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Every October, Irish Girl Guides celebrate a special milestone: the National Guide Award (NGA). For the girls who receive it, the Award represents years of commitment, adventure and personal growth.
It is the highest recognition a Guide can achieve and marks the successful completion of the Guide Journey Programme.
Earning the NGA is no small achievement. It is the culmination of a four-year journey that encourages girls to step outside their comfort zone, develop practical skills, explore the outdoors and make a positive contribution to their communities.
The Guide Journey
The Guide Branch, for girls aged 10 to 14, follows a structured programme known as the Guide Journey. Over four years, Guides progress through Pathfinder, Voyager, Innovator and Trail Blazer, with each stage introducing new challenges and opportunities to learn.
Along the way, Guides explore seven key areas:
- *Guiding,
- *Outdoors,
- *Teamwork,
- *Change,
- *Life Skills,
- *Global Awareness,
- *and Interest Badges.
Activities are designed to be hands-on and engaging, helping girls gain confidence through experience rather than simply learning in a classroom setting. The first year introduces girls to the traditions and values of Guiding. They learn about the Guide Promise and Law, take part in ceremonies, discover the history of Guiding and begin developing skills that will support them throughout their journey.
Learning through adventure and experience
As they move through the programme, challenges become more varied and demanding. Guides learn how to follow trails using tracking signs, understand the principles of Leave No Trace, explore healthy lifestyles, take part in team-building activities and investigate global issues such as fair trade, recycling and environmental sustainability.
By the time they reach the Trail Blazer stage, Guides are taking on greater responsibility. They plan activities, support younger members, develop leadership skills and put into practice everything they have learned over the previous years.
What does it take to earn the National Guide Award?
To qualify for the National Guide Award, a Guide must successfully complete all four Journey stages, including compulsory challenges, choice challenges and interest Badges. She must then complete a final set of NGA challenges that focus on leadership, community involvement, outdoor skills, life skills and global citizenship.
These final challenges include helping younger Guides understand the Guide Promise, teaching practical outdoor skills such as knot tying, assisting at activities for younger Branches, exploring ways to conserve energy and water, and taking part in activities that encourage informed decision-making and personal resilience.
The Award reflects far more than the completion of a checklist. It recognises determination, commitment and a willingness to embrace new experiences. Over four years, Guides build friendships, discover new interests and develop skills that will serve them well beyond their time in the Guide Branch.
A celebration of achievement
The National Guiding Awards Ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate these achievements. Each year, Guides from across Ireland gather with their families, Leaders and friends to mark this important moment. Receiving the Trail Blazer gold pin and NGA Certificate is a proud occasion and a fitting recognition of the effort invested throughout the programme.
The Ceremony also highlights the impact of Guiding in helping young people develop independence, resilience and a sense of responsibility. Through Camps, outdoor adventures, community projects and international opportunities, Guides are encouraged to challenge themselves and discover what they are capable of achieving.
As preparations begin for this year’s National Guide Award ceremony in October, excitement is building among Guides across the country who are completing the final stages of their Journey Programme.
We look forward to celebrating the achievements of this year’s recipients and recognising the dedication, enthusiasm and spirit that have brought them to this important milestone. Stay tuned for more details about the 2026 National Guiding Awards ceremony in the coming months.