I volunteer with Girlguiding, a charity that empowers girls to build confidence, learn new skills and make a positive impact. Each week I help lead 2nd Amersham on the Hill Brownies for girls aged 7–10. We meet to try new things, tackle challenges, earn badges, and—most importantly—have fun.
I grew up in guiding. I was a Rainbow, Brownie, Guide, Young Leader and Ranger. I loved it then, and I still love it now. Becoming a leader felt natural. It lets me give back and, honestly, stay young at heart. The leaders I had as a child were brilliant; they gave us so many unforgettable experiences. I’m hoping to pay that forward—so today’s Brownies can build their own memories and adventures.
I started helping at Brownies when I was 12, in 2008, and I’ve stayed with the same unit ever since—first as a Guide helper and Young Leader, and now as an adult leader. While I was at university, I joined a Brownie unit in Portsmouth because I missed the weekly buzz, and I still go back to help them on Brownie holidays.
Why do I keep doing it? Simple: I love it. Watching the girls grow as individuals—week by week—is a joy. Guiding also lets me be a kid again. I actually tried to take a break at uni; it lasted a few weeks before the withdrawal symptoms kicked in and I found that Portsmouth unit. Some habits are too good to break.
My reasons for volunteering haven’t really changed. It’s always been about creating fun, meaningful moments for the girls and seeing them enjoy what we’ve set up. That feeling is hard to beat. Volunteering has a big place in my heart, and I hope that never changes. If what I do makes people smile, that’s the goal met. The memories you make in guiding—both the girls’ and the leaders’—are priceless.
Volunteering locally has connected me to the community in countless ways. After years with local charities and guiding, walking down the high street has turned into a social event—I always bump into familiar faces. It gives a real sense of pride and belonging. In guiding, you see girls start with you at seven and then—blink—years later they’re confident young people applying for leadership themselves. Each Brownie feels a little bit like one of your own. Some of “my girls” now volunteer alongside us, which is incredibly special.
Guiding has shaped my relationships, too. It runs in the family: I grew up with it through my mum, and my sister is also a Brownie leader. My friends love hearing what our unit’s been up to (and are slightly jealous they didn’t do it as children). One of my closest friendship groups formed through Girlguiding; we’ve taken an annual holiday together every year since I completed my Queen’s Guide. It’s become “our thing”.
There have been challenges. Covid was the big one. We suddenly couldn’t meet in person, but we didn’t stop. We moved to Zoom, ran virtual meetings (even a Zoom sleepover), and I spent evenings doing doorstep drop-offs of badges and craft packs. It gave all of us—leaders, girls, parents—something to look forward to each week. Siblings and parents joined in at home, and it genuinely felt like old-school Blue Peter: “Here’s one I made earlier!” Those sessions kept spirits up in a tough time.
Another ongoing challenge is recruiting volunteers. Without enough adults, units close, waiting lists grow, and girls miss out. It’s that simple. We never want to turn anyone away, but we can’t open places without people. If you’re even half-thinking about it—please step forward. You’ll make a bigger impact than you realise.
The rewards are huge. Beyond watching girls thrive, guiding has helped me grow as a leader. Working towards—and completing—my Queen’s Guide Award was a massive personal milestone. It opened doors to larger Girlguiding events and let me support even more girls. I’m proud of what I achieved over those three years, and the memories from that journey are some of my favourites.
Guiding has changed me—massively. It’s given me confidence, practical skills, and friends for life. I’ve learnt how to plan, set up, and run activities and events (with a hall full of excited Brownies—no pressure). I used to get homesick and shy away from going out of my comfort zone. Now? I’ve clocked 273 nights away—under canvas with Guides, on Brownie holidays, sleeping in a trampoline park, and attending national events on my own. That last one would’ve felt impossible once. Being part of a bigger guiding family means you’re welcomed wherever you go. Who else can say that?
Skills-wise, I’ve gained more than I can list: programme planning, safeguarding, risk assessing, first aid, behaviour support, teamwork, budgeting, comms, event delivery—the works. The biggest insight? Be yourself. Don’t stress about what others think; if you’re having fun, the girls will too.
Will I keep volunteering? Yes—definitely. Guiding is in my blood. I’d feel lost without it.
If you’re considering volunteering, go for it. You won’t regret it. It’s a brilliant way to make friends and get to know your area. It’s not just for the girls—adults get loads out of it too. You can gain qualifications (like first aid), build skills, and do things you’d never normally do. You don’t have to live and breathe guiding like I do; we value any time you can give. Some volunteers join most weeks, some pop in when they can, others help with admin or accounts because forty Brownies charging around a hall isn’t their idea of fun (fair). No offer is too small.
Guiding is for leaders of all ages, with all levels of mobility and health. It’s a community where you’ll be welcomed and included, and you’ll share ridiculous amounts of laughter along the way. It also opens doors: I’ve travelled with people I’d never met before except through guiding—and come home with lifelong friends.
Girls can do anything. And so can you. If you want to help us open more places at 2nd Amersham on the Hill and beyond, come and join in. We’ll save you a seat at craft time—and yes, there’ll be cake.
