Brownies by Zoom

[smallhobbit]

We've now had our first two Brownie zoom meetings.  We are making a partial charge for this - because we want parents to appreciate that they need to make a contribution and had 10 families (11 girls) sign up.  We've also asked that those who don't wish to join zoom, but would still like to remain as members make a smaller contribution to keep the place.  There doesn't seem to have been a problem with this.  Two girls have left - one is now 10 and involved in other activities, the other had become much more erratic before lockdown due to doing other things, so we're not surprised - in the normal course of events some would have left.

The first week was a simple introduction, a bit of a scavenger hunt, and quiz to see how much they could remember about being a Brownie (not much).  Not that their ability to remember is particularly good generally, but it did make clear how much they had forgotten.  They seemed to enjoy themselves and were glad to be back in some form.  We were expecting to have to mute them at times, but in fact they were quite quiet and very respectful of each other.

Then yesterday we were preparing for Remembrance.  We only had 9 Brownies, so we're hoping there was a good reason why the other two didn't join, and not that the format wasn't working.  Flamingo (ex-army) talked about Remembrance and then, following the suggestion from girlguiding, they all painted/used felt tips a poppy on a stone to put in their front gardens, or somewhere suitable.  Normally there would be a proper parade, with our flag, but that won't be happening this year.

I'm now preparing for the first meeting after the half term break (which is next week).  I'm also going to put some activities up on our Brownie Facebook page, so that those who aren't joining the zoom meetings, can still take part and earn badges.

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Very nice to hear what the Brownies are up to in this new age. Glad you're keeping it going!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. It's very limiting though, since we can't do a lot of what we'd normally be doing. However, it's better than nowt.

[badly_knitted]

I remember being the flag bearer on one parade. Very proud moment, that. I wish I had a photo but I don't =(

[smallhobbit]

At least you still remember. I think it does mean a lot to the Brownies when they get chosen.

[badly_knitted]

It is quite an honour!

[corvidology]

It's lovely that it can continue in some form.

[smallhobbit]

Yes it is. And we've proved we could never have run face-to-face meetings as both times we've been down one leader (not a problem online, where we only need two) and we needed all four of us present.

[adafrog]

Sounds like it's at least mostly working out.

[smallhobbit]

Yes, we're making contact and the brownies seem to be enjoying themselves, but, as you can imagine, there's a lot of activities we can't do.

[margaret_r]

Great the zoom sessions are working out, it's good for the girls to be able to carry on with their Brownies to some extent.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. It is, and as we get more used to it we may get better at adapting things.

[moth2fic]

It all sounds as satisfactory as things can get at the moment... I assume you've seen those download-and-print-a-poppy things? Brownies might like to be reminded and then they can put them in their windows.

[smallhobbit]

That's about it - as satisfactory as it can get. Yes, we chose painting a stone as a bit different to the standard.

[scfrankles]

The scavenger hunt sounds like such a good idea ^__^ We were expecting to have to mute them at times, but in fact they were quite quiet and very respectful of each other. And that's so lovely to hear ^__^

[smallhobbit]

Yes it was things like 'something yellow' (Can I take the sponge back now, Mum wants to wash up?); and 'something smelly' (generally candles, although someone brought an onion). We got the feeling the Brownies wanted it to work.

[debriswoman]

Pleased things are going well...the poppy stones sound ideal...and the moniker Flamingo still makes me smile:-)

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - they worked very well. Flamingo is tall - obviously!

[rusty_armour]

It's great that the Brownies can still continue to meet up, even if it's just on Zoom. It sounds like that first week was pretty useful when it came to assessing how much (or how little) the Brownies had remembered. It's nice to hear that the girls were quiet and respectful when others were speaking. I think it's also good that there are activities on the Brownie Facebook page for those Brownies who aren't joining the Zoom meetings.

It's a shame that there can't be a parade for Remembrance Day, but having the Brownies decorate stones for their front gardens isn't a bad alternative.

[smallhobbit]

Yes, there are some positives - although it does feel a little like all the pluses are pointing out the things we can't do as well.

[luthienberen]

I am glad zoom is working so easily for the Brownies! It is uplifting to know that the girls appreciate your activities and splendid to have an update on what's going on with the Brownies.:-)

Good luck with the preparations, I admire how creative you are with the girls and how much you do 🙂

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I'm glad we can do something, even though it really doesn't feel like 'proper' Brownies.

[luthienberen]

Also, what a lovely way to commemorate Remembrance Day.

[smallhobbit]

Yes - and doing something a bit different will mean more to the girls.