Brownies mark 100th birthday with cosmic quest

More than 850 Brownies, including packs from Worthing, Ferring, Goring, Northbrook, Durrington, Lancing, Sompting, Shoreham, Southwick Littlehampton, Arundel, Wick, Yapton, Angmering, Rustington and East Preston gathered at Brinsbury College to mark The Big Brownie Birthday with a space-themed spectacular.

The all-girl celebration on Saturday, June 21, saw the young stargazers travel through three time zones in the hunt for missing stars - taking part in challenges and enjoying new and exciting adventures en route.

The star quest story began with a trip to the past to learn more about the 100-year history of the Brownies and activities included brass rubbing, handbells and making peppermint creams.

In the afternoon, girls chose activity sessions based in the present day, such as a silent disco, a bouncy assault course and playing African drums.

Finally they journeyed to the future, where they could abseil, draw on an interactive graffiti wall and take part in science experiments, before ending the day by releasing their collected stars back into orbit with the help of the star commander.

“Star quest was a fun day, but abseiling was our favourite activity,” said sisters Francesca and Olivia Martin aged ten and seven.

“We also learnt how to play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on a harp. There were so many great things to do, it was hard to choose what to do next.”

Event Organiser Amanda Teasel from Girlguiding Sussex West said: “Seeing Brownies from all over our local area come together to celebrate The Big Brownie Birthday has been fantastic.

“The girls chose and did activities from exploring the skies to learning about other Brownies all over the world.

“A lot of time and planning goes into an event such as this and I am extremely grateful to all those in Girlguiding Sussex West for their help and to those outside the organisation, including Event Management Services, Pilgrim Harps, The Old Barn Garden Centre, The Animal Sanctuary and The South Downs National Park, for site security and enabling us to offer the girls an even greater range of activities.

“Adventures like star quest are just part of the range of activities, challenges and exciting opportunities open to Brownies.

“Girls take part in a hugely varied weekly programme, incorporating everything from stargazing, world issues and science to abseiling, canoeing and zip wiring.”

More information about the Big Brownie Birthday and how to join Girlguiding – the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK – can be found at www.girlguiding.org.uk