Aspiring GirlGuides are sitting on waiting lists in Nelson, as the organisation struggles to recruit new leaders.
There are already 100 girls in local units and more waiting to join, according to GirlGuide New Zealand spokesperson, Mariana Jacinto.
“At this stage, these very full units are supported by parent help but realistically we need reliable, consistent support from official volunteer leaders.”
Mariana says they receive ongoing enquiries for girls wanting to join GirlGuides in Nelson, but they peak particularly at the beginning of each year.
“We have girls that are missing out, so we need all the volunteers we can get.”
Stoke mum Kelly Nicholls has been a leader in Nelson since 2013 and is urging others to give it a go.
“We really need more leaders. Guides in Nelson has been shrinking, but we’re steadily building and the more leaders we have, the more we can share the load.”
She says you don’t need to be a teacher or an expert at anything.
“It’s great to watch these girls blossom, challenge themselves and achieve their goals, especially the shy ones.”
Mariana says other benefits of being a leader include growing the skills employers want to see on CVs, making friends and connecting with your local community.
Women and men from 18-years-old can sign up to lead groups, starting at Pippins at five-years-old right up to Rangers at 17-years-old.
All training is provided and usually it requires two to four hours per week during school terms.
“Any new volunteers that come on board will be directly responsible for getting these girls off the sideline and into the fun,” says Mariana. “We don’t want to ask them to wait.”
