Alison Harris

When I saw an advert in the local paper requesting help with a Guide unit, it seemed a natural choice to help give other girls the same experiences I had. That was 15 years ago, and since that time I have been continually volunteering with Girl Guiding UK. In the past two years that involvement has significantly increased with me starting a new Brownie unit, taking over a failing Guide unit and appointed Division Outdoor Advisor. Every Monday night I run Brownie and Guide meetings. I have also organised a campaign to recruit new leaders through using word of mouth, appeals in local papers and my work and Guiding network. As a result I have found and recruited seven new adult leaders, who are all now newly volunteering for the Guides.

I also get personal satisfaction in seeing the Guiding journey of young girls starting in Brownies, growing up to be young ladies of 14 as they leave Guides. I can't ever imagine not being involved with the Guiding movement and hope my enthusiasm and love for what I do have come through in my application. Some of the strongest memories of my childhood are my adventures and activities I was lucky enough to experience in the seven years I was a Brownie and a Guide. I learnt first aid, outdoor cooking and life skills such as map reading, and encouraged my love of outdoors and camping. Many of the things I learnt and experienced have stood in my good stead as I grew up, went away to university and got my first job.