A new Rangers group opens in Thatcham for girls aged 14-18. Activities, community work, and leadership skills are program highlights.
Shelly Young leads the group. She said girls this age help the community and find where they belong. Building the group takes time, as the area struggles to find volunteers. Often, parents must help out, and they hope to find a bigger place because more girls want to come.
They meet Fridays at 7:30 PM, and the meeting ends at 9:00 PM. They meet at the 1st Scout Hut, which is on Thackeray Lane. The Scout Hut is 90 years old this year. Seven girls signed up so far, and three leaders help the younger kids too.
Bethany is seventeen and from Thatcham. She has been with Rangers almost three years. She liked Guides and wanted to continue, and also wanted to feel more independent. Mentoring was hard at first for her. She said she used to be shy, but Girl Guiding built her confidence.
Emily is seventeen and also from Thatcham. She earned her Gold Award. She will visit the Netherlands and go on a six-day trip with Bucklebury Rangers. Emily said she likes being with people.
Shelly Young was a Brownie when she was younger. Her daughter turned fourteen, but there was nothing for her to do. Shelly worried about what young girls do, and started the group because of this. She also had another reason too.
Shelly almost died from sepsis and was in a coma. The Girl Guides helped her family then, and supported her daughter. She planned to volunteer after she recovered. She says many girls get help in their lives, so the group lets them give back.
Next week, they will give gifts to strangers in random acts of kindness. The group needs new members and leaders, so they need help to run the meetings.