LeadersHandbook

Historically, the Guides section and Brownie Guide section each had their own handbook and Interest Badge book.

The Australian Guide Program was introduced by Guides Australia in 1995 as a non-formal education program to engage girls in fun and energetic activities, while encouraging each individual to develop a range of skills to assist in daily life. At this point, the existing handbooks were phased out and the badge syllabus was no longer applicable.

A national review of the AGP identified that Leaders and youth members wanted the return of handbooks.  Girl Guides Australia and the various state organisations collaborated to deliver a result to meet this recommendation.  The project was led by Ballarat’s Karen Chatto, National Program Manager of GGA.

The result was a series of books released in 2013 for youth, adults and families to learn about Guiding. The Youth Handbooks are progressive with skill-sets to develop as the Guide herself develops. They provide a record of each Guide’s experiences as she writes her plans, ideas and reflections, and they work alongside the Australian Guide Program (AGP).

It is exciting that each book cover features a Guides or Leaders from Ballarat.

The handbooks contain fun ideas, activities, resources and badge challenges. They are designed into each developmental age group:

  • 5-7 year olds
  • 7-9 year olds
  • 9–12 year olds
  • 12–14 year olds
  • 14–17 year olds

To complement the handbooks, 10 Discover-a-Challenge badges were created; each addressing a set of traditional skills and knowledge appropriate for each age level.

Each clause is based on one of the four elements of the AGP:

  • Physical
  • Practical
  • People
  • Self

The badges named after Australian gemstones: Turquoise, Topaz, Amethyst, Garnet, Agate, Zircon, Jade, Sapphire, Diamond, and Black Opal.

Doughnut Challenge Badge

Doughnut Activities

PhotomontageBallarat

Girl Guide Badges

Pasta Mug Ingredients

Guide Cooking

LucilleBall

Guiding Alumni

Region Map 2018 Central Highlands

History of Girl Guides

Thinking Day 2016 Ballarat

Songs

Girl Guides Australia have a set of printed books with the syllabus for each badge. These can be purchased from the Guide Shop in your state.