For the first time in its 50 year history, Glenbrook Girl Guides doesn’t have a brownie unit and may fold altogether within the next two years unless it can attract new members.
The brownie unit for junior guides aged between five and 10-years-old was forced to close this year after all but one of its girls advanced to the senior level. The unit only needs nine new brownies to reopen.
District leader Susan Wakefield fears guiding in Glenbrook may cease altogether once the current crop of senior guides leaves.
“Even if we didn’t increase the brownies we would be going for at least another two years, but then we would have nobody coming along (to replace them) and that would just be a tragedy,” she said.
The closure of the unit has left the Glenbrook Guides perplexed, with no obvious reason for the lack of interest from local girls. Increased competition from other leisure activities, the opening up of the Scouts to girls, and outdated perceptions of Guides have all been suggested for the drop in numbers.
But Glenbrook’s last brownie has no doubt about the appeal of guiding.
“It’s fun and you learn a lot,” said nine-year-old Leila Abe.
Despite the setback, Glenbrook Guides are determined to reverse the drop in numbers.
“We do not intend to keep this junior guide unit closed, but are hopeful of reopening in the near future,” said Susan Wakefield.
“We are looking forward to our missing junior guides rejoining the fun with other interested girls.”
The unit will hold an information night for junior guides at their hall behind Glenbrook Bowling Club on June 30. For more information contact Susan on 4739-6087 or visit www.guidesnsw.org.au/