making, and respect for the views and values of others. |
| Celebrating diversity | Girlguiding is an inclusive organisation and aims to raise girls' awareness of issues such as gender stereotyping, discrimination and disability rights. Guides celebrate and promote understanding of different cultures and foster cross-community links. |
Where can I find Guides?
There are nearly 100 Guide Units spread all across West Mercia, which is over 1,600 girls - all having fun with Guides. In order to find your nearest Unit, please contact us.
Leaving Guides
Towards the end of her Guide days, a Guide may be introduced to a local Senior Section unit where they can carry on with their Guiding journey...