Canadian Guider Fall 2019 by Canadian Guider: Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada

Canadian

FA L L 2 0 1 9

Indigenous Girls in Guiding

Voices to Votes

Think Like a Girl

Code It!

Women Deliver 2019

YOUR GGC

Celebrating Anniversaries! Hello Rangers and Guiders,

Photo: ©GGC

his year at Girl Guides of Canada, we’re celebrating two exciting milestones – the 30th anniversary of Sparks and the 40th anniversary of Pathfinders. (And in 2020, we’ll also be marking the 100th anniversary of Brownies!) You may have joined Girl Guides as a Spark or a Pathfinder – or somewhere in between. Or perhaps you discovered Guiding for the first time as a volunteer. After all, there are many entry points for girls and women to begin their Guiding journey. Each and every girl and woman is welcome, and as we proudly tell everyone, any time is the right time to join Guiding. In this issue of Canadian Guider, Edmonton Guider Noreen Remtulla shares what her time in Guiding has meant to her (Finding My Path, page 40). “From the first day I wore a Spark shirt through my time in Pathfinders to my adult membership today,” she writes, “Guiding has helped me find and determine my own path in life.” We want each girl who joins Girl Guides to find her own path – and to know that her voice matters and that she is valued for exactly who she is. We’re grateful to Alice and Amber, two Indigenous girls in Pathfinders, for thoughtfully sharing with us their personal experiences in Guiding (page 4). As an organization, we’re listening carefully to Indigenous girls and women, so we can learn how to better support them in their communities. On page 7, we

share some of the steps we’re undertaking on our path forward to creating more inclusive spaces for Indigenous girls and women. Also in this issue of Canadian Guider . . . • As Canadians head to the polls this October, find out how you can engage girls in the upcoming federal election (page 8), and discover what girls have to say about the issues that are impacting them and the future of the country (page 10). • You don’t need a computer science degree to help girls build digital skills. We’ll help you dive in with Five Ways to Explore Coding (page 18). • Ranger Caelan interviews Brownies and Rangers to get their tips on how Guiders can ensure they’re facilitating activities that engage, challenge and inspire girls (page 12). • We celebrate Guiders who exemplify the pillars of girl-driven Guiding as catalysts for empowerment (page 15), and we hope you find their stories as inspiring as we did! Yours in Guiding,

Krysta Jill Guiding Ambassador CEO, Girl Guides of Canada CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Photo: West Rouge Photo Co.

CONTENTS Features

4 Indigenous Girls in Guiding

8 Voters’ Choices, Youth Voices 10 Voices to Votes

12 Think Like a Girl

15 Celebrating Girl-Driven Guiders 18 Code It!

20 National Service Project 2019 - 2020 30 The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Photo: Michelle LaFayette

38 Women Deliver 2019 40 Finding My Path

And more.... 2 Your GGC

22 Outdoor Guider: Outdoor Cooking 101

26 Outdoor Guider: A S’morgasbord of S’mores 28 Ask a Guider: Opting In

33 The 1910 Society Legacy 34 GGC 2019 Scholarships

37 The National Youth Council

42 GGC’s 2019 Change Maker Awards

Cover Photo: Cat & Jeff The Apartment Photography

Photo: Van Chau

44 Behind the Blue: The GGC Board of Directors 46 FYI

22 Canadian Guider, Volume 89, No. 3, FALL 2019 • ISSN 0300-435X Published three times annually (Winter, Spring, Fall) by Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada, 50 Merton Street, Toronto, ON, M4S 1A3 416-487-5281 • 1-800-565-8111.Web site: www.girlguides.ca • Email: cdnguider@girlguides.ca • Viceregal Patron: Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada • Chair: Robyn McDonald • Chief Executive Officer: Jill Zelmanovits • Publisher: Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada • Chair, Editorial Committee: Hilary Feldman • Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications: Andrea MacBeth • Communications Specialist: Mary Vincent • Editor: Sharon Jackson • Art Director: Ross Woolford • Annual membership fee includes a subscription to Canadian Guider. It is sent free to all registered adult members and Rangers. If you are a member and have an address change please notify iMIS in your provincial council office. If you are a paid subscriber and have an address change please notify the Canadian Guider directly, enclosing your Canadian Guider mailing label if possible. Send changes to Canadian Guider, Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada, 50 Merton Street, Toronto, ON, M4S 1A3, Canada.

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada (GGC) recognizes and values the richness of human diversity in its many forms, and therefore strives to ensure environments where girls and women from all walks of life, identities, and lived experiences feel a sense of belonging and can participate fully. This commitment to inclusion means GGC’s culture, programming and practices encourage self-awareness and awareness of others; room for difference; and environments where girls and women feel safe, respected, supported, and inspired to reach their potential. SUBSCRIPTIONS RATES: $12 per year inside Canada, $15 to USA, $20 overseas. Single copies $4.25 each. Canadian Publications Mail Product. Sales Agreement No. 40065172. All submissions to the magazine become the property of Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada unless other arrangements are made prior to publication. Most articles and artwork in this magazine are owned by Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada.

VOICES

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Indigenous Girls in Guiding S H AR ING O U R S TO R I E S

Here’s what Alice and Amber have to say about the power of connecting with other Indigenous girls in Guiding: CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

I am Cree. I am a Girl Guide

My name is Alice Lightning Earle. I’m Cree from Treaty 6 and a member of the 1st Leduc Pathfinders in Alberta. I don’t think I would trade this Indigenous girls’ event for any other Girl Guide trip – it was so enriching and fun! I had thought that there were barely any Indigenous girls in Guiding, but it was awesome getting to meet other Indigenous girls from across Canada. We learned so much and had time to connect with each other. We shared lots of history. We shared our opinions on how we were represented as Indigenous girls in Guiding, and that we should have a bit more representation. The other girls and I connected a lot through our beliefs and culture. Lots of the history shared was about Girl Guides’ past and all of the

Photo: ©GGC

Indigenous girls in Canada can find it hard to make their voices heard. At Girl Guides, we believe that every girl’s voice matters – that every girl should be valued for exactly who she is. This spring, 12 Indigenous Girl Guides gathered in Ottawa to share their experiences and offer ideas for how Guiding can better support girls in their communities.

Photos: ©GGC

VOICES

Indigenous girls who were involved in Guiding, including in Northern Canada. Some of the other things we learned included stuff about our own cultures and the cultures of others, too. We formed our own councils through a council-choosing ceremony. In our councils, we discussed our opinions and outlooks for the future of Girl Guides. When we were sharing our opinions, we talked about how we could change some things to better represent Indigenous people. And we talked about how we would like a little more representation. All of us talking and sharing truly connected us, and this was especially meaningful to me. We did smudge ceremonies, which I think showed us who we really are. We also did different projects, including a slideshow Snapchat, which was truly awesome! We took lots of pictures with each other wearing our ribbon skirts or showing our regalia or cultural objects that represented us. I really did have an amazing time with the other girls – plus it helped me move out of my comfort zone and actually talk to other people and socialize. I am proud to be an Indigenous girl in Guiding, and I honestly think that we should have one of these events every year, to connect and talk about progress.

My Voice Matters

I am Amber Wilson. I’m Cree, from the Fort McKay First Nations, but I live in British Columbia. I’m a Pathfinder in the 1st Layer Cake Mountain Elements Group. Going into this gathering, I had no clue as to what we were going to do, other than “improve” Girl Guides for Indigenous girls. It turns out that weekend was something I’ll never forget. I think the gathering had two main goals – to inform and to listen. Girl Guides wanted to inform the girls about the history of Guiding being associated with residential schools. In a circle of 20, only a few people knew about this. They also wanted to listen – to gain Indigenous girls’ perspectives on how we have been included in Girl Guides in the past and present, and how to improve inclusivity in Girl Guides now and in the future. When I went to the event, I kept an open mind on how it was going to be. The amazing people who led it wanted us girls to feel like we belonged there and that our voices did matter – sometimes as an Indigenous CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Listening and Learning OUR JOURNEY WITH INDIGENOUS GIRLS AND WOMEN

by Jill Zelmanovits, CEO, Girl Guides of Canada ver the course of the past year, Girl Guides of Canada has spent a lot of time listening to and learning from Indigenous girls and women about their personal and family histories and their experiences with Guiding. We want to thank these members who are generously sharing their wisdom, insights and ideas to help us make GGC a more welcoming and inclusive place for all girls, including and especially Indigenous members. This work is important. Girl Guides needs to be a place where every girl feels she belongs, and that her culture is honoured, respected and celebrated in a way that works for her. We know that this has not always been the case. To help us find the right path forward with our Indigenous members, we have engaged an Indigenous team, whose members are supporting us to learn more about the history of Guiding.

Indigenous Members’ Experiences

person, I feel that my voice might not matter. I felt it was an open place to share a part of who we are. We were all vulnerable, but we were always accepted with open hands. There were no right or wrong opinions. We shared who we were, what Guiding is like for us, and what we want to see change. Through this process, I also learned so much about the different types of practices and languages there are within Indigenous communities. I am a relatively shy person. If I don’t have to speak, I most likely won’t. However, I did feel a strong connection with everyone in the room, and I wanted to talk with them. I felt that I belonged. During this conference, I connected with other Indigenous girls my age, which is hard to do where I am from. This trip has given me a different perspective on what it’s like being an Indigenous girl in Guiding. CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

At our Ottawa gathering, we brought together girls and women who shared with us their experiences on being Indigenous in Guiding and their ideas of how GGC can recognize our past and move forward together. Their experiences and ideas were carried forward the next week throughout our AGM to our Board, Provincial Commissioners, Youth Council and senior leadership. We are grateful for the time and leadership of these Indigenous girls and Guiders. We look forward to continuing this dialogue, and are committed to listening to our Indigenous members, including the many who were not part of our in-person event.

Seeking Truth We are currently in the truth-finding phase of this process. We are seeking truths not just about our past, but also about how Indigenous girls and women are experiencing Guiding today, and what they would like to see for future Guiding members. This process will take time, and we are committed to this journey. As our work continues, we will rely on the guidance of our Indigenous members and partners. Part of this will include developing a plan to understand and address the role of GGC in residential schools in a genuine and respectful way. This is a challenging conversation for us as an organization, as well as for our Indigenous and non-Indigenous members. It is one that needs to happen. I am grateful to all those helping us strengthen our capacity to support girls and to be catalysts for girls empowering girls.

Welcoming Member Input We are committed to creating spaces for our Indigenous members to engage further in this conversation. If you identify as an Indigenous member of GGC, we want to hear from you – please reach out at inclusivity@girlguides.ca This channel is also open to all of our members, who are welcome to engage in conversations about how we are moving forward.

CITIZENSHIP

Voters’ Choices, Youth Voices Upping Girls’ Political Savvy

his October, Canadians will vote in the 43rd federal election. And the results could have a big impact on the lives of girls – whether or not they are old enough to vote. Guiders can help girls up their political savvy to get engaged and active in this year’s election. New research with Canadian youth aged 15 to 30 indicates that there’s a very real disconnect between them and the political system. In the past 12 months, almost half of Canada’s youth have not had a conversation about politics or political issues. Only 10% say they closely follow news about national politics and government, and four in 10 said that they’re not interested in politics at all. Let’s turn these numbers around!

Illustration: ©GGC

Engaging Youth

The federal election can provide an excellent opportunity for young people to see democracy in action – and to learn how politics makes a difference in their daily lives. It’s up to all of us to engage youth in democracy. Through Guiding, we can make a big difference by bringing the election to life for girls. From inviting candidates to your unit meeting to diving into party platforms, there’s lots your unit can do to get girls engaged and active in this year’s election. Here are some tips for bringing the election into your unit meetings and beyond.

Jump into the new Voices to Votes instant meetings

GGC developed a mix of new and existing activities that are perfect for exploring the election. There’s something for girls of every age, from Sparks to Rangers. Girls can learn about Canada’s election and voting process, meet inspiring women in politics and – if they choose to – share their own opinions. Find the instant meetings by searching “Elections” on the Girls First platform.

Focus on what matters to girls

Learning about elections can mean talking about how government and the electoral process work. But it can also mean learning about the issues at hand. (What sorts of topics are people focusing on during this election? How do the different candidates talk about these issues?) Girls can have the chance to identify which ones matter most to them.

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Another Youthquake? Political Engagement Among Canadian Youth

his spring, Girl Guides of Canada and nine other national youth-serving organizations partnered with Abacus Data to explore the personal concerns, social priorities and political engagement of Canadian youth aged 15 to 30. Specifically, we wanted to find out what youth feel and think about politics and public policy. Interviewing a representative sample of 1,000 youth, we asked for their opinions on their lives, their priorities and Canada’s political system. The study uncovered several key issues of concern among youth, including a dissatisfaction with the way things are, and a motivation to change the status quo, to influence key issues and to support others around them in making a difference. Youth told us that in the past 12 months: • 58% talked about politics or political issues with their friends/peers • 54% talked about politics or political issues with their parents/caregivers • 38% voted in an election • 22% posted about a political cause or campaign on social media • 11% communicated with an elected official • 6% volunteered on a political campaign or for a political party. You can read the full report at: abacusdata.ca/another-youthquake

Invite candidates to join you

What better way to learn about elections than by hearing from someone who’s running for office? Invite local candidates from your riding to a unit meeting. Girls can ask them what it’s like to be in politics, why they decided they wanted to represent their community, and how campaigns work. It can be extra-inspiring for girls to hear from women candidates – if they can see it, they can be it!

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Tie in patrol leader elections

For Guide units electing patrol leaders, there are lots of ways to connect the girls’ votes to those of Canadian voters during elections. Make the vote for patrol leaders a jumping-off point to talk about what’s happening with the upcoming federal election.

Bring a girl to the polls

Even if girls aren’t old enough to cast a ballot yet, they can still visit a polling centre on election day. Why not take a girl in your life to the polls, so she can see how it all works?

Check out GGC’s Advocacy Guidelines

Before planning an election-related activity, consult with GGC’s Advocacy Guidelines for important tips, to ensure your activities are multipartisan or nonpartisan. For example, if you plan to invite candidates to your meeting, make sure that their focus remains on what it’s like to be a woman in politics, or how election campaigns work – not on promoting their political platform or agenda to the girls. When possible, ensure multiple parties or candidates are represented in any activity. (For more in-depth info, check out the full Guidelines at Member Zone > Guider Resources > Unit Guider Tools)

CITIZENSHIP

Voices to Votes Girls’ Thoughts on the 2019 Federal Election B Y K U R S TA N N M A S T

Anneke Johnson

Becca Morin

What’s the most interesting part of an election to you? Keeping up with the day-to-day activities. Knowing who’s in the lead, what each party leader is doing on any given day, and how each party is campaigning provides endless enjoyment to me.

What’s the most interesting part of an election to you? Observing how childish the candidates become by calling each other down. They never seem to act like the adults they claim to be.

Illustrations: ©GGC

Pathfinder

GGC girl members may not be old enough to vote in the upcoming federal election, but many of them have strong insights and opinions on how it may shape our country’s future and impact their lives. And they’ll turn their voices into votes when they do become eligible to cast their ballots towards forming a future Canadian parliament. In the GGC Voices to Votes 2019 instant meetings, girls are encouraged to share their thoughts on the electoral process. Here’s what five girls from the northern B.C. communities of Fort St. John and Fort Nelson had to say.

If you became Prime Minister, what would be your top priority? Education. Many of our world’s problems, including climate change and xenophobia, could be fixed at a much faster rate if everyone was well educated. What advice would you give Canada’s next Prime Minister? Youth are the future of this country. Therefore, it would be wise to invest time and money in education and cleaning up the environment, to ensure that we have a future. Why do you think it’s important for youth to pay attention to the election? No matter how much I wish I could, I cannot vote. However, I can “vote” with how I spend my money, what I say, who I associate with, and what I stand up for. And, when I do become eligible to vote, I’ll already know what I want to support.

Pathfinder

If you became Prime Minister, what would be your top priority? To stop global warming by recycling everything properly and ethically. What advice would you give Canada’s next Prime Minister? Realize that lying does not get you ahead. Acknowledge your mistakes and take responsibility for your actions. Why do you think it’s important for youth to pay attention to the election? Youth are the future leaders, and they must be aware of the issues affecting the country and the world, so they can come up with positive solutions.

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Jordan Fuhr

Kerstin Seguin

Natasha Yunker

What’s the most interesting part of an election to you? Seeing what each running party has to offer and how the people react to their ideas.

What’s the most interesting part of an election to you? When we figure out who will run the country for the next few years and what changes might occur while they’re in power.

What’s the most interesting part of an election to you? When you find out who won.

Ranger

GIRLS’ OPEN

If you became Prime Minister, what would be your top priority? To bring more awareness to the state our world is in and find ways to help it out, and to make living expenses easier for low-income families.

If you became Prime Minister, what would be your top priority? Reducing forest fires in British Columbia and Alberta, through very strict fire laws, and having more firefighters.

What advice would you give Canada’s next Prime Minister? Bring up ideas that the new generation will understand.

What advice would you give Canada’s next Prime Minister? Don’t make people hate you before you’re even elected.

Why do you think it’s important for youth to pay attention to the election? It gives us an idea of what to look for and expect when we become old enough to vote.

Why do you think it’s important for youth to pay attention to the election? So we know all the changes that will affect us and our families. We should also follow elections while we’re young so we can comprehend what makes a good candidate.

Ranger

If you became Prime Minister, what would be your top priority? Start fixing our roads, many of them are really bad. What advice would you give Canada’s next Prime Minister? Something along the lines of what needs to be fixed. Why do you think it’s important for youth to pay attention to the election? An election gives people a chance to vote for who they think should lead them, which is important and shouldn’t be brushed off. Kurstann Mast is a Ranger in Fort St. John, BC.

An election gives people “ a chance to vote for who they think should lead them, which is important and shouldn’t be brushed off.

”

—Natasha Yunker

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

VOICES

Photo: Cat & Jeff - The Apartment Photography

ThiGnk LiikerAl 12

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Q: Do you plan on continuing in Guiding? Why or why not? A: Yes! It’s fun. I like getting to know the other girls in my unit and doing all the fun activities.

Q: In your opinion, is there anything that would make Brownies

B Y C A E L A N S H AW

Do you and your co-Guiders sometimes wonder if you’re hitting the mark in facilitating activities that will truly keep girls engaged? Do you second-guess yourselves about whether the activities you’re providing will keep the girls wanting more? Are you sometimes stumped by doubts that they might not really want what you’re offering? Perhaps you need to think like a girl!

ore often than not, Guiders are pretty sure they’re getting it right – giving girls activities that engage, challenge and inspire them. However, sometimes girls might not confide that they don’t like an activity directly to their Guiders, and any signals that they might want to do something else can get overlooked. So, how do we figure out what’s going on in girls’ heads, and gain valuable insights that they might not be sharing?

Think Like a Brownie What better way to research an article about how girls think than to ask the girls themselves? So, for this article, I interviewed a Brownie unit from Truro, Nova Scotia. Here’s some of what I discovered.

Q: What do you like most about Brownies? A: Activities, doing stuff with the other girls in the unit, selling cookies, learning by doing fun activities, and going to different places other than our regular meeting spot.

Q: If you were to tell

a friend about Brownies/ Guiding, what would you say? A: It’s way more fun than school. You learn by doing activities, and sometimes they bring in guests to teach you about stuff. It’s like school, because you learn a lot – but not as boring. CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

I’m happy to say that the most common descriptives for Brownies that girls used were “fun” and “more fun” or “funner.” According to the girls, they enjoy everything they do in Brownies, because they get to learn in a different type of environment, and also because they get to bond with the other girls in their unit. My favourite moment in my interaction with the unit was when I asked the girls if there was anything about Brownies they didn’t like, and one girl responded, “Going home.”

Think Like a Ranger To get the perspective of older girls, I interviewed some Rangers from Nova Scotia and PEI, whose responses turned out to be very similar to those of the Brownies.

Q: What do you like the most about Guiding? A: My favourite part is seeing all my wonderful Ranger/Pathfinder friends every week/every once in a while. We have all become very close within the Ranger unit. – Olivia, NS Ranger A: Definitely the camping, because we get out and enjoy a change of scenery from our usual meeting spot. – Phoenix, PEI Ranger A: I love the fact that you meet new people in a welcoming environment. I met my two best friends in Guiding and I’m very thankful for that. – Natalie, NS Ranger

Q: If you were to tell a friend about Guiding, what would you say? A: Guiding is a bunch of really nice girls learning about the world, ourselves, nature, technology and each other, while being in a safe and fun environment with amazing Guiders. – Aly, NS Ranger A: I would say that it’s one of the best things that have come into my life. I’ve become so much more confident in myself, and I enjoy it so much. – Olivia, NS Ranger

Q: As a younger member in Guiding, what were your favourite things you did in your unit? A: I loved bridging with other (older) units, doing different crafts and learning first aid. I also loved earning badges. – Natalie, NS Ranger

Think Like a Former Member Knowing that some girls will decide to leave Guiding, I also interviewed a number of former members, to gain some insight into what they think. I asked them why they decided to quit, and if there was anything that could have made their Guiding experience better.

Photo: West Rouge Photo Co.

Girls Discuss Girl Engagement

better? A: Having more girls in Brownies would make it more fun. We had a Bring a Friend Day at the beginning of the year. That’s how we went from four girls to five girls.

VOICES

“It’s fun. I like getting to know the other girls in my unit and doing all the fun activities.”

I received responses such as, “It started to get boring,” and “It wasn’t really my thing.” One girl said that her experience in the Guiding community was good, but as she grew older, she just decided she had interests other than being a Girl Guide. Thinking like a former member, it’s clear to me that Guiding isn’t for everyone, and there’s nothing we can do if someone just isn’t into it.

Photo: Lauren Perry

Bonding, Bridging and Expanding While Guiding may not appeal to everyone, the vast majority of girl members really enjoy it, and thrive in the program. And from my research, they feel they have a lot of fun in Guiding as it is. The best way to keep them engaged is by offering a program that will continue to challenge them and help them learn about things in a fun way, including bonding and bridging activities with girls from their unit and girls from other units. And, to expand membership (more girls = more fun!), we should incorporate meetings and events, to which existing members can bring friends to experience Guiding firsthand.

Girls First Digital Platform With the new girl-driven Guiding focus, girls and Guiders should be working together to plan their meetings. Remember to take

advantage of the Girls First digital platform, and encourage your girls to favourite the activities they want to do on it. Want help? Refer back to the “Navigating Girls First – Digital Platform Tips and Tricks” on pages 8-11 in the Spring 2019 issue of Canadian Guider. You’ll find suggestions on using “Unit’s Own” activities, tracking multi-day camps and events, creatively getting girls on the platform, helping them to explore the program on their own, and getting to know what your unit really wants to do. Use these tips, and the recommended Girls First resources we’ve republished below, to help you to think like a girl!

Girls First Resources • Digital Platform e-Modules: — For girls: bit.ly/2AZDfov — For Guiders and volunteers: bit.ly/2Sv9PWn • Guider Handbook – check under the All About Guiding tab on the digital platform. • Find activity tracking resources, planning support packages and more at Member Zone>Guider Resources>Programs>Girls First Program Delivery. Caelan Shaw is a Ranger in Bible Hill, NS, and a member of the Canadian Guider Editorial Committee. CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

C E L E B R AT I N G G U I D E R S

Catalysts for Empowerment Guiders play many roles in girls’ lives. They are leaders, mentors, role models, confidantes and sometimes even co-conspirators – especially when it comes to bringing the fun into the program. Most of all, they are catalysts for girls empowering girls to unleash their potential.

From January to May this year, we invited Guiders to share their stories of girl-driven Guiding. We were moved and inspired by the commitment, creativity and heart Guiders invest in their units. Here are just some of our favourite stories that celebrate girl-driven Guiders, and their work on the five pillars of girl-driven Guiding.

hrough meetings, events and campouts, these women help girls explore who they are, discover new interests, and become everything they want to be. And they do it all through girl-driven Guiding.

A girl came to us four years ago as a first-year Pathfinder. She apologized profusely at our first meeting – for everything. (“Sorry for bumping into you.” “Sorry for being in your way.” “Sorry for. . .”) When asked to speak or share in front of the group, she froze,

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Creating Safe Spaces

Illustration: ©GGC

Girl-Driven Guiders

C E L E B R AT I N G G U I D E R S stuttered and then clammed up. Regardless, she kept coming to every camp, every parade, every event and every meeting. But we still couldn’t tell if she was happy in Girl Guides. We got our answer in her final year of Pathfinders. We put a call out to our girls to share their talents – in everything from guitar to dance to musical theatre. This girl said she wanted to sing. We couldn’t have been more surprised. We had rarely heard her utter a word, except in apologies. But as we do in a safe space, we encouraged her to sign up. Dress rehearsal day came, and everyone was on edge when it was her turn to sing. Would she freeze? The song started quietly, and she opened her mouth to sing. She seemed comfortable in her own world of music, seemingly unaware that she had an audience in front of her. And her voice was beautiful! She shared more words through that song than we had ever heard her speak. There were tears shed among her Guiders and her peers for what that moment represented for her and for us. Now a Ranger, this confident young woman speaks out and knows she is heard in the safe space Guiding has given her. Mandy – 37 th Burlington Pathfinders and Rangers, ON

Illustrations: ©GGC

Adopting a Growth Mindset As Guiders, we made a conscious effort to arrange for our recent Sparks and Brownies Midnight Madness Sleepover to be less structured than our normal events. We had no official agenda – we just left fun things laying around for the girls to access as they wanted. This was quite a leap into uncharted waters for us, because we are usually pretty detailed planners. Some girls played board games, some worked on creating a marble run, some built a fort, and some had a dance party. It was chaotic and loud, but also amazing! One of the standout experiences for me was witnessing one girl take the lead and teach the others to finger knit. Before long she had a group of girls all finger knitting their own scarves. It was a powerful moment for us, to step back and see what the girls can do when we don’t plan everything for them. Moments like these make me proud to be a Guider! Jenn – 1st Dutton Sparks/Brownies Guider, ON

Supporting Positive Identity “At my co-ed summer camp, the guy always carries the canoe.” It was my first canoe trip as a newly minted Ranger Guider, and I was floored to hear one of the Rangers say this. At the first portage, Margaret and Liz, our amazing trip lead and trip assist, demonstrated how to safely lift a canoe, alone and with a partner. Their approach emphasized technique over strength, using a rolling motion rather than a straight lift. We then gave the girls a choice. Some girls will take a canoe solo immediately and head off over the portage. Others work up to it, starting with two or more girls under each canoe in the multi-legged canoe bug approach. After the trip, as we reflected on the weekend, the Ranger mentioned that the best part of the trip for her was the solo carry. Having learned the proper technique, she was no longer intimidated, and was eager to get back to her summer camp and put her new skill to use – no longer would only guys carry the canoes. Now in our unit, we make sure that every girl has the opportunity to solo carry on canoe trips. The girls are encouraged by their friends and inspired by seeing their friends succeed. A smiling Pathfinder or Ranger on the trail with a canoe on her shoulders is one of the most empowering images of adventure camping in Guiding. It evokes self-reliance, determination and an adventurous spirit. On each trip now, I look forward to seeing the girls’ faces, as they realize they can lift and carry a canoe by themselves. Shannon – Toronto Trex and Ranger Guider CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Sharing Leadership

Engaging Community

I am the Guider of a very small Trex unit in British Columbia. I have watched these girls grow from Sparks to amazing young women. There’s rarely a project, camp or event that they don’t plan, build and execute. However, Nite Trek has got to be their favourite. The girls take the lead on this co-ed multi-unit event – and it has turned into something huge, with participants from the United States and Alberta now joining us every year. Watching the girls plan, organize and build upon this event every year is truly inspiring. While these girls are experienced and active outdoor enthusiasts, they understand the need to include and accommodate everyone, including first-time campers. They offer support and expertise, including helping other patrols put up their tents if they need support and guidance. They help lay trails and plan stations, create menu plans, and basically run the weekend for hundreds of youths. The girls always cheer on those who struggle and encourage them to keep going. On days when I wonder if these capable young women even need me, I know I’ve done my job as their Guider.

When our Pathfinders and Rangers applied for a tree-planting grant, they affectionately named their project, “Love is a Four-Legged Word.” That’s because their chosen location was Bark Park in Blackfalds, a popular spot for local dogs and their owners. The community provided planting equipment and supplies, and the town horticulturist supplied them with topographical maps, as they planned the landscape design and arranged for a private tour of a nursery. The girls learned about planting zones, soil conditions, and details about which trees and shrubs could handle the high levels of alkaline created by the dogs who use the park for their bathroom breaks. On the day of the “Big Plant,” community members helped dig the holes and prepared the site – the girls’ siblings came out to help, too. We even met a few happy puppies who joyfully ran around testing out their new digs. One of the best things that came out of this event was the strengthened partnership with the Town of Blackfalds and our community members. The project was an amazing opportunity for our Guiding units to show the community just what our girls are capable of.

Nycki – Fernie Trex Guider, BC

Kelly – Alberta Council and Blackfalds Pathfinders/Rangers Guider

Girl-Driven Checklists Want to learn more about the girl-driven approach to Guiding? Check out the new girl-driven checklists in the Program section of Member Zone!

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

PROGRAMMING

! t I e d Co ding

puter Co m o C re lo p x E to s y a W Five ON BY COLLEEN UPS

is a great way to empower Helping girls build their digital skills And you don’t need a them to thrive in a tech-driven world. experience to get started. computer science degree or high-tech and it’s also a stepping stone Coding is both accessible and fun – impact in the digital world. to the creative ways girls can make an

Photos: Michelle LaFayette; ©iStock/Kseniya_Milner

popping up everywhere. On a oding activities and workshops are municate with computers and basic level, coding is how we com in learning how to speak and write technology. Learning to code is like build to ns uctio ’s used to write instr a new language – a language that Whether it’s used to program a e. mor es and and run websites, apps, video gam gy – not just coding is all about building technolo basic robot or to create digital art, consuming it. tion, learn and hone skills in collabora Coding gives girls the chance to n writing code, whe er answ right one no ing. There is problem-solving and critical think with solutions. risks, explore ideas and get creative which gives girls freedom to take change their ience and perseverance, as they Along the way, they’ll build their resil ing. cod into girls get to Here are five ways mindsets from ”I can’t’’ to “I can!”

Check Out Coding in the Program

The Bugbot Builder activity on the GGC Girls First platform includes a fun maze-based approach to coding. This is a great way to introduce the idea of creating a string of instructions that a program or robot would follow. One girl acts as the programmer and another as the robot. By giving instructions to help the robot get through a maze and avoid obstacles, the programmer must think creatively and give clear instructions. As they play this game, the girls can also write or draw out their code, making each step a separate piece. Being able to see their code in pieces helps build a visual foundation for this type of critical thinking.

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

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Photo: Colleen Upson

Get Up to Sc ratch

For some on-s creen fun, Sc ratch is a wonderful fre e program fo r a coding intro can access it duction. You online, and us e a drag-and-d to create a lis rop style t of commands that turn into or interactive artwork games. Scratc h projects ca complicated n be as or as simple as you want, mak a great intera ing this ctive tool for Sp arks through Girls can deci Ra ngers. de how compl ex they want to be – from co th e ta sks ding their ow n names on-s to creating en cr ee n tire stories an d games. For information, ch more eck out scratc h.mit.edu

Connect with Local Experts

You can also seek out loca l resources fo programs and r classes, equipment. Yo ur local library and universitie , schools s are great st arting points often have pe – they ople who can offer training equipment. An and other great re source is Can Learning Cod ada e (canadalearni ngcode.ca), a na organization tional that specializ es in teaching children and both adults. Want to see coding Check out a FI in action? RST Robotics Canada com in your area. Pa petition rticipants build their own robo create code fo ts, r them, and th en test them other robots ag ai nst from around the world. Once girls star t exploring co ding, the sky’s limit for what the they can crea te . M ay be they’ll writ an app to solv e e a problem, meet a need, time, or teach he lp sa ve a new skill. O r maybe they a game that en ’ll invent ables kids or adults to lear having fun. N n while ew careers in th e world of ST created every EM are day, and expl oring coding way for girls to is one see technolo gy as a creativ for unlocking e outlet the possibilitie s of how they make a differe ca n nce in the digi tal world. Colleen Upson is a Guider in D artmouth, NS, and a membe r of the Canad ia n Guider Editoria Committee. l

CHALLENGES

, d l r o W r e t t e B A By Girls 0 2 0 2 9 1 0 2 NSP

GGC’s National Service Project (NSP) is 10 years old! The NSP has always given girls the opportunity to build a better world, but what does a better world actually look like to girls?

Illustrations: ©GGC

o celebrate this 10 th anniversary and GGC’s Vision – A better world, by girls – the NSP is going girl-driven! Girls will have a chance to define what their better world looks like, and to act upon it in a way that

is meaningful to them. This one-year NSP will help GGC create meaningful opportunities for girls to build their better world. After girls or Guiders log their actions and share their opinions and ideas on the new NSP website, they can order their limited-edition crests!

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

STEP 1:

Girls define their better world

Start by exploring what matters to them and describing their better world on the better world card! [My better world...]

What will a girl-driven NSP look like? Here’s a peek into their NSP journey. STEP 2:

Girls plan and prepare

STEP 3:

Girls take action

Girls make a plan for how they want to take action with tools found in the “Plan Your Action Challenge.”

Each girl takes action to build her better world.

STEP 4:

Girls reflect and share

Girls share their better world cards by uploading them or sending them by mail. Order a crest to recognize your action! Search for NSP on the Girls First Platform or check out www.girlguides.ca/programs to start building a better world! CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

OUTDOOR GUIDER

Outdoor Cooking 101 How to Make Great Camp Meals

Photo: Van Chau; Background illustration: Â©iStock

B Y LY D I A B E R R Y M A N , JOANNE CARDINAL AND C A R M E N Z AYA C

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

COOKING AT AN ESTABLISHED CAMP

With an established camp base, you can use any cooking method.

Campfire Everyone, from Sparks to Guiders, loves an open campfire, and there are many different and fun techniques for cooking over one. Bring a grill and a

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Photo: ©iStock/SheraleeS

When planning your outdoor cooking adventure, consider some important factors: • Where: This determines the possible methods and types of stove. The options for an established camp are different from those for a moving camp. • What: Cooking a snack, a regular meal, or a camp feast? Choose a method to match your menu. • When: The season, schedule and time of day all affect which method and what fuel will be practical. And the method and fuel will dictate your timing – some will be faster and some will be slower. • Who: How many people and what age-group will be cooking? Sparks and Brownies will need more guidance and supervision than Guides and Pathfinders. Also, it’s difficult to get a large number of girls cooking over a campfire at the same time. Best to split the girls into smaller groups and use several cooking methods. • Safety: Of course, safety is always paramount. Avoid loose clothing; tie back long hair; and always have something close at hand, to extinguish your heat source (e.g., a bucket of water or sand).

Photo: Van Chau

etting outdoors is great, right? And cooking outdoors is awesome! Who doesn’t love the fun of rustling up some yummy grub, while helping girls gain a great sense of accomplishment as they learn to make camp meals. So, for any of you who are new to outdoor cooking, here’s a quick guide to help you plan and enjoy the experience – not to mention the delicious taste of great meals in the great outdoors!

few heavy-duty pots and pans to cook stews, chilis, sauces and soups, as well as to boil water. Use pie irons to make grilled sandwiches. Butter the outside of your bread and use kitchen spray on the irons to prevent sticking. The cooking time will be short – approximately two minutes per side – so ensure the fire isn’t too hot, and check on the bread as it toasts on each side. Filling ideas include cheese, pizza sauce with pepperoni and cheese, canned stew, sunflower butter and jelly or even pie filling.

S EUCTTDI O O O N RH G EA UD IDER

Photo: Van Chau

Photo: ©iStock/Alexey_Arz

Foil Packets Any age can use this easy cooking method. Use precooked proteins (hamburger, chicken or tofu), fresh or frozen veggies, parboiled potatoes, hash browns or precooked rice, and offer some sauce choices. Each girl wraps the ingredients she wants in a piece of aluminum foil, which she places in the campfire coals to cook. (A little charcoal will make your heat source last even longer.) For dessert, banana boats are super popular. Partially peel a banana and scoop out some flesh, replacing it with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Replace the peel, wrap your banana boat in foil and heat in coals just long enough for the ingredients to melt.

Roasting Sticks Use roasting sticks for traditional hot dogs or marshmallows. For a special treat, wrap prepared biscuit dough around a stick or dowel. Cook until golden brown, remove it from the stick/dowel, and fill the hole with jam, pudding or whipped cream.

Photo: ©iStock/EntropyWorkshop

Photo: Van Chau

Buddy Burner / Vagabond Stove

Paraffin or candle wax, corrugated cardboard and tin cans can be easily transformed into stoves for individual meals. Use a big metal can for the cooking surface (vagabond stove) and a smaller can with a wax and cardboard as the heat source (buddy burner). Each burner will last approximately two hours and can be refilled with more wax. You can cook anything requiring a pot, for example, heating water, boiling an egg or warming soup. You can also use it as a frying surface for quesadillas, grilled cheese, pancakes or fried eggs. Try a surefire girl favourite (“as good as s’mores”), by filling a tortilla wrap with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, folding it in half, and cooking it until it reaches melty gooey yumminess! You can also cook food directly on the buddy burner with the large can placed over it. Or you can turn the large can right-side up, poke three or four air holes around the base, and make a small fire of twigs

and sticks inside to cook over. (This method should only be used by older girls and adults.) Have lots of wood fuel nearby to keep your heat source going. For a handy primer on buddy burners and vagabond stoves, check out Cook Like a Camper at: experience.girlguides.ca/node/48451

Charcoal Briquettes Typically, each charcoal briquette produces 40°F on a warm day. Adjust the number of briquettes according to the desired cooking temperature, and add a few extra. Monitor your meal, and add briquettes if your food is not fully cooked. You can grill or fry foods over a bed of briquettes or incorporate them into oven cooking, for example: • Dutch Oven: Using a 12-inch camp Dutch oven and briquettes as a heat source, you can cook a dish for a small unit. A camp Dutch oven features legs on the bottom and a lid with a deep lip – to facilitate the use of briquettes both in a ring around the bottom and a layer on top of the oven. It works for everything from slow-cooking stews and soups to baking cakes and biscuits. You can also use it as a casserole dish for a breakfast bake or a chicken and rice supper, and turn the lid into a skillet for frying eggs, bacon, ham and sausages, and for cooking pancakes, etc. When using it as an oven, rotate it every 15 minutes, turning the pot clockwise and the lid counter-clockwise, to ensure an even distribution of heat. For a good video on buying, using and cleaning these ovens, check out: youtube.com/watch?v=qSREmqZT2xM • Box Oven: Cover a cardboard box with aluminum foil, and insert a metal or foil cookie sheet and four equal-sized empty cans or two pieces of foil-wrapped wood. Place the grill on top of the cans or wood pieces and put the briquettes under it. Now you can bake cakes, biscuits, monkey bread, cookies or frozen pizzas. Each briquette supplies 40 degrees of heat, so a 360°F oven will require nine briquettes. Remember that you will lose heat every time you open your oven. Experiment

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Camp Stove Propane stoves provide a reliable way for girls to cook outside. You can prepare anything typically made at home on an electric or gas stove, using pots and frying pans. With a flat grill to place over the stovetop, it’s also easy to cook bacon, flip pancakes or make French toast.

BBQ During campfire bans, or wherever open fires are not appropriate, you can still BBQ. Popular foods include grilled meat, roasted chickens, veggie skewers, baked potatoes, and corn in the husk. Foil packets also work well.

COOKING WHILE CAMPING ON THE MOVE

Need to move your cooking method along with you? Always be aware of local regulations for open fires, and bring optional heating sources with you. Lightweight stoves are the best option, and packing dehydrated foods will mean less weight to carry – not to mention that preparing a tasty meal after a long

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Photo: Van Chau

If an open fire is not an option, use a lightweight wood-burning/ backpacking stove. With guidance, even younger girls can learn to start these safely. Just like your stove at home, you can light the element and cook – but keep in mind that these stoves are very tippy, so supervise accordingly. Lightweight pots, frying pans and griddles can all be used on them.

Burlap Wraps A really fun way to cook grilled cheese or quesadillas uses waxed burlap. (In advance of your camp, cut pieces of burlap to size, dip in melted paraffin wax, allow to dry, and store in a paper bag for travel.) To use while camping, first wrap your sandwich/quesadilla in foil and then in waxed burlap. Find an appropriate spot covered with gravel or rock, light your sandwich/ quesadilla wrap, and stand back as it burns – the flames can get high! When the fire burns out, unwrap your package carefully – it will be hot!

Photo: Van Chau

Sunshine and a foil-covered pizza box will produce great sweet treats! You’ll need a pizza box, foil, plastic wrap, tape and black construction paper to make a basic oven. Place s’mores or spiced apples inside your solar oven under full sun on a hot day, between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For great step-by-step instructions on building a solar oven, check out: instructables.com/id/Solar -Oven-by-the-Science-Wizards

Lightweight Stoves

BEYOND THE BASICS

Once you start cooking outdoors with the girls, you might very well find yourselves quickly moving from basic to gourmet foods. Then, how about taking on a taste-testing challenge weekend? Patrols of girls can create menus using different ingredients, recipes and outdoor cooking methods, as they enjoy a fun and skill-building “outdoor foodie” experience together. Lydia Berryman, Joanne Cardinal and Carmen Zayac are Guiders in Saint-Lazare, QC.

Looking for More? GGC Camp Cooking Activities and Recipes

For more information on camp cooking, check these out on the GGC platform: Background illustration: ©iStock

Solar Oven

day of hiking will be faster and easier. Simply rehydrate your food, warm it up, and enjoy!

Photo (left): ©iStock/ktundu

using different pans to make foods for breakfast to supper, including a baked dessert. Punch holes on either end of your cardboard box to cook a meal on a skewer. Check the foil before every use, to ensure the cardboard is completely covered – exposed cardboard will ignite, creating a fire you don’t want! For a good tutorial on building a box oven, check out: youtube.com/watch?v=gW4c09w1ck8

• Gourmet-on-the-Go: experience.girlguides.ca/node/48506 • Stove Stuff: experience.girlguides.ca/node/48476 • Campfire Creations: experience.girlguides.ca/node/34706

OUTDOOR GUIDER

A S’morgasbord of S’mores! Updating an Iconic Camp Treat

Photo: ©iStock/InkkStudios

B Y K AT H R Y N LYO N S

Ah, s’mores – is one really ever enough? According to the name, it isn’t! “S’mores” is a contraction of the original “Some Mores” recipe for the now iconic graham cracker, chocolate and toasted marshmallow sandwich featured at campfires everywhere. First published in the 1927 Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts, this sweet treat is still a favourite among campers of all ages. But there’s always s’more you can do with a s’more!

ooking for a s’mores recipe that accommodates dietary restrictions? Want a healthier option? Perhaps you’d like to go gourmet? Want to super-size them, or go minimal and make them teeny-tiny? Whatever you want, there is pretty much no limit for variations on this campfire treat. Here’s a s’morgasbord of s’mores to get you started.

GLUTEN-FREE/HALAL/KOSHER/ VEGAN S’MORES

Depending on dietary, religious or cultural restrictions and requirements, you may need to use some or all of these ingredient options. Check on

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

campers’ individual allergies and food restrictions. When sourcing ingredients, be sure to read package labels. • Traditional graham crackers often contain honey, which means they are not vegan. Some gluten-free graham crackers (such as S’moreables by Kinnikinnick) are vegan. • Many kinds of semi-sweet and dark chocolate do not contain milk or dairy products, and will be appropriate for vegans. If allergens are a concern, opt for brands that certify that they are free from top allergens, including gluten, soy and dairy. (Enjoy Life brand is an example.) Also check that whatever chocolate you use comes from a nut-free facility, if any campers have nut allergies. • Most marshmallows are made with gelatin derived from pigs. These are not acceptable for vegans, vegetarians and people who observe halal or kosher diets. There are several brands of marshmallows that meet halal and kosher requirements, but are made with beef gelatin, which makes them unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians. Vegan marshmallows will suit everyone. The most common brand is Dandies. They toast very nicely and have a similar taste to traditional marshmallows.

EASIER S’MORES

Let’s face it – portioning out crackers and pieces of chocolate while supervising and coaching little ones as they toast marshmallows over an open flame can be tough. Make it one step easier by opting for one plain cracker and one chocolate-coated cracker for each girl.

Photo: ©iStock/Baxternator

SUPER-SIZE S’MORES

This ultimate treat was created by a resourceful Ranger, using up some breakfast leftovers. It was dubbed the “S’Maia” in her honour. To make one, place a piece of chocolate or a handful of chocolate chips between two Belgian waffles, wrap them in aluminum foil and place over coals until warmed through.

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

S’MORE ABOUT S’MORES

TEENY-TINY S’MORES

This version can work well as a pre-camp activity, for a doll camp, or as a recruiting tool at community fairs. You will need: • Golden Graham (or similar) cereal • chocolate chips • mini marshmallows • toothpicks • tea lights • jars or pie plates Place the tea light in a jar or on a pie plate. Toast a mini marshmallow over the tea light, using a toothpick. Sandwich with one chocolate chip between two pieces of cereal.

HEALTHIER S’MORES

While a purist might argue that you can’t have s’mores without the three basic ingredients, these options are very much in the s’mores spirit! • Fruit S’mores – Replace the marshmallow with fruit, such as pineapple, apple or strawberry, lightly coated with cinnamon and sugar. Toast until just caramelized. Sandwich with chocolate and graham crackers or plain cookies. You can also replace the crackers or cookies with thin apple slices. • Savoury S’mores – Not afraid to really push the s’mores envelope? Leave the sticky sweetness behind and try something completely different! Try toasting Halloumi cheese cubes (Halloumi does not melt the way other cheeses do), or marinated extra-firm tofu cubes, and sandwich them with a tomato slice between two baguette crisps or savory crackers.

• For a flavour twist, use caramel chocolate, a peanut butter cup or a chocolatey mint Girl Guide cookie. • Make a whole pan of s’mores by assembling them with the bottom cracker, chocolate and marshmallow, broiling them in an oven and topping them with another cracker when serving. • Deconstruct s’mores by dipping untoasted marshmallows in melted chocolate and rolling in graham cracker crumbs. • Consider s’mores as a midday treat, rather than a bedtime snack. They are high in energy-boosting sugar and also provoke thirst, so can affect some girls’ ability to get to sleep.

Kathryn Lyons is a Guider in Ottawa, and a member of the Canadian Guider Editorial Committee.

Some Mores Original Recipe For the diehard traditionalists among us, here’s the original 1927 Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts recipe. For 8 Some Mores • 16 graham crackers • 8 bars plain chocolate (any of the good plain brands, broken in two) • 16 marshmallows Toast two marshmallows on sticks over campfire coals to a crisp gooey state, and then put them inside a graham cracker and chocolate bar sandwich. The heat of the marshmallow between the halves of chocolate bar will melt the chocolate a bit. Though it tastes like “some more,” one really is enough!

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Expanding Girls’ Horizons Horizons Growing Girls’ B Y H I L A R Y F E L D M A N A N D K AT H R Y N LYO N S

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CANADIAN GUIDER |

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

“D

o you want to take a turn on the high ropes?” “No, it’s too hard.” Does this dialogue sound familiar? How many times do girls say, “I can’t do that?” Sometimes they’ve tried something before that didn’t quite o you want to take a turn on the high work out, so now they simply don’t believe they can succeed. Maybe ropes?” “No, it’s too hard.” Does this Instead of: something just looks too intimidating, so anxiety takes over – or dialogue sound familiar? How many times I’m not good at this. perhaps some girls find any new challenge overwhelming. No matter f: do girls say, “I can’t do that?” Sometimes Instead o the reason, hesitation closes doors and holds girls back from pursuing they’ve tried something before that didn’t quite work out, so now ay: new interests, discovering new abilities and developing new skills.I’m great atSthis. they simply don’t believe they can succeed. Maybe something

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a differe

nt way.

I When ’m afraid to I mak m e a m ake a mis istake ta , I’ll le ke. arn fr om it and g I nee I can’t et bet d som do it. ter. e fee dbac k an d he Inst to expand your own! lp fro From “Can’t” to “Will Try” Say ead of: m ot : If I hers I do won’ Growth Mindset Vocabulary Hilary Feldman is a Guider in Vancouver and . t n t ’ t su ry – As you work to get from “No I can’t!” to “I’ll give it a try” in your Chair of the Canadian Guider Editorial c cee I mi unit, use positive vocabulary to turn fixed mindsets into growth d, I ght Committee. Kathryn Lyons is a Guider in can fail. mindsets. While growth doesn’t tend to happen instantly, this Ottawa, and a member of the Canadian try outlook will encourage your girls to change their mindsets and aga Guider Editorial Committee. in u try new things. And, not only will it help them to grow their own ntil horizons – it will help you to expand your own! I lea rn h ow. CANADIAN GUIDER | 11 29

CHALLENGES

What’s Up Duke? The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Photo: ©iStock/andresr

BY NOREEN REMTULLA

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Extraordinary Adventures My Duke of Ed Award Journey BY CHELSEY GOULD

HRH Prince Harry with GGC members and Duke of Ed Gold Award recipients Joia D’Aurora, Leanne Bishop and Lauren Maul.

Did you know the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Duke of Ed Award) is the world’s leading youth achievement honour, and an important form of recognition for youth in Canada? And did you know girls can apply many Guiding activities toward earning this Award?

he Duke of Ed Award is designed in three levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) as an inclusive self-development framework for youth aged between 14 and 25. To achieve the Gold Award, participants complete each level before their 25th birthday. “The program is non-competitive, and can be customized to fit in with participants’ lives and schedules,” says Robyn Webster, Program Officer with the Youth Resiliency Project in Edmonton. “It focuses on goal setting, skills development, community engagement and leadership opportunities – similar to the focus in Guiding.”

Setting Your Own Challenges The Duke of Ed Award promotes personal discovery, growth, commitment and perseverance. Participants learn how to set and achieve their goals by choosing activities to participate in as they move forward. All levels share the following components: Service, Physical Recreation, Skill Development, and Adventurous Journey. The Gold level has an additional component, called the Gold Project, for which participants go on a team journey, exploration or adventure. Regan Coyne, a Guider from Edmonton, met HRH Princess Anne at her Gold Award recognition ceremony last fall. Reflecting on her journey, she felt the structure of the program enabled her to put herself out there, try new skills and participate in various community service projects. “I discovered my passion for leadership,” she said. “Now, CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Chelsey Gould is a Guider from Brookdale, NS.

Photo: Grant Martin Photography

s soon as I turned 14, I signed up for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award, after seeing it mentioned in my Pathfinder program book. In my small town, there was no Duke of Ed Award unit, but everything I needed to do the Award independently was already accessible to me through Guiding. The most memorable part of the Award for many participants is the adventurous journeys. My interest in these journeys was ignited after my Ranger Guider, Brenda Harvey, connected me with a larger Ranger unit and took us on our first overnight backcountry expedition. I really liked learning how to pack light and smart, testing my limits and enjoying the great outdoors with other Rangers. Since then, my passion for backcountry expeditions has taken me on extraordinary adventures, and I’ve added many routes to my bucket list. Now 21, I’m finishing up my Duke of Ed Gold Award. Earlier this year I found myself planning a three-day canoe trip for some friends outside of Guiding, and with my backcountry experience I was able to exercise my skills and knowledge effectively for this trip. It was rewarding to lead a trip this way and to give others their first backcountry experience. I hope to lead more adventurous journeys through Guiding, to help spark that interest in other girls and encourage them to achieve their own Duke of Ed Awards.

CHALLENGES I’m helping develop the leaders of tomorrow, by mentoring several members of my Pathfinder and Ranger unit.”

Service Service is a great way to tie in Guiding while working on any level of the Duke of Ed Award. Pathfinders and Rangers can strengthen their leadership skills while volunteering as Girl Assistants in younger branches. Working on the Award requires a regular commitment of one hour per week, so volunteering with Sparks, Brownies or Guides is the perfect way to apply your Guiding experience to this program.

is trying for, weekend unit camps are the perfect way to fulfill this section of the Award. As you progress through the Award and through Guiding, you can build your camping skills by attending summer camps and longer adventures to complete your Gold Level Adventurous Journey. And GGC travel opportunities, including nationally- and provincially-sponsored trips, large camps, such as LEAP and SOAR, or week-long adventures with your unit are perfect ways to complete your Duke of Ed Gold Award alongside your Guiding friends!

Support

Girl Guides of Canada and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award have a The new GGC Girls First program long history together. Guiders can is all about trying new things and enhance experiential learning and Alberta Lieutenant Governor Lois E. Mitchell with Duke of figuring out what interests you want create opportunities that support Ed Silver Award recipient Hebatullah Iftikhar. to pursue. Guiding provides you girls in both Guiding and the Duke with opportunities to explore loads of Ed program at the same time. of new skills and physical activities – for example, scuba diving, Guiders can also act as mentors and support girls’ progress yoga, rock climbing, learning the ukulele, canoeing, gardening, in their achievements, by exploring the Duke of Ed website quilting, belly dancing and more! You can try something new with (dukeofed.org) and becoming familiar with the Leader’s Manual. your unit, discover you love it, and then choose to develop that Monitoring progress is easy. Simply review the participant’s interest to work towards a Duke of Ed Award. activity tracking sheet and sign off on activities completed with Girl Guides. (Note: Girl Guide meetings and household chores Adventure cannot be applied to the Duke of Ed Award requirements.) Guiding is all about adventurous journeys! You can organize an event with your unit – you know you’ll be in great company – or Noreen Remtulla is a Guider in Edmonton, and a member of the you can find a journey outside your unit, to explore and meet a Canadian Guider Editorial Committee. Special thanks to Regan whole new group of people. Depending on the level a participant Coyne for her input into this article.

Learning

Photo: courtesy St. Paul Journal

Duke of Ed Benefits

Through participation in the Duke of Ed Award program, you get to: • try new things – your way • work toward Guiding and Duke of Ed achievements with the same activities • build self-confidence • add credibility to your resume and to your university and scholarship applications • make a positive contribution to your community • work on activities such as the Adventurous Journey with your family and friends • attend prestigious awards ceremonies (members of the Royal Family present Gold Awards)

Duke of Ed Facts

• Founded by His Royal Highness, Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1956 • Launched in Canada in 1963 • Eight million participants to date in more than 140 countries, including 40,000 in Canada • Open to youth aged 14 to 25

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

SUPPORTING GUIDING

The 1910 Society Legacy As a Guider, you experience firsthand the awesome power of girls. And through your support, guidance and encouragement, Guiding is an empowering space for girls. You can continue to be a catalyst for girl empowerment, both now and for generations to come, by investing in GGC’s planned giving program. Let’s show future girls the meaning of the Guiding sisterhood by lending a hand to support the leaders of tomorrow.

GC’s 1910 Society honours the courageous and dedicated women who – beginning with a few scattered units established in 1910 – pioneered what has become Canada’s largest and most popular organization for girls and women. By joining, we help ensure that future girls have the opportunity to experience the magic of Guiding, as we have. Many of us grew up in Guiding. It was a staple of our childhood – helping us to connect with friends each week, to discover new CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

interests, and to explore our world, knowing we were a part of a strong global movement made of up of girls and women. When we became adult members, we continued to strengthen the bond we share in the Guiding sisterhood, with our mentors, with other Guiders and, of course, with girls. Some of us are “Keeping the Spirit Alive” by joining Trefoil Guilds or volunteering in new capacities. We stay in Guiding to support girls by sharing our knowledge, experiences and skills with them; to keep ourselves connected to this great Movement; and to continue to foster the sisterhood that has given us unique opportunities and resilient friendships in an environment where girls and women steadfastly support one another. Now is the time to help new generations of girls propel forward in their quest for a girl-driven future. GGC’s 1910 Society supports girls to discover themselves, to explore the world, to strengthen their communities, to promote the Guiding sisterhood, and to be everything they want to be! Be a part of Guiding’s future by making a legacy gift today. To learn how to become a member, and how you can support the future of Guiding and receive a 1910 Society pin, please contact Erin Hauser – Fund Development – hausere@girlguides.ca or (416) 487-5281, ext. 242.

Photo: courtesy GGC National Archives; Photo: Cat & Jeff - The Apartment Photography

A Catalyst for Girl Empowerment

SCHOLARSHIPS

Congratulations! GGC 2019 National Scholarship Recipients

The Girl Guides of Canada National Scholarship program recognizes members pursuing post-secondary education. Each year, GGC’s scholarships are awarded to members heading to college, university or a vocational program, whether starting their first year or later in their degree, on a full-time or part-time basis. Scholarships are just one way we support girls and women in pursuing their goals.

Actuarial Foundation of Canada National Scholarships

Emily

Edmonton, AB First Year Specialization in Computing Science

Erin

Calgary, AB Third Year Bachelor of Health Science - Bioinformatics Major, Mathematics Minor

Madison

Yarmouth, NS Second Year Mathematics and Statistics

The Barrett Family Foundation National Scholarships

Christina

Comox, BC First Year Bachelor of Science (Earth & Ocean)

Elena

Calgary, AB Post-Graduate Doctor of Philosophy

Nicole

Mount Pearl, NL Second Year Bachelor of Nursing

Col. Karen Ritchie Memorial National Scholarship

Norma Osler Education National Scholarship

Rachel

Amy

Burlington, ON First Year Engineering

Halifax, NS First Year Bachelor of Education – Elementary

The Barrett Family Foundation Environmental National Scholarships

Nerissa

Vancouver, BC Second Year Biology

Sarah

Gander, NL Second Year Bachelor of Science Environmental Science

Shelan

Winnipeg, MB First Year Education

Dr. Roberta Bondar National Scholarship

Christina

Port Coquitlam, BC Third Year Health Sciences

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

GGC National Scholarships

Abigail

Stephenville, NL, First Year Bachelor of Arts

Amber

Kelowna, BC First Year Computer Animation

Elizabeth

Mount Pearl, NL Fourth Year Bachelor of Arts

Angela

Coquitlam, BC Postgraduate Law

Emma

Huntsville, ON Third Year Bachelor of Arts and Sciences

Equitable Life Insurance of Canada National Scholarship

Casey

Edmonton, AB Part-time Studies Bachelor of Technology - Technology Management

Kianna

Bedford, NS First Year Bachelor of Science

Cheyenne

Dartmouth, NS First Year Bachelor of Education - Child and Youth Studies

Emma

Dayton, NS First Year Bachelor of Commerce

Kingston Trefoil Guild Margaret Everett Memorial National Scholarship

Leah

St. Paul, AB Second Year Bachelor of Arts

The Masonic Foundation of Ontario National Scholarships

The Masonic Foundation of Ontario Part-time National Scholarship

Paige

Kingston, ON Third Year Creative Industries

Kaitlyn

Kitchener, ON First Year Child and Youth Studies

Kyrie

Richmond Hill, ON First Year English Studies

Meaghan

Brampton, ON First Year Honours Science Program - Science and Forensics

Lauryn

Richmond Hill, ON First Year Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Michelle Hamilton, ON First Year Humanities

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Marlina

Toronto, ON First Year Concurrent Education - Primary/Junior

Olivia

Mississauga, ON First Year Applied Human Nutrition

Aletta

Prince George, BC Post-Graduate Masters of Public Health - Environmental Stream

Humber Glen Trefoil Guild National Scholarship

Stephanie

Stephenville, NL First Year Bachelor of Commerce

SCHOLARSHIPS

Thanks to Girl Guides . . . Here’s what some of our scholarship recipients had to say about Guiding’s impact on their lives:

“

I feel fortunate to always have had access to positive, supportive female role models. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the lessons I have learned while being a part of this organization. I know I will take these experiences with me to future endeavors and will never forget my promise to share and be a friend. – Lauryn

“

Aside from physical skills I have also learned about myself. Guiding has taught me to be myself because I knew I would be accepted for being me. In the past 10 years Girl Guides has had an incredible impact on my life. I truly think that Guiding helps girls around the world like me learn and have fun with other girls. – Shelan

The Masonic Foundation of Ontario National Scholarships

“

Thank You Scholarship Supporters Thank you to the individuals, groups, foundations and corporations who helped make the 2019 scholarship program possible. • Actuarial Foundation of Canada • The Barrett Family Foundation • Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada • Humber Glen Trefoil Guild

• Kingston Trefoil Guild • Masonic Foundation of Ontario • Supporters of the Col. Karen Ritchie Memorial Scholarship • The Family of Norma Osler

GGC National Scholarships

“

I am looking forward to the future, not just for myself but for all girls, because organizations like Girl Guides of Canada are teaching young women to be fierce – to stand up for what they believe in and to be unapologetic about it! It’s an amazing and exciting time to be a girl, if you ask me! – Cheyenne

“

Norma Osler Education National Scholarship

Would you like to support GGC’s National Scholarship Program to help girls and women pursue their educational goals and reach their full potential? To find out how you can contribute, please email: funddev@girlguides.ca

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

GIRL ENGAGEMENT

The National Youth Council B Y E M I LY VA N D E R M E E R

A part of GGC’s strategy to create a more girl-driven organization, the National Youth Council was formed in 2016. We’re a group of Rangers from across the country who represent girls’ voices – your voices – at our organization’s national level. And we’re determined to do the best that we possibly can!

e meet face-to-face a few times a year, and communicate regularly over the phone. Our primary objective is to provide the National Board of Directors with the youth perspective on a wide range of issues. To stay connected with what the Youth Council is up to, follow us on Instagram (@ggcnationalyouthcouncil). Plus you can see all the ways that GGC is engaging youth leaders at: bit.ly/2POSGWu As well as managing your feedback, we create our own recommendations, participate in media opportunities, work on projects to create a better world by girls, and generally promote the amazingness of Girl Guides. CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

around how girls could be more supportive allies to their peers, how to reduce member drop-off, and how to increase international connections. These discussions included participation from girls both in person and online.

Giving and Getting At the heart of this organization is the girl, and at the end of the day, it’s your voices, views and perspectives that the Council is here to represent. And we get back as much as, or more than, we give! Personally, membership on this Council has taught me both about myself and about my capabilities as a youth leader in a girl-driven organization.

Girls Open Forum

Join Us!

In June, the National Youth Council led the Girls Open Forum in Ottawa. Participants asked some hard-hitting questions that raised issues directly to GGC’s national leadership team, including: • Inclusivity at GGC – “What is GGC doing to help girls feel included?” • Leadership opportunities – “What can I do to grow Guiding in my community?” and “How can younger girls experience leadership?” • Staying involved – “What can I do after Rangers?”

The National Youth Council keeps evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of our organization. We encourage other GGC youth members to get involved with this tremendous opportunity – membership is open to all Rangers and applications are accepted each year. In addition to being a Ranger in your province or territory, you should be passionate about issues that matter to girls and eager to represent girls’ voices as an ambassador. And you should look forward to making new friends!

The Council also echoed some of these themes and made recommendations

Emily Vandermeer is a Ranger in Edmonton, and was a member of the GGC National Youth Council from 2017-2019.

Photo: ©GGC

Representing Girls’ Voices

EVENTS

BIG!

Dreaming Women Deliver 2019 Wondering what girls want for their futures? Just ask them! This spring, that’s exactly what Girl Guides of Canada did.

e issued a call for girls across the country to share their dreams for their future careers. It was all part of the lead up to Women Deliver 2019, the world’s largest conference on gender equality and the health, rights and wellbeing of women and girls. In June, 6,000 world leaders, activists, journalists and young people gathered in Vancouver to discuss these issues. And, as

part of the national gender equality movement, Women Deliver 2019 Mobilization Canada, GGC was among the more than 340 Mobilizers reaching in excess of two million Canadians! Nearly 5,500 girls answered our call-to-action by sharing their future career dreams, and their submissions were shared at a GGC event during the conference. We created an empowering gallery display, which was viewed by gender equality advocates from across Canada and around the world. Thanks to the girls who participated – and the Guiders who supported them – GGC demonstrated that girls’ voices will be listened to in the conversation on gender equality!

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

a lawyer… because I “haveI wanta lottoofbeopinions. ” — Jasmine, 10

I want to be an astronaut at “NASA. Who knows what’s out there? ” to be an author, because “I want you can use your imagination all day long, and you can teach people brand new things. ” I want to be a police officer, so I“can keep my community safe. ” — Melody, 10

— Beatrix, 9

— Gabby, 7

to be a teacher. I really “enjoyI wanthelping others and seeing

their eyes light up when they discover and learn something new that they didn’t know before.

”

— Victoria, 9

my career goals will lead “meI think into a more male-dominated field. I will work hard to prove that I can do the job just as well as, or better than, any male in the field.

”

— Alysa, 16

“

My dream career is one that will enable me to use both my interest and skills in the STEM fields and my creativity.

”

— Amy, 15

designs. She builds. She “won’Shet resign. She’s filled with

determination to be an engineer – to help our nation, because she has no fear! — Ksenia, 14

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

”

VOICES

Photo: Michael James

A Personal Reflection on Guiding BY NOREEN REMTULLA

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Thirty years ago, I wore a pink Spark T-shirt and a button that read, “Proud to be 5.” On February 27 this year, I wore the 30th anniversary version of that shirt in support of the Pink Shirt Day anti-bullying movement, and also to proudly show the world that I’m still a Girl Guide. As we now move into the 40th anniversary of Pathfinders, I realize that from the first day I wore that Spark shirt through my own adventures in Pathfinders to my adult membership today, Guiding has helped me find and determine my own path in life.

hroughout all my years in this sisterhood, whatever changes arise, one constant remains – that intrinsic feeling of inclusion and empowerment that runs through every Girl Guide’s DNA. Being a Girl Guide is certainly in my DNA and defines a part of my identity. I have even earned the nickname “Cookie” at my office, and frequently discover $5 bills on my desk with sticky notes attached, giving a location for me to drop off boxes of Girl Guide cookies! While I don’t have any kids of my own, whenever I’m asked, “How many children do you have?” or “How old is your daughter?” I respond, “I have 12 to 15 girls, all in high school.” I enjoy explaining to people that I volunteer with Girl Guides for the sheer love of the organization and how it enables me to help empower girls – and women – to be everything we want to be.

Acknowledgement I was deeply humbled this year to be awarded a Medal of Merit at the Alberta Council AGM banquet dinner. Past and present Youth Forum members wrote heartfelt letters of support – and their words inspired me to reflect upon all the life lessons these girls have taught me. Girl Guides of Canada has also given me invaluable opportunities to take risks in a safe environment, to develop my leadership skills and to learn about governance. I’ve learned that every Guider has her strengths and contributes to girls in countless ways. As an adult member, I’m making it my personal mission to invite women into our organization, and to encourage former members to rejoin - in any capacity that works for them. Regardless of our age, ability or skill level, Girl Guides offers an unequivocal sense of belonging, and accepts us for who we are.

Mentorship

Self-Development

As the out-going Alberta Youth Forum Coordinator, I enjoy sharing success stories with colleagues, friends and family about the Rangers I have mentored, and about all the lessons they have taught me along the way. There are countless examples of the Youth Forum taking a leadership role at the local, provincial and national levels. These initiatives have included creating the 2019 Rally Day crest and activities, spearheading the application process for a new provincial scholarship, overseeing a 25-year time capsule for the Alberta Guide House, conducting interviews with the media, and highlighting diversity and inclusion for nationally-sponsored trips. Girl Guides are unstoppable – and knowing that my mentorship was a catalyst for these girls’ achievements means everything to me!

Professionally, I’m continuing on my path of self-development and developing other women leaders. I’m proud of who I am and where I came from, and grateful for all the life lessons Guiding has given me along my path. The million-dollar question I’m always asked is “Why are you still in Girl Guides?” I refer to the ever-popular Marie Kondo’s signature question, “Does it spark joy?” Yes! Everything in Guiding sparks joy, which is why I cherish all of my camp T-shirts, uniforms, program books, memorabilia, crests and – above all – memories! Following Marie Kondo’s advice, I have thanked them and stored them tidily and lovingly away.

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Noreen Remtulla is a Guider in Edmonton, and a member of the Canadian Guider Editorial Committee.

Growth and Resilience The Path Points Forward It’s 100 years and more since they crowded through the door. And they’re coming along as brave and strong as ever they came before.

s I’ve grown through Guiding, so has the organization itself. True to the words in our “Guide Marching Song,” 110 years after the famous march of girls demanding to be let into the Scouting Movement at the Crystal Palace Rally in London, England, we’re still coming along as brave and strong as ever. This strength is rooted in our ability to grow to meet the ever-changing needs of girls and women. Most recently, we updated the Guiding Promise to include all faiths and beliefs; we redesigned our Trefoil to reflect the forward movement of the organization; we designed new uniforms with direct input from our girl and adult members; and we updated our programming and policies to address the social issues girls and women face today, including bullying (both online and in real time), social media awareness, internet safety and gender identification. And, as with my personal growth from girlhood to adulthood, the growth of Girl Guides has always been made possible by the strength of our foundations and our commitment to the Movement’s ever-resilient core values.

Check it Out!

Get your limited -edition Pathfinders 40th anniversary gear from theg irlguidestore.ca

GIRLS IN ACTION

Sienna

Kate

A Better World,

By Girls

GGC’s 2019 Change Maker Awards Guiding encourages each girl to be everything she wants to be and to create a better world, by girls. From Sparks to Rangers, girls in Guiding do amazing things to make positive changes. Through community service, friendship, advocacy and so much more, girls are a collective force of change makers! 42

The GGC Change Maker Award celebrates each girl’s confidence, resiliency, independence, open-mindedness and fulfillment, as defined by herself. The award recognizes girls across all branches as they take actions – small or large, local or international, community-based or far-reaching. Meet three of this year’s Change Maker Award recipients. CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Kate

Pathfinder – ON Nominator: Self

’m nominating myself to make Guiding members across Canada aware that they can make a difference, while doing something they enjoy. I believe all children deserve to be celebrated, no matter where they live. In 2016, as my family was cleaning out our party cupboard, we discovered items for a bunch of different themes, and I remembered that my Brownie unit had put together a box of Christmas decorations and toys for a local shelter. So, I started The Birthday Box Project (GTA), to recycle party supplies and help kids in shelters have a happy birthday. Some friends also had leftover party supplies, and we put all our stuff together, making 10 birthday party-in-a-box kits for a local shelter. The workers there told us that most people living at the shelter don’t have money to spend on party supplies and this would make the children and their parent(s) very happy. Thinking I could do more, I asked my friends to ask their friends, posted notices on community social media pages, and made a Facebook page for people to join. We now have 300+ members upcycling/donating their leftover party supplies to my project, and we’ve delivered more than 150 party-in-a-box kits to local shelters. Some shelters reuse the kits, so even more kids’ birthdays are celebrated. Upcycling leftover party supplies also helps the planet by keeping them out of landfills.

Cassandra Sienna

Guide – AB Nominator: GGC Girl Member

he biggest thing that stands out for me about Sienna is her sense of social justice. She gets very bothered when she thinks people are being treated unfairly. She stands up for anyone she thinks is being left out or treated badly in the playground and at school. She offers to play with them, and is quick to share her food, if someone doesn’t have a snack. She won awards this past summer at Camp Tamarack (Grande Prairie) for Empowerment and Belonging, for the way she treats and supports other people. Everyone takes notice. Sienna really cares about homeless people. Whenever we go to the city, she carries a backpack that has spare change, packages of chips and granola bars, in case she sees a homeless person she can help. She makes sure to say hello to them, so they feel someone cares for them. She also makes sure that her parents have extra change, in case she runs out. Sienna shares these concerns about homelessness with others. She tells stories in her class about how it is not their fault that they are in this situation. Sienna is an incredibly caring person. CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Cassandra Ranger – QC Nominator: Self

consider myself one of the luckiest people alive, because I have a family who loves me, I was born in a safe country, and I have access to an education, food and water at all times. Sadly, I know this isn’t the case for others. I started helping others when I was four. My cousin had just been diagnosed with cancer. Though I didn’t understand what it meant, I knew something was wrong. For my fifth birthday party, I asked that instead of gifts, donations would be made to the hospital where my cousin was treated. A few years later, I partnered with an organization called Smile Train and raised enough money to help six children receive corrective surgery for cleft palates, a surgery they needed but otherwise could not afford. I also joined a team to help organize projects throughout the school year, focussing on helping others in need. In grade six, I started fundraising to build a school in India. Just under two years later, I had raised the $10,000 needed to build it, and I was awarded the Governor General’s award for Caring Canadians. Since then, I have worked on several other projects, including providing zinc tablets to countries in need of them, and gifting goats to families in Kenya. Currently, I’m working to raise $5,000 to build a sustainable water system in India. I’m in my fourth year of volunteering with an organization called WIAIH, which works with people who are differently abled, and I’m also a Special Olympics coach in track and field and softball.

BEHIND THE BLUE

Leading the Way

Welcome New Board Members Meet the four women elected to the Board at our June 2019 Annual General Meeting.

The GGC Board of Directors Overseeing this large charitable organization, GGC’s Board of Directors plays a critical role in ensuring everything is ready, set, go to deliver on our Mission of empowering girls to be everything they want to be.

ur Board is responsible for identifying the “big picture” of where Guiding is going as an organization, and for leading the way forward. Headed by the Chair (currently Robyn McDonald), the Board sets GGC’s strategic direction and ensures we’re conducting effective risk management on complex legal, financial and safety issues. This frees Unit Guiders and other volunteers to focus on sparking extraordinary opportunities for girls. The Board meets at least three times a year, and individual members also serve on sub-committees, working between Board meetings to review issues that could impact our organization. In addition to their focus on legal, financial and safety implications, Board members take a great deal of time to carefully consider what’s in the best interest of girls, volunteers and GGC as a whole. In coming to any decision, the Board is laser-focused on ensuring that our organization is relevant, growing and constantly working towards our Vision – a better world, by girls.

Who is on the Board? GGC’s Board is made up of 12 dynamic women from across Canada, all selected for the wide range of exceptional skills they can offer in helping propel GGC forward. New Board members are elected annually by current members of the Board and National Youth Council, as well as Provincial Commissioners. In addition to the wealth of expertise they bring to their roles, every member of the Board has a strong belief in Guiding as a catalyst for girls empowering girls. In recent years, GGC has made a commitment to ensuring our Board reflects the rich diversity of Canada. While each Board member is only one individual, working together, these women represent the voices of tens of thousands of girls and women who are at the heart of Girl Guides.

Saira Kanani

Saira joins the GGC Board as Director – Risk Oversight. Proud of her strong Guiding roots and her family’s involvement in Guiding in Kenya and Canada, she believes in the organization’s role in giving girls the opportunity to build their world and thrive in it, so they can make a positive mark on their communities. Saira brings experience in organizational risk management, process improvements, compliance and governance through work in the fields of business management, internal audit and forensic investigations with multiple Canadian industries and international agencies.

“

I anticipate that I will learn more than I give from Guiding’s strong women leaders and especially from the young resilient Canadian girls who are the future leaders in Canada and across the world.”

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Farrah Khan

Farrah joins the GGC Board as a Director, after being a girl member through Rangers. She has spent two decades raising awareness about the intersections of gender-based violence and equity through education, art and advocacy. Currently, she is the manager of Consent Comes First, Office of Sexual Violence Support and Education at Ryerson University, founder of Possibility Seeds and a member of the Government of Canada’s Gender-based Violence Advisory Council. A feminist troublemaker, she loves otters, crafting and smashing the patriarchy.

“

Guiding was one of the first places where I learned about personal safety, leadership and self-empowerment. Girls in Canada face unique challenges and need the space that Guiding fosters to connect, share and cheer each other on.”

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Michelle Quaye

Stephanie Robinson

“

GGC is fortunate to have the benefit of a long history and tradition of empowering girls – of making them feel capable, creating confidence, and giving them a community. These attributes are more important and more relevant than ever.”

Michelle joins the GGC Board as Director – Chair, National Youth Council. Michelle is a strong believer in empowering young women and girls to be the best they can be, and is committed to fostering diverse representation within Guiding and amplifying the voices of those who are less often heard. A longtime GGC member, she is currently completing her final year in medical school at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in London, Ontario, and is also a Brownie Unit Guider.

What I feel makes Girl Guides unique is that the youth voice is central to decision-making. It is a privilege now to be able to chair the National Youth Council, made up of girl leaders who will be instrumental in Girl Guides’ future direction.”

Stephanie joins the GGC Board as Director – Governance. A former girl member, she is excited by the opportunity to ensure that Guiding remains relevant to all girls – especially those from rural and Indigenous communities. She brings to GGC expertise in the areas of governance, strategy, risk and compliance, through her work as Associate General Counsel at BMO.

“

Concluding their three-year terms on the Board are Brenda Abrams, Madeleine Deschenes, Melissa Martin and Alex Russell. We thank them for their dedication to these roles. 45

FYI

Welcome!

Awards

Joining the Canadian Guider Team We are delighted to welcome two new members to the Canadian Guider Editorial Committee.

Caelan Shaw

Photo: Lyndsay Doyle

Caelan is a second-year Ranger from Maplewood Colchester area in Nova Scotia. She is excited to be on the Editorial Committee, where she is able to take her involvement in Guiding to the next level. She has loved writing since she was a little girl, and is happy that this passion has helped her become a part of an amazing team in the Guiding community in her teen years.

Colleen Upson

Photo: Tee Johnny

Based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Colleen is excited to be in her fourth year with Guiding. Now a Brownie Guider for her daughter’s unit, she loves sharing her experience and exploring new opportunities. Currently working in the insurance industry, Colleen is studying hard to transition to a career in computer program code development. Writing has always been an interest for her, and she’s very happy to join the committee.

Caelan and Colleen are replacing outgoing Editorial Committee members Diamond Isinger and Felicity Orthner Rugard. We send kudos and thanks to Diamond and Felicity for their valuable contributions to the magazine.

(July 2018 – June 2019)

Beaver Darlene Banks, NS Madeleine Deschenes, ON Dawn Moore, ON Alexandra Russell, NS Margot Walsh, NL Fortitude Susan Clegg, BC Maureen Devich, AB Christine Emery, BC Morag Forster, BC Laura Freeman, BC Amanda Fretz, ON Samantha Fretz, ON Leona Healy, BC Elenor Hurst, BC Marlo Jurkowski, MB Judith Kopp, AB Kristina Larsen, BC Bonny Longstaff, ON Jolaine Martin, AB Brenda Matthews, BC Dianne Neisz, AB Victoria Shandley, BC Kathleen Spilek, NS Gloria Stirrat, ON Winnifred Taft, ON Cynthia Zuidema, AB Medal of Merit Brenda Abrams, ON Melissa Martin, ON Valour Claire Ingraham, ON Elizabeth King, AB Jennifer Milligan, ON Jodi Sillers, AB Honorary Life Carol Banks, AB Susan Birnie, ON Marilyn Briggs, NB Kathy Brown, BC Alice Gaveronski, SK Mary Louise Johnson, NS Carol Law, ON Martina McCarthy, NB Cindy O’Hearn, NS Pamela Pellegrini, BC Mary Porterfield, BC Linda Reade, AB Carol Rothwell, NB Bonnie Stokes, NB Anne Sullivan, NB Luanne Taylor, AB CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

In Memoriam GGC Tributes (March 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 10, 2019)

Girl Guides of Canada members are frequently recognized in their communities for the wonderful work they have done during their Guiding lives. As many of them may be familiar to you, we are sharing the following in memoriam announcements: Lynne Burnes, BC Sheila Carter, BC Darcy Lynne Cooper, BC Margaret Cox, BC Maureen Devich, AB Anna Marie Girard, BC Martha Moore, BC Doreen Ridsdale, BC Judy Sorensen, BC Evelyn Wallace, BC

A Tribute Opportunity Supporting Scholarships If you, or your unit or your Trefoil Guild would like to make a donation to the GGC National Scholarship Fund in honour of these women, we would be grateful to accept contributions. For more information, please email us at: funddev@girlguides.ca

CANADIAN GUIDER | FALL 2019

Have Your Say! Participate in Our Readership Survey Canadian Guider wants to hear from YOU! We want to know what YOU think of the magazine and what kinds of articles YOU want to read. Please share your feedback in our readership survey at: https://m.sgizmoca.com/s3/Cdn-Guider

Girl Guides of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Guides du Canada, 50 Merton Street, Toronto, ON M4S 1A3

Coming this fall!

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