They’ve been going for years, so what
is the relevance of the Brownies today?
F
rom a very young age, we are taught manners and how to eat properly at the table. Even though many years have passed since my father sent me up to bed every night at 8 o’ clock, I can still remember how I felt about it – and about a million other things I had to do. I remember songs I used to sing, and all the little cards and presents I used to make for my mother. Visiting the Brownies last week brought back a lot of memories.
The Brownies have been around since anyone can remember but it’s only been since 2003 that the Nicosia group has formed, with Kath Collis as Brown Owl Nicosia’s group is made up of 17 extremely well mannered and intelligent little girls who were at their usual Wednesday meeting at St. Paul’s Cathedral, when I stopped by to have a peek.
“Today we are making Mothering Sunday cards,” said Brown Owl, “and they are enjoying every minute.” The girls were seated in groups and all were working hard, glueing, cutting and colouring. Aged between 7 and 10, you would’ve expected chaos but it was far from it. The girls were laughing, having a great time, while singing songs all together and raising their hand whenever they needed assistance. Now, that’s what I call well behaved.
Although Rainbows, Brownies and Guides are under the same umbrella, they are of course of different age groups. “Rainbows are from five to seven,” explained Kath, “and the guides are slightly older than the Brownies. They are ten to 14.”
Ester Beatty has a daughter in the Brownies and she is nearly 12. “But because she loves it so much and it is a very good experience, she will be moving on to being a guide,” explained the mother. And beyond the guides, there is more life such as the full-fledged guiders. Zoe Stavrinaki is one of them and very proud.
“I love learning the function and the games and all the programme meetings,” Zoe explained, “I started a year ago and on my way to get a warrant, which is great.” However, the Brownies are in need of more volunteers. “Anyone from the age of 18-65 is welcome to come and be a guide,” said the Brown Owl, “because we want to grow as a group, so we need more help.”
“We want them to be able to share and care,” explained Kath, “meaning that they should learn how to care for individuals and especially for people with disabilities. But sharing is something that not only the Brownies learn about, even the Guides have learnt and keep learning about these essentials.” Incorporating games and singing songs that encourage some specific abilities are all part of the essentials.
“Every game or song they sing has a meaning,” explained the Brown Owl, “but the basic training is to help them communicate.” And communications is just one of the few skills that Guides, Brownies and Rainbows learn. “Elisa loves it, she absolutely loves it,” said Janet Ioannou about her daughter, “all the activities make them feel worth something. They love knowing that other people think they are important because they are contributing towards something.”
Of course, the Brownies love learning a million different things but the most important factor to a Brownie is a badge.
“They go through tests, work from home and do their best to earn a badge,” explained the Brown Owl.
Proof of how well the girls can communicate and are able to speak in public, was Andriana, who ran up to me and showed me her Britney Spears CD. “I can sing and dance like Britney Spears,” said the eight-year-old, “and when I grow up I want to become an actress, a singer and a model. But most of all I love being in the Brownies because we play games and have a lot of fun and we are not allowed to fight.”
l For more info call Kath Collis: 22-677897
