Learn yoga, crafts and photography at girlguiding virtual spring social on Easter Monday, April 5

by Lauren Abbott

labbott@thekmgroup.co.uk

Thousands of Kent rainbows, brownies and guides are preparing to dance, craft, learn photography, yoga and sing around a campfire this Easter.

Girlguiding's Adventures at Home spring social event is taking place in April and everyone, not just existing pack members, is invited.

The Girlguiding spring social event will take place on Easter Monday from 4pm

The organisation has confirmed plans to hold a virtual spring event on Easter Monday, April 5, in the absence of being able to bring its rainbow, brownie, guide and ranger packs together in person because of coronavirus restrictions.

Instead the afternoon celebration will be held online - on its YouTube channel - which will open the event up to more children with an interest in taking part.

The free event for all ages is described as 'an exciting mix of adventure, wellbeing, and creative activities is set to bring the magic and excitement of camp to the homes of young people and their families to enjoy'.

Kids can get crafting as part of the event

Girlguiding hopes it will bring some fantastic spring-themed entertainment to families to enjoy on the bank holiday.

The Adventures at home: Spring Social will feature two co-created how-to videos including crafty ice- cream pot painting with Girl Talk’s Carly, and a dance session with actress Tillie Amartey who plays Chloe in CBBC’s show Almost Never.

Award winning children’s author Susan B Katz will be reading an excerpt from her book, The Story of Jane Goodall and answering questions, and adventurer Tori James, the first Welsh woman to climb Everest, will be sharing inspirational tales from her expeditions.

Wildlife photographer Mairi Eyres will be sharing tips and advice on how to capture the best photographs and Pauline Reay will help boost wellbeing and happiness with a yoga class.

The event will also include a host of sessions from partners Rolls-Royce, GO Outdoors and the British Army including, Made to Measure, a STEM activity led by Rolls-Royce testing out different boat sails and an Invent A Gadget session with GO Outdoors.

For the older audience, there will be a People Power mini workshop to learn about creating change on issues important to them and a confidence building activity with the British Army.

The event will finish in true Girlguiding style with a virtual campfire complete with sing-along and Makaton sign-along.

A ‘spring social’ virtual event badge can also be bought for £1 from Girlguiding’s online shop for anyone who wishes to officially mark their taking part. Click here for more.

In the absence of face to face meetings Girlguiding has been organising virtual events. Picture credit: Doug Peters.

Amanda Medler, Girlguiding’s Chief Guide said: “We are thrilled to bring an exciting event packed full of creative, adventurous and wellbeing themed activities to all children, young people, and their families to enjoy this upcoming bank holiday.

“It’s been a challenging start to the year, with children not being able to meet with their friends in person or go on their usual camps and trips.

“We’re continuing to support girls and young women - offering virtual guiding to help keep them connected, having fun, learning new skills and keeping in touch with their friends. We can’t wait to get back to meeting face to face and offering girls and young women outdoor adventures as soon as restrictions allow.”

For more information about the Adventures at home: Spring Social, including the full line up visit Girlguiding’s website www.girlguiding.org.uk and to join in on the day tune in live at 4pm on Monday 5th April on Girlguiding’s YouTube channel.