Leap into adventure with the Girlguiding PGL fund

At Girlguiding, we know that adventure away from home is so much more than just a trip.  

It’s the moment a girl conquers the zipline, the ‘I can do this’ feeling on the climbing wall and the quiet pride of discovering they're far more capable than they ever imagined. 

But we also know that for some units, costs, transport and logistics can make it harder for them to have these adventures.   

That’s why we’re so excited to share that PGL is launching a brand-new £10,000 fund specifically for our Brownie, Guide and Ranger members. They want to help us make sure that our members have the chance to shine through adventure and develop skills that prepare them for anything. 

Targeted support through chosen PGL programmes 

We want this fund to have the biggest possible impact, so PGL is focusing this £10,000 on their structured programmes: Skills4Life and Thrive. These programmes focus on the key tools that girls need to succeed, both now and in the future. 

• Skills4Life is a 3-day, 2-night adventure for girls aged 11–18, built on the accredited Skills Builder Universal Framework. The Skills Builder framework is an evidence-based tool used by educators and employers to teach and measure 8 essential, transferable skills: listening, speaking, problem-solving, creativity, staying positive, aiming high, leadership, and teamwork. By blending outdoor adventures with research-backed learning, Skills4Life helps girls develop these important life skills. 
• Thrive is a 3-day, 2-night adventure. It’s a wellbeing-focused retreat that combines the excitement of a PGL adventure with mindfulness-based sessions. From axe throwing to yoga and ‘wellness wanders', every activity is hand-picked to boost mood and encourage an active lifestyle. Girls will learn practical techniques to manage stress and set personal goals, all while reflecting and recharging by the campfire. Thrive is the perfect way to build resilience and discover self-care techniques that work. 

Reaching every member 

To make sure we’re reaching girls who will benefit the most, PGL is directing this support toward units in communities that face the greatest barriers to accessing adventure.  

We’re specifically targeting those in IMD 1–3 areas.  

By focusing on IMD 1-3 areas, we’re opening doors for young people who might otherwise miss out on the adventure of a PGL weekend.  

You can check your eligibility depending on where you live: 

• England: IMD (Index of Multiple Deprivation)  
• Scotland: SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation)  
• Wales: WIMD (Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation) 
• Northern Ireland: NIMDM (Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure) 

Making it easy for volunteers 

We know how much you already do for your units, so PGL is taking the lead to make the process as simple as possible: 

• A simple application: PGL’s own booking team will run the application process to help make everything run seamlessly.
• A helping hand with travel: We know the hidden cost of a travel, such as a coach, can make it even harder to afford these adventures. PGL can help, where possible, with their travel support offer to help remove those barriers.
• Stretching the fund further: PGL are also offering accessible rates for extra spaces, so the whole unit can join the fun.

Creating moments that last 

This fund is more than just a weekend away; it’s an investment in who our members can become. It’s about giving our girls the skills, confidence and self-belief they need to take on the world. Whether they’re learning a new skill or simply finding their feet in a new environment, PGL’s helping us make sure that adventure is accessible to all. 

How to apply 

1. Find out the IMD of your unit using the postcode of your meeting place.
2. Complete the application form. This should be completed by the trip leader.
3. Apply by 5pm on Friday 3 July 2026.
4. Please note, you don’t need to send a separate booking enquiry to PGL for your trip. 

Eligibility 

• You need to have applied by 5pm on 3 July 2026.
• Your unit's meeting place needs to be in an IMD 1-3 area.
• Your trip needs to have taken place by 1 September 2027. Please note your trip can’t take place during 1 June and 14 July 2027.
• Your trip can't be to a PGL Girlguiding Takeover Weekend.
• This opportunity is open to Brownie, Guide and Ranger sections based in the UK. 
• The leader in charge of the event needs to hold, or be working towards, the relevant modules of our Going Away With scheme that are needed to run the event. 
• Make sure that guidelines are being followed for residential events and any adventurous activities.
• Your trip dates give enough time for your residential event notification (REN) form to be submitted and approved.