Girl Guiding: More Than Just Selling Cookies
At the age of 6, Christine Peart made a decision that changed her life forever. At her parents' suggestion, she joined Brownies because it looked like fun. Now, ten years later, she's a Junior Leader. Lending her services every Tuesday night to a Brownie troupe, Christine manages somehow to get everything done. "It's like being an unpaid baby-sitter," she said regarding her duties as Junior Leader. Every week she plans games, initiates discussions and supervises many children. No matter how hectic it gets, she always remembers that her love of children and Guiding is what has brought her this far.
Is Guiding for you? If you like the outdoors and meeting people, join up. From the ages of 4 and up (no age discrimination here), females of all ages can join Guides and become a Brownie, Guide, Pathfinder, Junior Leader or Leader. Even if Guiding isn't for you, think of it for your younger sister. She'll learn teamwork, responsibility and other valuable skills, and she'll also be out of your hair once a week, possibly longer for camp outings. It provides rewards for hard work throughout the year with badges, field trips and parties. At Guides you play games, talk about issues and do things like crafts and make food. It's the ultimate female bonding experience. Then every fall you go out and sell cookies, learning valuable negotiation skills in the process. Parents want us to attend these meetings because of the tradition concerning Guiding. The difference between Scouts and Guides is that there are no guys allowed in the organization and they usually do more exciting things than cooking and crafts. Guides allows us girls some time on our own during camping (although sometimes there are guys in the next camp) and during meetings to discuss issues concerning females without guys being there. Through certain Guiding organizations, some girls are even going to Europe over the summer or camping all year round. So, send your sisters off to Guides or go yourself. Either way, you're going to have a good time.
