A fairly new Guide Guider recently
complained to me that she wished there was still a Guider handbook, pertinent
to Guides, like the ones for Sparks and Brownies. This made me reflect on the
old “Guider Handbook” that GGC used to publish, filled with practically
everything you needed to know to lead any age group in the organization. It was
filled with tips, samples, how-tos, routines, resources and background
material. I always found it a fascinating read, and not only got each one that
came out, but read them cover to cover, regardless of the branch I was
currently Guiding. I think this gave me a good picture of the whole movement,
inspired and boosted my enthusiasm, and helped me plan activities that were not
only pertinent to “my” current branch, but that would be stepping stones to the
next branch. I was rewarded with full units, and girls who continued on through
the branches with skills that stood them well. I am sure there was a very good
reason GGC decided to discontinue the all-round Guider Handbook, but I do
believe it left a hole. Enough time has passed now that current Guiders may not
even realize there IS a hole. Is that good or bad? Just progress? I don’t know,
but my young friend’s complaint has inspired me to offer some “classic” Guiding
tips and tools. Take what you want and ignore the rest!
Unit Meeting Templates
I am a fan of not reinventing the wheel
each week and so I use templates to plan meetings, fill in the pertinent
activities, and flex the plan as needed, on the fly. Here are a few of the templates I use:
- Spark weekly meeting template
- Brownie weekly meeting template
- Guide weekly meeting template
- Pathfinder weekly meeting template
There is no Ranger weekly meeting template
here, simply because I have never had a Ranger Unit that met weekly, nor that
held meetings with a pattern. By this age, the Rangers plan their own meetings
and activities, and I have been a resource and adviser only.
Please keep in mind that templates are
tools – starting places for plans, subject to change as needed and wanted. It
is often easier to plan with a framework to put things into, to inspire, and to
build on, than to start with a blank piece of paper! In today’s world where
people are busier than ever, it is hard to find the time to have productive
planning meetings, so templates via email, facebook, etc. become even more
valuable tools to start the planning conversation. Take them, use them, change
them and made them your own, working FOR you. Your programs will be richer and
your workload lighter!
North Owl
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