St. Issells Brownies in Saundersfoot are one of the largest Brownie units in the county and are definitely enjoying the end of term. Last week they enjoyed a Scavenger Hunt at Colby Woodland Gardens and the rain didn’t stop them enjoying trying to find everything on their list.

There were one or two unusual finds and the leaders and parent helpers enjoyed seeing the Brownies discovering new things and taking in the beautiful nature around them. The unit were very grateful to Colby for allowing them the use of the toilets after closing time.

This week the Brownies were looking forward to a coach trip, being treated to an evening’s bowling followed by a Happy Meal to round off the end of a busy school year.

The Brownies would like to thank all the parents who have helped at meetings this year. The parents are an essential part of our unit and are a necessity due to our high numbers. They take it in turns to help each week and some always volunteer when we need extra help.

The highlights of this year have been the visit of Pembrokeshire Pet Parties when lots of girls and leaders overcame their fears to handle spiders and snakes. The unit have also enjoyed a Pack Holiday at Stackpole and a camping weekend at Merrixton Farm and enjoyed looking around St. Issell’s Church when they had a meeting there during the Christmas Tree Festival. T

he girls work towards Brownie interest badges each term and generally have lots of fun. They enjoy working together in their sixes and learn many life skills to help them as they grow older. Most of the girls then go on to enjoy Guides when they are 10 years old and, due to their experiences in Brownies, are ready to take on the more grown-up challenges of Guides.

In September, the unit is losing one of its warranted leaders as Hannah is off to university. Hannah joined Guiding in Saundersfoot as a Rainbow when she was five and has gone through every section before gaining her leadership qualification. We wish her all the best and will miss her. This will leave the unit with two qualified leaders and three unit helpers.

The leaders - Helen and Andrea - have been part of the unit team since 2003 and have decided that in three years time it will be time to hand over the reins to new leaders. They would really like to now begin welcoming in new leaders, so that there is plenty of time for them to undertake the Girlguiding leadership training and gain lots of experience before taking over the unit. The unit is looking for a team of two or three people to come and gain experience. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t had any Guiding experience as this can be gained quite easily. The unit is very well supported by Lower Landsker District and Pembrokeshire County.

It isn’t only the girls who have fun in Guiding as there are lots of opportunities for the adults too. Both Helen and Andrea have enjoyed District and County roles over the last few years, but they both say that the best times of all have been with the Brownies.

If you would like to learn more about the satisfying and exciting role of Brownie leader, please email Helen and Andrea: [email protected]