As a parent volunteer, I helped to open a new unit
Parent Anna gave her time, skills and experience to benefit her daughter Bethan's new Guide unit
I really enjoy being part of our guiding team as a parent volunteer and I am proud to contribute in a small way to a fantastic Guide unit.
My daughter Bethan absolutely loved her time at Brownies, enjoying the wonderful mix of activities, and was very keen to continue in guiding. So we were pleased when the Leaders suggested setting up a new Guide unit that she could join.
One of the Leaders, Suzanne, organised a meeting to gauge interest in a new Guide unit and attract new helpers. I was keen to get involved, but I had no experience in guiding and so I didn't feel confident taking on a role during meetings. Like many parents, I had limited spare time, too.
Being Treasurer is perfect for me
Suzanne suggested I took on the Treasurer role, as I have a background in accounting, and it's perfect for me. In about 45 minutes a week I can record everything, check our online bank account, make payments bank cash and catch up with emails.
A couple of times each term I review the overall financial position and keep Suzanne up to date with any concerns or late payments. I also prepare a simple set of annual accounts and submit a Gift Aid claim. We get just over £400 a year by reclaiming Gift Aid on subscriptions and some fundraising income and it's been invaluable for buying extra equipment and subsiding events and so on.
The team is so supportive
The Unit Team is very supportive and inclusive. As Treasurer, I am invited to all the meetings and have even been encouraged to run a few Guide meetings. I do have an accounting background, but you don't need one to be a Treasurer; you just need to be comfortable with figures, organised and systematic.
I really enjoy being part of our guiding team as a parent volunteer and I am proud to contribute in a small way to a fantastic Guide unit.
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The benefits of volunteering

'I’d definitely recommend volunteering. Every week, after a Rainbows meeting, I feel I have accomplished something great. We’ve got lots of exciting activities and games planned with the girls'

'One of my friends volunteers for a Girlguiding group and recommended it. Volunteering is a good opportunity for me to gain new skills and come up with activities for the group.'

'It’s great working with the girls and we’ve got lots of exciting activities lined up. I really enjoy being a Rainbow Leader because of the difference you make. The girls come into Rainbows shy and go on to Brownies confident.'
Volunteer for us
Want to get involved? Register your interest with us and join our fantastic network of volunteers.