Who are Brownies?
Brownies are girls aged between 7 and 10 years. Many have already been Rainbows. Brownies got their name from a story told by Girlguiding UK's founders, Lord and Lady Baden-Powell, about a mythical "little person" who did good turns without being asked. Brownies try to do a good turn for someone every day. They also try to "Lend A Hand" whenever they can.
Brownies belong to a Pack which usually consists of a maximum of 24 girls and their leaders. There is always a minimum ratio of 1 adult to 8 Brownies. Brownies work and play together in small groups called Sixes. These are either named after "little people" called Pixies, Elves, Sprites, Kelpies, Imps, & Gnomes or after woodland mammals, Hedgehogs, Badgers, Moles, Foxes, Squirrels & Rabbits.
Brownies usually meet once a week for 90 minutes, during term-time. Fun and friendship, life skills, arts and crafts, decision-making, and playing games can be found at every meeting. Brownies enjoy the out of doors, participate in sleepovers and holidays, and take part in community action projects.
The New Brownie
A new Brownie will be sent a "Welcome to Brownies" invitation to join a local Pack. She will be greeted by and looked after by her "buddy" as she joins her Six. Her buddy will help her with her "Becoming a Brownie" booklet, and help her to plan her own Promise Celebration, when she will be given her Promise Box for keepsakes and her "Brownie Adventure" Book if aged 7-8, and her Badge Book. From this she can choose to work towards and gain interest badges, either on her own, with her Brownie friends or in the whole Pack.
The Brownie Promise
I promise that I will do my best to love my God, to serve the Queen and my country and to keep the Brownie Guide Law.
The Brownie Law
A Brownie Guide thinks of others and does a Good Turn every day.
The Brownie Uniform
Brownies can choose from a range of brown and yellow clothes. They are available from Guiding Essentials and local Guide Shops/depots. A Brownie may choose to wear her Promise Badge, Six Emblem and interest badges gained, on her badge sash.
The Brownie Adventure
This is the name of the Brownie programme. It has three parts; You, Community, World. On completion, a Brownie receives her Brownie Adventure Badge. From about the age of 9yrs, the Brownie will be given her "Brownies Adventure On" book. This is an extension of the "Brownie Adventure" book, with an extra section entitled "Brownies Go For It", which helps with the transition into Guides. On completion of the challenges within her "Brownies Adventure On" book, the Brownie is awarded the badge of the same name.
A Leaving Party is held for every Brownie when the time comes for her to move on. She is presented with her metal brooch "Brownies was an Adventure", which she may wear at Guides or out of uniform.
The Brownie Section has the biggest number of Girlguidng UK members. There are more than eighty Brownie Packs in Girlguiding Wiltshire South. There is one in nearly every village, and many in each town. Most have waiting lists of those eager to join. Each is led by a team of trained volunteer leaders. Many Brownie Leaders are traditionally called "Brown Owl" and "Tawny Owl".
Brownies are encouraged to take part in activities away from the meeting place and with other Brownie Packs in the local area. County Brownie Sixers' Days are held annually at "Berwick" our County HQ. These enable girls and their leaders to meet with others from around the County and they help the older Brownie as she prepares to move on to Guides. Look out for further information on this page & in the "Bustard" newsletter.
In October 2008, 500 Brownies and their Leaders attended a very successful and energetic PGL activity weekend at Osmington Bay. All Brownies were members of small teams. They had to help each other and trust in each other as they tried and achieved new skills in the cold wind, rain and mud.
