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2018 Vol. 1
Guider’s Link
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CONTENTS Chief Commissioner's Message 3 Noticeboard 4 Guide Weekend 6 OGM Update 11 Health Promotion 12 Development 14 International 16 Cygnet Section 22 BrigĂn Section 24 Guide Section 26 Ranger Section 28 Training 30 Members Council Badge Review 31 Outdoors 32 Tag Rugby 36 Buion Clothra Santa Dash 38 Around Ireland 40 Contacts 47 Don't forget to send your photos and articles for the Guiders Link to: guiderslink@girlguidesireland.ie. Closing date for the next issue is Tuesday 3rd April 2018 2 Guiders Link Vol. 1
CHIEF COMMISSIONER'S MESSAGE Happy New Year Everyone and Happy Birthday Welcome to CGI’s 90th birthday year and what a year we hope to have. I was delighted to see so many entries for the 90th birthday card and well done to Anna May Fagan from Buion Cecilia for her winning design. I hope you all received your little birthday gift at the beginning of the year and are enjoying using them. Keep an eye on the Facebook page and Twitter for upcoming 90th birthday events. Thinking Day is upon us and this is a great month for us to teach the girls and our guiders about the fabulous organisation that we are all part of. Remember we are 1 in 10 million and that is no small boast. I was delighted to meet with Helen and Brenda, the Chief Commissioners of IGG and UGG before Christmas and it was great to sit down and discuss the girl related issues that all of the guides on the island of Ireland relate to. Ladies always remember you make a difference in the life of these girls and young women we work with, whether it’s the smallest Cygnet or the oldest Ranger you are a positive and kind influence in their life. I hope you enjoyed and will use the WAGGGS booklet that Louise our International Commissioner sent you earlier in the year. Also keep an eye on the international opportunities that Louise is promoting, take up these chances and discover the world. I hope all you Chief Commissioner ladies are working hard on your projects and remember if you have any queries just mail us and we will endeavour to help you where we can. Before we know it, we will be at National Council and this year we have the following positions becoming vacant;
Assistant Chief Commissioner
National Secretary (Brid Barnes co-opted this year)
National Commissioner for Guides
International Commissioner
National Commissioner for Rangers (Trish Derwin co-opted this year)
National Commissioner for Outdoors (Arlene Griffin co-opted this year)
National Commissioner for Development (Maria Travers co-opted this year)
If you have an interest in any of these positions please contact your Regional Commissioner or any of the National Officers for more information on the positions available. Having all the positions filled on the board is an essential part of the running of the association and we would love to see that we have a full board in our 90th year of guiding. While we are talking about National Council please ensure you take up the delegate and observer places. If the Guiders 90 years ago hadn’t attended the first meeting we wouldn’t be where we are today. Our aim for this year’s National Council is to have something for everyone, we will have the normal business meeting and hopefully elections but we will also have something for everyone. If there is something you would like to see included in this year’s National Council please mail me at chiefcommissoner@girlguidesireland.ie your suggestions are most welcome and I look forward to hearing from you. Any of you who are part of national teams will be hearing from your national commissioner about a weekend meeting of all the national teams which will be held in Carne in Co Wexford on the first weekend in March. This will be the first time we have endeavoured to gather all of our national teams together and it is a great opportunity for team building and a chance to meet and further the work of CGI. I look forward to seeing you all there. Enjoy this edition of the Guiders Link and hope you are all looking forward to 2108 and a great year of guiding Yours in Guiding, Emily McCann Chief Commissioner chiefcommissioner@girlguidesireland.ie www.girlguidesireland.ie 3
NOTICEBOARD UPCOMING NATIONAL EVENTS Guider Training Step 3
9th-11th February
NEB & National Team Meetings
2nd - 4th March
STEM Training Weekend
23rd-25th March
National Council
21st April
Outdoor Day
12 May
CCA Projects Deadline
18 May
NEB
9 June
RESOURCE DATES World Cancer Day
February 4
International Women's Day
March 8
International Day of Happiness
March 20
International Children's Book Day
April 2
International Day of Families
May 15
PLEASE NOTE Please ensure if you are paying census payments (registration payments) directly to the bank that you use our bank account number shown on the invoice – this number ends in 65 for all Southern units. Please do not deposit census payments to other bank accounts. Also please ensure you put the code numbers shown on the invoice, on the bank details e.g. - 4001-30-00 (this identifies the unit paying registration). When paying census/registration invoices, only pay the
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exact amount specified on the invoice, otherwise we will have to return your payment to you. Thank you for co-operation in this regard.
NEWS FROM THE BOARD •
Mary E. Lawlor – Appointed as South East Region Commissioner
•
Roisin McMillen – Appointed as Northern Region Commissioner
FINANCE: A number of Units are operating with only one signature on their Unit account cheque book. I would like to remind all Units that all accounts held on behalf of members of CGI must have two signatories on the account. All accounts must be in the Company/Unit name and not in the name of individual Guiders. Not only is this best practice, it is also good governance and complies with the Charities Act. Please refer to Book 6 (Finance) of the Guider Handbook for further information. I would ask that any Unit with only one signatory on their account or where the account is not in the name of the Company/Unit, make arrangements to have this changed with immediate effect. At the January National Executive Board, the Fundraising Policy for the Catholic Guides of Ireland was approved and signed off. This is now available on the CGI website and I would ask you all to familiarise yourself with this policy. Thank you for your cooperation Eileen Mc Carthy National Treasurer
Don't forget: Order your Free Being Me badges! Have you completed the programme, or maybe you’re in the final stages? Don’t forget to submit your evaluation form and order your badges from the National Office or the Northern Region Office. Evaluation Forms are available on the CGI website.
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Guide Weekend
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The Guide Weekend this year took place in Mount Melleray Scout Centre, a location we’re all familiar with at this stage. The theme of the weekend was WAGGGS World, a whistle-stop tour of the countries through themed activities. Friday night saw the arrival of the girls, beginning around 8pm with the final girls being deposited to their rooms shortly before 10.30pm, it had been a long day for all. The leaders were allocated rooms named for the various World Centre sites and the girls were given rooms named for cities in corresponding countries. After finding their beds and having some well-deserved food, some of the girls went to the main hall to watch a movie, unfortunately we had problems with the speakers so this was quickly abandoned and instead the girls undertook making flags to represent each of their units throughout the weekend. Around midnight the girls began to drift off to bed and so too did the leaders. Saturday morning dawned bright and clear, everyone was up and ready to go and eagerly awaiting the activities of the day. The girls were divided into four groups for the day and the leaders were asked to accompany a group that didn’t include their own girls, giving the girls some time away from any adults who knew them.
The activities were: representing Kusafiri, Africa, the National Reptile Zoo, Nick and Chloe were both amazing and so passionate about their job and even stayed longer than initially intended so they could allow all the girls time to ask their questions and touch the animals. Sangam, India was represented by the lovely Mili Seth and Bollywood Beats, even though some of the girls had remembered Mili from World Thinking Day, they all got into the groove and danced away their time. Our Chalet, Switzerland was represented by something a little more strenuous, showcasing the outdoors nature of the country; we had the assault course, the climbing wall and zipline (and a special thanks to Nicola Kennedy who braved the cold at the end of the zipline for most of the day). www.girlguidesireland.ie 7
Our Cabana, Mexico was ably represented by a group called Amdi from Cork, who came along and spoke to the girls about Mexico, showed them some videos on the significance of the Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Tania and Virginia were dressed in traditional Mexican dancing dress and they taught the girls a Mexican dance which they then performed in costume too. The girls spent the day rotating through all of the activities and they were kept busy the entire time. When they were done, in the early evening, they were given some well-earned free time where they could play foosball or just chill out in their rooms or on the sofas with their new friends.
After dinner on Saturday evening we had a “pub” quiz, representing Pax Lodge, England. There were lots of different rounds, from riddles to general knowledge, rounds on each of the World Centre countries and even on sweets! The girls took it very seriously and it was very tight at the top of the leader board. Some of the leaders decided to get in on the action, with the girls calling foul at one stage claiming they saw an open phone on the leaders’ table, nothing could be proven, but… 8 Guiders Link Vol. 1
To finish off Saturday night we went outside for a campfire, led by Cathy McSweeney. Even though the rain had come down for a while, both Cathy and Alison had managed to cover the set fire and we had no problems. The girls were given glow sticks and treats while they sang, and it was a great sound to round out our night. Up bright and early on Sunday, we had our breakfast and we had our Guides Own ceremony, then we split into two separate groups. One group went outside to do games while the other stayed inside to rotate through bases of Guiding skills such as whistle and hand signals; knots and lashes; making a tripod; pitching a tent and more. But, we were lucky enough to have Brid and Suzanne who had recently completed a backwoods course, and they agreed to show the girls the correct use and safety of a knife, how to feather wood etc and the girls were enthralled.
coming SSunday d llunch h was a manic affair ff withh some buses b early and people trying to ensure all bags were packed, rooms were cleaned and children fed before they boarded the bus to leave. We just had enough time for Catherine to take a group photo out the back before the first bus was boarded for the journey home. The girls all left on Sunday with smiles on their tired faces, and what more could we ask for? A big thanks to everyone involved in organising the weekend and getting the girls there and back safely, it couldn’t have been done without you; with a special note of thanks to “The 2 Su’s” for all of their help, Suzanne Lenihan and Suzanne Stuart. www.girlguidesireland.ie 9
Guide Weekend Review On the 3rd November we went on our National Guides Weekend to Mount Melleray in Waterford. When we got there, there was lots of Guides and we made loads of new friends from different companies. We did many activities such as ziplining, dancing, the reptile zoo, and arts and crafts. We also did rock climbing. We learned about some Guide rules and we also had a campfire and sang loads of Guide songs. This is one of the many reasons we come to Guides, but we also come to see our friends, and for new activities such as arts and crafts, singing and games. By Aoife, Katie and Sarah, Kilcock Guides
We came here to Mount Melleray, again, for the Guide Weekend and I’ve had a great time. My favourite thing was the reptile zoo because they showed us lots of scary animals that I haven’t seen before and we were allowed to touch some of them too, but I didn’t really want to. The bit I liked least was the Bollywood dancing, but that’s only because we did it at Thinking Day too, and also because the lady was a bit strict and didn’t like us laughing and joking, but it was good. I learned some hand signals for Guides that I didn’t know before because we don’t use them, or maybe I just don’t look when the leaders do them. I want to say thanks to all the leaders that brought us here and that came to help us, we have all had a great time and it’s a cool way to end our midterm break.
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OGM Upgrade Coming Soon! OGM are excited to announce that Online Guide Manager (OGM) will be getting a facelift in the New Year. It’s actually more than this as the team behind OGM have been working hard over the past year to rewrite the code that makes everything work to bring OGM up to date with the very latest technology.
As part of this work some things have been slightly reorganised to make them easier to use, but don’t worry things will still look very familiar and work in a similar way to what you are used to. The new version will be fully responsive, which means that whether you are accessing OGM on a desktop computer, tablet or mobile phone the site will scale to fit the device you are using making it much easier to use OGM on any device.
You can take a quick look at what to expect, by checking out our preview video at https:// vimeo.com/248156117 We are currently working on launching the new version towards the end of January 2018, watch out for further announcements on OGM as we move towards this.
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HEALTH PROMOTION
Guides… It’s a healthy thing
Welcome to the Health Promotion pages of the Guiders Link. Health and wellbeing are important to all of us and should be an ongoing part of all of our lives. Health Promotion is defined as “A positive concept emphasising social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities. Therefore, health promotion is not just the responsibility of the health sector, but goes beyond healthy lifestyles to well-being”. In each edition of the Guiders Link, there will be a focus on Health Promotion and useful information for you to share with the Cygnets, Brigins, Guides and Rangers. For this edition we would like to remind everyone of the many health promoting activities in the CHOICES programme and here are just some of them:
Cygnet CHOICES •
Cygnet toothpaste chart
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Create a healthy shopping list
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Sunrise smoothie making
Brigin CHOICES • Take care of your hands and keep them clean for two weeks • Do some form of exercise for a week, e.g. skip for 5 minutes – touch your toes 20 times • Learn about hair care – washing, brushing, combing
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Guide CHOICES •
Research how to develop a good skin care plan for all seasons and share with your company
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Take part in an exercise keep fit class
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Design a poster to show what is endangering our health in Ireland i.e. smoking, overeating, excessive dieting or drinking
Ranger CHOICES •
Learn about the Food Pyramid and look at your own diet in relation to what you have learned..
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Put together a simple keep fit routine that you could teach to one of the younger sections.
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Find out about the work of WAGGGS in Africa helping people to improve their health and educating others about it (for example, HIV/AIDS).
The WAGGGS website https://www.wagggs.org/en/resources/ has some great Health Promotion resources including Free Being Me, Stop The Violence and the Surf Smart Badge. Health Promotion is not just for our Youth Members, our Leaders wellbeing is important too. The Guider Handbook contains a lot of information and Book 2 – The Guider has a lot of information about the Guider, Training, Safety for Guiders, Code of Behaviour etc. If you have any ideas or suggestions for Health Promotion or would like to be a member of the Health Promotion Team, please send an email to healthpromotion@girlguidesireland.ie The Health Promotion Team Keep a lookout on the Health Promotion pages of the CGI Website for updates and health promotion tips CGI - Happy and Healthy 90 Years On’
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DEVELOPMENT
Have your Say 2018 is going to be an amazing year in CGI, for a few reasons. Obviously, we’re celebrating a very big, and very special, birthday throughout this year, but we’re also about to launch a brand-new section in our organisation aimed at young women between the ages of 18 and 25. What’s exciting about this is that we are not just going to present you with a new programme and ask you to take it on and enjoy it. No, for the first time we’re asking for a cohort to join us in creating the programme you want. Who is best placed to know what sort of things 18 to 25 year olds want in their programme? The types of opportunities you feel you are missing out on, or the barriers you feel may be in your way? This will be your Section from day one. Our aim is to bring a group together and to listen to what you want, and to implement that. We envisage a commitment of no more than two or three meetings in person and a few by Skype during the period Feb/March to Dec 2018. The National Commissioner for Development and the team will then create a programme that would hopefully be ready to roll out in early 2019. We’re hoping to make this a very dynamic programme, which will constantly change and evolve as our members in the section do too. We aim to have training sessions and workshops that will enable you to add relevant and transferable qualifications to your cv; to have online and interactive media, meaning that you don’t have to leave your unit if you don’t want to, alternatively, you have the option of joining with others in your area or region if that suits you better; and we even plan to have travel and possible work-abroad opportunities as part of CGI and WAGGGS that wouldn’t otherwise be open to you. We know that not everyone who is a Ranger Guide wants to go on to become a Guider, but some feel pressured to choose between Guider Training - Step 1 or to leave the Association. Well now there will be a third option, to stay within the organisation, to continue meeting up with your friends and building new friendships and to concentrate on your experiences and fun and not to worry about anything else. We don’t want young women feeling that once they hit 18 their time for having fun in the Association is over, and that now they must don the green jumper and lead, or leave. So while ideally we’d love all of our youth members to continue on with their membership and progress to leadership positions, it’s unrealistic to think it will happen for everyone, and maybe it won’t happen for you; but maybe you could extend your time with us a little longer, and it could be of benefit to you in more ways than one; building and maintaining the bonds of friendship that we cultivate throughout the Guiding world, and also building your life experiences and social skills so that you’ll always have a tangible connection with your time in Guiding. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in becoming a part of, please get in touch with our National Commissioner for Development, Maria Travers, at development@girlguidesireland.ie for more information.
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Are you aged 18 - 25 and wondering what’s CGI got to offer you? ANSWER: An entirely NEW programme! It will be designed by, and for, your peer group and will include things like fun group activities, travel opportunities and challenging cv-enhancing educational options, and much more... in fact, whatever you want it to be!
So if this sounds like something you’d be interested in, why not contact our National Commissioner for Development, Maria Travers, and join the team to create the programme that will shape the future of CGI. development@girlguidesireland.ie
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INTERNATIONAL One of the largest events for Rangers and Rovers (16-22 age group) across Europe will take place in the Netherlands this summer. Roverway 2018 is looking like it could be the best Roverway yet. Once again, we have one CIGA contingent attending and have participants and IST from both CGI and IGG taking part. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Fiona Gaule (Head of Contingent) all the best with the preparations and the second contingent weekend in March. And to the whole contingent, have a fantastic experience. From personal experience, I guarantee, it will be like no other! Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2018 February is our month to celebrate being part of one of the largest female organisations in the world, though no one says we can’t celebrate that all year round! On the 22nd February each year, World Thinking Day (WTD), Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world take time to recognise the impact of being part of such a worldwide movement. This Guider’s Link gives you more details about the WTD Fund and how the fund is used to further the work of WAGGGS and help girls and young women experience guiding. Also, the WTD 2018 Pack, sent out with the previous Guider’s Link, contains lots of ideas on activities for WTD and to raise awareness of the fund. In 2018, I encourage you all to hold events within your unit, area or region to celebrate WTD. The important thing is to get together to recognise the day and being part of such an important movement. There have been various changes in WAGGGS over the past two years, the world bureau staff restructuring and the new WAGGGS brand launch. Last year, WAGGGS CEO Anita Tiessen announced she would be leaving and so the process began to find her replacement. For the first time, a panel of young women were brought together to participate in the selection of the new CEO, acknowledging the feedback at the World Conference in relation to encouraging young women to become more involved in the decision making within WAGGGS. In December 2017, WAGGGS announced Sarah Nancollas as their new CEO, with Sarah due to take up the position on 5 March. Sarah has been Chief Executive, for the past 19 years, of a number of high profile charities and has a very successful track record in leading successful complex change and development. Sarah’s appointment signals a very exciting new era for WAGGGS and we would like to wish her well in her new role.
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This past year was another busy year with the WAGGGS World Conference, the initial preparations for Roverway 2018 along with other international opportunities given to our members through seminars and training events. In 2017, we had regional trips and individual groups travelling abroad with some visiting the World Centres, Denmark, Switzerland, Holland and France to name but a few. Many of these have been reported on in the Guider’s Link, please make sure to watch out for these and sign up when you see opportunities in the future. Given events that have taken place across the world in the past year, I understand that leaders can be apprehensive about taking groups abroad. Now more than ever, it is important for us to ensure that we don’t stop doing what we love and doing what we know will give our girls opportunities to grow and experience the world and to see that it is more than what they see on the news or read online. Don’t forget to start planning for future International opportunities; camps, visits to World Centres, set the seeds now and encourage your girls to start a saving scheme. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for any support or advice. I encourage everyone to seek out at least one International adventure in 2018, it could be linking up with a unit from another country or having a World Centre themed night, you don’t have to travel to experience International Guiding. But if you can, get out there and go somewhere new and find a place in the world that you feel at home though you could be 1000s of kms away. I wish you all a great World Thinking Day and look forward to hearing about what you did to mark the day. Louise Browne. International Commissioner international@girlguidesireland.ie
The World Thinking Day Fund Explained It all started in 1932 when Lady Olave Baden-Powell wrote a letter to all Girl Guides and Girls Scouts asking them to spare a penny to support Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting to grow. The idea is simple: one coin might not seem like a lot but 10 million coins can grow our Movement and the potential of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world. "There are a million of us. I am not good at arithmetic and I will not make any calculations which may not come true. But a penny, or two cents, or four annas or enough centimes or groschen or Heller or Filler or ore to make the same value, is not an immense amount, especially when it is perhaps saved or earned and given with a willing hand." Lady Olave Baden-Powell, 1 November 1932 Do we have to make a donation to the WTD fund each year? No, you don't have to make a donation but every cent counts, as Lady Baden-Powell said, so if each unit donated just one weeks subs, or 50c per girl, imagine what that could add up to and what impact that could have.
at a training event in Nigeria • €25 could provide a travel allowance for a Guide in Portugal to attend a training event Here are a few stories of how WTD Fund donations are used by WAGGGS to enable girls to reach their fullest potential.
World Thinking Day Fund in numbers
WORLD THINKING DAY 2017 - GROW
• Over £2,000,000 raised globally since 2005
One of the most important ways in which WTD Fund donations are used is to enable WAGGGS' dedicated staff team to continue producing the World Thinking Day programme, making fun, quality and accessible activities available to everyone, and uniting everyone in celebration of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting!
• 104 countries have contributed to the WTD Fund since 2005 • £117,000 donated to the WTD Fund in 2016 How are donations used? Donations to the WTD Fund are used across WAGGGS, where the need is greatest. With 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 146 countries, there is always a great need for the support of our members. Your coins can be found in so many WAGGGS activities. Some are used for printing curriculums for Leaders, some sponsor members to attend training events and some make up the grants given to Guides and Girl Scouts to undertake projects in their communities. They help us to develop exciting, new programmes which allow girls around the world to learn about issues relevant to them. Your donations enable us to provide special support to National Associations so that Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting reaches even more girls around the world and remains relevant and fun. What your individual donations could help fund: • $0.40 could buy a badge for a member in Costa Rica • £1 could print a handbook for a Leader in Sri Lanka • ¥1000 could pay for a participant’s dinner for 5 nights
In 2017; · 115 countries took part in World Thinking Day celebrations, including our own event at Gormanston. The most countries recorded in a single year to date! · More than 70% of the members who took part in the WTD activities invited a new friend to join our movement · At least 6,110 members across the world planted trees as part of the #LetsGrow a tree challenge · The WTD Activity Pack was translated into 14 languages · WTD was one of the most popular global conversations, trending on Twitter for 7 hours.
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THE JULIETTE LOW SEMINAR In May 2016, 65 young women from 50 countries made their way to Kusafiri World Centre in Ghana for the Juliette Low Seminar ( JLS), which is WAGGGS’ flagship leadership development programme for young women. JLS focuses on developing girls into Leaders, both as Girl Guides/Scouts and as independent young women, so that they can take the lead in their communities and in their world. A number of these participants received support from the WTD Fund to be able to attend and participate in this special event. With a theme of “Transforming Our World”, participants explored concepts such as personal development, leadership, change and transformation in the community. They also had the opportunity to visit some fantastic local projects and witness community action up close, gaining inspiration for what they could achieve in their communities.
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence takes place from 25 Nov - 10 Dec each year. The aim is to raise awareness about the issue of violence against girls and women, ensure everyone knows how they can advocate for change and take action to stop the violence, and highlight the role WAGGGS takes in helping to do this. To mark 16 Days of Activism in 2016, WAGGGS launched its own campaign, titled 16 Ways in 16 Days. The campaign highlighted 16 actions anyone can take to stop the violence. Stories from Membership Organisations around the world, focusing on ‘Stop the Violence’ and the ‘Voices Against Violence’ Curriculum, were shared across the website, traditional and social media. WAGGGS’ first-ever global news story was developed in collaboration with U-Report and gained significant media coverage on the BBC. Advocacy campaigns which equip girls with the skills to speak out for themselves and their communities are vital for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Your support allows us to develop these campaigns and work with girls around the world to bring them to life and to bring real and lasting change.
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New Countries Campaign The WTD Fund has allowed WAGGGS to reach more girls and young women around the world. The generous donations received over the last two years helped to fund important work including the Rapid Response project – which took Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting to new countries. Expanding into a new country is a challenging but rewarding process. We believe that the benefits for girls and young women in these countries are worth the effort - improving their life opportunities and potential while strengthening and growing the worldwide Movement. WAGGGS Vision 2020 is to grow to 12 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 154 countries. Thanks to generous supporters, more girls and young women can be a part of our Movement.
ALBANIA A pilot social entrepreneurship programme in Albania was initiated at the Training of Trainers event in 2016. A total of 34 participants attended the event, along with Peace Corps volunteers and their Albanian counterparts. The ambition is to deliver programmes in schools and youth centres through until next year. ETHIOPIA Ethiopia has enjoyed two Free Being Me training sessions so far. Training sessions took place in July 2016 with over 30 girls attending. There are plans to conduct further Free Being Me sessions, due to a wealth of positive feedback. MOZAMBIQUE A visit to Mozambique was conducted to explore the possibility of setting up Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting activities. Prior to the visit, potential champions and stakeholders were identified and meetings were organised, to ensure they were clear on how to develop plans. Champions showed an impressive level of commitment. They attended every session and were actively engaged in activities and information sessions. Everyone was pleased with the process and a powerful framework, both in terms of the diversity of trainers and the training process, is in development.
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A few words from WAGGGS members on what they have gained from Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting… “A lot of my passion and drive is down to the Girl Guiding Movement. It’s made me stand up and speak out in the face of adversity. It’s given me understanding and the tools to grow up and be part of this society. If I hadn’t had this experience, I might not have become a teacher and I wouldn’t have been educating boys and girls about why violence has to stop.” Stefania, Italy “Girl Guides across Fiji deserve to know their rights when it comes to violence. Last year, about 200 Girl Guides participated in activities. They were empowered to speak out in the face of violence. Thanks to the training, Girl Guides gained increased knowledge and the confidence to discuss issues around violence that affect them at school, within their home and community.” Ditainivanuavou, Fiji “Wow! New learning - new friendships - new commitments! It is so good to connect with many other young women who share a passion for bettering the lives of young Ethiopian girls. We are committed to continue this in a spirit of ‘if it isn’t fun, it isn’t guiding’.” Loza Tsegaya, Ethiopia “The significant part of what I have today is thanks to this big family: the courageous nature, willingness to help others, being kind to the environment, trying to solve seemingly insoluble problems, seeking adventures and finding many, gaining lots and lots and lots and lots of knowledge and new skills, thirsting to thrive, having lots of friends but still making new ones. Lillit, Armenia All this and so much more is made possible thanks to your help. You can support your fellow girl guides and girl scouts around the world by raising money for the World Thinking Day Fund, and by spreading the word so that even more Girl Guides and Girl Scouts get involved. Remember, every coin given to the World Thinking Day Fund counts! If you would like to make a donation to the WTD Fund, please send in the collected monies to CGI National Office marked, World Thinking Day Fund, by the end of March and these will be collated and sent to WAGGGS as one donation from Catholic Guides of Ireland.
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World Thinking Day 2018 – Activity Pack – Activity 3 Section Flame Below is one extract from the activity pack, make sure to take a look over the full booklet, or look at previous booklets for ideas of activities to do during February to celebrate Thinking Day, or to use in your program throughout the year.
Impact in Lady Olave Baden-Powell’s message Learning Outcome: Understanding the impact of the World Thinking Day Fund Preparation: Dress up one of your leaders as Olave Lady Baden-Powell (optional). Alternatively, you can pretend that Lady Baden-Powell has sent the letter below to your group and read it on her behalf. Step 1. Tell your group that they will have an opportunity to meet a very special guest and announce that the World Chief Guide is here. Lady Olave (your leader dressed up) appears and she welcomes everyone. The following letter is read by Lady Baden-Powell:
“I am very happy to celebrate my birthday with all the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world. I would like to tell you a story. This story is very special so every time I say a specific phrase you will need to do a certain movement. The phrases are:
1. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts; when I say this, you need to stand up, make the promise salute and say: ‘Be prepared’.
2. Friendship Fund: when I say this, you need to stand up, shake hands with the people near you and say: ‘Be my friend’
Are you ready?”
***Read the letter available on Page 14&15 in the WTD 2018 activity pack***
Step 2. If your group has brought their donations, ask them to create a mosaic image using the coins. You can take a photo of this and share it with us and don’t forget to send your donations to CGI National Office for collating and sending on to WAGGGS. Most importantly, don’t forget to get your badge once you’ve completed the challenges!
CIGA Committee The CIGA, Council of Irish Guiding Associations, committee is made up of representatives from both CGI and IGG in the roles of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer with two ordinary members from each association. Also, the two International Commissioners sit on the committee and observers from CGI Northern Region and GirguidingUK Ulster attend. Here’s a photo of the 2017/2018 committee at the CIGA AGM held in November 2017. www.girlguidesireland.ie 21
CYGNETS Happy New Year, welcome to a new fun, exciting year of adventure for our Cygnets. I am blown away with all your entries for the Cygnet Christmas competition. Thank you all for participating in the competition. Happy World Thinking Day. Here are some ideas to add to your own. Yours in guiding Geraldine Conway National Commissioner for Cygnets
International Games Corre, Corre le Guaraca
Sumatra: Semut, Orang, Gajah
This game is from Chile and the only equipment needed is a handkerchief or neckerchief.
This game comes from Indonesian Island, it is similar to the game rock, paper, scissors.
How to Play
How to play
Players sit in a circle while a runner jogs around the outer rim with a handkerchief / neckerchief. The seated kids are not allowed to watch. They sing "Corre, Corre, la Guaraca who looks back will be bopped on his head!" Trying not to be felt, the runner drops the handkerchief / neckerchief on a child's back and runs. If she makes it around the circle before the player realizes that it's on her back, the seated player is out. If the seated player catches on, she must tag the runner. If she succeeds, the runner is out. If she fails to tag him, they play again, but this time player 2 is the runner.
Players pump their fist up and down to the count of three. On four, they straighten their arm and give one of three signs: Pinky out is "ant" (semut), pointer finger out is "man" (orang), and thumb out is "elephant" (gajah). The elephant beats man because it is stronger; man defeats the ant because he can step on it and squash it. And the ant? It can crawl into the elephant's ear, bite him, and drive him crazy, so the ant beats the elephant. If players make the same signs, they go again. Two out of three wins.
International Crafts Chinese Red Envelopes
Australia – Make a Dididgeridoo
Chinese red envelopes are commonly given out during the Chinese New Year, this year is the year of the dog and will be celebrated on the 16th of February. The envelopes are made from the colour red as it symbolises fire and fire is thought to ward off bad luck. During the Chinese New Year, they are given out by married couples to small children, teenagers, and single adults inside the envelopes money is placed.
Materials:
Materials • Red card or paper with template printed on them • Scissors • Glue • Chocolate coins
•
paper tube (wrapping paper, paper towel)
•
white paper
• crayons •
transparent tape
Instructions: 1. If you are using more than one paper towel roll, tape them together to form a single long tube. 2. Cut as many pieces of white paper as you need to cover so that each piece wraps once around the paper tube.
Method
3. Make your "aboriginal art" design on the paper or pieces of paper that you will use to cover the tube.
1. Print a template for each girl
4. Cover your tube with your design and tape it in place.
2. Cut out and glue together to form the envelope
5. Listen to some Australian music and play along
3. Add in the chocolate coin and the girl and their family with have good luck. 22 Guiders Link Vol. 4
Valentine’s Day Krispy Treats Ingredients •
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 bag strawberry heart marshmallows or any marshmallows •
4 Tbsp butter, plus extra to butter pan
•
1 bag white chocolate chips
•
Valentine’s Day sprinkles
Instructions
3. Pour the Rice Krispies in the bowl and mix well with the marshmallow. Put the mixture into the 9×13 pan and wet down your hand with water to press the mixture evenly in the pan. Add the sprinkles to the top of the treats. Cover and cool in the fridge for about an hour. 4. Cut into squares and place on greaseproof paper. Melt the white chocolate at 30 second intervals, stirring after each 30 seconds. Dip the bottom third to half of each treat into the chocolate and place upside down on the greaseproof paper to cool.
1. Butter the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Melt 4 Tbsp butter completely and put it in a large, microwavable mixing bowl. Throw the marshmallows in over the butter and stir them around to coat in the butter. 2. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave for another 30 seconds and stir. The marshmallows should be melted by now but if not, place them in the microwave for a few more seconds until they’re nice and melted.
When getting out and about for Impact, maybe have a campfire why not learn a few new songs along the way. Every Morning Cock-a-doodle Doo (French) Action Song 1. Every morning Cock-a-doodle doo, cock-a-doodle doo!
3. I do the dance like the rooster, I do the dance like the rooster I do the dance like the rooster, I do the dance like the rooster I do the dance like the rooster, I do the dance like the rooster!
Every morning Cock-a-doodle doo, cock-a-doodle doo!
Actions to the song 1.Clap while singing the first verse.
2. Pam Pam Pam, pam pam pam, Cock-a-doodle doo!
2. On "Pampampam" - Flap your arms like a rooster.
Pampampam, pampampam,
3. Cock-a-doodle doo - Put your hands in front of your mouth like you're cock-a-doodle-doo-ing.
Cock-a-doodle doo!
4. Dance like a rooster while flapping your "wings"!
Cygnet Competion Well done to all the Cygnets who entered the competition it was very had to choose. The winners are Cara Grimes St. Colmcilles Magherafelt. Molly O'Neill Buion Naomh Brid. Kayla Murphy Wexford Town Unit. www.girlguidesireland.ie 23
BRIGÍNÍ Welcome back to another packed term – this term brings the start of 2018, the 2018 winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, Valentine’s Day, pancake Tuesday, Easter and of course World Thinking Day! That’s a lot to squeeze in to this term!.. Here are a few ideas to try out with your units.
Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeong Chang, South Korea 9th to 25th February
Host your own Olympic games! Divide the girls into groups and give them the name of a country taking part in this years games.
Mascot Designs The mascots for this years games are called Soohorang and Bandabi. Why not have a go at creating your own mascot for your group?
Sock Skating
In the slippiest room in the house, ask the girls to take off their shoes. Wearing only socks, get the girls to partake in ‘speed skating’ relays.
Figure skating
Give the girls a piece of music (may I suggest “Bolero” for the authentic Torville and Deane experience?) and ask them to choreograph a routine to it to be performed in their stocking feet.
Sarah Browne National Commissioner for Brigini
Balloon Hockey • Balloons •
A long cardboard tube for each child playing; the one shown is from wrapping paper
•
A piece of cardboard for each tube that is approximately 8 by 6 inches, or however big you think it needs to be
•
Tape – optional, packing tape is shown
•
Large box, basket, or anything that will act as the goal
To make the hockey stick, cut two slits, approximately 3 inches long, down the sides of the paper tube: How to play balloon hockey: Smack the balloons to get them into the goal (which is the box, basket, or bag). Play!
Don’t forget to reward your winners with medals – gold for first place, silver for second place and bronze for third place.
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World thinking day games from other countries. African Zoo Race Players line up in teams at a start line. Each player on the team represents a different animal from a WAGGGS country in Africa. On a signal the first person runs to a marker and returns tapping the next runner. The animals are: • • • • • •
centre calls out two regions and everyone with those names tries to change places while the caller also tries to get a spot. The person left without a spot is the new caller. Sometimes the caller might call “WAGGGS” at which point everyone must trade spots.
Variations: Use the names of the World Centres – Our Chalet, Pax Lodge, Our Cabana, Sangam; and call out Elephants from Central Africa or Liberia – player World Centres for all to change spots. holds arm in front like a trunk and swings it World Shopping Charades from side to side while running
Ostriches from Namibia – players grasp the back Equipment: List of shopping items of their knees with their hands while running This game can be played in small or larger groups. The Hares from Senegal – hop putting hands on the girls pretend they are shopping in a country where no one understands their language which means they will floor between each jump have to act out what they want to buy. A girl goes to Zebras from Zambia or Zimbabwe – race pawing the leader who tells them what item they need to buy the air with their front ‘hooves’ (i.e. dog with long ears; two piece swim suit; soccer ball; Bees from Uganda – run turning in small circles donkey; hamster; milk shake; hot dog with mustard etc). The girl returns and acts it out until someone guesses; as they go then the next girl takes a turn. Baboons from Tanzania or South Africa – hunch Barefoot Soccer forward and swing their arms as they run
World Regions or World Centres
Children in South Africa and many other African countries play soccer, but they don’t wear soccer cleats or sneakers; instead they kick the ball with bare feet. Play on a soft lawn and scan the ground for rocks, sticks and other sharp objects first.
This is a variation of the old game ‘Upset the Fruit Basket’. The girls stand or sit in a circle. Each is given the name of a WAGGGS Region (Western Hemisphere, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Arab or Europe). One person in the
Brigin friendship challenge badge.
Original
g a good f ein
nd rie
For b
The winner of the Brigin Friendship Badge design is Isabella Walsh from Buion Caitriona in Tallaght.
Badge Design
www.girlguidesireland.ie 25
GUIDES HANDMADE SWEETHEARTS How about making some simple Sweet Treats and giving them as Valentines gifts. the icing ball. Now knead this until the colour is even, adding more food dye if a deeper shade is desired. 4.Next divide the icing ball into 26 pieces and cover with cling film, then take one and roll out into thin sausage about 20cm long. And then bend around to make a heart shape. Joining the ends together. 5.Place on a lined baking tray and repeat with the rest of the icing. Leave overnight to harden. ***Another alternative is to make small coloured message hearts: Ingredients
Follow above method up to and including step 2, then
700g
Icing sugar
3.Separate the mix into 4 smaller batches
2
Egg white(s) (free range)
100g
Liquid glucose
2 tsp
Strawberry extract
Red food colouring
Blue, Green & Yellow Food Colouring
4.Dip a cocktail stick into the red food dye and dot onto the icing ball. Now knead this until the colour is even, adding more food dye if a deeper shade is desired. Wrap in cling film and leave to one side. Repeat with remaining icing balls for the Blue, Green & Yellow Food Colouring.
Method 1. Place the icing sugar, egg whites, liquid glucose and strawberry extract into a food processor and mix together until it forms a firm ball, with a similar texture to plasticine. Add more icing sugar if needed to achieve the right consistency. Alternatively whisk together by hand. 2. Lightly dust your work surface with icing sugar and knead the icing until smooth.
5.Roll out each icing ball to a thickness of about 2cm and using a Heart shaped cookie cutter cut out hearts. 6.Using a cocktail stick dipped in food colouring write simple messages on each heart in different colours. 7.Place on a lined baking tray and repeat with the rest of the icing. Leave overnight to harden. 8.Once hardened wrap a few hearts of different colours and messages in some cellophane and tie with some ribbon.
3.Dip a cocktail stick into the red food dye and dot onto
Song: Reese’s peanut butter cup Leader: Campers: Leader: Campers: Leader: Campers: Leader: Camper: CAMPER: EVERYONE: CAMPER: EVERYONE: CAMPER:
Reese’s peanut butter cup Reese’s peanut butter cup We sing this song to pump us up We sing this song to pump us up Wham bam choo choo train Wham bam choo choo train Come on “ Unit Name”, do your thing Come on “ Unit Name”, do your thing I can’t why not? I can’t why not? I just can’t
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EVERYONE: why not? CAMPER: My back’s too sore, (action: put a hand on your back) The sun’s too hot, (action: put hand up your forehead) My booty shakes from the left to the right (action: shake booty left and right) EVERYONE: To the left, to the right To the left, to the right Left, right, left, right, left, right, left, right Try replacing the action lines with other lines eg. My belts too tight.
Easter Egg Garlands You will need: Card in various colours / patterned paper Scissors Stapler Needle and some Thread Attached Template (template can be enlarged) What to do: 1.
Start by printing out the egg templates below. Select 4-5 different sheets of patterned and plain paper that you like.
2.
Stack them together and place the egg template on top (pic 1)
3.
Cut around the template, and through all layers of the paper (pic 2)
4.
Stack your egg layers (about 4/5) together and staple them together in the middle as shown (pic 3).
5.
Unfold your egg (pics 4&5) pressing down each layer.
6.
Make a hole at the top with the sewing needle and attach a piece of thread for hanging.
Try making eggs of different sizes and stringing them together in a long line. You can cut out any shape you want – Hearts for Valentine’s Day for example.
Heart Door Sign You will need: Old Jigsaw Pieces Red / Pink / White Paint Glue / Hot Glue Gun Ice Cream Sticks Black Marker Wool What to do: 1. Start by painting 6 or 7 Ice Cream sticks on both sides with the white paint. 2. Paint several jigsaw pieces with the Red / Pink Paint. 3. Allow to dry. 4. Lay the ice cream sticks down side by side on a flat surface.
by placing another ice cream stick diagonally across the back. 6. Using the painted jigsaw pieces create a heart shape in the centre of the front of the ice cream sticks, gluing them in place as you go. 7. Write a message of your choice on the door sign. 8. Make a hanging loop on the back of the sign using the wool. Alternatively you can cut out a heart shape as a template to stick onto your door sign, and add the jigsaw pieces to this. You can use other materials such as pasta / rice, coloured paper.
5. Secure with the hot glue gun
www.girlguidesireland.ie 27
RANGERS Hi All, Hope you all had a great Christmas and wishing everyone the best for 2018. We are in the planning process for this year’s Ranger weekend. Please let us have your ideas and suggestions so that we can plan a programme to suit your needs and interests. Please send these to rangers@girlguidesireland.ie
RANGER WEEKEND 01 8 Novem ber, 2 h t d -4 n 2 , y Centre Carne Holida W exford Carn e, Co. s port + €1 5 tran 0 5 € t o s C
Patricia Derwin, National Commissioner for Guides
COMPETITION ho ew g e n i s d i o s. f Gu tition t 0 year o s 9 year compe e past 0 9 h a t g ng rati runnin d over b e l e e re c we are s chang a I G a d ar C in min iding h e y t u This ith tha how g t so w nd ou fi can
This c to ra an be do nger s@g ne by ph o irlgu idesi to or vi relan d d.ie eo. Pleas by 5 th A e send y Example ideas: o pril, 2018 ur entri How has the uniform, games or es . progamme changed over the years.
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CHOICES How is you Ranger programme working for you? If you are finding it difficult to plan activities why not join up with other groups in your region to share ideas and activities. There are plenty of ideas in the Ranger ‘Get with it Programme’, this can be purchased in the Scout Shop cost €10.00.
On November 10-12th we attended the National Ranger Weekend, it was the first time anyone from our unit had attended a national event as we’re only a new unit since September, so we were really happy to be the first.
NATIONAL RANGER WEEKEND 12th November 10th to ange, Co. Louth r G New
Ranger Weekend was held in Newgrange, and unfortunately even though we were close to the heritage site we didn’t get to visit it. We were lucky that we had nine Rangers from our unit going and two of our leaders came along too, unfortunately for the three girls from Cork they got to share a room with us. When we got there on Friday evening it was cold and dark, we were allocated rooms and then we had some ice-breaker games in the tv room, it was fun getting to know the girls from different parts of the country and we all made some new friends there. We were encouraged to do a bit of crafting but mostly we just chatted and got to know each other.
On Saturday morning we started off with some samba drumming and it certainly woke us up and got us moving; we got to try out a number of different instruments each and it was a great laugh. Next on the agenda we were split into two groups, the first one had a make-up lesson with Alanna and the others did a Pound session with Sarah-Jane and then we switched over so everyone got to do both things. The make-up was great and we got to watch Alanna apply make-up and ask her some questions about it. The Pound session was fabulous, but the next day we were all so sore we couldn’t walk properly. During the afternoon we had a personal safety session with Nick and Alex. They were brilliant about explaining to us about our personal space and boundaries and how we shouldn’t be afraid to ask people to move away, back up or stop touching us. Then they brought out the punch bags and showed us how to use them and that was the best bit, we all loved punching as hard as we could to see who could do the most damage. Saturday evening after dinner we had the Great Ranger Bake Off, where we were divided into groups and given a cake that we had to come up with a theme and decorate. We were given lots of different types of icing and toppings for the cakes and we let our imaginations run wild, it was great fun. Saturday night some girls went upstairs to the tv room and watched Ireland play rugby and soccer matches and the rest of us made a lovely glass and candle craft for Christmas, most of us decided to bring them home and put them away and give them to our moms for Christmas. Sunday morning we had a short Guide’s Own ceremony and then we did some group work, we were split into tables and given different scenarios and asked to discuss them and how we’d react and what advice we’d give to a friend in the different situations and then we had to present our thoughts to the main group. It was a really interesting session and some of the scenarios certainly made us think about what we would do. We had a prize giving for the Bake Off and for the memory boxes we had made on Friday night, we had some lunch, cleaned up and then said goodbye to our new friends and went home, tired but happy to have completed our first Ranger Weekend. We’re hoping the next one will be an international. Aine, Ayesha, Amelia, Catherine, Emma, Hollie, Johanna, Katelyn and Leah Buion Naomh Brid, Rathnew www.girlguidesireland.ie 29
TRAINING Let me start by wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2018. The beginning of a new year is filled with hopes and expectations and that is exactly how I’m going to approach Training this year. I’m hoping that I can get a strong National Team established with representatives from all regions. I appreciate that at times Training can be quite a thankless job because while trainers work hard to provide the best training available, Guiders don’t always avail of the opportunities being given to them. This is not a criticism because I know how hard Guiders all over the country work and how precious your free time is. I know that we have to provide training that is up to date and relevant so that it is of use to you in your sections and possibly in your own lives. My intention is that you enjoy the training we provide and not “waste your time.” As a consequence I want the National Training Team to work together to slim line courses, cut out repetition and provide training that not only improves how we deliver programmes but also to make it enjoyable for all sections including the Guiders. An exciting development we hope to introduce this year is to provide workshops, initially for trainers, but eventually for all regions in STEM activities. STEM promotes technology to young people, especially girls, in the hope that they would take an interest and possibly pursue a relevant career in the future. It is my wish that as well as providing training in this very worthwhile area, we can also provide resources and start up kits for each region that provides trainers for the initial training. You will also got access to techspace network. This shows us the different activities that are taking place throughout Ireland that the guide units are welcome to attend. I am really excited about this new direction we are moving in because we want to send our members out as confident young women who are going to make a difference in the world. It’s 100 years this year since women got the vote. We’ve made a lot of progress since 1918 but there’s always room for improvement! I’m looking forward to meeting as many trainers and Guiders this year as possible. Yours in Guiding Eilish Smyth National Commissioner for Training
National Training Dates
30 Guiders Link Vol. 1
STEM Training Weekend
23rd.-25th. March 2018
Closing Date for Applications
28th February
The CGI Badge Review Hi Everyone! My name is Gillian Garvey, I am the Members' Council representative of the National Executive Board and what I hope to have achieved by the end of my three year term is a complete overhaul of our Merit badges. The following is just an update on what is currently going on with the merit badges. What is it? At the last National Council meeting, a motion to review the design, criteria and range of merit badges was passed. As a result, merit badges for Brigins and Guides are currently under review, primarily by Members' Council. As our members are the ones earning the badges, their voices are taking the lead in this initiative. The overall goal is to provide a sustainable, relevant selection of merit badges for members of CGI.
merit badges were ranked according to relevancy, criteria and design. The five badges that were ranked highest and ranked lowest were discussed in greater detail. The design of badges was also considered, particularly regarding brighter colours and cohesiveness of the designs being a priority. It was agreed by Members' Council to give an opportunity to our members to design new badges. This is being introduced in this issue of the Guider’s Link and the plan is to run the competition for the next year. Badge Retirement As some of our current badges are outdated and not relevant to our members' interests, keep an eye out for badge retirements coming soon. Badges that will be retired are badges deemed completely irrelevant to many of our Members' interests. Advice on different uses for retired badges is included below.
What are the compounding factors to the Badge Review?
How to use old Merit Badges
There is still a stock of badges in the Scout Shop, this also doesn’t account for the stocks in Unit Badge boxes. The CHOICES programmes are also under review and typically merit badges are incorporated into section programmes
- Badge related crafts
What are the Major considerations of the Badge Review? The three major considerations for the review are design, criteria and relevancy. What progress has been made so far? The first section of the Badge Review was undertaken at the Members' Council weekend. All Brigin and Guide
- Make Campfire blanket/ swap packs - Have a badge fundraiser – sell merit badges to raise funds for charity - Play games with them Design A Badge As part of the Merit Badge Review, we are looking for our wonderfully creative members to get their thinking caps on and create new badge ideas for consideration. All members (Cygnets, Brigins, Guides, Rangers, Guiders) are eligible to enter ideas for badges of all sections. Badge designs will be reviewed by the Members' council and also a panel of independent leaders. May the odds be ever in your favour!
Design A Badge Name:_____________________________________ Age:______________________________________ Unit:______________________________________ Unit Leader:________________________________ Region:____________________________________ County: ___________________________________ Badge Name: _______________________________ Section the Badge is For:______________________ (Draw in the space provided or attach a separate image)
Criteria for earning the badge: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________
www.girlguidesireland.ie 31
OUTDOORS Great to see so many units getting out and about over the Christmas. As we head in to spring and start to plan for camp- its time to start building the Guides Outdoor skills. This months feature is around Fire building/lighting! Remember the safety rules and have the marshmallows ready. Arlene Griffin National Commissioner for Outdoors.
Fire Craft Now we will start to tackle one of the biggest topics in Backwoods. Fire. When a Guide is too young to be actively involved with fire the Guide must still know: don’t, play around fire, poke the fire, or come near the fire and follow all the fire master’s instructions. As the Guide gets older we can involve them in fire setup. The Guide helps make a fire site and gathers materials but they don’t have to light a fire themselves.
Fire Safety Check list:
Or
1. First Aid kit
A hand-full of match-sticks
2. Trained First Aider
A hand-full of pens
3. Ground is not peaty/boggy
A hand-full of fin-gers
4. Water bucket and fire blanket next to the fire area
and we do it all again!
5. 1/2 barrel or other safe fireplace
Put down some logs to keep the firewood off the ground (keeps it dry). Then place five stakes a foot heigh and about 3/4 of a foot apart. The fifth stack should be about 2 foot away from the others. (Fuel Wood pile)
6. A circle of radius 1 meter around fire and 4 meters above the fire are clear of burnable material (grass, leaves, branches, etc.) 7. Water source near by 8. Leader must go through safe fire practices and get scouts to show they know them every time. Materials If our fire will succeed or fail is decided before it is lit, if we don’t have the right materials our fire will fail. 1. A football sized pile of matchstick sized wood. (tiny twigs, feather sticks, etc.) 2. A football sized pile of pencil thick sticks.
Dead Standing Wood
3. A pile of thumb to 2 finger thick sticks about the size of a football.
When everything is wet we can still find dry firewood inside dead wood that is held up off the ground. Dead Standing Wood
Firewood Rhymes: If you are working with Cygents or Brigins, a rhyme may help them learn what types of wood to gather; for examples: Match-stick, pen-cil, thumb, (X2) When we want to light a fire Its Match-stick, pen-cil, thumb!
32 Guiders Link Vol. 1
Here we have lots of dead spruce branches still attached to the tree. These will almost always be dry.
Here we have a small dead tree propped up against a larger tree. The inside of this will always be dry; so long as the tree has not rotted completely. Collecting enough toothpick sized timber can be very time consuming. If we can find spruce trees we can grip the pencil thickness branches and pull outward; the toothpick sized twigs will break in our hands as we pull so we end up with a handful of toothpick sized wood very quickly. A similar trick works with dead birch branches. This method does not work on most types of trees though. We never remove all the dead wood from an area! Fire Site Where we put our fire and the area around it is very important. When we light a fire we must have the explicit permission of the land owner. We build our fire near a water source and we have a bucket of water beside the fire at all times. Clearing a circle of at least 1 meter radius around the fire and 4 meters above the fire of branches, dead leaves, dry grass, etc. is essential We must keep the wind in mind too; if it is blowing in a particular direction then we clear even more area down wind. When we have cleared the ground we lay down a fire blanket and cover it with at least 5 inches of mineral earth (clay or sandy soil) which is often found at rivers or under the roots of fallen trees. (You can use your water bucket to collect the earth). We could also us a 1/2 barrel; in that case we would prop the barrel off the ground using rocks or logs at the corners.
If we are using a ring of stones around our fire keep in mind that they can explode. Make sure you don’t take the stones from rivers. Avoid putting fires on the ground except at organised sites on official campsites. Getting ready to light a fire At this level we can introduce the teepee fire and the idea that split wood and shaved wood burns much better than round branches because the dry wood is brought to the surface and cut wood has more surface area. The Fire Lay On top of our nonburnable surface we place a raft of sticks to keep our materials dry and help let air in under the young fire. The teepee fire is the best known way to start a fire. We make a cone shaped pile of wood with the toothpick sized wood in the middle and the bigger sticks further out. To make it easier to form the cone we can half break small sticks and make a rough frame to build around. We often make the teepee when the tinder is already lit. We use the teepee shape because it allows the flames to rise up along the wood; this dries and heats the woods very effectively. General Tips Here are some things that may help when you are doing fires with your Guides. Lean - Take a large log and we lean our materials against it so the flames can rise up along them like in the teepee. We use this method to guide the wind into or away from our fire depending on the conditions. Plough - We can stick a small branch into the ground at about 30 degrees and lean our materials along it. Again this either protects the fire from wind, if the back is to the wind; or guides the wind into the fire to give lots of air if the open end faces the wind. Cut Out - This is a method of making a fire sight that we would only use in a field with good mineral earth (clay or sand). Carefully cut out a circle about one meter in diameter; break the circle into four. Every cut we make with the shovel we leaver the ground up a bit, this makes removing the sods much easier. Water the sods twice a day. www.girlguidesireland.ie 33
Blowing on the Fire - When we blow on a fire to give it more oxygen we keep our backs to the wind and we blow with a long, steady breath into the base of the fire. Using Matches - To light a match hold the end with your thumb and index finger and support the head with your middle finger. Strike the strip on the box and then hold the match with the head pointing down.
Tinder - There are several things other than feather sticks we can use to get our first flame. Birch bark has oils in it that make it very flammable. Only take peeling bark from birches. If you cut the bark off you may kill the tree.
If it is windy we stand with our backs to the wind and loosely cup our hands around the lit match to protect it.
Another way to use a match is to get some tinder (dry grass, a small feather stick, etc.) and hold the match against this as you strike it. This means the match head lights the tinder as well as the match stem and gives a much better flame than the match by itself.
The sap that bleeds from the wounds in spruces and pines burns brightly and for a long time. Dry grass and weed stems will usually make good tinder. They are often found at the edges of fields and fences. The toothpick sized branches from birch and spruce will light easily with a match.
Final Notes
Fat Wood - Fat wood is wood that has a lot of sap in it. It burns extremely well with a bright flame. We can find it in the dead lower branches of pine and sometimes spruce. The resinous wood is redish and smells strongly of pine. Break the dead branches out of the trunk of the dead pine and spruce trees. We never take all of the branches from a tree. 34 Guiders Link Vol. 1
With a complicated idea like fire it is often a good idea to decide on a particular method and one way of describing it. Once this is mastered the Guides can experiment with other setups. Finally, Guides never have bonfires; our fires are well made and discrete. In all our fire making it is good to remind our Guides of an old saying: “Red man make small fire and sits close; white man makes big fire, and sits far away�
National Council 2018 'HDU *XLGHU Hope all is well with you and that you are settling into our 90th year of Guiding. I just wanted to drop you all a note about National Council and the importance it plays in the Guiding year. This year’s National Council is on Saturday 21st of April in the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, Co. Dublin. We would love to see as many Guiders as possible at this year’s National Council, so we would appeal to you to contact your Regional Officers and put your name down as a delegate or an observer. We need to fill all these places and have full representation at National Council. While National Council covers the business of the meeting, we also have a good blend of presentations and information events at the meeting. We are delighted to have Superintendent Sarah Meyler joining us a guest speaker. Some of you will have heard Superintendent Meyler speak at a past Chief Commissioners award ceremony and if not, heard the great reviews on her speech, we look forward to her presentation this year. The 2018 National Council will also see the launch of the 90th birthday celebrations, you never know there might be cake!!! Join us to see first-hand our calendar of events for the coming year. We will also be launching the new look Oisin Award and launching our new age section for 18 to 25 year olds, both very exciting projects that are being worked hard on as we speak. There are 7 vacant positions on the board and we would love to see new faces joining us: • Assistant Chief Commissioner • National Secretary • National Commissioner for Outdoors • National Commissioner for Development • National Commissioner for Guides • International Commissioner • National Commissioner for Rangers If you would like any information on any of these positions please contact me or your Regional Commissioner. This is just a snap shot of what we will have at National Council so please join us this year.
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TAG RUGBY This summer I had the great honour of being able to represent my country on the Irish Women’s National Tag Rugby team in both the Tri-Nation Cup and in the British& Irish Cup. I was added to the team late in the year for the position of winger & full back, which meant I had a lot of catching up to do, as most of the team had been training for over a year together. In the run up to the two Cup challenges, the team had to initially attend monthly trainings, but that soon turned to weekly trainings which took place in either Dublin, Cork or Limerick each weekend. The position I play requires a lot of running, so for the past few months I have had to keep my fitness up and aim to maintain a reasonably healthy diet. Unfortunately, it also meant I have not been able to do as many guiding trips as I am used to For those who have not heard of tag rugby, it is the non-contact version of rugby. On an international level it is played with 8 players on a pitch which is approximately half the size of a regular rugby pitch. Instead of tackling each other, a velcro tag must be removed from the shorts of the opposing teams’ player who has possession of the ball. Otherwise the concept is similar to rugby in aiming to keep possession as long as possible, gain as much ground on the pitch when you have possession of the ball, and of course- score tries!
The first challenge was the Tri-Nation cup between Ireland, Britain and Australia which takes place every 3 years. We had to play each team three times over two weekends which took place between Limerick & Dublin. We managed to beat Britain each time but lost closely to Australia each time, though in our defence- they are the best! Ireland managed to win the Tri-Nation Cup overall. Two months later was the annual British & Irish Cup where once again we had to face off against Britain 3 times over the course of a single day. Once again, we managed to pull through for three solid wins and Ireland won the B&I Cup overall. The two Cups were used as a trial for players to be chosen for the Tag Rugby World Cup that will be held in Australia 2018. I have been very lucky to have been selected for the Irish squad for 2018 so still have much more training to do over the coming months! Wish me luck!
Aoife Earl Buionn Banrionn na hEireann (Aughrim Street)
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Buion Clothra Brigins
SANTA
On December 3rd 2017 Beaumont Brigins took part in a Santa dash on Dollymount Strand in aid of a teenage girl who has a neural tube defect - encephalocele - and for her to be able to buy medical equipment. We all met in the hall at 12 were we would get into our Santa suits that Lorriane had very kindly collected them all on the Saturday for everyone. We then all headed to Dollymount strand where we met there at 12:45 getting ready for the Santa dash at 2pm. The Santa dash was 5km and all the girls were successful in finishing it up. At the end of the Santa dash the girls got to queue up to meet Santa in his igloo. The girls went in in groups of 5/6 at a time where Katie (another trainee leader was with Santa). Santa spent about 2-3 mins talking to the girls. When the last group was going in I went in with them. As the girls where leaving Santa asked for both me and Katie to stay back for a few moments so he could talk to us. He told us that he is very grateful of what we do for all the girls, how we give up our free time to be able to put a
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smile on all their faces, even if it’s only for an hour or two a week. He says that what we do isn’t appreciated enough and he wishes it was for all the hard work we do. He also said that at a certain age the girls will stop believing in Santa but will always look up to us and see us as role models for each of them, even in later life. They may not think this at the moment, but we will always be an inspiration to each of the girls. This goes up to every leader that has ever been in CGI over the many years, any girls that have gone through it look up to the leaders for inspiration. He just wished that because of all of this we were appreciated more. He finished off with saying that he wants us to keep doing what we are doing because seeing the smiles on the girls faces today he knows that they always have them on their faces each week that they come up. I felt like other leaders, apart from the leaders in Beaumont Brigins needed to hear this as they have volunteered for many years and need the recognition and to know that all your hard work and giving up your free time really is appreciated by everyone.
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COMMUNICATIONS It’s January and everyone is now back to work and school and normal life resumes once more; we hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are now ready to get back into Guiding for 2018, our very special birthday celebration year! World Thinking Day is coming around soon and the theme for this year is Impact, celebrating the impact that the girl guiding and girl scouting movement has on the lives of our members and their communities, and we’d love to see some pictures of your activities in our next Link, or indeed in our Newsletter, showing the ‘Impact’ your meetings have on your members, young and old. There are some other important dates coming around soon too; Pancake Tuesday, and why not try a Tallaght Hospital Pancake Party this year? It's a great idea for a meeting and the girls get to have fun while supporting other children and enjoying pancakes! And, of course we mustn’t forget Mother's Day which is on 11th March this year, and of course St Patrick’s Day, and if you’re taking part in any parades or festivities please send in some photos and let us all enjoy them. Let’s all get ready for a fun and eventful year in 2018. Yours in Guiding, Michelle Finnerty National Commissioner for Communications pr@girlguidesireland.ie
AROUND IRELAND NORTHERN REGION St Oliver Plunkett Lurgan Enrolment 2017 On Tuesday 28th November St Oliver Plunkett Lurgan were delighted to officially welcome new Cygnets, Brigins, Guides and 3 new leaders. We have 103 members this year and had a lovely ceremony officiated by Deacon Kevin at St Pauls church, where the unit attend the children’s mass, once a month with 5th and 6th Dromore scouts. 40 Guiders Link Vol. 1
Our Lady of Angels Paint Balling Our Lady of the Angel's guides enjoyed a paint balling trip as their Halloween treat. The girls had a great afternoon and enjoyed some Halloween treats afterwards
The Great Guide Bake Off Guides from Our Lady of the Angel's, Kilkeel have been baking up a storm competing in three rounds, nine teams in total to be crowned winners of 'The Great Guide Bake off'. Last night saw the final judged by Dolores Cunningham of Dc Cakes, Kilkeel and Natalie Young Stephenson from The Steaming Mug, Kilkeel. All of the girls have put in so much hard work, preparation and creativity dishing up some tasty treats. Last night saw Felicity Bartley, Lucia Sloan and Rosaleen Murnion awarded runners up with their zingy lemon drizzle cake. The winners were Orla Quinn, Nadine Eakins and Sophie Maginn with their luxurious chocolate fudge cake. Well done to all the Guides who took part. Quiz Night Guides from Cathedral area met up in Kilkeel tonight for a quiz. It was great to see units meeting up for a bit of fun. Thanks to Joe McBurney for writing the quiz and being the quiz master and to leaders Carole Cummins, Sharon O'Neill, Angela O'Neil & Sinead Rooney for giving up their evening to transport the girls and organise food etc. All teams did brilliant with Shrek from Loughinisland coming second and The Ballymartin Babes from Kilkeel taking first place. Well done to Sharon from Loughinisland who won the leaders round.
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St Comgalls Guide Unit St Comgall’s Brigini and Guide Unit, Bangor, have been very busy as we welcomed new members and new leaders to our unit. We attended a mass with Bishop Treanor for the Living Church to celebrate the achievements and hard work of the various groups within the Parish. We have worked hard to raise money and spread joy to those around us, helping those in need. We made some beautiful Christmas crafts and sold them at the Christmas Sale, raising an impressive £130 for Trocaire, and visited a local nursing home to sing a few well-loved Christmas carols and bring some festive cheer to the elderly. We continued our Christmas celebrations with a sleepover, where we played lots of games, create crazy hairstyles, watched movies and tried our hand at some sewing crafts. It’s always lovely to create new memories and share laughs with all the girls. Finally, we were delighted to see our leader Marie Dunwoody achieve 25 years in guiding. Marie has dedicated her time and talents to the unit, and we are all very thankful for her hard work and commitment. Well done Marie! St Comgall’s Brigini and Guides are all looking forward to 2018 and the fun experiences to come!
St. Mary’s Unit, Muff St. Mary’s Unit, Muff, Co. Donegal started back in September with all sections opening this year. Our guiding year started off with celebrations as three of our Guides together with their family and Leaders went to Woodlock Hall, DCU All Hallows, Dublin to be presented with their Chief Commissioner Awards. Congratulations to Catriona Lynch on receiving her Gold Award and to Emma Mc Callion and Melissa Mc Colgan on receiving their Silver Awards. The Unit is very proud of the girls and their achievements. Every section in the unit has been busy making Halloween and Christmas crafts throughout October and November. The Guides and Rangers made some lovely crafts to sell on our stall at the Annual Christmas Tree light up in Muff at the start of December. We also have had a fun PJ and hot chocolate night which the girls really enjoyed and of course our Fancy Dress Halloween Party where all kinds of monsters and princesses showed up on the night. On December 13th the whole Unit enjoyed a fun filled night at our local play park which was turned into Santa’s Grotto with some help from the leaders. Santa and Mrs Claus arrived on a quad much to the delight of the girls. The girls had lots to do while they waited to see Santa. They had quad rides, stories read by Mrs Clause, hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows, balloon modelling and a sing song. Every girl received a lovely gift from Santa and got to ask him some questions like Why is Rudolf's nose so red? What time will you be at my house? Would you like us to leave you out a bottle of beer? And How do you deliver all the toys to everyone in one night? It was a lovely night to end 2017 and now we are looking forward to some more good times and adventures in 2018. A big thank you to all our Leaders and parent helpers for all the hard work they do to keep our unit running and giving the girls such enjoyment throughout the year. 42 Guiders Link Vol. 1
SOUTH-WEST REGION South West Brigin and Guide Campfire in Kilcully Cathy McSweeney led an energetic campfire with all companies performing their own act. The weather held out and everyone enjoyed the evening - polished off with hot dogs around the campfire
South West Region Carol Service
South West Region St Vincent De Paul Toy Appeal
Members of the South West Region with Staff of Mount Desert Nursing Home on our 45th annual Christmas visit and Carol Service
Rangers from the South West Region with Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Tony Fitzgerald and Lady Mayoress Georgina Fitzgerald assisting with the St. Vincent De Paul Christmas Toy Appeal
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EASTERN REGION Buion Naomh Brid Buion Naomh Brid from Rathnew in County Wicklow finished off their very first term with their Cygnets and Brigini going on a Christmas Trip with Cygnets and Brigini from Buion Columbanus of Loughlinstown. The girls were all very excited as they met up at the bus on a cold Saturday morning in December, specially because they didn’t know where they were going! Both groups travelled independently to Luggwoods Estate in Saggart and after we had our wonderful Santa Experience there, we all went to the circus in Tallaght to finish off the day. It was a long day, for girls and leaders, but a great way to finish off our term.
Lorraine Kirwan receives award I was awarded the outstanding achievement award for voluntary work in the Youth Sector in Dublin. The Award was presented by the City of Dublin Youth Services Board on 17 November in the Radisson Blu Golden Lane. It was great to be there being the only CGI recipient this year.
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Leaders Visit to Dublin Zoo We usually dedicate space on these pages to the activities and exploits of our younger members, however, on the 15th December a number of leaders from the Eastern Region got together for a night out in Dublin Zoo Wild Lights exhibition. It was a freezing cold night, but as Guiders we all came prepared for that, there was lots of fun and laughter throughout the evening. The Zoo put on a wonderful show and all the leaders enjoyed it and each other’s company. It was a great end to our year, and nice to spend time together without constantly worrying about the children.
SOUTH-EAST REGION Summerhill Rapunzel Foundation This is Ella from Summerhill Guide Unit with Emily. Ella recently donated more than 14 inches of her hair to the Rapunzel Foundation.
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GARDA VETTING National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016
IT IS ILLEGAL
to volunteer with children before Garda Vetting has been confirmed by the National Vetting Bureau.
Proof of Identity and Confirmation of the current address are required BEFORE the vetting process can commence. Therefore, photocopies of these documents must accompany all applications sent to the National Office. Any application submitted to the National Office without these documents will be returned to the applicant. Applications made by anyone under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by form NVB 3 Parent/ Guardian Consent Form.
Garda Vetting Forms are available on the CGI Website or from the National Office
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CONTACTS NEB Chief Commissioner Asst. Chief Commissioner National Secretary National Treasurer Cygnets Brigíní Guides Rangers International Communications Development Training Outdoor South-Western Region Eastern Region South-Eastern Region Northern Region North-Eastern Region
chiefcommissioner@girlguidesireland.ie assistantchiefcommissioner@girlguidesireland.ie secretary@girlguidesireland.ie treasurer@girlguidesireland.ie cygnets@girlguidesireland.ie brigíní@girlguidesireland.ie guides@girlguidesireland.ie rangers@girlguidesireland.ie international@girlguidesireland.ie pr@girlguidesireland.ie development@girlguidesireland.ie training@girlguidesireland.ie outdoor@girlguidesireland.ie s.west@girlguidesireland.ie eastern@girlguidesireland.ie s.east@girlguidesireland.ie admin.nr@catholicguides.org.uk n.east@girlguidesireland.ie
Child Protection Eastern Region Catherine Monaghan Clare O’Brien South-Western Region Marion Gleeson Maria Dowling South-Eastern Region Barbara Ryan Aideen Moran Northern Region Josephine Higgins Martha Mc Grath Sarah Mc Manus Maire Mc Grath
086 2710931 086 2710953 086 2710941 086 2710950 086 2710958 086 2710952
07581644947 07581644899 07581645481 07581639739
Staff Nicola Toughey National Office Coordinator Antoinette Hosback Finance Officer Emma Lyons Administrator Eoin Hamilton Communications Administrator
nicola@girlguidesireland.ie finance@girlguidesireland.ie admin@girlguidesireland.ie communications@girlguidesireland.ie
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CGI National Office 12 Clanwilliam Terrace, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 661 9566 • Fax: (01) 676 5691 Email: admin@girlguidesireland.ie CGI Northern Region Office St. Francis De Sale, Beechmount Drive, Belfast BT12 7LU Tel: 048 9031 3639 • Fax: 048 9031 3639 Email: admin.nr@catholicguides.org.uk www.girlguidesireland.ie Charity Number: CHY 7958 Reg. Charity Number: 20018689
Funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the National Lottery.