Scavenger hunts and armpit fudge for Brownies and Guides in East Hampshire who had virtual sleepover

Annual camping trips have been part of Girlguiding traditions for 50 years and more than 1,800 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and Leaders didn’t let the coronavirus outbreak stand in their way of fun as they all took part in a virtual sleepover instead.

Each member had to make a den or put up a tent decorated with a flag or bunting before a virtual welcome from county commissioner Lyndsey Cook and then each group divided off to Zoom calls and a night of activities.

Brownies were seen trying out yoga, Guides and their mums had pampering sessions and made mocktails, Rainbows made armpit fudge and went on a scavenger hunt, and Rangers cooked outdoors and did some upcycling.

Brownies also had to make a cake in a mug although member Dulcie Newbrook wasn’t sure what to make of it

Mum Brooke said: ‘She has repeatedly said she wasn’t going to eat the mug cake so I was looking forward to eating the cake, but she tried it and said that it was the best cake ever.’

In the morning, the girls all joined together on Zoom again to enjoy breakfast.

Lynsey Ring helped daughter Evie Ring, a Rainbow, cook her first breakfast outside.

Lynsey said: ‘She did it. She had campfire breakfast cooked on a camping stove in the garden. We’ve made amazing memories.’

Fellow mum Nikki Hillier added: ‘My girls had the best time sleeping in the tent and trying all the fun activities.’

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All the participants will get a badge made specially for the virtual event.

Mrs Cook said: ‘After four months of not being to see each other at unit meetings and having to cancel summer residential trips it was wonderful to get together virtually.

‘We were amazed at the number of young members, their leaders and parents who took part and judging by the wonderful photos and comments they all had a fantastic time.

‘The highlight for me was virtual breakfast with my own Brownie unit, the quietest ever Brownie holiday breakfast and much less washing up!’

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