Girl Guiding has come a long way from its initial roots, when it was founded in 1909. Here in the UK, ‘Girl Guides’ is comprised of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. This includes groups of girls from ages 5-14, with opportunities for older teenagers and young adults to get involved as well. It no longer has the ‘goody two shoes’ image it held in the past and now offers many opportunities for young girls and women. Volunteering, charity work, activities such as archery and cooking, even getting involved in discussing important issues such as climate change are all part of their routine.

1950s Girl Guide badges, found in Lincolnshire, UK.

These two badges, found in Lincolnshire in the UK and recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme, date to around the 1950s. Even today, the trefoil symbol appears in the Girl Guide emblem, and is associated with them worldwide. From the ages of 5-14, I was part of the Girl Guides. Whilst it has changed a lot since then, I can remember having some wonderful experiences, and making lots of new friends. It introduced me to so many opportunities that I may not have had the chance to experience otherwise. Girl Guiding is an important part of our society today for all girls, and could provide the chance for many of them to do something new or unexpected. One of the most important things about Girl Guides is that it is not just limited to the UK, but is worldwide. Thus Girl Guides have many opportunities for international friendships and connections with other girls around the world.

-Izzy Playle
Junior Girl
Girl Museum Inc.

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