This week, almost all Girl Guides nationally are celebrating ‘Thinking Day’ and the meaning of Guiding in all the countries of the world.
Many troops use this special day as an opportunity to learn about and study other countries and cultures.
There are about 36 Guides in the 100 Mile House area, says local Guides commissioner Kim Gardner.
“Some of the past activities for Guides included a campout where they learned outdoor skills and enjoyed canoeing, crafts and games.”
Ten of the girls belong to Forest Grove Guiding Group, which has members who are in Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders.
“We are a small group,” leader Alice de Viveiros says, adding that it is a very active group of girls.
“I’ve been involved since 1982 when my daughter was in Guides, starting out in Terrace.”
She took a short break from Guiding, but has been with the Forest Grove group since 2006.
“I missed it; it’s so much fun.”
The small troop keeps busy with many projects, she adds. Recently, they celebrated “Hoppy Valloweenmas”, a combination of Easter, Valentine’s Day, Hallowe’en and Christmas.
“We had an Easter Egg hunt, a cupcake walk, and even Santa was there to give out gifts.”
As part of the celebration of Thinking Day, de Viveiros says she is dividing the troop into four groups, which will learn about each of the four world centres; Mexico, India, England and Switzerland.
These world centres are where girls and young women acquire leadership and life skills through international friendship, challenge, adventure and self-development.
“This year, each group will learn about the countries, as well as their food, games and national dances. It will be a potpourri of dancing, from an igloo square dance to Mexican line dancing.”
She adds they also have a trip to Barkerville planned for June, and the girls have made, or are making, bonnets and aprons for the trip. Some of the planned activities include a stagecoach ride; gold panning and possibly geocaching with the use of a GPS.
Noting the Forest Grove group is very involved in the community, de Viveiros says they attend the Memorial Day service and help at the Seniors Christmas Dinner.
Every year, the group makes party favours for the Seniors Dinner held at the Legion, de Viveiros says, adding this year they sang Christmas carols, too.”
What the local Guide groups need is more volunteers, says Gardner.
“If there is anybody who wants to get involved as a leader or a helper, they can contact me at 250-791-6684.”
