Joan Furbish is a Leader at the Helensville GirlGuiding Unit, which opened its doors to girls in the northwest of Auckland in February 2025. “GirlGuiding offers programmes for girls and young adults that take them away from technology and into the great outdoors,” says Joan.
Not many people know that the global movement of GirlGuiding was founded in the South Island, making it a kiwi born legacy. These days, girls engage in both traditional outdoor activities as well as gaining exposure to more contemporary issues, reflecting what matters most to girls of today. Leadership skills are encouraged and developed, and lifelong friendships are made.
In summer of 2027 GirlGuiding is hosting a jamboree, this is the largest outdoor camping event for girls in the country. “I would encourage girls to sign up to GirlGuiding this year if they would like to attend and ask that volunteers who might want to take part contact me,” says Joan.
Local interest in Guiding is strong and the unit in Helensville is growing at an incredible rate, but so is the waitlist - we need more leaders! The easiest way to bypass the girl waitlist is to volunteer as a leader. Leaders get full training in leadership of girls as well as girl safety, camping and even First Aid courses.
We are looking for someone who wants to share this wonderful journey with us - is that you? Further information can be found on the GirlGuiding website (girlguidingnz.org.nz) or by emailing your local Helensville Guide Club at this address: helensvilleguideclub@gmail.com.
