Appeal for Girlguiding leaders to volunteer

MAIDENHEAD: Girlguiding Maidenhead is appealing for new recruits for leadership to help support the increased number of girls wishing to join up.

Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Girlguiding in Maidenhead has continued to be popular.

As a result, there are waiting lists of girls who would like to join rainbows (5-6yrs), brownies (7-9yrs), guides (10-14yrs) and rangers (14-18yrs).

In particular, groups are seeking new leaders to help run meetings for brownies and guides as a number of units are at risk of closure due to insufficient leaders.

Jessica Searle from 1st Woodlands Park

Brownies started her leadership journey at 14 years old as a ‘Young Leader’ before later completing her adult leadership award.

She is one of the leaders looking for help to keep her unit open.

“The enjoyment that the girls get from guiding, the experiences that we provide, they wouldn’t get anywhere else,” she said.

Sue North, leader of 8th Maidenhead Guides, said: "It’s like a big guiding family.

“There are lots of opportunities, both as a young member or as a leader."

The time commitment for volunteering with a unit is around two to three hours a week during term time.

New leaders will be trained and supported by Girlguiding.

No experience is required, though ‘a sense of fun and enthusiasm are a must’, says Girlguiding Maidenhead.

There are also opportunities for any adult to volunteer behind the scenes and the organisation said there is ‘no commitment too small’.

To find our more about volunteering, contact commissioner@ girlguidingmaidenhead .org.uk or go to www. girlguiding.org.uk/ get-involved