Associação Guias de Portugal

The first Guide group in Portugal was formed in 1911 in Porto, being an overseas group of The Guide Association (UK). This group – and the British Guides on Madeira – supported the development of Portuguese Guide groups in 1919.

In 1930, the AGP was formed; it was officially recognized by the government in 1934, but had to suspend all activities in 1938 due to political unrest. Only the Madeira region could continue its work; it helped the organization to resume activities in 1952.

The AGP became an associate member of WAGGGS in 1963 and a full member in 1975.

The association's aims are the formation and the development of girls and young women through the Scout method by four main principles: life in the patrol, life in the outdoors, commitment to the community and progressive programs.

The membership badge of Associação Guias de Portugal shows a trefoil superimposed with an elongate cross fleury, the ends having a shape like a fleur-de-lys.

The association is divided in four age-groups:

• Avezinha - Little Bird (ages 6 to 10)
• Guia Aventura - Adventure Guide (ages 10 to 14)
• Guia Caravela - Caravelle Guide (ages 14 to 17)
• Guia Moínho - Windmill Guide (ages 17 to 21)

• Federação Escotista de Portugal

• World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, World Bureau (1997), Trefoil Round the World. Eleventh Edition 1997. ISBN 0-900827-75-0