Girl Guides of Canada
Encyclopedia
Girl Guides of Canada - Guides du Canada is the national Guiding
association of Canada
. Guiding in Canada started in 1910 and was among the founding members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
(WAGGGS) in 1928. As of 2006, the association had 116,206 members.
organized the first Canadian Girl Guides Company to be officially registered in St. Catharines, Ontario
; their registration is dated 1910-01-11. A park in St. Catharines was later named for Mary Malcolmson. Other Guide Companies were registered later in 1910 in Toronto
, Moose Jaw and Winnipeg
. The First Toronto Company held the first-recorded Girl Guide Camp in Canada on the banks of the Credit River
in June 1911. By 1912, the movement had spread to all parts of Canada, and had become so popular that on July 24, 1912 Agnes Baden-Powell
created Mary, Lady Pellatt
"Chief Commissioner
of the Dominion of Canada Girl Guides". Many Guide events were held at Lady Pellatt's home, Casa Loma
, in Toronto
. It is now a tourist attraction with a special Girl Guide display. In 1917, the Canadian Government passed an Act of Parliament approving the Constitution of the Canadian Girl Guides Association as it was then known.
In 1918 Newfoundland
's first Guide Company was formed, even though the Province did not become part of Canada until 1949.
The Salvation Army
adopted Guiding as part of its program for girls in 1937 when it became officially associated with the organization. Although the Army disassociated itself from the program in 1998, it continues to offer a form of Guiding to its girls.
The Canadian Girl Guides Association changed its name in 1961, again by Act of Parliament
, to "Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada".
In 1962 "Les Guides Catholiques du Canada (secteur français)" became a member of Girl Guides of Canada. This organization had originally been active only in the Province of Quebec
but over the years had developed a small membership in other provinces. It had its own program, uniform and administration but acknowledged the Chief Commissioner of Canada as the head of Guiding in Canada and had membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. In 1992 "Les Guides Catholiques du Canada (secteur français)" became a separate, unaffiliated organization known as "Guides francophones du Canada". In 1995, they became officially affiliated with Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada again, as "Guides francocanadiennes". This affiliation ended in 2006.
There is also a program for girls who, for whatever reason, are not able to physically attend unit meetings. They are known as 'Lones
' and complete the program of their branch by correspondence with a Lone Guider.
Two of Guiding's newest initiatives are Extra Ops and Trex. These programs are for members who have more specific interests (i.e: Camping or Hiking), Trex and Extra Ops programs are generally adopted by girls who are already a member of a branch of Guiding.
Adult women (19+) are welcome in the organization as Leaders or Guiders. There are also places for volunteers in Public Relations
, office jobs, and other important facets of the organization. A program for women ages 18–30 called "Link" is in place for young women who wish to retain or establish their ties with Guiding but who may not be able to give of their time to the extent of being a Guider. However, Link members are sometimes Guiders or will hold other positions within the organization as well.
Link members choose to meet when convenient to do so and will often participate in various Guiding events.
Adult members over the age of 30 have the option of becoming Trefoil Guild members. A woman can opt to be a member of the Trefoil Guild and participate in other roles within the organization. Trefoil Guild groups usually meet once or twice a month, and often participate in various Guiding events. Many Trefoil Guild members are senior citizens, some of whom have decades of Guiding experience.
Sparks wear their enrolment pin and these badges on a sash.
Awards that can be earned while in Rangers include the Girl Guides of Canada Chief Commissioner's Award, the Cookie Campaign Challenge Pin, the Ranger Service Project Pin and the Commonwealth Award. The Chief Commissioner's award has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The Chief Commissioner's Gold award is the ultimate award a youth member can earn within Girl Guides of Canada. Rangers can also earn the Ranger Certificate for being an active unit member and the Junior Leader Certificate for helping with a younger branch of Guiding.
To be true to myself, my beliefs and Canada.
I will take action for a better world
And respect the Guiding Law.
To be true to myself, my God/faith* and Canada;
I will help others,
And accept the Guiding Law.
*The word God or the word faith is chosen according to each girl's own personal convictions.
To do my duty to God, the Queen, and my country,
To help other people at all times,
And to obey the Guide Law.
A Guide is loyal.
A Guide is useful and helps others.
A Guide is a friend to all and a sister to every Guide.
A Guide is courteous.
A Guide is kind to animals and enjoys the beauty in nature.
A Guide is obedient.
A Guide smiles and sings even under difficulty.
A Guide is thrifty.
A Guide is pure in thought, word, and deed.
In 1929, the National Headquarters began selling the cookies across Canada. Girl Guide cookies have gone through many recipe changes but the goals remain the same. Girl Guide cookies today are the largest fundraiser for the organization, and are used to help support the girls in their program and activities.
There are two different cookie campaigns, one in the fall and the other in the spring. The fall cookies are the chocolatey mint cookies, similar to the Girl Scout Thin Mints cookies sold in the United States. The classic vanilla and chocolate sandwich cookies are sold in the spring.
Conservation Area in Southern Ontario. Over 2,500 girls and women attended the camp. Participants came from across Canada as well as from many countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Jamaica, Japan, New Zealand and the United States.
On July 8, 2010, Canada Post made a stamp to commemorate the centennial of the Girl Guides.
Girl Guides
A Guide, Girl Guide or Girl Scout is a member of a section of some Guiding organisations who is between the ages of 10 and 14. Age limits are different in each organisation. It is the female-centred equivalent of the Scouts. The term Girl Scout is used in the United States and several East Asian...
association of Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. Guiding in Canada started in 1910 and was among the founding members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts is a global association supporting the female-oriented and female-only Scouting organizations in 145 countries. It was established in 1928 and has its headquarters in London, England. It is the counterpart of the World Organization of the Scout...
(WAGGGS) in 1928. As of 2006, the association had 116,206 members.
History
Mary MalcolmsonMary Malcolmson
-1st St Catharines:Malcolmson organized the first Canadian Girl Guide company to be officially registered. The Company started to meet in November 1909 in St. Catharines, Ontario and was registered on 1910-01-11. Meetings were held in the Welland House Hotel...
organized the first Canadian Girl Guides Company to be officially registered in St. Catharines, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
; their registration is dated 1910-01-11. A park in St. Catharines was later named for Mary Malcolmson. Other Guide Companies were registered later in 1910 in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Moose Jaw and Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada, and is the primary municipality of the Winnipeg Capital Region, with more than half of Manitoba's population. It is located near the longitudinal centre of North America, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers .The name...
. The First Toronto Company held the first-recorded Girl Guide Camp in Canada on the banks of the Credit River
Credit River
The Credit River is a river in southern Ontario which flows from headwaters above the Niagara Escarpment to empty into Lake Ontario at Port Credit, Mississauga. It drains an area of approximately 1,000 km²...
in June 1911. By 1912, the movement had spread to all parts of Canada, and had become so popular that on July 24, 1912 Agnes Baden-Powell
Agnes Baden-Powell
Agnes Smyth Baden-Powell was the younger sister of Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, and was most noted for her work in establishing the Girl Guide movement as a female counterpart to her older brother's Scouting Movement.-Early life:Agnes was the ninth of ten children, and the third...
created Mary, Lady Pellatt
Mary Pellatt
Mary, Lady Pellatt was the first Chief Commissioner of the Girl Guides of Canada. She was awarded the Silver Fish.Mary Dodgson was born on 1857-04-16 in Toronto, Canada. On 1882-06-15, she married Henry Mill Pellatt, later Sir Henry Mill Pellatt. She was created Chief Commissioner of the...
"Chief Commissioner
Chief Commissioner
A Chief Commissioner is a commissioner of a high rank, usually in chief of several Commissioners or similarly styled officers.-Colonial:In British India the gubernatorial style was Chief Commissioner in various provinces , the style being applied especially where an elected assembly did not exist,...
of the Dominion of Canada Girl Guides". Many Guide events were held at Lady Pellatt's home, Casa Loma
Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival style house in midtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, that is now a museum and landmark. It was originally a residence for financier Sir Henry Mill Pellatt. Casa Loma was constructed over a three-year period from 1911–1914. The architect of the mansion was E. J...
, in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
. It is now a tourist attraction with a special Girl Guide display. In 1917, the Canadian Government passed an Act of Parliament approving the Constitution of the Canadian Girl Guides Association as it was then known.
In 1918 Newfoundland
Dominion of Newfoundland
The Dominion of Newfoundland was a British Dominion from 1907 to 1949 . The Dominion of Newfoundland was situated in northeastern North America along the Atlantic coast and comprised the island of Newfoundland and Labrador on the continental mainland...
's first Guide Company was formed, even though the Province did not become part of Canada until 1949.
The Salvation Army
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church known for its thrift stores and charity work. It is an international movement that currently works in over a hundred countries....
adopted Guiding as part of its program for girls in 1937 when it became officially associated with the organization. Although the Army disassociated itself from the program in 1998, it continues to offer a form of Guiding to its girls.
The Canadian Girl Guides Association changed its name in 1961, again by Act of Parliament
Act of Parliament
An Act of Parliament is a statute enacted as primary legislation by a national or sub-national parliament. In the Republic of Ireland the term Act of the Oireachtas is used, and in the United States the term Act of Congress is used.In Commonwealth countries, the term is used both in a narrow...
, to "Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada".
In 1962 "Les Guides Catholiques du Canada (secteur français)" became a member of Girl Guides of Canada. This organization had originally been active only in the Province of Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
but over the years had developed a small membership in other provinces. It had its own program, uniform and administration but acknowledged the Chief Commissioner of Canada as the head of Guiding in Canada and had membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. In 1992 "Les Guides Catholiques du Canada (secteur français)" became a separate, unaffiliated organization known as "Guides francophones du Canada". In 1995, they became officially affiliated with Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada again, as "Guides francocanadiennes". This affiliation ended in 2006.
Program
Girl Guides of Canada is the largest organization for women and girls in Canada. The membership is organized into different groups according to age. These are Sparks (ages 5 and 6), Brownies (ages 7 and 8), Guides (ages 9 – 11), Pathfinders (ages 12 – 14), and Rangers (15-17+) .There is also a program for girls who, for whatever reason, are not able to physically attend unit meetings. They are known as 'Lones
Lone Guides
Lone Guides or Lones are those Girl Guides and Girl Scouts who do not attend group meetings for a variety of reasons. They are organised into groups that keep in touch, for example, by letter or email. Members carry out their organisation's normal programme on their own as much as they are able....
' and complete the program of their branch by correspondence with a Lone Guider.
Two of Guiding's newest initiatives are Extra Ops and Trex. These programs are for members who have more specific interests (i.e: Camping or Hiking), Trex and Extra Ops programs are generally adopted by girls who are already a member of a branch of Guiding.
Adult women (19+) are welcome in the organization as Leaders or Guiders. There are also places for volunteers in Public Relations
Public relations
Public relations is the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc....
, office jobs, and other important facets of the organization. A program for women ages 18–30 called "Link" is in place for young women who wish to retain or establish their ties with Guiding but who may not be able to give of their time to the extent of being a Guider. However, Link members are sometimes Guiders or will hold other positions within the organization as well.
Link members choose to meet when convenient to do so and will often participate in various Guiding events.
Adult members over the age of 30 have the option of becoming Trefoil Guild members. A woman can opt to be a member of the Trefoil Guild and participate in other roles within the organization. Trefoil Guild groups usually meet once or twice a month, and often participate in various Guiding events. Many Trefoil Guild members are senior citizens, some of whom have decades of Guiding experience.
Sparks
The Sparks program is for five and six-year-old girls. Their program book is called "Go Sparks Go!" Sparks participate in a wide variety of activities with other girls of the same age. The Sparks uniform includes a pink shirt with the Sparks promise, "I promise to share and be a friend.", printed on it. Sparks have the chance to work towards nine "keepers" (badges). The nine "keepers" are:- Being a Spark: The activities for this keeper introduce girls to the Sparks program and include learning the Sparks promise, singing songs and participating in an enrollment ceremony.
- Being Me: This keeper involves helping the girls discover themselves and reinforcing friendship.
- Going Outside: These activities take the girls into the outdoors and help them learn about their natural environment.
- The World Around Me: This keeper focuses on increasing the girls' awareness of Guiding in other countries.
- Being Healthy: This keeper promotes positive body images by learning to take care of you body and staying healthy. This includes eating well and getting lots of exercise.
- In My Community: This keeper allows Sparks to explore their community and local institutions such as schools, libraries and fire halls.
- Exploring and Experimenting: These activities allow girls to look beyond their immediate environment and discover new and exciting things.
- Going Camping: The goal of this badge is to introduce concepts of independence and outdoor living to the young girls.
- Brownies and Beyond: These activities let Sparks learn about the Brownie program before advancing to a new unit.
Sparks wear their enrolment pin and these badges on a sash.
Brownies
Brownies are 7 and 8-year-old girls. Brownies aim to develop a sense of identity and a positive relationship with others by participating in a varied program of activities. Their uniforms used to be brown but are now orange and navy blue. The Brownie program book is called "Brownies Can Do It!", and is divided into ten "keys". There are program requirements to complete each key, and a number of corresponding optional "interest badges". The keys are: Key to Brownies, Key to Me, Key to My Community, Key to I Can, Key to Active Living, Key to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Key to the Living World, Key to Camping, Key to the Arts, Key to Girl Guides.Guides
Guides are girls between 9 and 11 years of age. Guides are encouraged to do service projects to help their communities. Guides learn about people in other countries and are encouraged to discover and explore issues which are important to them. Their uniforms are sky blue and navy blue. The program is called "Guides on the Go" and was first distributed in 2006. There are four program areas: You in Guiding, You and Others, Discovering You and Beyond You, Girls Creating. Girls can earn their Lady Baden Powell Award, the highest achievement a Guide can earn, as well as many different "interest" badgesPathfinders
Pathfinders are girls between 12 and 14 years old. They focus on community service, leadership and camping. Their uniforms are green. Their program was revised and the new edition, "Listen, Learn, Lead, Live!", was released in 2006. Through program work, girls can earn their Canada Cord, the highest achievement that can be earned by a Pathfinder.Rangers
As of September 2008, girls between the ages of 15 and 17 (or older) are known as Rangers (prior to that date three branches of the GGC existed for youth in this age bracket: Rangers, Cadets and Junior Leaders, the latter two now defunct). The new Ranger program is very flexible and allows members the opportunity to pursue the areas of Guiding which are of interest to them (Camping, working with younger members, community service, etc.). Adult leaders are there for guidance, but it is the Rangers who are responsible for planning and executing their activities. The Rangers uniforms are the same as those worn by the adult members, with the addition of a neck tie that is white with red maple leaves. Red is the colour that is associated with the Ranger branch.Awards that can be earned while in Rangers include the Girl Guides of Canada Chief Commissioner's Award, the Cookie Campaign Challenge Pin, the Ranger Service Project Pin and the Commonwealth Award. The Chief Commissioner's award has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The Chief Commissioner's Gold award is the ultimate award a youth member can earn within Girl Guides of Canada. Rangers can also earn the Ranger Certificate for being an active unit member and the Junior Leader Certificate for helping with a younger branch of Guiding.
Adults
Adult women can be a leader in a unit, or they can choose to be a member of Link or Trefoil Guild, depending on their age. Some members choose to participate in both functions.Principles
The Guiding movement is based on the principles outlined in the Promise and Law. Every Guide makes this promise when she is enrolled. The Promise and Law were renewed in 1994, and on January 13, 2010, the current Promise was unveiled.Promise (current)
I promise to do my best,To be true to myself, my beliefs and Canada.
I will take action for a better world
And respect the Guiding Law.
Promise (1994-2010)
I promise to do my best,To be true to myself, my God/faith* and Canada;
I will help others,
And accept the Guiding Law.
*The word God or the word faith is chosen according to each girl's own personal convictions.
Promise (pre-1994)
I promise, on my honour, to do my best:To do my duty to God, the Queen, and my country,
To help other people at all times,
And to obey the Guide Law.
Law (current)
The Guiding Law challenges me to:- Be honest and trustworthy
- Use my resources wisely
- Respect myself and others
- Recognize and use my talents and abilities
- Protect our common environment
- Live with courage and strength
- Share in the sisterhood of Guiding.
Law (pre-1994)
A Guide's honour is to be trusted.A Guide is loyal.
A Guide is useful and helps others.
A Guide is a friend to all and a sister to every Guide.
A Guide is courteous.
A Guide is kind to animals and enjoys the beauty in nature.
A Guide is obedient.
A Guide smiles and sings even under difficulty.
A Guide is thrifty.
A Guide is pure in thought, word, and deed.
Girl Guide Cookies
Girl Guide Cookies are an honoured tradition in Canada. They were first baked by a Guide leader, Christina Riepsamen, in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1927. They were sold door-to-door, with a bag of 12 cookies costing 10 cents, for the purpose of earning passenger rail fares for a camping trip to a lake. The sales were brisk, requiring extra batches to be baked to meet demand. It was then adopted as a simple way to raise money for uniforms and camping equipment.In 1929, the National Headquarters began selling the cookies across Canada. Girl Guide cookies have gone through many recipe changes but the goals remain the same. Girl Guide cookies today are the largest fundraiser for the organization, and are used to help support the girls in their program and activities.
There are two different cookie campaigns, one in the fall and the other in the spring. The fall cookies are the chocolatey mint cookies, similar to the Girl Scout Thin Mints cookies sold in the United States. The classic vanilla and chocolate sandwich cookies are sold in the spring.
- See also: Girl Scout cookieGirl Scout cookieGirl Scout cookies are cookies sold by Girl Scouts of the USA as one of its major fundraisers for local Scout units. Members of the GSUSA have been selling cookies since 1917 to raise funds. Girls who participate can earn prizes for their efforts. There are also unit incentives if the unit as a...
Centenary
Guiding Mosaic 2010 was held in from July 8–17 at Guelph LakeGuelph Lake
Guelph Lake is a man-made reservoir on the Speed River, in the Township of Guelph/Eramosa. It is located upriver and slightly northeast of the city of Guelph, Ontario. The reservoir was created in 1974, with the construction of the Guelph Lake dam...
Conservation Area in Southern Ontario. Over 2,500 girls and women attended the camp. Participants came from across Canada as well as from many countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Jamaica, Japan, New Zealand and the United States.
On July 8, 2010, Canada Post made a stamp to commemorate the centennial of the Girl Guides.