I firmly believe it takes a village (or community) to raise a child. For this reason, last year I looked into my girls (Miss Six and Miss Eight) joining a club that taught life skills; resilience, friendships, perseverance and independence.
After much research (thanks Google!) and talking with other parents at school, we decided we would give
Girl Guides a shot.

It's Girl Guide Biscuit Time!
We were told we could try it for 3 nights/sessions before the girls had to make a commitment to join. Once my girls decided they liked it, the leader organised a small ceremony/ celebration where they had to make a promise and learn what it means to be a Girl Guide.
Now into our second year and second unit (we moved house last year and changed to a closer unit), my girls are thoroughly enjoying the many projects they have completed in order to earn badges.

Girl Guides earn badges through the completion of projects.
So far my girls have received an Anzac badge, Clean Up Australia Day badge, a computer badge, a service badge, and my eldest is working on her Pet badge where she has to take care of our foster cat (we foster through RSPCA Wacol) by feeding it daily and changing the kitty litter. As a busy full-time working Mum, I think it's fantastic that she's helping out as it's one less job I need to take care of and Miss Eight is starting to understand about responsibility.

Girl Guides Mt Gravatt
During their weekly meetings, the girls get to participate in lots of fun craft activities and learn about bush survival skills. Recently they've helped with cooking, science experiments, clay modelling and flower making with fondant. Each week it's something different. I personally love coming to pick them up at the end of the session and hearing the excitement in their voices as they explain what they've made.

There are Girl Guide programmes run all over Australia.
If you're local to Mt Gravatt and think your daughter would like to give it a try, group meetings (fun get-togethers) are held every
Monday from 5:00 - 6:30pm at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds (Girl Guide Hut - Broadwater Rd entrance) for girls aged 6-10 years and Tuesday nights from 6:00 - 8:00pm for girls aged 10-15 years.
Do you need updated family photos?
For more information on Mt Gravatt Girl Guides, email Guide Leader Carol kandcrd@ozemail.com
If you would like to locate a Girl Guide program that is closer to you, head over to the Queensland Girl Guides website.