2020 has proved to be a very challenging year for many young people, but Darcy Fidler from Barrow turned potential lockdown boredom to her advantage.
The 10-year-old Brownie is the first Girlguiding member of any age in Barrow to complete the coveted Gold Award. This involves six themed awards plus a final challenge, completed both at Brownie meetings and at home. Normally it takes three years, but highly motivated Darcy finished it in a mere two: “The current situation actually made it easier to do my badges because I had more time and the chance to put more effort into it,” Darcy said.
Unit leader Rebecca Armstrong is understandably proud of her charge in 16th Barrow Brownies: “This is a real achievement, especially during lockdown. Darcy has had to adapt to completing more activities at home, with less support from myself and the other leaders, as we couldn’t really see her progress and guide her on what needed to be done.”
Darcy’s favourite tasks included a baking badge “where I got to make cookies with my Nana and eat them afterwards.” But she especially liked the jobs badge, because “it gave me the chance to express myself and dream about becoming a palaeontologist. I interviewed three adults about their different jobs and researched what career I would like to have in 20 years.”
And this is her advice to other girls working towards Girlguiding badges: “It’s fun to be creative and learn new things. I was so excited to get my golden badge during lockdown. It gave me something to work towards and focus on during this difficult time. I would encourage everyone to take part in the badges because it gives you the chance to really explore lots of fun activities and grow within yourself.”
