Bardon joins the rest of Queensland in celebrating Girl Guides centennial this 2019!
Established in 1919, Girl Guides is where young ladies foster friendship, build their character, acquire leadership, learn valuable life skills, and empower themselves to make a difference in society.
The organisation regularly holds meetings, sleepovers, campings, expeditions, hikes, and other activities that match the girls’ interests and abilities. The more experienced Girl Guides are also given the opportunity to travel and join other activities around Australia and across the globe. The sisterhood is part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
One of Girl Guides’ most prestigious members is Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who is also commemorating the group’s 100th year.
“I remember my time as a Girl Guide and the valuable lessons I learnt along the way. Not only were the values taught at home reinforced, I was introduced to a leadership program that has helped shape my political career. I look out at all the fresh, young faces and offer this advice; take hold of every opportunity Girl Guides Queensland offers you; continue to formulate opinions, voice them and embrace the experiences that lay ahead,” Ms Palaszczuk said of her experience.
The Girl Guides program is open to children from 5 to 18 years old. Interested ladies who want to become a part of this community are given a four-week trial before they make a firm decision to stick with the group.
Young girls who still wish to be a Girl Guide but may be set back by other commitments like school work or a family situation, and thus cannot join the activities regularly, can sign up to be a Lones Guide.
Those with limited physical abilities or have special needs may also join as Nowra Guides and buddy up with the rest of the girls. Nowra Guides, however, also a have a separate indoor camping activity.
Being a Girl Guide, however, can be a lasting and life-long experience as the younger ones may eventually become members of the Trefoild guild (18 years old and above), olaves (18 to 30 years old), and unit leaders.
There are 16 regions with at least 140 districts that make up the Girl Guides Queensland. In Bardon, the community is located at Cecil Road near the Bardon Bowls Club and the Brisbane River.