How I celebrate my guiding community

1-7 June is Volunteers' Week and our week of celebrations will culminate on 6 June, when award recipients and nominees come together in London for Girlguiding Celebrates. 

It’s so important for us to take the time to honour our peers and fellow Girlguiding volunteers for their commitment to guiding during these annual occasions, as well as throughout the year - and we can do this in big and small ways.  

Here are my tips and reflections as a volunteer at Girlguiding, in different commissioner roles and as a Rainbow leader for 2 units in Maryport, Cumbria.  

Why recognising contributions to guiding is important

After my term as chief commissioner in North West England ended, I started in a volunteer role at HQ as chair of the awards committee, awarding our highest achievements like the Laurel and Silver Fish awards. 

I could see there was more to do to make people feel valued and recognised beyond awards. That’s why my role expanded and I became the lead volunteer for recognition as well as awards – to support all volunteers in guiding to feel recognised. Thank you for being a Girlguiding volunteer and all you do for girls. 

Feeling valued everyday 

What I love about being a Girlguiding volunteer is building community through fun and friendship, appreciating being part of a wider Girlguiding family.  

There are so many ways to feel valued and appreciated. For me, it can be big and small things, like feeling uplifted by my Rainbows, connecting with chief guide, Tracy, on an online call, attending a big event like Girlguiding Celebrates or coming together with others for a training session.  

Feeling recognised also helps us retain volunteers in guiding. When I think about the future, I always want to find ways to value young women and the next generation of volunteers. 

What I think about when showing recognition 

It's not what the award is, it's how you give it.'

• Make it personal: think about what the person would value, something showy or more low-key? I once surprised a county commissioner at her unit meeting with flowers to honour her 40 years' service. Being recognised in front of her girls was more special to her than at an awards evening. 
• Time for treats: share food at a local meeting or surprise a peer with goodies, like a bag of ingredients to make smore's. 
• Get outdoors: canoeing on a lake together is one of my favourite memories with fellow volunteers. 
• Get crafty: some people love badges but not everyone has a camp blanket. What's been most special to me is when I've been given a creative keepsake. One of my favourite gifts was a picture one of my Rainbows made when she moved section as a Christmas thank you. She made a word cloud shaped like a star filled with lovely words she'd chosen to describe me. It was really special! 
• How to engage parents and carers: we all want more recognition from parents and carers, but this can be tricky! Social media can help. Our area has a private Facebook group and parents often comment on photos we've shared of activities we're doing. Seeing parents ask for a recipe of something delicious we've baked with their girls is meaningful as a volunteer.
• Gift it: one of my favourite gifts to give others is the Elizabeth brooch - it feels special and anyone can buy it from the Girlguiding shop.

And remember, it doesn't have to be a big gesture! 

You do something spectacular every time you put on your uniform, every time you represent Girlguiding and our community.'

Being part of Girlguiding Celebrates 

I'm so proud of all the people I meet at Girlguiding Celebrates. It’s amazing to come together and have a special day out. There’s always a real buzz in the air, taking photos in the photobooth, meeting the chief guide team and celebrating guiding across the UK and beyond. 

I’m particularly proud of the Queen’s Guides, who are recognised at Girlguiding Celebrates. Congratulations to the 91 award holders being recognised at the event this year!

I have such fond memories of achieving that award myself. it changed my life; the skills I learned got me my first job teaching at a summer camp in America. Guiding has the potential to be a life-changing and life-steering opportunity for girls.

I am who I am because I was a Brownie when I was 7. It’s impacted my whole life. 

At last year's Girlguiding Celebrates, I was surprised with the Silver Fish award on stage in the middle of the event. I was so taken aback and had no idea what was happening - it was one of the best things ever! Plus, my family were hidden in the audience. For me, that was the most special way I could have been recognised.  

How I mark Volunteers' Week 

Volunteers' Week is our time as volunteers to feel proud of what we do, so make sure you do something for yourself and your fellow volunteers together if you can. My ideal way to take time for myself is walking along the harbour in Maryport and stopping for a treat. There are two cafés I like, one does fantastic ice creams and the other does amazing hot chocolates and cakes. Treat yourself!

Put something in the diary you can look forward to with your district or division. At the beginning of the summer holidays, make time to have some fun and food together. Once, my division got together and decorated placemats (an idea we took from a Rainbow meeting!).  

Get outdoors and go on a walk, I love joining social walks with other leaders in the North West, organised by our walking advisor.   

HQ and countries and regions have got lots of great ideas and thanks to share as well – keep an eye your email inboxes and social media next week and be proud of the time and energy you put into guiding. 

Nominate a peer for the Hero award

One of my favourite ways to celebrate someone amazing is to nominate them for the Girlguiding Hero award. Anyone who’s done something special in guiding can receive it. It’s an especially great way to recognise someone who’s not a member or in a leadership role.  

The award has a brand-new badge, which I’m so excited about! Plus, it’s getting a new certificate which will be signed by the person who presents the award, so it’s extra personal. You just have to fill out a short form online, there’s no need to wait until you receive a long-service award.

What can you do next for someone you know?

• Nominate someone for the Hero award who doesn't get recognised often. 
• Share a story about a volunteer doing amazing things on social media. 
• Celebrate yourself by buying our brand-new 'I volunteered in 2026' badge. 
• Spread the word about the power of guiding by adding an opportunity on our new volunteer recruitment tool. 
• Cheer attendees along and follow social media coverage of Girlguiding Celebrates on Saturday 6 June. 

And keep an eye on your email inbox for the chance to nominate someone you know in guiding to attend Girlguiding Celebrates next year.