I spent last night as the guest of the girls of the 25th Edinburgh Girls’ Brigade Company at their annual display. They entertained me and their significant adults with songs, games, dancing and the officers even performed their hilarious homage to the Spice Girls. I’m sure there are photos somewhere…
The highlight for me was presenting the girls with their awards and prizes. Over the year they work hard to achieve their awards and a lot of that work is unseen. I remember parents nights and displays from my days in the Boys’ Brigade and being presented with my awards was always a highlight for me. There is something very special about hearing your name called and walking up to the front to collect something you have worked very hard for. So well done girls. I was very proud to present you with your hard earned awards.
I was also asked to say a few words to the girls and the adults.
I used my few moments to encourage the girls to keep at it and work hard. To learn more about themselves, each other and about Jesus.
I spoke to the adults about the value of volunteering. 69% of adults say they would like to volunteer to work with children but only 5% do. Those 5% are worth their weight in gold. The officers and helpers at 5th Edinburgh are brilliant. They give of their time and their enthusiasm because they love working with their girls. Many of them are young women who have been in the company from childhood and are now giving back because they know how valuable the time and energy and patience that was invested in them has been.
Across the country youth clubs, uniformed organisations, sunday school and sports clubs are closing because adults don’t volunteer. If you are one of the 69% who think you would like invest in our children then please do! You may never know how precious your time could be.
As someone who had adults invest in me as a child I can tell you that every moment you spend will be beyond value.