Girlguiding - Rainbows, Brownies & Guides

meganandben

Thanks to everyone for your advice re. rainbows uniform. I have spoken to the leader, but the problem is that all the other girls have the full uniform - hoodie, top, trousers, hats. Some don't have the bag, but most do. There are none available 2nd hand from our unit that the leader knows about. Although I like the look of the uniform, I do think that it could be prohibitively expensive for some parents and that many girls will feel 2nd class if they don't wear the 'proper' clothes to the meetings. For an organisation that prides itself for being inclusive, I think that this is an issue. I think it that is a shame as everything else about girl guiding is fantastic - the commitment and dedication of the leaders is inspiring.

kingfisherblue

meganandben wrote: »

Thanks to everyone for your advice re. rainbows uniform. I have spoken to the leader, but the problem is that all the other girls have the full uniform - hoodie, top, trousers, hats. Some don't have the bag, but most do. There are none available 2nd hand from our unit that the leader knows about. Although I like the look of the uniform, I do think that it could be prohibitively expensive for some parents and that many girls will feel 2nd class if they don't wear the 'proper' clothes to the meetings. For an organisation that prides itself for being inclusive, I think that this is an issue. I think it that is a shame as everything else about girl guiding is fantastic - the commitment and dedication of the leaders is inspiring.

I'm sorry that you have come across this problem. I would suggest that you start with the polo shirt and just add items as you can afford them, if you want to. If your daughter receives any money for Christmas, you could possibly use some to pay for parts of the uniform that you don't have.

I know that parents are reluctant for their child to be different, or the only one without full uniform when others have it, but unless someone goes without full uniform, everyone else will continue to follow.

If I was the leader concerned, I would make sure that the girls without full uniform didn't feel second class - after all, it isn't about the clothes that you wear, its about the person you are. Having parents who buy everything doesn't make a girl (or their parents!) better than others.

If money is a particular problem, ask about any grants for the area. They are only likely to help towards or pay for a polo shirt and possibly trousers though.

Maybe you and a couple of other like-minded parents could send your girls in just a polo shirt to start with, and then decide whether to buy more uniform later? That way, your daughter won't be the only Rainbow without full uniform, and also, you might find other parents are actually relieved that they don't really need everything.

dizsiebubba

meganandben wrote: »

My only issue is the cost of the uniform. It used to cost about £7 for a rainbows' tabard. Now it's nearly £50 for the uniform. I know there are grants available for those who cannot afford it, but even coming from a family with a reasonable income, £50 is a lot of money.

I see exactly where you are coming from – I too think it can be expensive and I’m a leader not a parent! There are a few things you can do though to keep the costs down:
1) Ebay and Amazon sell new unworn uniform for less than in shops.
2) Ebay, Bootfairs, Charity Shops & Other parents may be selling uniform second-hand but good quality for a fraction of the cost.
3) Ask at the unit if they have secondhand good quality bits you can buy back from them.
4) Ask on freecycle if anybody has any to give away for free.
5) Buy your own red leggings from primark/asda etc. to keep the cost of those down.
6) Ask the leaders if there is a local depot – they often discount 10% on the uniform.

kingfisherblue wrote: »

In addition, we encourage the parents to buy only after their daughter has settled in and they are sure that she is going to stay. If you get a top that is a bit bigger, it can last the full two years that girls are in Rainbows (if you don't tumble dry - a sure way to shrink!)….These prices are for uniform from Girlguiding UK. Other suppliers can charge what they want, and I know in my area that you can add an average of £2 per item when you buy elsewhere….I also suggest that uniform is bought, where possible, either second hand or for birthday/Christmas presents. We have a small amount of second hand uniform for sale in our units and offer that first.

Very good advice here!

myalphabetgirls wrote: »

To the poster about cost of rainbow items - do check your local buy,sell, swap site on facebook. Ours locally has rainbows/brownie items regularly.

Again – this is a great idea!

Looby_-_Lou wrote: »

My dd has just made her Brownie Promise - very proud parents here.
Please can I have some clues as to where I should sew the badges on her sash?
Thank you
L-L

On the front page there is a FAQ section and a link to a good diagram on the Surrey East website – you can find it here : www.girlguidingsurreyeast.org.uk/u-brsash.html

dizsiebubba

Also - just a reminder of the last tip on the FAQs...

Aarggh - I'm not sure I can afford all of this...
Girlguiding is an inclusive organisation. If you really cannot afford it, speak to the unit leader who will be happy to assist. Money can be found from unit/district/county etc or from small grants like the Girlguiding Friendship Fund or the Centenary Fund to go towards the cost of subs, census, uniform or trips for those who really need the help.

jetfighter

Some of our Rainbows wear long-sleeved stripy "rainbow-coloured" tops under their polo shirts to stay warm, which actually look really cool. This is an alternative to the hoodies for cooler weather. Not official uniform but we're not fussy!

A lot of ours also wear red jeans, red leggings or red jogging bottoms. We don't enforce a strict uniform policy, though I know some units do... we only really tend to insist on the polo shirt, as most parents can afford that.

It doesn't have to be expensive.

mrbrightside842

I've recently started my training to be a Rainbow Unit Leader, and have also been put in charge of raising money as we're pretty desperate at the moment to get our hut brought up to standards. Would anyone know of any grants or things along those lines that we can look at applying for?

dizsiebubba

The lottery fund were good to us, also local wait rose and local council x

Rachaelw8

Hi,
I run a Brownie unit and one of my leaders has asked if there is a specific Fuel allowance we pay for milage (eg 35p/mile).
Is there a standard? I can't find anything on GO!?
Thanks

dizsiebubba

Hi Rachael,

I am a DC and Unit GiC and as far as I know, there isn't a set rate recommended by Girlguiding so we use the mileage allowance recommended by HMRC for Volunteer Mileage

Last year it was 40p but this year it is 45p and can be found at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/mileage/volunteer-drivers.htm


Hope that helps!

ETA - Your county may have its own rules so please give your county comm a call if you are unsure

slbhill

Rachaelw8 wrote: »

Hi,
I run a Brownie unit and one of my leaders has asked if there is a specific Fuel allowance we pay for milage (eg 35p/mile).
Is there a standard? I can't find anything on GO!?
Thanks

dizsiebubba wrote: »

ETA - Your county may have its own rules so please give your county comm a call if you are unsure

I would second that - best to check with county if you can. I claim the same rate as Scottish (40p/mile last I checked), and then donate it back to the unit. That way it is correctly accounted for as a donation :A ... and we can claim gift aid on it .