CCA Pages 6-10
ROVERWAY 2016 Pages 28-31
2016 Vol. 4
Guider’s Link
www.girlguidesireland.ie 1
CONTENTS Chief Commissioner's Message 3 Noticeboard 4 Chief Commissioner Awards 6 Members Council 12 Cygnet Section 14 BrigĂn Section 16 Guide Section 18 Ranger Section 20 Training 22 Outdoors 24 International 28 Diversity 34 Around Ireland 38 From the Archive 46 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 January, 2017 2 Guiders Link Vol. 4
CHIEF COMMISSIONER'S MESSAGE It is hard to think that this time of year has come around again so quickly. So much has happened in the past year within Guiding in CGI that you will hear all about it at the Regional Councils/AGM’s. Decisions have been made at the NEB in connection with the Charity’s Act and work continues to ensure we are complying with the Governance Code. We continue to work to achieve our current Strategic Plan which will come to completion at the end of 2018. Work will begin on establishing the Strategic Plan 2019-2023 in January 2017. In September, I was delighted to present 31 Guides with their Chief Commissioner Award, of these 5 were Gold, 17 Silver and 9 Bronze. Once again, a big congratulations to the Guides, their Leaders and their families for all their hard work in completing the award. I wish you all a great Christmas, enjoy the pantos, ice-skating, Santa visits, etc throughout the season. The centenary celebrations are coming to an end in Ireland, what a unique year this has been remembering 1916 at various events and commemorations around the country, both in our local communities and as an organisation, now to see what 2017 brings for us all. Happy New Year to all our members.
Cecilia Browne Chief Commissioner
www.girlguidesireland.ie 3
NOTICEBOARD UPCOMING NATIONAL EVENTS National Guide Weekend
4-6th November
National Ranger Weekend
11-13th November
NEB
26th November
NEB Residential
13-15th January
Regional Outdoor Team Meeting
20-21st January
Guider Training (Step 2)
27-29th January
Guider Training (Step 3)
27-29th January
Cygnet Guider Weekend
3-5th February
World Thinking Day
18th February
REGIONAL TRAINING Defib Refresher Night (SE Region)
7th December
PL Training Weekend (SE Region)
3-5th February 2017
International Womens Day Lunch (SE Region)
12th March 2017
CPA Training (SE Region)
1st April 2017
RESOURCE DATES World Freedom Day
9th November
Universal Children's Day
20th November
World AIDS Day
1st December
Human Rights Day
10th December
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
11 January
Street Children's Day
31 January
World Cancer Day
4 February
International Safer Internet Day
8 February
International Childhood Cancer Day
15 February
World Thinking Day
22 February
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NEWS FROM THE NEB • Charities Act: The NEB voted that CGI would go with Multiple Registration for all our Units. Further details will be given at the Regional AGM’s •
A reminder was given for all leaders to keep their details updated on OGM
•
A start up grant is available for new Units (not sections within a Unit). Please contact the National Office for further information
• Payments for Registration for 2016/ 2017 are to be with the National Office by Friday 18th November
•
The next Census will be run on Wednesday 30th November 2016
•
Governance Code: CGI are compliant with the Governance Code
• CIGA AGM will be held on Saturday 12th November •
A copy of the Guiders Link will be sent to the Secretary of Regional Members Councils
•
Social Inclusion Policy signed off and available on the CGI Website
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 exact amount specified on the invoice, otherwise we will have to return your payment to you. Thank you for co-operation in this regard.
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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CHIEF COMMISSIONER AWARDS 2016 24th September the big day had finally arrived for the girls who had spent many months completing their projects for this year's CCA which took place in the Aviva Stadium.
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The guest speaker at this year’s Chief Commissioner Award ceremony was Superintendent Sarah Meyler, An Garda Síochána.
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Superintendent Meyler gave a very inspirational talk on the importance of wearing uniform correctly and emphasised to the girls and leaders at the event, that even the smallest speck of dust matters and how we should be proud to be in uniform. The audience were fully engaged with the guest speaker and you could have heard a pin drop. Superintendent Meyler continued that uniform says so much about a person and is the first thing that someone would identify with when they see you. An example given was if you see a Garda in their uniform, hopefully you see safety, protection etc. not the person wearing the uniform who enjoys hillwalking and eating chocolate.
She continued to tell the girls that when people see them in their uniforms they see a Guiding community and friendship and this is why it is so important when we belong to a uniformed organisation, to wear it correctly. Superintendent Meyler complimented the CCA recipients on the resilience they had shown in completing their projects, which she had looked at before the ceremony and she told them that this resilience will stand to them as they go through life. The importance of being part of the community came across very clearly during the speech and the various projects that the recipients had undertaken were applauded by Superintendent Meyler.
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31 Recipients, 5 of which were Gold Awards, 17 Silver Awards, and 9 Bronze. Congratulations to all!
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Dream Bike Initiative
In Ethiopia, in order to access education girls have to walk up to 2 and a half hours to get to school, at times the journey is dangerous due to wild animals and other dangers posed to young girls, so being able to get a bicycle is a great advantage in helping them access education safely.
Ireland
Ethiopia
11,586.8Km • If 5000 CGI members did 2.3 km each we would have cycled to Ethiopia, and the girls would achieve their cycling badge.
100 = 1 Bike
• It is hoped each Unit can raise 100euro to present to Child Fund International on World Thinking Day 2017
#DreamBikes
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24 Hours? Around Ireland? Find Out More in the next Guiders Link www.girlguidesireland.ie 11
MEMBERS' COUNCIL Members Council Residential 14th – 16th October 2016 A fabulous weekend was had by all girls, leaders and even myself! The last 3 weeks of anguish and trepidation paid off and everything went really well, even the sun came out for us at the right times! A huge thank you is due to so many people : To the girls for their excellent participation (despite having little or no sleep!), to the leaders from the regions: Siobhan Mullins, Nicola Mangan, Nola McGabhan, and their accompanying leaders, Aoife O’Donavan, Fay Dunne, Danielle Quinn, Dearbhail O’Connell and Deirdre Geraghty. Thanks also to Pamela Behan, who couldn’t come on the weekend but who had prepared Faye, and the girls from the Eastern Region so well. Thank you also, to Roisin Lyttle, who came along to teach the girls knots, lashings, and how to build a table, which was enjoyed by all. A huge thank you also to our Chief Commissioner, Cecilia Browne, who came to visit on Sunday and spent a very valuable few hours with us. Many thanks also to Fr. John McKenna from Scothouse village, who came early on Sunday morning to celebrate Mass with us, and our sincere apologies that we all slept in! Carol Ewings
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CYGNETS As the winter draws in, thoughts of all, and especially our Cygnets, turn towards Christmastime and the fun that will bring, and we'd like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas. And with that in mind, here are some fun activities you can enjoy:
Paper Plate Decorations Paper plates are a great resource to have in your stash - they're easy to come by and they're relatively cheap, but we can do so much with them, so here's a few Christmas crafts using paper plates.
Christmas Wreath We all know that the Christmas season officially begins when we see the wreaths on front doors, so why not make one yourself? Give each Cygnet a paper plate (you can either cut out the centre or leave it in, that's up to you) Have the Cygnets paint or colour the plates in green - or, they can cover it with strips of green paper. Then, decorate with pompoms of different size and colours. To finish it off, sprinkle some glitter glue around the edges.
Paper Angels Another quick and easy idea is a paper plate angel. Simply have the Cygnets cut out a triangle section of their plate. They can decorate the smaller section as an angel, so add in the dress decoration, arms etc; glue on a button or a circle of card for the face. Fix the angel body ont the plate, as shown, and then use some glitter glue or silver/gold paints to decorate the wings. Finish off with a golden pipe cleaner, twisted into a circle for the halo.
Paper Plate Tree! To make the tree, just have the Cygnets paint or colour their paper plate green, then cut each plate into three sections. Stick the sections onto a rectangle piece of brown paper (roughly 2 x 12inches) this becomes the tree trunk. Now, they can decorate with pompoms, sticky jewels, coloured papers etc..
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Christmas Treats We all know that a big part of Christmas is the treats, and here are some ideas for you to try, perhaps at your Christmas party, with your Cygnets. Santa Fruits
String Cheese Snowmen
A fun and healthy snack; these Santa Fruits are easy to assemble - why not have the Cygnets make them as a treat for the Brigini or Guides?
For the string cheese snowmen you're going to need: • String cheese • Orange and black markers
Take a cocktail stick and put it in a grape, next put a banana slice onto the stick, then cut the end off a strawberry (you may have to resort to frozen or canned strawberries!) and stick a cocktail stick into it. Then, finish off with a mini marshmallow as the bobble.
Music No Christmas meeting is complete without a round or two of some seasonal ditties, so why not try a few, for example:
• Ribbon (any color) • Black cardstock • Glue or glue dots Begin by cutting the snowman’s top hat out of the black cardstock, and then glue it to the top of a cheese stick. Next, tie the ribbon around the cheese stick for the snowman’s scarf. You may want to put a dab of glue here to keep the scarf firmly in place. Finally, using your markers, draw the snowman’s face and buttons.
Santa Maze
I'm A Little Christmas Tree (Sung To: I'm A Little Tea Pot) I'm a little Christmas tree, tall and straight (stand straight with hands in point over head) Here are my branches for you to decorate (wave arms around) First you put the star on the very top (mime placing star over your head) Just be careful that my balls don't drop (wiggle arms and body around)
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BRIGÍNÍ Christmas is coming and most of you will spend the final few weeks leading up to the break including some festive elements in your programme, so here are a few ideas to help you get started. And as this is our Christmas Guider's Link, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas Season!
Christmas Campfire Songs Santa Claus, Santa Claus, You are Much Too Fat! (Sung to tune of : Jingle Bells) I heard a reindeer hoof, then Santa dressed in red, Came crashing thro' the roof and landed on my bed. I thought it was a dream, but quickly did I wake, As soon as I heard Santa scream, "I want a piece of cake!" Oh, Santa Claus, Santa Claus, you are much too fat; I was sleeping peacefully but now my bed is flat. Oh! Santa Claus, Santa Claus, how much do you weigh? I'm glad I'm not a reindeer that has to pull you on your sleigh! He got up off the floor and said, "How do you do?" I said, "My back is sore, and my head is black and blue." "So sorry!" he replied, and then he asked my name. He offered me a ride, but I said, "No, thank you just the same!" Oh, Santa Claus, Santa Claus, you are much too fat; I was sleeping peacefully but now my bed is flat. Oh! Santa Claus, Santa Claus, how much do you weigh? I'm glad I'm not a reindeer that has to pull you on your sleigh! I heard a "ho, ho, ho," and the sleigh was in the sky. but it was moving slowly and it wasn't very high. It wobbled in the air, I hoped it wouldn't fall; Said Santa, chewing cookies, "Merry Christmas, one and all!" Oh, Santa Claus, Santa Claus, you are much too fat; I was sleeping peacefully but now my bed is flat. Oh! Santa Claus, Santa Claus, how much do you weigh? I'm glad I'm not a reindeer that has to pull your sleigh! Way up High on the Christmas Tree (Sung to tune of: Indians are high and mighty) Way up high on the Christmas tree (Point up) Two little candy canes winked at me (wink) So I shook that tree as hard as I could (pretend to shake tree) And down dropped those candy canes... (squat down) Mmm, Mmm, Good!! (Rub Tummy)
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Party Games Snowman Fun Brigini all place their paper plate on their head, hold it securely with one hand and the marker in the other. Guider gives a series of directions, but changes the order each time; for example: 1. Draw a line for the ground/snow 2. Draw a large snowball for the base of your snowman. 3. Create a medium sized snowball on top of the first one. 4. Cap your snowman with a small snowball for the head. 5. Draw a carrot nose. 6. Now add 2 eyes and a mouth with dots of coal. Give each girl a paper plate, have 7. Draw a scarf to keep your snowman warm them cut them in half and draw and 8. Add 2 stick arms ear on each. Then, cut some paper 9. and finally, finish your snowman by drawing a intop a strip to be used as a headband, hat on your snowman’s head. tape or staple it the correct size for each head.place Next,alleither tape, glue When complete, the snowmen on the table to admire.or staple the ears to the band, and there you have the BFG’s Ears..
Christmas Snacks Popcorn Snowmen
Oreo Cookie Santa Hats
A quick and easy treat, specially if you're going to watch a festive movie! Just get some clear plastic cups; white ones work just as well; attach some googly eyes and a small triangle of orange felt or paper, and finish off with a red ribbon for a scarf. When the snowman cup is complete, fill it up with popcorn and enjoy!
Mix a tub of cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of sugar until blended. Spoon it into a small re-sealable plastic bag and cut off one corner from bottom of bag. Pipe the mixture onto the cookies. Top with strawberries, bottom-ends up, pressing gently into cream cheese mixture to secure. Pipe remaining cream cheese mixture onto bottom tips of berries.
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GUIDES Christmas pudding anyone?
Hi Everyone, Hope you all have settled into this wonderful Guiding year. Congratulations to all the recipients who received their Chief Commissioner awards. Good look to the girls starting their projects as this years participants. It was wonderful meeting all of you at National Guide Camp 2016, the hoe down was amazing, hope you all enjoyed the weekend. Looking forward to seeing you all at the World Thinking Day event in February. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. Yours in Guiding, Geraldine Conway National Commissioner for Guides
What you will need •
12 Oreo cookies
•
200g milk chocolate
•
100g white chocolate
•
20g green fondant
•
10g red fondant
You will also need 12 lollipop sticks (flat lolly sticks) and a small holly leaf cutter. Instructions 1. First of all, you need to melt the milk chocolate. Break the chocolate into pieces and place into a microwaveable bowl. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 10-15 second bursts, stirring in between. 2. Lay a piece of baking paper onto your worktop or trays. It will be put to good use later. 3. Open the packet of Oreos and adhere the lolly sticks to the back of each Oreo. To do this, dip the top of the stick generously into the chocolate and then place it onto the 'back' of the biscuit. Place the Oreos onto the baking paper to set. Do not worry in the slightest if it looks messy as it will be covered with more chocolate later! Repeat this process 11 more times, until all the Oreos have lolly sticks attached. Leave them to set for 15-20 minutes. 4. Check that the lolly sticks have successfully attached to the Oreos before proceeding. They may
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need another few minutes to firm up. 5. Reheat the bowl of milk chocolate in the microwave for 10 seconds to loosen it, if need be. 6. Use a teaspoon to spoon the melted milk chocolate over each Oreo. Make sure the Oreos are completely coated in chocolate. 7. Place the chocolatey Oreos back onto the baking paper to set. They should set very quickly so use the time to melt the white chocolate in the same way you melted the milk chocolate. 8. Once the milk chocolate has set, you can spoon the white chocolate over the top half of each Oreo, so it resembles white icing sliding down the sides of a Christmas pudding. Leave the white chocolate to set while you make the holly decorations. 9. Simply roll out the green fondant and use your tiny holly cutter to cut out the shapes, or cut the shapes yourself. You will need to make 24 holly leaves. 10. The berries are really easy as you just need to roll the red fondant into 24 teeny tiny balls! 11. You can press the holly and berries onto the set white chocolate and they should stay firmly in place. However, you can always use a little left over melted white chocolate to 'glue' them into place.
Christmas in a jar You may have some jar left over from autumn, for jam making, why not turn them into a Christmas craft. What You Need: •
Jam jar
•
Epsom Salt
•
Tea light Candles
• Ribbon •
Silhouette or Sticker Letters
What to Do: 1.
Fill jam jar with Epsom Salt, approximately 1/3 – 1/2 full.
2.
Place a tea light on top of the Epsom Salt.
3. Wrap a pretty ribbon around the jar, and tie a bow 4.
Using a Silhouette or sticker letters, add the words to the jars: “Let it Snow”
You can also design your own this is only a suggestion.
Twelve Days of Christmas Relay
Red Nose Reindeer Game Equipment •
Red ribbon
•
Red pom pom
• Vaseline Gather a collection of items to represent those named in the "Twelve Days of Christmas." You can find pictures on the Internet and recycled Christmas cards, or grab some items from around the house (i.e. a plastic bird to represent the partridge). Just make sure that the girls all understand which lyric matches each item. Divide the girl up into two teams (you'll need a complete set of items for each team). Give each team an empty bucket, and place two buckets with the items at the other end of the room. At the word "go," the race will begin, with each team gathering the items in the order of the lyrics—the first child grabs the partridge in the pear tree and brings it back to the team, the second child collects two turtle doves, and the game continues from there. The winning team is the first to collect all twelve items inside their bucket.
Method Each girl has a red pom pom attached to the piece of red ribbon and dollop of Vaseline. Each girl holds the loose piece of ribbon in their mouth and tries to get the pom pom to land on their nose without using any other body part. First girl to do this wins.
Guess the Christmas Songs using pictures Why not reverse the game Pictionary. Print off pictures to describe Christmas songs. Divide the girls into teams, each team has a Christmas sound. Leaders holds up the picture Girls guess the song to win points for their team.
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RANGERS Rangers
Hi everyone, Wishing you a very Happy and safe Christmas.
If you have an item that you would like to appear in the Guider’s Link or if you have any ideas for camps/weekends/activities that you would like included in your Ranger programme, send them to rangers@girlguidesireland.ie
I look forward to the start of 2017 and organising some great activities for the Rangers.
Patricia Derwin, National Commissioner for Rangers
Snowmen Light Bulbs Materials: • • • • •
Light Bulb White Glitter Spray Adhesive Acrylic Paint/ T-Shirt Paint Rope, String, Ribbon ( to make the tie)
4. Sprinkle glitter over the gluey light bulb.
5. LET DRY (usually takes 2-3 hours depending on the brand of glue).
6. After the snowman is fully dry, you can begin to paint on a face.
Instructions: 1. Before getting started, have paper set up or a bowl ready to catch the unused glitter.
2. Tie your choice of ribbon, rope, or string around the metal portion of the light bulb.
3. Spray the adhesive over every inch of glass on the light bulb (make sure the light bulb is fully covered to prevent “bald spots”). 20 Guiders Link Vol. 4
7. A snowman needs two eyes, a carrot nose, and some buttons but is not limited to just that! GET CREATIVE.
8. After you have painted the snowman, let him dry & before you know it…you have a cool and cute little light bulb snowman.
Personalise your mugs for Christmas 3. Dry it out. Let your mug dry for a few hours or overnight before placing it into the oven. You can also draw over it again if you'd like to make sure the pattern doesn't come off in the wash. If you draw over it again, be sure to leave it out to dry again before baking. 4. Bake it. Bake the mug in the oven for 30 minutes at 350°F. Remember to place the mug in the oven before it heats up and leave it in until the oven cools completely so there won't be any cracks. You can choose to bake the mugs twice to really set in the Sharpie drawings.
Personalize your cups and mugs by drawing on them! You can use them to add personality to your home or even give them as gifts for Christmas.
5. Care and wash. Hand-wash the mug gently instead of throwing it in the dishwasher, as a machine washer may ruin the design.
1. Pick a Sharpie. For long-lasting results, choose oil-based paint Sharpie markers. Regular Sharpie ink can come off even after baking. Pick a colour to use on your mug. You can stay simple and choose one colour, or be more ambitious and use multiple. If you're sticking to one colour, then black is usually a good choice, given its striking contrast to the white background of the mug. 2. Start drawing. Decide what you want to put on the cup, and maybe practice drawing it on a piece of paper before drawing on the mug. Pick a meaningful quote or a cute graphic to decorate to draw on the mug.
Looking for things to do with your Rangers? Why not try some of the following: •
Rangers Communications Challenge
•
Oisin Challenge Award
•
Gaisce – The Presidents Award
•
The ’Get With It’ programme has some great ideas for the Rangers ers
For further information on these activities please contact rangers@girlguidesireland.ie
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TRAINING UPCOMING COURSES Guider Training Step 2 Dates: 27th-29th January Venue: Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport Cost: €50 Closing Date: 26th November
Guider Training Step 3 - An Dushlan Dates: 27-29th January 2017 Venue: Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport Cost: €50 The advanced course for those of you who have completed Guider Training Steps 1 & 2, with emphasis on Project Management
Closing Date: 26th November
CYGNET GUIDER WEEKEND
3-5th February 2017 CALLING ALL CYGNET GUIDERS
Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport
Closing date 26th November
This is a weekend just for you, to meet other Cygnet Guiders from around the country, to exchange ideas and to look at new ways of working with Cygnets, with guest trainers from Guiding UK.
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Get to Know Your Regional Trainer Who are you and what do you do outside of Guides? Eilish Smyth and I’m a primary school teacher What is your role in CGI? Commissioner for Training for Northern Region What is your CGI story, how did you get involved? I was approached by a local priest in October 1983 who asked if I had two hours a week to spare! I started in St Teresa’s Unit, Belfast, Down & Connor Diocese and progressed to Unit Leader. I got involved in the Diocesan training team and then Training Commissioner for Down & Connor. I then did two terms as Diocesan Commissioner and was also Chairperson of the Northern Region. After that I was National Commissioner for Outdoors. I then took a break for a few years and am now Training Commissioner for Northern Region. What is the most challenging aspect of your role? Encouraging leaders to give up their weekends/free time to attend training, also providing relevant, up to date training. How do you like to unwind? I love listening to music and reading on my kindle. Have you a bucket list, is there anything you would really like to do in your lifetime that you haven’t done yet? I do have a bucket list and I’ve made great inroads on it. I would still like to see Canada and the Rockies. If you were stuck on a desert island what three things could you not do without? A book, music and Muller Light toffee yoghurt. What is your favourite Guiding memory? Doing backwoods with my Guides and being worried about building a shelter and sleeping in it then having to be woken next morning as I had fallen into a deep sleep. Also, visiting Machu Picchu as part of Trek Peru as a fundraiser for CGI’s 75th Anniversary. Tell us something interesting about you! Now that I’m nearing the end of my teaching career I can say I made the right career choice, and when the time comes I’ll retire with a sad heart.
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OUTDOORS Hi all Welcome to the Christmas edition of the Link. Hope you have all settled back into guides and are looking forward to the festive season. Definitely time for nice hikes in the crisp winter weather. Some of the topics in this edition are not necessarily all outdoors but hopefully will help you when planning your programme.
OUR CHALET Speaking of nice crisp weather I have just returned from a regional visit to Our Chalet and if you never do anything else in your Guiding life make sure you take part in a trip to our Chalet. It definitely reaffirms why you are in Guiding and the beauty of the place is so hard to describe and capture. As one of the Guiders in our group said it’s like living in a postcard. So go live your postcard
Emily McCann, National Commissioner for Outdoors
SUMMER CAMPS Great to see all of the reports on the summer camps and to see all the camping that is happening. So if you are starting to plan for next year and don’t have tents why don’t you consider a tented village? They give you the experience of camping – albeit a bit more comfort than normal camping but definitely the way to go if you want to camp but don’t have the means to get your equipment there or don’t have the access to tents and marquees. There is a great one in Larch Hill and the photos I have here are of the one in Blackwell Court in Birmingham. The tents are erected there waiting for your arrival; they have 2 sets of bunk beds in each and twin tents for the leaders. There is also a large dining hall and a fully equipped kitchen. So tented village is luxury camping not quiet glamping but definitely worth trying. If you fancy trying it and would like more information on Blackwell Court please don’t hesitate to contact me as I have camped there many times and it’s a fantastic location for your camp.
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Outdoor Badges Question – Have you started the Outdoor Award? The badges are in and are fabulous, make sure to get your Guides started on it so they can work their way towards all 3 badges. On the 4th Day of Christmas – Do a Christmas good turn for somebody On the 5th day of Christmas – Visit someone you haven’t seen for a long time or someone who is lonely at Christmas On the 6th day of Christmas – This is a company challenge – make up a “Christmas box” for a homeless person, include things like warm scarves and gloves, little present, warm socks, something sweet and something special On the 7th day of Christmas – Do a star trail in an outdoor area near you; See Follow the Star overleaf
'D\V RI &KULVWPDV
On the 8th day of Christmas – Make sure there is water available for the birds and food for them, winter is a hard time for our feathered friends. On the 9th day of Christmas – Make an edible Christmas garland for the birds (see below)
On the first day of Christmas – Make an outdoor decoration to feed the birds
On the 10th Day of Christmas – Make a DIY mint body scrub, if not for you, it makes a lovely homemade present. Look it up on Pinterest or make sugar scrub bars. Very simple and make a lovely present.
On the second day of Christmas – Make the Christmas dessert sandwich as listed below or Christmas cookies or mini Christmas cakes
On the 11th Day of Christmas - Have a Christmas camp fire singing all of your favourite Christmas songs, or have a Christmas Disco, get out all the Christmas hits!
On the Third day of Christmas – Have a warm drink –Cranberry punch or Apple Punch
On the 12th day of Christmas – Enjoy Christmas in the warmth and joy of your family
Fresh garland for the birds: •
Freshly popped popcorn (of the unsalted & unbuttered variety)
•
Fresh cranberries
•
Toasted oats cereal (a la Cheerios), optional
•
Thick-ish thread (we used upholstery thread), fishing line or the like
•
A big-ish needle (with a large enough eye to thread something thicker than usual thread & a large enough point to poke through a fresh cranberry)
• Scissors www.girlguidesireland.ie 25
Holly As it’s a festive time of year why not take your Cygnets or Brigins out to look at Holly trees and at Christmas trees. This little story is a nice one to tell them while looking at the trees and making and sharing a cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows while doing so. Get the Guides or Rangers to be there in advance and have the hot drinks and smores ready ; It all begins with a little robin who has broken his wing, in the middle of a cold, snowy winter and realises that he needs to find some food and shelter where he can stay for a while until his wing gets better. He hops over to the nearest tree, a slender silver birch and asks her for protection. The birch tree gazes sorrowfully at the robin and explains she has no food and her leaves are too fine. She sends him over to the big oak tree. The big oak tree is slumbering deeply. He doesn’t hear the robin and his request for shelter and food and just keeps on sleeping. So poor robin hops on and asks another tree. None of them will help. Eventually he ends up at a stand of ancient Scot’s Pine trees. The pine trees offer to protect the robin but worry that their needles are too fine and that they don’t have food. So they suggest trying holly – a solitary tree in their midst. To attract holly’s attention, the pine trees advise robin to sing a song. Robin sings so beautifully that holly wakes up and shakes herself. Several bright berries fall to the ground at the robin’s feet, twinkling red against the white snow. Holly is so pleased to hear robin’s song that she invites him to stay within her branches until he gets better and where he has lots of berries to eat. When the Creator saw and heard what had happened, he decided to give Scot’s Pine and Holly the gift of being green all year round as a reminder to others of their generosity. It is also why robin can still be found singing his song in winter to this very day.
Follow the Star Set up a star trail around the grounds. Children have to look for the laminated stars hung in different places and complete the activities written on each star, e.g. •
Do 10 star jumps
•
Touch the grounds six times
•
Walk backward 5 paces, etc.
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Outdoor Decorations Remember our feathered friends at Christmas so why not make big outdoor stars with a difference ….. Make your star from natural materials and hang pine cones from each end of it, dip them in fat or salt free peanut butter and coat in bird seed.
Why not do a nativity with a difference and take your play outside, use real donkeys and build a real stable …… again Guides and Rangers practise your knots and lashings and build the stable for the nativity play
Christmas Dessert Sandwich (Backwoods Style) Ingredients •
2 slices bread (Brioche preferably)
Cover chocolate spread with sliced apple and sultanas (or marshmallows) Butter top slice of bread – butter one side and chocolate spread the other side
• Butter •
Chocolate Spread
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Caster sugar (for sprinkling)
Place the chocolate side down so the butter is up to the tin foil
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Sliced apple
Wrap well in the tin foil
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Cinnamon (optional)
Place in the embers of the fire and turn constantly
• Sultanas (For an alternative and to make a Rocky road sandwich use small marshmallows). •
Open and enjoy (be careful the contents will be hot)
Tin foil
Method Lay down double thickness of tin foil to cover one sandwich Sprinkle caster sugar and cinnamon on the tin foil Butter one side of the bread and put butter side down on the tin foil Spread chocolate spread on the other side
Cranberry Punch Ingredients •
1 pint of Cranberry Juice
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1 pint of Orange Juice
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5 fl oz Water
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½ teaspoon ground ginger
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Remove the pan from the heat. If serving hot, ladle into warmed individual punch glasses or pour into a warm punch bowl. Decorate with slices of lemon and orange
Put the cranberry juice, orange juice, water, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Date for
National Ranger and Guide Outdoor Camp
your diary
23rd -25th June 2017
Kilcully Camp site ,Cork.
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INTERNATIONAL Roverway 2016
I hope you are all enjoying the new guiding year and, if not already, are looking to your plans for summer 2017 and beyond for you or the girls in your companies. There's lots on in the World Centres and various camps across Europe. Check out the WAGGGS website www.wagggs.org and www.europakonline.net for what's happening. In this GL, you can read about the recent Roverway 2016 event held in Paris and this will hopefully get you enthused about participating in Roverway 2018, to be held in the Netherlands. World Thinking Day 2017 will include a national celebration day so read on for more information. As always, wishing great guiding experiences to all. Louise Browne. International Commissioner
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Roverway 2016 took place in Paris, France, from 3rd to 14th August this year. Read below the reports from some of the participants of their experience of the event.
Roverway 2016 was a wonderful experience. I had the opportunity to experience France, an international guide and scout camp for the first time and to really immerse myself in the true spirit of guiding and scouting. The base camp was completely energised for the duration of our visit, especially when the rovers/rangers arrived on camp. The sense of country pride is never stronger than when you are on a camp like this and it was wonderful to be part of the Irish Guide Contingent as well as the greater guiding and scouting community. There is a real sense of home and belonging at these camps and I believe it brings out the best in people. It really showed me the true spirit of guiding which sent me back home energised and ready to start a new guiding year. Looking forward to the next international adventure and would recommend Roverway to anyone as a true guiding experience.
a day trip to Saarbrucken, Germany. Each evening a different patrol organised activities from their country for us to take part in, our new European friends had a great time learning the siege of Ennis.
On 3rd August, we set off from Dublin airport to France, for Roverway 2016. After meeting up with the IGG participants, who were in my patrol, I said goodbye to my CGI friends and headed to Herbitzheim, Alsace, where I would be “on the road” for the first week of the camp. Here we met up with the other road participants from France, Portugal and Spain. The theme of our road was sustainable development in Alsace. To engage with this theme, we undertook community service projects to encourage sustainability and environmental protection in the area. This included cleaning up a forest, redeveloping a pond area and constructing a vegetable garden. It is hoped that these new facilities can be used by children in the local area to learn about the native plants, animals and healthy food.
On the morning of 10th August, we undertook a seven hour bus journey from Alsace to Jambville, north of Paris, for the main camp. Over 5000 scouts and guides, from Europe and further afield, were present and I was reunited with the other CGI ladies. The main camp opened with a ceremony which included a message from the Uited Nations, a giant European flag and the now infamous Roverway song. Over the next days we had activities on site. The camp ended with a spectacular fireworks display and the Roverway song once more. Although it was a great two weeks nobody was sorry to go home; we were just too exhausted to spend one more night in a tent!
As the major theme of the event was European citizenship, we took part in many activities relating to European integration. We visited Robert Schuman’s house and museum to learn about the devastation in Europe post World War II and how the European integration project helped to rebuild the continent and reshape its future. It was really interesting to discover more about the life of the man who started it all and to stand in his office where he worked to unite Europe in peace. We followed this with European orienteering where we learned interesting facts about our continent’s countries and cities. Did you know that the Swedes eat approximately 17kg of sweets per person annually!? Continuing on the theme of European Citizenship, we went canoeing on the Franco-German border and took
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The event was an 11 day-long camp with scouts and guides from around Europe. The fist 7 days consisted of a "road" or "path". The road I was on was called Ecofarm and enabled me to live and help out on an ecological pedagogical farm in the Île de France region of the country. Each day at the farm was full of activities - be it constructing dinner tables for the field we were camping in or cutting away at overgrown hedges to allow young visitors to the farm to better see the many animals that inhabited it. On one day we got to meet all of the animals and even made a goat an honorary member of the CGI contingent! Some days needed a spot of relaxation so we headed to the nearest village for a lovely café au lait and a chance to sit on a real chair, not a spar. Each patrol also had to make a dinner for 56 people that represented their country. Our menu consisted of colcannon and a rasher sandwich followed by our Irish take on an eton mess - named “a sundae in Dublin”. Needless to say we were the most popular patrol after a dinner like that!
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After 7 days of farming, our road, now known as our Ecofarmily, moved to the main campsite, Jambville, to spend the rest of the camp there along with the other 5000 participants. Luckily Jambville was just 30 minutes up the road from our farm. The next 4 days passed quickly as each was activity-filled and busy. One was spent at the Unesco HQ with other rover reps learning about promoting youth participation and the power of young people in effecting change. Activities like gender workshops filled other afternoons and many an interesting discussion was had. I was even made queen of a fictional country on the last afternoon! Old friends were caught up with and new friends made during these activities and during the shows held at the main stage each night. The 2nd night at the camp was spent dancing to an amazing scout DJ who had the whole camp on their feet until midnight! It was a sad departure on the last day but bonds were made and vows to stay in touch won't be broken.
I attended this years Roverway in France as part of the international service team (IST). The IST were responsible for the running of the camp alongside the planning team. There were approx. 200 members of the IST from all over Europe and beyond.
After an opening ceremony in central Paris which was attended by the president of France - We arrived onsite six days before the participants to finish the setting up and sorting out of the main site. Every day we had duties which we performed in our teams. Jobs included kitchen work, helping around the site, arranging the evening programmes and ceremonies, and anything else that was needed. The hours were long but the work was fun. Teams were made up of four or more people – my team had two people from France, one from Switzerland and an Italian gentleman. Communication in our group was a challenge – our French team members spoke little English and I speak only a small amount of French and our Italian had less English than the rest of us. Thankfully Angelina from Switzerland speaks English, French, Italian and German so we were saved
It wasn’t all work - IST had their own area that was segregated away from the participants, with our own areas to chill and have fun including a games area, a meditation zone and our own cafe. Each evening there was a meeting entitled BAM – be aware meeting, to plan what we would be doing the next day. There was also an activity for the IST and head of contingents (HOC’s), some nights it was a campfire song, or learning a dance from another country, but it was always fun and a great way to de-stress from the day’s work.
Once the participants returned to the main site, the atmosphere of the camp really stepped up a notch as the participants brought their stories of the roads and their adventures of the past few days and there was a lot of sharing of stories and experiences. The event was also great as we shared a contingent tent with Scouting Ireland and Irish Girl Guides – it was fantastic to share the experience with our brother and sister scouts and guides. The next Roverway is in Holland in 2018 and I’m looking forward to meeting up with new old friends and to make more memories.
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Summer 2017, where to go, what to do?! There are many different international camps on during the Summer of 2017, if you haven’t already planned what to do, here’s a few ideas to get you thinking. Take a look online, there are lots more than just these few. Make sure to register your interest with these events asap as some closing dates could be very soon. IGGnite 2017 – IGG International Guide Camp Rockwell College, Tipperary 30 July - 6 August 2017 If you’d like to have an international experience but are not able to travel abroad, here is a special opportunity to take part in an international camp taking place here in Ireland. The Irish Girl Guides have their International Camp in 2017 in Rockwell College in Tipperary. IGGnite your belief in yourself and others! Contact international@girlguidesireland.ie for more information on taking part in IGGnite during 2017. West Sussex Scout and Guide International Camp 5th - 12th August 2017 South of England Showground Ardingly, West Sussex, England WS camps have been held in West Sussex for more than 30 years and feature as a high point in the County Scout and Guide programme. It is an international experience for young people from around the world, joining in a week of activities together including: Water activities, Abseiling, climbing, Archery, Parascending and other adventurous & challenging activities. Plus cultural activities, sub-camp competitions, musical entertainments, social events, live bands, discos, crafts and even more. Nord - National Scout Jamboree of the Norwegian Guide and Scout Association 1st - 8th July 2017 Bodø, Northern Norway The Norwegian Scout Jamboree welcomes Guide and Scout friends from around the world. They will have a unique camp experience, because during the summer weeks, the sun never sets and the scouts can enjoy activities day and night. The campsite is close to the centre of Bodø and within walking distance from the airport, the train station and the bus station. Be prepared to go north for a week packed with exciting experiences, beautiful scenery, amazing light and many new friends! Swedish National Jamboree 2017 5th - 12th of August 2017 Rinkaby, Kristianstad, Southern Sweden In 2017, Sweden will organise their next national jamboree, aiming at 20,000 participants on one large campsite. They will welcome guide and scout units from abroad to take part and individual scout leaders to come as staff. The national jamboree will take place in Rinkaby, the site of the 22nd World Scout Jamboree. 32 Guiders Link Vol. 4
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World Thinking Day 2017 In 2017, we will come together to celebrate world thinking day as a national event. The WAGGGS theme for WTD2017 is ‘Grow’. We will have activities themed on the girls growing and learning more about themselves as people, how they are part of a worldwide movement and how we can all influence the world around us. And to give the girls an understanding of the larger organisation they belong to in CGI. This will be a fun, international themed day for all sections of CGI and we look forward to celebrating World Thinking Day with you all. When: Saturday 18th February 2017 Where: Gormanston Park, Gormanston, Co. Meath Cost: €10 – no cost for leaders Transport €15 – leaders included Closing date for bookings, incl payment: Friday 16th December 2016
Roverway 2018 - Netherlands Contingent Management Team needed! When: 23rd July – 2nd August 2018 (the contingent may travel a day either side of these dates) What’s it about: In 2018, CGI and IGG will, once again, operate a joint contingent for Roverway. We are now in the process of recruiting an adult leader(s) who wish to take on roles of responsibility within the Contingent Management Team. Who: The successful applicant should be a dedicated leader who has some experience in international activities and preferably participated in an international camp abroad before. The person should be at least 23 years old at Roverway opening dates. Applicants must hold a valid outdoor warrant at the time of the event.
Contingent C o Management Team (CM (C (CMT) MT) will work under th MT) the hee direction ction i of thee HoC oC and deput deputy ty HoC H for this event. They will be an adult leader who wishes to work to support the contingent in a specific role and will work with the Team to make this our best attended Roverway yet. An application form, along with a terms of reference for the CMT, are available on request from the International Commissioner, international@girlguidesireland.ie Selection interviews will take place after the closing date. Closing date: 30th November Check out the official Roverway 2018 website https://www.roverway2018.nl/en/ 33 Guiders Link Vol. 3
For information on applying as a participant for Roverway 2018, keep an eye out for future communications in 2017. www.girlguidesireland.ie 33
DIVERSITY Over the coming months we're hoping to include more articles on diversity and inclusion, and perhaps give you some facts and information that you didn't already know, and hopefully some ideas to integrate into your meeting plans too. This month we're going to put the spotlight on Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia. First of all, what is Dyspraxia? It's sometimes known as Developmental Coordination Disorder or DCD or Motor Learning Problems, or Sensory Processing Disorder. It's a common disorder affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. The condition is formally recognised by international organisations including the World Health Organisation.
DCD is distinct from other motor disorders, such as cerebral palsy and individuals may vary in how their difficulties present. While these may change over time depending on environmental demands and life experience, they will persist into adulthood. The term ‘Dyspraxia’ is used in many different ways by different people, which can cause confusion. Some use it interchangeably with ‘DCD’ to mean the same thing. Others use it to refer to something quite different. Unlike DCD, there is no internationally agreed formal definition or description of the term ‘dyspraxia’ and so in Ireland and the UK the term ‘dyspraxia’ is sometimes used in a very broad way to refer to children who have motor difficulties, plus difficulties with: speech, organisation, planning, sequencing, working memory and various other psychological, emotional and social problems. However, there is little research evidence to support such a broad diagnostic category. Most parents will notify you that their child has Dyspraxia/DCD but some may not wish to disclose it, and unfortunately some may not even have had a diagnosis before you meet their child. There are some signs that a child may have the condition. These include:
•
Poor balance
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Poor fine and gross motor co-ordination
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Poor posture
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They may find it difficult to understand logic and reason
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Difficulty with throwing and catching a ball
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Poor awareness of body position in space
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Poor sense of direction
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Difficulty in hopping or skipping
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Confused about which hand to use
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Difficulty with reading, writing
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Phobias or obsessive behaviour and impatient outbursts
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Children with Dyspraxia/DCD can often be of above average intelligence but conversely are often behaviourally immature. They try hard to fit in to socially accepted behaviours when in public but often throw tantrums when at home, or in places where they're either very comfortable or overwhelmed. This can include their Unit meeting, for either reason - if they're a new recruit they may feel overwhelmed, or if they're with you a while and feel comfortable enough to express their feelings. We must remember that a lot of the skills that we take for granted will never become automatic for children with Dyspraxia/DCD, so they will have to be taught these skills. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and extra help at school can all assist these children with coping or overcoming many of the difficulties they face. And this is something that we should all bear in mind when planning our section activities. Speak with the parents of the child and get their advice on how best to include their child in your group, after all they're the ones that know her strengths and weaknesses the best. You may get a list of games or activities that are beneficial to the child and you could try to include some games that are more familiar to them than the other children, which will boost their confidence and their ability to interact on an equal basis. Michele Lee, a physiotherapist with a special interest this area, has suggested some games that our groups could try; they're regular games that all children enjoy whilst also being beneficial to those with DCD. Michele suggests activities like hiking or scavenger hunts for the older groups, getting them out and about and keeping them physically active. "Some games that are great for hand-eye coordination, and I suspect may be good for your Cygnets in general and not just those with DCD, would be things like ball games where the children throw and catch or kick to each other; dodgeball is another game that is very popular with children from about eight and over. You could also think about proprietary games such as Buckaroo; Hungry hippos and Kerplunk or even things like safety darts or a magnetic Go Fish game. To improve short-term memory try some games in which they need to remember lists, eg Granny went to the market, Concentration or Simon Says. And finally, to improve planning and organisational skills things like draughts or noughts and crosses; Connect 4; Cluedo; Twister; Mastermind or Rummikub. This is just a small example, but the important thing is that the children have fun too, so no matter the activity is, don't spend too long on it".
We spoke to one of our Guides who is happy to talk about her condition, and asked her what she'd like Guiders to know? "I think the most important thing is for them to accept that I'm a little bit different. Sometimes it's harder for me to think of a word, or to do a task, but please be patient with me. I get bullied in school because I'm not able to do all the same classes as the other girls and I really like that when I come to Guides that doesn't matter, I can just chat and hang out with my friends. The most important thing I want to say is that I can get frustrated and maybe shout at you, and I'm sorry if I do, but sometimes it just all gets too much for me and I need to let it out. Like, one time in Larch Hill we were doing outdoor skills day and I was having problems with the ropes, I just couldn't do it and got really upset. I ended up shouting at my leader and throwing the mallet, like a brat! And even though I was annoyed with her at the time, when I calmed down I think she was really good about it, because she didn't shout at me, or give out, but she did make me go back and keep trying till I did it, and I did, and then I felt great. So, I suppose just remember that sometimes when I'm being bold, I don't mean it - but sometimes I do :)"
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A Day in the Life of CGI You've probably all heard of the social media phenomenon that is 11:11? Whereby you take a photo of whatever it is you're doing at 11:11, either am or pm, and share it with your friends. Well, CGI are going bigger and better. We're asking you all to get involved and to pass the word along to the youth members and to our past members who may have had to move away. On 11th November we want you all to take a photo of whatever you're doing (you can even do it at 11:11 on 11th of the 11th if you wish) and add a brief description of where you are and what you're up to, then either upload it on social media and tag us in it, or simply send it to us by email to cgicaptures1111@gmail.com. We'll then collate them all into a book showing just how fun and diverse A Day in the Life of CGI is!
The photo can be of anything you wish during that day, the only stipulation is that you must try to get your necker, the CGI badge or logo, or something demonstrative of CGI into the picture. So best of luck, and here's hoping 11:11 will be an exciting day for us all
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Free Being Me Imagine a world free from appearance related anxiety. A world where people can define beauty for themselves.
WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) and DOVE have joined together to produce the Free Being Me programme. This is a groundbreaking new programme for 7-10 year old and 11-14 year olds which unmasks society’s beauty myths – exposing air brushing and challenging unhealthy body talk. Through a series of fun, interactive and thought provoking activities it challenges young women to stand up and take action to stop unhealthy body ideals affecting the next generation of girls.
A survey carried out by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on young people’s body image asked “Are you satisfied with your body image?” Findings showed only 38% of girl participants were “fairly satisfied” and a shocking 21% were “dissatisfied”. With the Free Being Me Programme, the girls and young people learn that body confidence and self-esteem come from valuing their bodies, standing up to social pressures, and supporting others to be more body confident. By working together, leading others and speaking out, participants will be empowered to make a difference in their local and global communities. The girls who have taken part in the Free Being Me activities set out in the programme and do the Take Action project will earn the Free Being Me badge.
Find out more about the Free Being me programme on: www.freebeingme.com • freebeingmeireland@gmail.com • #FreebeingmeCIGA • @freebeingmeciga • www.facebook.com/freebeingmeciga www.girlguidesireland.ie 37
COMMUNICATIONS Imagine, we're already thinking about our next edition, where we're really looking forward to seeing plenty of photos of groups enjoying the national camp weekends, or other local or regional events, so please don't forget to send in your pictures and a few words about the events you attend. Meanwhile, we hope that all your Ranger Groups have registered for the Rangers Communication Challenge - it's not too late if they haven't yet, there's still plenty of time for them to get involved, and this is a great place for them to get coverage, so that's another idea for them! If you'd like to contact us to give them some support or guidance please do, we're willing and
eager to help if we can, just have them check out our dedicated Facebook page: Ranger Communications Challenge And of course don't forget our 11:11 Day in the Life of CGI! We're asking you all to take a photo on the 11th November (at 11:11 if you like) and post it to Twitter or Facebook and tag CGI in it, mail it to us here too if you can, that would be great. We'll then compile them all into "A Day in the Life of CGI" book to show everyone how diverse we are. We're looking forward to seeing what you all get up. Finally, can I take this opportunity to thank you all for your time and dedication to CGI throughout this calendar year, and wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas. Yours in Guiding, Michelle Finnerty National Commissioner for Communications
AROUND IRELAND SOUTH-EASTERN REGION New Unit in Summerhill October saw the opening of a new unit in the South East Region, Summerhill unit based in Wexford now has all 4 sections up and running . Continued success to the new unit . Over the next few weeks we have our Mass for deceased members and then our AGM so November is shaping up to be another busy month of guiding .
Summerhill Rangers
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Rangers from Summerhill making the most of a sunny evening in September, surfing at Curracloe, Wexford
Wexford Town Cygnets and Brigins – Carne June 2016 The Brigins had a brilliant week-end in Carne with walks on the beach, games and great chats. The Cygnets went to visit them for a day and really enjoyed the games the Brigins had organized for them. The Cygnets also enjoyed a rather windy scavenger hunt along the beach, making stilts, egg and spoon races, and playing in a pop-up tent. The day finished off with a burger and sausages tea, before taking some very tired young ladies back to Wexford!
Wexford Town Guides and Rangers in Kilkenny Wexford Town Guides and Rangers held their annual summer holidays in Kilkenny this year. Among the activities they did were Splat ball and assault course to name just a few, even Treasa tried the zip wire.
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South East Region Leaders Trip to Our Chalet On 5th October, 15 excited leaders from the South East Region headed off to the Swiss Alps to spend time at the WAGGGS Word Centre, Our Chalet. During our time in Switzerland we took a cable car from Adelboden to the top of Silleren, to have lunch on the top of the world and the view was amazing. After spending time at the local market we headed back to ‘our home in the Swiss Alps’ as Tanya, the World Centre Manager called it, for Swiss Night. The next day we headed to an authentic chocolatier in Interlaken and went to the Trummelbach Falls, a series of ten glacier waterfalls inside the mountain, the views of the Eiger and Jungfrau were spectacular. As with all trips to Our Chalet, a visit to the woodcarvers was a must and the hot chocolate and homemade lemon drizzle cake was delicious. The trip was brilliant and everyone had a great time at one of the most beautiful places in the world.
South East Region Guider Training Step 1 Another 7 guiders started their Guide training step 1 in the South East region this weekend. Thanks to Geraldine for all her help and good luck ladies with your challenges.
Clonard guides and Rangers Clonard Guides and Rangers had a very enjoyable summer camp in Blackwell court in Birmingham , we had a fabulous week of weather , sunshine every day and that added to an already fabulous camp. We took part in many activities and the sunshine this year made the open air swimming a very popular activity . Day trips were to Alton Towers and then to Cadburys World for some sugar fuelling on everyone’s favourite activity – chocolate tasting. many thanks to all the Guiders who gave up there time to take away the guides and rangers .
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EASTERN REGION Buíon Naomh Pól Round-up BACKWOODS TRAINING WEEKEND- Lough Dan, Wicklow. Myself and Elaine Cleary from Buìon Naomh Pòl attended this training weekend in Oct and I cannot recommend it highly enough. For new Guiders or those looking to refresh their knowledge/upskill it really is invaluable:) Its run by Scouting Ireland MPSE Fellowship Ireland but open to CGI. Over the weekend we covered lots…. Knife, axe and saw safety/use, carving skills like forks, feather sticks etc. The proper way to prep, light and cook on an open fire, filleting fish, tree/animal prints identification. Basically lots of backwoods themed stuff but it’s also useful for standing camps or even for bases at your normal meeting. Sitting around a campfire at night and just throwing about ideas/experiences was worthwhile in itself. The instructors were lovely and so inclusive to everyone- they are happy to show you anything you wish to learn..no question is stupid. We went with level 1-4 so they assume no knowledge so we could cover back over all basics. And we got to sleep in our tents at this level so it’s not inaccessible to anyone :) Next one is in Nov in Castle Saunderson..details below for any interested parties. If anyone is thinking of going but has any questions/concerns please feel free to contact me. Arlene Griffin/Elaine Cleary, Buìon Naomh Pòl Rangers Greenhills, Dublin 12
Ventact 2016- Kilcully Campsite, Cork. Our Ranger Guides attended Ventact in Sept this year. This was our first year to attend this event but we will definitely be heading back. It is a really ‘easy’ camp to attend as the only group gear needed is your sleeping tents. There is a chipper van on site all weekend which serves hot food including breakfasts, although we went ‘European’ and brought some fruit, cereal bars, brioche/ cheese with us. The transport was hassle free also as collection/drop off to the bus/train stations was arranged for us. There was a full programme laid on for the girls so they were certainly kept busy all weekend. This included kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, zorbing, paintballing and Viking rein-actions to name just a few. We had heard of
reservations from other leaders about the age groups and mixing with Scouts before etc but we can hand on heart say that everything was very well supervised and it really wasn’t an issue that cropped up- don’t believe the hype, use your own common sense. It would be fantastic to see a greater representation of CGI next year. Even if you only have 1 or 2 Rangers there are leaders available to mind them on your behalf so don’t be afraid to reach out if you can’t make the event yourself. Schedule it in your diaries now. Finally, big thanks to Maria from the S West Region who organised this year event in conjunction with SI and IGG- we really appreciate the work you put in to give our girls the opportunity to attend such an event. Elaine Cleary/Arlene Griffin, Buìon Naomh Pòl Rangers Greenhills, Dublin 12
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Patrol Camp Four- Castle Saunderson, July 2016.
Myself and Elaine Cleary from Buìon Naomh Pòl attended this training weekend in Oct and I cannot recommend it highly enough. For new Guiders or those looking to refresh their knowledge/upskill it really is invaluable:) Its run by Scouting Ireland MPSE Fellowship Ireland but open to CGI. Over the weekend we covered lots…. Knife, axe and saw safety/use, carving skills like forks, feather sticks etc. The proper way to prep, light and cook on an open fire, filleting fish, tree/animal prints identification. Basically lots of backwoods themed stuff but it’s also useful for standing camps or even for bases at your normal meeting. Sitting around a campfire at night and just throwing about ideas/experiences was worthwhile in itself. The instructors were lovely and so inclusive to everyone- they are happy to show you anything you wish to learn..no question is stupid. We went with level 1-4 so they assume no knowledge so we could cover back over all basics. And we got to sleep in our tents at this level so it’s not inaccessible to anyone :) Next one is in Nov in Castle Saunderson..details below for any interested parties. If anyone is thinking of going but has any questions/concerns please feel free to contact me. Brigíní trip to Fota
On Saturday the 3rd of September, at 8 o'clock in the morning, Buion Naomh Pól Brigini boarded the train to Cork. 56 seats were full of enthusiastic girls and leaders!!! The seats were gifted to us courtesy of Irish Rail and RTE Radio 1 Countrywide seat giveaway. The journey to Kent station was very comfortable and exciting as many of us had never been on a train before. We arrived in Fota at 11 o'clock. We were met by our tour guides and also greeted by a family of free roaming kangaroos who were not bothered by us at all and were more interested in lounging in the sun!! It was a really enjoyable tour. We learned a lot about the resident animals in Fota and were very surprised by some of the free roaming occupants, such as the pelicans and wallabies. The butterfly house was a big hit with everyone as was the little Fota train. The bug hunt on the other hand didn't appeal to everyone! After a yummy lunch in the restaurant, the girls got their faces painted by 3 brilliant face painters and we played games on the lawn. Then it was time to make our return journey to Dublin, back the way we came. Everyone was delighted to be on the lovely train again after all the walking we had done. We arrived home to Greenhill's at 9.30, tired but happy and having enjoyed the sunshine in Cork. Everyone agreed it was a great day.
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Arklow Girl Guides and Brigini take part in Arklow Enterprise Town Last week Arklow Girl Guides and Brigini took part in the Bank of Ireland, Arklow Enterprise Town where we were lucky enough to meet with Simon Harris, Stephen Donnelly, Andrew Doyle and the weekends special guest speaker Mickey Harte. There was over 130 businesses and clubs show casing and it truly was a great weekend with a brilliant community atmosphere! Our organisation was received and perceived in a very positive way which we were very proud of.
SOUTH-WESTERN REGION Our Lady of Lourdes Link Up Ceremony 2016 On the 28th of September 2016, members from Our Lady of Lourdes, Ballinlough Cygnet, Brigin and Guide companies, were in attendance at the annual Link Up ceremony, held in the community hall in Ballinlough, which saw Cygnets move up to Brigini and Brigini to Guides. In total there was 18 moving up through the ranks within Our Lady of Lourdes. Our Lady of Lourdes Brigin Company welcomed 14 new Cygnets into their company. Our Lady of Lourdes Guide company welcomed 4 new Brigini into their company. The new cygnets who had moved up to the Brigini company were welcomed to the company by leader Marian Hughes and the new Brigini who had moved up to the Guide company were welcomed to the company by leader Catherine Fitzpatrick. We would like to wish all the girls the best of luck as they continue their guiding journey for years to come.
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St Bridget's Brigín Year. Having said farewell to only 2 Brigíns, at the end of May 2015, we experienced a Brigín Population explosion in our Autumn admission of 8 new members. This brought our number to 16 for the year. During the Autumn term, we worked for the Nature Lover’s interest badge, including talks, drawings and written pieces about trees and birds. We all planted a conker each in a little tub and had a fairly good success rate with them-by the end of the Summer term we had 9 miniature horse-chestnut trees which the girls took home to plant out.
On April 18th, we had our largest enrolment ceremony for many years for all our new Brigíns, and our first with our new parish priest-thank you, Fr. Martin! We had tea and cakes in the hall afterwards with all our Brigíns’ families and friends. On June 13th 2016, we had our end of year party and prize giving. Many thanks to Mary O’Connor, who joined us once more to present The Marguerite O’Connor Award for Brigín of the Year-to Ellie Cournane. Mary also checked the girls’ recent badge work and presented their badges. Other prizes on that day went to the Shamrocks for Best Patrol and overall Best Attendance went to Kayleigh Casey, who didn’t miss a single meeting-well done, Kayleigh!
Our interest badge for the Spring term was ‘Writer’ but was only done by our girls who have already been enrolled, while our new Brigíns prepared their prayers, readings and scrapbook work for their enrolment in April. For the Writer badge, our older girls wrote a story, poem and different styles of letter. We entered in the Walking Float category at the Sneem St. Patrick’s Day Parade, with Lily-Mae Donnelly as our patron saint Naomh Pádraigín and the rest of us as sneaky snakes, winning 2nd prize.
NORTHERN REGION Table Quiz with St. Oliver Plunkett Lurgan St Oliver Plunkett Lurgan had a fantastic all unit quiz night with 80 participants from Cygnets, Brigins, Guides and Rangers, mixed teams and quick fire questions meant competition was fierce. The girls enjoyed a mid-quiz snack break, then it was down to business and a fantastic cup for the winning team. A great night was had by all!
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NORTH-EASTERN REGION North Eastern Regional day trip to Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh. Early on Saturday morning 28th of May last the Guides, Brigin and Leaders of the North Eastern Region travelled from Dunleer, Ardee, Cavan Town and Virginia to Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh for our regional day out. When we arrived we split up all the Guides & Brigin into different groups so they could all mix and get to know one and other. Then each leader along with a group of Girls started the adventure into the old world of Ulster and new world of America as they travelled back in time to the 18th and 19th century. As the adventure began first stop was to try on clothes from the time followed by a visit to a Single Room cabin to see how people lived and the lady of the house give a bit of information on life in 18th century Omagh. Next stop was the Forge to see the blacksmith where the girls took part in the making of a horse shoe but I’m not sure if we have any budding future blacksmiths. From here we moved on to a weaver’s cottage so we could see the difference in a small house and a lager house if you could also use a business, the lady of the House was outside and showed us how she was weaving wool by hand. Just down from the weaver’s cottage is the meeting house where a wedding was taking place at the time. After the girls had a quick look at the Bride and wedding style we then decided to go back to the school house until after the wedding. At the school house the teacher made all the girls sit down and gave them the teaching material that would have been used, after a quick lesion and some punishment was handed out (of course this was only for show as our girls are angles). As the girls where so good the teacher took them outside for a quick play with a skipping rope to show what break times where like in the 19th century.
As the wedding was now finished we had a chance to look at the Meeting house and vestry and from here we
moved across the road, thankfully no cattle crossing, to the Mellon Homestead and tasted some fresh baked bread which was baked that morning on the stone fire. After a walk around the farm and look out at the viewpoint we moved back across the road to Campbell House to see how the upper classes lived after a tour of the house we moved to the Tully Allen mass House where all the others had gathered and we had lunch. When the girls finished lunch we started to have a bit of fun making a craft, we made head dress with cardboard, string, Feather, ribbon bit of elastic band and lots of Glue thanks to Nola and Anne for having everything ready and cleaning up after us.
Next stop was the Mount joy post office to try post a few bits to our American cousins but no one was home so we had to move on to Ulster Street to see the old shop and had a look round Printers / saddler, publican/ grocer, Pawnbrokers, chemist but a stop had to be made in W G O Doherty licensed grocer as the ladies fancied a few sweets and they could see the way sweets were sold by being weight with old fashioned scales with weights. Moving on to the Ship and dockside gallery where we have a brief chat with the ladies and check we had the right documents before we boarded the Ship to cross to the new world . On arrival at the new world the girls stopped an American gentleman for a photo opp before we had a look around the new world including Tinsmith, Photographic studio. Mellon Bank which was founded by Thomas Mellon who Irish homestead we had already visited. The general store was the next stop and girls were amazed at what you could buy and also that this would also have been the local post office for most people our final stop was Wheelwrights where the carpenter spoke to the girls about making wooden furniture and wheels for horse drawn buggies unfortunately this was as far as we could travel in the new world as a music festival was taking place in other parts of the grounds so it was time to make out way back to the 21st century with a stop at the gift shop before making our journey home with the traditional sing song on the bus.
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FCA H<9 F7<=J9G
Wet Boarding session Ardnabannon Terenure 1997
Tackling the course, Brigin camp 1988
CGI Trip to Rome ca. 1970s
Outside St Peter's Basicalla CGI Pilgrimage to Rome 1950
TOE Camp 75th Anniversary
CONTACTS NEB Chief Commissioner Asst. Chief Commissioner National Secretary Cygnets Brigíní Guides Rangers International Communications Development Training Outdoor South-Western Region Eastern Region South-Eastern Region Northern Region North-Eastern Region
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Child Protection Eastern Region Catherine Monaghan Anne Murphy 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
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