In Girl Guides, adult volunteers look after units of Girl Guides youth members and provide them with the Australian Guide Program. The volunteers can either be trained Guide Unit Leaders, or Unit Helpers. Some units have a mix of ages but typically Girl Guide units are age grouped (5-7 years, 7-10 years, 11-14, 14-17 years). In most units, two or three Leaders look after 10-20 girls; sometimes there is one Leader and another adult who may be a trainee leader, or a Unit helper. During a meeting, there are usually games, a craft or skill development activity, and discussions, planning, or badge presentations. It is non-formal education, so there are not structured lessons, but each activity will involve learning and skill development in a fun way. Units meet weekly during school terms in the afternoon and evening after school has finished. Units also go camping and have special activities on some weekends or holidays. Unit Leaders don't have to like camping, or be good at it, or even go on camps, though many of us do, and find them very enjoyable.

In Carlton we have a unit for girls aged 5-14 years that meets on Wednesday evenings (6-7:30 PM). We are looking new volunteers to train as Unit Leaders in 2023 and our plan is to split the unit into two groups for older and younger girls, to allow us to better match activities to the ages and interests of the girls.  So you can start with our current unit and then have a choice of which age group you would like to continue with in the future - or work with both groups!

This work would suit women with a sense of humour who like being with people, and who are interested in mentoring girls. You don't have to know lots of games or craft or other skills: just be willing to join in.

No previous experience of girl guides is necessary, as comprehensive training and resources are provided.

We are looking for a commitment for at least 12 months, and hopefully you will find being a girl guides leader so much fun you will want to continue longer!