The joy of Guiding

Today I have been away at a Guide sleepover with my 'old' or rather 'home' guide unit along with another unit in the district. I have only been able to join them for the day unfortunately as this weekend has become quite a hectic one with birthday parties and school duties. Nevertheless I have thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Guiding can be so completely rewarding, seeing the girls really responding to one another, encouraging each other and working together. Yet it is all in such a relaxed and fun atmosphere that you just don't get at school. The guides have been working towards their 'Traditions in Guiding' badge so some of the activities may seem dated - that's the point! Still, you can have fun without doing a 'glamourama' Go For It (moreso in my opinion). In one short day we have: made patrol emblems and posters to decorate the hut, learnt the national anthem, played dominoes, done pioneering, made a trail and followed it, learnt and used hand and whistle signals, learnt ballroom dancing, made twists and cooked them on a campfire, had a campfire with songs and skits, played a quiz and made a catapult to throw a table tennis ball the furthest as well as set up and washed up after lunch, cooked tea on barbeques and even had free time! That is one activity packed day!

The most enjoyable part of the whole day has been how relaxed it has all been. No targets to fill, no pressure to achieve. But plenty of quality learning and tonnes of enjoyment. Can't ask for much more than that.