Drama for all age groups provides opportunities to express yourself, improve listening skills, understand others, concentrate and most of all, gain self-confidence. Start with drama activities that girls find easy to manage; they will then feel more confident to take risks when challenged with new activities. The activities listed below can work for both Sparks and Brownies depending on their developmental levels, which can vary greatly in children in this age group.

Brownies also enjoy making puppets and masks, face painting, mixers and warm-ups, and songs with actions/drama (see Spark section). Brownies can try more mime activities (such as what they would like for their birthday), making up their own stories, participation stories and simple skits.

There are many ideas for these in the following Guiding publications: Campfire Activities, Playing with Drama and Creative Fun, and Drama in Guiding. Drama can also be used to enhance program activities, such as having the girls act out how to avoid hypothermia, etc.

RESOURCES

Campfire Activities
Full of drama games, participation stories native legends, etc.

Playing With Drama
Lists activities by branch, also lists where activities fit into program. Topics include mixers, warm-ups, mime, ceremonies, skit starters, yells, Water for Tomorrow etc. (Beans for Bears - identifying smells/story is great for Sparks and Brownies)

Creative Fun Drama in Guiding
Includes: Relaxation, concentration, and action/reaction exercises, dramatic games, participation stories and skits.

For these publications and more, contact your local Girl Guide Store.

Courtesy of BC Training, October 1999