KEEMIYA Chetty of Girl Guides’ Brownie programme, recently obtained her Golden Hand badge after completing all five finger badges. Starting her guides career as a Teddy at the age of five in April 2012, Chetty has worked her way up to the top of the hierarchy.
“Both Hands are divided into five finger badges – Keep Fit, Nature Lover, Craft, Home Helper and Young Citizen. Each badge teaches the Brownie various aspects of that particular theme. A Brownie gets the Silver Hand badge once she has completed all 5 finger badges. Once a Brownie has attained her Silver hand badge, she then starts on her Golden Hand finger badges,” explained Saunders.
“Keemiya was six years old at the time and after completing all her 10 Teddy badges and obtaining the final ‘Honey Pot Badge’ she moved up to Brownies at age 7 in 2014 and this year she has received the Brownies Golden Hand Badge. Congratulations to Keemiya who is enthusiastic, diligent and always gives of her best. She has chosen to continue with her Guiding career and will move up to Girl Guides at the beginning of the third term,” she added.
New members are welcome at any stage into the programme. As Chetty finishes with Brownies, new member, Ziyanda Nxumalo is welcomed into the Brownie Pack. Ziyanda and her sister Nosipho joined the Guides as their mom, Zabo Mthembu, was a Brownie and a Girl Guide in her youth.
“Girl Guiding helps to actively develop the full potential of all girls and women, incorporating a clearly defined value system as stated in The Promise. Through its commitment to life, leadership and outdoor skills, a progressively dynamic programme is offered in which members are given every opportunity to fulfill their particular responsibilities,” explained Saunders.
All groups meet at Fairfell, 622 Main Road, Northdene. Term fees are R110 per girl. The Brownies meet on Friday evening at 5pm to 6.30pm. Guides meet straight after Brownies from 6,30pm to 8pm. Teddies meet on Saturday morning from 9am to 10.30am. If you are interested in finding out more about Girl Guides and would like to join the Queensburgh Guides, call Natalie on 074 514 8828 or e-mail guideskzn@gmail.com for more information. Girl Guides come from Pinetown, Kloof, Westville, Yellowood Park and Queensburgh.