The Girlguiding programme

The Girlguiding programme describes the opportunities that we provide to girls when they become members

Girls are challenged, inspired and empowered through our programme – and have loads of fun!

Our young members meet regularly with their units and take part in activities, experiences and opportunities. We call this the programme. Leaders and volunteers have a special responsibility to plan and deliver a programme with plenty of chances for girls to find out who they are  and to become their best self.

What the programme gives to girls

Through their programme girls should:

  • Learn about themselves
  • Find their voice, discover how to use it and feel empowered to do so
  • Gain skills and confidence so that they feel they can take risks and achieve wonderful things

The structure of the programme

Our programme was developed with the input of over 50,000 girls, volunteers, and their parents. The activities and badges are organised under six themes in every section, from Rainbows to Rangers. Find out more about the programme.

The activities in the programme support every girl to develop in line with our educational framework and have been designed to support five key elements, known as the Five Essentials. This structure ensures that we support girls and young women to reach their fullest potential in a consistent way.

Running the programme in your unit

These guidance notes for leaders will help you explore the programme in your unit and help you deliver great guiding.

Tell parents about our programme

We’ve created handy section-specific information sheets that explain to parents and carers all about our programme.

They explain: why the programme has changed, how it’s different and what will be staying the same, as well as what the new programme looks like and how it works.

Simply download the version you need for your unit and share it by email or print it off to give to parents.  

Need the programme in an accessible format?

If you need to request the programme in an accessible format, please email [email protected] outlining:

  • Your name and email address
  • Your access need
  • The resource format you require

A member of the programme team will then be back in touch within five working days to help with your request.

For more information on Girlguiding's approach to accessibility, please read our accessibility statement.

More on day-to-day guiding

Running your unit

From unit finances to working as a team - advice and support to help you run guiding in your local area

Delivering our programme and activities

Specialist frameworks and practical guidance to help you provide girls with a programme that supports their development

Policies

All our policies A-Z – including safeguarding, inclusion, marketing, comms, complaints, insurance and finance.

Learning and development

All the skills you need to give girls the best guiding experiences - from leading and safeguarding to narrowboating.