International pen-friends
Throughout the world there are ten million girls and young
women who are embracing the opportunities open to them through
Guiding and Girl Scouting. When Guides from different countries
have the chance to strike up a friendship they often find they have
much in common, while having a unique chance to learn
about different cultures and lifestyles.
Fostering such links is one of the most special aspects of being
part of the worldwide guiding movement. While travelling abroad
with Girlguiding UK or attending an international camp offer
amazing opportunities to establish international friendships,
modern methods of communication make it possible to
make contact with Guides in other parts of the world without
needing to use your passport.
Ideas for finding a guiding pen pal
Establishing contacts with Girl Guides or Girl Scouts elsewhere
in the world should generally take place at unit-to-unit level,
rather than be initiated by individual young members. Leaders
looking for pen pals for girls in their unit may wish to use one of
the following routes:
• Find out from your County International Adviser if your
County has any contacts with Guiding groups overseas.
• Visit the website of another member organisation of the
World Association of
Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
• Use the
Girlguiding UK Facebook page and
WAGGGS Facebook page to make contact with Guides in other parts
of the UK or the world. Facebook accounts are only available to
those aged over 13.
Click here
for the Girlguiding UK guidelines for online safety.
Girlguiding UK Pen Pal Scheme
In recognition of the shift in communication methods over recent
years and due to dwindling interest, the Girlguiding UK Pen Pal
Scheme is no longer in operation.
Guides Reconnected
If you were a Rainbow, Brownie, Guide or Leader with Girlguiding
UK, or you are a current member in search of old friends,
join the Guides
Reconnected Facebook Group by clicking here.