General News
9 May, 2025
Adventure ahead for Girl Guides
Maryborough Girl Guides has launched Adventure Guides, a new outdoor youth program designed to help participants break out of their usual routine.
Maryborough Girl Guides has recently launched Adventure Guides, a new way for members to explore, connect and challenge themselves.
Exclusive to girls aged 14 to 17, the Adventure Guides is a new outdoor youth program based in Maryborough designed to help participants break out of their usual routine.
District manager of Central Goldfields Girl Guides Victoria Belinda Pritchard said the program hosts exciting and challenging outdoor experiences throughout the year.
“We are really excited about the new model. This is different because we are targeting just girls who are 14 and older,” she said.
“Experiences in the outdoors bring so many benefits to our well-being. The more opportunities we can provide for young people to get out there and have a crack, the better, and that is what we are aiming to do.”
With weekend excursions held every four to six weeks, girls can sign up for the adventures that interest them most.
The activities within the program range from rock climbing, survival skill days and camps throughout Victoria.
“There is also a snow camp in August at Mount Baw Baw, a mountain biking day and a water activity day. These are really popular so places are limited,” Ms Pritchard said.
She also said with this year’s new membership structure, the events are no longer only open to Girl Guides members.
“Girls can pay a registration fee for the year, and come to any of the one-off weekend events, but not the weekly events, so it is more flexible,” she said.
“Just by signing up for an annual registration, they can come to any activities throughout the year, and any activities advertised on the Girl Guides website.”
Ms Pritchard said this new model accommodates the busy schedule of high school students, and eliminates weekly commitments.
“We acknowledge in that age group, girls are busy. There is a lot of homework, they are working, hanging out with friends, and there is a lot of pressure on them,” she said.
“So we are giving them the opportunity to connect with other girls their age and extend themselves, without the commitment of weekly meetings.”
Ms Pritchard said these activities are within a non competitive environment and are a way to build their leadership and team work skills.
“We have a strong membership here in Maryborough, but we also acknowledge that girl’s lives are a lot different to what they used to be, they have a lot of challenges, pressures and time commitment,” she said.
“This program offers girls a chance to explore the outdoors in fun new ways, gain confidence, practical life skills and to connect with likeminded peers.”
Upcoming adventures with Maryborough Girl Guides include rock climbing and abseiling at Mount Macedon on Sunday, May 11 and their next survival skills day on Sunday, June 1.