The Start of a New Era

[smallhobbit]

We were back at Brownies last week, with a reduced number of girls, two having changed pack.  That was fair enough, but I had been somewhat narked at the implication we had messed the parents around, announcing the pack would be closing and then saying we would be able to continue.  We certainly hadn't made the announcement lightly, but wanted to give parents as much notice as possible.  We're probably better off without those particular parents anyway.

It's brought our numbers down to 11 - partly because we haven't taken any new Brownies in because the future's been so unsure.  This means we can have 5 new girls come September; with only two leaders we're restricted to 16 in total.  There is a possibility of another new leader - this time someone transferring from another pack, since the family have moved, but the time we meet would need to be moved back so she could get to us.  That's okay by me, but it all depends on whether there's somewhere we could meet because the hall is well-booked.

Last week we held our traditional Games Night, so our new leader could get to see the sorts of games we play.  We also took a vote on the name for the new leader, so we now have Glitter Owl.

This week the girls made Father's Day cards and keyrings, which kept them happily occupied.  And then we held an enrolment, for our one new Brownie, whose older sister is already with us.  I took the enrolment - I've led them before, but never actually organised one as well, so it was slightly chaotic, but it didn't seem to matter too much.  The parents were proud of their daughter, who spoke her promise beautifully.  And all the Brownies are enthusiastic which is great.

Comments

[margaret_r]

Glad things are working out with the troop:) no doubt you'll be back to full strength before long.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. Oh yes, once new girls join in September will be back to full strength. At the moment it's easier with a smaller number anyway.

[mafief]

Transitions are hard... Some folks just don’t do them well and leave. :(

Glitter Owl is such a fun name. There was Screech Owl, maybe Brown Owl? What is your Owl name?

[smallhobbit]

I'm Screech Owl. It was Sparkly Owl who left, along with Brown Owl. Brown Owl is the traditional name for the Guider who is in charge of the Brownie pack.

[mafief]

Oh, cool! I was wondering about why owl was the critter of choice.

[vix_spes]

Ugh, yeah, if parents are going to be like that then you're better off without them! I'm glad that it's going well so far and a smaller number is probably better while you get into the swing of things.

[smallhobbit]

Yep, as you no doubt know, it's as much the parents as the kids half the time.

It's certainly easier with the smaller group, especially as they work well together. They'll provide a good basis for when we bring new girls in come September.