First up, let’s hear from Ella…

“I love going to Brownies, I was in Rainbows before that. My leaders are just the best, they always have so much stuff for us to do! They help us to do fun badges and encourage us to be ourselves – this makes me more confident. For Volunteers’ Week this year I’ve written cards for my leaders to say thanks and let them know them how much fun they make Brownies for me and my friends!”

Here’s why Ella’s mother Caryn is grateful for Girlguiding:

“I signed Ella up for Rainbows when she started school and just thought it would be another avenue where she could make new friends, have fun, do new activities and earn badges. However, I soon realised that there’s so much more to guiding. Ella’s volunteers are amazing – they’re always smiling and eager to lend a helping hand to the girls with whatever they need.

At the height of the pandemic I was dealing with some health issues, I was quite ill, and one of Ella’s leaders reached out to provide our family with support, offering to help Ella with her at home badge work. The kindness they showed was really touching and it won’t ever be forgotten.

The volunteers at Ella’s unit make sure the girls all have a happy place to go, play games and learn new skills – they’re absolute diamonds for giving up their time for girls so selflessly. They’ve played a huge part in Ella and her friends’ development and continue to do so.”

Celebrate Volunteers’ Week

We can’t thank our volunteers enough for everything they do to make the world a more equal and fun place for girls and young women. Whether you’re a parent yourself, keen to give your daughter’s leaders a shout-out, or you’re a volunteer looking to thank your team for their hard work, here’s some ways you can show your appreciation. Or you can give them a shout-out on social media – don’t forget to tag us @Girlguidingscot using #VolunteersWeekScot.