Bristol parents and carers have welcomed the news that Girlguiding – the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK– is officially opening its doors to four-year-olds.
Rainbows, the charity’s youngest section, will now welcome girls from the age of four up to seven-years-old, providing opportunities for more girls to experience the fun, friendship and adventure of Girlguiding. Previously girls had to be aged five to join Rainbows, which was established in 1987.
Mum-of-three Ellie Marshall, of Bradley Stoke, was delighted when she learnt that her daughter Lottie could join Rainbows from the age of four. Joining her local unit recently, four-year-old Lottie has “loved every minute” of the weekly sessions according to her mum.
“Every day, Lottie asks if it’s Rainbows day,” said Ellie, an Engineering Manager. “She absolutely loves it and comes out of each session with the biggest smile on her face. Lottie started school at the same time as starting Rainbows in September. She is so proud of herself and has taken both in her stride.
“The great thing about Girlguiding in general is the breadth of what they do,” added Ellie. “So many other after-school clubs focus on one sport or activity, whereas with Girlguiding you do so many different things, make new friends and gain skills for life. There’s no other organisation quite like it.”
In Rainbows, girls are encouraged to gain skills in areas such as exploration, storytelling, construction and nature, and even explore at a young age what it means to have a healthy mind.
“Lottie has already started working towards her drawing badge which she is really excited about,” said Ellie.
Rainbows is all about developing self-confidence, building friendships, learning new things and having fun. Members get their hands dirty with arts and crafts, get in touch with nature and play games. It’s all about learning by doing.
Also welcoming the news that four-year-olds can join Rainbows, is Girlguiding volunteer Catherine Dixon, who has led 1st Bradley Stoke Rainbows since 2003. Her unit already has five members aged four.
“We are delighted to be able to welcome four-year-olds to Rainbows,” said Catherine. “Rainbows get to have so much fun and learn so many new skills – and it’s great that girls can now do that from a younger age.
“Girlguiding provides girls with so many opportunities and it is significantly cheaper than many other after-school activities. They learn so much but in a totally different way to school. They don’t have targets to reach and, as long as they try, they get rewarded, which makes a big difference to their self-esteem.
“The nicest thing we’ve noticed since we welcomed four-year-old Rainbows is that the older ones in the unit really take on that big sister role and look out for the younger girls which is good for them as well as it enables them to develop new skills too.”
Members of 1st Bradley Stoke Rainbows recently enjoyed a sleepover at a local trampoline park and are currently planning a Christmas pyjama party. They are also looking forward to a festive pantomime trip and an outing to see Father Christmas on a steam train, along with a nature walk and attending a Remembrance Sunday event.
Emma Guthrie, Assistant Chief Guide, said, “Four-year-old girls have spent a huge portion of their lives in a pandemic, missing out on essential play, exploration, confidence building and friendships, and parents are keen for them to make up for lost time.
“Too often girls are still expected to be sugar and spice and all things nice but, working with girls and young women for over 100 years, we know they are made of so much more. We’re extremely happy to warmly welcome four-year-olds to the organisation and start them on their Girlguiding journey – opening up a community where girls can always be free to be themselves. Free to be four.”
Anyone interested in more information about joining Rainbows or becoming a volunteer should visit girlguiding.org.uk