Jingle all the way - Rainbow adventures with bells on

We spoke to experts in leading Rainbow adventures, Hedon leaders’ Claire Feetham, Karen Worsnop, Vic Walsh and St Columba leader, Karen Palmer about what it takes to put on an adventure event for this section.

Advice and top tips on doing adventure with Rainbows

What do you consider when doing adventure events with Rainbows? 

'How long it takes them to do things compared with other sections. We kept activities to 15-20 minute slots, and kept them moving around. We also had extra games and challenges that could be done if groups ended up waiting or finishing sooner.  

Some leaders may not have taken their girls out and about before, so we sent as much information to leaders in advance as possible, so they knew what to expect. We also sent out safety information and risk assessments.  

We were also very conscious of the weather, so we sent out detailed kit lists to parents. Also, as a team we discussed a fallback in case it was really too wet, where we could use a variety of tents and indoor spaces, and still provide the same activities.'

What types of adventure activities do Rainbows like doing most?  

They loved the s'mores making, but also simple things like being able to wander around a muddy field in the rain and pet an alpaca.'

- Karen W

They like being hands on, getting messy and moving everywhere.'

- Claire

They love something completely new, like the campfire, s'mores and meeting the alpacas.'

- Karen P  

What are the challenges of doing adventure events with Rainbows and how did you navigate them? 

'The age range 4–7 can be challenging. The 4-year-olds aren't as confident and need much more encouragement. Adapting the activities to make sure the Rainbows can do them but still be challenged, making the activities short enough to hold attention, but still engaging enough, without making too much work for the organisers. 

To maintain ratios, some units called in parent helpers and the activities were run by other guiding volunteers, so it did involve a large amount of volunteers. But we fed them all, and everyone got a badge!'

What are your top tips for doing adventure with Rainbows?  

• 'Gather a great team, and plan well, and then share out the different elements of the activity.'
• 'Keep activities simple, organise well and keep smiling.'
• 'Channel your inner Rainbow and have fun!'
• 'Keep it simple, remain enthusiastic and don’t let things drag on for too long as they get bored.'

What have you learnt from doing adventure with Rainbows?

'That Rainbows love adventure, whatever form it takes. They're little chatter boxes but love to be with their friends doing fun things together. Despite varying weather conditions, with careful planning you can adapt and do everything planned. 

They love new experiences and meeting Rainbows from all over the county. This is the perfect age to introduce adventure, at a basic level, girls can build their confidence and this will help encourage them to come along to other adventures as they grow as Brownies, Guides and Rangers. 

Don’t under estimate what the Rainbow age group can do, they're up for anything! On the whole they're easy to encourage in trying something new and are happy to give something a go.

From soggy alpacas, Santa snoozing in a bell tent, sticky s'mores, being dressed as a Christmas tree for a weekend and a very loud, off-key sing along! It was the perfect guiding adventure.'

Thank you!

Thank you to the Guideacres committee, as well as the many other fantastic volunteers who came together to give Rainbows such a fun-filled Christmas treat!

And a huge thanks to all our adult members and volunteers who've led adventure in 2024. We can't wait to see what's next in 2025.