Another exciting year of Girl Guides is about to begin and the First Drayton Girl Guides are pleased to announce the group is growing.
Along with Sparks, Brownies and Guides, they are adding a Pathfinder unit for girls aged 12 to 14.
In a press release, the group has described some of their adventures from the past year.
At enrolment ceremonies in October, 40 girls recited their promise as a Spark, Brownie, or Guide. Each girl received a pin or badge to mark this special occasion.
In November, the group was honoured to participate in Drayton’s Remembrance Day ceremonies and parade.
“It was a beautiful day to join with others and remember those who fought for our freedom,” organizers state.
At Christmas, the Guides took a trip to the Crest to sing for the residents.
“We had a great time singing for them and we made a craft and enjoyed some treats with them,” officials state.
After the holidays, the group celebrated the birthdays of the founders of Girl Guides, Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. They share the same birthday, which is Feb. 22, and this special occasion is called Thinking Day. The local group hosted a coffee social for parents.
The local unit does many volunteers projects through the year. At Christmas, the girls volunteer at the craft show and each April they volunteers at the Drayton Farm Show. Each specific unit was involved in different service projects last year. Sparks and Guides collected over 600 items for the Drayton Food Bank and the Brownies went tree planting.
Activities throughout the year include trips to local venues. The Sparks enjoyed a trip to three different farms around Drayton, where they learned about dairy, hog and poultry operations.
Each year, a larger out-of-town trip is also planned. Past trips have included visits to Ontario Place to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Guides, the Science Centre to discover the world of science, and the Butterfly Conservatory to learn about butterflies and nature.
At the end of the year, the group holds two events to celebrate the past session. One such event is the year-end camp.
“We have been to several area Girl Guide Camps and at our last camp, held on Mother’s Day Weekend, it snowed, so that was a fun experience for us,” organizers note.
The other event is Advancement Ceremonies where the girls move up to the next level of guiding.
And, of course, Girl Guide Cookies help fund all the group’s activities. In the fall they sell mint cookies and each spring classic chocolate and vanilla cookies.
“When a girl comes to your door, buy a box of cookies to help support your local Drayton unit,” organizers urge. “Please consider joining our unit for the upcoming year. And don’t forget about our new Pathfinder unit for girls in Grades 7 through 9. We are excited to begin a brand new adventure in Guiding.”
