Introducing the Olave Program
Are you looking to connect with other women aged 18-30yrs? You may have left school, be studying full time, working in your first job, be a young mum, or even run your own business…we’ll meet you wherever you are at!
The Olave Program is the place for you to extend your social network, improve your physical and mental health, build confidence, travel, become better connected with your community and make a difference in the world at large.
Groups of young women across Australia meet regularly in person or online, to connect on issues they are passionate about, and to undertake activities or adventures of their choosing.
The Olave Program has a focus on community, adventure and self-development. You can read all about each of these in the Program section below.
Who can join?
Members of Olaves may once have been a Girl Guide who has already benefitted from Guiding through girlhood. Some Members may be Guide Leaders. For others, the Olave Program may be their first experience of Guiding. Experience in Guiding or not, all Olave members develop skills and networks and have fun and adventures that support their pathway through womanhood.
To join the Olave Program, individuals are required to make the Girl Guide Promise and to live by Guide Law.
“The roles I have held within the Olave Program, both at a state and national level, gave me skills that complimented my university studies. Public speaking, policy writing, chairing meetings, attending Board meetings, strategic planning, and event management are just some of skills that I gained during my time in the Olave Program. Professionally, I would not be where I am today without the skills I gained during my time in the Olave Program.”
Olave Program Members support each other, Girl Guiding in Australia & their communities by:
- supporting and participating in regional camping and adventure activities.
- exploring new places – locally and overseas – in female only groups.
- enhancing skills and knowledge through participation in award programs including the Olave Challenge, the Olave Baden Powell Award, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Commonwealth Award.
- developing leadership skills through the program and by participating in the annual Juliette Low Seminar offered by World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
- advocating for the environment by participating in the annual Helen Storrow Seminar also offered by WAGGGS.
- representing girls and young women and speaking publicly in forums such as the Intergenerational Forum, Community Council and even the UN.
- participating in National Guiding working groups and forums like the Advocacy Working Group and Young Women’s Forum.
- supporting girls aged 5-17yrs to learn new skills by facilitating the Inspire program and participating in regular leadership.
- actively supporting local and national charities such as Share the Dignity, Clean Up Australia and Cancer Council.
- coordinating girls and young women to take part in environmental activities in their local communities.
- collaborating with Trefoil Guilds to increase community initiatives and impacts.
- fundraising to sustain Girl Guides Australia through participation in unique international travel adventures.
“I am constantly amazed by the variety of people that I have met through the Olave Program from across Australia, who are brought together by a shared commitment to personal growth and working to improve our community, as well as being up for all sorts of adventures.”
Program
The Olave Program focuses on the three aspects of community, adventure and self-development. The Olave Handbook covers everything in detail but here is a summary.
Community
Olaves take opportunities to make a positive difference in their communities through volunteering, service and advocacy.
This could involve:
- Taking action to improve your community
- Developing an understanding of global issues and sharing your knowledge with others
- Volunteering at events and activities or coordinating your organisation
- Connecting with a range of diverse groups within your community
- Developing and implementing a project of your own or with likeminded people
- Supporting Guiding at a local, state, national and international level
- Speaking out on issues you are passionate about
- Working in partnerships with other organisations to implement positive change
“I am constantly amazed by the variety of people that I have met through the Olave Program from across Australia, who are brought together by a shared commitment to personal growth and working to improve our community, as well as being up for all sorts of adventures.”
Adventure
Olaves take opportunities to challenge themselves through new experiences especially in the outdoors and internationally.
This could involve:
- Stepping out of your comfort zone and developing self-confidence
- Experiencing Guiding on an international level through overseas trips and experiences
- Exploring natural and urban environments
- Making global connections through the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) or other
international organisations - Expanding your horizons by taking part in a range of different activities
- Attending camps and events at a local, state, national and international level
- Developing skills in planning, risk management and problem solving and sharing this expertise with others
- Participating in opportunities and programs offered by WAGGGS
- A true adventure is one that is challenging for the individual. Regardless of the nature of the adventure, it will need to be well-planned with all relevant risk management in place.
Or what about trying one of these…
- Trying an adventurous outdoors activity such as caving or mountain climbing
- Going for a night hike in the city
- Getting out on the water by going sailing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, kite surfing, windsurfing or stand-up paddle boarding
- Volunteering at a World Centre
- Trying out different methods of travel – bike riding, canoe, on foot or public transport
- Gaining skills as an instructor in an outdoor activity such as swimming or abseiling
- Learning outdoor navigation skills such as mapping, orienteering, compass or navigating by the stars
- Travelling interstate or overseas
- Participating in orienteering or rogaining
- Exploring urban environments
- Getting airborne – in a glider or a plane
- Developing climbing skills, either indoor, outdoor or bouldering
- Going to the snow and trying skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing or skating
- Attending a UN WAGGGS event
- Organising and running an adventure activity for others (Olaves or Guides)
- Participating in a mud bash race
- Combining lightweight camping with an adventure to follow a river or
- Learning new skills such as fencing or pistol shooting
- Going riding – on a horse, a road bike or a mountain bike
- Getting up high on a high ropes course or abseiling
“I love being involved in the Olave Program. It has challenged me and taken me out of my comfort zone as well as making new friends and participating in what I love doing.”
Self-Development
Self-development for each person is different. It might be governance, car maintenance, self-defence, IT skills, time management, performing arts, meditation or something else completely different. Peer Groups provide opportunities to learn skills as a group, and to try new activities!
The Olave Program Awards structure provides opportunities for individuals to set up personal projects for developing skills or gaining qualifications.
Many trainings and opportunities offered by the National Learning and Development team are open to all members of Guiding – which means that Olaves who do not have leadership qualifications are very welcome to attend and participate.
Olaves take opportunities to develop skills and knowledge to enable them to grow as individuals.
This could involve:
- Developing practical skills to assist in all areas of life
- Volunteering for leadership or management positions and/or working to develop the relevant skills
- Developing and expanding supportive social networks
- Setting goals and achieving them through Olave Program Awards or personal projects
- Upskilling in the areas of project management, event management and governance within Guiding
- Actively participating in a Peer Group to enhance your development and the development of others
- Exploring new interests, skills and opportunities, including gaining external qualifications
- Undertaking learning and development opportunities through Guiding on a variety of topics
- Undertaking Olave Program Awards
- Participating in the running of a project and gaining project management skills
- Developing mental health through practicing mindfulness, meditation or stress-management techniques
- Learning a language or other cultural awareness
- Gaining external qualifications through a university, TAFE, college or other provider
- Exploring the Learning Topics on the Girl Guides Australia website
- Developing creativity by exploring poetry, landscaping, painting, drama, music or dance
- Improving skills around the home in painting, repairing furniture or gardening
- Developing outdoor skills such as survival techniques, knotting or shelter-building
- Learning about current affairs and engaging in debates
- Improving financial literacy by undertaking a course or workshop or practicing budgeting and responsible financial management
- Developing practical life skills such as changing tyres or cooking
- Learning photography or how to make movies
- Helping to run an event and gaining event management skills
- Developing fitness and strength by trying new sports or outdoor activities
- Learning about the history of the local area, the state or any given time period / country
- Attending talks and learning from experts in a subject of interest
- Becoming a Guide trainer and help others develop
“By taking advantage of the Olave Program I think I’ve developed into someone I’m proud of being.”
How it works
Peer Groups consist of Olaves who meet together on a regular (or semi-regular) basis. Peer Groups may be set up according to geographical areas (ie regions or districts), or to meet the needs of those with similar interests (for example, canoeing or advocacy).
Olaves who are seeking a Peer Group (or a new Peer Group) can contact their State Olave Program Managers for information about other Peer Groups in their area, or any online Peer Groups. Finding a Peer Group that is a good fit is important to foster positive dynamics. Olaves should feel free to take time to explore different options and find a Peer Group that works for them.
Challenge Yourself
There are a number of different challenges and awards that Olaves may choose to work towards during their time in the Olave Program. They provide opportunities to Olaves to challenge themselves in different areas and be recognised for their achievements.
Resources
This Handbook has everything you need to know about the Olave Program including ;-
1. Suggested activities and resources for self-directed learning including: Advocacy & Social Issues, Campfires, Guiding History, Management, Promise & Law, Knots & Pioneering and WAGGGS & World Guiding
2. Adult Endeavours: Syllabus of activities assessed by a skilled mentor including: Faith Awareness, Environmental Awareness, Health & Fitness and Women in Leadership
3. Outdoors Modules: Tasks and activities assessed by an Outdoor Skills Assessor including: Camping, Expeditions, Canoeing, Kayaking and Rowing
Olave Program Policies on Guide Lines
Supporting Girls
INSPIRE is a one-hour program to be run by Olaves in a Guide Unit during a regular weekly meeting. It provides an introduction to the Olave Program for Guides of any age and facilitates connections between Olaves, Guides and Unit Leaders.
There are four versions of the INSPIRE program – one for 5-6 year-olds, one for 7-9 year-olds, one for 10-13 year-olds and one for 14-17 year-olds.
Very few resources are required. Guides will earn an “I’m Inspired to Become an Olave” badge for their camp blanket or Guide bag. There is a comprehensive package of resources including step by step instructions for each program.
International Opportunities
There are many fantastic international opportunities available to Olaves through GGA and WAGGGS.
WORLD CENTRES
There are five World Centres (in England, Switzerland, Mexico, Africa and India), where girls and women from around the world can develop their leadership and life skills through international friendships, challenge, adventure and self-development.
There are many opportunities for Olaves to work or volunteer at these World Centres, as well as to attend international seminars and events which are held regularly.
“It wasn’t until I spent four months as an autumn volunteer at Our Chalet in Switzerland that I fully realised how much Guiding had to offer young women outside of unit leadership roles.”
Some of the specific events and seminars offered by WAGGGS are:
- Juliette Lowe Seminar: mainly held at the four World Centres, in rotation. Each Seminar has a different theme or focus, though always focusing on international knowledge and leadership.
- Helen Storrow Seminar: traditionally held at Our Chalet (WAGGGS’ first World Centre in Switzerland) and addresses the most relevant issues in our global society such as the natural environment, leadership, self-image, gender inequality and advocacy.
These opportunities are advertised here.
Uniform
Olaves wear the adult uniform with any navy pants, shorts, skirts etc. as appropriate. This can include denim jeans.
Membership
To join the Olave Program, you must be aged between 18-29yrs and you must become an Adult Member of your State Girl Guide Organisation.
For more information reach out to them or your State Olave Program contact below.
NSW ACT & NT – olaveprogram@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
Queensland – olave@guidesqld.org
South Australia – op@girlguidessa.org.au
Tasmania – olave@guidestas.org.au
Victoria – olave@guidesvic.org.au
Western Australia – olave@girlguideswa.org.au
Contact Us
For more information about the Olave Program contact the National Coordinator or your State Olave Program Liaison.
National Coordinator – Olave Program: – olave@girlguides.org.au
State Olave Program Liaisons:
NSW ACT & NT – olaveprogram@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
Queensland – olave@guidesqld.org
South Australia – op@girlguidessa.org.au
Tasmania – olave@guidestas.org.au
Victoria – olave@guidesvic.org.au
Western Australia – olave@girlguideswa.org.au