What is Guiding? He whakamārama

GirlGuiding NZ is all about preparing girls for making the most of life ahead. Our aim is to help girls develop skills, knowledge, values and a sense of adventure through an experiential learning ‘hands on’ programme that’s designed to be relevant to the interests of today’s girls. We provide a fun, safe environment where girls are encouraged to be themselves, where they can discover their potential, develop an awareness of others and where their ambition is nurtured.

We provide a wide range of activities - challenging outdoor programmes, international travel opportunities, community involvement projects, chances to learn new skills and develop the skills you already have, leadership training, opportunities to have your say and more.

There is fun and enjoyment in everything we do:

We are competing with TV, internet, texting and other fads, so we have to work harder to keep our girls engaged.

• Adventure and excitement through all our activities - in the face of push-button entertainment and the obesity epidemic parents are looking for structured activities to encourage their children in physical activity. You can expect that your daughter’s experience of physical activity will be diverse, interactive and adventurous, but always safe.
• We have a safe and supportive environment, where girls can express themselves without undue pressure from boys, peers and the media. Girls and young women are increasingly exposed to an array of conflicting societal pressures - body image, peer behaviour, sexuality etc. We can provide a ‘safe haven’ for self expression and life education.
• Empowerment from female role models and leadership
• We have a can-do / just get on with it kiwi attitude
• We’re relaxed and flexible, no matter what level of ability, we take it at your own pace.  Busy lives mean it is harder to form friendships, parents and young people are looking for a safe environment that offers easy participation and acceptance.
• We are challenging in all areas of experience
• We have compassion and understanding for other people and communities, locally and globally - we are non competitive and flexible.
• We operated within a values-based framework. New Zealand is a multi-cultural society with a diverse range of faiths and levels of religious participation. Many New Zealanders are looking for places for their children to have values-based experiences not offered by the mass media or parts of the education system.

Why girls only?

Our name GirlGuiding New Zealand proudly puts the girl into visible focus. We are often asked to justify why we are a ‘girls only’ organization. At Guiding:

• girls experience a safe environment where they can identify and connect with positive women role models.
• develop the confidence to express themselves in their own way and to use their voices, not just for themselves, but for others.
• have the opportunity to learn skills and to try activities that are not limited by gender stereotypes, as well as being able to be themselves and to experience what girls can achieve together.
• Girls have a connection with over 10 million girls worldwide who have the same hopes and aspirations.

The word ‘Guiding’ portrays relevance, action and enthusiasm.

GirlGuiding’s values

 As an organization we commit to:

• Valuing and empowering girls
• Honesty and reliability
• A culture of friendliness and fun
• Connecting and working cooperatively with others and the community
• Responsible and accountable behaviour
• Respect and service to others
• Wise use of resources
• Accepting and providing challenges and learning from them
• Caring for the environment
• Cultural inclusiveness and understanding our global connections
  

Statement of purpose

We enable girls and young women to reach their full potential and make a difference in the world.

Promise & Law

Enrolment at Girl Guides is a special time. Once girls have confirmed the Promise and law they are ready to be enrolled as a member of Guides New Zealand. Girls often invite family and friend to witness this special occasion. To read the Promise and law click here.