Rainbow Overnight
Jean Heeson 
I have been a Rainbow Unit Leader since 1996 when my daughter was 5 yrs old and I volunteered to open a new Rainbow Unit. In 2003 I joined the Programme & Leadership Team as Rainbow representative and when the opportunity to run the first Rainbow Overnight came up I took 12 Rainbows on a Fairy Themed Sleepover.
As you can see from the picture they all slept peacefully and we
all had a great time (including the 4 leaders!)
My next overnight was Disney Princesses all pink and sparkley jewels.
The Rainbows received their Overnight badges to wear on their uniform.
This badge, based on two designs from competition winners Molly of Derbyshire and Emma of Hertfordshire, can be given to girls who have already attended a Rainbow overnight.
There is no syllabus that they have to complete, it is to celebrate that they have taken part!
If you are thinking about running an overnight with your unit and wish to gain your Overnight licence then read the 'Rainbow Overnights' book which will tell you all you need to know. If possible gain experience of a residfential event by helping at one run by another unit.To gain your licence you have to complete Modules 1,2 and 3 of the Training Opportunities: Camp and Holiday Scheme which is really just planning & running your overnight successfully, with the help of a mentor. She will be assigned to you after you attend the one day residential training which is usually held in November each year.
The main difference between a Rainbow overnight and any other, is that the venue has to be local enough "for parents to access their child at any time, should it be necessary". Ask your Holiday Advisor for the list of approved places.
Please contact me if you have any questions about Rainbow Overnights.
My contact details are in the County Directory and the Training Opportunities
for Residential Activities 2007 to 2008 booklet.