Meet the Carrigaline woman at the helm of the Irish Girl Guides

As a teenager, Aisling Claffey Healion, from Carrigaline, was crippled by anxiety.

Not any more.

Aisling, whose journey with the Irish Girl Guides (IGG) began more than two decades ago, was recently named the IGG Chief Commissioner.

“Guiding has given me so much,” she says.

“Confidence, life-long friendships, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging. Stepping into the role of Chief Commissioner is my way of giving back to the organisation that has shaped my life.”

What motivates Aisling, a mother of one?

“I’m motivated by the opportunity to help Irish Girl Guides to grow, to be visible in every community, and to make sure every girl has the chance to experience the same sense of empowerment that I did.”

How did she take the life-affirming step to join the Guides as a shy young girl?

“I grew up in a housing estate,” says Aisling.

“I remember when I was about 10, the girls living on the estate would go away together every Tuesday. I wanted to go with them.”

So she did.

“From the very first Girl Guide meeting, I found my own space,” says Aisling.

“I felt a sense of belonging and believed that I could find my path.”

She felt just a tiny bit anxious.

“To be sure, to be sure, I went back to the meeting the following week.”

She was reassured.

“I found a supportive, friendly network that was fun and inclusive,” says Aisling.

“During my teen years, I learned life skills, skills for daily life, and skills to take out into the world.”

She was glad that she came out the hall door one Tuesday when she was 10-years-old.

“And from out of those same hall doors, 21 years later, I see the girls still disappearing every Tuesday to go to the Girl Guide meeting. There is something for everybody. It’s wonderful!” says Aisling.

From a young Guide to Senior Branch, to Leader, and now Chief Commissioner, Aisling has honed many skills.

“I chose a wonderful journey, enjoying enduring friendships made through bonding during outdoor activities, hiking, camping, achieving our badges earned by members to recognise skill, knowledge and interests developed across various, often themed, activity areas.”

What are some of the areas of interest?

“They range from environmental conservation and coding to cooking and camping,” says Aisling.

“Other interests include politics, money matters, or skin care. These awards, or badges, encourage personal growth and are displayed on uniforms or sashes to celebrate achievements.”

Having the cráic is recognised too.

“Absolutely!” says Aisling.

“We all have the best time on our excursions, camping trips, and unique experiences.”

Like what unique experiences?

“Like cooking three meals a day for 30 kids in the middle of a field with two little gas stoves! And living in a tent and helping clean out the toilet.”

That’s pretty unique alright.

Being such an active ambassador for Irish Girl Guides, what does Aisling hope to achieve for IGG during her time as chief?

“My goal is to strengthen our foundations while embracing innovation,” says Aisling.

“I want to see membership continue to grow, our programmes to evolve to meet girls’ changing needs, and our volunteers to feel equipped and confident in their roles.

“My hope is to lead IGG into a new era of visibility and unity. I want every girl in Ireland to know that Guiding is a space where she can belong, be herself, and build skills and confidence to lead in her own way.”

Aisling is fuelled with ambition for growth.

“I want to see IGG continue to grow as a modern and dynamic movement, one that celebrates its history while embracing the future with courage and optimism.”

Aisling’s goal is simple.

“I want every girl who walks through our doors leaving believing she can change the world.”

Aisling’s world changed when she joined the Guides.

In a previous interview, Aisling explained how being a Guide is something that felt comfortable and safe. 

“We were having a conversation at camp,” says Aisling.

“Someone said, ‘how can you have anxiety when you are so confident?’ I said, ‘yes, I am confident now because I am comfortable.’ Being a Guide feels comfortable and safe.

She added: “We teach everyone, from when they come in aged five, that guiding is a safe place.

“That is always something that stood to me. I always knew if I was at a meeting where I felt uncomfortable, I could take a step back and I would never be judged for it. Guiding was something I kept on and kept going to. It gave me that place that I could go and feel very comfortable and be the person I knew I was. I could go there and not feel judged. It gave me the chance to face those fears in a safe place. And that helped me overcome my anxiety.”

The Girl Guides motto is ‘be prepared’. Aisling is prepared to give back to the organisation that gave her so much.

“Settling into my role as Commissioner can be time-consuming,” says Aisling. “I am very willing to give of my time after 21 years. I am very prepared to give my time back.

“Organising 400 volunteers into groups of 30 [at camp] and delegating various duties makes for a lot of logistics. Working together, travelling together, we’ll all get on with it. It’s 100 per cent enjoyment.”

Aisling enjoys spreading the word about IGG.

“I see an organisation that is bold, inclusive and connected,” she says.

“One that continues to honour our traditions while embracing new opportunities.

“In the coming years, I believe we’ll see more collaboration across regions, deeper engagement with communities and a renewed focus on outdoor adventure and leadership development.

“Guiding has always adapted to the times. But our purpose remains the same; empowering every girl to be her best self.”

When she was a shy 10-year-old, Aisling took the step to become her best self.

“My parents were delighted,” she says.

“My sisters joined IGG as well.”

They are all part of the gang.

“I stayed the distance,” Aisling adds.

And she went the distance. Appointed as Chief Commissioner of IGG, Aisling is her best self.

Irish Girl Guides has around 12,000 members ranging from ages five to 30.

Girl Guides is an international movement organised under the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, (WAGGGS) which represents over 10 million members in more than 150 countries.

Guiding started in Ireland in 1911 and operates throughout the 26 counties, with leaders providing an informal educational programme of fun and challenging activities that foster confidence and leadership skills in girls and young women, enabling them to become responsible citizens.

• See irishgirlguides.ie or phone 01 6683898.