Become a volunteerCurrently, I am halfway through completing my Queen’s Guide Award – this is the highest award a young person can achieve through guiding. The award is open to those aged 16 to 25 and you must finish by either your 26th birthday or within 3 years of starting (you are also allowed an additional 1 year planned break if required).
I have always been interested in doing my Queen’s Guide Award. I never completed my Baden Powell Award as a Guide and it was something I have looked back on and slightly regretted. It was the realisation that as I neared 23 it was now or never and I didn’t want to look back and wonder what if?
So what have I got up to so far…
Week to week I am a Guide leader. It was over the last few years I made the move to Guides from Brownies due to work commitments. Whilst completing my Queen’s Guide Award I have completed the Guide module of my Adult Leadership Qualification as part of my service in guiding. Being from a family of Brownie leaders (my Mum, both grandmas and my aunts), if you’d have told me 5 years ago I would be a Guide leader I wouldn’t have believed you.
As part of the award, you have to take on a new responsibility at a residential, I was first aider for my Division when we attended Unity camp. Unity is an international camp run by Girlguiding Staffordshire and has a special place in my heart as I first went as a Brownie, 3 days after a turned 7 back in 2002! It was amazing to be back as a leader and to meet girls from around the world, show my Brownies the world of international Guide camps on Sunday and make memories that will last forever. I learnt ear drops are hard to administer in the dark and I now know all the words to ‘A Million Dreams’ from one very famous film…
Back in May I helped run the activities for a Division “I’m a Brownie Get Me Out of Here” camp for over 60 Brownies. This was daunting but I learnt so much about organisation and preparation, as well as learning what you can achieve on about 3 hours sleep. I also lit my very first campfire (with a little help from fellow leader Louise, thank you!).
As part of my residential I went away and helped with a Baden Powell weekend in the Peak District. We went underground at Poole caverns, overground to the top of Solomans temple and then along the Tissington trial via bike. I have so many memories from this weekend; of how to cook multiple pizzas conveyer belt style, how to scale a bunk bed with no ladder and that cycling is very hard work! I was so proud of doing the cycle trial and surviving, it was honestly one of the hardest things I have done in guiding and I am so proud of my camp blanket badge that reminds me of that bike ride and the Monday morning after too!
Over 12 months I trained to walk a half marathon after being inspired by one of my good friends who walks multiple marathons every year. 13 miles was hard and hilly, especially the week after Brownie camp, but one of the highlights will be coming to the finish line in the town centre and my division commissioner shouting “What are you doing” as I nearly reached the finish line.
What have I got planned…
I am currently planning a Guide holiday for my Going Away With licence. It Christmas themed and my girls, and myself, are all very excited! I am currently living in a world of Christmas and glitter. Here is a sneak peek as some of the crafts I have lined up…
I will be doing an exploration or expedition at some point next year as part of my outdoor challenge. I am still not sure what this will entail but there has been talk of going on a barge or exploring either London or Edinburgh. So we will see what 2020 brings!
My tips for anyone thinking of doing the award and what I have learnt so far…
Have a go! If you’re interested speak to your local advisor and, if possible, others who have done the award. They will be able to give you all the details you need and support you along the way with the random questions that pop up.
Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is your Queen’s Guide award! Take time to plan and think through realistically when you will do each bit of the award. Factor in exams, busy periods at work, holidays, and the fact you might just want a break from everything for a little while.
If you hear about events in your district, division, county or region you fancy getting involved in as part of your award, have a chat and find out more. It can be daunting getting involved, especially when you don’t know anybody, but you’ll meet new people and make new friendships along the way.
Be thankful of help! My family and friends have been an amazing support, even if it is laminating on a bank holiday or cutting out late at night. I am so thankful for their help and understanding.
It will all be worth it, I keep reminding myself this every so often. I know at the end of my journey I will have learnt so much about myself along the way.
