Devon girl guiding volunteer shines on the red carpet
A Devon Brownie leader was treated like a true VIP at an exclusive Girlguiding celebration.
Sophie Hill, 32, who has earned a prestigious Queen’s Guide Award, was invited to join hundreds of fellow outstanding Girlguiding volunteers at the Girlguiding Celebrates event in London’s West End.
The fabulous annual party – now in its fourth year – recognised and thanked volunteers who have recently achieved a guiding award or have been nominated by other Girlguiding members and parents and carers for making incredible contributions.
The unforgettable afternoon saw attendees walk the red carpet before enjoying delicious treats, refreshments and spectacular entertainment.
Sophie, from Ivybridge, was delighted to be invited to attend the annual celebration.
“I’m very proud of earning my Queen’s Guide award so I was delighted to celebrate it at such a special event,” said Sophie, who is an assistant leader at 1st Ivybridge Brownies. “It was a chance to reflect on what I’ve achieved and recognise all the hard work I put into it.”
A member of Girlguiding since she joined as a six-year-old Rainbow 26 years ago; the organisation has been a source of constant support and friendship for Sophie, who is autistic, ever since.
“I would not be the person I am today without the influence of Girlguiding,” she said. ”Being neurodivergent meant school didn’t always feel like the most welcoming place. It can be difficult for any teenager, but especially when you feel different.
“In Girlguiding, you speak to people you might not normally speak to, and it doesn’t matter what friendship group you are in or what you are good at; everyone joins in. So for me, Girlguiding felt like home.
“It was there I built confidence, found my voice and learnt to be myself. Even now as a Brownie leader I’m still learning and growing, and have achieved more than I ever thought possible.”
Sophie also has dyspraxia, a condition that makes co-ordination and balance challenging for her.
“Outdoor pursuits are definitely not my strong point, but Girlguiding enabled me to go on lots of adventures,” she said. “I’ve been whitewater rafting, climbing, abseiling and I even travelled to Italy and Switzerland where we did lots of walking. I never would have dreamed of doing those kinds of activities on my own. At school, it was always focused on people with strong athletic ability, and I felt like there wasn’t a space for me in those activities.
With Girlguiding, it’s different. Everyone just gets stuck in. That’s what’s always been so special about it.”
A member of all of Girlguiding’s sections: Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers growing up; Sophie, who works in payroll, says becoming a leader was a natural decision for her.
“Because Girlguiding was so rewarding for me, it was a natural step to go into leadership,” she said. “I wanted to make sure other girls in my community have the same opportunities I had. Plus it meant I could continue to enjoy all the benefits of being a part of something bigger and of course keep having fun!”
Aimed at young women aged 16-30, the Queen’s Guide award is the highest award young women can work towards in Girlguiding.
It provides the opportunity to develop skills, give back to guiding and support local communities.
“I really wanted to earn something special as an adult member to represent what Girlguiding means to me and what it’s helped me to achieve,” said Sophie. “I always doubted whether the Queen’s Guide award was something I would be able to complete but, with lots of support, I surprised myself and I’m so proud that I gave it a go.“
To complete her Queen’s Guide award, Sophie undertook various new challenges including learning to play the cornet; taking over her Brownie unit’s accounts and helping to redevelop a regional Girlguiding badge.
The Girlguiding Celebrates event was held on Saturday, June 6 at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square.
Girlguiding is powered by over 80,000 inspiring volunteers who give their time and talents to create the best experience for girls. Girls thrive in Girlguiding. They’re on average 28% more confident than other girls in the UK, and 15% happier.1
Girlguiding volunteers make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of girls, however much time they can spare.
They also get to have lots of incredible experiences, develop new skills, and meet other like-minded people along the way.
To find out more about the flexible volunteering opportunities at Girlguiding, please visit girlguiding.org.uk
