Beavers or Rainbows for a girl

[MrsDinky]

DS (6) started Beavers recently and loves it, DD (4) is on the waiting list for Rainbows and should get in when she is 5, but would like to go to Beavers because her brother is there. That will mean waiting an extra year and of course DS will have to move up to cubs that year, and I guess most of her female friends will go to Rainbows if anything. There are no girls in that Beavers at the moment. It would be easier perhaps, as a family, to have them both in the same organisation.

Just wondered, those of you who have sent your daughter to Beavers or considered it and decided against, how did you arrive at your decision and do you think it was the right one? Thank you.

[madwomanintheattic]

dd2 does both. ds1 is a cub, and dd1 is a guide. i suspect she will choose brownies over cubs. she won't do them both at that point, it has just been convenient in terms of logistics to do both now lol...

[MrsDinky]

Good idea re starting Rainbows anyway then decide once she is 6 how things are going. I also know one of the Rainbow leaders, should ask her what sort of stuff they do. DD is reasonably tomboyish so could go either way. Haven't got her on the waiting list for Beavers yet (it is less than a year at the mo) but will put her on it. Thank you all.

[Gallievans]

well speaking as a Brownie leader, it does depend on the pack, the leaders and how much help we get! Most of us are running the packs as well as homes / careers / children.

However, probably the best way to decide is to talk to the leaders of both groups and then go with your gut feeling as to which is better for your daughter. There is no guarantee that cubs will be more "male" oriented just as there is no guarantee that Rainbows will be more "girly" - both have activities that are suitable for both!

Perhaps you could talk to some of her friend's parents as well and see what choice they are making.

[MrsDinky]

Thank you, yes, will be speaking to some of her friends' mums too, no need to make any decisions right now anyway, just pondering it my mind. I think, as you say, much depends on the particular groups.

Another question (DS has asked me this and I didn't know) - can boys be Rainbows?

[Clary]

My DD does both if that's any help.

Well she's a Cub and a Brownie but was a Rainbow and a Beaver.

I was always very keen on Beavers (much more active etc) but she wanted to do Rainbows, then luckily (IMO) a good pal of hers started Beavers and then she did. She loves Brownies very much tho btw.

I am all in favour of girls doing active stuff

Boys cannot join Girlguiding movement at all, no.

[Clary]

Sorry Gallievans you are quite right, groups can vary. However I have found (and I have helped in all groups) that Rainbows and to some extent Brownies i squite craft orientated (Rainbows esp) while Beavers and Cubs are more about hikes in the wood/camping etc.

[Gallievans]

Again Clary I think it depends on the leaders. Our pack does craft stuff yes but it's balanced with bike rides, nature trails & treasure hunts. We can't go camping yet as we don't have our camp licences.