Girl Guides Explore Water Wisdom with 21st Century Thame.
Over the past two sessions, the Girl Guides embarked on an exciting journey to earn their Conscious Consumer badge — and what better way to do that than by learning about one of our most precious natural resources: water.
Led by 21st Century Thame in Education, the sessions aimed to raise awareness about water conservation, pollution prevention, and environmentally conscious choices in our everyday lives.
Session One: Respecting Our Waterways
The first session kicked off with a fun and interactive quiz to get everyone thinking about water — where it comes from, the different types of water bodies, and the wildlife that depends on them. The girls were fascinated to learn about the insects and aquatic life that call streams and ponds home.
We introduced the powerful message behind the slogan: “Only Rain Down the Drain”, which ties into the work of the Yellow Fish campaign. This campaign raises awareness about preventing pollution in our waterways — particularly the dangers of pouring harmful substances down household drains. We did a sample test of the river Thames, nitrates and phospates and discussed that the nitrates were quite high which is a result of pollution in the river. The group had a thoughtful discussion about this and about chalk streams, why they’re such rare and important ecosystems, and how everyday items like laundry detergents and cleaning products can contain toxic ingredients that harm these environments.
With their new knowledge in mind, the girls got creative by building their own mini micro ponds! Using recycled milk bottles, rocks, and pebbles, they designed small habitats for insects — complete with mini ladders to help any curious critters climb out safely. We’re excited to see these eco-friendly ponds placed in their gardens to support local biodiversity.
Session Two: DIY Eco-Cleaners and Water Fun
For our second session, we explored eco-friendly alternatives to conventional cleaning products. Rather than using essential oils, the girls were given fresh lavender leaves, sage, rosemary, citrus fruits and rose petals — all natural and fragrant ingredients for their own homemade cleaning sprays.
Each Guide mixed their own “potion” using either Castile soap or vinegar, experimenting with their chosen herbs to find a scent they loved. They then created fun and creative labels for their new eco-cleaners, complete with brand names — a perfect mix of science and imagination!
To wrap up the evening, we let loose with some fun water-themed games, ending in a light-hearted cotton ball water fight that brought lots of laughter and smiles.
A Conscious Step Forward
Both sessions were a wonderful opportunity for the girls to connect with the environment, learn how to make conscious consumer choices, and get hands-on with sustainability. We’re incredibly proud of how engaged and enthusiastic they were — from learning about pollution to creating their own planet-friendly cleaning solutions.
Well done to all the Guides for their hard work — and we can’t wait to see how they continue to be champions of the environment in their homes and communities!
Over the summer holidays there will be a challenge a week to be an Eco Champion, join the guides and scouts on an adventure to create and think like an ‘Eco Champion’. There will be prizes to win, an Eco Champion certificate to hand out if you take part and send us your findings.
There will be an opportunity to get FREE resources to help with your eco journey. Each challenge will be relating to sustainability and helping the environment. Who is in!! Please send your name, childs name and age to [email protected] with the title Eco Champion Challenge and that you are interested in taking part.
An email will be sent out each Monday, starting 21st July. The parents can then hand the challenges out to the children each week over the summer holidays, the children can do one challenge or six depends what they feel like. The good thing about it there are no losers, everyone wins by taking part and being an Eco Champion!
First Eco Champion challenge coming up in the next week, keep an eye out on the blogs and social media.
Thank you once again to our sponsors which help us run these amazing sessions to children.
