The Founder
The story of Girl Guiding began in the United Kingdom in 1909, when a group of girls attended a Scout rally and declared themselves to be Girl Scouts. Their enthusiasm showed that girls wanted the same opportunities for adventure, friendship and personal development.
In 1910, Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement, and his sister Agnes Baden-Powell formally established the Girl Guide Movement.
A few years later, Robert’s wife, Olave Baden-Powell, became deeply involved in Guiding. She was appointed Chief Guide in Britain and in 1930, became the first and only World Chief Guide.
Olave dedicated much of her life to strengthening Guiding around the world. She travelled extensively, meeting Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in many countries and encouraging friendship and understanding between young people of different cultures.
Her commitment to international Guiding helped shape the worldwide movement we are proud to belong to today.