1st Southampton North Guides, part of the Girlguiding charity, could camp again this summer thanks to a £1,923 donation from the Barker-Mill Foundation.
The Southampton based charity, dedicated to building girls’ confidence and aspirations through guiding, has been able to take the girls to summer camp thanks to the donation.
The donation has funded new summer camp equipment as well as expanding their range of winter camping tools, allowing the team to continue their adventures well into the winter months.
The sessions are run entirely by volunteers and the girl-only group provides girls and young women in Southampton with the space to be themselves, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to their lives and communities, whilst simultaneously having fun and building long-lasting friendships.
Alexandra Babbage, one of the leaders of 1st Southampton North Guides spoke warmly about the donation. She said: “We’re really grateful for the funding, our camping equipment had had its day and it’s brilliant to be able to replace it and more.
“What is so brilliant about 1st Southampton North Guides and Girlguiding is we give girls the opportunity to be themselves. We won’t tell them an activity is ‘for boys’ – all girls in our group get the chance to choose what they do.
“Camp is a special experience for guides as it gives them a chance to try out new activities, develop skills and friendships away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. The camaraderie of camp can be felt in the unit for the rest of the year hence why we’re so pleased BMF were able to donate – it’s lovely to get the girls in the great outdoors working together!”
1st Southampton North Guides is one of the oldest units in the country dating back to 1917 with Girlguiding being established in 1909 thanks to many girls who refused to accept that scouting was ‘just for boys’.
Tim Jobling, BMF Trustee said: “It’s great to hear of the beneficial service the organisation provides to the girls and young women of Southampton. We hope they enjoy their trips out camping in the summer and the winter. We’re extremely pleased to have helped!”
If interested in joining Girlguiding either as a volunteer or as a girl member please visit: https:/www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/