Pre event preparation

Practising passing greetings messages before the event will prove useful. It should give the girls confidence to speak slowly and fairly loudly. It is also more interesting to the receiving station if the messages are slightly different and give an idea of the local activities; weather etc, especially to overseas contacts.

The girls will find it useful to have access to the International Phonetic Alphabet, so they can spell unusual words phonetically. Don't forget common English first names and place names may sound extremely unusual in distant countries.

Everyone will find it easier to have their message written out, although some Guides, Senior Section and Guiders may be able to 'talk' from a 'cheat sheet', a list of topics or questions to ask.

Below is a suggested message for a Brownie to 'fill in the blanks'


Hello! My name is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Which is spelled (phonetically) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I am in the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brownie Pack.

My Six is the . . . . . . . . . . . . (phonetics - especially Bwbacod!)

Recently we have . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (e.g. been on Pack Holiday)

to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (details of activity).

I have . . . . . . . . . . . . badges.

My favourite part of Brownies is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For World Thinking Day we are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My other hobbies are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thank you for listening to me. I hope you have a happy World Thinking Day.

Best Wishes from the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brownies.

Rainbows can be encouraged to say their name and one other thing about themselves.

Remember Safe from Harm, anyone with a suitable radio can listen in, so ensure the girls consider the following points.

• Never give surnames
  
  
• Never give addresses
  
  
• Never give personal details, height, hair/eye colour
  
  
• Never give family names or details, maybe just the number of brothers or sisters.
  
  

It is helpful to have some QSL cards available at the beginning of the event so that they can be completed as early contacts are made.