Nearly 100 girls from the Isle of Ely embarked on a cosmic Star Quest adventure to celebrate the 100th birthday of Brownies.

Cambs Times: Nearly 100 girls from the Isle of Ely embarked on a cosmic Star Quest adventure to celebrate the 100th birthday of Brownies.Nearly 100 girls from the Isle of Ely embarked on a cosmic Star Quest adventure to celebrate the 100th birthday of Brownies. (Image: Archant)

The girls, all aged seven to 10, joined brownies from across Cambridgeshire at Cambridge University’s Churchill College to mark The Big Brownie Birthday with a space-themed spectacular.

Eighty-two Isle of Ely girls attended the extravaganza included the 1st Sutton, 1st Wilburton, 1st Witchford, 2nd Haddenham and 4th Ely Brownies.

The all-girl celebration saw the young stargazers travel through three time zones in the hunt for missing stars - taking part in challenges and enjoying new and exciting adventures en route.

The Star Quest story began with a trip to the past to learn more about the 100-year history of the Brownies, followed by an Out of this World Lunch. In the afternoon, girls chose activity sessions based in the present day, including tackling obstacle courses and climbing walls.

Cambs Times: Nearly 100 girls from the Isle of Ely embarked on a cosmic Star Quest adventure to celebrate the 100th birthday of Brownies.Nearly 100 girls from the Isle of Ely embarked on a cosmic Star Quest adventure to celebrate the 100th birthday of Brownies. (Image: Archant)

Finally they journeyed to the future, where members of Cambridge University’s engineering department helped them to build and launch rockets.

Holly Jackson, 9, from the 2nd Balsam Brownies, said: “The best bit about the Big Brownie Birthday was the inflatable games especially the maze. It was not hard to get lost.”

Lucy Wilson, 9, from the 2nd Balsam Brownies, added: “If I could do anything again I would do the inflatable rock climbing wall. I loved trying new things and making things.”

Brownie Leader Sian Billson, from the 2nd Duxford Brownies said: “This has been a brilliant day for the girls to try new things and make new friends.”

Cambs Times: Nearly 100 girls from the Isle of Ely embarked on a cosmic Star Quest adventure to celebrate the 100th birthday of Brownies.Nearly 100 girls from the Isle of Ely embarked on a cosmic Star Quest adventure to celebrate the 100th birthday of Brownies. (Image: Archant)

Adventures like Star Quest are just part of the range of activities, challenges and exciting opportunities open to Brownies. Girls take part in a hugely varied weekly programme, incorporating everything from stargazing, world issues and science to abseiling, canoeing and zip wiring.

For more information about The Big Brownie Birthday and how to join Girlguiding – the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK – go to: www.girlguiding.org.uk.