Latest news with #GirlGuides
The Citizen
19 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
Brownies guides retiree on a journey of rediscovery
When Colleen Walker retired at the end of 2016, she wasn't looking for applause or accolades; just a meaningful way to spend her time and give back to her community. What she didn't expect was that her retirement journey would lead her into a world filled with giggles, games, and girl power, transforming her into a beacon of inspiration. Today, at age 72, Colleen is not just a grandmother or retiree; she is the proud leader of the 1st Brownie Boksburg Girl Guides, a group of spirited girls aged seven to 11 who meet weekly to learn, play, and grow. 'It all started with my granddaughter. She was a Brownie, and I volunteered to help with the games one afternoon a week. The girls were so enthusiastic, the leaders so grateful, and something inside me just clicked. I felt alive, needed, and inspired,' Colleen recalls. That simple act of kindness soon blossomed into a deeper commitment. When the need arose to open a new Guiding group in Benoni, the Boksburg leader moved away and Colleen stepped up, training officially to become a Brownie leader. 'Becoming a leader wasn't just about helping; it became a passion. These girls have taught me more than I ever imagined. They've taught me how to laugh freely again, how to live in the moment, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.' Colleen's story echoes a wider legacy. For 115 years, the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts movement has empowered over 250 million girls worldwide. From earning badges and learning life skills to serving their communities, the movement continues to equip young women with the confidence and resilience to become future leaders. 'It's not just about crafts or camping,' Colleen explains. 'It's about developing character, leadership, and values like respect, kindness, and teamwork. We provide a safe space for girls to be themselves and grow.' Her weekly meetings are filled with excitement; from creative crafts and outdoor adventures to important lessons about self-worth, friendship, and helping others. 'For many of these girls, Brownies is more than an activity; it's a lifeline and a launchpad.' Also Read: Girl Guides learn lifesaving skills at First Aid Competition While Colleen gives so much to the girls, she's quick to say the biggest gift has been what the experience has given her. 'So many people worry about what they'll do after retirement. But this journey has given me more than just something to do. It's given me purpose. It's shown me that no matter your age, you can still make an impact.' A call to community Colleen encourages others, especially retirees and community members, to consider becoming Adult Leaders. 'You don't need to be perfect. You just need to love children, be enthusiastic, and be willing to give a bit of your time. The rewards are incredible. These kids will change your life.' The Girl Guides movement welcomes girls of all ages: Teddies (4-7) Brownies (7-11) Guides (11-14) Rangers (14-18) And for adults like Colleen, it's a chance to mentor, inspire, and rediscover the joy of play, laughter, and shared growth. Join the adventure The 1st Boksburg Brownies meet on Mondays from 17:00 to 18:30 at the Guide Hall on Southvale Road. If you or your child would like to join, or if you'd like to train as an Adult Leader, contact Colleen on 082 372 6582. 'It's never too late to start a new adventure, and it's never too early to help shape the future.' Also Read: Boksburg Brownies turn fun into future leadership
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Manx Gaelic Girlguiding badge to 'bring love for language'
A new badge for girl guides and scouts will be introduced later this year, to "bring joy, and a love for Manx". Organised by Culture Vannin, the badge's launch coincides with the 2026 Year of the Manx Language, a year-long celebration of the island's native Aboo - which translates as Hooray for the Manx language - launches in September, and will see girl guides aged four to 18 complete three sessions over the course of a year to earn the Keggin Gell, who has organised the project, said the sessions would provide "lots of wonderful social time through the medium of the Manx language". 'Unique Manx identity' "There aren't very many Guiding or Scouts badges exploring languages, and so it's wonderful to create one that helps spread the importance of minority languages," said Ms Keggin badge will be available to 1,200 children who are part of the 70 local Girlguiding and scouts units. Over the three sessions, using games and activities run by visiting instructors, participants will study greetings, numbers, telling the time, likes and dislikes, as well as basic food and drink Keggin Gell has herself designed the badge - an embroidered circular, blue purple and green emblem, with a speech bubble saying Gaelg Aboo!She said the activities were intended to "reinforce" the Manx some children will be learning at school, as well as introducing it to those who have not yet started their studies. "The hope is that it will leave them with some pride that they have learnt some Manx, and they have fun while learning it," she Simpson, from Girlguiding Isle of Man, said the team wanted to include the badge into its programme to "help members connect with their cultural heritage, and to take pride in the unique identity of the Isle of Man". Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
Girl Guides gather in Dhofar to build skills, leadership
Salalah – The 24th Summer Scout Camp for Girl Guides and Advanced Scouts opened on Friday in Jabal Ashur Plain, Dhofar. Organised by Ministry of Education, the camp will run till July 30 under the theme 'Community Partnership: Leadership to Build the Future'. The event has brought together 270 guides and leaders from across Oman. The camp's programme features training workshops, scientific and cultural visits, as well as sporting activities, including a sports day at Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah. The schedule also includes competitions, group games and talent showcases. Amina bint Marhoon al Shabibi, camp leader, said the activities aim to strengthen participants' leadership and learning capabilities, promote teamwork and exploration and instil national values. She added that the camp applies core elements of the Girl Guides method and helps raise community awareness of the movement's role. The camp is designed to develop life and camping skills while encouraging a spirit of challenge and adventure through direct interaction with nature and partnerships with local communities.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Boksburg Brownies turn fun into future leadership
Two Boksburg Brownies prove that leadership, courage and creativity begin with a sash and a spark. Through Girl Guides South Africa, eight-year-olds Caylin Trautmann and Sipho Zwane, both from Parkdene, are blossoming into confident, kind and capable leaders of tomorrow. According to Colleen Walker, a dedicated leader of the Boksburg Brownies, Brownies are a vital part of the Girl Guides movement for girls aged seven to 11. 'It's a space where girls explore the world around them, learn practical life skills, embrace teamwork and grow in confidence, all while having loads of fun. 'Brownies are encouraged to be curious, kind, brave and helpful. Each badge earned and skill learnt brings them one step closer to becoming thoughtful, empowered young leaders.' Also Read: Boksburg Girl Guides embrace change with Cloete As members of this global sisterhood, Caylin and Sipho are part of a movement that has inspired generations of girls in SA and across the world for over 100 years. Caylin began her Guiding journey as a Teddie, the Girl Guide age group for four- to six-year-olds, in April 2022. Today, she proudly wears her Brownie sash over her right shoulder. 'I love being a Brownie. We're always learning new and interesting things. My favourites are science experiments and arts and crafts.' But for Caylin, Brownies is more than just activities; it's a journey of self-discovery. 'At Brownies, we learn how to be good people in our community. We grow by helping others, learning life skills and making new friends. Most importantly, Brownies gives girls the power to speak up. We definitely have a voice, and together, we can be heard.' Sipho Zwane, a Teddie in 2023 who has now moved up to Brownies, shares the same enthusiasm. 'I'm loving every minute of it. My favourite was making a no-sew beanie. 'I've learned so many new things and had a lot of fun with my friends.' Sipho's confidence has soared, too. 'I used to be shy, but not anymore. Now, I speak up and look forward to Brownies every single week.' Both girls encourage others to experience the magic for themselves: 'Come and see what Guiding is all about.' To learn more and join them, contact Colleen on 082 372 6582 or [email protected] Also Read: Girl guides enjoy complimentary Spur meal
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Coming of age on the Mile: Childhood, identity and nostalgia at the Edinburgh Fringe
Pop idols, Girl Guides, drag princesses and Diana tributes - at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, nostalgia isn't just trending, it's transforming. Across theatre, comedy, clown, and cabaret, artists are cracking open their pasts - from teenage bedrooms and school toilets to 90s Dublin and queer club nights - to explore what it really means to grow up. Pop idols, Girl Guides, drag princesses and Diana tributes - at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, nostalgia isn't just trending, it's transforming. Across theatre, comedy, clown, and cabaret, artists are cracking open their pasts - from teenage bedrooms and school toilets to 90s Dublin and queer club nights - to explore what it really means to grow up. Shell ZOO Southside (Studio), 15:05 Part queer sex-ed session, part drag-clown ritual, Shell is unlike anything else at the Fringe this year. Created by Ana Evans and Linnea Scott, the show follows Andy, a jock-turned-sex-ed-activist, and Peanut, a mysterious being of pure desire. Through irreverent comedy and audience interaction, the show asks what we really know about our bodies — and what we've never dared to ask. Surreal, spiritual and deeply silly in the best possible way. Cara and Kelly are Best Friends Forever For Life Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 15:20 Selfies, sleepovers and slowly rising tension - Mojola Akinyemi's razor-sharp two-hander captures the perilous intensity of teenage friendship. Set in 2013 and told from the point of view of two girls on the brink, it examines how privilege, silence, and cultural shifts play out in school corridors and shared secrets. A bold, uncomfortable exploration of the radicalisation we don't talk about - and how ideology can form long before we know what to call it. Don't Tell Dad About Diana Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer), 12:50 It's 1997, and in the shadow of the Princess of Wales' death, two Irish teens prepare a drag tribute to their fallen icon. Set against a backdrop of Boyzone CDs and nationalist parents, this camp, chaotic and unexpectedly moving comedy explores friendship, grief, and the early stirrings of queer identity. Created by Hannah Power and Conor Murray, this is a story of chosen family, late-night lip-syncs, and the danger of secrets that shine too brightly to stay hidden. A STAN IS BORN! Gilded Balloon Patter House (Blether), 15:00 A love letter to diva devotion and queer self-discovery, Alexis Sakellaris returns to the Fringe with a solo musical comedy that's equal parts vocal fireworks and emotional resonance. With ten original songs and a keyboard always within reach, this show takes audiences from suburban bedrooms to European train stations - all set to the inner monologue of a child who grew up worshipping Beyoncé, Céline, and Mariah. A glittery, glorious, and deeply heartfelt reminder of how our icons shape who we become. Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x) Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 14:15 Jade Franks cleans toilets by day and navigates Oxbridge by night - and her autobiographical solo show is as sharp as it is scathing. With biting wit and warm storytelling, she dismantles the myth of meritocracy and the social acrobatics required to survive elite spaces as a working-class outsider. A powerful and personal show about code-switching, shame, and the politics of fitting in - or choosing not to. The Strongest Girl in the World Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Snug), 14:20 Truly Siskind-Weiss blends summer camp singalongs, storytelling, and memory theatre in this poignant solo show about a girl navigating grief after her father's death. With warmth, wit and a patch-covered sash of Girl Guide metaphors, she explores how we grow up in the shadow of loss — and what it means to stay strong, even when you don't want to. Funny, fierce, and unexpectedly tender. FISH Greenside (Jade Studio), 19:35 Funmi Adejobi's absurd, tender solo performance follows a fish who wants to become human - only to find the surface world even stranger than the sea. With elements of clown, storytelling and physical theatre, FISH dives into climate dread, capitalism, and what it means to feel out of place in your own body. A surreal, smart and deeply humane show about transformation and the cost of survival. FLUSH Pleasance Courtyard (Upstairs), 12:15 Set entirely in the women's toilet of a Shoreditch club, FLUSH is a sharply written, emotionally charged look at vulnerability, trauma and fleeting solidarity between strangers. Written and performed by April Hope Miller, this show peels back the nightlife facade to reveal quiet moments of connection, sisterhood, and survival. A powerful partnership with Ask For Angela gives this already vital show a real-world urgency. With the cast informing the process of creation this show is not to be missed. At the 2025 Fringe, the past isn't something to escape — it's something to confront, celebrate, mourn, remix and reimagine. These shows make space for the awkward teenage selves we carry with us, and the cultural myths we've wrapped around them. They prove that growing up doesn't always mean letting go — sometimes, it means returning, rethinking, and singing it all at the top of your lungs. For tickets and the full programme, visit
