Over the past year Girlguiding leaders have been working hard to keep girls and young women motivated and thriving through virtual guiding – but local groups urgently need more volunteers.
A six-week volunteer recruitment campaign culminating in National Volunteers’ Week has started the ball rolling, but there is still a long way to go.
There are currently 244 girls on waiting lists for Rainbows, 226 for Brownies, 39 for Guides and 11 for Rangers across Watford and the surrounding areas.
Anne Johns, who has been with 15th Watford Brownies for more than 20 years, said: "There is always a need for volunteers - a Guide unit in Watford is closing due to lack of leaders and we need extra volunteers for Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. I wanted my daughters to have the same fun I had as a Brownie, so I joined the unit to stop it from closing.
"Both my daughters are now Brownie leaders in different parts of the country."
A 2nd Croxley Green Rainbow who is featuring in the Girlguiding Hertfordshire recruitment campaign
Emily Green, leader 2nd Croxley Green Rainbows, added: "We need your help to enable us to open new units – to give more girls the opportunity to have fun, adventure and the space to discover their potential. The pandemic has taught us how important community is, so come and join us and make a difference to girls locally."
Jacqui O'Connor pictured with some of her Brownies
Brownie leader Jacqui O’Connor, who works as an associate head teacher, but still makes time to volunteer with Girlguiding, said: "I love volunteering, even after a day full of kids at school. It's great to give something back to the community, lovely to work with girls to help ensure they grow up into confident young women.
"I have a fair bit of paperwork in my day-job but find it very relaxing to take a break from that to plan a Brownie sleepover or arrange a visitor to the unit."
To find out more about how to become a volunteer, visit https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/.
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