Volunteering
Made for girls, powered by volunteers
Fancy an evening of art and craft? S’mores around the campfire? What about an adventure in a castle, or the thrill of a theme park? That’s our sort of thing. And if we haven’t done it yet, we’re probably planning to.
Girlguiding units are run entirely by volunteers and its volunteers that make the best memories happen. Who’d of thought that can be rewarding? So, if you want to join us, you can! Whether DofE, Guide helpers, Young Leaders or Adults.
If you’re over 13 you can register to be a Girlguiding volunteer.
Supporting a young member with additional needs? Register as an individual support unit helper, and complete the necessary recruitment and vetting checks for this role.
Volunteering as a Girlguiding member
As a member of Girlguiding you can volunteer from age 10 if you are Guide.
Adult Volunteer
For adults, 18+, as a Unit Helper, Leader in Training, Assistant Leader and Leader.
Young Leader
Young women, 14-17 years old, can become a Young Leader.
Helper (Guide)
Girls 10-14 years old attending Guides can be a Helper.
Getting started…
A quick start guide to volunteering as an adult in our Girlguiding unit.
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To become a Girlguiding volunteer with a role working with children you will first undertake a criminal records check. In England this is called a DBS check.
You will also need to provide 2 satisfactory references.
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Every volunteer within the unit must also complete A Safe Space 1 and A Safe Space 2 training.
This is done online using videos, text and questions.
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It is not necessary for every volunteer to have A First Response training. However, if you are willing to do so, as a unit we will actively support and encourage you to attend a Girlguiding course.
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Each section, whether Rainbows, Brownies, Guides or Rangers, has a special programme of activities and badges.
As a new volunteer we appreciate that there is a lot to take on. Much of this can be learned over time.
Should you wish, to help you get up to speed, there is online training available in additional to explanations on the Girlguiding web site.
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There are various things we do at the start and end of unit meetings.
As a new volunteer we appreciate that there is a lot to take on. Much of this can be learned over time, just like our young members do.
We are also adding this information to our web site.
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Photography within the unit is strictly controlled. Whilst we do share pictures and video on social media and online, this is subject to parental consent.
As a volunteer, if you would like to help with photography, please speak to the unit leader.
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We are required to pay an annual membership fee to Girlguiding for every one of our volunteers.
Because of this we ask for you to attend at lease a minimum threshold but the more you can attend the better.
You might prefer to concentrate on unit meetings, or trips, events and residentials. Please discuss this with the unit leader.
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You can register online to become a volunteer. Please also let us know directly so that we can look out for your enquiry.
For more in-depth information, please read Girlguiding’s recruitment and vetting policy.
Young Volunteers
Helpers
You can volunteer with Rainbows and Brownies from the age of 10 alongside being an active member of a Guide unit. Parents and carers of girls aged 10 to 13 can contact us directly to arrange this.
Young Leaders
From age 14 you can volunteer with Rainbows, Brownies and Guides as a Young Leader. As a Young Leader you will need your own access to the GO system and learning platform. You do not need to attend Rangers to be a Young Leader. You will need to complete the 14-17 A Safe Space eLearning.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and other schemes
If you are not an active Guide, you can join us a young external volunteer from age 13. Depending on the volunteering needed for your award, you can volunteer for three to 18 months. This role is for people of all genders.
As you are not a member you cannot make your Promise. As a young woman, at any time from age 14 you can join us as a Young Leader and a member.
A Safe Space
For volunteers of all ages it is important to understand how to make guiding A Safe Space.
About You
As Girlguiding volunteers we discover new experiences, build our own confidence, realise accomplishments, and most of all, have fun. From helping girls with crafts and small group activities, to large event planning and management, there are opportunities to use your skills, and even discover some you didn’t know you have, in rewarding and fulfilling ways.
You can register online to be a Girlguiding volunteer or contact us directly for more information about our units in particular.
Community
Being a Girlguiding volunteer gives you the opportunity to meet new people and create friendships. Become part of our local community in Herne Bay, through events and initiatives that our unit participants in. Encourage and inspire girls to reach their full potential and grow their confidence and resilience.
Share your skills and learn new ones, taking advantage of training offered and chances to network with other volunteers at larger scale events.
