Your Questions Answered
Here are the answers to the most popular questions we are asked about:
Activities
- Don't Guides just sing round campfires and learn to do old fashioned things?
- Does Girlguiding really run pop concerts?
Joining
- How would I benefit from Girlguiding?
- Girlguiding is just for white, middle class, Christians isn't it?
- I thought that only females helped the Guides
- Why can't boys join Girlguiding if girls can join the Scouts?
- Does Guiding offer opportunities for disabled girls too?
- How can I join if the local unit meets on a busy night for me?
- Why can't you be a member after 65?
Membership
- Isn't your organisation in decline?
- How are you funded?
- I've been told that the local unit has a waiting list - why is this?
Uniform
- Why do you still have a uniform?
- Would I have to wear an old-fashioned uniform?
- Can I really wear my jeans to Guides?
Leaders
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by potential volunteers. Alternatively click here if you want to have a chat with a local Guider in your County.
- How much time would I need to commit?
- How much do leaders get paid?
- Do you pay expenses?
- Do you have to have any qualification to be an adult leader?
- Do you have to have been a Brownie or Guide to be an adult leader?
- Will an employer recognise the skills I learn in Guiding?
- I want to volunteer, why isn't my nearest group easy to find?
- I don't want to volunteer every week, is this OK?
- I want to know more about Girlguiding Scotland.
- Do you check police records?
- Do I have to wear uniform?
- Will I be trained for the role?
Activities
Don't Guides just sing round campfires and learn to do old fashioned things?
Guides today do a massive variety of activities. An example of the kind of things you could do are; DJ-ing, windsurfing, treasure hunts, climbing, sailing, painting, dancing…and lots, lots more.
Does Girlguiding really run pop concerts
In the last few years we have run three 'Big Gig' events featuring bands from all over the UK. In 2001 Gerri Halliwell was a guest star - and she was even wearing a Brownie T-shirt!
Joining
How would I benefit from Girlguiding?
Guides develop into strong and independent women who know how to have fun, have a huge network of friends, are good leaders and team players and can adapt to whatever situations face them. Check out the famous women who were once Guides.
Girlguiding is just for white, middle class, Christians isn't it?
Guiding operates an open door policy to all girls and young women who want to join and are able to make their promise. Some of our most successful Units are located in inner cities.
I thought that only females helped the Guides
Our uniformed leaders are women between the ages of 18 and 65. However, around the UK, there are thousands of men supporting Guiding. They do this in a variety of roles.
Why can't boys join Girlguiding if girls can join the Scouts?
Guiding has chosen to remain a single sex organisation. Research has shown that girls gain confidence and are more willing to have a go when in a single sex group. The Guides and Scouts do communicate though and often join up for camps or expeditions in the summer months. Read more about what Guides really think about this...
Does Guiding offer opportunities for disabled girls too?
Each County has an adviser who will try to ensure that the girls are able to take up as many opportunities as possible. Netherurd, the Scottish Training Centre is fully equipped with facilities for disabled groups.
How can I join if the local unit meets on a busy night for me?
The Lones are especially for you; girls who are unable to get to meetings are able to enjoy all aspects of Guiding through this scheme.
Why can't you be a member after 65?
We encourage the Over 65's to become mentors to young leaders. They can become an affiliate and take on a range of roles such as District Administrator. They can also join the Trefoil Guild.
Membership
Isn't your organisation in decline?
In Scotland we have nearly 70,000 members (700,000 UK). Membership is consistent with the population. One in five girls in Scotland under the age of fourteen is a member. In 2001 the membership enquiries went up by 300%. We have waiting lists for girls to join Units because we do need more Leaders. Find out more...
How are you funded?
We are a charitable organisation funded through membership subscriptions and our trading arm. Our 10,000 Scottish leaders give their time completely freely.
I've been told that the local unit has a waiting list - why is this?
Rainbows and Brownies are especially popular - we have nearly 3,500 Units in Scotland. However we pride ourselves in our safety and development records and have a high adult to child ratios, requiring a certain number of adults to be responsible for a certain number of girls. We are actively recruiting more adult leaders through a variety of initiatives.
Read on to find out more about Adult Opportunities -
Uniform
Why do you still have a uniform?
It's not really a uniform any more - more of an outfit that is practical and versatile. Top fashion designer Ally Capellino has given the Guide and Brownie range a great make-over, which the girls love.
Would I have to wear an old-fashioned uniform?
We do have a uniform, but it is modern and appropriate for all our varied activities. Depending on the occasion, you could be wearing anything from: jogging bottoms, polo shirt, sweatshirt or navy trousers and skirts.
Can I really wear my jeans to Guides? Jeans are now officially part of the Guide uniform.
Click here to find out where you can get the latest Guiding fashions..
*Leaders
How much time would I need to commit?
As little or as much as you like! Most of our leaders are busy Mums with full-time jobs, so we appreciate any time you can give. Most Units meet once a week during term-time. There are loads of other opportunities for you to get involved during the holidays or weekends, if you wish. At the beginning there may be some extra time needed to give you a chance to learn about your role and Guiding in your county.
How much do leaders get paid?
All our leaders are volunteers and do not receive any wages. They are reimbursed any out of pocket expenses though (see below).
Do you pay expenses?
Yes. Any equipment, food or other supplies bought for a unit can be reimbursed, as can administration costs and guiding related-travel. When you volunteer your local commissioner will be able to tell you more. Many units will also pay for Leader's uniform. You can also claim expenses at guiding training sessions.
Do you have to have any qualification to be an adult leader?
Formal qualifications are not needed before you start, but you will be expected to follow the Adult Leadership Qualification Scheme developed by Girlguiding. There are lots of different roles for adults from Public Relations to Outdoors advisers. We utilise all the skills our volunteers can bring to Girlguiding as well as help them develop more.
Do you have to have been a Brownie or Guide to be an adult leader? As long as you are willing to learn and are enthusiastic it doesn't make any difference whether you were in the Brownies or Guides when you were younger.
Will an employer recognise the skills I learn in Guiding?
Employers do recognise the skills that you learn in Guiding. The skills that are developed through the training programme are transferable to the workplace. Leaflets are available to outline what you can put on your CV.
I want to volunteer, why isn't my nearest group easy to find? We are unable to publish the venues or meeting times of individual groups for child safety reasons.
I don't want to volunteer every week, is this OK?
There are many roles that don't have to involve a weekly commitment, including Unit Helper, Treasurer, and Pack Holiday helper.
I want to know more about Girlguiding Scotland.
There are 38 Counties in Scotland, look at the local map and click on your area to find out more or to get an information pack:
Email: Please fill out the enquiry form
Do you check police records?
All volunteers who work directly with young people are required to complete an internal W/R form, which is not a police check. We do carry out a Disclosure check on all new volunteers. Don't be put off that you will have a long wait. We try and get you involved as soon as possible, this could be in one of the many support roles and/ or getting you trained.
Do I have to wear uniform?
No. Many volunteer roles within Girlguiding UK don't require uniform. Only Full Members including Unit Leaders and Commissioners wear uniform. And the uniform is changing. See the Guiding Essential website to see the new Leader wear.
Will I be trained for the role?
Unit Leaders are given training both 'on the job' and through training sessions. Initially they gain the Girlguiding UK Leadership Qualification and there are further opportunities available once qualified. They also receive a mentor while training and there is a local support network.
If you would like to find out more about Guiding there are many ways to contact us. If you know someone involved in Guiding locally or have a local contact number, speak to them about volunteering. Otherwise you can be put in touch with Guiding in your area by:
- Making contact with a leader in your County.
- Email: Please fill out the enquiry form
*Source: Girlguiding UK.