Rainbows are girls aged between 5 and 7.
What do Rainbows do?
Rainbows have fun! They take part in indoor and outdoor activities as part of their programme called the Rainbow Jigsaw. Their meetings are full of games and activities which provide challenging opportunities for Rainbows to think for themselves and take an active part in unit decision-making.
The Rainbow Promise
Rainbows make this simple Promise
"I promise that I will do my best to love my God and to be kind and helpful."
and wear a special Promise badge.
What do Rainbows wear?
Rainbows choose what to wear from a range of stylish and practical clothes.
The Rainbow programme is called the Rainbow Jigsaw. It covers 4 areas:
Rainbows Look
This encourages Rainbows to get out and about to discover the world about them. It allows them to realise that they are part of a wider world.
Rainbows Learn
This encourages Rainbows to learn by doing a variety of activities which are different from school.
Rainbows Laugh
This encourages Rainbows to enjoy life through games, songs, parties, celebrations, and even making a mess(!) while developing important skills.
Rainbows Love
This encourages Rainbows to be caring and sharing with family and friends and to be kind to others.
How does the Rainbow programme work in practice?
New Rainbows are given a special Rainbow Welcome Bag – a great place to put the things she makes at the weekly meetings, or notes to take home!
Rainbows choose activities from their Rainbow Roundabouts – large plastic mats with suggestions printed on them for activities based on a theme. This helps the girls to develop decision-making skills. Rainbows are awarded a badge when they have done 4 of these activities – one from each of the 4 programme areas.
Rainbows like to play and discover outdoors, and will sometimes go outside during a meeting. They go on outings from time to time and take part in events organised locally for Girlguiding UK members. They will also learn about global issues, and find out about Rainbows around the world. Most meetings will include a variety of activities such as a game, something to make or do, a song and perhaps a story.
When Rainbow Guiders plan meetings they ensure that most of these programme elements are covered over a period of time such as a term.
Some Rainbows may have the opportunity to stay away overnight at a Rainbow Sleepover. Guiding is all about having fun and most girls will enjoy this. It will take place at a suitable place close to home, and Rainbow Guiders take a special qualification to do this. A Sleepover gives the Rainbows a chance to:
• Get to know each other better
• Get to know their Leaders better
• Increase their self confidence
• Gain a sense of independence
• Have lots of fun
Rainbow Sleepovers provide an excellent opportunity for activities which take longer to do than the usual weekly meeting time.