girl guides in the 21st century

sarah vine, co-author of 'the great big glorious book for girls', writes in the times today about the things that young girls need and want to know these days in order to live safe and healthy lives. she is responding to a survey by girlguiding uk called girls shout out! it presents the opinions of over 3,200 girls in guiding, aged from five to 25, on the issues shaping the lives of their generation. it is a bit too large to summarise here, but do go have a look.

i never wanted to be a brownie - my sister was, and would get badges for making sandwiches and emptying the dishwasher. i wanted to be a cub scout, and have a penknife and learn how to survive in the forest. guiding sounds a lot more interesting these days, and i understand that, contrary to the boy scouts, they do not discriminate regarding sexual orientation. hurrah!

"DON’T DO THIS, DO THAT: ADVICE FOR GIRLS THROUGH THE YEARS

Girls of a superior position should read everything and be well up in every matter upon which we give instruction. For girls of a less high position, there are papers on economical cookery, plain needlework, home education and health.

The Girl’s Own Paper, 1880

When you intend to call on someone, try to write or telephone first. It is perfectly all right, however, to call without warning if you are inquiring after the health of someone who is ill, but do not expect to be asked in.

The Girls’ Handbook, 1966

Once upon a time being beautiful meant having a set sort of good looks, measurements that fitted the fashionable pattern. But not any more! If you aren’t as beautiful as you’d like to be . . . maybe it’s your own fault!

Jackie, 1971

Be a love-witch! When you want to get a guy, it’s no use leaving things to luck! You’ve gotta get fate firmly on you side. Bewitch a boy – and make him yours for ever!

My Guy, 1978

To smooth away the odd bulge under a closely fitting skirt, a very light pantie girdle should be quite adequate.

The Girls Handbook, 1981"

i remember jackie! somebody would bring it into school so we could read 'cathy and claire' on the problem page. they answered questions about things that we never thought about asking, and were fascinated to learn.