The 16-Year-Old Brownie

Dear Reader,  On Saturday 21st July, 3 leaders, 1 young leader and 4 Brownies arrived at Hellesdon Scout Hut, for their GoGo Hare sleepover... We then spent a few hours searching for Hares in the city centre, including the Cathedral, Castle Mall, and the Puppet Theatre, as well as a lovely walk, and lunch along the river bank. Afterwards, we returned to Hellesdon to look at the airport runway, but unfortunately no planes were taking off, and then enjoying fish and chips for tea. The Brownies made beautiful light jars, with silhouette scenes, illuminated by the LEDs inside... We then took advantage of the excellent fire pit at the scout hut, by lighting a campfire and making smores, whilst singing campfire songs, including an amusing rendition of 'What shall we do with a drunken sailor?' before heading off to bed, for a very undisturbed night.... Sunday morning dawned, and after waking up on a very deflated air bed, the second day was in full flo...

Dear Reader,  After a successful district campfire last year, which I was unfortunately unable to attend, it was decided that all members of the district, from Rainbows through to the Trefoil Guild would come together again for songs and smores, to mark the end of the Guiding year. It was a beautiful evening at Hautbois,  just a shame I was a little under the weather :( A wonderful badge has been designed by an adult/Senior Section member Paula, to mark the occasion which we await with excitement.  After arriving early to set up..... Myself, Paula, and Trefoil member Carol spent much of our time building and lighting alter fires, and cooking sausages for everyone's tea, before I joined everyone at the campfire and listened to them sing, whilst nursing my sore throat, and enjoyed a smore with my guiding friends.  Also, don't forget to subscribe to The 16-Year-Old Brownie, to receive an email when I post. Look for the button at t...

Dear Reader,  Last weekend we took 16 Brownies to Eaton Vale Guide and Scout Activity Centre, to experience some of the activities on offer as well as the activities we had organised ourselves. The programme for the weekend was packed full of outdoor activities, crafts and really, really good food! 🍔🍦 Friday 6th July After a failed Tesco delivery and an emergency trip to Tesco to cater for 21 people for the weekend, which is 2 scarily full large trolleys.... the fun was underway! After settling in and eating our tea, we embarked on a very complicated, slightly unclear orienteering trail that I in no way understood, and myself and Eagle Owl wandered around along with about 10 Brownies, in the wrong direction quite a lot of the time! #fail Skittles, the unit bear! The evening was then spent popping our heads repeatedly into the corridor to ask why the Brownies weren't in bed and going to sleep very late, of course! Thank goodness for the 'snug'...

Dear Reader,  This year, Norwich, and the surrounding areas of Norfolk, play host to a total of 68 beautifully decorated GoGoHares. This time around, there are 2 different trails: the City Trail consisting of 50 hare sculptures, and a County Trail made up of 18 special 'Moongazer' hare sculptures, placed in scenic spots around Norfolk such as Cromer and Holt. In addition there are 164 Leverates (baby hares) designed by local schools, colleges and community groups, placed around the county.  More information available at  https://www.gogohares.co.uk/ And get sneak peaks of the gorgeous hares on the official Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/gogohares_2018/ As the GoGo trails are such a well loved and anticipated event for Norwich, Stalham District Rangers decided to incorporate it into a sleepover, and set ourselves the challenge of how many we could find, as well as working towards the Pull's Ferry challenge badge. Let's hop right to it s...

Dear Reader, (Just a quick one, I promise) In order to fully embrace the glorious weather during the summer term, Brownies took a trip to How Hill, to learn about the pond life and the creative possibilities of nature.... During the evening the girls got the chance to search the dry woodlands for natural materials, such as leaves, feathers, seeds and wood, with which to decorate a bookmark... Then, we enjoyed some time dyke dipping, and learning about how identify different creatures found in the water. The girls successfully found and identified Ramshorn snails, water boatmen and Damsel nymphs, whilst supporting each other to be safe near the water. The main thing about the trip that I found most enjoyable and rewarding was supporting a Brownie on a one-to-one level to access the activities and enjoy herself. This including helping her to find her natural materials and assisting her during the pond dipping activity, allowing her to take part despite her a...