54321…it’s here!

Last weekend we revealed the brand new Girlguiding programme. From cake and parrots to midnight openings, take a look at all the celebrations across the UK.

Zoe, Digital team
26 July 2018

On 21 July it finally happened – the new Girlguiding programme was revealed!

Let’s just say we were VERY excited to reveal the 800 new activities and badge challenges that make up the programme. And we were blown away to see so many of you so excited about it too.

Right across the UK, girls and volunteers celebrated the launch in true Girlguiding style. There were midnight shop openings, girls exploring the new activities and much discussion of favourite new badges. And of course there was cake (lots). And some parrots too...

Here’s our round up of the celebrations as they happened.

Midnight openings

At midnight, across the country, members queued at Girlguiding shops to be the first to pick up new programme books and activity cards. That’s excitement levels to rival a Harry Potter book launch! Particular mention must go to the Girlguiding Scotland shop, which was opened via Skype by lead volunteer Jess Bond.

Stop the press – the new Girlguiding programme is here

By breakfast, the airwaves and newspaper columns were chock full of all things Girlguiding. Our new programme and badges were covered by nearly every national newspaper including The Guardian, The Daily Mail, the Huff Post and CBBC Newsround.

Guide Sophie and lead volunteer Jess were interviewed for Sky, young members Laura and Maddie joined Acting CEO Ruth on the BBC breakfast sofa and Head of Youth Programmes Kat was on the BBC News. We even trended on Twitter!

What would a launch be without a party (and cake)?

We held a launch event at Waddow Hall with Chief Guide Amanda where girls tried out new activities like Triple boxer. Over in Ulster girls took a break from trying out new interest badges to cut a very special cake. And 50 leaders from British Guiding Overseas came from right across the world for a weekend of training at Girlguiding HQ!

Some of you celebrated in rather unusual places

Lots of you couldn’t wait to read up on the new programme so got stuck in wherever you happened to be - planes, trains, parrot houses…

What’s your new favourite badge?

By tea time, lots of you had already picked out your favourite new badges. And some girls and their parents even started trying them out.

 

Thank you for making it special

Thank you to everyone who made the programme reveal weekend so special, from the late opening shops, to the cake bakers to the geocachers to everyone who shared the word on twitter. It was incredible to see so many of you so excited about the new programme.