Volunteers’ Week 2026: Lou
Lou – Leader
I have been in Girlguiding for years. I started when I was 5, as a Rainbow, then moved to Brownies, Guides and then Rangers. Since being in Rangers, I’ve been helping in my mother’s unit and I also had an additional role in a Brownie unit and a Rainbow unit for a short time too.
The reason why I volunteer is because I like to learn new things, challenge myself and give back to the organisation. I love to see the girls learning new things, meeting new girls and having friendships for a long time.
Lou, left, with Guides, Rangers and Leaders from Canada who visited Edinburgh.
What made me sign up was the wide range of activities that you can do and I think seeing my mum doing it all when I was younger – I wanted to follow in her and my godmother’s footsteps.
It is difficult to choose a favourite memory as there have been so many, but I loved being in Gang Show when I was younger and being in both main and junior gang. My ultimate recent memory has to be when I was doing my Commonwealth Award and getting two of the young leaders through theirs. Also, we got to meet Rangers, Guides and Leaders from Canada and I showed them around Edinburgh for the full time they were here. I still keep in touch with them to this day. I also sang at Girlguiding Edinburgh’s annual gathering and although I was nervous, I’d say it was an achievement.
I would say others should join as it is a fun and inclusive organisation with many things to get involved in and friendships which last a lifetime. The memories are endless and the badges are amazing.