[KnightsofNi]

I am looking for an extra curricular activity for my 4.9 yo DD. She has done dancing and kindergym previously, but she got bored of both.

So I am considering Brownies for when she turns 5. I figure that they don't always do the same thing and it would keep her interested. She also likes craft, cooking, camping, sports - so all the things I understand Brownies to do.

Does anyone's DD do Brownies? What is it like?

I did Brownies as a girl and I loved it! I remember it helped build my social skills and confidence and they operated by a good set of values. But I also remember it being a religious organisation, and as a non religious family, I need to consider how religious it would be (we are okay with DD being exposed to religion, but don't want it forced upon her). Any insight?

How do you find a group? Can she watch for a couple of weeks or try it out for a couple of weeks to see if she likes it? What are the costs involved? Do parents stay?

Thanks for any information you can give.

[mum2twogirls]

My 6 y.o daughter does girl guides ( no longer brownies in Vic - but same anyway).

She actually started in kinder when she was 5 years.

It is great idea - every week they are doing a new activity. Whether it be crafts, cooking, nature ect,
She also attended a camp last year!
Her confidence & social skills have improved as well


I'm suRe you would be welcome to trial the group for a few weeks until she knows if that is want she wants to do. We were allowed to do this.

In regards to cost - I just paid my annual girl guides registration to guides Victoria - $125
There are also the weekly costs that cover marterials - ours is $3.00

Religion -we are not religious as well .. I have not found it to be a problem

.... I think I stayed for the first session but no longer do ... But throughout the year there are many opportunities to celebrate together ...mothers/fathers day

This post has been edited by mum2twogirls: 19/02/2013, 11:39 AM

[YellowKittyGlenn]

its not a religious organization but they do promise to god and thats as much religion that is in it.

I did gumnuts, brownies, guides, rangers & venturers so the whole shebang, not all units are the same some will do lots some dont do much, if you want high activity find one that does camps, day trips etc.

Fun fact the Queen was a Girl Guide and still heavily involved in the UK. Not sure if the agreement still stands but guides used to be able to take free summer tours of buckingham palace, the tour is usually £25

This post has been edited by YellowKittyGlenn: 19/02/2013, 11:54 AM

[HGL]

The Guides removed God from their pledge last year so they're certainly less religious then previously. I think (without attending recently) that it's much more about general 'civics' (being a good citizen, helping others etc) than ideals exclusive to religion.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/god-...9-1226418333658

As an agnostic I'd have no problems with my girls attending Guides (but then again, I'm happy for my children to experience other religions so they can develop their own beliefs). I don't want to force my agnostism on them either.

[nzmum]

I think it will depend on the leaders. My memories of Brownies are pretty luke warm, but my 9 year old now goes and they do the most fabulous things. I'd definitely recommend ours anyway!

[linnieloo62]

Girl Guides is not a religious organisation and has over 10 million members in over 145 countries around the world. Both the reference to God and the Queen were recently removed from the Australian Promise and Law and girls are encouraged to 'develop their beliefs' and 'to serve the community and Australia'. My daughter has been attending for nearly 4 years, and I think the program is wonderful for girls - so much that I became a Leader a few years ago.

[Old Grey Mare]

My DD did Brownies and Guides until starting high school. the experience depends very much on the leaders. From memory we were able to attend 1 or 2 meetings as a trial period to see how it all worked. Parents were not encouraged to hang around at first but there were plenty of opportunities to participate in other activities.