Girlguiding UK
Encyclopedia
Girlguiding UK is the national Guiding
organisation of the United Kingdom
. Guiding began in the UK in 1910 after Robert Baden-Powell asked his sister Agnes
to start a group especially for girls that would be run along similar lines to Scouting for Boys
. The Guide Association was a founder member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
(WAGGGS) in 1928. Today the Association has more than 600,000 members and continues to be the largest girl only youth organisation in the UK.
The Girl Guides in the UK are officially "The Guide Association" and go under the operating name of "Girlguiding UK". Although Scout groups in the UK
must now accept girls as of January 2007, this has not affected the numbers of girls joining Girlguiding UK. At present about one in four of all eight-year-old girls in the UK are Brownies. 50% of UK women have been involved with Guiding at some point in their lives.
Girlguiding UK is a charitable organisation and adult leaders are not paid for their time. For this reason, and for its work aiming for the personal and social development of young people, Girlguiding UK is a member of The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS).
Following the creation of Robert Baden-Powell
's Boy Scout
movement and their first rally, at the Crystal Palace
, it became apparent that many girls wanted to join the movement. In response Baden-Powell formed the Girl Guides in 1910, and asked his sister Agnes
to look after the new organisation. A few years later his 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 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 8–11, this name 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 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 UK has remained a member of NCVYS ever since.
or Rainbows are aged from 5 to 7 year old, except in Northern Ireland where girls can join from age 4. Activities are organised around work the four areas of the Rainbow Jigsaw - Look, Learn, Laugh and Love. In the UK the girls often wear a protective tabbard in one of the colours of the Rainbow, however red mix and match clothing is now more common. There is a baseball cap, cycle shorts, hoodie, jogging bottoms, polo shirt, or tabbards to choose from.
Each girl makes a promise on joining a Rainbow Guide Unit and must be able to understand and want to make this promise. This Promise is a simpler version of the one all members make. The Rainbow Promise is: "I Promise that I will do my best, to love my God and to be kind and helpful."
The Rainbow Jigsaw is used in the unit via the Rainbow Roundabout. The Rainbows themselves choose an activity from one of each of the four Jigsaw areas. These activities are then carried out alongside the normal activities. When all four have been completed the Rainbow is awarded a badge showing the symbols of each of the Jigsaw areas. It is intended that each Rainbow completes 2 Roundabouts in their life as a Rainbow. Roundabouts have a theme, ones produced so far are Roundabout Festivals, Roundabout the World, Roundabout Rainbows, Roundabout Get Healthy and Roundabout Global Adventure. 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 the girls get ready to move on to the Brownie section, girls undertake the personal Pot of Gold Challenge.
; however many Packs have adopted naming the Sixes after woodland animals. Each six has a leader called a 'sixer' and a seconder. The adult leader is sometimes called Brown Owl. Other leaders are often named after different owls. These two elements are taken from the Brownie Story, in which two children visit the Brown Owl in the wood to learn how they can help doing the housework. It is becoming more common for Leaders to be named after different animals.
Brownies have mix and match clothing based around the colours of yellow and brown. Items include baseball caps, gilets, cycle shorts, hoodies, leggins, long sleeved tops, short sleeved tops, skorts, trousers and a sash. Brownie packs may also wear neckers.
Guide unit meet regularly, usually once 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 is run by a patrol leader who is assisted by her patrol seconder. The Patrol Leader is elected by her patrol. The Patrol Leader is given extra assistance with the Leadership skills.
This group choose to wear a hoodie, jacket, polo shirt, rugby shirt, or smart shirt. There is also a baseball cap.
upon joining, the current promises for each section are:
Rainbows:
Brownies:
Guides, Senior Section and Leaders:
In addition members of the Senior Section promise
The Countries are:
The Regions are:
Countries and Regions are then split into Counties. These in turn comprise of 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 is led by a Commissioner.
. 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
, 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 was enrolled by her Aunt Princess Mary, Association President, on December 13. At the start of World War II
the company was closed, and the Queen and Princess Margaret were attached to a Balmoral Company. In 1942 the Buckingham Palace company reopened at Windsor, the Queen became Patrol Leader of Swallow Patrol. In 1943 the Queen became a Sea Ranger undertaking usual activities including gaining her boating permit and taking out 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. In 1952 when she ascended the throne she became the association patron.
When Princess Mary died Princess Margaret became the new President in 1965. In turn on the death of Princess Margaret, HRH Sophie the Countess of Wessex
, wife to Prince Edward
became President in 2003. The highest award in Guiding, the Queen's Guide
award was created in 1946, this is now presented by the Association President.
.
The Centenary Camp was held from 31 July 2010 - 7 August 2010 at Harewood House
.
The tall ship
Lord Nelson is making 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
A Guide, Girl Guide or Girl Scout is a member of a section of some Guiding organisations who is between the ages of 10 and 14. Age limits are different in each organisation. It is the female-centred equivalent of the Scouts. The term Girl Scout is used in the United States and several East Asian...
organisation of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. Guiding began in the UK in 1910 after Robert Baden-Powell asked his sister Agnes
Agnes Baden-Powell
Agnes Smyth Baden-Powell was the younger sister of Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, and was most noted for her work in establishing the Girl Guide movement as a female counterpart to her older brother's Scouting Movement.-Early life:Agnes was the ninth of ten children, and the third...
to start a group especially for girls that would be run along similar lines to Scouting for Boys
Scouting for Boys
Scouting for Boys: A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship is the first book on the Scout Movement, published in 1908. It was written and illustrated by Robert Baden-Powell, its founder...
. The Guide Association was a founder member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts is a global association supporting the female-oriented and female-only Scouting organizations in 145 countries. It was established in 1928 and has its headquarters in London, England. It is the counterpart of the World Organization of the Scout...
(WAGGGS) in 1928. Today the Association has more than 600,000 members and continues to be the largest girl only youth organisation in the UK.
The Girl Guides in the UK are officially "The Guide Association" and go under the operating name of "Girlguiding UK". Although Scout groups in the UK
The Scout Association
The Scout Association is the World Organization of the Scout Movement recognised Scouting association in the United Kingdom. Scouting began in 1907 through the efforts of Robert Baden-Powell. The Scout Association was formed under its previous name, The Boy Scout Association, in 1910 by the grant...
must now accept girls as of January 2007, this has not affected the numbers of girls joining Girlguiding UK. At present about one in four of all eight-year-old girls in the UK are Brownies. 50% of UK women have been involved with Guiding at some point in their lives.
Girlguiding UK is a charitable organisation and adult leaders are not paid for their time. For this reason, and for its work aiming for the personal and social development of young people, Girlguiding UK is a member of The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS).
History
Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell
Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, Bt, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB , also known as B-P or Lord Baden-Powell, was a lieutenant-general in the British Army, writer, and founder of the Scout Movement....
's Boy Scout
Scouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society....
movement and their first rally, at the Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace was a cast-iron and glass building originally erected in Hyde Park, London, England, to house the Great Exhibition of 1851. More than 14,000 exhibitors from around the world gathered in the Palace's of exhibition space to display examples of the latest technology developed in...
, it became apparent that many girls wanted to join the movement. In response Baden-Powell formed the Girl Guides in 1910, and asked his sister Agnes
Agnes Baden-Powell
Agnes Smyth Baden-Powell was the younger sister of Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, and was most noted for her work in establishing the Girl Guide movement as a female counterpart to her older brother's Scouting Movement.-Early life:Agnes was the ninth of ten children, and the third...
to look after the new organisation. A few years later his new wife Olave
Olave Baden-Powell
Olave St Clair Baden-Powell, Baroness Baden-Powell, GBE was born Olave St Clair Soames in Chesterfield, England...
became involved and, in 1918, was appointed Chief Guide.
The name Guides was chosen from Baden-Powell's military background, "Guides" had operated in 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 8–11, this name 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 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 UK has remained a member of NCVYS ever since.
Programme
Girls are organised into sections by age. These are Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and the Senior Section.Rainbow Guides
Rainbow GuidesRainbow (Girl Guides)
A Rainbow Guide is a member of a section of some Guiding organisations who is between the ages of 5 and 7 . Exact age limits are slightly different in each organisation...
or Rainbows are aged from 5 to 7 year old, except in Northern Ireland where girls can join from age 4. Activities are organised around work the four areas of the Rainbow Jigsaw - Look, Learn, Laugh and Love. In the UK the girls often wear a protective tabbard in one of the colours of the Rainbow, however red mix and match clothing is now more common. There is a baseball cap, cycle shorts, hoodie, jogging bottoms, polo shirt, or tabbards to choose from.
Each girl makes a promise on joining a Rainbow Guide Unit and must be able to understand and want to make this promise. This Promise is a simpler version of the one all members make. The Rainbow Promise is: "I Promise that I will do my best, to love my God and to be kind and helpful."
The Rainbow Jigsaw is used in the unit via the Rainbow Roundabout. The Rainbows themselves choose an activity from one of each of the four Jigsaw areas. These activities are then carried out alongside the normal activities. When all four have been completed the Rainbow is awarded a badge showing the symbols of each of the Jigsaw areas. It is intended that each Rainbow completes 2 Roundabouts in their life as a Rainbow. Roundabouts have a theme, ones produced so far are Roundabout Festivals, Roundabout the World, Roundabout Rainbows, Roundabout Get Healthy and Roundabout Global Adventure. 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 the girls get ready to move on to the Brownie section, girls undertake the personal Pot of Gold Challenge.
Brownie Guides
Brownie Guides or Brownies are from 7 to 10 year old. Brownies work from the Brownie Adventure which is divided into three areas: You, Community and World. Brownies can also work towards activity badges covering a variety of subjects. Brownies units are called Packs. Packs are divided into Sixes, small groups of girls who work together. Sixes are traditionally named after fairiesFairy
A fairy is a type of mythical being or legendary creature, a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural or preternatural.Fairies resemble various beings of other mythologies, though even folklore that uses the term...
; however many Packs have adopted naming the Sixes after woodland animals. Each six has a leader called a 'sixer' and a seconder. The adult leader is sometimes called Brown Owl. Other leaders are often named after different owls. These two elements are taken from the Brownie Story, in which two children visit the Brown Owl in the wood to learn how they can help doing the housework. It is becoming more common for Leaders to be named after different animals.
Brownies have mix and match clothing based around the colours of yellow and brown. Items include baseball caps, gilets, cycle shorts, hoodies, leggins, long sleeved tops, short sleeved tops, skorts, trousers and a sash. Brownie packs may also wear neckers.
Guides
Guides are 10 to 14 year olds. Guides work from the 5 Zones: Healthy Lifestyles, Global Awareness, Skills and Relationships, Celebrating diversity and Discovery. Guides can choose to work on Challenge Badges, Go For Its, Interest badges and the Baden-Powell Challenge which is the highest award that a Guide can gain. 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 unit meet regularly, usually once 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 is run by a patrol leader who is assisted by her patrol seconder. The Patrol Leader is elected by her patrol. The Patrol Leader is given extra assistance with the Leadership skills.
Senior Section
For girls between 14 and 26 years old, there are a variety of schemes and groups to choose from.- Young Leaders work with Rainbows, Brownies or Guides. They can work towards the Young Leadership Qualification or the Adult Leadership scheme as well as other Senior Section opportunities.
- Guiders (18+) work with Rainbows, Brownies or Guides in a leadership role and are working on/have completed the Adult Leadership Scheme.
- RangersRanger (Girl Guide)A Ranger or Ranger Guide is a member of a section of some Guiding organisations who is between the ages of 14 and 25. Exact age limits are slightly different in each organisation. It is the female-centred equivalent of the Rover Scouts-Early history:...
meet together to plan and carry out activities, they may work towards any opportunities available to Senior Section members. - Member of a Look Wider group: a Senior Section member who has chosen to focus on the Look Wider scheme.
- Duke of Edinburgh's Award Participant: a Senior Section member who has chosen to focus on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
- LoneLone GuidesLone Guides or Lones are those Girl Guides and Girl Scouts who do not attend group meetings for a variety of reasons. They are organised into groups that keep in touch, for example, by letter or email. Members carry out their organisation's normal programme on their own as much as they are able....
Senior Section member: a Senior Section member who is working on part of the Senior Section programme, but is not part of a unit. - In4mer: anyone who has undergone the 4ward, 4 self, 4 others peer education training
- Guide member of Student Scout and Guide OrganisationStudent Scout and Guide OrganisationThe Student Scout and Guide Organisation exists to support Scouts, Guides, and people who have never been members of a Scout or Guide Association, who are students at Colleges and Universities in the United Kingdom and are interested in the aims, objectives, and methods of The Scout Association...
(SSAGO): For Senior Section members who are studying at university or college. - Female member of LINK
- Appointment Holder
- Trefoil Guild Member
This group choose to wear a hoodie, jacket, polo shirt, rugby shirt, or smart shirt. There is also a baseball cap.
Senior Section Awards and Qualifications
- Young Leader Qualification
- Chief Guide’s Challenge
- Commonwealth Award
- Queen's GuideQueen's GuideThe Queen's Guide award is the highest attainable award for members of Girlguiding UK.Although originally awarded to Guides, it is now only attainable by members of the Senior Section aged between 16 and 25. It is a challenging programme comparable to the Queen's Scout or Gold Duke of Edinburgh's...
Award - Residential permits
- Adult Leadership Qualification
- The Duke of Edinburgh's AwardThe Duke of Edinburgh's AwardThe Duke of Edinburgh's Award , is a programme of activities that can be undertaken by anyone aged 14 to 24, regardless of personal ability....
Uniform
The Guide 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- a uniform designed with good taste, class and usefulness in mind. The current uniform is more modern, with a blue-and-white striped top. There are no compulsory trousers, but Guides wear what is appropriate for the activities. Optional caps, gilets and other accessories can be bought from Guide uniform stockists as well as online.Promise
All members of the guide association make a promiseScout Promise
Since the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to a Scout Law. The wording of the Scout Promise and Scout Law have varied slightly over time and from country to...
upon joining, the current promises for each section are:
Rainbows:
- I promise that I will do my best:
- to love my God
- and to be kind and helpful.
Brownies:
- I promise that I will do my best:
- to love my God ,
- to serve the Queen and my country,
- to help other people
- and to keep the Brownie Guide law.
Guides, Senior Section and Leaders:
- I promise that I will do my best:
- to love my God,
- to serve the Queen and my country,
- to help other people
- and to keep the Guide Law.
In addition members of the Senior Section promise
- To be of service to the community
The Brownie Guide Law
A Brownie Guide thinks of others before herself, and does a good turn every day.The Guide Law
- A Guide is honest, reliable and can be trusted.
- A Guide is helpful and uses her time and abilities wisely.
- A Guide faces challenges and learns from her experiences.
- A Guide is a good friend and a sister to all Guides.
- A Guide is polite and considerate.
- A Guide respects all living things and takes care of the world around her.
Administrative Structure in the UK
For effective administration of Girlguiding UK, the UK is split into smaller areas. At the top level there are ten Countries and Regions.The Countries are:
- Girlguiding ScotlandGirlguiding ScotlandGirlguiding Scotland is part of the worldwide Guiding movement. It is currently Scotland's largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women with 61,375 members in 3,500 units throughout Scotland.-History:...
- Girlguiding UlsterGirlguiding UlsterGirlguiding Ulster is one of the nine regions of Girlguiding UK. Its headquarters are at Lorne House, County Down. In 2006, there were approximately 500 units across Northern Ireland.In 1974, the Guides' headquarters in Belfast were burned down.-Lorne:...
- Girlguiding CymruGirlguiding CymruGirlguiding Cymru is one of the nine regions of Girlguiding UK. It serves the approximate area of Wales, although the boundaries are not exact. In 2004, there were 6,964 youth participant groups....
- Girlguiding BGIFCGirlguiding BGIFCGirlguiding BGIFC is part of Girlguiding UK and is for British nationals living overseas. Administratively it is based in Commonwealth Guide Headquarters in Victoria, London. Members in this section of Girlguiding UK follow the normal programme very closely. Girls make the same promise as girls in...
The Regions are:
- Girlguiding AngliaGirlguiding AngliaGirlguiding Anglia is one of the nine Countries and Regions of Girlguiding UK. It is further subdivided into twelve Girlguiding Counties. These are not the same as the counties defined by the British government.-Counties:...
- Girlguiding London and South East EnglandGirlguiding London and South East EnglandGirlguiding London and South East England is one of the nine Regions and Countries of Girlguiding UK. Region HQ is in Wandsworth Common, London. The Chief Commissioner is currently Anne Hudson.-Counties:...
(known as LaSER) - Girlguiding MidlandsGirlguiding MidlandsGirlguiding Midlands is one of the nine Regions and Countries of Girlguiding UK. The Midland Region HQ is on Lower Church Street in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The Chief Commissioner is currently Lesley Knighton.-Counties:...
- Girlguiding North East EnglandGirlguiding North East EnglandGirlguiding North East England is one of the nine Regions and Countries of Girlguiding UK. The regional office is in Huntington, near York.-Counties:Girlguiding North East England is subdivided into 17 Girlguiding UK Counties...
- Girlguiding North West EnglandGirlguiding North West EnglandGirlguiding North West England is one of the nine Countries and Regions of Girlguiding UK. It is further subdivided into 17 Girlguiding Counties. These are not the same as the counties defined by the British government. The region was introduced in 1960 covering the Counties of Cumberland,...
- Girlguiding South West EnglandGirlguiding South West EnglandGirlguiding South West England is one of the nine Countries and Regions of Girlguiding UK. It is further subdivided into 16 Girlguiding Counties and Islands...
Countries and Regions are then split into Counties. These in turn comprise of 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 is led by a Commissioner.
Girlguiding UK outside of the United Kingdom
Girlguiding UK is also active outside the United KingdomUnited Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. 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
- AnguillaAnguillaAnguilla is a British overseas territory and overseas territory of the European Union in the Caribbean. It is one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, lying east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and directly north of Saint Martin...
- BermudaBermudaBermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, about to the west-northwest. It is about south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and northeast of Miami, Florida...
- Girlguiding BermudaGirlguiding BermudaGirlguiding Bermuda is a Guiding organisation in Bermuda. It is one of the nine branch associations of Girlguiding UK. It is represented by Girlguiding UK at World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts level and Girlguiding UK's Chief Guide is also Chief Guide for Girlguiding Bermuda... - British Virgin IslandsBritish Virgin IslandsThe Virgin Islands, often called the British Virgin Islands , is a British overseas territory and overseas territory of the European Union, located in the Caribbean to the east of Puerto Rico. The islands make up part of the Virgin Islands archipelago, the remaining islands constituting the U.S...
- Cayman IslandsCayman IslandsThe Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory and overseas territory of the European Union located in the western Caribbean Sea. The territory comprises the three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica...
- Falkland IslandsFalkland IslandsThe Falkland Islands are an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean, located about from the coast of mainland South America. The archipelago consists of East Falkland, West Falkland and 776 lesser islands. The capital, Stanley, is on East Falkland...
- GibraltarGibraltarGibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. A peninsula with an area of , it has a northern border with Andalusia, Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar is the major landmark of the region...
- MontserratMontserratMontserrat is a British overseas territory located in the Leeward Islands, part of the chain of islands called the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies. This island measures approximately long and wide, giving of coastline...
- Saint HelenaSaint HelenaSaint Helena , named after St Helena of Constantinople, is an island of volcanic origin in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the British overseas territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha which also includes Ascension Island and the islands of Tristan da Cunha...
& dependencies - Turks & Caicos Islands
British Royal Family in Guiding
Guiding in the UK has had a long association with the British Royal FamilyBritish Royal Family
The British Royal Family is the group of close relatives of the monarch of the United Kingdom. The term is also commonly applied to the same group of people as the relations of the monarch in her or his role as sovereign of any of the other Commonwealth realms, thus sometimes at variance with...
, in 1920 Princess Mary
Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood
The Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood was a member of the British Royal Family; she was the third child and only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. She was the sixth holder of the title of Princess Royal...
, daughter of George V
George V of the United Kingdom
George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 6 May 1910 through the First World War until his death in 1936....
became President of the Association, 1937 saw Princess Elizabeth, who would go on to be Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Elizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
become a Guide, and Princess Margaret
Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon
Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon was the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II and the younger daughter of King George VI....
become a Brownie. Princess Elizabeth joined the 1st Buckingham Palace Unit
Girlguiding London and South East England
Girlguiding London and South East England is one of the nine Regions and Countries of Girlguiding UK. Region HQ is in Wandsworth Common, London. The Chief Commissioner is currently Anne Hudson.-Counties:...
, whose first meeting was held on 9 June. She became the Second of Kingfisher Patrol, and was enrolled by her Aunt Princess Mary, Association President, on December 13. At the start of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
the company was closed, and the Queen and Princess Margaret were attached to a Balmoral Company. In 1942 the Buckingham Palace company reopened at Windsor, the Queen became Patrol Leader of Swallow Patrol. In 1943 the Queen became a Sea Ranger undertaking usual activities including gaining her boating permit and taking out the Queen Mother
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon was the queen consort of King George VI from 1936 until her husband's death in 1952, after which she was known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, to avoid confusion with her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II...
in a dinghy. She became Chief Ranger of the British Empire in 1946. When she married Lieutenant Mountbatten
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is the husband of Elizabeth II. He is the United Kingdom's longest-serving consort and the oldest serving spouse of a reigning British monarch....
two of her bridesmaids were former members of the Buckingham Palace company. In 1952 when she ascended the throne she became the association patron.
When Princess Mary died Princess Margaret became the new President in 1965. In turn on the death of Princess Margaret, HRH Sophie the Countess of Wessex
Sophie, The Countess of Wessex
Sophie, Countess of Wessex , is the wife of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, himself the youngest son of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Married in 1999, she worked in public relations until 2002 and now supports her husband in his royal duties...
, wife to Prince Edward
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO is the third son and fourth child of Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh...
became President in 2003. The highest award in Guiding, the Queen's Guide
Queen's Guide
The Queen's Guide award is the highest attainable award for members of Girlguiding UK.Although originally awarded to Guides, it is now only attainable by members of the Senior Section aged between 16 and 25. It is a challenging programme comparable to the Queen's Scout or Gold Duke of Edinburgh's...
award was created in 1946, this is now presented by the Association President.
Centenary celebrations
Girlguiding UK started to celebrate its centenary in September 2009. The historic maze at Crystal Palace was re-opened on 5 September, remembering the 1909 Crystal Palace Scout Rally1909 Crystal Palace Scout Rally
Robert Baden-Powell, founder of Scouting, organized the first rally for all Scouts at the Crystal Palace in London on Saturday, 4 September, 1909, precursor to the later World Scout Jamborees. The gathering attracted 11,000 boys, and a number of girls dressed in uniform and calling themselves "Girl...
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The Centenary Camp was held from 31 July 2010 - 7 August 2010 at Harewood House
Harewood House
Harewood House is a country house located in Harewood , near Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is a member of Treasure Houses of England, a marketing consortium for nine of the foremost stately homes in England...
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The tall ship
Tall ship
A tall ship is a large, traditionally-rigged sailing vessel. Popular modern tall ship rigs include topsail schooners, brigantines, brigs and barques. "Tall Ship" can also be defined more specifically by an organization, such as for a race or festival....
Lord Nelson is making 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.
See also
- The Scout AssociationThe Scout AssociationThe Scout Association is the World Organization of the Scout Movement recognised Scouting association in the United Kingdom. Scouting began in 1907 through the efforts of Robert Baden-Powell. The Scout Association was formed under its previous name, The Boy Scout Association, in 1910 by the grant...
- National Scout and Guide Symphony OrchestraNational Scout and Guide Symphony OrchestraThe National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1976 as a joint orchestra of The Scout Association and the Girl Guides Association in the United Kingdom....
- The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS)
- Verily AndersonVerily AndersonVerily Anderson was a British writer, best known for writing the screenplay for No Kidding, based on the book Beware of Children, writing Brownie books and writing the genealogy books about the Gurney, Barclay and Buxton families...
- Girl GuidesGirl GuidesA Guide, Girl Guide or Girl Scout is a member of a section of some Guiding organisations who is between the ages of 10 and 14. Age limits are different in each organisation. It is the female-centred equivalent of the Scouts. The term Girl Scout is used in the United States and several East Asian...