Midlothian girls attend virtual sleepover to stay connected during the pandemic

A group of children have taken part in a virtual sleepover helping girls and young women to stay connected and access the benefits of guiding during the coronavirus crisis.

Member of the Rainbows enjoying baking cookies with her girl guide friends online.

Girlguiding’s Covid-19 survey revealed nearly a third of girls and young women in Scotland feel lockdown has had a negative impact on their mental health, amidst high levels of worry, stress and loneliness.

Determined to support girls and young women during this challenging time, the county organised Festive Fiesta with almost 200 girls/young women taking part.

Five-year-old girl guide Sofia participated in the event.

Girl guides also got involved with making festive decorations with friends during the sleepover.

She said: “The virtual camp was so much fun. I enjoyed all of it but I loved making a den and decorating it with tinsel and lights in my bedroom and sleeping in it for two nights. I also loved learning our Christmas dance with the other Rainbows”.

The group participated in various activity sessions including snow globe and sock snowmen crafts, making decorations for their Christmas tree, a Christmas wreath and baking Christmas cookies.

Many other guiding groups are hosting similar events, adapting their approach to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its members while face to face unit meetings are suspended.

County Commissioner from Midlothian Stacey McKay said: Pack Holiday and Camp are special experiences for the girls and many have missed those opportunities this year so we organised a virtual camp to bring the fun and excitement straight to the girls’ living rooms. It’s great to be able to create special memories like this in these challenging times.”

Brownies made snowmen to decorate their houses with during lockdown

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