By NICOLE VALICEK
GIRL Guides has been a part of Anne Poppins’ life since the age of seven.
Today, she continues to dedicate her time as a volunteer and has happily made it her duty to lead the next generation of Girl Guides.
Anne, who volunteers for the Williamstown-Yarraville Girl Guides, remembers starting brownies, as it was then called, when she was just over the age of seven. From there, she worked her way up to become a guide.
“I started as a Guide leader at 18, and have been ever since,” Anne said.
At the age of 16, Anne was awarded the Queen’s Guide Award, the Girl Guide’s peak achievement for girls 14-17 years.
“It is how you slide into being an adult leader, you get a lot of skills as a kid and you’re able to follow (on from there).”
Anne said scouts are an opportunity for girls to learn about leadership, build confidence and character, and take action in their communities.
“What you are aiming to do is get them to work as a unit, the cooperation and leadership is still very important.”
“People often say children want Ipads, that’s not true they’re happy doing outdoor stuff.”
Anne said seeing her Girl Guides learn important life skills, the friendships she has forged along the way and the activities she has participated in because of Scouts is what kept her coming back.
“The kids growing and developing and maturing while in the unit is what keeps you going.”
“It’s a fabulous thing to do. It’s obviously sucked me in.”
