Right, so how much God is there in Rainbows?

[Cathpot]

A nice woman whose child is friends with my DD1 in reception asked me if I would like to sign my DD1 up for Rainbows with her daughter so they could go together. I said oh yes maybe in a vaguely interested sort of way and she said she would get the forms. She is involved herself in Guides and her daughter can be shy in new situations, she would like her daughter to be able to go with a friend ie my DD1.

So, we are a robustly atheist family and I have vague memories from my brownie days of swearing allegience to god and a certain amount of church parading. I dont make a big deal about what I believe about church with DD - she will have to make her own mind up, but I would be uncomfortable with anything too overtly religious.

I am hoping that Rainbows is really just a nice social group with lots of cut and stick
and a bit of running about in the woods. Any informations from people who go or have gone would be good. Thanks.

This was my big worry, and I did feel that DD was joining a cult.

BUT. There doesn't seem to be much god, as far as i can see. And DD adores it. Its really girly crafty things, walks, playing games etc. I was really cynical about it at first, but having seen how much dd enjoys it, am much less cynical.

That said, she's only done it for a term.

Basically the main God bit in Rainbows is when they take their promise which involves saying "love MY god" - which is fine for non-Christian theists but not for atheists obv. Most atheists I know (and I am an atheist Guider) kinda cross their fingers behind their back at that point. Other than that and the odd Church parade - some groups go in for that a few times a year, others almost never - there is no overt religion involved. I run a Brownie unit and assist with a Rainbow unit and it is terrific fun - we do loads of different stuff - craft, outdoor activities, expeditions. I would give it a go if I were you - your DD will probably love it.

Well the Promise includes the words "love my God" and we went to a service at Xmas, but that is about it really. It has raised lots of questions about the baby Jesus, but that was more the service than the Rainbows. They just do crafts, play games, have fun. Dd loves it.

Thanks for your answers- I feel better ! I think we will try it and see how we go.