Pipâs Perspective â a message from the Chief Commissioner
Itâs always such an honour to be asked to present a member of Girlguiding with an award, whether they have been nominated for exceptional service to guiding, overcoming difficult personal circumstances or for achieving a goal or great personal challenge. I am always impressed by the stories that I hear of the work that people have done to support local guiding and of the sheer hard work and determination â and of course fun - of those girls and young women working towards top awards in their sections.
Last week I joined 12 members of Girlguiding LaSER at the House of Lords for the presentation of their Queenâs Guide Awards by the Chief Guide, Gill Slocombe. What a fantastic event and such an inspirational group of young women, in fact so inspirational that I have decided that I want to have a go! Unfortunately Iâve missed the boat on the Queenâs Guide Award and DofE, having already past my 26th birthday, but I was delighted to learn recently about the Voyage Award. The Voyage Award is designed as a personal challenge for those over the age of 18 and has 3 levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold, divided into five sections: Service, Myself, Teamwork, Skills and Explore my world. I shall be looking for others to join me on my âvoyageâ and open a new âGuiding for Adultsâ Trefoil group to support each other to achieve new personal goals.
pipmck@girlguidinglaser.org.uk
Twitter: @ PipMcKerrow
Fact or Fiction?...
You need permission for face painting.
H2O 4 Life
H2O 4 Life is Girlguiding South West Englandâs exciting new Resource pack which has been developed in partnership with Thames Water. The pack, which is suitable for all Sections, includes a booklet full of activities for you to complete, along with interesting facts and handy hints on how you can save water. There are also challenges, quizzes, board games, card games, posters and stickers to help you become more water-efficient.
Each activity helps you collect water-saving litres and when you have reached your target there is a fantastic badge for you to wear. For every badge sold a donation will be made to WaterAid.
The H2O 4 Life Resource pack and badges can be purchased from the South West Region Online Shop. The Resource pack costs ÂŁ6.00 (plus postage and packing) and the badge and record card cost ÂŁ1.00 (plus postage and packing).
In addition, there are a number of downloads which support the Resource which can be found on the South West Region Website.
Xplore 14
When? 30 July â 6 August 2014
Who for? An international camp for Brownies, Guides & Senior Section
Where? Castle Saunderson, Cavan, Ireland
How much? ÂŁ50
More Information: XPLORE14 is Girlguiding Ulsterâs international camp, for Brownies, Guides and the Senior Section from all over the world, this Summer in Castle Saunderson, Co. Cavan.
With expected numbers of 700+ and bookings from Australia, Denmark, Sri Lanka - to name just a few, joining the staff team will give you a chance to be a part of making this unique event happen! You can guarantee youâll get to meet some great people, have a laugh and participate in a really rewarding camp adventure.
Itâs a great opportunity to gain residential or service experience, for DofE, Queenâs Guide and more, staff opportunities are open to non Girlguiding members as well, so spread the word!
Numerous camp jobs will be available covering & supporting areas such as site services, activities, catering, programme team, PR and adminâŠbut if you have a particular interest, or area of expertise, make sure to let us know!
Interested? Hereâs what you do⊠Applications must be received by 31 March.
A Special Day at Westminster Abbey
Six Brownies from across LaSER had a very special day at Westminster Abbey on Monday 10 March. The Brownies were invited to take part in the procession escorting the Commonwealth Flag at the Commonwealth Day Observance.
They had to be in the Abbey for a rehearsal in the morning and were shown around the Abbey by one of the Vergers exploring parts of the Abbey not normally seen by visitors. They also met the Dean and watched other groups rehearse.
In the afternoon, they formed a guard of honour by the Great West Door awaiting the arrival of HRH the Earl and Countess of Wessex, HRH the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty the Queen.
It was Natashaâs birthday and both HRH the Earl of Wessex (who was celebrating his 50th birthday) and the Prince of Wales wished her a âHappy Birthdayâ.
The girls very smartly walked through the packed Abbey accompanying the Commonwealth Flag. At the end of the service, they joined all the important people by the Great West Door where all the Royal party including HM the Queen spoke to them, thanking them for taking part.
What a memorable day!!
Fact or Fiction?...
You need permission for face painting â True
Guiding Manual: An Information and Consent for Event/Activity form is required for Girlguiding members to participate in this activity.
If offering this activity to non-members at an event, ensure an adult has given permission for the child to be face painted. This consent does not have to be written.