Celebrating volunteer achievements at Girlguiding Celebrates

We’re honouring incredible Girlguiding volunteers at this year's awards.  

Girlguiding volunteers are going above and beyond every day, whether it’s organising fun unit meetings week in, week out or amazing, annual residentials that give girls magical memories to last a lifetime. 

Volunteers at all levels work hard, year-round to make Girlguiding happen in our communities. Thank you for all you’re doing to support and help girls grow.  

Chantal, an assistant leader at Guides in North Lincolnshire and Katie, a Rainbow and Brownie leader in Dorset are being celebrated for achieving their Queen’s Guide awards at Girlguiding Celebrates in October.

Read their guiding stories to understand what they’ve achieved to be recognised at this year's awards.  

What is a Queen’s Guide award?  

The Queen’s Guide award is the highest award you can work towards in guiding. It offers members aged 16 to 30 a chance to develop skills, give back to guiding and support local community. Read more about it. 

Chantal's story

Chantal completed her Queen’s Guide award in honour of her mum Hazel who was a Guide leader and sadly passed away from cancer in 2018.  

At my mum’s funeral, my childhood leader gave me a Queen’s Guide record book and said how much my mum would love me to complete it. It was a very thoughtful gesture and it really made me feel connected to mum whilst I completed the award.’  - Chantal

Chantal has been completing her award over the past couple of years, getting her camp license and organising residential trips for around 30 girls. She also completed a qualification in understanding children’s mental health and learnt how to sew her own clothes.  

Just like my mum, I’m keen to do the same for girls now that I’m older and I want to make sure that they get the opportunities to try things that they might not otherwise get to do. I’ve made lifelong friends through Girlguiding and I wouldn’t be who I am today without it.’ - Chantal

Katie's story

Girlguiding changed Katie’s life, unable to join as a young member because of caring responsibilities, she moved to Poole when her daughter started Rainbows and took over the unit to prevent it from closing.

Katie didn’t know anyone locally and volunteering with Girlguiding has offered her a supportive community and long-lasting friendships.  

I cherish my time with Girlguiding. I love supporting the young members, seeing them grow, learn and become more confident people. I try to show the girls what they can achieve and to inspire them any way I can.' - Katie

Katie has worked hard to achieve the Queen’s Guide award, balancing a busy schedule as a mother of 4 children and running 2 local units.  

I am extremely proud (of getting this award); this is the only form of Girlguiding award that I have been able to do. I love the fact that I can achieve something for myself.' - Katie

Chantal and Katie will be joining hundreds of other award winners from across the UK this October in Manchester for our annual, glitzy, red-carpet event.  

Girlguiding Celebrates is at ODEON Manchester Great Northern on Saturday 11 October. We know how much award recipients love celebrating with family, friends and other volunteers, so follow along on social media to stay up to date with all the fun and glamour!  

Celebrate Girlguiding volunteers year-round

Don’t wait for Girlguiding Celebrates 2026 to show appreciation to a volunteer or someone you know in Girlguiding who deserves recognition. Express your support by giving them a ‘thanks’ badge – now available in a brand-new design on our shop. 

Register to volunteer with Girlguiding

Want to bring more community, friendship and learning opportunities to your day-to-day life? Volunteering with us is a chance for you to put yourself first, try new things, meet new people and gain fresh skills. On top of it all, you're helping girls know they can do anything. 

You could volunteer directly with girls, like Chantal and Katie, or help out from behind the scenes. That could be helping your local unit with admin or supporting at meetings, trips or on adventures! 

Our behind-the-scenes roles are made to fit around your life and are great if you only have time to spare on an ad-hoc basis. Even if you only have a few minutes to spare every 2 weeks.