Meet the next Deputy Chief Commissioner, Sarah-Jane Burns
About
Sarah-Jane is from Porthcawl and has been a Girlguiding volunteer for 10 years. Sarah-Jane is Brownie leader at 3rd Newton Brownies, where she attended as a Brownie herself! She is also a Girlguiding Trainer and Mentor.
Q&A
How did you feel when you heard the great news?
I feel so excited and honoured to be taking on the role of Deputy Chief Commissioner of Girlguiding Cymru in October supporting our new Chief Commissioner, Beverley Martin over the next five years. Girlguiding Cymru has so many amazing members and I can’t wait, when it’s safe to do so, to have an opportunity to meet you all.
How important is Girlguiding / volunteering to you?
Girlguiding has played such an important part of my life from being that little Brownie in 3rd Newton Brownies to the Leader I’ve become today.
It’s given me the opportunities to travel and experience so many activities with the girls and my guiding friends. I am so proud to put on my uniform each week for my unit meetings as I truly believe that Guiding really does give girls the environment to be their best. Seeing a young member shine with pride as they achieve a personal challenge, conquer a fear or learn a new skill makes me so happy.
Your favourite Girlguiding experience so far?
Sarah- Jane at The London Marathon 2019
My favourite Guiding memory? It’s really hard as I’ve had so many! I suppose one of my highlights of last year was taking on the London Marathon for Girlguiding UK.
Just as we challenge the girls each week, I wanted to challenge myself. Before this I had never ran a marathon and had only taken up running 4 years earlier. It was great to stand on the start line with my fellow Guiders ready for the challenge ahead.
This is also where my friendship began with Anna McNuff, Girlguiding Ambassador and adventurer, who has literally written the book about embracing challenges! I share her sense of adventure and challenging ourselves and am passionate about encouraging and supporting others to do so too.
What your plans for your new role, what would you like to achieve?
I look forward to becoming the ‘(Inner) Cheerleader’ for all our members inspiring and motivating you through my passion and commitment to Guiding.
I’m honoured to be part of the team that is going to to help drive Girlguiding Cymru into the future. I’m also hoping to improve my Welsh as it has got a little rusty!
Sarah-Jane joined Anna Mcnuff on her Barefoot Britain tour in Edinburgh!