Funtastic!
With just six weeks to go we hope Brownies and leaders are all looking forward to Funtastic! The units going should have received the latest set of information last week; including a kit list, health form and further details for both leaders and parents.
In the post in the next few days you should also receive details of your allocated accommodation. Keep an eye on your email inbox and the website in the coming weeks for more information on arrival & departure and the programme for the weekend.
We look forward to seeing you all in January!
Campsite Consultation Reminder
Don’t forget to fill out the Campsite Review survey, which closes at 11:59pm on 31 December. Annual subscriptions could increase to develop and maintain the sites so please encourage everyone to complete the survey. Even if you’re not a Campsite user, this would impact you.
Please be aware that the Trustees are seeking your views via this consultation – this is not a vote regarding the final outcome.
Easyfundraising
It’s that time of year again… Christmas is fast approaching! leaders; make sure you log-on to easyfundraising and choose to support your unit. You can raise FREE funds!
With the money raised you could go to an event with your girls or save for that new equipment you’ve needed for ages.
At this time of year online shopping almost triples, so think of all the money you could raise!
Did You Know…
…Rainbows are able to walk in a procession and carry flags?
A procession is an informal event where flags and/or standards may be carried but participants do not march at a fixed pace or in step.
A parade is a formal event where participants march in step and may carry flags or standards.
All sections are able to take part in processions; however parades are only open to those aged seven years and above.
Flags can now be ordered with the new branding and a Rainbow flag is also available from trading.
The flag is designed to use with one pole, however it can also have a pole at either end, making it into a banner. It can be carried in local events such as official services, present at unit meetings and used at marketing and recruitment events.
Leaders should check The Guiding Manual if in doubt about taking part in processions and parades.
Another important factor to note is that the unit name on the flag must be the same as the unit name which shows on Go! The flags are made on a special order with delivery between six and eight weeks. Costs and order codes can be obtained from your county section adviser or direct from Trading.
The Senior Section Challenger Challenge 2014
With the success of both the 2012 and 2013 Challenger Challenges, Girlguiding South West England has chartered two 72 foot Challenger Racing Yachts for a week – 26 July to 2 August 2014.
There are two opportunities for our members for this exciting trip – one for the Senior Section (aged 14 – 26) and one for adult leaders (aged 26 and above).
This is an amazing opportunity and you don’t even need any previous sailing experience – just a sense of adventure!
The closing date for applications is 31 January 2014.
YOPEY
Do you know a Guide, young leader or leader (under 26 years) in London who stands out for 'giving to others'?
The John Lewis Young People of the Year contest (YOPEY) is ‘revealing, recognising and rewarding’ young unsung heroes from across London. At least £2,000 in prize money is up for grabs for winners to share with their good causes.
The London-wide competition is open to young people aged from 10 to 25 years, who either live, work or study in the capital. However they do not need to meet all these conditions, for example, they may have left London to go to university but come and help with a Unit during the holidays.
Entries close on 14 January 2014 and the award ceremony will be held next spring.
Lessons in counting the birds
Add ‘birdwatching’ to your activities this winter and take part in the biggest wildlife survey in the world.
Running from 20 January to 14 February 2014, the Big Schools Birdwatch encourages children of all ages, and their Leaders or teachers, to discover which birds they share their grounds with and learn about their behaviour.
The results help the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) build a picture of birds visiting grounds and any changes in their numbers.
Seeing wildlife first hand is the best way to enthuse young people about nature and by taking part in the Big Schools Birdwatch they can learn so much.
Learning about birds’ behaviour gets them really excited about the world around them and, importantly, it encourages them to want to help Give Nature a Home.
For further information and to get hold of a free teachers’ pack; which includes guidance notes, recipes, things to make and counting charts, visit the schoolswatch section of the RSPB’s website.
Peru 2013
Josie Hill, Eastry Guides (Senior Section), Kent East, reports on her time in Peru with Girlguiding LaSER:
“This summer I was delighted to have the opportunity to travel to Peru with Girlguiding LaSER. We travelled to Urubamba to work at Kiya Survivors. Kiya is a charity run from Brighton which helps children who are disabled or have been abandoned or abused. It was an amazing experience and great to work with the children in the classrooms by helping out with games and different activities. We also went on an outreach programme and met two girls who had both had operations on their legs and couldn’t manage to get to Kiya. Urubamba is in the Sacred Valley and we also went on a hike to Machu Pichu. The views were spectacular. Before we went home we went to the Amazon and also stopped off in Miami to meet Girl Scouts there.”