Guide groups face closure

SEASON'S GREETING: End of year festivities for the local guiding group, but will it also be the end of an era?

As Pippin, Brownie and Guide groups around Taranaki enjoy a range of end of year activities, recruitment co-ordinator for GirlGuiding New Zealand, Rose O'Connor says she is worried they will soon face a final wrap-up.

"Numbers for girls joining in Stratford have been dropping steadily. Currently we have just four Pippins enrolled, for example."

Rose says with just a few volunteer leaders, the groups are struggling, and this situation is about to get worse.

"We have one leader resigning at the end of this year, and so far we have had no-one come forward to replace her. If we don't get someone soon, we face closing one of the groups."

The other leaders are doing an amazing job, says Rose.

"But they can't do everything. We need some new, passionate volunteers to help them out."

She says no particular skills or background are needed to be a volunteer.

"Rather we need people from a range of backgrounds and skills to give the girls a quality Guiding experience."

Leaders are provided with full training, as well as their uniform, says Rose.

"Plus they get plenty of support from other leaders. They aren't on their own."

People lead busy lives, says Rose.

"So we understand why we are struggling to get people to help, but if this doesn't change soon, I fear Guiding in Stratford will be a thing of the past." This would be a real shame, she says.

"Guiding offers girls a space to learn about themselves, learn new skills and make long-lasting friendships. They learn the importance of giving back to their community and get to go on lots of adventures too."

Visit the website for more information - www.girlguidingnz.org.nz or call Rose for more details on 0800 663 466, or email rose.o'connor@girlguidingnz.org.nz