A girl-led adventure
We spoke to a Ranger and young leader who completed their Lead Away permits last year
Going away on adventures can build confidence, forge friendships and develop skills for life.
The Lead Away permit aims to give Rangers and young leaders the skills and knowledge they need to lead their friends on residential trips away. The permit is made up of 7 challenges, which girls can complete individually or in sets. Each aim to boost leadership skills, experience and confidence and also empower your girls to make the right decisions when things don't go to plan.
Why do the permit?
We spoke to Iona and Aoife about why they wanted to complete their Lead Away permit and why other Rangers and young leaders should have a go too. If this sounds like something your girls would like to do, find out more about the permit.
Iona
'I chose to complete my Lead Away permit because I was already a young leader, and it was the next step for me within Girlguiding. Doing the permit I have gained skills such as confidence and also become more organised. It’s also given me the chance to take on more responsibility.
The best part of completing my Lead Away permit was seeing how the girls enjoyed the camp I held. I think this made me more confident within my skills. And I am most proud of being able to communicate with people that I would not normally talk to, such as the booking office at our accommodation and my mentors.'
My leaders supported me by giving advice from their earlier camps and helping me complete the booklet. As well, my leaders helped me efficiently keep records of all the things I needed to.'
'Now that I have achieved my permit, I will use this in my future guiding journey by holding more camps and taking a more productive role in organising things such as events or activities within my unit.'
Other girls should complete their Lead Away permit because…
'It develops key skills that are very useful in life, and it also allows you to have an insight into becoming a leader once you are 18.'
Aoife
'I wanted to complete the Lead Away permit because I wanted to challenge myself personally by doing something completely unique. I also wanted to make memories with my Ranger unit, while developing many important leadership qualities.
Through doing the permit I’ve gained many skills include leadership, problem-solving, resilience, independence, communication and self-confidence.'
The highlight of completing the Lead Away permit was my own personal development - I was able to gain and nurture many key life skills, while also making long-lasting memories with my Ranger unit girls.'
'I am most proud of pushing myself out of my comfort zone, by planning and executing a weekend for my Ranger unit. The most challenging part of completing the permit was getting over the fear of doing things wrong. Initially, I was scared about not engaging the girls and them not enjoying themselves or having fun. But I soon realised that just "going with the flow" works, because activities may take longer or shorter than expected, so accepting this helps reduce the fear!
During my permit, my leaders have been incredibly supportive with the whole process, constantly checking in to make sure I've done everything correct, offering their own advice and answering all my questions (silly or not). They made the process a lot less daunting!'
Other girls should complete their Lead Away permit because…
'It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone, while also developing many key Girlguiding skills. Completing the permit helps develop your resilience, confidence and independence!'