Planning a residential for your Brownies, Guides or Rangers can feel like a big commitment. From organising activities to managing logistics, there’s a lot to think about — especially if it’s your first time.
That’s where a Girlguiding Takeover Weekend can make things much simpler.
Designed specifically by PGL for Girlguiding groups, these weekends offer a structured, supportive and exciting residential experience without the pressure of planning everything from scratch. This guide covers everything you need to know, from what a takeover weekend is to how to prepare your group, so you can feel confident every step of the way.
What is a Girlguiding Takeover Weekend?
A Girlguiding Takeover Weekend is a residential experience where Girlguiding groups take over a PGL centre for a dedicated weekend of adventure, activities and shared experiences.
Unlike traditional residentials, these weekends are designed exclusively for Girlguiding units. That means:
- Activities are tailored to suit Brownies, Guides and Rangers
- The environment feels supportive and familiar
- Programmes are designed with Girlguiding values in mind
It’s a great option if you’re looking for structured brownie residential ideas or want to offer your group a first residential without the complexity of organising everything yourself.
Why Choose a Takeover Weekend for Your Group?
For many leaders, the biggest challenge with planning a residential is the time and responsibility involved. A takeover weekend removes much of that pressure while still delivering a high-quality experience.
A Simpler Way to Plan a Residential
Instead of managing bookings, activity providers and catering separately, everything is organised in one place. This makes it far easier to coordinate your trip and reduces the risk of things being missed.
Designed Specifically for Girlguiding
Because these weekends are created with Girlguiding groups in mind, you won’t need to adapt a generic programme. Activities and schedules are already suitable for your group’s age range and experience level.
Ideal for First-Time Residentials
If you’ve never planned a residential before, a takeover weekend is a great starting point. It gives you structure, support and reassurance while still allowing your group to experience adventure and independence.
What’s Included in a Girlguiding Takeover Weekend?
One of the biggest advantages of a takeover weekend is how much is included.
Typically, you can expect:
- Comfortable group accommodation
- All meals and catering provided
- A full programme of activities
- Evening entertainment
- Qualified instructors leading sessions
- Safety equipment and risk assessments
This all-inclusive approach makes budgeting and planning far more straightforward, which is especially helpful when working through your Girlguiding residential checklist.
Activities You Can Expect
Takeover weekends are built around a mix of adventure, teamwork and fun. Activities are designed to challenge girls in a supportive way, helping them build confidence and try something new.
Common activities include:
- Climbing and abseiling
- Zip wire and high ropes challenges
- Raft building or water-based activities
- Problem-solving and team challenges
- Outdoor adventure sessions
These experiences go beyond just keeping girls entertained. They actively support:
- Confidence building
- Communication skills
- Leadership development
- Resilience and independence
For leaders looking for brownie residential ideas, this kind of structured activity programme ensures there’s something for everyone, regardless of ability or experience.
How to Plan Your Takeover Weekend
Even though much of the trip is organised for you, there are still a few key steps to follow when planning your weekend.
1. Confirm Your Group and Numbers
Start by gauging interest within your unit. Knowing how many girls are coming helps you get a handle on supervision ratios, plan transport logistics and give your provider an accurate headcount. It might seem like a small step, but having a clear idea of numbers early on makes all the following decisions a lot more straightforward.
2. Work Through Your Girlguiding Residential Checklist
Even with a fully organised residential, there are certain responsibilities that stay with you as the leader, so staying on top of admin is essential. Collect parental consent forms, gather medical and dietary information, and have emergency contact details for every person in your group.
You’ll also want to confirm leader ratios and responsibilities and lock in travel arrangements well in advance. Working through these in order means nothing gets missed.
3. Set Expectations with Parents
Clear communication with parents is one of the most important things you can do ahead of the trip. Make sure families have a good understanding of what the weekend includes, where their child will be staying, and what activities are on the programme. Practical details matter too. Let them know what to pack and make sure they have a clear point of contact in case of an emergency. Getting this ticked off early builds trust with parents and helps them to feel confident when sending their child off for the weekend.
4. Prepare your Girls
Preparation is especially important if your group is new to residentials or you’re planning a sleepover-style experience. In the run-up to the trip, you could take some time to talk through what the weekend will look like so everybody knows what to expect when they arrive. Getting them involved with some team-building activities beforehand can also get them excited for the trip ahead. We also love to see independence skills encouraged, and this could include anything from packing their own bag to thinking about sharing a room with others.
As always, make it known that you’re there to answer any questions your unit might have, so you can address concerns or worries and get those cleared up so they’re excited about the adventures that await!
Planning a Brownie Sleepover vs a Takeover Weekend
If you’ve previously organised a brownie sleepover, you might be wondering how it compares.
Brownie Sleepover
- Usually held in a familiar venue
- Shorter duration
- Leader-led activities
- Lower cost but more hands-on planning
Takeover Weekend
- Takes place at one of PGL’s dedicated outdoor centres
- Includes a wider range of activities
- Delivered by experienced instructors
- Less planning required from leaders
Both have their place, but a takeover weekend offers a step up in terms of experience, variety and ease of organisation, benefiting both group leaders and girls.
What a Typical Weekend Looks Like
While each programme may vary slightly, most takeover weekends follow a similar structure.
Arrival and Welcome
On arrival, girls will have time to settle into their accommodation before getting their bearings with safety briefings and introductions. Then it’s time for the first activity session to kick things off and get the excitement going right away!
Full Activity Days
Full activity days are packed but balanced, with morning and afternoon sessions broken up by meals and downtime. In the evening, everybody can get involved with entertainment or group activities, and have the opportunity to wind down and socialise with their friends.
Final Day
On the final day, it’s time to pack your bags u. But that doesn’t mean the fun’s over. This means there’s more time for activities before the bus back home! After lunch and another activity, it’s time to depart and reflect on the amazing weekend that everyone’s had.
Supporting Your Girls During the Trip
Even with a structured programme, your role as a leader remains essential.
You’ll be there to:
- Support girls emotionally, especially if they feel homesick
- Encourage participation and confidence
- Help manage group dynamics
- Celebrate achievements throughout the weekend
The balance of expert-led activities and leader support creates a safe and positive environment for everyone.
Common Concerns and How to Handle Them
It’s completely normal for your girls to have reservations when going on a residential – especially for the first time. Here’s how to approach some of the most common ones:
Homesickness
If a child is feeling homesick, then it might be best to keep them engaged and involved rather than drawing too much attention to how they’re feeling. Gently encouraging friendships and group bonding can make a huge difference, as once they’re absorbed in an activity or laughing with their friends, homesickness often passes quickly.
Safety
All PGL programmes, including Girlguiding Takeover Weekends, are run with strict safety standards, so you can feel confident that your group is in safe hands throughout. Every activity is led by qualified instructors, supported by thorough risk assessments and supervised at all times.
Managing Different Confidence Levels
Not every girl will feel the same about activities, and that’s completely fine. The key is to encourage participation without pressure, and recognising that for some, simply giving something a go is a massive achievement in itself. It’s all about celebrating the small wins and focusing on personal progress rather than comparison. This ensures every girl gets something positive from the experience.
How PGL Supports Your Girlguiding Takeover Weekend
If you’re looking for a straightforward way to deliver an unforgettable residential, PGL’s Girlguiding Takeover Weekends are designed to support you from start to finish.
Here’s how PGL helps make your trip easier:
- All-Inclusive Packages: Accommodation, meals, activities and equipment are all included, making budgeting simple and transparent
- Programmes Built for Girlguiding Groups: Activities and schedules are tailored specifically to Brownies, Guides and Rangers
- Expert Instructors: Every activity is led by trained professionals, ensuring both safety and a high-quality experience
- Less Admin for Leaders: With logistics, catering and activity planning handled for you, you can focus on your group
- Support On-Site: Dedicated staff are there throughout your stay to keep everything running smoothly
- Opportunities for Badge Work: Many activities align with Girlguiding badges, adding extra value to the experience
For leaders working through their Girlguiding trip planning, this kind of support can make the difference between a stressful process and an enjoyable one.
With the right preparation, clear goals and the right support, you can create an experience that helps your girls grow in confidence, build lasting friendships and discover what they’re capable of.
And once you’ve done your first residential, you’ll likely find it won’t be your last! Discover our Girlguiding residentials and enquire today about an experience your unit will love!
