Rainbows, Brownies and Guides tackle hurricanes and avalanches as they learn to cope in a crisis

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides have been dealing with a series of disasters to learn how they can help in an emergency situation.

The event, held at Caister Lifeboat Station today, saw 100 girls from the Acle area along with their leaders, putting themselves to the test as part of World Thinking Day.

Chris Bond, 1st South Walsham Guides unit leader, said the day was an opportunity to explore and celebrate the fact that they are part of an international movement, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), as well as learning some vital new skills while working as a team.

She said: “It’s about learning that guiding is not just about them in their unit and that they are part of a guiding organisation with 10 million people, and the pledge that they make as Rainbows, Brownies and Guides is the same all over the world.

“It’s also about learning ways they can be helpful should an emergency come up; how can you cope in a crisis and what can you do to help.”

The theme of the day was rescue, with activities run jointly by Acle district leaders and Caister Lifeboat volunteers.

Working through the disaster scenarios based around four of WAGGGS world centres in Mexico, Switzerland, India and the UK, the girls built mini lifeboats to rescue flood victims from a monsoon, learnt Morse code to send messages in the event a hurricane wipes out modern communications systems, made high energy snacks for people trapped by an avalanche and built a shelter for earthquake victims.

They also made mini lighthouses, played problem solving games and learnt about the role of the modern day lifeboats.

Olivia, 11, who is a member of South Walsham Guides, said: “My favourite bit was when we got to pull in each other in on the winch and look at the old lifeboat and some of the drills that they do. It was really fun.”

The celebration culminated with a renewal of the Rainbow, Brownie and Guide promise, and each member received a special badge to mark the occasion.

Members also donated £300 to Caister Lifeboat Station.