In 2003 the Brownie programme has undergone a complete overhaul. Gone are the Journeys (which research showed the girls regarded as "homework") and the Toadstool and in are the Brownie Adventure, some new six emblems, and lots more.

The new programme is designed to be varied and flexible and full of options and choices – not filled with homework for Brownies. It should be easy to manage, with less record-keeping, but still retain the ‘specialness’ of being a Brownie.

The core of the new programme is the "Brownie Adventure" which is set out in two colourful new books for the Brownies.

• Understanding and awareness of herself
• Relationship with family and friends
• Skills and achievements
• Confidence and personality
• Beliefs, morals and values
• Self-esteem and self-worth

In the Community section, a Brownie develops her

• Understanding and awareness of the communities in which she lives and participates
• Level of practical action in those communities
• Knowledge of how she can contribute to her communities
• Understanding and awareness of her relationships with people in her communities
• Enthusiasm to use her skills to contribute to her communities and to improve relationships

The World section will help a Brownie to develop her

• Understanding and awareness of the world in which she lives
• Knowledge of and interest in the world
• Knowledge and understanding of world Guiding
• Enthusiasm to use her skills locally for the benefit of the wider world
• Understanding of how she can improve her world

As a Brownie progresses through her Brownie Adventure she should have the opportunity to experience the following :

• Activities, challenges and events outside her normal meeting place
• Her wider Guiding family
• Activities and events with other packs and sections
• Fun and friendship
• A balanced range of activities
• Residential opportunities such as sleepovers, holidays and camps
• Interest badges, on her own and with others
• Opportunities for personal development
• If possible, the chance to be a Brownie Buddy, Sixer or Second
• Recognition of achievement with instant rewards

There are two books for the girls : Brownie Adventure and Brownies Adventure On. Brownie Adventure is aimed at 7 - 8 year old Brownies and is designed to last for about two years, and Brownies Adventure On is aimed at Brownies of about nine years of age and over who are ready to try new activities and challenges. Both books contain information, activities and challenges, and Brownies Adventure On also contains Go For It! Guides, which is designed to give older Brownies a taste of Guides and lead her into the Guide section. It will also benefit girls who do not move on to Guides as it ha sactivities and ideas to develop teamwork, cooperation and negotiation skills. It is not intended that the books be completed from cover to cover. It is the Brownie's choice how much - or how little - she does. Brownies choose their own challenges and should be encouraged to try challenges from all the Adventure areas - You, Community, and World. Guiders should ensure that the girls receive a balanced programme and help the girls with their selections, as these areas are not clearly defined in the books although they are woven into the challenges.

There are lots of new Brownie Interest badges to accompany the new programme, from old favourites like Swimmer and Collector through to the new Camper (and Advanced Camper) and Water Sports badges, and just about everything in between. You can download the syllabuses for all the badges from the Girlguiding UK website - just click here.