Fall 2011 - Girl Guides of Canada.

ing her own kit and equipment, andhelping with general chores. And onhikes, she knew I’d be walking besideother girls, listening to their observationsand answering their questions,each in turn.Learning How to LeadIn my role as a Spark Guider, I soondiscovered that not all children my daughter’s age were doing thesame things she did. For example, she could readily cut paper intosmithereens, whereas another Spark didn’t know which way to holdthe scissors. I quickly learned to choose crafts that could be modifiedaccording to each child’s ability.Later, as a Brownie leader, I learned another fundamental“Mom-Guider” rule: don’t do badge-testing on your own child!Have another Guider take that on, so your daughter is challengedto be organized and explain herwork to someone who has neverseen it, and so the other girls don’tfeel she’s getting special treatment.Believe me, Brownies notice whois doing what! Of course, at homeyou can be a mom again, offeringguidance about anything sheneeds to do to complete a badge.Managing the Extra TimeDaughters of Guiders generally have to spend at least a half hourlonger than the other girls before and after meetings. We organizeda gathering activity that our daughters could initiate andcontinue as the other girls arrived, and also had balls and skippingropes on hand. After the meeting, they helped tidy up and thenplayed together while we had brief consultations with each otherand with parents/guardians.Photo: Carmen ZayacRole Modelling OpportunitiesMy younger daughter learned how to work in “Mom-Guider” Unitsvery well, and in later years, along with her sister, began helping mewith subsequent Units. As they got older, the girls often accompaniedme to Spark or Brownie meetings, when their father wasout of town, and I would arrange age-appropriate tasks for themto help with the younger girls. One of their favourites even todayis teaching Sparks how birds eat by tossing popcorn from chopsticksfor them to try to catch in their mouths. They’ve also taughtsongs and helped with science experiments. Over the years, theirwork with younger girls has provided such a fun learning experiencefor them, they often ask to accompany me, and also help meat home, preparing the program for upcoming meetings. Theyembrace the opportunity to be role models and I appreciatetheir assistance with the setting up and tidying up tasks atthe beginning and end of meetings.My daughters are in Pathfinders and Guides now, andI’m very proud of all they’ve learned and contributed. AndI’m grateful for the wonderful opportunities they’ve hadand the amazing women and girls they’ve met, and continueto meet, through their Guiding adventures.Pat Williams is a Brownie“Mom-Guider” inPeterborough, Ontario.CANADIAN GUIDER F A L L 2 0 1 15

Featuresat homeand abroadGirl Guides Lend a HandPhoto: Brenda SoamesWigs for KidsGuides Donate Their HairJazzlyn Markowsky (photos on right), a third-year Guide in BritishColumbia, made a very personal service choice recently, when workingtowards her Lady Baden-Powell Challenge. Activity 6 in thechallenge calls on girls to: Take part in a community activity thatinvolves doing something for someone else… This type of service projectis different from community service – it is more like a randomact of kindness… for no reason other than to make people happier.Jazzlyn decided to donate her hair to Wigs for Kids through theBC Children’s Hospital. “The thought of some other girl losing herhair as a result of having cancer, makes me feel very sad,” she said.“So, I thought it would be a good idea to donate my long hairto Wigs for Kids, so that at least I have made another girlhappier by having a wig made with my hair. I would liketo challenge all other Guides with long hair to do thesame. I can make a difference for one girl, but togetherwe can make a difference for a lot of other girls.”Ten-year-old Emily Soames(photo on left), a Guide inSurrey British Columbia, alsodecided to donate her hair tohelp cancer patients. Cancerhas touched the lives ofmany of her family members,including her father, grandmothers,great-grandmother,grandfather and several cousins,aunts, uncles and friends –most of whom are survivors.Emily has been in Guiding for sixyears, enthusiastically workingon badges, completing projectsand promoting the GuidingMovement. She plans to continuethrough Pathfinders andon in Guiding for years to come.Having never cut her hair beforethis, she was able to donate a full16 inches (40 centimetres) for wigs.Photos: courtesy Jazzlyn Markowsky6Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

Storm Drain StencilingBrownies Make Local NewsLast May, the 148 th Toronto Brownies were joined by Free theChildren and Me to We founder Craig Kielburger to film a reportfor local news channel CP24 on socially conscious living tips.Kielburger chose Girl Guides to draw attention to the importance ofvolunteers who share their knowledge, skills and talent with youth.Co-Guiders Lisa Donnelly and Melissa Martin have run the148 th Brownies for more than six years and were joined by firstyearGuider Erika MacNeill, to lead the Brownies in a YellowFish Road project in their neighbourhood. A very popular activitythroughout the Guiding community, Yellow Fish Road is anation-wide storm drain stenciling environmental education program,created by Trout Unlimited Canada. The program’s goal isto increase awareness and understanding of the impact pollutantsentering storm drains have on our rivers, lakes and streams.After learning about their local water supply, the Browniesdonned reflective safety jackets and headed out onto the sidewalksto paint yellow fish near storm drains as reminders that materialsgoing down these drains directly affect water quality and aquatichabitat. The girls also left yellow fish shaped information pamphletson doors in the neighbourhood to inform residents of whythe storm drain stencils have appeared on their streets.Photo: courtesy Me to We“New York or Bust!”Rangers in the Big AppleWhen the 3 rd Saskatoon Rangers travelledto New York this summer, they packedmore than just their passports. They alsotook some comfort to women in crisis, bycollecting bras to be donated to both Saskatoon’sYWCA Crisis Shelter and a shelterin New York City.“Bras are not something a lot of peoplethink to donate, but they are no less importantthan other clothing items,” said 16-yearold Jessica Baxter-Jones. “Fora woman in crisis, it couldbe the one thing that makesa bad situation just a littlebit better.” Added anotherRanger, Alexa Wallace, “Asa girl-centred organization,Girl Guides is in a uniqueposition to help providethese particular items ofcomfort to women in need,and to raise awarenessthat such thingsare sometimesoverlooked asimportant.”The Rangers mettheir goal of collectingone bra for every kilometreof their 2,784-kilometrejourney by setting up collectionbins in seven area businesses.Have you found a unique way to combinetravel and service? Let us know! Emailus at: cdnguider@girlguides.caPhoto: Tammy SutherlandPhoto: courtesy Audrey LummisPitching In . . .Guides Clean UpFor the 11 th year in a row, during Earth Week last April, the17 th Cornwall Guides joined the Pitch-In Canada 2011 campaignby de-littering Terry Fox Park and the surrounding neighbourhood.During the event, the Unit won the City of Cornwall SpringClean-Up Challenge 2011 draw. Each girl and Guider received awhite spruce seedling, and the Unit received a backyard composter,a blue recycling box and a plaque from the city’s waste managementsupervisor, Neil Dixon.CANADIAN GUIDER F A L L 2 0 1 17

FeaturesPhoto: Chris Bush, Nanaimo News Bulletin (nanaimobulletin.com)Filling a Food Bank’s ClosetA Pathfinder Collects ClothingLast autumn, while investigating ways to helphomeless and disadvantaged people in her community,Nanaimo Pathfinder Kassidy Pedersendiscovered her local food bank’s clothing room wasnearly empty. So she launched a clothing campaign,sending out press releases, which resultedin an announcement in the Nanaimo News Bulletinand an appearance on CHEK TV News Island30, during which she asked for donations from thepublic to be dropped off at two local businesses.She also asked the Nanaimo District SecondarySchool Student Council to encourage other studentsto help out.In a two-month period, Kassidy collected,sorted, cleaned and mended more than 30 largebags of clothing, filling the clothing room, to thedelight of food bank volunteers. She now regularlyencourages people everywhere to make a habitof dropping their unwanted clothing, outerwear,shoes and accessories at a local food bank or charitythroughout the year.A Sock Hop SuccessGuiders Use FacebookIn honour of GGC’s Centenary, Guidersin Clinton, Ontario, made their annualsock hop part of the 2010 Clinton ChristmasParade. At their traditional sock hops,each of their girls brings a new pair of socksto donate to the Huron County ChristmasBureau. Expanding on this idea, they set agoal to collect 100 pairs of new socks alongthe parade route.When their local paper failed to publisha photo and announcement about theirproject, the Guiders turned to their Facebookfriends and quickly had more than400 invitations issued by parade time.Local radio station My FM also kicked in toget the word out to the general public, andby the time the parade was over, the Guidersand their girls, wearing trefoil “poodle”skirts, collected more than 200 pairs ofsocks, some of which were even deliveredto their regular sock hop by people whocouldn’t make it to the parade!Photo: Lisa CurrahPhoto: Erin StrattonFriendship Pins for JapanA Brownie Raises FundsConcerned about the plight of the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan, aBrownie named Faith decided to make her own friendship pins to raise funds forthem. “When I heard Japan had a tsunami, I knew I had to help, so I thoughtabout friendship pins I could sell,” she said. “I made some at home, and sold themfor 25 cents each, first to my Brownie friends and then at my school and tae kwondo club. I raised more than $23 to donate.”Looking for a way to support our sister Girl Scouts in Japan? Make a contributionto the Canadian World Friendship Fund (CWFF) by sending a cheque madepayable to Girl Guides of Canada, with CWFF/Japan in the memo line, to:Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada50 Merton StreetToronto, ON M4S 1A38 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

Featureslest We Forget . . .Girl Guides Honour Remembrance DayIn British Columbia, the 23 rd Kahoutek Brownies made crosses withpoppies for their 2010 Remembrance Day ceremony in Ladner.They wanted to “plant” them beside the Ladner Epitaph, but findingthere was no appropriate spot, they placed them around a nearbytree. Later, they found a closer spot in the epitaph garden, where thegirls carefully lined the crosses up, row upon row. The Brownies alsogave thank you cards to the veterans in attendance. The veterans,who hadn’t expected this personal tribute, were deeply touched bythe girls’ thoughtfulness and their thankfulness for their sacrificeson our country’s behalf.Photo: Marlene GrahamValentines for VeteransAnother Way to RememberMany GGC Members also remember to thank our veteranseach year on February 14, by participating in the VeteransAffairs Canada (VAC) Valentines for Vets program. Theprogram invites Canadian schools, individuals andorganizations to make valentine cards, which VAC distributesto veterans in long-term care facilities across the country.Now in its 15 th year, last year the program ensured thatthousands of veterans in more than 2,000 long-term carefacilities received cards on Valentine’s Day. For moreinformation, and to get your Unit involved in Valentines forVets this year, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada websiteat veterans.gc.ca and search for “Valentines for Vets.”Last year, the 2 nd Alliston Sparks, in Ontario,dedicated a meeting to Remembrance Day,inviting nearby Canadian Forces Base (CFB)Borden to send someone to talk about whyobserving November 11 in honour of veteransis so important to Canadian troops both athome and overseas. Warrant Officer BlissWinick joined the Unit for the meeting, readingaloud a book on Remembrance Day andopening a pack full of military gear. Explaining what the gear is usedfor, she invited the girls and leaders to try it on. The Unit has sincedecided to make a visit from CFB Borden representatives a permanentfeature in their annual Remembrance Day program.Photo: Marlene Graham Photo: Nicky WyszynskiCanadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 19

Features: Global GuidingreadySetGo…Planning International Adventuresby bOnnie-lynn MurphyDo you long to take girls on a Guiding adventure outside Canada, butfeel daunted by the amount of work involved? International travel can beimmensely rewarding for both girls and Guiders, so don’t let your qualmsget in the way. Read on for some “how-to” tips, and then get ready, getset and get going!First and foremost, begin planningat least 18 months prior to your trip.This will give you adequate time toconsider destinations for viability,budget and availability of service providers,as well as to seek commitment from parents/guardiansand to fundraise.Getting StartedDo your research to consolidate trip objectives,age group, budget, desired time frameand, of course, destination(s) and opportunitiesfor learning and service. Consult theGGC Safe Guide International Travel Plannerto make sure you’ve got all the piecesin place, and continue to use it as you gothrough your planning process. Give thegirls ownership of the process by presentingoptions for their consideration.In my experience, a group of 12 participants,including nine girls and threeGuiders, is ideal; however this may vary,depending on your trip destination andduration. The Safe Guide ratio requirestwo leaders for this many girls, but I recommenda third to ensure flexibility in unforeseencircumstances.If enough girls show interest and enthusiasm(also consider approaching otherUnits), design a brochure for parents/guardians outlining the destination, activities,learning opportunities, timing andcost estimates; then host a parent meetinginviting everyone interested to be briefedon the trip and to ask questions. This willhelp ensure girls don’t commit to the tripspontaneously and then back out later, andwill enable you to secure more economicalairfares (group bookings). You will alsoneed to submit a trip pre-approval applicationto your International Safe GuideAssessor.Planning and OrganizingList the activities and actions that needto take place before your departure dateand during your trip, and attach completiondates for each. Divide the workload tokeep everyone involved and to avoid havinganyone feeling overwhelmed. Completethe following pre-trip tasks early, to minimizesurprises late in the planning process,and to allow time to react to any additionalneeds that may crop up:• Begin fundraising early to maximizethe number of events you can hold (andthereby increase the dollars you raise).I’ve found that, where girls are active par-Illustrations: iStock/MightyIsland10 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

ticipants in the fundraising efforts, their appreciation of the tripgrows as they build camaraderie, excitement and anticipation.• Complete Safe Guide paperwork requirements as early as possible,using advice from your International Assessor where youhave questions. Pay special attention to Guider Standard FirstAid certification, waivers, Third Party Service Provider approvals,and other unique requirements you need to meet for specialtyactivities.• Finalize your program itinerary early to ensure your preferredlodging, desired dates, planned activities and special dietary orother requirements can be met.• Periodically update parents/guardians on payment instalments,passport deadlines, immunizations and other travel requirements.Four to six weeks prior to departure, hold another parent/guardianmeeting to collect paperwork, to outline all tripdetails, and to review kit lists. If possible, have a Notary Public(in Quebec, a Commissioner of Oaths) available to notarize permissiondocuments within a month of your departure date.• Set clear roles and responsibilities for Guiders, identifying a designatedfirst aider, someone to handle money matters,and someone responsible for the itinerary. The firstaider should review all heath forms well in advanceand stock the first aid kit with appropriate supplies.• Have the girls design personal journals for the trip.• Keep copies of all trip receipts, and submit themsoon after your return to secure a timely refund.Celebrating and SharingUpon your return, take time to celebrate your adventuresand achievements. Everyone will have memoriesthey cherish and moments they consider highlights ofthe trip. Help the girls to organize their impressionsand recollections so they can share them with eachother and with a wider audience. Collect pictures fromeveryone and create a visual journal, burning CDcopies for everyone. Host a reunion party to share andreflect on your experiences, and to view the visual journalas a group. Invite the girls to discuss what theylearned and how this trip has affected their outlook onthe world, and encourage them to share their experienceslater with other Units.Bonnie-Lynn Murphy is a Guider in Richmond Hill, Ontario. InMarch, 2011, she and two other leaders took nine girls aged 13 to 15on a trip to Costa Rica and Panama. Check out an account of theirtrip on page 12 of this issue of Canadian Guider.GGC international trips contain a servicecomponent, such as a 2009 Me to We partnershipschool-building project in Ecuador, inwhich a group of visiting girl Members fromacross Canada took part.Photo: courtesy Me to WeCanadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 111

is bounded by oceans on east and west. However, they quicklydiscovered how different the weather is from Canada – mostlyhot and sticky. Costa Rican guides were provided through tourgroup Eco Teach – a company specializing in ecological andeducational tours.The tour began in the Veragua Rain Forest National Park,where the girls visited a butterfly conservatory and nocturnal creaturesexhibit. Staff entomologists explained how bugs are baked ina low-heat oven for four days to preserve them, then took the girlson a night bug hunt to find spiders, snakes, stick bugs and a scorpion.Costa Rican scorpions are not fatally poisonous, but a bitedoes cause sickness.The group also visited a two-room school, where 16 studentsput on a show for them. In return, using their guide as an interpreter,the girls taught the children about Canada.Manatees and MangrovesHeading to Panama, the girls volunteered at the Humedal San SanPond Sak research station, learning how to find and offer food tothe manatees that live there. They spent hours in the mangroveforest on a makeshift viewing platform to help collect data, suchas what the manatees ate, and how many times they dived and atwhat time of day. They also collected mangrove seeds to take to apasture that was being replanted and naturalized.Hiking to See the BribriBack in Costa Rica, another adventure was a hike to visit the Bribritribe. The group crossed three rivers, often up to their knees inwater, wearing lifejackets and backpacks. Many got wet becausethe rocks were slippery and they fell in.Leatherback Sea TurtlesVenturing further north on the Caribbean coast, the group visiteda turtle sanctuary, and watched Leatherback sea turtles layeggs on the beach. At laying time, each turtle is tagged, or if it istagged already, the tag number is recorded. Its length and widthare measured, as are the distances from the shore to the nest andthe nest to vegetation. The eggs are then collected, the majority ofwhich are fertile, and brought to the hatchery and reburied therefor protection and monitoring. It takes two months for the hatchlingsto emerge.Leatherbacks are critically endangered.Four turtles were recorded the first nightthe girls visited, but they weren’t as luckythe next night, when no turtles came up thebeach.Zip Lining andWhite Water RaftingOn one of last days before their return toCanada, the girls and Guiders tried ziplining and white water rafting. PathfinderSamirah Ajward enjoyed both activities.“The highlights of my trip were white waterrafting, zip lining, hiking to see the Bribritribe, visiting the elementary school, andgoing to the beach and the turtle project,”she said.Costa Rican Ecologyand CultureThe girls learned many different thingsabout Costa Rica, its culture and the life ofCosta Ricans.“We learned a lot about bananas, coffeeand other plants,” said Robyn. “We learnedabout protecting wildlife and the environment.And we learned about Costa Ricanculture, traditions and communities.”Robyn also said she definitely does nottake what she has for granted now. “Afterstaying in buildings with no air conditioningor windows and doors like we are usedto, and even no running water, I am gratefulfor what I have on a daily basis,” sheadmitted. “While sleeping under bug netsand taking a shower with a bucket of waterwas an experience, I’m glad that I don’thave to do that every day.”Photos: iStockCANADIAN GUIDER F A L L 2 0 1 113

VoicesPhoto: courtesy Rachel Singleton-Polsteradvocatingfor accessand equalityGirl Guides at the UNby Mary VinCentThis past February, Rachel Singleton-Polster of Duncan,British Columbia, attended the 55 th Commission on theStatus of Women at the United Nations, as the only Canadianon the WAGGGS delegation. Talk about bringing tolife GGC’s Mission – to make a difference in the world!While at the UN, Rachel was among hundreds of global delegatestackling such topics as girls’ access to education, women’sparticipation in science and technology, and eliminating discriminationand violence against girls. Rachel described the opportunityas a “whirlwind of getting to know my co-delegates and sistersin Guiding from around the world and learning about – and doing– advocacy at the UN.” She added, “It is so great to see youngwomen really making an impact on such a global scale!”Rachel is particularly passionate about promoting the globalimportance of non-formal education for girls and women. Andthe UN event reminded her that WAGGGS is the world’s largestprovider of non-formal education for girls.“Young people are strongly influenced bywhat they are learning through non-formaleducation about topics like HIV/AIDS prevention,” she said. “One reasonfor this is because, instead of a parent orteacher telling a teenager what to do, oftenin Guiding and Scouting there is peer-topeerdiscussion.”Among the highlights of this event forRachel was meeting with two internationalfigures she admires – Michel Sidibé, thehead of UNAIDS, and Michelle Bachelet,the head of UN Women.Currently studying Geography andAboriginal Perspectives at Mount AllisonUniversity in New Brunswick, Rachel isoriginally from Vancouver Island, BritishColumbia, and has been in Guiding formore than 15 years as a girl Member andJunior Leader.Rachel originally wrote about her trip forGGC’s blog – GirlGuidesCANblog.ca Checkout the blog for great discussions aboutwhat’s happening in Guiding.14Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

Ideas: InnovatorsHelpingHands fromCoast to CoastBirthday Party BasketsBY SHARRON CALLAHANIllustration: iStock/SmokeyjoIn April 2010, BC Girl Guides’Pipeline published an article entitled“Do Service – Eradicate Hungerand Poverty.” It featured a projectundertaken by Tsawwassen Districtto collect supplies for birthday partybaskets for needy families who haveyoung children. Newfoundland andLabrador’s Fireside Friends TrefoilGuild borrowed the idea and ranwith it.We were able to get our projectgoing quickly and efficiently,thanks to Sharon Guilfordand Tsawwassen District, whoshared their birthday basket lists with usand gave us advice on getting started.Gathering the GoodiesWe began work on our project last September,and by our annual Christmas Gatheringon December 9, we had assembled 12baskets, suitable for a wide range of ages,and the majority of which had themes,including dinosaurs, Toy Story, princesses,hockey and Dora the Explorer. Working inpairs or groups of three, our Guild Membershad a great time picking out suppliesat dollar stores and assembling their basketsat a Member’s house.Arranging DistributionBefore we got the project underway, one of our Members contactedthe Food Sharing Association, who were delighted to arrange thedistribution of the baskets to local food banks. They also weighedeach basket and told us that the total amounted to 127.5 pounds,which we entered into the data collected on the GGC national website’sNational Service Project: Eradicating Hunger and PovertyChallenge.Spreading the IdeaThe Food Sharing Association is now advertising for children’sbirthday party supplies. There is a true need for this kind of servicein our community, and we are proud to have helped with identifyingit and doing something to help out. We are also gratefulto our sister Guiders in British Columbia for coming up with thisgreat idea, as are the families who received birthday baskets herein Newfoundland and Labrador.Isn’t it fabulous when an innovative idea can make its way soquickly and successfully from one coast of our vast country to theother? We encourage Trefoil Guilds and other Guiding Memberseverywhere between to consider taking up this project on behalf offamilies and children in need in their own communities.Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada Chief Commissioner-Elect Sharron Callahan is a Member of the Fireside Friends TrefoilGuild in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.Photo: courtesy Sharron CallahanCANADIAN GUIDER F A L L 2 0 1 115

ChallengesWalka While inher ShoesTeaching Inclusivityby Mary VinCentPhotos: Mary VincentInclusion noun1. the action of creating an environmentin which girls and women from all walksof life, identities and experiences feel asense of belonging and can participatefully.2. the action of offering programmingin which girls and women feel safe,respected, supported and inspired toreach their potential.3. what Guiding is all about.We all want to help girls understandthe value of respectingdifferences and consideringother points of view. But howexactly do we do that? How do we give girlsan awareness of the diversity in our community,in our society and in our world?One way is to offer girls a chance toexperience what it might be like to havedifferent types of abilities than their own.It’s easy enough to tell girls we need to beinclusive and supportive of others. But forthe message to really sink in, it’s better tolet girls experience what it’s like to have differentlevels of ability.The 3 rd Ottawa Guides recently did just that. At a Unit meeting,the girls rotated through a round robin of different stations,taking on everyday tasks – but with different levels of ability. Thegirls were challenged to open a juice box or peel an orange with theuse of one hand, or to try to get dressed without the ability to useboth of their legs.“These activities are a good way for girls to come to their ownrealization that individuals are not disabled, but are differentlyabled,”said their Guider, Sarah Govan. “While those with disabilitiesmight have a different way of doing things, the girls need to realizethat we all share similarities. And they need to understand that wewill all face obstacles as we move towards our hopes and dreams, butif we work to overcome them, we can all come out on top.”And what did the girls think of the activities? “It was definitelyhard to peel an orange with just one hand,” said Margaret. “Othergirls should try these activities – they’re really fun, and you canwalk a while in someone else’s shoes to see how they feel.”Mary Vincent is Communications Coordinatorat the National Office.16 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

Physical InclusivityA Round RobinAll activities are done with partners.Station OneLower Limb-ImpairedTape a metre stick toyour dominant leg. Ifyou’re right-handed,tape your right leg, andif you’re left-handed,tape your left leg.While standing up, andwithout help, try toget dressed using theclothing in the pile.Then, try to:• walk• go up and down stairs• sit down on a chair• sit cross-legged• kneel• pick up an objectfrom the floorSwitch with your partnerand try this stationagain.Station TwoUpper Limb-ImpairedUsing a sling, tie yourdominant arm to yourbody. If you’re righthanded,tape yourright arm, and if you’releft-handed, tape yourleft arm.While standing up,and without help, try to:• get the straw off thejuice box• poke the straw intothe juice box• pour the juice into aglass and drink it• wash the glass withsoap, dry it and put itaway• peel the orange andeat itSwitch with your partnerand try this stationagain.Station ThreeSight-ImpairedMany visuallychallengedpeople usewhite canes to ensurethey can walk aroundwithout encounteringobstacles. A visuallychallengedpersonmoves their white canefrom right to left infront of them, and tapson the floor once oneach side. (It shouldsound like “slide-tapslide-tap.”)Put on a blindfold,and take the metre stickin your hand. Have yourpartner spin you aroundthree times. With yourpartner watching out foryou, try to:• walk around the roomonce, using the stickto guide you• draw a picture withthe blindfold on,using your partner’scommandsSwitch with your partnerand try this stationagain.Station FourHard-of-Hearing/Non-VerbalWith your partner, try toput up a tent withouttalking or making anynoise. Once you’redone, practise yourfinger spelling skillsfrom the American SignLanguage (ASL) chartsprovided. Try to getyour partner to figureout what word you arespelling.Switch with your partnerand try the fingerspelling skills again.Station FiveMobility-ImpairedTry to manoeuvre awheelchair around anobstacle course, withoutany help.(Note: many churchhalls have wheelchairs – but they canalso be rented fromsome shopping malls,if you speak withmanagement.)Switch with your partnerand try this stationagain.Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 117

Voices: In Their Own WordsPhotos: courtesy Alison KornMoments of DiscoveryA Champion Remembersby Marnie CuMMinGLast year, Olympic medalist and world champion rower Alison Korn wrotean e-mail to Ontario Girl Guides, expressing her gratitude for a campexperience she had enjoyed with her daughter that summer. They hadattended a Sparks Mom and Me program at Camp Woolsey. Here, in herown words, is what Alison had to say about her experience in this “amazingprogram.”It was funny. My six-year-old daughter, Clara, alwaysinsisted, “I don’t like camp” (only because she didn’t knowwhat it was). Then, surprisingly she told me, “You can signme up for Mom and Me camp anytime.”The Mom and Me program was at Camp Woolsey, the samecampsite I attended as a Brownie, Guide and Pathfinder in the late70s and early 80s. And when I went back to camp there, pieces ofmy life suddenly came together and made perfect sense.I remembered it was at canoe camp that I realized for the firsttime that I was physically a fairly strong girl, and it occurred tome how that was a neat thing. We went on a one-night canoe trip –probably in reality a short distance, but one that seemed huge to us18 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

at the time. That trip was a formative experience.Controlling a full, heavy canoe fromthe stern, I learned how much I loved boats,water, swimming, athletic challenges andthe outdoors. And I still do today.Little did I know then that I would endup becoming a two-time pairs world championand an Olympic rower, winningmedals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and2000 Sydney Olympics! And I didn’t reallymake the direct connection with my GirlGuide experiences until returning to CampWoolsey last July. It just happened as Iwas walking down to the waterfrontwith the girls and other moms and Ihad a flashback of being 10 years oldand walking down that same pathto that same waterfront.I have two vivid memories of mygirlhood years at Camp Woolsey.First, because I was tallfor my age and, therefore,heavier than the othergirls, I was the only onewearing a lifejacket for90+ pounds. Thismade me feel conspicuousat first, butnobody made a bigdeal of it. What a reliefthat was! In Girl Guides,it was okay to be different!My second memory is of another girlsqueezing my bicep as we walked along andsaying, “Wow, you’re really strong!” Again,I felt conspicuous, but it also felt good to benoticed for that kind of difference.Both these memories were obviouslyimportant moments of discovery in my life,because 30 years later, it suddenly hit methat camp was where I learned that I likedbeing strong and where I learned that I couldbe self-confident. Today, as a mother and asa Guider, I wish the same moments of discoveryfor our next generation of GirlGuides. You never know where thosemoments will take you . . .Thank you Girl Guides ofCanada and Camp Woolsey, formy memories and my momentsof discovery!Alison Korn, ofNepean, Ontario, isnow a Guider withthe 44 th NepeanSparks. MarnieCumming, ofFort Frances,Ontario, is aMember of theGGC NationalBoard of Directors.2011 Photo ContestWe NeedGreat GuidingPhotos!Deadline:October 1, 2011Once again, our next contest isgoing to be very simple. No branchcategories. No specific theme. Justany and all the great Guiding photosyou want to send in. So, keep yourcameras close at hand and shoot,shoot, shoot! Just please keep thefollowing in mind:• We need clean focus and highresolution! For non-digital shots,make sure the print you submit issharp and clear. For digital shots,program your camera to its highestresolution.• An Image Submission Form must beincluded with each entry. The form isavailable in the Forms sectionof our website at girlguides.caDo not write on, staple or paper clipyour prints. For digital submissions,label your JPEGs with your fullname, before any other identifyinginformation. For all photos, pleaseconfirm that you have IR.1 (ImageRelease Permission) forms signedand on file.• If you’re submitting a photo orphotos on behalf of a girl Member,please include her name andbranch, as well your own contactinformation.Send prints to Canadian GuiderPhoto Contest, 50 Merton Street,Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1A3, orhigh-resolution digital photos to:cdnguider@girlguides.caWinners will be published in theWinter 2012 issue of CanadianGuider.Prizes:Indigo Books & Music Inc.Gift CertificatesJudges’ Choice - $75Five First Place Choices - $50Five Second Place Choices - $25Honourable Mentions - $15Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 119

ChallengesMentorshipOpsThe Duke ofEdinburgh’s Awardby Stephanie banGarthIn the last issue of Canadian Guider(Spring 2011, pg. 29), we publishedan account by a recent Dukeof Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award recipient,Alexandra Power. We also toldyou about the terrific mentorshipopportunity this program offers toGuiders, and promised you moreinformation and tips from threeUnit Guiders in Ontario, who arealso experienced DofE mentors.Photos: courtesy Melissa WysemanBarb Pepin and Patty Carlson areGuiders with the 1 st York SouthRangers. Melissa Wyseman is aBrownie Guider in Oak Ridges,who received her Gold DofE Award in2003. Here is what they had to say aboutthe benefits of becoming a DofE mentorand how they mesh the Guiding and DofEprograms in their Units.Becoming a DofE MentorAs a DofE mentor, you should be familiarwith the requirements of the award, butyou don’t have to have completed it yourself.Once you have girls signed up with theprogram, you apply to become an AwardLeader through your provincial DofE organization.For each section of the program, ifyou have the appropriate skills, you can actas an assessor; if you don’t, you can help tomatch the girls with others who do. “Being amentor doesn’t require a huge time investmentfor an established Unit Guider,” saidMelissa. “And the reward of helping yourmentees towards achieving the award is agreat dividend in your Guiding work.”20 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

Managing your MenteesPatty and Barb are careful to ensure thatthe girls take the initiative to sign up for theprogram. “Mentors need to make sure thisis something the girls are driving, ratherthan Guiders driving it for them,” they said.“The girls can begin the program at 14 andmust have completed it by age 25, so yourmentoring job may involve nudging themalong from time to time, as well as helpingthem with ideas.”You will also need to sign paperwork verifyingyour mentees have completed tasks,and help them to fill in logs and collect othernecessary signatures. “Sometimes you’llneed to get them off the beaten track,” saidPatty. “And, if you have more than one girlin your Unit pursuing the award, you canencourage them to work together.” Melissaadded that it’s also important to have a supportnetwork of other people in the programto keep motivated.Meshing the DofEwith Unit ActivitiesPatty and Barb keep in mind that all girlsin their Ranger Unit may not be interestedin pursuing the DofE. To that end, they tryto identify where the DofE can fit into theirexisting Unit activities, so all girls benefit.For example, in the Physical Recreationsection of the award, Guiding can exposegirls to new activities, such as fencing, trampoline,and scuba diving, all of which the 1 stYork South Rangers have done at one timeor another. For Skill Development, the keyis to discover opportunities that supportboth the Guiding and the DofE programs,and enrich the Unit as a whole. One girl intheir Unit is learning how to cook. Eachweek she finds a new recipe, makes it andshares it with the other girls.Community Service requires a certainamount of volunteer activity. As a Rangerwho worked in a Unit, Melissa completedthe required service hours in a short periodof time. “But, even for girls who do not participatein a Unit on a regular basis, serviceopportunities can easily be found in Guiding,” she said. “Fromplanting trees for Earth Day to cooking at a soup kitchen for communityoutreach to baby sitting at a Guider training day, the possibilitiesare endless.”The Adventurous Journey part of the DofE recognizes the outdoorenthusiast. Since the Pathfinder and Ranger programs bothincorporate outdoor adventure, especially in Trex activities, Guidersare perfectly positioned to help girls learn and practise campingskills and to nurture their enthusiasm for nature.Promoting the DofE AwardIn their already busy lives, pursuing the DofE Award may be off theradar for many girls. However, as a Guider and DofE mentor, youcan introduce the program to them and to their parents/guardians,as an opportunity to excel simultaneously in two highly-respectedprograms, both of which will enrich the girls’ lives and stand out asexcellent extracurricular achievements on a résumé.Achieving the DofE Award is an experience that youth Membersand young Guiders will carry with them throughout theirlives, just as they will always remember your mentorship in helpingthem attain this standard of personal excellence. For moreinformation on the DofE Award, visit: dukeofed.orgStephanie Bangarth is a Guider in Cambridge, Ontario, and Chairof the Canadian Guider Editorial Committee.Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 121

FeaturesPhoto: Carolyn Eastwooda royal encounterA Ranger Meets Will and Kateby Mary VinCentWhen the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wantedto showcase how young Canadians have given backto their communities, their country and the worldthrough exceptional service, it was only natural thatGirl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada would be invited to bepart of the action, and GGC Member Justine Eastwood was thereto enjoy a Royal encounter.In honour of Their Royal Highnesses’ arrival in Canada lastJuly, a reception for youth was hosted at Rideau Hall, the GovernorGeneral’s residence in Ottawa. Justine was among a select groupof young Canadians invited to attend.A Guiding FamilyThe 17-year-old Ranger and Spark leader from Gatineau, Quebec,has earned her Canada Cord, all three levels of the Chief Commissioner’sAward and the Youth Commitment Award. She is currentlyworking on the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Gold Award.Her mother, Carolyn, is a Guider who is helping to mentor her inDofE activities, and her sister, Victoria, is following in her footsteps,entering her second year of Rangers, and working on herDofE Silver Award. The DofE Award was created by Prince William’sgrandfather, HRH Prince Phillip.very interested in the work of Canadianyouth and noted that the Prince even tooksome time to joke with her, saying, “I havegreat respect for Girl Guides and I lovetheir cookies.” She also heard Kate saying,“I remember being in Girl Guides.”An Ultimate RewardOf her invitation to the event, Justine said,“Out of so many girls in Guiding who havedone so much service, it was surprising andreally cool that I was selected. I wish everyonecould have met them like I did. You dowhat you love – Guiding, service, goodgrades in school – so that you can berewarded in the end. I’m only 17 and I feellike I’ve had my ultimate reward.”Mary Vincent is Coordinator, Marketing& Communications, at the National Office.Chatting with the RoyalsAt Rideau Hall, Justine chatted with Prince William about her servicework through Guiding, including a 14-day trip spent buildingschools in the Dominican Republic. She found the Royal Couple22 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

Ideas: Outdoor GuiderPhoto: Shannon Tiffin/BCLocalNews.comFood for allVegan/Vegetarian Camp CookingCOMpiled by Stephanie banGarthand patty CarlSOnFood photos: PhotoSpinGirl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada is committedto inclusivity in everything we do. This is clearlydemonstrated in the prevailing attitudes and actionsof our Members, girls and adults alike. However,being inclusive at camp sometimes involves going astep further than in many other parts of our programming,especially where camp vegan/vegetarian menusare concerned.Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1 23

Ideas: Outdoor GuiderMany Guiders aren’t aware of the extra requirementsinvolved in including religious or vegan vegetarians incamp activities. For example, in some cases, separateplates, pots and utensils may be necessary. While nonvegetarians/vegansmay not think it’s a big deal if a utensil is used forboth animal product and non-animal product meals, it certainly isto some religious believers and strict vegans. Our lack of attention tothis reality can result in these girls being excluded from some camps.One challenge that Guiders face when trying to facilitate vegetariansis that nuts are a big part of their diet and GGC has toalso consider the risk to the health – and, in extreme cases, thelives – of girls who have nut and nut-product allergies. Howeverin Guiding we strive to be prepared for anything, and to preparefor vegetarians/vegans, we just need to be a little more creative inour planning.Creative CuisineWhile many packaged snacks have diary and animal ingredients,there are still options for vegans/vegetarians. For example,vegan margarine can substitute for butter or regular margarineon popcorn, and while traditional Rice Krispie® squares containmarshmallows made with animal gelatin, there are numerous vegetarian/veganoptions that substitute corn syrup or maple syrupor use vegan marshmallows or marshmallow sauce. And for thoseGirl Guide campfire favourites, S’mores, vegan graham wafers andmarshmallows do the trick!For mealtimes, soy or rice milk are good substitutes for dairymilk, especially on hot or cold cereals. (Almond milk is also a greatsubstitute, as long as you keep in mind that it can’t be includedin any camps where there are participants who have nut allergies.)And there are many vegetarian/vegan alternatives that willappeal to all girls, even those who do eat meat and dairy. One ofour favourites (and girls’ favourites, too) is pasta and tomato saucemade with veggies and tofu. You can make it ahead and freeze it,or make it from scratch at camp. We always use rice pasta with asauce made with tomatoes, onions, green peppers, celery and carrots,also including chopped spinach or kale and tofu, which wecube and sauté first with a bit of onion and garlic. Add cheese formeat-eaters and vegetarians; leave the cheese out for vegans. It’sthat simple!The following are some of our other favourite camp recipes,suitable for vegans, vegetarians and anyone else who just likesgreat food!Comforting Campfire HashServings: 5-62 shredded potatoes, fresh or frozen1 small onion, chopped1 small green pepper, chopped6 eggs or equivalent in silken tofu1 cup/250 ml shredded cheese or vegancheeseolive oil, salt and pepper to taste and/orspices (e.g., paprika, thyme, oregano, etc.)Coat the bottom of a heavy skillet with oliveoil and sauté shredded potatoes, onion andgreen pepper until lightly browned. Addsalt, pepper and seasonings. Beat eggsor tofu and pour over ingredients. Addcheese/vegan cheese on top. Cover withlid, cook until set. This recipe can includeother ingredients, for example choppedmushrooms, tomatoes or red peppers,which makes it great for using up leftoverson the last day of camp.Variable Vegetable StewServings: 5-61 28-oz (800-ml) tin crushed tomatoes2 cups/500 ml frozen mixed vegetables ofyour choice (corn, carrots, peas, beans,limas, etc.)2 cups/500 ml canned black beans othercanned beans4 fresh garlic cloves, minced (more to taste)vegetable broth or water to taste and tothin as neededbasil, cumin, oregano, whatever you like– to tastePlace in a pot and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.Adjust flavour and add more ingredients orliquid as desired.24 CANADIAN GUIDER F A L L 2 0 1 1

Photo: Becky VincentHeavenly Hobo PieServing: 12 corn tortillas1 tsp/5 ml vegetable oilrefried beans, chopped onions andtomatoesshredded cheese or vegan cheese1 tsp/5 ml dried coriander or 2 tsp/10 mlfresh cilantrosalt and pepper to tastecampfire pie ironCoat the insides of the pie iron with vegetableoil. Place a tortilla in each sectionof the pie iron. (You may need to slice theend off one tortilla to create a flat edge forthe hinged side.) Fill one side with refriedbeans, onions, tomato pieces, cilantro(fresh or dried coriander), and shreddedcheese. Close the pie iron and heat eachside over a flame for a few minutes. Checkit periodically. When each side is browned,cut the burnt edges off with a knife, hit eachside, and flip it onto a plate. Your tortillashould be crispy and delicious!You can also substitute filling ingredientssuch as mashed potatoes and vegetarianchili or anything else!Quick Kale and Kidney Bean SoupServings: 5-64 cups/1000 ml vegetable stock1 14-oz (400-ml) can white kidney beans, rinsed and drained1 bunch kale, washed and chopped2 carrots, peeled and cut in bite size pieces2 celery stalks, chopped2 small onions, diced1 clove garlic, minced or finely dicedpepper to tasteBring all ingredients to boil in a large pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.Best Banana MuffinsServings: 12 medium muffins4 large bananas3/4 cup/175 ml sugar or Splenda ® (for diabetics) or agavenectar (a healthier substitute for sugar)1/3 cup/75 ml melted margarine or vegan margarine1 egg or equivalent egg substitute (for vegans)1 tsp/5 ml baking soda1 tsp/5 ml baking powder1/2 tsp/2 ml unbleached sea salt1 1/2 cups/375 ml all purpose flour or a combinationof 1/2 cup/125 ml corn flour, 1/2 cup/125 ml quinoa flourand 1/2 cup/125 ml almond flourMash bananas. Add sugar/Splenda ® /agave and egg or egg substitute.Add the melted margarine or vegan margarine. Addthe dry ingredients, stir lightly, and bake at 375°F (175°C)for 20 minutes.Stephanie Bangarth, of Cambridge, Ontario,is Chair of the Canadian Guider EditorialCommittee. Patty Carlson is aRanger Guider in RichmondHill, Ontario.CANADIAN GUIDER F A L L 2 0 1 125

Ideas: Outdoor GuiderFun with FoodCamp Cuisine FavouritesCOMpiled bylaura allGrOVeFor those times when all yourcampers eat meat and have no foodallergies, here are some fun camprecipes that will tickle the tastebuds of girls and Guiders alike.One-Pan Taco DinnerServings: 82 lbs/1 kg lean ground beef2 packages powdered taco seasoning mix4 cups/1000 ml water4 cups/1000 ml Minute Rice ® , uncooked2 cups/500 ml shredded cheddar cheese4 cups/1000 ml shredded lettuce2 large tomatoes, choppedcooking oil or non-stick cooking spraySpray large skillet with non-stick cookingspray or coat bottom with cooking oil. Addmeat and brown over medium-high heat;drain off excess fat. Add seasoning mixand water; stir. Bring to a boil. Stir in rice.Sprinkle with cheese; cover. Reduce heat tolow; simmer five minutes. Top with lettuceand tomato just before serving. Serve withsalsa and use tortilla chips instead of forks.Camp ChiliServings: 61 to 1 1/2 pounds/500 to 750 gramsground turkey or chicken or beef1 medium onion, chopped2 28-oz (800-ml) cans Mexican flavouredstewed tomatoes2 14-oz (400-ml) cans red kidney beans(or black beans)2 14-oz (400-ml) cans corn, drained1 large green pepper (optional)1 to 2 cans condensed tomato soup (totaste)2 tsp/10 ml chili powder1 tsp/5 ml cuminBrown ground meat with onions. Add allother ingredients. Bring to a boil; simmerfor 10 minutes.Corn FrittersServings: 12 fritters2 cups/500 ml corn bread mix1/2 cup/125 ml water1/2 cup/125 ml canned corn, drained1/4 cup/60 ml cooking oilPut the corn bread mix in a bowl. Graduallyadd the water, using a fork to blend. Addthe drained corn. Put a quarter of the oil ina skillet and heat. Ladle the batter into thehot oil and fry for two minutes, turningonce. Serve at breakfastwith syrup, honey, jam andbutter, or at dinner withCamp Chili (recipeabove).Cinnamon Doughnuton a StickServings: 81 can refrigerated biscuit dough1/2 cup/125 ml white sugar1/4 tsp/2 ml ground cinnamon3 Tbsp/45 ml melted butterCut the biscuit dough into eight pieces androll each out like a snake. Wrap the dougharound a roasting stick and cook overcampfire until golden brown. Roll cookeddough in butter and cinnamon sugar.Campfire Candied ApplesServing: 11 applebrown sugarcinnamon candy heartsheavy aluminum foilCore the apple and fill with the brownsugar and a few cinnamon hearts. Wrap ina piece of foil. Place in the coals of a campfireand let cook for five to 10 minutes, untilsoftened. Remove from fire with tongs,unwrap, and eat. The cinnamon candyhearts give it a “candy apple” taste.Applesauce DoughnutsServing: 11 large cinnamon sugar doughnutapplesauceheavy aluminum foilSlice the doughnut in half like a sandwich.Cover one half of the doughnut with applesauce; place the other half of the doughnuton top. Wrap in foil; heat in campfire coalsfor 10 to 15 minutes.Photo: iStockLaura Allgrove, a Trex Guider in PrinceGeorge, British Columbia, is a member ofthe Canadian Guider Editorial Committee.26 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

IdeasGOtGo . . .(Girls on the Go . . .)A Girl Guide Camping Unitby lOri thWaiteSWhat part of Guiding do yourgirls like best? Is it friendship,fun, singing, service, badge work,or perhaps, camping? For ourGuides, it’s definitely camping –so much so that we have createda Unit dedicated to camping andoutdoor adventure.Two years ago, while sitting around a craft table at a Guide camp, two veteranGuiders and a Junior Leader were chatting about Girl Guide campsin general. Before long, they found themselves discussing ideas andthemes with such enthusiasm that the girls who were there doing craftsat the time soon began to interject ideas of their own. From this impromptubrainstorming session, the GOTGo… (Girls on the Go…) Unit was born.We eagerly presented the idea for this Unit to the Ontario Girl Guides’ Community10 administrator. As soon as she gave the green light, four Guiders andtwo very energetic Junior Leaders began planning a year of camping based specificallyon what the girls wanted.A Unique UnitThis is a unique Unit in Girl Guides. Our program is geared to Guide-agegirls. We camp from September to April, in all kinds of weather and inboth residential (indoor) and tent settings. There are no weekly meetings;rather, we spend our time with the girls sharing actively in theplanning and leadership of our monthly camps.All our camps are very busy, with late nights and usually earlymornings. We have a lot to cover in a short time frame so we useour time wisely. We understand that some girls may have trou-Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 127Photo: Pamela Bongers

IdeasPhoto: Pamela Bongersble with the schedule and the “go-to” typeof program, so this Unit is not for everyone.But for those who embrace activeadventures, in both urban and wildernesssettings, it’s a terrific success!Variety is GOTGo’s SpiceTo date, our Guides have completed 13 differentcamps in just two years. The themesare as varied as the 11 girls we have in theUnit. We have been princesses walkingdown the church aisle in a bridal procession,and have run up, down and aroundClifton Hill in Niagara Falls on an AmazingRace. Camping skills have been put tothe test, as the girls storm lashed their tentsin order to sleep through rain and snowstorms with high winds.The Unit has travelled back in time topioneer days, ventured into the future, andtravelled around the world with GGC’srambling “ambassador,” Zoe. Everyonesurvived at survival camp and the girls evenbecame super spies out in the woods. Wehave ridden horses, flown plane simulatorsand hitched up a tractor for a wagon ride,in addition to cooking, baking, sewing,swimming and canoeing. Somewhere, wealso found time to hold our own Olympics,trick or treat around a rural community,and perform as rock stars, à la HannahMontana.Ownership and ParticipationThe girls take ownership of the camps by helping to choose eachcamp’s theme, to plan the activities and games (that correspondwith some of the requirements for Guiding badge work), and, ofcourse, to plan and prepare the meals. We have cooked on everythingfrom buddy burners to propane stoves to camp fires to stovesin a fully outfitted kitchen, complete with a dishwasher.Our Unit celebrated GGC’s 100 th anniversary by attendingthe big party at Casa Loma, Toronto, in January 2010, and havebridged with all levels of Guiding by inviting various groups to joinus at different camps during the year. And the girls’ families havealso shared in parts of our camps, sometimes finding it a bit challengingto keep up with the girls’ busy and late-night schedules!The GOTGo . . . Camping Unit requires girls to be mature andresponsible enough to cook over propane stoves and campfires,to pitch and strike tents, to organize activities for other Guidinggroups, to run a camp themselves, and to canoe and hike for longdistances. For this reason we have to be selective, making sure allparticipants listen and know what is expected of them for theirown and their campmates’ safety.We expect quite a bit from these Guide-age girls, but our expectationshave been met with an enthusiastic response and strongcommitment from the girls. It looks like GOTGo . . . is here to stay.Check us out at: gotgo.weebly.comLori Thwaites is a GOTGo... Guider in St. Catharines Ontario. Herdaughter, Candice, who is one of the leaders who developed the conceptfor this Unit, is also a 2011 GGC National Scholarship recipient(see page 33 of this issue of Canadian Guider).28 CANADIAN GUIDER F A L L 2 0 1 1

Focus: Cookie Bits & BitesCookies and theenvironmentThe Palm Oil Dilemmaby niSha leWiSIn the interest of health, a fewyears ago Girl Guide cookies werereformulated to reduce trans fats.To facilitate this, we had to incorporatea blend of canola and palmoils. Recently, the production ofpalm oil has been the focus of significantnegative media attention.We are addressing this dilemmawith our suppliers.We are always looking for ingredientsthat will improve ourcookies and are more responsiveto consumer needs andwants. That’s why we are currently workingwith our baker, Dare Foods Ltd., to reducethe sodium content and why we eliminatedall trans fat in our classic sandwich cookiesand reduced it by 90 per cent in our chocolateymint cookies.This was only made possible by includinga small portion of palm oil in the recipes.Palm oil is currently used in a widevariety of food and household products,which is why there is ongoing debate aboutthe negative impact its production is havingon the habitats of a number of endangeredor threatened species.Sustainability andResponsibilityGGC and our baker, Dare Foods Ltd., are concernedabout the environmental impact ofpalm oil production and we have addressedthis issue with our suppliers. Our fat and oilsuppliers are members of the Roundtableof Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), an internationalorganization, established in association with the WorldWildlife Fund in 2004. The goal of this organization is to promoteenvironmentally sustainable and socially beneficial practices in theproduction of palm oil. RSPO suppliers are committed to conservingresources, preserving bio-diversity and sustainable agricultural practices,and providing safe and socially-responsible conditions for workersand the surrounding communities.For example, Cargill, a large international food ingredient supplierand RSPO member, has made a commitment to work towardssustainable palm oil production. They do not plant in high-conservation-valueforests, or develop new plantations on deep peat land orland whose biodiversity could be threatened. They also enforce a strictno-burn policy for land preparation. Additionally, they have partneredwith Fauna and Flora International, to help protect orangutanpopulations and preserve the natural habitat of other native species,and with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to assess the progress of Indonesianpalm oil suppliers in implementing RSPO standards.In Search of SubstitutesCurrently, there is no acceptable substitute for palm oil on themarket. Some companies are developing new crops, for examplesoybeans yielding oils with higher levels of saturated fats that willfunction well in bakery products. However, these oils are still severalyears away from being readily available.The funds raised through Girl Guide Cookie sales are essential tohelping us provide innovative programs and leadership opportunitiesfor girls and women. They are also fundamental to helpingGuiding Units across Canada attain their programming, communityservice, travel and special event goals. We will continue towork diligently to find solutions to any and all health and environmentalconcerns surrounding their production.Nisha Lewis is Supervisor, Marketing & Media Relations, at theNational Office.Photo: courtesy 4 th Barrie BrowniesPhoto: iStock/GeorgeMangaCanadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 129

Focus: Partners & SupportersEmPOWERingGirlsPartnershipsPartnerships are integral to the mission and programsof Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada, and thisis especially true for our 2011 National Service Project:EmPOWERing Girls. To enrich the learning experienceof girls, and to encourage them to take action,GGC has formed two exciting partnerships with organizationsthat are also committed to gender equalityand women’s empowerment.Plan Canada – Because I am a GirlPlan Canada’s Because I am a Girl initiative is a social movementencouraging girls and women here at home and abroad to claima brighter future for girls in the developing world. Celebratingthe power of girls and women to effect positive change, this campaignis a valuable resource for GGC girl Members to learn aboutthe power of girls worldwide, and to speak out and take action forgender equality.We learned how important education is for girls all around theworld and how in some places it is very difficult for girls to go toschool due to lack of money, other priorities, no local schools, nofamily support, and so on. In the end, the girls were convinced that,although sometimes they don’t want to go to school, it is a privilegeand they are grateful for that!– 11 th Burlington GuidesDove Movement for Self-EsteemThe Dove Movement for Self-Esteem envisionsa world in which women everywherecan take positive action to inspire and helpeach other and the girls in their lives toreach their full potential. To further equipgirls with the tools for building self-esteemat a young age, this initiative has providedGGC girl Members with numerous activitiesand resources to build self-confidenceand to experience empowerment.We learned about the importance of lovingourselves for who we are. We also comparedpictures of women with enhanced picturesfrom magazines. We talked about realbeauty and how we are all beautiful in ourown way.– 1 st Espanola PathfindersFor more information on EmPOWERingGirls, and to learn how you and your girlscan take action, visit:nationalserviceproject.ca30 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

investingin GirlsThe Norma OslerEducation ScholarshipThe ongoing support of individual donors plays an vital role in helpingGirl Guides of Canada to accomplish our mission, and GGC scholarshipsclearly demonstrate the direct impact of our donors’ commitment andgenerosity. The Norma Osler Education Scholarship is the most recentexample of this individual investment in our girls. The Osler family hasestablished this scholarship in memory of Norma’s passion for education,youth, nature, faith and Guiding.Photo: courtesy Osler familyAstrong advocate for excellence ineducation and the advancementof female educators, Norma wasan English and History teacherin Montreal area high schools, later becominga vice-principal in an era where thesejobs were most commonly held by men.Her roles in Guiding were many and varied.She worked with groups of Girl Guides andSea Rangers, trained many leaders, andwas heavily involved with the Girl Guidecamp at Morin Heights, Quebec. At theinternational level, she led a team of youngwomen to Bermuda, and represented GGCon trips around the world, including SouthAfrica and Australia.In her later years, Norma joined theTrefoil Guild, volunteered in the QuebecProvincial Office archives and led a specialUnit at Montreal’s Mackay Centre for Deafand Disabled Children. In recognition ofher lifelong commitment to Guiding, shewas inducted into the Olave Baden PowellSociety, received the Beaver Award and wasmade an Honourary Life Member.Following her example, Norma’s nieces,Roberta and Marilyn, were both active inGuiding as girls, and her nephews, Johnand Andrew, enjoyed Scouting. As adultsall have been volunteers with communityorganizations. Marilyn is currentlya Brownie Guider in Toronto, and hertwin daughters, Allison and Melissa, areBrownie and Guide leaders.With a verybusy life as both a professional and a volunteer,Norma always made time to dothings with her nieces and nephews. Shewas especially interested in what her niecesand great-nieces did within Guiding.Marilyn fondly remembers being in aweof the girls in her aunt’s Guide Unit, and asshe attended more Guiding events, realizinghow many girls and women were mentoredby Norma. When she became a Guider herself,she enjoyed the craft ideas and Guidingstories her aunt shared with her.Allison remembers her great-aunt’skeen interest in the activities she wasdoing to earn her badges, and how muchshe enjoyed learning about Norma’s travelsto the World Centres. Both Allisonand Melissa cherish memories of the dollsNorma gave them, always adding new dolluniforms as the girls, and their dolls, progressedthrough the Guiding branches.The Norma Osler Education Scholarshipwill be awarded annually to a registeredMember pursuing a post-secondarydegree in the field of education. The Oslerfamily hope that successful applicants willalso follow Norma’s lead as ongoing GirlGuides of Canada Members.Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 131

FocusGirl Guides of Canada-Guides du CanadaScholarshipsCongratulations to the recipientsof the following 2011 ScholarshipsThe Girl Guides of Canada Scholarship is available to any registered GGCMember who has either been accepted to, or is continuing her education at,a college or university on a full-time or part-time basis.Norma OslerEducationScholarshipDr. Roberta BondarScholarshipMasonicFoundation(Ontario)ScholarshipHumber GlenTrefoil Guild(Ontario)ScholarshipEstate ofJoan ReidScholarshipTaylor Gail Losier, NBFirst Year, EnglishClaire McNeil, NSPost Graduate Studies,MedicineErin Shropshire, ONFirst Year, Web Design &AnimationJulia Barber, ONFirst Year, CommerceKaitlin Winter, ONFirst Year, ScienceEnergizer Canada Now That’s PositivenergyNational Science ScholarshipsDare ScholarshipsShelby Lynne WagstaffClark, ONFirst Year, EducationBelinda Li, BCPost Graduate Studies,EngineeringSylvia Rowat, BCFirst Year, ScienceLori Burns, NSFirst Year, ScienceEmily King, NBFirst Year, Psychology32 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

CIBC ScholarshipsKaitlyn Catry, ONFirst Year, Political ScienceEmily D’Aoust, NBFirst Year, EnglishAmanda Fitzpatrick, PEFirst Year, NursingJessica Jane, BCFirst Year, EducationDana Zaumseil, ONFirst Year, EnglishLiteratureGGC National Scholarships – Full Time-StudiesJulia Baum, BCSecond Year, PhysiologyJanelle Mary Boudreau,NSFirst Year, NursingDelaney Boyd, ABPost Graduate Studies,Environmental DesignMelissa Gartner, SKFourth Year, EducationEva Gorny, ABFourth Year, Science/EducationDevaney Horner, SKThird Year, Social WorkAllison Keating, ABPost Graduate Studies,Business AdministrationMichelle Neville, ONPost Graduate Studies,Nursing/EducationMichelle Steeves, BCFirst Year, ScienceCandice Thwaites, ONSecond Year, EducationCanadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 133

FocusGGC National Scholarships – Part-Time StudiesThank YouScholarshipSupporters!Michelle Everingham,ONFirst Year, Early ChildhoodEducationAndrea Korpel, NLPost Graduate Studies,Information ManagementAmber LeBrun, QCFourth Year, JournalismRenata Miklavcic, ONSecond Year, Library &Information TechnicianFor their generous support, we wishto thank the individuals, families,Guiding Units, Trefoil Guilds,companies and foundations whohave supported these scholarships.For scholarship information,including the application process,please visit: girlguides.ca/scholarshipsKatie Pallen, BCPost Graduate Studies,EducationSarah Sones, ONSecond Year, GerontologySuzanne Vienneau, ONThird Year, AutismBehavioural ScienceSchoLarShipS 2012Let Guiding support youas you follow your dreams!2012 Scholarship Applicationswill be available beginningSeptember 2011.Visit girlguides.ca/scholarshipsGirl greatness starts here.IsabellaGoing to makea great differencein the world1-800-565-8111girlguides.ca34 Scholarship_ad_2011.indd 1Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 17/29/2011 9:41:59 AM

What Guiding Has Meant to Them . . .For this issue of Canadian Guider, we are also sharing the comments of three 2011 Scholarshiprecipients who described the impact Guiding has had on their lives.Col. Karen Ritchie Memorial ScholarshipRachel Gullage, NSFirst Year, EngineeringGuiding was the one place I could go to escape the pressureand bullying that I was facing in school, and whereI could just be myself. Guiding was the place I could explore anddevelop skills and traits, and not feel as though it was steppingtoo far outside the box that I was supposed to conform to.Guiding is watching one of my Guides go from sitting on herown every meeting to being a lively, energetic young woman whois not only participating, but initiating her own ideas.Guiding is being able to make connections with girls from allover and know that, no matter what the distance may be, youhave sisters who are there for you. Guidingnot only instils the drive to be thebest you can be and the realization thatyour dreams are always within reach, italso offers the range of opportunities thathelp me and thousands of other girls andwomen around the world to become theleaders of today and of tomorrow.You’re My Hero ScholarshipHannah Quinn, QCSecond Year, International Development and AnthropologyAs a girl, weekly meetings were aplace to become acquainted withmyself and others, to develop new skills,to try new things and to challenge myself.Now, as a young leader, I am able to passon my appreciation for this organizationto a new generation of girls.I see my weekly Sparks meetings asan opportunity to teach these wide-eyed,enthusiastic girls how to respect themselvesand others and to be proud to be girls intoday’s world. I am so proud to see them overcome their shynessand apprehensiveness and to emerge as an eager group of friends.I have been given the opportunity to be part of a community oflike-minded and empowered women, and for that I am extremelygrateful.My experience within Guiding has been nothing but influentialand positive. The skills I have acquired have allowed me tobe independent enough to travel alone, to be organized enough toplan events for the social justice club, to be confident enough to sitas chair of numerous school board committees, and to be sociallyaware and determined to graduate from McGill in InternationalDevelopment Studies.GGC National Scholarship – Part-time StudiesJoy Geizer, NSSecond Year, Science/Health PromotionIrememberhow proud I was to earn my Thrift Badge. I recallhow much work I put into that particular badge and howit related to the values I was supposed to uphold in Guiding –directly linked to using my resources wisely. This badge has beenthe most influential in my adult life, and the one I think aboutmost. I learned value, responsible use of resources and to not takeanything for granted.In Guiding, I hope to leave a legacy. I want girls to remembersomething important and meaningful about their time spent inthis sisterhood. Guiding has taught me towork with different types of people with tactand grace, and to appreciate differing opinions.I have learned planning skills and tobe prepared which has been an incredibleasset at work and in my other volunteerpositions.And, in Guiding, I have met my bestfriends – my lifelong friends!Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 135

IdeasGoTrefoil Fascinator (all)This fabulous fascinator was inspired by the huge popularity ofthose worn by some of the guests at the wedding of the Duke andDuchess of Cambridge.Materials• blue construction paper (or pipe cleaners)• glue or tape• single hole punch• scissors• string or blue ribbon• trefoil stencil (for tracing)Photo: Nisha LewisFold a piece of construction paper in half. Cut out an ovalfrom one mid-point fold of the paper to the other. This willcreate the oval headpiece. Punch two holes on either side of theoval’s shorter sides.Cut out long strips of construction paper. Tape two stripsperpendicular to the oval shape to create the trefoil stem. Secure thestem by adding tape between the two pieces of construction paper.Following the stencil trefoil shape, add more strips ofconstruction paper as you move along. Slightly bend the middleof each leaf to achieve the trefoil shape.Add tape at the centre of the trefoil tokeep the shape.Alternatively, shape the trefoil outof pipe cleaners, bending the ends into“feet” and taping them to the oval base.(This is easier for younger girls to do.)Insert a piece of string or ribbonthrough each of the holes on the oval andknot. These will tie beneath the chin tosecure the fascinator to your head. Youcan also use hair clips to fasten it to yourhead.Andrea Cowen, Toronto, ON36 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

Photo: Geraldine WitheyEdible Campfire (all)This is a fun and yummy way to teach firebuilding and fire safety to sweet-lovers ofall ages.Materials• paper plates• spoons• forks• cups of water or clear pop• raisins• red candies• shredded coconut• pretzel sticks• black licorice pieces1. The plate is the fire site, the fork is arake, the spoon is a shovel, and the cupis a bucket of water.2. Build the fire ring using raisins.3. The coconut is for the tinder (thesmallest wood used to start the fire).4. The pretzel sticks are the kindling(medium-sized wood).5. The licorice is the fuel (the large piecesthat are added last).6. The red candies are the embers.Once the girls have built their fires, it’stime to snack!Laura Allgrove, Prince George, BCPhoto: courtesy Guider LisaBashful Betty Bow(G,p,r)She looks a little bashful, doesn’tshe? A great craft for older girlsto make for their younger Guidingsisters, or even for themselves.Materials• 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) rope• string• pompom• acorn cap• yarn• googly eyes• felt scraps• glue1. Whip each end of the rope with apiece of string, to keep the ropefrom unravelling and to formBetty Bow’s socks.2. Tie a bowline knot with another piece of string to hold it inplace.3. Place the pompom on the bend in the rope.4. Glue on googly eyes, felt mouth and the acorn hat.Guider Rosemary, Stratford, ON (Adapted from What-Knots by D.Rousseau, published in Guide Stuff, Fall 1986)Cup and Ball (S,b,G)This inexpensive craft turns into a great game that canchallenge girls for hours. Fabulous for camp, especially onrainy days!Materials• paper cups• string• aluminum foil• markers• pencil1. With the pencil, poke a smallhole in the bottom of the cup.2. Run a piece of stringapproximately 40 cm (15 inches)long through the hole and tie aknot inside the cup.3. Fold a piece of aluminum foil around the end of the stringand crumble into a ball, making sure the ball will fit insidethe cup.4. Decorate and personalize the cup as desired. Try to flip theball into the cup. It’s not easy!Guider Lisa, Calgary, ABPhoto: Geraldine WitheyCanadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 137

Voices: Ask a GuiderWe AskedYou RespondedWe’ll DeliverThe Canadian Guider Readership Surveyby Margaret ValoisThank you to all the Guiders andRangers across the country whoresponded to our recent readershipsurvey. The information, ideas andinspiration we received from yourresponses will be tremendouslyhelpful in ensuring we continue todeliver the best possible magazineabout Guiding in Canada.While the existing format of Canadian Guider faredwell in terms of content, design, writing and photos,we received many requests for more plentiful and relevantprogram and craft ideas. The Outdoor Guidersection remains a hands-down favourite with almost all our readers,and you provided us with myriad suggestions for topics forfuture editions.We also heard loud and clear that the majority of you wish tocontinue receiving Canadian Guider by mail. However, a largenumber of readers also indicated a preference to view the publicationonline. So, beginning with the Winter 2012 issue, we will askour subscribers how they prefer to read the magazine. Whetheryou want to receive it in print, online, or via a mobile device, wewill accommodate every individual request.Here are some of the challenging questions and interestingideas you presented in your responses to the survey:We seldom see articles or information about Trefoil Guild.Q We are an active, useful and vibrant branch of Guiding. Whyhave we been forgotten in Canadian Guider?We agree. The Trefoil Guild is a vibrant and active part ofA Guiding, and we have not shared enough information aboutthe tremendous work these GGC Members continue to do insupport of our organization. Going forward, we will attempt toinclude information about all branches, from Sparks to TrefoilGuild in each issue of Canadian Guider. For starters, be sure toread the article on page 15 of this issue.Can you provide more articles about program ideas, especiallyfor new Guiders, and also provide activities that areQsuitable for each branch?This question was asked numerous times, so we have discussedways of implementing changes to the magazine thatAwill allow us to provide as many programming and craft ideas aspossible in each issue. In future issues, you will see more articles38 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

providing hands-on advice and suggestions, and you will find anextended section of craft ideas, all aligned with the branch ages ofour girls.Almost all of the advertising is only relevant to Ontario, andQ to those who live in big cities. Can this be changed?We do our best to ensure content, including the advertising,A is reflective of the entire country. We are always seeking newadvertisers for Canadian Guider, and our rates are reasonable. Wewelcome any ideas and suggestions you might have for potentialadvertisers from within your region.Do you consider the environment when selecting the paper onQ which Canadian Guider is printed?Protecting the environment and conserving natural resourcesA has always been our priority, and for years we printed themagazine on paper with the highest ratio of post consumer andpost commercial waste we could afford. Last year we began printingit on paper that has received Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)approval, meaning the paper is produced from well-managed forestsand other controlled sources. The mission of the FSC is topromote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economicallyviable management of the world’s forests. We also printour magazine using vegetable-based inks. Furthermore, by providingthe option of delivering the magazine online to select Members,we will further reduce Canadian Guider’s carbon footprint.QCan you include more articles written bygirls?We are always looking for content forA Canadian Guider, and who better to providethat than the girls who are involved inGuiding activities and adventures? Storiesabout individual Units and the projects theyundertake, their trips, community outreachactivities and profiles of achievements arealways welcome. Please send your submissionsand photos to cdnguider@girlguides.caMargaret Valois is Manager, Marketing &Communications, at the National Office.Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 139

ChallengesTaking Social ActionGirls for Safer Communitiesby Mary VincentIllustration: robertjohannsen.comCan girls and young women have an impact on communitysafety? Of course they can! The Girl Guides ofCanada-Guides du Canada Girls for Safer Communities(GFSC) program is all about increasing awarenessof the safety concerns of girls and women, while mobilizinggirls to become leaders in their communities.How GFSC worksPathfinders and Rangers receive leadership and safety training ata GFSC workshop that prepares them to lead group safety auditwalks and identify safety concerns in their community. At theGFSC trainings, girls can pick up great skills such as:• personal safety precautions• leadership styles• team building• assertive communication techniques• public speaking• facilitation• turning ideas into social action40 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

After the workshop, the Pathfinders and Rangers can leadyounger girls in conducting their own community safety audits.They’ll work together with members of the community to makerecommendations and create action plans that will improve safetyfor everyone.What is a community safety audit?A safety audit is a tool for assessing how safe your neighbourhoodis. Girls walk around the area using a checklist to assess safety featuressuch as lighting, traffic and signage. They then determinewhat action to take to improve safety. Through this audit, girls alsobecome more aware of factors affecting their personal safety, whileworking together to make their community safer.Ready to get started?Pathfinder and Ranger Guiders: Facilitate a GFSC training withyour Unit. GFSC information and materials will be available onthe GGC Member Zone.Spark/Brownie/Guide Guiders: Welcome a Pathfinder/Rangersafety audit leader to your Unit. She’ll lead your girls in a communitysafety audit and in creating their own action plans to improvesafety.GFSC Participants are Saying…GFSC will bring out leadership skills you never knew you had,and it’s a lot of fun, too! This program has made me moreconscious of what’s safe and what needs improvement. The stepsto social action were useful – we’re now trying to fix some thingsaround our Unit meeting place that we discovered weren’t safewhen we did our audit.— Katherine Dornian, 1 st Creekside Pathfinders, Kelowna, BCNot only do the girls become the teachers – learning how topursue an outcome along the way – but Units doing safety auditsget to learn from older girls, many of whom were wearing thesame uniform just a few years ago.— Elizabeth Hardy, 1 st Creekside Pathfinders, Kelowna, BCMary Vincent is Communications Coordinatorat the National Office.Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 141

ChallengesPhoto: courtesy GGC Thought Bubble Campaignlearningand actingEmPOWERing Girlsby MiKe bOylanThe GGC 2011 National Service Project (NSP) offersGuiders a unique opportunity to EmPOWER the girlsin their Units through learning about gender equality,while also EmPOWERing girls and women in theircommunities through service action.Since the NSP launched in February, Units throughoutCanada have logged thousands of valuable communityservice hours, explored the realities of girls’ lives aroundthe world through Plan Canada’s Because I am a Girl campaign,and advocated for gender equality by creating thought bubbleson Thinking Day.Now that the ball is rolling, we anticipate even more greatservice projects this coming fall. To obtain ideas and gain inspirationfor your Girl EmPOWER projects, check out the NSP website(nationalserviceproject.ca) for themes and activities you canexplore with your Unit. When you visit the site, you’ll be inspiredby the incredible work already done by Units; you’ll find resourcesto support each theme; and you’ll be invited and encouraged topost your own EmPOWERing ideas and outcomes.Here are some sample themes andactivity suggestions:September: Girls andWomen Around the World• Learn: Take part in the WAGGGS 2011World Thinking Day Program. Checkout the Because I am a Girl campaign.• Act: Sign the online petition for InternationalDay of the Girl. Raise moneyfor the Canadian World FriendshipFund (CWFF).October: Women in Careersand Women’s Rights• Learn: Celebrate Persons Day, observedannually on October 18. Participatein a Dove Self-Esteem Weekend.• Act: Put on a play to teach others abouta woman who has advanced the statusof women, for example, one of the FamousFive. Create thought bubbles focusedon women in careers.November:Bullying Awareness• Learn: Complete either the Girls Unitedor the Love Yourself challenges.• Act: Create a buddy system for girls tolearn how to stand up for each other,rather than being silent bystanders.Do a kindness campaign.December:Healthy Relationships• Learn: Participate in the National Dayof Remembrance and Action on ViolenceAgainst Women, observed annuallyon December 6.• Act: Find out what supplies your localwomen’s shelter needs and work togetherin interesting ways to providethose items. Create an awareness campaignaround dating violence.Mike Boylan is Coordinator, Community& Global Awareness at the NationalOffice.42 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

FocusGGC Receives Olave AwardEvery three years, the World Association of Girl Guides and GirlScouts (WAGGGS) presents the prestigious Olave Award to fourlocal Girl Guide or Girl Scout groups/Units in recognition of theiroutstanding community service work.AwardsBeaver AwardLouise Goegan, Mississauga, ONChristine Haydon, Calgary, ABMargaret Stewart, Weyburn, SKFortitude AwardJo Swinemer, Mount Uniacke, NSSheila Tonks, Lethbridge, ABFor the 2009-2011 Triennium, The Olave Award was presentedin July to GGC Chief Commissioner Chris Burton at the WAGGGS34 th World Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, to honour the 1 stOlds Girl Guides (Alberta) garden project.Now in the 7 th year of this project, the girls plant an organicgarden each spring; cultivate it through the summer; and harvesttheir crop of root vegetables in the fall. To date, the Guideshave donated 4,000 pounds (1,800 kgs) of vegetables to theMountain View Food Bank Society. Carolyn Johnston, Presidentof the Society said, “The Girl Guides do an incredible job withtheir garden and the Food Bank relies on their donation of freshproduce each fall.”Honourary Life AwardJanet Allcock, Spruce Grove, ABDonna Bareham, Lethbridge, ABDorothy Boras, Pincher Creek, ABMarnie Cumming, Fort Frances, ONKathy Disher, Nanaimo, BCLeslie Horton, Calgary, ABSusan Sarrasin, Calgary, ABMichele Snyder, Cardston, ABPatricia van Rysselt, Winnipeg, MBPatti Walker, Spruce Grove, ABFrances Wright, Oshawa, ONPhoto: courtesy 1 st Olds Girl Guides CANADIAN GUIDER F A L L 2 0 1 143

FocusNew GGCDirectorsSeveral dynamic Members were electedto key national leadership roles at GGC’sAnnual General Meeting in June, 2011.Chief Commissioner –ElectCookie All StarsSharron Callahan, from St. John’s, NL, willassume the role of Chief Commissionerin June 2012. An active Unit Guiderwho's held numerous provincial andnational positions, Sharron is committedto ensuring that Girl Guides of Canadaremains focused on girl empowermentand the development of girl leadership,and supporting the Guiders who mentorCanadian girls.Deputy ChiefCommissioner-ProvincialBetty Slater is the former ProvincialCommissioner of Alberta, and hasexperience in all levels of GGC, from UnitGuider to serving at the national levelon the former Management Board andProvincial Committee.Two Directorsof the BoardMarnie Cumming is the outgoingProvincial Commissioner for Ontario andhas experience in all levels of GGC fromUnit Guider to serving on the nationalProvincial Committee.Tamara Jones, from Toronto, is a SeniorManager of Audit and Strategic Initiativesat Price Waterhouse Coopers.GGC is pleased to announce the top five CookieAll Stars for the 2010-2011 Guiding year:Jayla, Lethbridge, ABJessica, Scarborough, ONKatlyn, Orono, ONSarah Ann, Thunder Bay, ONTashina, Williams Lake, BCAnd the top Cookie All Star Unit in Canada is the 1 st Europe 2011Independent Unit, hailing from Thunder Bay, Ontario. This is aspecial Unit made up of girls from different Thunder Bay Units,created to fundraise for a trip to Europe in 2012. Three girls in the1 st Europe Unit rank in the top 10 of our Cookie All Stars.Stats for the 2010-2011Cookie Season• 2010 Chocolatey Mint CookiesTotal sales: 184,400 cases(2,212,800 boxes)• 2011 Classic CookiesTotal sales: 244,152 cases(2,929,824 boxes)Congratulations to all of our girls forflexing their entrepreneurial musclesand selling 5,142,624 boxes ofcookies! That’s one for the recordbooks! In all, 84 Members earned thetop Cookie All-Stars prize of an Asusnet-book.44 Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 1

GGCTributesIn Memoriam Recognition(March 2011 to July 2011)DIVISIONOFCUSTOM EMBROIDERED CRESTS & PATCHES1878 KingswayVancouver, B.C.Canada, V5N 2S7GUIDE TITLE TAPES PRINTED50 TITLE TAPES(1 Line): $30.00+TAXES+POSTAGE100 TITLE TAPES(1 Line):$45.00 +TAXES + POSTAGENOW AVAILABLEGUIDE TITLE TAPES EMBROIDERED25 TITLE TAPES: $40.00 + TAXES + POSTAGE50 TITLE TAPES: $65.00+TAXES+POSTAGE100 TITLE TAPES:$100.00 +TAXES + POSTAGEWEBSITE: www.clothinglabel.comE-MAIL:sales@advantagelabels.comPRINTED TITLE TAPESEMBROIDEREDTITLE TAPESMildred Best, BCBarbara Brush, ONRea Clarke, ONNatalie DeBiasio, ABM. Joan Fletcher, ONRosemarie Harding, SKM.J. Hart, ONBarbara Hill, ONHelen McLaughlin, ONAnne Mills, NBOrla Murray, ONHelen Page, NBKathleen Robinson, BCMargaret Schneider, BCVerna Steele, ONNancy Yorke, ONTO ORDER OR FOR INFORMATION CALL:VANCOUVER, BC: (604) 875-6680ALL OTHERS CALL: 1-800-791-6633 FAX: (604) 875-6660A Tribute OpportunitySupporting ScholarshipsIf you, or your Unit or your Trefoil Guild would like to make adonation to the GGC National Scholarship Fund in honour ofany of the women recognized above, we would be delighted andgrateful to accept contributions by any of the following methods:Telephone: Julia Haggerty, (416) 487-5281 x 288 (creditcard donations only)Online: on the GGC website: girlguides.ca click onSupport Us, select Ways of Giving and then clickon CanadaHelps.org under one-time gifts.Mail: please send the honouree’s name and address (ornext of kin information) along with your cheque,payable to Girl Guides of Canada, 50 MertonStreet, Toronto, ON M4S 1A3 and we will ensurethe honouree and/or family is aware of yourgenerosity.Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $10.00 or more.ATTENTIONAdvancing RangersOur Adult Members can attest that Guiding does not end afteryou advance from Rangers! Contact your Provincial Council tofind out what exciting new opportunities await you through theLink Activity and Adult Membership. Also, check out our LinkConnections newsletter to find out more about the Link Activityand how you can connect with other Guiders in your age group.Canadian Guider F A L L 2 0 1 145

Canadian Guideris printed withvegetable-based inks,on paper containing15 to 20% postconsumerwasteand 40 to 50% postcommercialwaste.Canadian Publications Mail ProductSales Agreement No. 40065172