WHAT IS GIRL GUIDES?

So what is it all about?

>Girl Guides provide a non-formal education program that is a dynamic, flexible and values-based training in life skills, decision-making and leadership. It is run by trained volunteer Leaders committed to Helping girls and young women grow into confident, self-respecting, responsible community members.

>Girl Guides Australia is comprised of seven member organisations, one in each of the six States and the Northern Territory. Girls 5-18 years and women from 18 years join Guides in their local community and become members of their State organisation. Each organisation offers girls the opportunity to enjoy Guiding through the Australian Guide Program. The Australian Adult Leadership Program provides the framework to equip all Leaders with the skills relevant to their role in Guiding. The Australian Guide Program and the Australian Adult Leadership Program are reviewed regularly to ensure Guiding remains relevant to Australia’s women of tomorrow.

>The program has an integrated approach through teamwork, commitment to the Promise and Law, exploring the outdoors, service in the community, learning by doing and progressive self-development. Girls says.... they start planning their program of activities and challenges with their Leader from an early age.

>Our method of training is to educate from within rather than to instruct from without; to offer games and activities which, while being attractive to the girl, will seriously educate her morally, mentally and physically." Girl Guiding by Lord Baden-Powell (1918).

>Girl Guides Australia is a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). There are over ten million members in 144 countries taking part in non-formal education programs that provide a flexible and values-based training in life skills, decision-making and leadership. The program is adapted by each member country to fit the culture and diversity of their youth members.

>The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts offers opportunities for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to participate in programs and projects at an international level. Guides from all member countries are able to come together at the four World Centres and at events run by member countries, the UN or other Non-Governmental Organisations on behalf of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

>Girl Guides Australia celebrated the Centenary of Guiding in 2010. Guiding has been active in every Australian State and Territory for over 85 years. Guides Australia was a founding member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 1928. Over a million Australian women have been or are still Guides.