It would seem that I am returning to the folds of Guiding. Yes, Guiding with a capital G, as in Girl Guides.
I was involved in Guiding for many years. As a girl I started as a Brownie (no Sparks in those days) and went right through Rangers. So from the age of 6 to about 17. And then in my early twenties I was a leader for a Pathfinder unit. Those are girls from 13-15. Can you say giant walking bags of hormones? But it was great to work with these girls and see what their potential was. I was even fortunate enough to bring them to London and Switzerland to visit two of the four World Centers of World Girl Guides.
Karen, from Virtually There, asked if I would help out with a Brownie unit she wanted to start as her oldest daughter moves up to Brownies. I said yes. I was looking for some volunteering stuff and going back into Guiding was an easy decision. It's something comfortable, familiar. Though I do feel a little weird that I am doing a girl thing, when I don't have a girl myself. There is a little bit of guilt there to be completely honest. But I am telling myself that there will be lots of things that I do for the jellybean for the duration of his life. And this is for me.
Things have changed a little since I was last in Guiding (almost 15 years ago!). The program has evolved and I will have to get up to speed on current trends, but that's not the biggest change. I attended an info session last night which was about the procedures for taking the girls out, away from the regular meeting area. When I was a Guider, well, you would let the parents know if you were doing something different for the regular meeting, like going skating. And for over night things, permission slips had to be filled out, and a form sent into your provincial council. There was a little bit of paper work, but nothing to really bog you down. Now, if we decide we want to take the girls to a sleep over at, let's say a museum (K, I really want to do this!), this is the paper work that needs to be done:
First, fill out page 2 of form SG.3. Then SG 7, if third party supplier will be used. SG 1 and SG4 follow, and then WA 1only if it is a water activity which falls under the yellow classification. On to SG2 and finally page one of SG 3.
Seriously. seven forms to fill out to bring 10 girls to a sleep over. Not to forget the kit list, or packing list. Yes, even for a sleep over, you need to spell out everything that the girls need, and do NOT need to bring. That is something I learned a long time ago.
So while there is a lot I need to learn, and more I need to remember, I am looking forward to having fun. I really believe in the organization and their belief in mentoring girls to become active and engaged global citizens. Guiding has given me tremendous opportunities from traveling around the world (literally) to self confidence and life skills. I hope I can be a part of an incredible journey for some young girls.
8 comments:
What a great opportunity. You go girl:)
Never would have pegged you for a Girl Guider. Those Brownies are so lucky - you will be one super-cool leader (and there will be time later to do it for your son - but then you'll have to be a Beaver Leader, and that's just hard to say without giggling).
One of my friends has been a leader for years and she's just pregnant now with her first. So a kid isn't even a prerequisite, never mind boy or girl. Have fun leading with Karen. And yay for volunteering, you know I love it!
I would love to pick your brain about Guides. I have thought about it for the girl and wonder if it would be a good fit.
Does it have a religious component?
That's awesome Julie. I was a Girl Guide (french version) and loved it. I sorta figured I would never be involved since I don't have a daughter, great idea to do it anyhow. Why not right!? Take Care.
Oh my DH went on a sleep over with my sons class to a museum and all the parents had to have police checks done! I am not against it but it surprised me. Can't imagine that would have ever happened when we were kids.
I am so happy you are doing this, for all the basic reasons but also because it's a little something just for you (outside work & family). Have fun!
I was in Guides from Brownies on as well. But never a Leader. I've considered if I want to be a leader for my kids. I suppose you could volunteer to be a Scout leader for Jellybean if the guilt gets to you.
My daughter is a Sparks and LOVES it! I did it all the way through too, and so that really gets her motivated. When we told her we were moving to Orangeville, the first question she asked is if there would be Sparks. She lives for it, considers it part of her identity! I love it!
Post a Comment