What is the Nights Away Badge?        

Spending a night away from home with Guiding friends is one of the highlights of being a member. To celebrate going away with Guiding, you can now gain badges as part of Derbyshire's "Nights Away scheme". There are badges available for 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75 and 100 nights away. Each one featuring a different coloured stitching– so keep collecting them to make up an attractive set.

Badges can be awarded to all members - from the newest Rainbow to the most mature adult member – so long as they've completed the required number of nights.

Girls can wear the badges on their uniform if they wish to or alternatively sew them on to your camp blanket.

To take part you will need a "Nights Away" record card, which can be downloaded via this link  record card

Every time you spend a night or more away, record it on your card, get it verified and signed by an adult, then ask your leader to order you a badge when you're ready.

Leaders, if you would like flyers to inform your members about the scheme, simply click on the following link. Nights Away Badge flyers

FAQs

Q Who can take part in the Nights Away Scheme?

A  All members of Girlguiding Derbyshire from Rainbows to Senior Section – and even adults and Trefoil Guild!

Q What counts as a Night Away?

A  One night (or more) spent on a recognised guiding event. This could include: Sleepovers, holidays, camps, boating holidays, bivouacs, international trips, youth hostelling, service crew weekends…in fact, anything that is approved in the Guiding Manual.

Q How do I record my Nights Away?

A  By completing the Nights Away Record Card. You can get copies of the card by clicking on the link and printing it off on your PC.  Record card

Leaders - The record card can be photocopied as many times as you wish to be used for everyone in your unit.

Q Can I backdate my Nights Away?

A  Yes you can, they can be backdated from when you first joined Girlguiding, so long as you can get your nights away verified by a leader. (So all you oldies should be well on your way to gaining the full set!)

Q Who can sign my record card?

A   For members under 18, the Leader at the residential event can sign to confirm the number of nights away at that particular event. For over 18s, another member of staff can sign. 

Q  If I’ve already passed a certain Nights Away Badge, can I order that too?

A  Yes you can order all your back Nights Away Badges if you want to, from 1 night away up to your current number. Each badge features different coloured stitching, so they look great together as a set on your camp blanket. However you will have to pay for these extra badges yourselves @ £1 each, as your unit will only issue you with your latest achieved badge.

Ask your unit leader to order them for you – it is she who will require your payment.

Q Where can the badge be worn?

A   Girls can wear the badge as part of their uniform; when they reach the next Nights Away Badge, they remove the old one and replace with their newly issued one. Past badges can be sewn onto their camp blankets or alternatively badges can be sewn directly onto camp blankets.

Adult members are limited to sewing onto their camp blankets.

Q  After I gain a badge, do my Nights Away reset to zero?

A  No, your Nights Away accumulate, so keep your record card up to date! Your record card will move with you when you change sections (e.g. move from Rainbows to Brownies) or units.

Q  Do Nights Away count if they are as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme?

A  Yes, but only if you are registered as a Duke of Edinburgh Award candidate through Guiding, and you are mentored by your Guider or County D of E Adviser. You will be attending your D of E expedition nights as a Senior Section member so your Nights Away count! However, if you are registered as a candidate through your school or another organisation, and are completing the scheme through them, then the nights away do not count.

Q  How to I order my badge(s)?

A  Girls, once you have reached each number of nights away, show your record card to your unit leader and she will order you a badge.

Leaders - if you or your girls have reached 1, 5, 10, 20, 30 or 50 Nights Away you can order the badges by filling out the Nights Away Badge Order Form and sending the completed form along with a cheque for £1.00 per badge  + p&p to Mrs Sarah Pollard N.A.B co-ordinator, Corner Farm Rodsley Ashbourne Derbyshire DE6 3AP

If you require a 75 or 100 Nights Away badge, things are slightly different. These badges will only be available on special order due to low demand; therefore please email Sarah at sarahepollard123@btinternet.comwith your details, which & how many badges you wish to order and she will add you to the “Waiting for badges list”. Once there are enough waiting to warrant a batch being manufactured, Sarah will inform you they are in production and you can send a Nights Away Badge Order Form as normal.

Q  I’ve got a question about the Nights Away Badge Scheme that isn’t answered here, who should I contact?

A  If you have any further questions regarding this scheme please do not hesitate to contact Sarah pollard at sarahepollard123@btinternet.com