Who can be a Girl Guide?
Membership of Girl Guides Western Australia is open to girls from 5 to 17 years of age, and women 18 years and over. Each girl and adult member makes a promise which shows their commitment to the principles of Guiding and is her link with the 10 million other Guides worldwide. We welcome anyone who identifies as a girl or woman, no matter what faith, ability, background or race.
What do Girl Guides do?
At Girl Guides, girls and women have fantastic opportunities to develop new skills, try exciting activities, gain confidence to think and act for themselves, make new friends, acquire a greater respect for the environment and experience a sense of community. Girl Guides also presents opportunities to attend state, national and international camps and events.
Read more .
Why girls only?
Girl Guides provides a unique girl only space. International research has shown that boys and girls learn very differently. Girl Guides are encouraged by Leaders and peers to explore their personal boundaries, in a safe and secure atmosphere. This way, Girl Guides learn that girls can do anything. Guide Leaders consistently report a special feeling about Guide meetings. It’s an energy the girls generate because they want to be there and:
- have a direct say in what they do
- learn to plan, action, and evaluate their activities
- can discover what kind of person they are
- enjoy confidence with physical challenges
Find out more.
What is the program about?
Girl Guides provides a non-formal education program training in life skills, decision-making and leadership. The Australian Guide Program (AGP) promotes skills and leadership, making friends and enjoying the outdoors. Everything that Girl Guides do is related to the four elements of the AGP: people, practical, physical and self. It is delivered by trained volunteer Leaders who are committed to the Girl Guides Australia's mission statement: Empowering girls and young women to discover their potential as leaders of their world. Find out more.
Will we need to pay before she joins?
Guides offer you an obligation-free 2-week trial which enables you to participate in all activities and really experience Guiding before making the decision to join. Book yours here.
How can I find my local Guide Unit?
Our handy Unit Finder allows you to search for nearby Units and the days/times they meet. Try it here.
What does it cost?
Girl Guides is a non-profit organisation. There are basic costs of $220 yearly membership to Girl Guides Western Australia, and a small term fee paid directly to the Unit.
Is there a uniform?
Girl Guides wear a uniform - a polo shirt and BYO navy bottoms. We also have lots of hats, hoodies and fleeces to add to your uniform. For further details on options, prices and sizes, visit the Guide Shop Uniform page.
Are there camps?
Guides have opportunities to participate in activities outside the Unit meeting such as weekend camps, special events, outings and day trips, or even interstate and international camps. Some Units camp more than others. There are also central State events throughout the year.
How did Guides start?
Girl Guides started in WA in 1915 and today has over 2,600 members. It began with a public meeting in the Perth Town Hall, on 28 June 1915. Interested girls were invited to the home of Mrs Osborne Wilson in Angove St, North Perth. According to records, girls flocked to Mrs Wilson’s home and were found all over the house, tying knots with pieces of string and other Girl Guide activities. The first group commenced shortly after as 1st Swan Company. The girls were divided into three Patrols and for a while nine Jewish girls attended. This initial Company changed its name over time to 1st Perth Pioneer and 1st Perth. It is said that these first Girl Guides were very energetic and dedicated, and carried out many of their activities in Kings Park, including tracking and stalking. Since that time, there have been thousands and thousands of girls and women who are or were members of Girl Guides in Western Australia, part of the global association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Read more.
What happens at the meetings?
Most Girl Guides meet in a Local Hall or Community Centre, once a week during the school term for 1-2 hours, depending on the ages of the girls in the Unit. Units are structured so girls are with their own age group. Girl Guides plan their activities with help from their Leaders when they need it and according to their experience and ability, so their activities vary from week to week. Girl Guides can do anything – from helping to run community events to learning new skills which could include surfing, juggling and how to save a life! Girl Guides may also choose to work for Challenge badges and peak achievement awards in many skill and interest areas - for example, computers, crafts, camping and other outdoor and adventurous activities. Guides discover, decide, plan, participate and develop their program to suit their Unit with the guidance of an adult Leader. Guiding activities vary from week to week and ensure a positive Guiding motto that 'Guides can do anything". Within her Unit, the Guide will be a member of a Patrol (4-8 girls), where experiences are shared. Guiding is about being part of a team. Leadership development begins with the youngest Guides and develops as the girls mature. Read more.
Will my daughter be a Brownie or a Girl Guide?
All Guides are called Girl Guides now, no matter what age they are. We stopped using "Brownie Guide" in the 1990s.
Will she do badges?
Guides can earn awards within a Unit program, Unit outings and through their own personal accomplishments. These awards can include Unit and Region recognition as well as badges and certificates for: completing challenges, gaining new skills, fundraising, participation in activities and introducing a friend to Guiding. Some awards allow girls to set their own personal challenges, others require certain skill levels to be achieved and some awards are designed to be only achieved within a certain time and/or by a certain age group. Guides may choose to work for Challenge Badges and Achievement Awards in many areas. For example: computers, arts, drama, community and the outdoors. World and National Achievement Awards include - the Junior BP and BP Awards and the Queen’s Guide Award. More about the badge system.
What is the Guide Promise?
Girl Guides all make this promise:
I promise that I will do my best
To be true to myself and develop my beliefs
To serve my community and Australia
And live by the Guide Law
*The wording can be adapted if you follow a specific faith.
Is Guides religious?
No, Guides does not affiliate with any one religion or faith. We are diverse and inclusive. We encourage girls to be true to themselves and their beliefs, whether these are religious beliefs or personal values.
How can we join?
Visit the
Unit Finder page to apply for your two-week trial. If you can't find a Unit that suits your needs, please enquire anyway - we will help you find a suitable option.