History of guiding

The Story Bank is another great way to learn about the history of Girlguiding by reading actual accounts from members over the last 100 years. Visit the Story Bank for more information.

Uniforms in guiding posters

For a full-sized version of our Uniforms in guiding poster pack, please click here.

History of guiding timeline

1907 

Robert Baden-Powell held a camp for boys at Brownsea Island in Dorset to test his Scouting ideas. Scouting was born.

1908 

Scouting for Boys by Baden-Powell was published. Small groups of girls, undaunted by the title, started 'Scout' activities too.

1909 

Girls 'gatecrashed' the first Boy Scout Rally at Crystal Palace, attracting the attention of Baden-Powell. They asked him to offer 'something for girls too'.

1910 

The Girl Guides Association was formed - a separate organisation for girls - led by Agnes Baden-Powell, Robert Baden-Powell's sister.

1912 

New badges such as the Air mechanic badge were introduced in addition to Cyclist, Photographer, Electrician, Sailor, Telegraphist and Tailor.

1914 

A junior section for girls under 11 was formed, called 'Rosebuds' (renamed 'Brownies' in 1915).

Guides acted as messengers of confidential information for Marconi Wireless Telegraph (1914-1918).

1916 

Senior Guide groups were formed for girls aged 14 to 25.

1918 

Olave Baden-Powell (Robert Baden-Powell's wife) was appointed Chief Guide.

1926 

22 February (Olave and Robert Baden-Powell's joint birthday) became World Thinking Day - a day when members of Guide organisations belonging to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) think about each other.

1937 

HRH Princess Elizabeth and HRH Princess Margaret enrolled as a Guide and Brownie respectively.

1940 

Guide Gift Week: members raised over £50,000 to help the war effort, by giving up half a day's salary, forfeiting pocket money, or by fundraising.

1942 

The Guide International Service (G.I.S) Committee was set up to select and train Leaders for relief work after the war.

1946 

The Queen's Guide Award was introduced as the highest guiding accolade.

1965 

HRH Princess Margaret became President of the Guide Association.

1966 

Six Guides broke the girls' relay record for swimming the English Channel.

1980  

Innovate - a discussion group for members aged 16-26 - began, giving girls a voice in the direction of guiding.

1987 

Rainbows - a section for five- to seven-year-olds - was introduced.

1990 

A new set of uniforms, designed by Jeff Banks, was introduced.

2000   

The first ever BIG GIG - a pop concert exclusively for Guides - was staged at Wembley Arena.

2002 

The Guide Association was renamed Girlguiding.

Brownies were the first to receive new clothing designed by Ally Capilleno.

2003 

HRH Sophie, Countess of Wessex, became President of Girlguiding.

2004  

The '4ward, 4 self, 4 others' peer education programme was launched. Girls take part in sessions run by their peers on subjects including media awareness, eating disorders, the environment and sexual health.

2005   

The Lottery-funded scheme SWITCH began, aimed at growing guiding within hard-to-reach communities.

2006 

Liz Burnley became Chief Guide (Chair of Girlguiding) until 2011.

2007 

The Girls shout out! research report series was launched giving girls and young women the opportunity to have their voices heard on the issues that matter to them such as self-esteem, mental health and active citizenship.

2008   

Girlguiding launched a community action project, Changing the World, with 19 partner charities.

2009 (September)

Girlguiding launched its Centenary celebrations.

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