Tracy Foster on an eventful return to guiding
In the latest instalment of blogs from our chief guide team, Tracy reflects on a busy few months
So much has happened since my last blog, I can hardly believe it.
There've been so many celebrations already this term, and plenty still coming up. International Day of the Girl, when we launched our flagship Girls’ Attitudes Survey, Diwali, World Kindness Day, Black History Month, Hanukkah, Christmas and many more. It’s been amazing to see our new brand campaign out and about as well, exploring gender bias in AI – did you spot any of our billboards near you?
Whatever you’re planning, celebrating one of these or others, don’t forget to post on social media and tags us on Instagram @ChiefGuideTeam.
I also have to talk about our new patron Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh. Having been our president for a number of years, we’re delighted that she’ll now be our patron.
We’ve had some amazing media coverage, and I know that many of you have expressed your delight at the news. I was very honoured to attend an amazing event organised by Girlguiding Surrey West, with Brooklands Museum, Radio Society of Great Britain, The UK Space Agency and ARISS - Amateur Radio on the International Space Station all within London and South East region. The day was attended by 100 Brownies, Guides and Rangers and their leaders, and their chief commissioner Amanda Teasel.
At the event it was my privilege on behalf of you all to present our new patron HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh with a special new patron brooch. The day was fabulous. We had a live link up to the international space station, with girls asking questions to American astronaut Suni Williams. It was amazing – she inspired our girls to really do whatever they want to do, and ’not just stick to one thing - be encouraged to try something different!’
Earlier this month the chief guide team hosted the second annual Girlguiding Celebrates event. It was so amazing to meet everyone, and to celebrate you, our members. I always wish you could all come and hear our thanks and celebrate with us, so I say here, thank you for everything. Without you, guiding just wouldn’t happen. We give girls the opportunities to try something new (like Suni said), challenge themselves and us, and have fun along the way!
Thank you to everyone who came to the all members’ call. They’re a great way to find out more about what we’re working on and updates on projects including the uniform.
This term I’m looking forward to a sleep over with our Guide unit this weekend, lots of fun planned, colander cooking, star gazing with a night walk and much more - hoping for some sleep too!
That’s all for now, take care and keep smiling.
