Girl Guides is a youth development program for girls aged 5 to 17 in the Sutherland Shire. The program combines friendship, outdoor adventures, creative activities, practical skills, leadership and community involvement in a supportive, girl-only environment.
Girl Guides groups, known as Units, operate through local communities, with Guide facilities established in areas including Miranda, Caringbah, Bangor, Loftus and Grays Point. Families should confirm which Units are currently operating, their meeting days and available age groups before registering.
Most activities take place during regular meetings throughout the school term, with additional opportunities for camps, excursions, outdoor adventures and special events.
Girl Guides Australia is a youth organisation that encourages girls to develop confidence, independence, leadership and practical life skills through activities and shared experiences.
The Australian Guide Program is designed to be girl-led. This means girls are encouraged to contribute ideas, make decisions and help plan their own activities, with support from trained volunteer leaders.
Activities may include:
Activities vary according to the age, interests and abilities of the girls in each Unit.
Girl Guides welcomes girls from 5 to 17 years of age.
Unlike Scouts, which uses nationally defined age-based sections, Girl Guides organises girls into local Units that may cover different age ranges.
Units may include younger primary school children, older primary school children or teenagers, depending on local arrangements.
Younger Guides are introduced to Guiding through games, creative activities, friendship and simple challenges.
Activities encourage girls to try new things, work together, develop confidence and take part in age-appropriate outdoor experiences.
As girls develop their skills, they become more involved in planning activities, completing challenges and taking responsibility within their group.
Experiences may include camping, outdoor recreation, teamwork, creative projects and badge activities.
Older Guides can take on greater leadership responsibilities and participate in more advanced activities.
Opportunities may include camps, expeditions, community projects, personal development challenges and mentoring younger Guides.
These are general age descriptions rather than fixed membership divisions. Each local Unit determines the ages it accommodates.
Girl Guide facilities have been established in several Sutherland Shire suburbs, including:
These locations are identified in Sutherland Shire Council’s community venue records but do not necessarily represent currently operating Units or available places.
Families should use the official Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Unit Search to identify current local groups.
The search allows families to compare options by suburb, distance, age group and preferred meeting day.
Girl Guides generally meets during the school term, with activities organised by each local Unit.
Weekly meetings can include indoor games, craft, group challenges, outdoor skills, badge activities and planning for upcoming events.
Girl Guides also provides opportunities to participate in camps, bushwalks, excursions and other outdoor experiences.
Some activities take place during weekends or school holidays, depending on the Unit’s program.
Meeting days, times and the availability of particular activities vary between local Units.
Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT publishes a youth membership fee of $315 annually or $26.78 per month.
These are the published fees available at the time of writing. Families should confirm the current rate before registering.
Additional expenses may include:
Families should ask their preferred Unit about the full cost of participation and any available financial assistance.
Families can enquire about attending a trial before committing to membership.
To get started:
The organisation has previously advertised a two-week introductory trial. Families should confirm current trial arrangements when enquiring.
Girl Guides encourages girls to set goals, learn new skills and work towards personal achievements.
Through the Girl Recognition System, Guides can complete challenges and earn badges and awards across a variety of areas.
These can include:
Girls can work towards achievements individually or with their Unit.
As they gain experience, they are encouraged to contribute to decisions, lead activities and take increasing responsibility for their own learning.
Girl Guides places particular emphasis on helping girls develop confidence, independence and positive relationships.
The program provides opportunities to build friendships outside school, try unfamiliar activities and take part in challenges without the pressure of sporting competition.
Girls are encouraged to express their ideas, support one another and develop leadership skills in a girl-only environment.
Girl Guides offers Sutherland Shire girls an alternative to traditional organised sport, with opportunities to combine physical activity, creativity, friendship and personal development.
Families may choose Girl Guides because:
Girl Guides may suit girls who:
Use the listings below to explore Girl Guides options in the Sutherland Shire, then contact your preferred Unit for current meeting times, age groups, trial arrangements and membership information.
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