The aim of guiding is to help young girls and young women develop emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually so that they can make a positive contribution to the community in the wider world.

Guiding in the United Kingdom is based on the following principals:-

• Commitment to the ideals embodied by a Promise and the Law

• Membership that is open to all Girls and Women irrespective of faith, race, culture, nationality or any other circumstance provided that they are able to understand and willing to make the Promise.

• Membership which is voluntary

• A particular method of learning by doing - using Five Essential elements

  1. Guides work together in small groups

  2. Guides are encouraged to govern themselves and make their own decisions

  3. Guides have a balanced and varied programme

  4. Guides care for the Individual

  5. Guides share a commitment to a common standard

• Independence from any political organisation

• Membership which is self-governing with the freedom to formulate its policy and put it into practice

This page was last updated 23 November 2008