Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers ‘Think’ Fort William

Over two hundred members of the Girl Guiding movement gathered in Fort William’s Nevis Centre to take part in a in their first annual ‘Thinking Day’ event since the the pandemic hit. Thinking Days have been a part of Guiding life for many years, each set on different theme to encourage young girls to consider a variety of topics, while having fun in working together.

Theme for this year was ‘British Guides Overseas, learning about other units around the world and their host Associations through a number of different activities spread through various locations in he Nevis Centre.

In the spirit of community, working together and making new friends group were created from the various different organisation and age groups with Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers from different areas meeting each other for the first time to take take part in each of the challenges.

In one room leaders had placed flags of numerous countries walls with information about them for the girls to research and find the answers while learning some very interesting facts in a fun way. Recycling too was part of the event with plastic bottles to sort out with the girls collecting and identifying the various plastics laid out on the floor.

They were also able to speak with Guiding leaders on Zoom meetings from Dubai and the Netherlands, asking questions about the areas there were in, what t’s like to live there and what role guiding is playing in their lives.

At the campfire session (without the flames) the girls had all had fun with a dancing puppets show with a lot of laughter for the good ‘old-fashioned’ style of entertainment. With several crafts tables with different themes the youngsters showed a great deal of imagination with their creations which included some spectacular African landscapes.

Back in the main hall the space allowed for sine traditional danc- ing, some with a little added extras and all of which brought great smiles to faces as they whirled and bounced around.

Louise Giles, Fort, Islands and Glens Division Commissioner and Fort William Brownie leader said “It is a real treat that that we only have to spend a few minutes getting to the event as we normally have to head up to Inverness for our County activities.

“The theme for the day was British Guides Overseas, learning about British units around the world and their host Associations. The girls, from all over Inverness-shire amongst other activities crafts, games, songs and a quiz. A great day was had by all”.

Girl Guiding is growing in Lochaber, providing a safe space for girls to develop confidence with Guides recently added to the Brownie unit in Acharacle. The Rainbow unit in Fort William is reopening after Easter. Girlguiding would like to give the opportunity to more girls so if anyone would like to join the enthusiastic local team or has a girl interested in Rainbows, Brownies and Guides go to Girlguiding. org.uk for more information.