What do Brownies do?
Brownies have fun! That’s the short answer! They take part in indoor and outdoor activities that challenge them to do their best. Their meetings are action-packed and full of challenges, games and activities, usually ones that the Brownies have suggested themselves. Everything a Brownie does is an adventure-it's a world of excitement, new interests and friends.
A World Wide Movement
As a Brownie your daughter is a member of Girlguiding UK, the largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women in this country. It has about 600,000 members. There are similar organisations throughout the world and Girlguiding UK is a founding member of the world association that unites them.
Who can be a Brownie?
Any girl ages seven or over can be a brownie. The oldest Brownies are usually about ten years old. Membership of any Girlguiding UK is voluntary and is open to any girl or women, regardless of faith, race, culture, nationality or any other circumstances, provided she is able to understand and willing to make her promise.
How often do they meet?
Brownie Packs meet regularly, in our case once a week (every Tuesday) during school terms. There are often other opportunities for Brownies to take part in special activities and events throughout the year. We also go away on Pack Holidays.
What do Brownies need?
For her first few meetings your daughter needs nothing to experience the fun of Brownies. Girlguiding UK produces a range of Brownie items. Your daughter can choose what she wants to wear from a range of Brownie clothes. As well as the exciting Brownie books, there is a Brownie Promise Box for her to keep safe her special Brownie mementoes.
What will it cost?
Brownie Packs charge 'subs' to cover the costs like equipment and the hire of the meeting place (paid weekly). There is also an annual subscription which is paid to cover the day to day running of the Association (this is usually due between January and February). For events like camps, holidays or Adventure days, and extra charge is usually made.
Brownie Leaders
The adults who run a Brownie Pack are called Leaders. They are unpaid volunteers who have completed Girlguiding UK training. They are usually helped by a team. Girlguiding UK recommends for the Brownie age group that there is at least one adult for every eight girls. For some activities or events, such as camps or holidays, more adult helpers are needed. You can find out more about our Leaders on the "'Secret' Lives of the Leaders" page.
Child Protection Policies
It is the policy of Girlguiding UK to safeguard its members from physical, sexual and emotional harm while participating in guiding activities. Girlguiding UK takes all reasonable steps to ensure that, through relevant procedures and training, children, young people and adults taking part in guiding activities do so in a safe environment.
Parental Permission
It is understood that you’ve given your permission for your daughter to take part in Brownie activities during the normal meeting time. Your permission is sometimes needed for your daughter to take part in events, outings or more adventurous activities at a different time or place.
Support your daughter
Girlguiding UK encourages you to support your daughter’s involvement in Brownies so she can get the most from the experience. Please ensure:
· You deliver and collect your daughter at the appropriate times. Your Brownie Leader will let you know in advance of any changes to the normal time and place. Always check that an adult Leader has arrived before you leave your daughter. Please tell your Leader if somebody different from usual will be collecting your daughter. Brownies are never unsupervised, but if you are persistently late, your Leader may ask that you make other safe arrangements for your daughter to be collected.
· Your daughter wears suitable clothing and footwear for activities. Your Leader will let you know in advance of any particular requirements for any activity.
· You return forms and payment on time. If you have difficulties completing forms or making payments, please talk to your Leader who will treat what you say with confidence.
· You inform your Leader off any additional needs your daughter may have and any medication she requires, such as an inhaler. Please remember to tell the Leader of any changes to these. All information will be treated in confidence.
· You inform your Leader of any changes in the family situation that is likely to affect your daughter’s behavior. It is not necessary to give details, but just ensure that the Leader is aware. All information will be treated in confidence.
Any confidential information will be used sensitively to ensure your daughter gains the maximum enjoyment and benefit from being a Brownie. If there are any matters which may affect your daughter’s participation, please discuss these with the Brownie Leader.
Please encourage your daughter so she attends meetings regularly and takes part in special activities. Occasionally she may want to do things at home that require your assistance, for example activities that count towards interest badges or part of a challenge, or making something for her Brownie Promise Box.
Questions and concerns
It is Girlguiding UK’s policy to deal with all questions, concerns and complaints in an open and fair way. If for some reason you are unhappy with your daughter’s participation in Brownies, please talk through your concerns with her Leader.
The pack your daughter attends is one of many local Girlguiding UK units. There is a District Commissioner who is responsible for guiding in your area. If your concern is about your daughter’s Leader, or you feel no action has been taken, please contact her. If she is not available, or you still feel your concerns have not been satisfactorily dealt with, your Division Commissioner (who manages several Districts) will be happy to hear from you.
A further adventure
Brownies is just one section of Girlguiding UK. At any time after her tenth birthday your daughter can become a Guide. Ask your Brownie Leader for details of the local Guide Units in your area.
