Why I love...The Brownies
When I was seven or eight I joined The Brownies. I didn't last long, leaving amid a minor scandal which involved wantonly chewing gum. I'd at least had time to be awarded a badge for housework, after scrubbing my dad's shirt collar and some darts trophies in the pub where we lived.
These days you're as likely to find me taking as much care over the cleaning as you are discovering Pete Doherty at a trainspotters' convention. Yet I can still remember the pride I felt during the albeit brief time I spent as a Pixie.
Now my daughters are keen members of our local Brownie pack, and my heart is welling with pride again.
Their group has fought and won a battle over extinction, due to a lack of volunteer helpers. (I'm not one of them, I wouldn't go that far.)
At a time when parents seem to be sending their kids on a never-ending cycle of "stimulating" activities - fitting in French, ski-ing and finding a cure for the common cold before they're out of nappies - the Brownie movement provides an oasis of fun amid all the craziness.
So Far, Emily and Melissa have bagged their booklover and collector badges. How brilliant is that?
I'm also really happy that messages about caring and being a good friend are being underlined and have appreciated an emphasis on understanding different faiths. Personally I have slight qualms about promising to "serve the queen" but I won't dwell on that.
Being a Brownie may not be the most progressive thing to do in some people's eyes, but I'm delighted my girls are following in the footsteps of these famous faces.
And maybe, just maybe they can learn more about helping me and their dad with the housework too.
Linda Jones blogs about family life and news about twins, triplets and more at You've Got Your Hands Full.
