GIRLGUIDING CAYMAN ISLANDS INTEGRATED INTO UK STRUCTURE

From September this year, Girl Guiding in Cayman and other British Overseas Territories will be integrated into the structure of the Girlguiding North West England region and be governed by senior volunteers and staff in the region.

A statement from the organisation’s UK headquarters says: “Over the past year, we have been working with senior volunteers in the 9 overseas territories on a way forward for Girlguiding activities to continue. As a result, we have agreed that Girlguiding North West England’s board of trustees and management structure will provide support to, and oversight and assurance of, guiding organisations in British Overseas Territories, as with their other areas of responsibility.”

It also states that a dedicated resource within the Girlguiding North West England region, funded by the British Overseas Territories, has also been agreed.

There will be a transition period which will be completed by 1 September 2024.

“We are delighted that members in British Overseas Territories can continue as part of Girlguiding so girls can be themselves, feel at home, have fun and try new things – enjoying time with friends and encouraged by amazing volunteers. Thank you to our trustees, international commissioner, senior volunteers, commissioners, members and staff who worked to develop a way forward for members in British Overseas Territories to stay as part of Girlguiding.”

Girlguiding defines its purpose as helping girls and young women find their voice, build skills and confidence, inspire them to discover the best in themselves and empower them to make a positive difference in their community.

Guiding originally began in the Cayman Islands in the 1930s. The Cayman Islands Branch Association status known officially as “Girlguiding Cayman Islands” was granted in 1987. As of April 2020 Branch Associations form part of British Girlguiding Overseas.

Girlguiding Cayman Islands says it continues to be very active with Units on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. 

The global Guiding organisation was started in the early 1900s by British Army General Robert Baden-Powell as an offshoot of a scheme for training boys.

At the Scouts’ first rally in 1909, a group of girls demanded to be Scouts too. In 1910, Baden-Powell formed the Girl Guides. His sister Agnes was assigned to look after the new organisation. (Girlguiding Cayman Islands).

“The Girlguiding Programme offers exciting and adventurous activities, opportunities to develop new skills and to earn plenty of badges. The Programme includes six themes representing an area of development, offering balance, variety and well-rounded experience. The themes are: Know Myself, Express Myself, Have Adventures, Take Action, Be Well and Skills for Life.”

It says their values and shared commitment is to be caring and inclusive, challenging and fun, empowering and inspiring. The girls participate in fun activities and learn new practical skills; working in a team, leading, building confidence and contributing to the community.

“Supporting the community forms an important part of our Girlguiding Promise. We are often invited to take part in local calendar events, and we regularly take part in beach cleans ups, to ensure we do our part protecting the oceans.”