Girl Scouts, Girl Guides

Girl Guides was founded as the female version of Sir Robert Baden-Powell's Boy Scouts, in 1910 with the assistance of his sister Agnes Baden-Powell. In September, 1908, a number of girls had turned up to the first Scout Rally at the Crystal Palace, calling themselves Girl Scouts. more...

Baden-Powell set up the Girl Guides as a parallel movement for them, run by his sister Agnes Baden-Powell. While Agnes played a major role until her death, Baden-Powell's wife, Lady Baden-Powell, became Chief Guide of England in 1918, and World Chief Guide in 1930.

The Girl Guides were named after the famous corps of guides in India. Baden-Powell thought that to call them Scouts might alienate the boys, as well as the girls' parents.

Guides have come a long way since they were founded after the Crystal Palace rally and the new programmes for all sections reflect modern values and interests. Although some people see Guides as being outdated, the UK branch of the organisation (Girlguiding UK) currently has around 50,000 girls on its waiting lists, indicating that the problems reside not in attracting the girls but in persuading adults to give their time to the organisation.

Girl guides are split up into age groups. Rainbows are aimed for 5 to 7 year olds. Brownies are aimed at 7 to 10 year olds and guides is aimed at 10 to 14 year olds. 14 years upwards go into either Rangers, or become junior leaders.

Further details and history of the Girl Guides can be found in the article on Scouting.

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