Rainbow Adviser
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Perhaps if you've already read my personal profile you may be wondering why I moved from Guides to Rainbows?
Well to start with it was purely personal reasons, most of my family and friends had daughters who were five years old or approaching five. One member of my family pointed out that it was a shame that there wasn’t something for girls’ pre-brownies.
One evening while I was at Guides I asked the guider if she had the Guiding magazine with her (in those days the unit bought one and we passed it around, now we get one each in the post and it’s free – now Ladies isn’t that worth joining GirlGuiding – a free magazine?) there was an article about Rainbows, girls could join at five.
Suddenly a light bulb flickered! This is just what everyone wants!
Now to find two willing ladies to start a Rainbow Unit with me. Two friends were easily persuaded to become leaders and we already had ten girls wanting to join - so the process of opening a unit began.
| I just love Rainbows! |  |
I enjoy seeing the Rainbows experiencing:
- The Rainbow Chat when Rainbows decide what they would like to do and the excitement on their faces when the meeting is their choice
- The parties especially the ‘Promise Party’ and the ‘Pot of Gold Party.’ At Rainbows any excuse prompts us to have a party!
- Taking part in exciting, lively and challenging meetings
- Participating in experiences outside the meeting place
- Being recognised and valued as an individual
- Being rewarded for participating in group activities – they just love getting badges!
In 2008 Rainbows have celebrated their 21st Birthday.
We may be the youngest section but we sure did party!
The county held a huge party for all our Rainbows. The Rainbows were entertained by a clown, were able to learn circus skills and played traditional party games. It was a huge success! The adults all joined in too - even the Trefoil Guild ladies couldn't resist having a go at the Hula-hoop!There was a great deal of laughter throughout the afternoon!
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I'm currently North East England Rainbow Adviser and during our birthday year I challenged Rainbows to take part in 20 different activities and then have a special birthday party (another excuse for a party!) I know that many units within our county took part in this. Each rainbow received a badge for taking part, yet another badge for mum to sew on!
The most special thing about Rainbows is the little things they say to you:-
One Rainbow was looking at my badge tab, she noticed my North East England badge and asked “ Snowdrop are you a Queen?’ “ No, what made you ask that?” I asked. “Well you’re wearing a badge with a crown on” she replied.
One Rainbow asked if she could come and live with me. When I asked her about her mum, she said that her mum could come too!
When my daughter took her 8-week-old baby to Rainbows for the first time, they were all so excited and asked if he could be a Rainbow. We explained that boys could not join, but that Alfie would sometimes have to come if his Dad did not get home from work on time. One Rainbow suggested that he could borrow the uniform from our unit mascot - a big doll called Olivia! |
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Lesley Holdsworth
Rainbow Adviser
Girlguiding West Yorkshire West
(29.12.2008)