Alison Carson has been leading the way in guiding as a volunteer since 1984. Starting out as a young member herself in 1977 and progressing all the way up to assistant county commissioner of Fife, Alison has dedicated herself to helping girls develop new skills, be more confident and build friendships for life. 

Committed to leading the next generation, Alison completed her young leader certificate working with a Brownie unit in Kirkcaldy and finished her adult leadership qualification whilst studying in Aberdeen. She is now currently a leader of the 18th Kirkcaldy Brownies, 18th Kirkcaldy Guides and Bennochy Rangers.  

Alison said: “It’s been 40 years of badges, adventures, fun, programme changes, different roles, thousands of hours, hundreds of girls and many new friendships. It’s a big part of my life and a choice and commitment I have made with the support of my family – in particular my parents (my mum was a leader) and my husband and children (my daughter is now a leader). I’ve been to Germany, Switzerland, Ireland (3 times), Canada and Amsterdam on international trips and hope there are more trips in the future and more friendships to be made.” 

Alison explained that she is dedicated to ensuring both girls and volunteers get the best experience out of Girlguiding. She said: “Over the years, many leaders have helped and supported me and as a young member I had fantastic experiences which still live with me. If there is something I can do to help another volunteer or make sure the girls can get the best experience then I will. (I’m not good at doing nothing or saying no!) I love residential opportunities – camping, activity centres, sleepovers, internationals – since 2010 I have spent over 180 nights away. Some of these are for other units or events where units have joined together, enabling girls to add to their guiding journey highlights. As a unit leader it can be a challenge to meet the needs of the girls, as individuals, as well as the expectations of a different generation. You need to be flexible, adaptable and listen to what they say. As a commissioner at district, division or county, the biggest challenge is recruiting volunteers so that an organisation which believes ‘girls can do anything’ can continue to offer those opportunities.” 

Alison added: “I love seeing girls enjoying activities, developing skills, surprising themselves and celebrating achievements. I enjoyed moments like that as a Brownie, Guide and Ranger. Volunteering means I am paying forward to the girls who will be the volunteers of the future. It’s nice when I meet volunteers in Girlguiding, including county roles, who were in my unit in the past. Apart from making me feel old, I hope it reflects on their guiding journey, of which I was a part, and their desire to pay forward too. I have enjoyed the friendships and shared purpose with other volunteers, some who have I supported, others who have supported me, and I often remind girls and parents that we are all volunteers – unpaid (which is often met with surprise!)”