Rainbows Brownies cubs scouts...which is the one to go for?

[spikemomma]

Can someone tell me about the modern day rainbows, brownies, scouts?! I've got a girl and a boy and am thinking about them joining up.

What are the age ranges for each group and which, in your opinion, are best to go for?

What is the difference between brownies and scouts?, as girls can be scouts apparantly (news to me!).

I need educating, i'm 100% clueless!

Many thanks

It's been a few years, but as far as I know it goes...(youngest-oldest)

Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers

Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venture Scouts

The top 4 are girls only, the bottom 4 mixed. So if you want them to both go to the same group you'll have to choose scouts etc.

They vary a lot from group to group though. Scouts tend to do more outdoor stuff, camping, sports, more traditionally 'boy' stuff.

I think that what each group does depends such a lot on the leaders.
DS has just left the local cub pack and has moved to another as the local leaders were rubbish (tho the Beavers had been great)
DD has just started Rainbows (she is 5) and is enjoying it at the moment.
My preference would have been for her to go to Beavers at age 6, but all of the girls in her class wanted to start Rainbows so I didn't feel she would want to go to Beavers and be the only girl.

Guides stuff tend to be more organised and activity driven, scouts ones more relaxed and free time. That could just be the ones where I grew up though! Ring up and go and have a look. See what you think.
Info on age ranges here

and here sorry clicked post too early!

Thanks for responding. Cuppateajanice that clarification really helped.

I registered on that link mnisttaddictive, but it came back as my kids were too young to join. I know this, i just wanted to register them on a waiting list or find out more local info. So i'm a bit stumped as how you go about it.

Blametheparents - how did you register your dd for rainbows?

Rainbows are for girls aged 5-7 (1/2)

Brownies 7-10, Guides 10-14 (ish)

If you use the website www.girlguiding.org.uk there will be lots of information there and games for your daughter to try before joining. There should also be a link to a county unit website who will pass on your details locally. hope this helps!