Giving girls a chance to step up

Each week at Brownies the Patrol Leader's take turns running an organised game while I am talking to their parents. They do a great job but I was beginning to notice the same game (Ice cream) being played week after week after week.

So this term we implemented a new plan. Each Patrol would be in charge of organising a game for the beginning of the night on a rotational basis. The girls were to listen to each others suggestions and then 1 or 2 members of the Patrol would run the game. The hope was that we would have a variety of games being played as well as being a good chance for younger girls to lead while having the support of their Patrol Leader.

Well the first meeting of the term began and the chosen Patrol had only one member in attendance! I asked Miss 8 years if she had a game in mind and she did. "How do you feel about leading the game for everybody?" I asked her. "Sure" she replied and then walked into the storage cupboard. Seconds later she walked into the middle of the hall holding a pen and paper and raised her hand in the air.

"I need everybody to find a partner." she said "We're playing fruit salad."

I watched in amazement as she organised the group of girls some younger, some older than her into the ladder formation and dutifully recorded their team names. She did an amazing job, even more so that most of the girls weren't familiar with the game as I haven't played it with them in about 2 years!

Miss 8 years reminded me just how much teach girl has something to offer, no matter what her age. She just needs to be given the opportunity to shine! I can't wait to see the other girls take their turn as leader. And best of all, no more screams of "ICE CREAM!" each meeting.