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– Irish Girl Guides’ youngest members are all set to party at Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park on Saturday 15th June –
Dublin, 10/06/2019 – More than 600 Ladybirds – the youngest members of Irish Girl Guides – are counting down the days until their 30th birthday!
Ladybirds, who are girls aged five to seven, will be travelling from all around the country to take part in a massive birthday celebration on Saturday 15th June.
They have the choice of attending a party at Dublin Zoo or Fota Wildlife Park in Cork, depending on which is more convenient to them. More than 300 girls are expected at each venue and more than 100 Leaders.
Ladybirds, who meet each week in their local community with volunteer IGG Leaders to take part in activities, games, songs and crafts, can’t wait to meet with other Ladybirds to dance and party and celebrate their big birthday.
While Guides (the branch of IGG for 10-14 year olds) started in Ireland in 1911, Brownies (the branch for 7-10 year olds) started in 1914 and Senior Branch (the branch for 14-30 year olds) in 1919, the Ladybird branch only started 30 years ago when it was decided to introduce Guiding to girls of a younger age.
Since 1989 the IGG programme has catered for girls and young women aged five to 30. There are age-appropriate activities and challenges for each age group.
“The Ladybird programme encourages girls to care and share, to think of others and to develop an appreciation of nature and the great outdoors,” says Chair of IGG’s Ladybird Branch, Monica McDonnell, who is also Leader of Cúchulainn Ladybirds in Drogheda.
“Each girl is encouraged to try her best and learn new skills and is rewarded for doing the best she can. The girls can earn badges for all kinds of things, like Road Safety, Healthy Mind, Performing Arts, Environmental Awareness, Voting and STEM. We see the Ladybirds grow in confidence and independence while making new friends and having a lot of fun.”
Monica said the girls are all hugely excited about the upcoming birthday celebration and are counting down the days until the party. “One thing is certain – there will be music, dancing and fun at both parties,” said Monica. “And, of course, a huge cake!”
She added, “The parties wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors – Impression Design and Print, The Galway Bay, Tayto, Fyffes and the staff of Deloitte. All of these have donated to us, which has been a massive help. Also, thanks to Dublin Zoo and Fota for allowing us to celebrate the birthday in their venues. The girls can’t wait!”
Irish Girl Guides welcomes new members from age 5+ and volunteer Leaders from age 18+. No previous experience of Guiding is necessary. See www.irishgirlguides.ie for more information or tel: 01 6683898.
ENDS
Contact details:
Fiona Murdoch, Communications Officer, Irish Girl Guides
Tel: 086 1706923
Notes for editors:
Irish Girl Guides – Guiding started in Ireland in 1911 and operates throughout the 26 counties with 1,800 volunteer leaders providing an informal educational programme of fun and challenging activities that foster confidence and leadership skills in girls and young women, enabling them to develop to their full potential and to become responsible citizens. Girls from age 5+ can choose to earn a wide range of badges, including Community Action, Cultural Diversity, Disability Awareness, Drug Awareness, Online Surfer, Science Investigator, Engineering, Aviation, STEM, Climate Action and Global Traveller.