FAQ

Q: Is it like Scouts and Guides?

A: Girls Brigade has similar aspects to both of these Youth organisations however, Girls Brigade is a ministry of the local church with Christian values at it's core.  See Why Girls Brigade?  Under the About Menu see Aims and Principles.

Q: Just how Christian is Girls' Brigade?

A: Girls' Brigade has the Christian religion and principles at it's core. Not all of our activities are necessarily spiritually based, but devotions do form a part of weekly activities.

Q: Do I have to be a Christian to send my daughter to Girls' Brigade?

A: No, it is not a requirement for either you or your daughter to be Christian, Girls Brigade does not discriminate against any girls wanting to join Girls Brigade.  Whilst many of our activities are Christian based our Brigades have a high percentage of non-church families.

Q: Does it matter which denomination I come from?

A: No, Girls' Brigade is open to all denominations; we do not discriminate aginst any girls wishing to join Girls Brigade.

Q: When can my daughter join Girls' Brigade?

A: Your daughter can join either when she turns five or starts her first year at school. Girls older than five can join at any time until they are twenty one.

Q: Can my daughter bring friends?

A: Of course! New girls are always welcome and your daughter is always welcome to bring friends along to company nights. A vast majority of enrolments are a result of girls bringing friends.

Q: When does Girls' Brigade meet?

A: Girls' Brigade meets one night a week, but the day of the week and the starting times vary from company to company. See indivisual websites at the top of this web page for further details.

Q: Does Girls' Brigade offer any activities outside of company nights?

A: Yes, many companies also run sleepovers, camps and other activities outside of their usual company nights. For older girls there are also National, State and Divisional activities, such as camps, activities and training days.

Q: What does it cost?

A: Companies usually charge an annual fee and have a hiring system for uniforms to suit different budgets. Fees cover weekly activities at Girls' Brigade and vary from company to company but are usually under $100 per annum.

Q: How long do the company nights usually run for?

A: Running times depend on the company and the age group, but they generally run for 1-2 hours.

Q: What happens on a typical company night?

A: Activities differ from company to company but most companies meet for opening parade where girls can earn points for personal presentation, punctuality and church attendance. Other activities include craft, games, devotions/story time, singing, drama, educational activities and special theme nights

Q: How do I know my daughter is safe?

A: All Leaders are committed to your daughter's safety while at Brigade. In most states they are required to carry a current Working with Children Card and police Check. Girls’ Brigade operates under a National Code of Conduct and companies observe strict National Privacy and Duty of Care policies and guidelines.

Q: What are the qualifications of the Leaders?

A: All Leaders undergo internal leadership training and in most states have a current Working with Children Card. Leaders are encouraged to keep learning and training by attending conferences and training days.

Q: If I move can my daughter still be a part of Girls' Brigade?

A: Girls' Brigade has a standardised structure which will allow your daughter to transfer to any company.

Q: Can I 'try before I buy'?

A: Yes, your daughter is encouraged to come along to a number of Company meeting nights to see what the others girls do and learn before you both decide that she would like to join.

Q: How do I find my local company?

A: At the top of this website are links to the State websites for Girls' Brigade. These websites should be able to provide more information on company locations.

Q: What can Girls' Brigade offer my church?

A: Girls' Brigade can help to supplement your church's current Youth activities. For more information have a look at our For Churches page.

Q: Is there a similar organisation for boys?

A: Yes, there is also a Boys' Brigade which is similar to Girls' Brigade. For more information see the Boys' Brigade Website.

Q: Where can I find out more information?

A: For further information please contact the National Office.