I have been looking through some old blog posts from a blog that no longer exists and I found a post from June 18 2005 talking about attending the Great Guide Reunion with my mum. I spoke with Senator Kay Patterson and she encouraged me to speak about my guiding journey. So here goes.
I made my promise in 1989 and I went on to be a patrol leader, attend an International camp in Melbourne, and did my BP Award. There were many ups and down, but overall it was an amazing experience. As an adult, I was a leader for a while, until I was too sick with pregnancy to continue. The thought has crossed my mind to be a leader again.
When I was a Guide, I was an undiagnosed autistic ADHD girl, however this program played to my quirky nature in so many different ways.
One thing I love doing is looking at my Guide shirt, which I still have, and all the badges that are on them. Each one was a hyperfocus for a time, and the badge was my reward. As I earned more badges, they added up to my BP Award. This is an achievement I have on my resume to this day. Whenever I mention it to someone in the know, I’m immediately accepted into the team.
Each meeting had elements of predictability. Things like saying the promise, singing Taps, and other aspects of ceremony, along with activities were part of the enjoyment. The routine played into the autistic part of my brain, the activities each week kept up nicely with the ADHD part of my brain that craves variety.
During the years I was a Guide, I got to try many different activities, allowing me to try many things I wouldn’t have tried otherwise. Camping was among my least favourite activities, sleeping outside on an uncomfortable mattress in a tent is not my idea of fun, however I still did it and learned many new skills.
The leaders were also inclusive and accepting of the shy, self-consious little girl I was when I started. With their encouragement, I was able to gain confidence and skills. I found a reference that one of the leaders wrote when I left and it was glowing.
I do wish I had continued as a Guide, and, when life settles down, being a leader is something I may be interested in doing once more.
Guides is a wonderful activity for ND folk, and it’s not just sitting around doing ‘girly’ things. We learned so many skills that have stood me in good stead as a grown up. You never know when you may need to light a fire or sew on a button.
Even the fact that it opens doors as a grown up, as soon as I mention Guiding to someone and they were either a Guide or a Scout, I am immediately welcomed, meaning that there is no need for small talk to break the ice!
Don’t be surprised if this isn’t the only time I share about my Guiding journey. It really was a great time in my life and is something that I often recommend in groups when parents are looking for activities for their daughters.
Were you a Guide or a Scout? Please share your journey too.
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