The Greek Guiding Association, founded in 1932 by Irini Kalliga and headquartered in Athens, represents the Guiding movement in our country. It is an independent Association, free from any political or affiliative influences. Guiding is a vibrant youth movement, with approximately 10,000 members spread across 100 cities in Greece. It boasts a global presence with over ten million members in 154 countries worldwide. The Greek Guiding Association is an esteemed member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
Guiding, worldwide, offers its members a variety of benefits, including joy, moral fulfillment, opportunities for self-expression, active participation and the ability to make meaningful contributions. It fosters lasting friendships and empowers individuals to live purposeful and meaningful lives.
Guiding embraces the participation of boys and girls, children, young people and adults from all walks of life, regardless of social class, race, religion, or political beliefs. Based on their age, children and young people are organized into four distinct age groups known as “Branches” :
- The “Stars”, 5-7 years old
- The “Birds”, 7-11 years old
- The “Guides”, 11-14 years old
- The “Senior Guides”, 14-17 years old
Everyone actively participates in Guiding Troops, where modern educational methods, creative activities, and opportunities in Greece and abroad empower members to become competent and responsible individuals, while also serving as catalysts for the development of a better world guided by spiritual values.
The Guiding Troops are led voluntarily by young adults who possess a genuine love for children and have received comprehensive training from the Greek Guiding Association in the Guiding Pedagogical Programme. In an era where most services come at a cost, members of the Greek Guiding Association are rewarded with the priceless smiles of children.
The primary objective of Guiding is to contribute to the holistic development of boys and girls, children and young people, fostering responsible and socially conscious citizens who embody values such as respect, loyalty, cooperation and friendship.
The Pedagogical Guiding Programme encompasses a diverse range of activities directly related to group dynamics, nature exploration, adventurous pursuits, and camping. These activities are interwoven with camaraderie, playfulness, entertainment, and skill-building. Art, music, dance, singing, games, puppetry, and crafts are integral components of the programme. Through these activities, children are encouraged to develop self-management skills, learning and growing independently.
Tailored to each season and age group, the Pedagogical Guiding Programme aims to help children and young people acquire the following:
- Self-reliance: Through diverse and enriched experiences and by assuming responsibilities, children and young people develop the ability to navigate various situations independently.
- Critical thinking: Encouraging children to think, evaluate, judge and create the programme enables them to make their own choices and decisions.
- Co-responsibility: By working collaboratively, sharing responsibilities and taking initiative within the Troop, participants learn to respect, accept and appreciate others. The programme emphasizes on their role as active members of the community.
The Pedagogical Guiding Programme, which is complemented by year-end Camps, held in different locations throughout Greece, encompasses various aspects that aim to :
- foster personal development and cultivate individuality,
- encourage social participation and deepen the concept of contribution,
- promote an appreciation for nature and grow ecological awareness.
Our work today revolves around involving children and young people in matters pertaining to their generation, instilling them with ideals and encouraging them to evaluate both external circumstances and their own inner selves.
Over the course of the years, since its establishment in 1932, the Greek Guiding Association has proven itself gaining the trust of parents and the unwavering support of all those who have embraced and championed the mission of the Organization.
