Brownie Programme Update Tips and hints at using the new Brownie programme Created by Diane Card April 2014 The new Brownie resources are now available and will be in use from September 2014 The structure of the programme itself hasn't changed and the Brownies still develop in three areas: You, Community and World. Community You A Brownie develops her: • understanding and awareness of herself • relationships with family and friends • skills and achievements • confidence and personality • beliefs, morals and values • self-esteem and self-worth. World A Brownie develops her: • understanding and awareness of the communities in which she lives • level of practical action in those communities • knowledge of how she can contribute to her communities • understanding and awareness of her relationships with people in her communities • enthusiasm to use her skills to contribute to her communities and to improve relationships. A Brownie develops her: • understanding and awareness of the world in which she lives • knowledge of and interest in the world • knowledge and understanding of World Guiding • enthusiasm to use her skills locally for the benefit of the wider world • understanding of how she can improve her world. The 3 programme areas New Resources Brownie Adventures This book replaces the Brownie Adventure and Brownies Adventure On books so that all the information and guidance a girl needs during her time in Brownies is provided in one resource. It is designed to be used principally in the meeting place, and as a ‘handbook’ of information about Brownies. It will also provide a clearer picture for parents and Leaders to understand what a Brownie’s experience should be like. Brownie Adventures has an easy-to-use structure. We hope that making it more user-friendly for the girls. The new book has three sections The new book has three sections: • • • Adventure (guideline age group 7 to 8) Adventure on (guideline age group 8 to 9) More adventures (guideline age group 9 to 10). Each section has specific clauses for the Brownies to complete to earn a badge Badges Each section features a badge for Brownies to work towards, similar to the current Adventure badges. The syllabus for each badge is clearly explained and there is space for Brownies to record their progress when working towards it. Each section has activity suggestions linked to You, Community and World that Brownies can use to complete the various badge clauses. The Brownies and Leaders are free to choose other appropriate activities to meet clauses. The three badges – Adventure, Adventure on and More adventures – have been designed so that a girl may achieve a badge over a year of taking part in a balanced and varied Brownie programme that employs all the Five Essentials. Becoming a Brownie Becoming a Brownie remains as a resource for new girls joining Brownies. It is fairly similar to the current book with just minor updates to ensure it complements the new Brownie Adventures book . It still contains the Promise and the Brownie story, and provides new girls with a simple introduction to Brownies. Brownie Badge Book The Brownie Badge Book has been redesigned but the content remains the same, with only minor updates to some badge syllabuses. Please note that the badge syllabuses are constantly reviewed and updated regardless to ensure they are always relevant and appropriate for the girls. The latest version of the Badge Book and the Brownie website www.girlguiding.org.uk/brownies/badges will always have the most up-to-date syllabuses. Brownie Adventures Bag The Brownie Promise Box has been replaced by a Brownie Adventures bag. This sling bag has been designed to match the revised resources. The Badges • Each section on the book has several clauses the Brownies need to complete to earn their badge • The Brownies do not need to complete the clauses in any particular order. • As the Brownie completes each clause she should record what she has done on the record page at the beginning of the each section. • Leaders may also want to maintain their own record of the Brownie’s progress. Adventure • • • • • • • • • I found out about the Promise and had a Promise Celebration. I did my best to keep my Promise I did at least one interest badge I went on an adventure away from our meeting place I did an activity with girls from another unit I took part in a Pow-wow to help decide what happens at Brownies I took part in three You activities I took part in three Community activities I took part in three World activities Adventure on • • • • • • • • I did my best to keep my Promise I did at least one new interest badge I went on an adventure away from our meeting place and helped decide what we did I did an activity with girls from another section I put forward ideas in a Pow-Wow to help decide what happens at Brownies I took part in three new You activities I took part in three new Community activities I took part in three new World activities More Adventures • • • • • • • • I did my best to keep my Promise, and helped a new Brownie understand it too I did at least one interest badge where I learned something new I went on an adventure away from our meeting place and helped other Brownies while I was there I did Brownies Go For It! I helped plan an activity at Brownies I took part in three new You activities I took part in three new Community activities I took part in three new World activities Some FAQ’s Question Can a Brownie move on to the next badge without completing the previous badge? Answer • Yes, but girls should be encouraged and supported to complete each badge. Question - Can my whole unit do the same activity from the book? Answer • The activities within the book have been designed to be undertaken by an individual, by Sixes or other small groups, or by the whole unit. • All Brownies can join in the activities even if some may not record it towards a badge if they are doing the activity just for fun. • The activities can be adapted to suit all abilities and count towards all badges. Question What about girls who are part way through the current Adventure or Adventure on badges? Answer • Girls may continue with the current syllabus, or can start the appropriate new syllabus, using activities from the new or old books. Question Do Brownies need to complete the badge clauses in a certain order? Answer No, the clauses can be completed in any order and there may be occasions where two clauses are completed during one activity, for example an interest badge might be gained during an adventure day with other Brownies. Useful areas on the Girlguiding Website Additional Leaders information • http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/pdf/Brownie_Programme_Update.pdf 5 facts about the brownie adventure • http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/members_area__go/whats_happening/new s_stories/5_facts_about_brownie_adve.aspx If you need additional help or information or would like to have a Skype training session on the new resources please get in touch Diane Card – BGIFC Brownie Adviser bgifcbrownies@gmail.com