Hundreds of girlguiding members in Hertfordshire renew promises

Three generations were involved in the virtual event to mark World Thinking Day on February 21.

The Girlguiding promise is a shared commitment for every member, from all faiths or none.

Each makes a promise to do her best: to be an active citizen of her community and the wider world, to help others, and to develop her spiritual side. This threefold promise is symbolised by the trefoil on a promise badge.

Members of girlguiding in south west Hertfordshire taking part in Thinking Day challenges

Building dens was the highlight of many virtual sleepovers during half-term – as girls took part in a new Girlguiding Hertfordshire Thinking Day Challenge badge. Activities included mindfulness and meditation, as well as making pasta trefoils, kindness paper chains, positive self-portraits and picture hugs or thank you cards for care workers.

Carole Robson, a leader of 45 years, who runs 9th & 17th Watford Brownies along with her daughter Suzanne and daughter-in-law Alison, said: "As a family we are delighted to enjoy Guiding together and have lots of fun. We are thrilled to see the third generation starting their Guiding journey in Rainbows and look forward to them following in our footsteps."

The Robson family

Ali Hampton, Girlguiding trustee and Rickmansworth & Chorleywood District Commissioner, renewed her promise with daughter Emily.

She said: "I'm the first to do Guiding in my family, having been a Brownie in the 70s. I became a leader so that Emily's Brownie unit didn't have to close, and I'm delighted that she is now doing her Leadership Qualification with 3rd Rickmansworth Brownies."

Ali and her daughter Emily

Sisters Violet, Ruby Sophie - Brownie, Guide and Young Leader from 8th Rickmansworth Brownie and Guide units

Anne Johns, assistant county commissioner and leader at 15th Watford Brownies, said: "My mum, 94, was a Guide and a Guide leader in Derbyshire. She kept her Guide whistle and passed it on to my oldest daughter when she achieved her Queen's Guide award. Both my daughters are Brownie leaders, did their training with me and still come on pack holidays with us. In fact, without them we wouldn't be able to go.

"The Brownies in my unit are currently completing the new Thinking Day challenge badge. We will be focusing on how we can improve the local environment and carrying out acts of kindness in the community."

Anne Johns

Thinking Day challenges

World Thinking Day is traditionally celebrated on February 22 every year. It was first celebrated in 1926 to mark the joint birthday of Lord and Lady Baden Powell, the founders of Scouting and Girlguiding, respectively.

It is a day of international friendship when members think of others from across the world.