A thank you from our girls
In honour of Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June 2020), we asked girls and their parents to send in their thanks to the leaders who have made a difference in their lives – and what a response we had!
The generosity of our volunteers has been especially inspiring in these unprecedented times. You’ve gone above and beyond to help keep guiding going while dealing with your own unique life challenges. To honour you, we sent a call-out for girls and their parents to tell us about the leaders who have selflessly devoted their time and energy to Girlguiding and made a real impact in their lives. Their heartfelt responses show just how much your guiding means to them. Eryn, 84th Newcastle Rainbows, wrote: ‘I love seeing my Rainbow friends on Zoom and having a sleepover in my den. Thank you for the sleepover kit that you sent me.’
Rainbow Eryn is thankful for video chats and sleepovers in her den
Her mum Ann-Marie added that leaders Karen and Emily ‘go above and beyond to provide fun, excitement and social interaction, albeit online. It’s just fab to hear the laughter, singing and chatter from the girls. You’re both stars.’ Moya Johnson, mum of Emily, who is also from the 84th Newcastle Rainbows unit, appreciates the massive difference the leaders have made. ‘We are very lucky to have such amazing leaders. They deserve every recognition for what they have done. They’ve put huge smiles on these girls’ faces every week of lockdown and have undoubtedly helped with their wellbeing during these times.’ Rainbow Esmé-Louise, 4th Chase Rainbows, Burntwood, put it so simply and beautifully: ‘You give us the most joy in our lives.’
Eevee, 1st Oakworth Brownies, crafted a touching poem and letter for her leader
Mia, 1st Tycroes Brownies, has been enjoying the activities that her leaders have taken the time to put together: ‘Thank you for posting fun Brownie activities so we have things to do other than schoolwork. I miss you and all the leaders and Brownies.’ Evelyn, 18th Lincoln Brownies, sent a really thoughtful message: ‘Thank you for everything you do. I am doing my rights badge at the moment and you help me with my right to an education, have fun, make new friends and feel happy and safe. Thank you for helping me step out of my comfort zone. You keep me safe and I love our Zoom calls (especially the scavenger hunt!).’
A message from Scarlett, 1st Oakworth Brownies, to her leader
For Guide Grace, 4th Killay Guides, Swansea, her leaders have left a lasting impact: ‘Since my first day in your unit, I have been treated with the utmost respect, kindness and love. You guys have created an atmosphere that each and every Guide has thrived in. Thanks to your generosity and never-ending selflessness and compassion, girls all over our community have changed into good-natured and fundamentally good young women.
We all owe you so so much, especially me. The challenges that I bring with me are not fun, but you have managed to make chugging a two-litre bottle of water on a long bus ride enjoyable. Each time we leave for camp, I feel wholly safe, and for that, I thank you.’ And Madeline, a young leader in the Wiltshire county, is grateful for the support and reassurance her unit provided: ‘Thank you for being so supportive of me during my GCSE year. Though it did not come to complete fruition, it was a great escape to come to Rainbows and have something rather than revision or exams to do. When it was very stressful, I would feel so much happier after Rainbows. You were very reassuring that I would do well, and I could take all the time in the world to study if I so needed. I hope I can see you all again soon.’ Wherever you are and whatever your role, we’d like to send a huge thank you for all you have done and continue to do to make guiding special and change the lives of girls and young women. Today – and every day – you are our heroes.
Thanks to her leader, Sophie, 1st Bubbenhall Warwickshire Guides, has been making slime. She also enjoyed our Adventures at home festival where she learned how to draw Gromit
Genevieve, 2nd Bramcote Brownies, wants to thank her leader
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