Guides units enjoy getting away again

While their UK counterparts are still restricted by Covid-19 regulations, there, the local organisation has been able to give local girls far more opportunities.

During lockdown, meetings were undertaken online and young people were set adventures at home.

As Guernsey moved through the different phases of the easing of lockdown, it became apparent that the local association was in a unique position, so Girlguiding Guernsey sought special permission to be able to return to face-to-face meetings.

Local leaders took this opportunity to organise activities for their units and Guernsey is still one of the very few places in the British Isles to offer face-to-face Guiding indoors, as well as outside.

The 7th St Stephen’s Guide Unit decided to embrace this and used the opportunity to have an adventure day in Herm.

Unit leader Debbie Robilliard said that, like many groups during lockdown, they used online meeting platforms and digital and social media.

‘The girls really enjoyed these new challenges and pretty much joined in every week,’ she said.

‘They were delighted to meet all together again when the restrictions were lifted. Since then, we have had lots of adventures and used some of the things we had made in lockdown during our meetings but we wanted to do something extra special.

‘We wanted to go to Herm on a grand day out, since we hadn’t been allowed to go away, or have camps. So we asked if we this was allowed under the restriction guidelines and we were given permission for the day to go ahead.’

The trip went really well, with 17 girls aged between 10 and 14 taking part, with the help of three leaders.

While the weather was not great, they enjoyed doing an adventure quiz, photo challenge and scavenger hunt in the morning then taking up archery in the afternoon with Outdoor Guernsey.

‘The girls had such a brilliant time and we were delighted to give them this opportunity after such a difficult time,’ Ms Robilliard said.

‘This is especially poignant this year, as our unit is coming up to a big birthday and will be celebrating 75 years of unbroken Guiding, with the unit forming after the Second World War and the island’s Liberation.’

All the island Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Ranger units will be starting again this month and have spaces for both girls and leaders to join.

Girlguiding offers girls aged five to 18 the opportunity to be independent, learn new skills, gain confidence, make new friends and have fun and to take part in a wide and varied programme, incorporating everything from world issues and science to adventure and international travel.

. For more information visit www.girlguiding.org.uk.