Testimonials from Adults
“Guiding, for me, is the most hands on way I can save the world. No, honestly, that's what I tell people. I do tone it down with an explanation.
I can be a member of Red Cross, of The Wilderness Society, UNIFEM, etc, etc, and at various times have been, and been frustrated that these organisations, all worthwhile and doing good work, don't let me take part in that work.
As a Guide Leader I am involved in a youth organisation, an environmental organisation, a humanitarian organisation, aid organisation and womens organisation all at once. Not many members of other organisations can say they belong to all of those, wrapped up in one tidy bundle (and membership fee).
And, that's apart from what the girls get out of it.”
Kate Moore, Guide Leader
Kate Moore, Guide Leader
“I knew I would like being a Leader but as I had very little confidence and as I was very shy I felt I could not cope with this role. Having said that the two wonderful Leaders built my confidence up to a good level and I knew I would love working with them.
I enjoy seeing the smiles on the girls faces when they enjoy themselves, gained a new skill and are just happy being around other Girls enjoying the same things. I found being a member of Guides and doing things for other people the most rewarding feeling I have ever had. I have found wonderful Leaders to work and associate with which helped me to continue building up my confidence and it is great just enjoying yourself with other Ladies who have the same interest as yourself.
I have gained and continue to gain enormous experience and confidence in myself, so much so that I was able to obtain a better-paid job.”
Margaret, Region Leader, formerly Guide and Brownie Leader and Division Leader
“As a Guide I have learned the importance of being able to both be a reliable and resourceful member of a team, and to be a leader when necessary. This way of working serves well in all parts of future life from the consulting room, to the board table and all places in between.”
Dr. Bronwyn Gould
“I was Leader for 5 years and thoroughly enjoyed being able to give girls the fun, experiences and friendships that I had always recalled in fondness from my years as a Brownie, Guide and Junior Leader.
I could not imagine my life without Guiding now. I enjoy the social side of meeting with other ladies with same interests, the fact that I am ALWAYS learning something new, and that Guiding provides opportunities that I could never have otherwise.
I have gained so much in all my years in Guiding. I have been able to increase my own development - and now find myself to be a more confident person than I ever would have been without the support of Guiding.
My advice to girls starting in Guides is to always try something new - you never know where it will take you!”
Charmaine Jennifer McCabbin, Hawkesbury Valley Division Leader, Assistant Guides NSW Webmaster, Guides Australia GOLD Co-ordinator
“I’m still connected with Guides because I believe the world needs us. The needs of girls and young women are as strong today as they have ever been. Guiding offers opportunities, teaches skills, provides opportunities and develops resilience for girls and young women.
I want to contribute to an organisation that has given me so many opportunities and I hope many more will have the same access to the amazing Guiding world.
From Guides I have gained opportunities to take on challenges I would never have dreamed of doing; fantastic lifelong friends; a belief that we can make a difference in the lives of girls and young women; a determination to advocate and give more people the opportunity to be involved
My advice to girls starting in Guides is to Try everything. There is so much on offer and as soon as you get a chance, try international Guiding through a camp here, or an overseas event. You’ll never look back!”
“I have been involved with Guiding now for 25 years, it is an amazing experience on every level. And on the world level, it is humbling, being able to work with such a dynamic group of people. I am looking forward to working with our member organisations, all 148 of them so that every Girl Guide can have a wider experience. And also every leader can get the support she needs to help girls develop their full potential.”
I want to contribute to an organisation that has given me so many opportunities and I hope many more will have the same access to the amazing Guiding world.
From Guides I have gained opportunities to take on challenges I would never have dreamed of doing; fantastic lifelong friends; a belief that we can make a difference in the lives of girls and young women; a determination to advocate and give more people the opportunity to be involved
My advice to girls starting in Guides is to Try everything. There is so much on offer and as soon as you get a chance, try international Guiding through a camp here, or an overseas event. You’ll never look back!”
“I have been involved with Guiding now for 25 years, it is an amazing experience on every level. And on the world level, it is humbling, being able to work with such a dynamic group of people. I am looking forward to working with our member organisations, all 148 of them so that every Girl Guide can have a wider experience. And also every leader can get the support she needs to help girls develop their full potential.”
Linden Edgell, Member, World Board – World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Chair, WAGGGS World Centres Committee, Member Girl Guides NSW & ACT
“I started Guides when I was seven years old and have not stopped since! I am still connected with Guides for the fun, friendship, teaching and learning opportunities that Guiding offers. I have had many leadership roles which started as brownie sixer, Guide patrol leader, chairperson of my Ranger Guide unit and chairperson of my Ranger unit.
I have spent 12 months working for the Girl Guides Association of Cambodia. This was an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development position. My role was to share my Guiding experience and knowledge to help strengthen Guiding in Cambodia. This was a position that helped me to focus on the wider community of guiding and develop a deeper understanding about the importance to Guiding to all girls and young women.
From Guides, I have gained the confidence to give anything a go!”
Sally Davey, National Olave Program Committee
What have you gained from Guiding?
“So much! Self-esteem, confidence, a sense of practicality. The ability to deal with all types of people, parents, kids, other leaders, community representatives. Public speaking skills. Leadership and teamwork skills. Organisational skills. A sense of community, and the need to contribute to it. And plenty more!
“So much! Self-esteem, confidence, a sense of practicality. The ability to deal with all types of people, parents, kids, other leaders, community representatives. Public speaking skills. Leadership and teamwork skills. Organisational skills. A sense of community, and the need to contribute to it. And plenty more!
So much of what I have learnt through Guiding I apply to my job every day, as well as in the rest of my life. “
Martine Robins, Board Member Girl Guides Association NSW & ACT
Martine Robins, Board Member Girl Guides Association NSW & ACT
Lola Kerr, who has been involved with Guiding for many years and Pamela Bedford, a young Leader on the brink of adult Guiding.
‘More than 70 years ago, joined the Girl Guides when I was 11 years at Brocklesby. We met in the front part of a blacksmith’s shop. Two sisters drove a horse and sulky to attend the meetings. We paid a penny to attend. After the meeting we crossed the street to the bakery and sat on bags of flour until the hot pies came from the oven. Threepence was the cost of a very large, very hot pie.’
Lola Kerr
“We’re being approached more often by young girls and women who want more than just a game of sport or a day out at the movies. Our programs are really having an appeal. Guiding is all about building a better community. As an all female organisation our primary role is to help girls and young women grow into confident, self-respecting, responsible community members, and we conduct an on-going program of events and activities that help young women and girls develop their own self confidence and skills that will shape them as the leaders of tomorrow.”
Prue Carpenter, Former State Commissioner
“Guides was a big part of why I ended up going into such a male dominated area of work, and I'd like to inspire a whole generation of women ministers and priests to take over from me.”
Rev. Nikki Coleman
“Being a member of Guides and doing things for other people is the most rewarding feeling I have ever had.”
Margaret, Region Leader, former Leader of Youth
“I feel I have a responsibility to give back to the community, I have had many wonderful opportunities through Guides and otherwise, and I want to ensure that children today can also have such opportunities. I love working with kids, they bring things back to basics for you. As an adult, you often don't play games and do silly things, at Guides, for a few hours a week, you can join in the games with the kids too! I also love that Guides gives you the chance to act as a positive role model for kids, they really value your opinion, so you can use your position to boost their self-esteem, a gift you give a child for life.”
Martine Robins, Member of the Board Girl Guides Association NSW, Assistant District Leader Sydney City District
“Being a Leader offers me the chance to pass on skills to the future leaders in our community. I have watched the girls in my Unit grow into responsible young women making a difference in their local community.”
Pamela, Leader of Youth, Olave Program Committee
“I felt that with my background in a non-traditional profession (engineering) I could be a good role model for girls who like science and maths. It’s inspiring being part of an organisation run by and for women.”
Clare, Leader of Youth
“If you’re a Guide, girl or adult, you automatically become a friend of all the others. You’re accepted straight away as a sister. If you move, being a Guide goes with you and you have a new set of old friends wherever you go.”
Chris, Leader of Youth & of adults
“What a privilege it is to be able to play a part in the lives of developing children and young people. They come because they want to be there. Their enthusiasm for learning and sharing is abundant. Guides is a safe place for girls and they can thrive in the non competitive supportive environment.”
Dr. Bronwyn Gould
Dr. Bronwyn Gould
“I like seeing the girls and Leaders learn and grow.”
Karen, Leader of Youth
“It’s great to watch the girls’ progress through their Guiding life. We see them growing up, learning to take responsibility. And we form long-term connections. We’re planning an international trip in two years’ time, and we’re all working towards that.”
Janet, Leader of Youth and Adults
“I love the feeling you get seeing a girl achieve a task she thought was unachievable.”
Maureen, District Leader
“I’m still connected with Guides because I believe the world needs us. Guiding offers opportunities. teaches skills, and develops resilience for girls and young women.”
Linden, former Leader of Youth, Board Member, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
“I like taking on new roles and challenges to broaden and extend my skills.”
Pamela
“What I have gained from Guides is the confidence to give anything a go.”
Sally, Leader of Youth
“You get so much out of being part of those little people’s lives.”
Claire, Leader of Youth
“One of the most meaningful experiences for me with Guides has been the opportunity to be a role model.”
Prue, Former State Commissioner
“Being a Leader offers me the chance to pass on skills to the future leaders in our community. I have watched the girls in my Unit grow into responsible young women making a difference in their local community.”
Pamela, Leader of Youth, Olave Program Committee
“One of the most important roles for a leader or worker.. is to pass on, patrol fashion, their skills to ensure that others can learn as well.. ..and in their turn can teach.”
Dr. Bronwyn Gould
Dr. Bronwyn Gould
“I felt that with my background in a non-traditional profession (engineering) I could be a good role model for girls who like science and maths. It’s inspiring being part of an organisation run by and for women.”
Clare, Leader of Youth
“It’s great to watch the girls progress through their Guiding life.”
Jan, Leader of Youth, District Leader
“I love being in the position to offer girls and young women the fun and friendship I experienced in my time as a youth member.“
Pam, Leader of Youth
“I keep coming back to Guiding because of the excitement and the challenges it offers.”
Maureen
“Being a member of Guides and doing things for other people is the most rewarding feeling I have ever had.”
Margaret, Region Leader, former Leader of Youth
“I took part in the Community Volunteer Program through Sangam, a Guide World Centre in India. I discovered and became part of India while volunteering in the local community — the most rewarding experience of my life.”
Janet, Leader of Youth
“I enjoy the social side of meeting other women with the same interests, and the fact that I am always learning something new.”
Charmaine, Leader of Youth, National
Co-ordinator, overseas development project
“Doing things for others is the most rewarding feeling.”
Margaret, Leader of Pre-Junior Guides
“Do your best, have a go, and try again and again .. and again until things are mastered.”
“Supportive adults can encourage and give young people the impetus to succeed, and can help direct teen behaviour”
Dr. Bronwyn Gould
“I get a lot more out of it than I put in.”
Ann, Leader of Adults
My job has been to develop program ideas that can be used within their weekly program. I have participated in promise ceremonies, leaders' meetings, weekly activities, independence day celebrations, visits to Guide units in outlying provinces, attended the AGM and became part of the team that runs National Headquarters. 80% of the staff at National Headquarters are in their early 20’s.
As well as being exposed to Guiding in another country, I am developing an understanding about the world of aid development through this position. The position includes proposal writing and acting as a resources person on Guiding issues, while sharing the knowledge that I have gained throughout my guiding experience.
The Challenges of my job have be many from having not electricity on occasions, to trying to understand the other staff and conversing in broken English, waiting for information to be translated, writing proposals for funding, and developing a relationship with the staff and working in an office job.
However, the experience that I am gaining out weights all the challenging aspects that are reshaping me as a person. If you asked me now what Guiding does for people now my answer would have been very different before I came. Guiding in Cambodia has given the young women and girls an opportunity to explore new activities, build their self-esteem, builds up their leadership skills and gives them an opportunity to explore activities in a hands on approach that can generate an income for the girls and young women. The development and impact that Guiding has on people’s lives is outstanding especially as the leaders are volunteers and they could be out improving their poor income. Therefore Guiding in Cambodia needs to cover all leaders costs to retain their volunteers. These young women are committed to the vision of Guiding and work hard to expand the movement.
Excerpt from Sally Davey’s report from Cambodia as part of an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development position
back to top