Girlguiding growth shows girls' interest in youth activities

Figures published by Girlguiding show membership now stands at 546,000, up from 538,000 at the same time last year.

The increase mirrors last year’s rise, which saw a similar increase of 8,000 members from 530,000 in 2011, and follows recent findings from national youth schemes that show participation among girls outstripping boys.

Girlguiding’s director of guiding services Jo Hobbs said the organisation had remained popular among girls for more than 100 years because of the variety of opportunities it offers.

She said research conducted among members showed having a single-sex youth service was one of the girls’ most valued factors.

“In a world where girls face complex pressures – often different to those faced by boys – Girlguiding offers a unique, safe, non-judgemental space where girls can build their confidence and speak up without fear of being judged or laughed at,” said Hobbs.

The Girlguiding annual Girls’ Attitudes survey published in 2012 found a third of girls would be willing to consider some form of surgery to change their appearance, while three out of five girls aged 11 to 16 felt pressure to look like celebrities.

Hobbs said Girlguiding gave girls a chance to “explore these issues in a supportive environment, away from the pressures of school and boys”.

Girlguides young leader Cassie Galpin, 18, agreed with Hobbs. “It’s an environment where you can talk about things that some girls might find embarrassing in front of boys,” she said.

“You’re encouraged to speak up and be yourself – and the confidence this builds benefits us in so many ways.”

Figures published earlier this month by charity NatCen Social Research also indicated girls’ interest in youth activities.

Take-up of the National Citizen Service during 2012 was higher among female participants than male.