Horsham Brownies converge at campsite in celebration of ‘The Big Brownie Birthday’

The weather was glorious, we couldn’t have asked for better, and the Brownies were able to enjoy the outdoors, planting seeds and making small bug boxes provided by the Grow Wild Kit, Flowers to the People Initiative from Kew, a scheme funded by the National Lottery. Pond dipping – they thought some of the creatures they found looked like aliens! They really enjoyed this activity.

Owls about Town came to visit and the Brownies were enthralled by the Owls and most girls had the chance (if they wished) to actually have one sit on their hand. Suitably gloved, of course.

What a great chance to have a photograph of four of the Leaders of 3rd Horsham Brownies. Myself (Pam) with ex-Brownie Jo who will be taking over the Unit from me, and Jo’s daughter Rhi who is working on the Adult Leadership Scheme with a view to helping mum out.

I will be staying on with the Unit as an Assistant Leader. Also pictured is Lizzie who has recently completed her Adult Leadership Scheme.

Many crafts were provided to keep the Brownies busy, they completed a diary for the weekend, and we haven’t read these yet!

They made Armpit Fudge, a delightful sweet with a dreadful name. Had a Camp Fire, no Camp is complete without a sing song and toasted marshmallows.

Striking camp was so easy with no wet canvas to dry.

Several of the younger Leaders expressed a wish to take their Brownies Under Canvas Licence, or Brownie Holiday Licence and a couple more were working to complete their Adult Leadership Scheme book to become Assistant Brownie Leaders. So it is great to think that some Units will continue to run and have great camps or Brownie Holidays in the future.

But we still face the usual problems of all charities, not enough adult volunteers to make sure all our Units can carry on, several may well have to close this summer. So this is a plea for more of you to come forward and join the largest all female organisation in the world and help keep our Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Units open.

Please contact: www.girlguiding.org.uk to register your interest and someone from Horsham Division will be in touch with you.

Report and picture contributed by Pam Leadbeater, Horsham Division Commissioner.