A day in the life at a PGL Girlguiding Takeover Weekend

Friday

4.45pm: PGL told us to arrive at 5pm, so I’m ready to meet my girls. I’ve put their name signs on doors and the PGL leaders are already waving enthusiastically.

5pm: Everyone’s arriving and it’s getting exciting! Some groups are on coaches and minibuses, but our girls arrive by car. Here they are – let’s go!

5.10pm: I find my room and have a quick sit down on the bed, before it’s time to herd everyone to dinner. The buzz in the corridor tells me the girls have already settled in with friends.

5.30pm: In the dining hall and first in the queue, I peek at PGL’s menu – now I’m hungry. PGL cater brilliantly for allergies and dietary needs, and is the first UK activity centre to gain Gluten Free Accreditation, which is perfect for my Brownies.

7pm: Our first evening activity is toasting marshmallows at the campfire. Another group is playing Capture the Flag, and there’s a silent disco too. I loved singing ‘Thunderation’ - I think that’s my favourite!

9pm: Back to rooms. The girls unwind with books and teddies before lights out (and I’ve brought some spare, just in case). Fingers crossed for at least some sleep…

Saturday

8am: Breakfast. Cereal? Fruit? Toast? Full cooked? I’m spoiled for choice. Honestly, I wish I could have this every day.

9am: Our PGL leader greets us, making us do silly walks to our first activity of the day, which get big laughs. Harnesses and helmets on – it’s high ropes time! The girls earn their height badge and I join in, pretending to be braver than I feel.

10.15am: Snack stop at the picnic benches. We spot another unit proudly showing off their dens from Survivor.

10.30am: Archery next. I’m convinced I’m basically Robin Hood, but the girls assure me otherwise. It’s lovely to leave the instructing to PGL and just enjoy time with my unit.

12.30pm: It's lunchtime! There’s always bread, salad, fruit and lots to drink alongside the main meal. Yum! And feeling fueled up and ready for our next activity!

2pm: Climbing wall! The girls sprint upwards like spider monkeys. My own attempt is…slower. They take great joy in beating me to the top!

3.30pm: Jacob’s Ladder is next. Helmets and harnesses again, and the girls work together to climb as high as possible. Their teamwork is impressive. 

5pm: It’s dinner time! The queue moves quickly, and the girls eat even faster. They’re so excited and keep asking what’s next! At least let me finish my dessert...

6pm: Shop visit! This may be their favourite activity. They pick souvenirs for friends and family, and I grab a badge for my blanket. Headcount done and off again.

7pm: Tonight’s activity is a themed quiz. Our girls cannot get enough of the buzzers. We pass a group playing disc golf too.

8pm: Back to rooms for a tidy-up and packing what we can. I can’t believe how much mess the girls can make in 24 hours, but it shows they’ve had fun!

Sunday

8am: Rooms cleared, bags downstairs, sleeping bags wrestled back into bags (honestly, this should be a badge of its own).

8.15am: The girls sing ‘Everywhere We Go’ on the way to breakfast – far too energetically for this time of day!

9am: We’re canoeing this morning. Let’s hope I don’t get too wet, but the girls want to!

10.15am: Now it’s time for problem solving. It rains a bit, so we move indoors, but the fun continues – just drier!

12pm: Lunchtime. After all that activity, I’m hungry. I tell the girls they’ll sleep well tonight. I think I will too.

2pm: Giant swing time! They pair up and choose how high to go. We’re feeling brave.

2.30pm: Hannah and Jess are nervous but determined. One big pull…WHHHHEEEE! Now they want another go. Go on girls - you rock!

3.30pm: Our last activity, and it’s the zipline - the one I’ve been waiting for! I feel like a superhero flying down. The girls cheering makes it even better.

4.45pm: Bags ready for pickup. The girls get their PGL certificates and height badges. PGL go through lost property (there’s always something!) then have dinner.

6pm: Their grown-ups are here! Hugs, excitement and tired goodbyes. It’s been brilliant.

7pm: I’m home, showered, in PJs with a cup of tea. Photos sent to grown-ups and lots of lovely messages already. The girls can’t wait to come again. And neither can I!

Find out more about our 2026 and 2027 Girlguiding Takeover Weekends. They're just for Brownies, Guides and Rangers (and the site is exclusive to Girlguiding members!) The weekends are created in partnership with Girlguiding to give girls adventures and meet other units from across the UK.