1st Writtle Zodiac Rangers was set up by 2 Guide leaders and 12 Guides who were keen to continue their Girlguiding journey. Their first meeting was on 9 January 1989 and 35 years later the unit is still going strong! They also now have a number of legacy members, being the daughters or nieces of the original 12. Zodiac Rangers received £60 worth of Girlguiding vouchers as part of our project to increase capacity and welcome new members in Guides and Rangers. Hear an update from their unit from guest author and unit leader, Josie.
Our favourite adventures
Across the years the unit has held local camps, residentials and day trips, as well as attending Jamborees, both locally and internationally, including when the world came to Writtle for the 2007 World Scout Jamboree. Girls and leaders have gone to Japan, Australia, Thailand, Switzerland, Austria, America and Gibraltar. We’ve also attended several Wellies & Wristbands at Foxlease and this summer we are heading two miles up the road to attend the Essex International Jamboree. We’ll join 7,500 other Scouts, Guides, Rangers, Explorers and leaders from across the world. Essex International Jamboree is held every four years and has been a firm fixture throughout the history of the unit. We’ve had girls attending, either as participants or staff, at every event since 1992.
Welcoming new members
As with all Ranger units, the numbers go up and down. But following a group of new members joining in the summer term, we are at the largest level ever with 23 members. We have also had a number of Guides visit the unit with a view to join in September. At that point we will also be saying farewell to some of our older members. They head off to universities or take a gap year to work and travel.
What makes us unique
The unit meets fortnightly and the girls plan their own meetings, which are usually a mix of the Girlguiding programme and other activities. We always have tea and hot chocolate along with a supply of biscuits. Standard fixtures in our programme are pancakes in February and a Christmas celebration. We also have more chilled evenings over the exam period with pamper nights or colouring in to give everyone a break from studying. At other times we cover more sensitive subjects such as the peer education sessions or the Coppafeel unit meeting activity. We have discussions around mental health and other health issues. Being an all-girl environment lends itself to these types of evenings, especially with the experiences across the age range, which means the discussions are varied and supportive.
Our wonderful welcome packs
When new girls join, we give them a welcome pack, which is a pink folder containing a Ranger pen and small notebook, a selection of the Ranger badges, including the trefoil and “Welcome to Rangers” badge, the programme record book, our unit guidelines, the “Starting Rangers” form and a copy of the latest programme. Our unit scarf colours are black and pink and the girls are given these when they get make their promise, which can be anywhere they choose! 10 girls made their promise on the ferris wheel at Wellies and Wristbands a couple of years ago. Other standout promise ceremonies were on a bungee run, on a bouncy castle, on the doorstep of No.10 Downing Street, on the London Eye, the top of the O2 and at the Big Gig and other local events.
We have an amazing group of girls at the moment. When asked why they enjoyed Rangers, they said
Zodiac Rangers is the best because of the strong friendships we have throughout the unit
and this is so true. As a past Ranger myself (who never left and became unit leader in 1999), I can honestly say that my closest friends are those I made through Rangers and Girlguiding. I am still in touch with many past members. I love to catch up if I see anyone out and about.
Thank you to Girlguiding Anglia for the vouchers, support and opportunities.
Josie Mullender
Unit Leader – Zodiac Rangers
If you’d like to create a welcome pack for your new Rangers, you could consider things like this:
- Ranger tote bag or folder from your local stationery provider
- Ranger Pen
- Ranger notebook (includes a pencil)
- Welcome to Rangers badge
- Woven trefoil badge
- Ranger handbook or Ranger record book
- Don’t forget to do a starter form and anything that is specific to your unit. This might include where to buy uniform, if you offer cheaper second hand uniform, your unit guidelines or the terms programme. Also include information about trips or events if you can still book on them.
For further gifts and resources for Rangers, take a look at Ranger products in our shop.
Click here for last month’s blog. This is 1 of 2 blogs from the uniformed youth fund project this month. Find blog 1 here. Click here for next month’s blog.
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Starting a new unit – a Girlguiding adventure!
This month, I want to dig deeper into what it’s like to open a new unit. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or a sparkly new recruit, there’s something exciting about this journey. If you like lots of guidance, flow diagrams and checklists for your adventures, take a look at our starting a new unit support pack. It’s full of helpful advice and useful links to help you navigate this adventure. If you want the shorter summary version, read on! Maybe you’re not sure this adventure is for you but let me tell you a story.
The Spark of Inspiration
Picture this: You’re sipping your favourite cuppa, maybe it’s a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a zesty herbal tea. Maybe you’re at a district meeting, looking at lengths of waiting lists or socialising with guiding friends. Someone suggests it would be a good idea to open a new unit. Maybe it’s Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, or Rangers—it will depend what the evidence is telling you. What are your next steps? How are you going to make this happen? Let’s break it down.
Step A: Build your team
Every great adventure needs a team, right? Gather your fellow leaders, parents, and enthusiastic volunteers. Imagine the brainstorming sessions: “What should our unit be called?” “Can we have a unicorn mascot?” (Spoiler: Yes, you totally can.) Remember, lots of hands make light work so find people who will be happy to do small, one off jobs. Things like handing out flyers, putting up posters, researching grants or finding the cheapest place to buy pens and paper!
Step B: Location, location, location
Where are you going to meet and how frequently? What times suit your age group and volunteers? Find your perfect venue using this checklist. Make sure it’s accessible, safe, and has enough space for giggles, crafts, and maybe a dance party or two.
Step C: Money, money, money
You’ll need a bank account for the new unit and this can take time to set up so start early! Unless you love spreadsheets like me, this step is probably less fun than the others but take time to think about your budget. How much will you set your unit fees at? Can you apply for grants or do some fundraising?
Step D: Awesome adventures and brilliant badges
Now comes the fun part: planning your activities! Think about badges, crafts, outdoor adventures, and those unforgettable campfire sing-alongs. Maybe you’ll teach the girls how to cook on a fire or explore constellations under a star-studded sky. When you open, you’ll be able to get the girls thoughts on activities and they can help plan and deliver them. For now, plan the basics, think about your risk assessment and what you’ll need to let the parents and carers know about in advance.
Step E: Spread the word
You’ve got your unit name, your meeting spot and a team. You’ve started to think about the finances, activities and the admin. Now, let’s shout it from the treetops (or just post it on social media). Create a buzz! Tell everyone you know—friends, neighbours, and that friendly barista who always spells your name wrong. Share the excitement and be prepared to respond to enquiries promptly.
Step F: And we’re off!
Just like that, your new unit is ready to fly! Don’t forget to take time to celebrate your success and watch the girls smiles and giggles. You made this happen!
From dream to reality
If you are ready to take this from dream to reality, Girlguiding Anglia offers a fantastic grant to kickstart your unit. It’s like finding a hidden treasure chest filled with glitter, badges, and maybe a magical unicorn horn (okay, fine, it’s actually practical stuff like badge books and 6 weeks rent). Check out the Anglia New Unit Grant on our website for all the details.
In Conclusion
Starting a new Girlguiding unit isn’t just about paperwork and logistics. It’s about creating a space where every girl can laugh, learn, and be herself. It’s about the thrill of doing something for the first time. It’s the buzz of getting a new badge. It’s coming home exhausted but full of stories, experiences and a healthy amount of glitter. Doesn’t that sound exciting!
Remember: You’re not alone. Build a great team, download our starting a new unit support pack and involve parents and carers. If you need more support, speak to your commissioner or email us on member.support@girlguiding-anglia.org.uk
Last month’s blog, July blog number 2, next month’s blog is coming in September.