My Turn To Lead

[smallhobbit]

I've been leading the main activity for the last couple of weeks, which has been okay.  I've done more written preparation than I would do for a face-to-face meeting, but it's a bit harder when you can't just point to something.

We have started a new theme: Take Action.  The idea is to do the first few sections of the Make Changes badge via zoom and the last ones in person once we are back in the hall.

Last week the Brownies made 'Impact-o-meters', which involved colouring and cutting out a semi-circle divided into 6 segments ("what's a segment?") and sticking it onto a piece of card.  The template and card had been previously delivered, so that was straight forward enough.  And then there was an arrow to be similarly cut out and attached by means of a split pin, so that it would move up the numbered segments.  We discussed various ways they could do things to help the environment, such as walking rather than going by car, switching lights off etc.  And then we challenged them to do six different actions over the week, record them on the back of the Impact-o-meter and show how much of an impact they'd had.

Much to my surprise a number of them had tried to do something and were keen to show how they'd got on.  Not all had managed six different things, but we were really pleased with those who'd clearly tried hard and achieved four or five.

This week they were designing 'The greatest place on earth'.  I gave them some suggestions: school/theme park/ordinary park/castle and they had five minutes to show five things they would include in their 'greatest place'.  After which they had another five minutes to improve the design, maybe including somewhere for visitors to get something to eat (ice cream places being popular).  The final five minutes involved colouring their design to make it as attractive as possible.

They were very enthusiastic and nearly all were keen to show what they had done.  It was wonderful to see how hard they'd worked at the idea.  I get the feeling they have very little opportunity to be truly creative.

And today I received a badge in the post which has been sent out to all guiders in the county.  It says 'Thank you for keeping the Guiding spirit alive!'  This past year has been a struggle, but there have been compensations, and it's always good to have our efforts recognised.

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Y'all have some good ideas for projects, and I am glad that your efforts this past year were recognized.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. We take the programme and adjust it so it will work over zoom. So many of the instructions say 'in your groups...'

[angelofthenorth]

That badge is gorgeous.

[smallhobbit]

I know. It was a lovely surprise to receive it.

[therealsnape]

I think the creative solutions you come up with are great, and you certainly deserve recognition.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I've learnt a lot this year about how to make positive adjustments.

[aome]

You definitely deserve that badge!

Any idea when you'll be doing Brownies in person again?

[smallhobbit]

Thank you!

We're hoping that the social distancing rules will be removed on June 21st, which will mean we can go back into our meeting hall. Theoretically we could go back now, but we would still need to distance and we can't do that with our full pack of 24 Brownies plus leaders in the room we meet in. The alternative would be to split the pack in half, but that's not very satisfactory and would be too expensive.

[adafrog]

:D

[smallhobbit]

Thank you.

[margaret_r]

Your Brownies are very focused and seem keen to do the activities. How lovely to be recognised too, you have all been doing a wonderful job in difficult circumstances.

[smallhobbit]

We've been really pleased with our brownies enthusiasm. And yes, it is nice to have our commitment acknowledged.

[luthienberen]

The badge is well deserved! I admire how much creativity you poured into ensuring the Brownie meetings through zoom would be as compelling if held in the room. I hope you are celebrating your lovely and well earned recongition. :)

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much. We do our best. I shall be sewing my badge onto my Brownie bag :)

[luthienberen]

Ooo that will be awesome :D

[moth2fic]

I'm glad they've recognised the work you've all put in. It amazes me!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. Seeing the Brownies enjoying themselves is what motivates us.

[rusty_armour]

I love the "Impact-o-meters". It sounds like a fun way for the Brownies to keep track of their efforts to help the environment. It's encouraging to read that many of them did try to do something and wanted to discuss what they'd done.

It's great that the girls could be creative with "The greatest place on earth" activity. I'm sure they appreciated having an outlet like that.

Congratulations on the new badge! You definitely deserve it! :-D

[smallhobbit]

We thought perhaps one would have done the Impact-o-meter, so were delighted with how many had made an effort. And even little things all help, especially when they become normal at that age. I'm constantly surprised at how creative the Brownies can be given the chance.

[debriswoman]

Really well done, and a lovely badge:-)

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much. Yes, I do like the badge!