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Who can be a Rainbow?
 

Any girl aged five or over can be a Rainbow. The oldest Rainbows are usually about seven years old. Membership of Girlguiding UK is voluntary and is open to any girl or woman, regardless of faith, race, culture, nationality or any other circumstance, provided she is able to understand and willing to make the Promise.
Can boys join Rainbows?
No. Girlguiding UK is for girls and young women, led by women. Girlguiding UK believes that the needs of girls and young women are best met through an organisation catering specifically for girls.When last asked, the membership asked to retain this position. They considered that in a society where most of their daily lives is co-educational, guiding provided an alternative that enabled them to be themselves rather than competing with boys.

 
Waiting Lists
 

Most Rainbow units operate a waiting list and therefore as soon as you find the unit you would like your daughter to join you should put her name on the list by contacting the unit Guider.

As Guiding is run by volunteers sometimes we cannot offer all the places that local girls would like. We would love to be able to offer every girl who wanted one a place. We can only do this with more support from parents and other adults who are willing to help. One more regular adult helper can often mean several more girls can join a unit. Regular adult help need not mean the same person all the time but can also mean a parent rota.

If you are willing to help, please discuss this with the Guider when enquiring about places.

As the parent of a Rainbow, you are recommended to find out from your Rainbow Leader about joining lists for Brownie Packs in your area, and if necessary place your daughter’s name on it immediately.

 
Rainbow Leaders
 

The adults who run a Rainbow unit are called Guiders. They are unpaid volunteers who have completed Girlguiding UK training. They are usually helped by a team of other young women or adults, such as:

  • a local Guide aged 11 or over.
  • a Young Leader aged 14 or over.
  • a Unit Helper: an adult who regularly helps at unit meetings.

    • other adult helpers who are willing to help occasionally: usually parents of Rainbows in the unit.
    Girlguiding UK recommends for the Rainbow age group that there is at least one adult for every five girls. There are always at least two adult Leaders in any Rainbow unit regardless of the number of girls. For some activities or events, such as sleepovers, more adult helpers are needed.

     
    What do Rainbows wear?
     

    A Rainbow chooses her outfit from a range of Rainbow wear. The specially designed Rainbow clothes are stylish, practical, economical and fun for today’s girls.There is something to suit every Rainbow whatever
    she is doing, indoors or out - so she is bound to find something she will love to wear. A Rainbow does not have to wear the same combination of garments as others in her unit. What a Rainbow wears should be appropriate to the activity and weather conditions, and if necessary not official Rainbow wear. If an activity is planned that may need clothing a Rainbow may not normally wear to the unit meeting, such as wellies, your daughter’s Guider should advise you in advance. You should be able to purchase uniform through the unit.

     
    What will it cost?
     

    Rainbow units charge ‘subs’ to cover costs like equipment and the hire of the meeting place. These are normally paid termly, although some units may collect subs weekly. There is also an annual subscription (which is included in the subs) that is paid to cover the day-to-day running of the association. Your Guider will let you know the amount as well as how and when to pay. For special events, like days out, an extra charge is usually made.If you pay income tax, your daughter’s Guider can use Gift Aid to claim 28p for every £1.00 you give in subs or donations. All you need to do is sign the Gift Aid form your Rainbow Guider or Leader will give you. The money will be used for the benefit of your daughter’s Rainbow unit.

     
    What do Rainbows need?
     

    For her first few meetings your daughter needs nothing to experience the fun of being a Rainbow.
    Girlguiding UK produces a range of Rainbow items. Your daughter can choose what she wants to wear
    from a range of Rainbow clothes. As well as the exciting Rainbow books, there is a Rainbow Welcome Bag which she can use to carry the things she needs for her Rainbow meetings.It is up to you and your daughter’s Guider to agree when it would be best for your daughter to start wearing her Rainbow clothes and using her books. Everything a Rainbow needs is available from your daughter’s Guider.