Girl Guide and Girl Scout facts for kids
A Girl Guide or Girl Scout is a young person who is part of a special group called Guiding. Most Girl Guides are between 10 and 14 years old. The exact age can be a little different in each country.
The founder of Scouting, Robert Baden-Powell, chose the name "Girl Guides" for girls. In some countries, like the United States, they are called "Girl Scouts." Both names mean the same thing in this article.
Girl Guides usually meet in groups called units or troops. These groups often have about 15 to 30 girls. They are led by adult volunteers called leaders. Each unit might also split into smaller groups called patrols, with about six Guides in each.
Girl Guides do many fun activities. They learn about the outdoors and explore their interests. Some groups, especially in Europe, have both boys and girls working together. There are also different sections for younger and older girls.
Contents
How Girl Guides Started
The idea for Girl Guides came after the Boy Scouts began in 1907. Many girls wanted to join in the fun and adventure of Scouting too.
At a big event called the Crystal Palace Rally in 1909, a group of Girl Scouts showed up. They wanted to be part of the movement!
In 1910, Robert Baden-Powell officially started the Girl Guides. He asked his sister, Agnes Baden-Powell, to help lead the new organization. Later, Robert's wife, Olave St. Claire Baden-Powell, also became very involved. She was named the Chief Guide in 1918.
Fun Activities and Skills
Today, many Girl Guide activities are similar to what Boy Scouts do. They learn important skills and have adventures.
When the movement first started, two main ideas were important. Girls learned skills for home life. They also focused on being strong and independent. This included being physically fit and learning survival skills. Girls also learned about camping, being good citizens, and preparing for future jobs.
How Girl Guide Groups Work
Your Local Group
Local Girl Guide groups are often called units, companies, or troops. These are the main parts of the Girl Guides. An adult leader, usually a woman, runs each group. She is responsible for the girls and plans all the activities. She also leads the meetings.
Other adult helpers, called assistants, support the main leader. Meetings can happen weekly or monthly. It depends on what the girls and leaders decide and what activities they are doing.
See also
- World Thinking Day
