Call for new volunteers to get involved with Girlguiding in Caithness and Sutherland

Girlguiding leaders in Caithness and Sutherland are on the lookout for volunteers who can support local groups with online guiding.

As guiding groups adapt to the new Coronavirus restrictions, the charity’s volunteers are committed to deliver guiding in new and innovative ways so that they can continue to keep connected and empower girls and young women.

Many groups in the area continue to meet online, following a move to virtual guiding after face-to-face meetings were suspended during lockdown.

Determined to carry on guiding during this challenging time, guiding groups such as the 5th Thurso Brownies have continued to stay through weekly activities posted in their private Facebook group that young members can take part in, working towards earning their badges at home.

One member, Sophie Laird (10) achieved the highest award in Brownies – the Gold Award – after completing all six Theme awards and a final challenge.

Commenting on her love for guiding, Sophie said: “During lockdown my Brownie leader would post activities for us to do at home which were really fun and counted towards earning my badges.

"I also managed to do a few more from the Brownie handbook and I was so happy when I got my Brownie Gold award!

"I’ve now moved up to Guides and we meet on Zoom every Friday night and get to play games and do crafts.”

Tina Cormack, leader of the 5th Thurso Brownies and district commissioner for Thurso, added: “I love taking part in guiding. It's fun, challenging and something completely different from my work. Whether online or in person, as a leader you get to take part in random activities with girls, all things I would not be doing normally!

"Seeing girls achieve badges and enjoy being in a girl-only space is so rewarding and it’s always great to see the girls progress and move up sections.”

The group and other guiding units in the area also enjoyed two online pantos over the festive period and have even taken part in various virtual events, including a Caithness vounty virtual camp and Girlguiding Scotland’s virtual Thinking Day celebrations.

There are now also plans for a Highland and Islands virtual camp in June for girls and young women to get involved with.

Girlguiding Scotland, which provides opportunities for girls to develop life skills and have adventure, is the leading charity for girls and young women in Scotland with 45,000 members. For over 100 years guiding has made many positive differences in communities right across Scotland.

The charity is currently looking for support from local people to have a meaningful impact on the lives of girls and young women to help them to grow their confidence, develop their voice and have fun and adventure.

Anyone can get involved in guiding, whether or not they’ve previously been a member, and with a variety of volunteer roles to choose from people can give the time that suits them.

Bringing the benefits of guiding to more girls and adults across Scotland is central to Girlguiding Scotland’s strategy for 2019-2021. Goals in this area include ensuring every girl and young woman who wants to join guiding in Scotland, whatever their background, will have the opportunity to do so.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer or know a girl who would like to join guiding, visit www.girlguidingscotland.org.uk/get-involved

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.