Bergeronnettes learn to work and play independently and also in a team called “La Ronde” or “Uruhuri rw’Inyamanza” in Kinyarwanda. “La ronde” consist of a group 30 girls maximum. Its size allows girls to be well integrated and their implication inside it. This group is divided into smaller patrols called “Six” for other activities, responsibilities. Each of those Six has a name, a leader called “Sixer”, and an assistant, the “Second”, both appointed by the Adult Leader.
Ideally, a Ronde is led by two adult leaders, who help each other, and ensure continuity if one is not available.
The Bergeronnettes’ education inside the movement is quite different from the main branch (the Guides ) but tends to it. The Bergeronnettes discover slowly by slowly their environment and their potential into it. They learn to share , and be active in a group, and are assigned some responsibilities in accordance to their age. In their activities they act for environment protection, for peace and solidarity.
In the “Ronde” girls evolve in an imaginary world of a book : Tilly’s Story. This book is a pedagogic story who inspire girls and give them a structure where they discover the necessity of having rules and following them to live together. Tilly’s Story is exciting and humoristic , which fits well with their age and their need of fantasy and adventure.
The pictorial framework of the book offers a coherent set of
games and activities where girls grow and improve within a “happy
family” and where everyone does their best. The Happy family allows them
to have a safe space of confidence, comprehension, liberty, good mood and joy.
The Motto
“Uko Dushoboye”
The Salute
Two fingers of the right hand upright, thumb and little finger bent and touching. The hand raised to the cap. The fingers symbolise the Threefold Promise.
The Sign
As above but the hand raised only to shoulder level.
The Handshake
A Brownie shakes hands with the left hand.
The Good Turn
A Brownie does at least one Good Turn a day.
The Pack Emblem
The Wagtail.
The Uniform
White shirt, and red skirt and a red and white scarf, decorated with earned badges.
In exceptional situations, the Ronde can wear tshirts and pants with the permission of the Adult Leadeers.
The Promise
I promise to be faithful to God, to my parents, to the Law of the Ronde, and to do a good turn every day.
The Law
The Enrolment is a special ceremony where the members of the Ronde become Bergeronnettes. It will be the first time they wear their full uniform and receive the scarves.
This is the way a Bergeronnette is enrolled:
The new Bergeronnettes will form the circle. The Adult Leader will ask the Sixer to take her Bergeronnettes to the centre of the circle.
Leader: “Do you know your Brownie Promise? “
Bergeronnette: “Yes, I do.”
The Bergeronnette who is to be enrolled, and all the Ronde and Leaders salute while she makes her Promise.
Bergeronnette: “I promise to do my best, to do my duty to God, to serve my country and help other people, and to keep the Ronde Law.”
The Leader ties a scarf around the new Bergeronnette’s neck.
Leader: “You are now a Bergeronnette of the ….. Ronde. I trust you to do your best.”
Leader shakes hands with the Brownie.
Leader: “Ronde, welcome our new Brownie.”
Ronde gives her the Grand Salute.