Girl Guides – a legacy through the ages

STEEPED in history, the Girl Guides movement dates back to 1910. Today, the movement continues its legacy to prepare today’s girls and young women for the future with skills and experiences ranging from community service to critical thinking.

And who better to talk to than Natalie Raw, district commissioner for Queensburgh District Girl Guides, who has been a part of the club for some 25 years?

“I started as a Teddy Leader and have worked with all the age groups. Girl Guiding as a movement has been going since 1910 in South Africa. Fairfell, the grounds where we meet, opened in 1929,” she said.

Raw explained that Girl Guides South Africa is a female-only organisation, while Scouting takes both girls and boys.

“We believe that some girls thrive in an environment where they can be themselves without having to compete with or impress boys. Both Girl Guides and Scouts were started by Lord Robert Baden Powell, and we still have close ties with each other,” she said, adding that they make an exception with their Teddy Group which does accept boys up to age eight.

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Despite its rich history, the Guiding Programme was completely revamped a few years ago to keep up with changes in the needs of girls today.

“This has included addressing more technology and environmental issues. In addition, WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) releases programmes on a regular basis dealing with topical issues such as gender-based violence, cyber safety and cyberbullying,”  said Raw.

The Queensburgh club is part of a worldwide movement.
“Girl Guides is the largest female-only youth organisation in the world. There are over 150 member countries. We are a youth movement that gives girls the confidence, skills and aspirations to advocate for change and make an impact in the world,” said Raw.

There are various groups at Queensburgh District Girl Guides, including Teddies ((4.5–7 years), Brownies (7–10 years), Girl Guides (10.5–14), Rangers (14 –18 years), Young Leaders (18–30 years).

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Join the club

Queensburgh District Girl Guides is eager to expand into new areas, including Chatsworth, Shallcross, Pinetown and Westville.
“Adult volunteers (women only) are given all the necessary support and training to be able to start their own units. These units can be run at a venue, day and time suitable to the leaders. All of our Queensburgh units have places available so parents are encouraged to bring their children through for a trial lesson. Parents can contact me for more information,” said Raw.

For more information, visit KZN Southern Region – Girl Guides South Africa or Queensburgh District Girl Guides on Facebook or log on to the website, www.girlguides.org.za.

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