Unexpected Brownies

[smallhobbit]

Yesterday lunch time I had a text from my ex-Brownie leader to ask if I could possibly help out, as she was ill and couldn't make the meeting. I agreed, especially as all that was required was my presence - each unit needs a qualified guider present, and Flamingo hasn't quite finished her qualification (because, in true Brownie fashion, she'd lost her book).

It was good to see several of the Brownies again.  I'd expected not to know a lot of them, but there were only two new girls.  A number of the Brownies I had known had moved up to Guides, but as some had only recently left their places hadn't yet been filled.

As it turned out I led one of the activities.  One of the other leaders couldn't get there until late, which left two, and, naturally, the leader who'd prepared for the evening was the one who couldn't make it, so it was a case of rapidly reading the instructions and then launching straight in.

It was a simple game: each Brownie has the name of an object or person on a label on their back and they have to guess what they are by asking yes/no questions.  Once they've worked out who or what they are they then need to find their pair, so 'bucket and spade', 'Cinderella and Prince Charming'.  And finally they learnt the other Brownie's real name and something about them.  It worked well and they seemed to enjoy it - I occasionally supplied suitable questions to ask when the girls were particularly stuck.

I definitely don't miss the weekly meeting.  It remains hard work getting them together and ready to listen.  They're fine when they are engaged with something, when they will enjoy it, but a lot of time is spent getting them engaged.

Comments

[just_ann_now]

*Reads subject line*
Oh, man! I wish someone would randomly show up on my doorstep with a box of brownies! That would be terrific!

*Reads post*
Oh.

*Giggles*

[smallhobbit]

Yes, I certainly wouldn't object to a box of brownies. However, it was just one more thing this week - which was fine as I had the time and energy (beforehand, rather less energy afterwards!)

[just_ann_now]

I had the time and energy (beforehand, rather less energy afterwards!)

I can imagine! You are a good person. ♥

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Glad you were able to help out!

[smallhobbit]

Yes, it was fortunate it was a day when I wasn't already doing something else.

[adafrog]

I imagine it can be hard to get bunch of girls to focus.

[smallhobbit]

It's very difficult. They keep distracting each other.

[rusty_armour]

It was good of you to help out with so little notice. It's nice that there were still so many familiar faces and that the activity you led wasn't too complicated. Still, I can understand why you don't miss weekly meetings.

You said that in the game the Brownies learned each other's real names. Are the girls given Brownie names then? I'm just curious because it wasn't something that was done in my Brownie pack. It was just the leaders who were given Brownie names.

[smallhobbit]

I had nothing booked so I knew I could go - I don't mind limited notice if I haven't got anything already planned and knew this was a possibility.

The Brownies don't have 'Brownie' names, I was meaning as opposed to the 'name' they had on their back, like 'bucket' or 'spade'. Not all the girls know each other, so it's good to do an activity where they learn all the names - we have girls from at least 4 different schools so it's quite possible they haven't met before.

[rusty_armour]

The Brownies don't have 'Brownie' names, I was meaning as opposed to the 'name' they had on their back, like 'bucket' or 'spade'. Not all the girls know each other, so it's good to do an activity where they learn all the names - we have girls from at least 4 different schools so it's quite possible they haven't met before.

Oh, I see! That makes a lot more sense. I couldn't imagine supplying all the girls with "Brownie" names and keeping track of them. I can understand why introductions would be needed if there are girls who don't know each other.