On This Day: A Lifetime in Guiding
Cherie Brown
On this day back in 1980, I was enrolled as a Girl Guide during a candle-lit ceremony in a local church hall. The first time I made the Guide Promise. I wore a blue, zip-up pinafore with a light blue, long-sleeved shirt, and recited the old Guide Promise that referenced the ten-part Guide Law. It feels like a lifetime ago.
Forty-five years of continuous Guiding – less one month following the birth of my daughter, who was destined to progress through the Guiding system and become a Queen’s Guide.
It’s been a busy and productive period of service to Guiding. I took some time today to reflect on what I think I accomplished as a volunteer:
- After several years attending weekly Guide meetings, I started my volunteer journey as a Pack Guide at a local Brownie Unit — and I just never left. From there, I completed the Junior Leader Program and went on to train as an adult Leader.
- Whilst studying Information Systems at university, I built a database system to support District Leaders in managing adult Leaders. I later developed a custom software system to manage Guide units, covering membership records, attendance tracking, badge progress, and finances. This was used by many Guide groups across Australia.
- I often combined technology and communication. I created printed PR resources, published articles in newspapers, and promoted Guiding in school newsletters and via letterbox drops. My proudest accomplishment is the Girl Guides Ballarat website that I built in 1990 and managed until this year (35 years). I also maintained the organisation’s Facebook page for 10 years.
- I prepared promotional materials and assisted with administrative tasks during the Fantastic Jamboree in Tasmania. The year leading up to the event was filled with fundraising BBQs to help to raise the funds needed to get 27 girls to the Jamboree — a huge effort, but one that resulted in unforgettable experiences for those involved.
- I also created and managed the website for the Kani-Kurrung Jamboree held in Ballarat, visiting the camp site each night after work. And of course, helping with setting up the tents and packing them away at the end of the camp.
- I organised two separate contingents of Japanese Scouts (Guides), coordinating activities and billeting to ensure a meaningful and welcoming cultural exchange.
- During the 2020 lockdown, I became a founding member of the local Trefoil group, initially meeting via Zoom.
This was all at the same time as running an active Junior Guide unit, helping at District and Region events, volunteering with other organisations, full-time work commitments, and raising a family.
After reflecting on all of this, I think I will present myself with the Adulting is a Challenge That Deserves a Badge badge.
