History of Guides' Own

“Scouts’ Owns were introduced at the Crystal Palace Rally in 1909. They were originally meant to be simple, interdenominational religious celebrations. Often consisting of songs, prayer and a yarn, the Scouts’ Own encouraged quiet times of reflection and were used at camp and in Scout and Guide meetings. Although invented by ‘Uncle’ H. Geoffrey Elwes, these ceremonies increasingly mirrored Baden-Powell’s ideas about individual development and expression. Scout and Guide lore was blended with religious stories and ideas in writing and in practice. Emphasis was on good deeds and upright character, not on salvation after death. As Baden-Powell wrote, ‘You will find that heaven is not a kind of happiness somewhere up in the skies after you are dead, but right here and now in this world’.” [From the book On My Honour: Guides and Scouts in Interwar Britain by Tammy M. Proctor, American Philosophical Society, 2002] 

To be pedantic, here, note that the term is Guides’ Own or Scouts’ Own, regardless of the age of the participants; and that the apostrophe goes after the word - it is for plural Guides, not one Guide.

I have been to many Guides' Owns. Most of them seem to be cobbled together in a hurry from a selection of tired old readings and songs we've heard and sung a million times before. In my opinion, Guides' Owns should be inspirational, interesting and individual. They should invite the participants to reflect on their lives and how they can live the Promise and Law. They should inspire us to be better people.

A Guide's Own is a very special type of ceremony. It can be used at a camp or other event as a time for personal reflection, as well as a time to give thanks for all our blessings. A Guide's Own is NOT a replacement for a church service or other religious ceremony. Guide's Owns can be used with girls of any age.