Girl Guides returns to the Surf Coast

YEARS after Girl Guides came to an end on the Surf Coast, the volunteer run group is making a comeback next month.

Starting on February 8, the Girl Guides will meet at the Tallawalla guide campsite, providing members with an outdoor experience during their monthly meeting.

Unit leader Sue Wilson is behind the re-introduction to the Surf Coast, recognising the hole the program left in the community.

“I’ve known it’s been there for a little while and I know that some of the girls have been going to Winchelsea and that’s a bit of a drive through our Surf Coast.

“I saw the need probably close to a year or two ago and have been working out how I could actually fit it into my life and decided this year was the year and I’m taking it on.”

The Girl Guides organisation is dedicated to empowering women and girls to discover their potential and become leaders, running for more than 110 years around Victoria.

Guides will complete a range of activities as part of the program including outdoor cooking, learning about fire, first aid, things to be aware of in the outdoors and more.

“The outdoors is a vehicle to help girls grow, discover their own potential and have a positive impact on themselves, the world around them and the environment,” Ms Wilson said.

“The girls choose their own program within the boundaries of the guide program, so they’ll have a lot of say in what they actually do.

“There’ll be a general outline and then filling the gaps, basically pad it out with the things that they’re interested in.”

Ms Wilson said one of the highlights about the program is allowing the guides to be able to grow at their own pace and take on the challenges they wish.

As the group starts up again, leaders are looking for some more women who can commit to volunteer roles on a regular or irregular basis.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to develop their skills, community connection and leadership.

For more information, head to guidesvic.org.au