What is it?

Look Wider is a scheme that involves all the members of the Senior Section. It is a framework, not a specific syllabus that you must stick to. You decide what you want to do. It is a personal challenge. It’s about identifying your goals – and realising them.

Who is it for?

Look Wider is for anyone in the Senior Section aged from 14 to 26. That means Leaders, Young Leaders, Rangers, In4mers, those working on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Queen's Guide Award and members of LINK and SSAGO (Student Scout and Guide Organisation).

How do I get started?

Look Wider concentrates on eight areas. We call these Octants. Each of these Octants allows you to experience many new challenges. These Octants are:

• International
• Leadership
• Fit for life
• Creativity
• Personal values
• Out of doors
• Independent living
• Community action

Phases

Each Octant is divided into three Phases.

Phase 1 gives you an opportunity to start something new. Phase 1 is split into three activities. This could be three new things or trying new elements of an existing skill or hobby.

Phase 2 allows you to either build on an activity from Phase 1 or take an existing skill or hobby to a new level. You will need to spend at least 12 hours on this activity.

Phase 3 is taking things even further. You could gain a qualification, try teaching someone else an activity you have tried for Phase 1 or 2 or participate in something that will challenge your own expectations of yourself.

Remember that each challenge is personal to you. What is a challenge for you may not be a challenge for someone else. Just because your friend counts swimming the length of the pool in under 20 seconds as a Phase 1 activity, it doesn’t mean that you cannot use learning to swim for Phase 2 or even Phase 3.

What do I get?

Do all three Phases in one Octant and you can achieve an Octant Certificate. Do phases one and two of all eight Octants and you can receive your Chief Guide’s Challenge Certificate.

You can pick and choose what you do and when you do it. It is totally up to you. You may find some Octants more of a challenge than others; set yourself realistic goals and ask for help if you get stuck!

You may start Look Wider and can receive Octant Certificates before you make your Promise as a Senior Section member. However, if you choose to undertake the Chief Guide’s Challenge, you can only receive it after you have made or renewed your Promise.

Reach your potential. Challenge your expectations.

Case studies

We are looking for Senior Section members to provide examples of the things that they have done to complete Octants. If you would like to become a ‘case study’, please email us at seniorsection@girlguiding.org.uk.