Girlguiding has a long history in the district, with many local girls being given many opportunities for adventure, making friends, residentials and enjoying a wide range of girl-only experiences.
 
The current leaders, Stephanie Chapman and Cherie Galley, who have worked with girls of Rainbow (5-6 years), Brownie (7-10 years) and Guide (10-14 years) ages, are taking a step back so all the units are seeking new adults willing to take on a role to keep them going.
 
Although the current leaders actually lead all three groups, it may be that new leaders are happier to work with one group and would like to be part of a team of two or three offering weekly guiding to local girls. At present, the units meet consecutively on a Monday, but this is open to change and flexibility.
 
At a recent meeting of parents, many agreed they would like to be part of a leadership team and are desperate that guiding continues in the area. However, the organisation is still looking for more helpers and someone willing to co-ordinate the leadership teams.
 
All the girls are enthusiastic and enjoy their guiding. For instance, Maddie has been coming to the meetings as part of her Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. She thought it would be fun – but it has been even better than that. She has loved helping the girls get badges and with practical things such as how to make pancakes and how to light stoves – without anybody getting injured!
 
Meanwhile, Lauren, now 14, has been a Brownie and Guide and now helps with Brownies. She says it’s fun and that you get to meet new people and learn how to work with others. She enjoys being with all age ranges and talking to and having fun with people you wouldn’t normally associate because they are different ages or live in different villages.
 
Sophie, who is just about to become a Brownie, felt shy to begin with and didn’t know anybody, but quickly made friends. She loved camping in tents in the church.
 
Keira, a Guide, sent a message to potential helpers: “If you are worried about spending time with children, don’t be – it’s good fun and we can supervise ourselves sometimes. Please come forward. It’s a lot of work, but it all pays off because of how much you get out of it. Some people come in shy, but they become the loudest ones. Because we take them out of their comfort zones it makes them happy and confident.”
 
Were you a Rainbow, Brownie or a Guide? Do you have skills you could share? Do you enjoy helping build confidence in young people? Are you a good administrator? Are you good with accounts?
 
Training is given, and many of the leaders gain experience and have just as much fun from volunteering as the children do.
 
Please email for further information.
 

• For more information about guiding in Norfolk, click HERE