International pen friends
Throughout the world there are 10 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. 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 being 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 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 and make sure you read the
Girlguiding online safety guidelines.
Girlguiding Pen Pal Scheme
In recognition of the shift in communication methods over recent
years and due to dwindling interest, the Girlguiding Pen Pal Scheme
is no longer in operation.
Guides Reconnected
If you were a Rainbow, Brownie, Guide or Leader with
Girlguiding, or you are a current member in search of old friends,
join the Guides
Reconnected Facebook Group.