Heading towards half term

[smallhobbit]

It's been a bit of an odd few weeks at Brownies, for reasons which I shall explain later.  We've continued to work on the new programme.  The girls chose "Express myself" as the theme we shall follow first, and from that we've selected "Communicate" as the Skills builder.  So they've told stories one sentence at a time, and drawn pictures of their days.  The Brownies seem to be enjoying themselves, although we're not particularly convinced by the new programme.

Last week we had Brownies Got Talent.  Two-thirds of them performed gymnastics, singing, dancing, and a puppet play.  The other one-third joined me and we designed costumes for entertainers, using cut out dolls and either felt pens or coloured paper.  They enjoyed this, and were happy to show what they'd created to the rest of the pack.

A number of them have been working towards one of the interest badges which fit the theme, both Performing and Baking.  So for the last two weeks we've had iced buns to try out.

There's a district thinking day service coming up, which I can't get to as we're in London that weekend.  So whilst the service planning was going on with those who will be attending, I took the others and went through the origin of Brownies and then we talked a bit about what they thought was important about a group.  The ideas which came out very strongly was that everyone should be welcome, should enjoy what we're doing, and that it should be inclusive.

This was our last meeting at the school, for which we are all very grateful.  Hopefully being in the sports pavilion will be a lot easier.  And Glitter Owl has said she will finish at Brownies at the end of May.  She's going to help with Rainbows.  It means Doodles and I will then be running the pack between us, with hopefully someone else joining at some point.  Doodles is quite happy about this - we work well together, and tend to complement each other.  After the discussion we had a few weeks ago, she's accepted my thoughts on supporting the quieter members and is keen for me to do that.  I'm happy too - having seriously thought about finishing last Christmas, I now feel I have a proper role within the pack.  Yes, the new programme is going to cause problems, but it's something we'll tackle together.

Comments

[aome]

Having iced buns to try sounds like SUCH a hardship. ;-)

Are Rainbows older or younger kids than Brownies?

Sorry to hear you'll be losing a team member but it sounds like you and Doodles will be all right. You always seem to have such great ideas for your troop, and the girls sound very happy, too (although the "odd few weeks" hints at problems, I'm guessing?).

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Cool. Nice to hear what you're up to. Glad you and the other leader are working well together.

[smallhobbit]

It was a question of choosing between bright red and bright blue icing.

Rainbows are younger, aged 5 to 7. Then Brownies are 7 to 10. After which they move onto Guides.

The odd weeks were because of the change in team members and sensing there was a problem, before it came out in the open. A certain amount of personality clashes.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. Yes, it's working out well now I think. We've also just heard we've got a grant which will enable us to buy some of the resources for the new programme which will make things easier for us.

[corvidology]

This all sounds lovely. I really think one of the greatest services Brownies provides is supporting quieter members and helping them to find their own voice.

[smallhobbit]

I agree - if they come in very quiet and shy and leave two or three years later more confident (although maybe still generally quiet, because that's how they are) then we've achieved something.

[mafief]

This is really encouraging to hear. I’m glad you’ve found a spot.

[scfrankles]

For a second there I thought 'Performing and Baking' was the same badge... ^___^

Sounds like Brownies Got Talent went very well. An interesting selection of acts. And of course designing costumes and many other things behind the scenes are just as important out in the real world too. We can't all be show-offs ^___^ It was a really good idea as an alternative for the Brownies who didn't want to actually perform. The ideas which came out very strongly was that everyone should be welcome, should enjoy what we're doing, and that it should be inclusive. So very true.

Good luck with your new setting in the sports pavilion, and I'm so glad to hear you feel you now have a proper role in the pack.

[smallhobbit]

Please don't give some of them any ideas!

I was surprised that these were the things they came up with, totally unprompted.

And thank you - I'm hopeful the new venue will make things easier.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - I do feel happier now.

[st_aurafina]

I'm glad you've found how you fit in there.

It's really interesting to see how much it has all changed since I was a Brownie.

[debriswoman]

Well done forallowing the quiet ones to stay out of the limelight, and still contribute:-)
Wishing you well with new premises and altered role:-)

[smallhobbit]

I think somethings have stayed the same, but the new programme is a major change.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. Every girl matters is an important part of guiding and one I like to encourage. And thank you.

[margaret_r]

Glad things are working so well for you with the Brownies, it would have been a shame for you to have to give it up when you do enjoy it so much.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I didn't particularly want to give up because I enjoy working with the girls but at times I was feeling like a square peg in a round hole. It's much better now.

[luthienberen]

I really like how you provided an option for the girls who didn't wish to perform, but still wanted to help behind the scenes. That fits so well into your discussion on how everyone should be welcome, enjoy what is happening and to be inclusive.

Best wishes with continuing to support the younger members and it is good to know that you're happier now with a proper role in the Brownie pack.

[smallhobbit]

It was interesting to see that what I was aiming for - and what we want as leaders - is actually what the girls want to see as well.

And thank you. It makes a difference to really have my own role, rather than as simply supporting what's happening, which came about because I refused to take on the leadership.

[luthienberen]

Interesting and reaffirming! The girls must feel happier knowing they have leaders will who allow them to voice their wants and actually listen to them.

It's unfair you were essentially punished for not accepting leadership, which isn't a positive way to run any group. I wish you well in developing your new role the way you would like and in helping the Brownies.

[moth2fic]

That all sounds very positive - hope your Brownie involvement continues to thrive!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much!