Welcome back!
I hope you have all had a great summer.
I have been busy over the summer with needlefelting, Brownie Holiday, a trip to Twynham to give Josie Spencer a much deserved Hero Award, meeting with some of the blue team and the annual task of sorting my Brownie accounts ready for an external check. I know some of you met at Kingston Lacey for a picnic and there have been some cracking pictures of camps, holidays and carnivals.
Throughout the summer Emma and her helpers have been to Melplash Show and Dorset County show. There are some great photos – I hope you managed to see them there. Thank you to everyone who has helped.
This month there will be a Brownie and Guide trip to Brownsea and the Going Away With camp.
Talking of camping – we are considering a county camp for 2026. We are really keen to hear your ideas so we have set up a form for all sections.
Please make sure that you let your girls have it so we can take on their views too. There is a paper copy to do with a unit if you wish – please ask Alison at the office. Closing date is the end of September.
Finally, over the holidays I have appointed a new Young Leader co-ordinator for County.
Gill Clark can be contacted on YLcoordinator@girlguidingdorset.org.uk and introduces herself below. With the new YL qualification on its way soon this is a perfect time to welcome someone to the role.
We have set up a form here for YL’s to tell us what they want to see from the group. We will send to them all separately but please do pass this on to those in your units.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all over the autumn term.
Best wishes
Lisa
County Commissioner
Meet Gill, our new Young Leader Co-ordinator…
Hi,
I’m Gill and have been working with Colehill District for the last 20 years, in a range of roles and support with all units.
Before retiring, I worked in secondary education, through which I gained experience and skills to work with Young People; I remain aware of the many challenges society may present all our girls + leaders, and am confident to offer appropriate support as needed.
Post pandemic I have become increasingly passionate about supporting Girlguiding. I am an active recruiter and keen to help futureproof units for years to come.
Our Young Leaders are such a valuable resource to Girlguiding and I am excited to begin working with them to support their journey, develop their skills and ensure they can access opportunities and adventures. I am also really keen to get alongside Unit Leaders, so we can work in partnership to support our Young Leaders progress to whatever level they choose.
Your Learning Opportunities: BOOK NOW!
1st Response Training; Wednesday 27th September
When: Weds 27th September, 18:30 to 21:30
Attendees to arrive 10 mins early please for a prompt start
Where: Session at the County Office
Cost: £6.00
Please register here by 20th September 2023
The follow up, obligatory on-line part will be Wednesday 4th October via Zoom. Time 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
Autumn County Catch Up Day; Saturday 4th November
Empowering you through fun, friendship, challenge and adventure.
Join us at our County Catch Up Day…
Little bit of training, networking, being social with like minded people.
Time for you!
Date: Saturday 4th November 2023
Time: 9.30am until 3.30pm
Where: St Edward’s School, Dale Valley Road, Poole BH15 3HY
Who can attend: All volunteers including young leaders from within Dorset
What to Wear: Uniform
What to Bring: Packed lunch. Refreshments will be provided.
Inclusion: Please let us know if you need any additional support or information to help you attend the training.
You can sign up for morning, afternoon or both.
Morning session A (10.00am-11.00am)
• Exploring the promise yourself and with your unit; OR
• Getting your head around inclusion for young members; OR
• Understanding & supporting the Leadership Development Programme
Morning session B (11.30am-12.30pm)
• Bringing the outdoors in; OR
• Having difficult conversations; OR
• Exploring the promise yourself and with your unit
Afternoon session (1.30pm-3.30pm)
• Crafts for your units that adults want to keep; OR
• Outdoor cooking for all ages
• Playing with science, coding and engineering in guiding
Cost: £6 for a half day and £12 for whole day which should be claimed back from unit funds.
For more information and to book your space visit our website here.
If you have any questions re admin for the event contact office@girlguidingdorset.org.uk
