Longford Guide Leaders come together to exchange ideas

Leaders from North Longford, Longford town and Ardagh Girl Guide Districts came together last Thursday for a start of year training and idea exchange. Ladybird, Brownie, Guide, and Sr Branches were all well represented and activities were prepared for all age groups. Ladybirds, ages 5-7, Brownies, 7-10 years, Guides 10-14, and Senior Branch ages 14 up, all have units in each District and there is something for everyone.

A mixed group of ladies, Annaly Area Leaders range from PH Nurse, home-makers, member of An Garda Siochana, engineers, SNAs, teachers, college students, and all walks of life. "Going to a Brownie meeting is such a relief after a day's work, it's just an hour of fun, freedom and madness. The girls have such energy and enthusiasm, you cannot leave a meeting without feeling positive and rejuvenated." said Public Health Nurse, Clair Baxter, Brownie Leader in Ardagh for 6 years, Garda Clare Fahey, who has volunteered alongside Clair for the same length of time agreed, "I love seeing girls come out of their shells, engaging in new activities and meeting other like-minded girls. They can brighten up your day with their humour, fun, and antics."

Stephanie McLaren, Youth Development Worker in Bridgeways FRC, is the newest recruit to the Ardagh District Leadership Team, she highlighted how much fun she was having with the Guides, "I am learning so much, including outdoor cooking and using Trangia! I was a Brownie and Guide when I was young and it's sparking so many memories, giving me the opportunity to share what I learned back then and learn new skills now!" "Love being part of the IGG organisation and watching the Ladybirds grow in confidence each week, learn new skills, make new friends and have fun!" enthused Montessori Manager and Ladybird Leader, Melissa Eager.

Irish Girl Guides are a girl-only, non-competitive group, meeting weekly to work through our informal educational Journey programme. Using age-appropriate activities and games, girls are introduced to the outdoors, global themes, teamwork, leadership, and life skills. For more information please visit www.irishgirlguides.ie, or find us on Facebook. There are opportunities for all ages and for anyone wishing to volunteer or help out in one of our District Leadership teams and guide girls on their journey, please message Joanna 086 237 2616.