Every month, we like to shine a spotlight on one of our amazing Victorian Girl Guides.
For our December Girls Who Guide interview, we caught up with Harriet, a thoughtful and passionate 17-year-old from Maryborough Butterfly Guides.
Harriet’s four years as a Girl Guide have seen her build new skills, grow more confident, and make loads of unforgettable memories. Read on to learn about the moments and role models that have made Harriet’s Guiding experience so memorable, and the lessons she’s taking with her into adulthood.
Why did you decide to become a Girl Guide? How have your thoughts or feelings about Guiding grown or changed over time?
I had wanted to join [Girl] Guides for ages before I actually did, but because ballet was on the same night I couldn’t do both. One of my school friends invited me to a Bring a Friend Night when I was a bit older and the nights had changed, and I stayed with Guides from there.
I love being able to connect with girls across the state through different Guiding events and remain in contact with them in hope to catch up at the next state event. This is something I would have never imagined doing when I first began Guiding.
What’s one skill you’ve learned through Girl Guides that you’re really proud of?
This is a difficult question as both my parents have been involved in Guiding and Scouting for a really long time, so I feel like they’ve taught me [things] that are similar to the skills we’ve been taught at Guides. But I do make a pretty mean bedroll, I helped a few girls at the last Snoozefest at Luna Park, and they were impressed at my skills.
Has there been a Leader or fellow Guide who has inspired you along the way? How have they influenced your journey?
A Leader that has inspired me would be my [current] Leader Bee. She’s really passionate and enthusiastic, she always encourages us to have a go and do our best, and she makes Guiding lots of fun.
A Guide who has inspired me would be my friend Hannah, she’s a few years older so she has always been one stage ahead of me. I really enjoyed watching and participating in her Queen’s Guide Award journey, and that gave me the motivation to complete my own.
How has being a Guide shaped who you are today, especially as you approach adulthood?
I really couldn’t answer this question but my mum thinks I have a broader view of the world because of the opportunities I’ve had in Guiding, and that I’ve got more confidence and willingness to go out and explore. She also thinks that I’ve got a passion for volunteering, and Guiding has helped shape that.
Tell us about a moment in Guides that stands out as particularly memorable or special for you.
I have lots of memorable moments, but one that stands out most would be Camp Together 2022. Playing Uno in our small tent, ifykyk.
If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
There’s loads of places and things I’d like to see, but the only place that’s popping into my mind at the moment is Bluey’s World in Brisbane.
What’s your favourite way to relax after a busy week of school and activities?
I’m often found sprawled out on my bedroom floor making bracelets, watching horror movies on my phone (I’ve got younger 4 sisters who hog the TV), with Gracie Abrams and Conan Gray playing on my speaker in the background.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Powerful, resourceful and kind.
🚀 Give your child the same chance to grow, connect and thrive in 2025 – sign her up for Girl Guides!
✨ It’s not just the girls who grow in Guiding—women who volunteer as leaders get to empower girls and young women, while supporting their own personal development too. Join Girl Guides as a volunteer!
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