Catherine NicollIsle of Man
CULTURE VANNIN
The new badge – and the resources to earn it – were developed by Culture Vannin
A new Manx Gaelic badge for girlguides and scouts is intended to “inspire curiosity, confidence, and cultural pride” in children of all ages, the island commissioner for Girlguiding has said.
Gaelg Aboo! – which translates as ‘Hooray for the Manx language’ – can be earned by taking part in interactive activities using the vernacular language, including greetings, songs, place names and traditional stories.
Open to both the Girlguiding and Scouts movements, it was created in conjunction with Culture Vannin with support from Douglas Rotary.
Island Girlguiding commissioner Su Simpson said the new badge “helps Rainbows, Brownies and Guides connect more deeply with their Island home”.
CULTURE VANNIN
Members of the 5th Douglas Brownies were among the first to earn the badge
Units on the island were able to start working towards the badge from September, and among the first to earn the emblem were members of the 5th Douglas Brownies.
Group leader, Felicity Wood, said the Brownies had “had a fantastic time working towards this badge”.
She said she hoped the experience would help members of the unit “feel even more confident to use their Manx language in other settings too”.
The 5th Douglas Brownies are currently exploring “fun and meaningful ways to use Manx phrases during meeting times” on an ongoing basis, including phrases like ‘oie vie’ (good night) and ‘gura mie ayd’ (thank you).
Ruth Keggin-Gell, from Culture Vannin, said the badge was open to Girlguiding and Scouts groups all over the world
The programme was put together by Culture Vannin’s Manx language development officer, Ruth Keggin-Gell, ahead of 2026’s Year of the Manx Language.
She said the aim of the project was to “create a joyful, educational and accessible project celebrating Manx, particularly as we get ready for Blein ny Gaelgey – the Year of the Manx Language”.
The badge could be completed anywhere in the world, “whether you’re a Brownie in Ramsey or a Scout in Canada,” she added.
Girlguiding commissioner Su Simpson said the collaboration represented “a proud and positive step forward – for language, culture, and community on the Isle of Man”.
“By earning the badge, they are not only gaining new skills, but also helping to keep the Manx language and culture thriving for future generations,” she said.
It also reflected the organisation’s commitment to “empowering young people to understand their roots, celebrate diversity, and take pride in who they are and where they come from”.
