Happiness is Girlguiding

Did you know that the 20th June is often considered the happiest day of the year, scientifically?

The reasoning behind this is that it is just before the summer solstice where the sun is out for the longest, and usually pleasant weather. It is a time where the summer holidays are eagerly anticipated by many, and fondly remembered by others. In this article, Sophie, chair of the ARC Angels, the Archive’s youth steering group, tells her story about the happiness Guiding gives.

MY GUIDING STORY

I started Girlguiding at the age of 5, when I joined my local Rainbow Unit. Since then, I have been a Brownie, a Guide and am currently a Young Leader with my old Brownie Unit. Guiding has been part of my life for ten years.

When I was in Guides, our Unit visited the ARC to complete the ‘Guiding History’ Interest badge. That session was one of my favourite trips as a Guide. I had the opportunity to gain confidence in new skills and challenge myself. Moreover, I could challenge myself in a way you can at very few other places. Whilst there, we were all told about Girlguiding Norfolk’s annual 1940s Camp held at Gressenhall Union Farm. The opportunity thrilled me, and so I patiently waited until I could sign up at thirteen.

1940s CAMP

I was one of the youngest when I attended my first 1940s Camp in 2023. Despite my age, I made many friends and loved my time there. During Camp, I gained confidence , and loved the chance it gave to have nearly a week without screens. I noticed how much happier I was, and how many of the societal pressures on appearance and body image. According to Girlguiding’s annual ‘Girls’ Attitudes Survey’, 1 in 3 girls say that they lack confidence in their appearance.  6 in 10 girls and young women aged 11-21 are consumed by their own negative thoughts about how they look.

A year later, and I was back again at Gressenhall for 1940s Camp for my second time. I met friends from last year, and also made new ones. That particular Camp was especially memorable because of Storm Lilian. At the same time, 20 younger Guides visited for the day as Evacuees. Despite being soaked through, we all persevered. I would be lying if I said that day had not massively developed my confidence and resilience. I remember holding on to the tent pole of the bell tent at 3am with my friend to stop it shaking in the winds of Storm Lilian. That being said, it’s not something you could forget.

LOGBOOKS

A key part of 1940s Camp is the logbook. In 2024, Helen (Girlguiding Norfolk Archivist) asked participants to send in their completed logbooks. If they did, there was a badge waiting. As an avid badge lover, I sent mine in.

That same year, I visited the ARC on one of the Heritage Open Days. One of the items on display as part of a 1940s Camp display, was my logbook, which was also seen by Chief Guide, Tracy Foster.

When I sent in my logbook, Helen also asked if I would like to become an ARC Angel.

I said yes.

ARC ANGELS

With no Ranger unit in my district, I found the ARC Angels the perfect place in guiding to meet with those around my age who also had interest in guiding history.

My first meeting was in September 2024 on Zoom. Not knowing what to expect, I was rather anxious.

I loved it.

In person meetings were even better, I had the chance to get some very useful information for part of my Commonwealth Award. We also had the opportunity to work towards Norfolk’s Flourish Youth Award through work on the ARC’s Advent Calendar while learning about guiding history.

So when Helen asked if I would be chair – I said yes.

The wealth of opportunities that the ARC provides for people of all ages is inexplicably rich. It’s a superb place for learning, through having fun, about a fascinating part of social history. For people my age in particular, it also provides an excellent space to have a break from the pressures of school and life, while boosting wellbeing.

GUIDING AND HAPPINESS

Guiding does so much for girls and womens’ wellbeing and overall happiness. According to the ‘Girls’ Attitudes Survey’, Girlguiding girls are up to 23% more confident than girls in the UK on average. There is a clear correlation, and one main takeaway.

Happiness is Girlguiding.