The Final Stretch

[smallhobbit]

Back after half term and heading for the summer holidays!

Last week we looked at various road signs and pictures of things we can see when going for a walk - paths through the countryside, large puddles across paths, cars parked on pavements and the Brownies got to decide whether they were good or bad.

This week, in an attempt to enable many of the Brownies to qualify for their bronze or silver awards which did an interest badge.  These are supposed to be done by the girls on their own, but that requires parental assistance and/or encouragement and very few get that, which is frustrating.  There are a few who are enthusiastic, and the parent is happy to help, but generally it's disappointing.

So Flamingo taught them all to sing Baa, Baa, Black Sheep in Afrikaans.

We now know we won't be able to meet face-to-face at all this term, as the last restrictions aren't being lifted yet.  We're all disappointed, but accept the inevitable - we could see it coming.  Sadly, one of the families was quite unpleasant about it and insisted we must be able to find a way to do so.  It's noticeable that they're one of the families who do nothing to support their daughters to do anything outside the weekly meeting. 

We held an emergency meeting in Doodles garden to revise our planning for the rest of the term and remind ourselves about the families who are supportive and do appreciate all we're doing.  And hopefully we'll be able to meet come September.

Now, for anyone who's interested:
Baa, baa, swart skaff
Hey je baie wol?
Ja baas, Ja baas,
Drie sake vol
Een vir die nooi
Een vir die baas
Een vir die seuntjie
Wat so baie kan raas

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Sorry you aren't able to meet yet in person, and that a minority are objecting. But you are carrying on! Too bad about parental involvement isn't what you would like across the board.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - yes, it would be nice if we could have more parental involvement. We just do what we can.

[corvidology]

I'm not at all surprised that the parents who objected don't really do anything outside the weekly meeting. They probably see it as free babysitting. *headdesk*

I think it's lovely that you were still able to offer them all 'meetings' anyway, even if they couldn't be in person.

[smallhobbit]

Yes, that was our feeling too. Having a zoom meeting means a parent has to be in the vicinity - if the girls come to us the parents can go to the pub.

We shall continue to do what we can.

[blueraccoon]

Yeah, that was my thought. They want in person because it means they have childfree time. Ugh.

[smallhobbit]

Which, strangely enough, isn't why we do it.

[adafrog]

That's too bad about the girls not being encouraged at home. :(

[smallhobbit]

Yes, it would be so good if they could be.

[margaret_r]

It's a pity you have some unco-operative parents, it's not fair on the girls or you. At least there are some that are not looking for free babysitters! I love the Afrikaans Baa, Baa, Black Sheep:)

[smallhobbit]

I know, but that's people for you. Glad you liked It!

[moth2fic]

Thanks for the version of Baa Baa Black Sheep!

I hadn't thought about things like Brownies being affected by the delay. I'm sure you'll all cope. Isn't it always the non-supportive parents who make the most fuss?!

[smallhobbit]

Yes, we're stuck because of the requirement to still socially distance (guiding HQ insist on this), which is impossible with 24 Brownies plus 4 leaders in the hall we use. And we don't have a safe space outside to hold a complete meeting, we're far too open to the general public. Yep - it's all about what we're expected to do, nothing about what they will do.

[medievalrosalie]

You always find the most interesting activities for your Brownies! I love reading about them.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much. I'm delighted you do :)

[rusty_armour]

It always seems to be the people who do the least and are the least supportive who complain the most. I think you're wise to focus on the parents and families who have been appreciative and supportive.

I think it's great that the Brownie leaders try to come up with activities that don't require parental assistance for those Brownies who are unable to receive it.

BTW, the activity involving road signs, etc. is a great idea! :-)

[smallhobbit]

Sadly that's very true. We're doing our best, although it would still be nice if the parents could encourage their daughters a bit more.

I'm glad you liked that idea.