How parents opened our new unit
Parents like Sara opened the first Girlguiding unit in Lowick for 20 years
I started volunteering as my daughter, Charlotte, has always wanted to be a Brownie. So when I saw the call for volunteers in the school newsletter, I thought 'why not?'.
The 1st Lowick Brownie unit opened in June 2015 and is the first guiding group in the village in over 20 years.
Lowick is a small, isolated village with a school population of just over 40 children. The school is linked to Holy Island, which is a tidal community cut off from the mainland for several hours every day.
Brownies broadens the girls' horizons
There is so little for the girls to do locally that I think it's really important for them to have a group like this. Sometimes girls in rural areas like Lowick only have a handful of children their age nearby so being part of Brownies means they get to meet many different girls away from their school friends and it definitely broadens their horizons.
A positive response
The local response has been really positive! The parents have been great too, offering to help out. Since, we've also chosen to open a Rainbow group for younger girls!
I'm a stay-at-home mum so my time is quite flexible which helps. At first, I was a bit nervous about running my own unit but with lots of help from the other volunteers I'm finding my feet.
Volunteer for us
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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.'