CAMP FLOWER POWER Pages 8-10
INTERACTIVE SCAVENGER HUNT Pages 12-15 2017 Vol. 3
Guider’s Link
www.girlguidesireland.ie 1
CONTENTS Chief Commissioner's Message 3 Our Busy Chief Commissioner 4 Noticeboard 6 Camp Flower Power 8 Interactive Scavenger Hunt 12 Cygnet Section 16 BrigĂn Section 18 Guide Section 20 Ranger Section 22 Outdoors 26 International 30 Members Council 36 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 Monday 2nd October, 2017 2 Guiders Link Vol. 3
CHIEF COMMISSIONER'S MESSAGE Hi All Happy Autumn and welcome to the Autumn edition of the Guiders Link. I hope you all had a great summer and are energised and looking forward to another fun year of Guiding. I hope you all come back to new and improved numbers and look forward to CGI growing this year. It was great to see so many reports of fabulous camps this year, from camps at home to the UK, to Denmark, Switzerland and Croatia, where ever you travelled I hope you had a great time and that camp enhanced your Guiding experience and made memories that will last a lifetime. While on camp myself this year in Switzerland I was wondering do the girls remember the camps and the scenery and the sheer fun of camp? And one of my ex guides passed comment on a picture we had up of the glacier lake, so I asked her did she remember?, and she said she remembered every minute of every camp. So, rest assured ladies you are making a massive difference and impression on the young ladies in our care. Thank you for giving so freely of your time to take the girls away and I also hope that like me you thoroughly enjoy the experience. So, the Chief Commissioner has been busy since April and I have had many great experiences already which you will see depicted in the photos on the adjoining pages. I was delighted to be at the opening of the IOAC centre in Wexford (some of you will have met Carmel and Adrian at National Council) and was delighted to be asked to cut the ribbon along with Christy McCann from Scouting Ireland. It was great to declare the camping section of IOAC open and I have since been at the opening of the full centre. I was also at the opening of the new Larch Hill house, what a fabulous facility and so close to us all. That same weekend I got to see the new Belfast HQ and another great facility for our guiding members to use, well done to the Northern Region on completing and opening their new HQ.
The same weekend I was in Belfast I was delighted to meet the outdoor teams and join them for a good fun filled evening of games. I hope those of you who attended the Guide weekend in Kilcully had a great camp, it was a great weekend and well done to Arlene, Trish, Ger and Michelle on a brilliant weekend. Many many thanks to the South West Region, the Cork guiders totally opened their arms to us and made us welcome and looked after us all. Also, many thanks to David O’Neill and the staff of Kilcully for all their support over the weekend. Over the month of June, the Chief Commissioner’s interviews were carried out and what a great group of young ladies we met and interviewed during this time. We held interviews in Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Wexford and the final two in Wicklow. Many thanks to Ger, Suzanne, Phil and Eileen who were all part of the interview teams. The girls’ projects had to be of a certain standard and fulfil requirements to be called for interview. When they came for interview we took them through their project and discussed all aspects of it, the girls were excellent and all so confident in themselves and in the projects they had undertaken. The fabulous amount of money that has been raised for various charities around the country was staggering and it was great to learn about the various charities that our guides have supported. Well done to them all. The girls will by now have received their letters to say they have been successful in completing the award and inviting them to the awards ceremony at the end of September. Ger, Suzanne and I are working on the final awards now to determine which level the girls will receive. Regardless of which one they receive they are all to be congratulated for their work and well done to the leaders and their families who encouraged them. Top tip for anyone intending to do their award next year, start it as soon as you receive the pack, it will make life easier. Since National Council I am delighted to say we have co-opted 3 more members to the Board, so I would like to take this opportunity to
welcome and congratulate the following guiders; National Secretary Brid Barnes National Commissioner for Outdoors Arlene Griffin National Commissioner for Rangers Trish Derwin The board was delighted to have the ladies join us for our meeting in June and we hope to have the final 2 places on the board filled and have National Commissioners for Guides and Development joining us at our meeting in September. This will give us a full set of officers and a full board. The national officers are meeting now in August and we will have plenty of work for all board members going forward. Following on from National Council we have started a plan for the Members’ Council to start working on the interest badge review and we look forward to their input, Gillian is taking on this project with the Members’ Council and we look forward to seeing the feedback from this project. I was pleased to attend the SER Members’ Council day in Piercestown and was honoured to help the Members’ Council plant a tree in memory of Cecilia. Many thanks to Andy, Yvonne and Louise for joining us for the tree planting ceremony and to the officers and guiders of the SER for their kind gesture. I have a few more engagements coming up over the next 5 to 6 weeks so will fill you all in on them in the next Link. I look forward to meeting many of you at the Guide Weekend, Ranger Weekend, Brigin and Cygnet Day and Members’ Council weekend. It’s going to be busy between now and December. Have a great time back to Guiding everyone Yours in Guiding, Emily McCann Chief Commissioner chiefcommissioner@girlguidesireland.ie
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Since her appointment at National Council, our new Chief Commissioner has been travelling all over the country to perform her duties, here are just a few photos to show where she has been and what she has been up to.
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NOTICEBOARD UPCOMING NATIONAL EVENTS NEB (Residential)
16th - 17th September
Chief Commissioner Award Ceremony
30th September
National Members Council Weekend
13-15th October
Cygnet & Brigin Day
21st October
National Guide Weekend
3rd-5th November
National Ranger Weekend
10th-12th November
CIGA AGM
11th November
NEB
25th November
RESOURCE DATES Youth Day
12th August
Women's Equality Day
26th August
International Day of the Girl
11th October
Universal Children's Day
20th November
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 •
Brid Barnes co-opted as National Secretary
•
Arlene Griffin co-opted as National Commissioner for Outdoor
•
Patricia Derwin co-opted as National Commissioner for Ranger Guides
•
All expenses must be claimed on the official CGI Expense Claim Form and submitted within 30 days of the event
Available from the
National Office
CARA BEARS €9* MULTICOLOURED PENS €1.25each* *plus postage & packaging
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The theme for National Camp this year was Flower Power, a return to the heady days of the 60's and 70's free love movement in San Francisco and beyond. And so, as a way to pay homage our sub-camps were named Peace, Love and Harmony; with each of the camps having their own marquee which the groups were free to use as they chose. They were also decorated according to theme before the girls arrived on site. We had a bit of a delayed start on Friday evening; there were crashes and traffic backlogs to be negotiated, which meant that it was almost 9pm before the final bus pulled onto site. But that didn't dampen the spirits of the campers, and in true wild child fashion, some even decided to throw caution to the wind and eat before setting up camp, which meant they were putting up tents in the dark! The food for the weekend was a big hit, and it required zero intervention from the leaders, again another winner. The food truck arrived on site on Friday night and didn't leave till Sunday morning. The ladies were efficient, and very pleasant, and the girls enjoyed the food thoroughly – especially the curry chips after the disco on Saturday night.
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We had our campfire on Friday night; where the weekend really begins; led by Cathy and Yasmin from South West Region, and then we called it a night because the Guides had a very early start on Saturday morning. Saturday morning was glorious and we couldn't have asked for better weather. The Guides were up and boarding their buses to leave the site soon after 8am. They went to the Glen Resource Centre, where they had a non-stop few hours, rotating between activities which included archery; crate stacking; gladiator challenge and tubing, to name but a few. When they returned to Kilcully they were all exhausted and happy to rest a while over lunch Back at the site, the Rangers had a much more relaxed morning session, they were doing backwoods cooking with Dave, Paddy, Paul and Niall. On first inspection it would have been very difficult to guess that the lads were setting up for cooking demonstrations; it's not that many of us that bring shovels or dustbins to a cook-out! But, it was amazing and the girls thoroughly enjoyed it, and quite a few of the leaders too, and we're sure that many of them have secretly stashed away the recipes for dustbin garlic bread, popcorn etc.
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The afternoon saw the Guides staying on site and moving through a number of different activities such as a game station; tie-dye neckerchief; cooking with trangia; pioneering; working with an axe and bow saw and backwoods cooking. Meanwhile, it was the turn of the Rangers to head off site to beautiful Aghada for their outdoors adventure pursuit afternoon, where they spent some time in the woods tree climbing before heading down to the bay to do some kayaking, where nobody minded capsizing on the beautiful day that it was. When we were all back at the site, we enjoyed a little down-time before dinner and the disco, where we were delighted to see quite a number of leaders get into the spirit of the event and dress for the occasion. The girls, and some of the leaders, enjoyed the music and dancing, but the absence of a number of leaders was noted. Where were they? Playing Empires – a great game that had been introduced to a number of us by the Northern Region Outdoors team when they facilitated training for national outdoors teams a while ago. Thank you ladies, you've created some Empire-building monsters!
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After a very long and action-packed day, it was a late night on Saturday for everyone, and it was well past 1am before the site finally settled down. Sunday morning saw most people up and about bright and early and trying to get their bags packed and tents stowed before the rain that threatened made its way to us. The scout leaders again provided the entertainment by way of a little Slip and Slide fun for the girls, before we all got back into our uniforms and made our way to the campfire circle for mass, celebrated by Fr John. Siobhan, from South West, did a great job in organising some of the girls to participate in the mass, and herself and Alanna from Eastern Region provided some beautiful singing to enhance our service. The rain stayed at bay long enough to get everyone off site; and we were packed up and leaving Kilcully shortly after 1.30pm on Sunday, all very tired but very happy to have had such a great weekend. A special thanks to the organisers of the weekend; Emily, Arlene, Ger and Trish; for all the hard work they put into making sure everyone had a great time, it certainly paid off!
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INTERACTIVE SCAVENGER HUNT An Interactive Scavenger Hunt for your Unit or Region…Now there’s a great idea! When we were putting together the last edition of our newsletter we got a small submission about a scavenger hunt from the Northern Region; we thought it was such a great idea that it had to be shared, because we’re all always looking for new and exciting ideas. So we asked Yvonne, from St Comgalls if she wouldn’t mind explaining in a little more detail how they went about their day. A massive thanks to Yvonne for agreeing to share their idea with us all, and well done and thanks to all the leaders who took part on the day. We hope this inspires m1any more of you. Here’s Yvonne to explain more…
The idea of the Scavenger Hunt to Bangor came from our summer Lagan area meeting, they wanted a trip for the Brigíní on the train as most of them haven't been on a train before. Bangor was chosen, and as St. Comgalls are based in Bangor we happily took on the organisation. We are a small unit of 15 Brigíní, 8 Guides and 4 Leaders.
As a unit we wanted to do something different than an average scavenger hunt, so I looked into the idea of running it through Facebook, making it interactive, and I also looked up to see if we could add a badge to the day as we all love badges!
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In January I set up the secret group and asked the other leaders just to check into a variety of places around Bangor to make sure the page was a secret.
Closer to the time one of our leaders went to the local tourist office and picked up information booklets and local maps of the town. We are lucky as there was a tourist planned walking route around the town. We used that walk and adapted it to suit the BrigĂnĂ. We used the information booklet to make up traditional paper questions for the hunt.
For the hunt we planned to award points along the way, hence the challenges were set alongside the paper questions. Teams were to check in via Facebook at five sites along the way and upload the challenges set. (See photos for challenges and check ins). One of our leaders walked the route to get the time of all the check in points. www.girlguidesireland.ie 13
Before the hunt, leaders of each unit were asked to confirm numbers and state if their Brigíní were working on their Foot Explorer stage 1 or 2 badge (all completed their Stage 1 and our unit did Stage 2). The units were also asked for two leaders to be in charge of their Facebook posts.
In total we had five units; 70 Brigíní, 6 Guides, 3 Rangers and 20 leaders. Each unit boarded the train at their local station and arrived on the one train to Bangor. Each group was split in two and joined another unit (the reason? When we went to Dublin Zoo for All Sections Day we didn't really interact with other units) So two units came together to make one group, and they had 2 Guides from St. Comgalls to help them around Bangor.
Each leader had a pack with the route they were to walk (each group started a different way); maps for each child; how to log on the town's wifi; a list of challenges and check ins; paper questions; friendship bingo sheets which got the girls talking to each other; emergency contact numbers; tourist information books and leaders challenges.
We had planned for the groups to complete the route in two hours, which included stops at the play parks and lunch. (Although most groups didn't get round them all as there was so much) On completion of the route the Brigíní were given certificates and a party bag each. For the leaders, while walking around we had gone into one of the local coffee shops and set up a tab for teas and coffees.
Two of our leaders remained in the car park to be on call for any unit and we monitored the live Facebook page.
Although a lot happened on the day, it didn't take up too
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much extra time as we had been doing a little bit of planning since the beginning of the year. Two leaders; myself and Marie; took on the majority of the organising.
The Facebook page we used was https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1782002238729442/
I think everyone will agree that this is a fantastic idea and I’m sure that many of us will be adapting it to suit our own locations over the coming months. Again, a big thanks to Yvonne, Marie and all the other leaders involved in the day.
Report on the Lagan Area Scavenger Hunt On the 21st May St Comgalls, Bangor hosted to the Lagan Area Brigin event. 70 Brigins, 9 Guides and 3 Rangers across the Lagan Area came by train to take part in a scavenger hunt with a twist. Each group were given special challenges and points to check in to upload to a very secret facebook (while the event was running), alongside finding some answers to questions (difficult some might say).
At the Bangor station, they were met by Cara Bear and had an amazing sing song in the lobby. All groups were set off with the help of St. Comgalls Guides to find Bangor Abbey, Bangor Castle, Ward, Park, Pickie Park and the pier with a few challenges on the way. They had to rock the boat at the pier, get some group selfies with the chickens at Ward Park, spell out CGI with their bodies at the Castle, a mannequin challenge at McKee Clock and campfire singing in the play park. Even the leaders had their own challenges of getting the best picture to sum up the day… pictures of exhaustion and trying to jump into the river and swim away.
In all it was a great fun and action pack day. All the Brigins earned their Foot explore Stage 1 Badge with some earning their Stage 2 Badge. Lots of photos and videos were taken of smiling happy faces. Sharon Devlin Area Commissioner says ‘Lots of volunteer hours went into today’s event. It was fun, it was exhausting, we walked off our feet (10,000 steps) but the leaders and the girls had a brilliant day. Lots of memories and friendship made.’
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CYGNETS Hi Everyone, Hope all of you have had a great summer filled with fun, laughter and adventure. Here we begin a wonderful new guiding year with lots of activities planned, can’t wait to hear all about them. Always remember a Cygnet shares and cares! As leaders we can do the same please share all your ideas and adventures as we all love new ideas and develop existing ones. Looking forward to meeting you over the next few years and planning fun filled days. Yours in guiding Geraldine Conway National Commissioner for Cygnets
Name a Rocket. Let’s travel to outer space with a personalised rocket for each girl. Equipment needed. • Black card. • Coloured square pieces (one for each letter of the girl’s name) • Coloured triangles • Glue • Markers • Crepe paper to create the flames at the end of the rocket. Method Each girl is given a black card and a coloured square for each letter in her name. Arrange the pieces into the card and glue on. For the top of the rocket glue on a triangle. Use the markers to write out the letters of their name. Finally glue on strips of crepe paper to create the flames of the rocket shooting up into the air.
It's Autumn Time
Starting off a new year and getting to know all the girls names for both girls and ourselves can be a little difficult so here is a song to help up along the way and include all of the girls.
Let’s take a walk out into the autumn air and spot all the changes in the season and collect items that represent autumn and create an autumn collage. My favourite part of autumn is apples on the trees, why not try these Apple pizzas.
Where is ___________? (tune: Are you sleeping)
• Apples
Where is (child’s name)?
Ingredients
• Peanut butter or cream cheese
Where is (child’s name)?
• Assorted toppings – raisins, chocolate chips, coconut, mini marshmallows
Here I am (child sings)
Method
Here I am (child sings)
1. Cut apples horizontally so that you have circular slices, remove core and seeds.
We`re so glad to see you We`re so glad to see you At Cygnets At Cygnets
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2. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter or cream cheese onto the apple. 3. Then it's topping time, sprinkle on what toppings you would like. Enjoy!
ALL NEW!!!!
Ăž Ăœ Ăœ Ă? CYGNET FIRE SAFETY BADGE CRITERIA 1. Visit your local fire station or arrange for a fire officer to visit your meeting to talk about Fire Safety. 2. Learn how to make an emergency call to 999/112. Know your own address and a landmark near your home. 3. Carry out a fire drill in your meeting place and explain how to behave during a fire drill. Badge design & criteria provided by Bronwyn Murphy, Wexford Town Guide Unit as part of her Chief Commissioner Award www.girlguidesireland.ie 17
BRIGÍNÍ Cygnet and Brigin day This year’s cygnet and brigin day will take place in Larch Hill on Saturday 21st October. It will be a day filled with Halloween fun and games and will finish with a spooktacular bonfire. Keep an eye out for more information really soon.
Featured badge – Nature Lover NATURE LOVER (a) Be able to identify the following trees: Oak, Ash, Beech, Sycamore, Horse Chestnut (b) Find out about the following birds:
- One that stays with us all the year round.
- One that leaves or comes to us in the Autumn.
(c) Name three wild flowers; Grow a plant or flower from a seed or bulb, e.g. a chestnut plant, sunflower or crocus. (d) Know how to look after animals and birds in winter, e.g. feeding etc.
Make a bird feeder What you need: •
Birdseeds (available from most grocery or hardware stores)
•
Peanut/nut butter
•
Slices of stale bread
•
String or wire to hang the feeder
Leave the bread out for a day or two to dry completely, thread a thick needle and string with a wire or twist tie through the top of the bread slice (leave enough bread on top that it doesn't pull through), then spread it on both sides with sticky nut butter. Douse each side in birdseed, turning it to coat and attach it to a sturdy branch in your back yard. Breakfast is served!
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Celebrations. Ever just need a reason to have a celebration? Here’s 105 holidays that can be celebrated with your units.
Trick or Treat for Temple Street Would you like to do something good whilst having fun? Have you considered taking part in Trick or Treat for Temple Street? It’s so simple – host a party and help sick children. http://www.templestreet.ie/event/trick-ortreat/
Trick or Treat for Temple Street has been raising vital funds for our hospital since 2003. Each year we ask families, businesses, crèches and schools to get involved by hosting a Halloween party or by selling some of our Trick or Treat lollies in their local shopping centre. It is always brilliant to see people from across the country get involved in Trick or Treat, having some fun at Halloween and all the while raising much needed funds for our little patients.
Recycled materials bird feeder Stuff you need • Plastic drinks bottles, yoghurt pots or milk cartons (make sure they're clean), •
wire or string,
•
bird seed,
• scissors. Steps Cut a hole in the side of the bottle/yoghurt pot/ milk carton large enough to allow a free flow of seeds, but in such a way that it won’t all fall out
on the ground in the slightest puff of wind, and won’t get wet if it rains. Make a few small holes in the bottom of your feeder to allow any rainwater to drain away. Hang it with wire, or even strong string from a tree or your washing line. If your feeder starts to wear out or the food in it goes mouldy, recycle it and make another one! Remember to keep your feeders well stocked
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GUIDES Ice Cream Cone S’mores Materials: Ice Cream Cones (Waffle ones are best) Aluminium Foil Your Favourite S’mores Toppings: mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, peanut butter etc. What to do: 1. Fill the cone with a mixture of your favourite toppings 2. Wrap each cone tightly with the foil. 3. Oven Bake: Bake at 180 Celsius or 350Farenheit for 5-7 minutes Grill: Place under a heated grill for 5-10 minutes turning occasionally Campfire: Heat the foil-wrapped cones over a campfire for about 3-5 minutes or until the chocolate and marshmallows have melted. 4. Enjoy.
The Cutest Worm
(Tune of ‘I saw a Bear’, This is a repeat after me song)
Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: ALL:
The cutest worm The cutest worm I ever saw I ever saw Was curled up in Was curled up in My soda straw My soda straw The cutest worm I ever saw Was curled up in my soda straw, My soda straw!
Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: ALL:
He said to me He said to me Don’t take a sip Don’t take a sip For if you do For if you do I’ll surely slip I’ll surely slip He said to me don’t take a sip For if you do I’ll surely slip, I’ll surely slip!
Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper:
I took a sip I took a sip And he went down And he went down All through my pipes All through my pipes
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Leader: Camper: ALL:
He must have drowned He must have drowned I took a sip and he went down All through my pipes he must have drowned, He must have drowned!
Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: ALL:
I burped him up I burped him up And he was dead And he was dead A piece of ice A piece of ice Went through his head Went through his head I burped him up and he was dead A piece of ice went through his head, Went through his head!
Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: Leader: Camper: ALL:
That is the end That is the end There ain’t no more There ain’t no more Unless I see Unless I see That worm once more That worm once more That is the end there ain’t no more Unless I see that worm once more, That worm once more!
Create a Unique Bowl Using Old Buttons Got a lot of old buttons laying around the house? These bowls are easy to make and the supplies are very cheap. Button bowls are a fun craft to make or can be used as a one-of-a-kind gift for that someone who has it all. What you will need: • flat buttons of desired colours and sizes (I have found that smaller buttons tend to stick better) • balloons • white glue or Copydex Glue, anything that dries clear • large paint brush • scissors • newspaper • cup or can to balance balloon on while it dries • patience What to do: 1. Blow up a balloon to the desired size you want your bowl to be and place it knot side down into a cup, can or jar that you don’t mind getting a little glue on 2. Cover half of the balloon with glue using a paintbrush. You might have to alternate holding the balloon by the knot for a few minutes then setting it knot-side-down in your jar in order for the glue to have an even coat and not drip off.
Attach buttons to this layer as close together as you can fit them. 5. Continue adding the second layer of glue and attaching buttons until your half a balloon is covered with beautiful buttons. 6. Once all the desired buttons are attached turn your button covered balloon upside down in your cup so that the knot is in the air and the buttons are balanced on the lip of the cup - this is to keep your buttons from sliding down the balloon while they dry. 7. Let the layer of glue and buttons dry completely usually requires about 4 or 5 hours. 8. Once the second layer of glue and buttons is completely dry, coat the buttons over again with a third layer of glue. 9. Allow this third layer of glue to dry completely probably best to let it sit overnight - and if desired you can apply a fourth layer of glue to strengthen your bowl even more. 10. When your bowl is entirely dry use a scissor and cut the knot on the balloon to slowly let the air out. Sometimes glue will drip down, just peel it back and use the scissor to snip any unwanted glue bits away from the button edge. 11. Admire your hard work and patience!
3. Let the glue dry completely forming a layer of rubberlike protection between the balloon and your layer of buttons. 4. After this first layer is completely dry, apply a second coat of glue using your brush starting at the top of the balloon and working your way down toward the knot.
Balloon Squash This is a game that's ideal for a summer meeting, or even camp. Materials: Plenty of balloons - at least 2 for each player; can of shaving cream; a tarp and some buckets/basins. The Guides should wear bathing suits or old clothes, and bring a towel. Part of the fun will be hosing them all down when you're done!
To Prepare: Divide the girls up into teams of roughly five each. Have your balloons blown up and covered in shaving cream. Place the tarp on the ground, about 20 feet in front of your teams, place a bucket/basin of the covered balloons at the edge of the tarp opposite each team. To Play: On your signal, the first girl from each team runs over to the bucket, picks up a balloon
WITHOUT using her hands, places it on the tarp and has to burst it, by sitting on it. Then they run back, tag the next in their team to go, and sit down. The first team with all players back at the start line, sitting down wins. You can play as many rounds as you like; it's just some outdoors fun to enjoy in the fine weather. And the best way to clean up? Hose down your tarp, and your Guides!!
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RANGERS Hi Everyone,
Hope you all had a great Summer we really had some good weather. For those of you who had exams this year well done and now that that is over you can get back to guiding.
Dates to Remember
10th – 12th November, 2017 National Ranger Weekend Venue: New Grange, Co Louth. Cost: ₏50 per person + ₏15 travel cost
Thank you to everyone who attended the National Flower Power Weekend in Kilcully, Co. Cork. It was an amazing event and as luck would have it the weather was great. Now we can look forward to our next Ranger event which takes place in November. Looking forward to catching up with you all and I hope to see some more new Rangers taking part.
Patricia Derwin, National Commissioner for Guides
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WK -XQH The Ranger day this year was part of the National Guide/Ranger weekend which was held in Scouting Ireland, Scout Camp in Kilcully, Co. Cork. On Saturday morning the Rangers learned some backwoods cooking and acquired some new skills.
The training was provided from members of Scouting Ireland. In the afternoon the Rangers headed off to East Cork Outdoor Adventures (ECO) in Aghada, East Corkf or some more activities. The Rangers had the opportunity to do some ‘tree climbing’ in the woods, followed by ‘‘team building games.
The next activity was kayaking which is a great fun way to learn a new skill, make new friends and boost your confidence in the water. There was a mix of kayaking and games for all to enjoy. The day finished off with water trampoline which looked to be great fun.
Thank you all of those who took part and embraced all the activities. A special thank you goes to your leaders who gave up their time to take you to Camp Flower Power.
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ÞÙÉÏÇÔ ÝÒËÉËÏ ÃÙ 21st October in Larch Hill
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Ò Õ Ç Í Ò Ë É ÐÇÒ Ò È Ò Õ Ç Ô Ò Ð Ó Ï Ã ÔÒ
Data Protection Permission The Annual Consent Form is available on the CGI website. Please can you ensure to let the National Office know, if you have members in your Unit who’s parent/guardian has not given permission for their daughter to be in CGI photographs Guidelines for using Facebook, Social Media and Photographs can be found in the Guider Handbook, Book 5, Page 34 or on the CGI website
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OUTDOORS Hi Everyone, Delighted to be taking up the position of Outdoor Commissioner. Little bit about my guiding experience for those who don’t yet know me ;) I joined the association over 25 years ago as a youth member and came up through up all the sections thereafter. I am a Guider in the Greenhill’s Unit, Eastern Region for almost 15 years now and have served on the ER Exec as an ordinary member and more recently as Regional Outdoor Commissioner. As a Guide and a Guider, I have attended numerous camps both nationally across all Guiding/Scout associations and internationally. More recently, I have been upskilling in backwoods and cannot recommend the courses run by MPSE Ireland enough. I strongly believe that what separates us from other youth club organisations is our Outdoor ethos and that we have a duty to the children in our care to offer varied Outdoor experiences, adapted to all levels. Based on feedback, I am putting together some info docs around camping which may be useful to those who have never camped or are out of practise. These will appear in each Guider's Link edition. The aim being by next Summer that both you and your girls will have built up the knowledge/skills you need to enjoy a safe camping trip. This is to complement the training already run by the Regional teams. If there is an area which you feel you would like covered please don’t hesitate to drop me a mail. Most of you will have finished up in your weekly meetings for the Summer and maybe are heading off on camps - I wish you all a safe and enjoyable break. Don’t forget to share those memories with us on your return Yours in guiding, Arlene National Commissioner for Outdoors.
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Camp Equipment I’m loving, this edition Kelly Kettles The Kelly Kettle® will boil water in 3 to 5 minutes, in all weather conditions, using virtually any fuel you can find. It’s essentially a doublewalled chimney with the water contained within the chimney wall. Once the camp kettle is filled with water, simply start a very small fire in the base, set the kettle on the base and drop additional fuel down the chimney (natural environmentally friendly fuels such as twigs, leaves, grass, paper etc.!). The large internal surface area of the chimney heats the water extremely fast so, very little fuel is required. The fire is all safely contained within the fire-base and the chimney of the kettle itself so, a) strong wind and rain does not interfere with the fire and b) the kettle is safe to use in many areas where open fires are not suitable. Within a matter of minutes, the water will come to a rolling boil. You can also buy additional kits for cooking etc which sit on top of the kettle If you have an open fire already going simply remove the base and pop the kettle straight on- nice cuppa tea in no time. Follow the safety advice supplied. Retails between €66 and €85 approx. Available in most camping shops and online.
CAMPSITE LAYOUT
There are lots of resources available online for teaching Guides so I have merged a few down as a starting point.
RESOURCE TIPS FOR LEADERS • Safe drinking water should be available within a short distance. If none is available or you are uncertain of the quality of the water, the water should be boiled or purifying tablets used.
large trees because of the risks of falling branches, a lightning strike or the continual drip of water after rain has stopped. Avoid overhanging cliffs with risk of falling rocks and rock slides.
• The site must be well drained and unlikely to flood. Avoid clay and peat soils and sites adjacent to the sea, a river, or other stretches of water.
• If you are backpacking, ensure that you will be able to reach a site at least one hour before sunset.
• Make sure there is sufficient level ground for all tents and recreation areas. • If a sunny aspect is preferred, the tents should be pitched facing south east to get the morning sun. • The site should have an adequate supply of wood for open fires, if permitted, and for the construction of camp gadgets. • Check that there is protection from the prevailing winds. • Depending upon the purpose of the camp, facilities must exist for the camp's major activities. • Beware of natural hazards. Do not camp directly under
• It may not be possible to include all these factors unless you have found the perfect site of course! You will need to decide what are the most important for your camp • Generally speaking, for a Guide camp, it is usual for each Unit to have its own 'self-sufficient' area. There should be two main areas clearly marked • The central area containing the camp 'services' such as first aid, Quartermaster's stores, notice board, water point, Leaders' tents, and so on. • The Unit areas which are individual sites and should be easily accessible and yet self-contained. The boundaries of these should be well defined especially if there is not a lot of space.
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There are then other factors which should be taken into consideration when placing tents and other facilities or amenities. There are no hard and fast rules as it will of course depend on the individual occasion, however the following chart may give some suggestions: Water
Shade & Shelter
Lighting (Lamp)
Drained
Downwind
Ideal Position
First Aid Tent
Centre of camp and accessible
Dining Shelter
Close to kitchen to stop food going cold, but not in line with smoke from fire
Kitchen
Positioned so that smoke will not blow into camp and the dining shelter
Latrines
Downwind of the camp itself, but not too far
Washing Area
Positioned between latrines and camp
Chopping Area
Roped off from rest of camp. Close to woodpile
but woodpile not too close to fire
Water Point
If possible, positioned where any spilt water can be drained away
Tents
Positioned so that wind does not blow through tent doors
TEACHING GUIDES GUIDERS: Ask your Patrols to ‘brainstorm’ all the areas they think they would need on a campsite. They can put these on post it notes and place them on a blank wall/board. Then ask the Patrols to ‘brainstorm’ what they might need to take into consideration before locating these areas. Alongside their post its`- it is helpful to put up some ‘SAMPLE’ camp site layouts like those shown above before you continue with the activities outlined below;
There are numerous ‘fun’ ways to check learnings /embed thought process; A. It becomes really realistic and interesting if you can set up a model campsite. You can use a large tray with sand or soil to represent the ground, or better still, use the models and materials from a model railway, such as model trees and people. If your site can have hedges and rocks and so on, this will enable you to discuss making use of shelter. Model brick or stone walls can also be useful. Use a strip of plastic for a river. If you have time, you can make model gadgets (such as a dresser). B. Selling yourselves - Ask each group of participants to design an advert for a specialist magazine (therefore technical details are required!) promoting their 'perfect' camp site, its layout and all its amenities. The purpose here is to include the factors outlined in the Information Sheet not just to dream about a 50 metre swimming pool!
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C. Alternatively, the groups could be asked to prepare a one minute television (or radio) advertisement, which they should then demonstrate to everyone else. D. Camp Site Challenge - With participants in small groups (as teams), organise a quiz with points being given for the correct answers and deducted for wrong ones and so on. You may like to invent other 'penalties'.
The statements might include a list of statements about camp sites - some TRUE and some FALSE.
For example: 1.
Latrines should be placed next to the sleeping tents for convenience. (FALSE)
2.
Cooking fires should be placed underneath canvas (such as a dining shelter) in wet weather to stop it going out. (FALSE)
3.
A first aid tent should be central to a camp. (TRUE)
4.
Tent doors should be placed facing into the prevailing wind. (FALSE)
5.
The tents should be pitched under trees wherever possible to protect them from the wind and rain. (FALSE)
6.
Check what food supplies are available locally as it is not always possible to take all provisions with you. (TRUE)
7.
Choose a site that is well drained and preferably not clay or peat soil. (TRUE)
8.
You are allowed to camp on any official, public site in the country. (FALSE) You'll need: o 4 sticks of equal length, or 2 pairs of sticks of equal length o
natural string
o
collection of leaves, conkers and pine cones to decorate the frame
o
Swiss army knife
Encourage children to only choose twigs and natural 'treasures' found on the floor, creating a respect for the natural world. 1. Lay the four sticks for the frame on top of each other to create a square. Carefully wind a length of string around each of the joins, overlapping and winding from one corner to the other. This will hold them in place. 2. Complete for each corner, winding any extra string along the sides which will help create somewhere to secure the 'treasures'. 3. Tie a selection of pine cones to the frame and thread leaves and flowers through the string. 4. To attach conkers, get a Guider to pierce hole through the fruit to thread jewellery wire through and wind it onto the frame. 5. Tie some string from two corners to create a loop to hang it from a tree in your garden at home!
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INTERNATIONAL I look forward to hearing all about the various International experiences everyone has had over the summer holidays, some of you have travelled internationally or had camps at home here in Ireland, while others have met up with groups visiting Ireland from abroad. It is so important that we continue to enjoy our lives, travel the world, experience what guiding has to offer and not let recent events across Europe stop us. Thinking about plans for Summer 2018, Rangers and Young Leaders can sign up to Roverway 2018 but there are other opportunities for international camps for guides too, it’s never too early to start planning. Make sure to check out the details for Roverway 2018. This is going to be bigger and better than any Roverway before and has the unique water based activities that Netherlands do best.
You still have time, applications don’t close until September. You won’t want to miss this… The 36th WAGGGS World Conference will take place in Delhi, India during September 2017. The CIGA delegation met in June to discuss the motions and proposals put forward so far and to prepare for the canvasing for CIGA nominee Jillian van Turnhout to the World Board. This is a great event for networking and meeting other ICs and Chief Commissioners from all the Member Organisations of WAGGGS while having a say in the operational plan for WAGGGS for the next three years. Look out in the next GL for a full report on the conference and, hopefully, CIGA will have another World Board representative by then.
Louise Browne. International Commissioner
Europe Region WAGGGS Gender and Diversity Toolkit Pilot Project CGI are participating in the WAGGGS pilot of the new Gender & Diversity Toolkit. The first workshop on the project took place in Brussels 23-25 June. 11 organisations from 10 countries across Europe will be piloting the project and came together to learn and share ideas of how it can be used in their Member Organisations (MOs). The project will run until April 2018, with the finalised toolkit to be ready for September 2018.
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This WAGGGS toolkit focuses on developing our organisation and focuses on Six Core Areas: membership, educational programme, finance, relation to society, structure and management and training. The toolkit proposes that these are the key questions we need to consider when planning any aspect of our guiding programme. The toolkit goes in to each question in more detail under each core area.
1. Who do we reach?
4. Who has influence?
• How and when do we communicate to other people about our activities?
• Who has a voice and who is being listened to at different levels? Are strategies used in practice to encourage the participation of the less influential voices?
• How and when do we communicate with our group? Is our external and internal communication (unconsciously) tailored to certain kinds of people?
5. Who leaves? • Who quits and why? What are you doing to understand the reasons? • Are inequalities and discrimination challenged constructively?
2. Who joins us? • How can we make it easier to start being a guide or leader? • How are the relationships between major identity groups in the unit, team and national organisation?
Following the meeting, we will work on a plan to develop this area in our own association, ensuring our association is inclusive is so important.
3. Who stays?
How can we do this and how can you help?!
• Who becomes long-term members? Is there a pattern for the type of girls who stay?
This toolkit is there to help us to achieve just that but we need your help too.
• Are the basic needs of women and girls, and other groups being addressed equally?
We are putting together a Diversity Team for this pilot project so if you are interested in getting involved please get in touch, before Friday 25th August. Email international@girlguidesireland.ie for more information and for the terms of reference for the Team.
• Are there unequal or discriminatory roles and responsibilities in determining tasks, responsibilities and decision-making?
"I am no longer accepting the things I can not change, I am changing the things I can not accept" - Angela Davis
This is your association too, help shape it to be the association you want it to become.
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Ò Ç Î Î Õ } Where to go? what to do?! There are many different international camps on during the Summer of 2018, 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 the two we have here. Make sure to register your interest with these events asap as some closing dates could be very soon. MedJam18 The Scout Association of Malta and the Malta Girl Guides are hosting the first ever Mediterranean Jamboree from 1-8 August 2018. The event is open to Guides aged 11 to 16, at the time of the camp. It is hoped that 2,000 Guides and Scouts from around the world will participate in the event. Malta is a small island in the middle of the Mediterranean. It boasts 300 days of sunshine a year and has many beautiful attractions to be seen. Bridging Cultures – The focus of the jamboree will be on personal development by creating an environment where participants can exchange experience, knowledge and ideas. To bridge different cultures and encourage participants to enhance fundamental values, whilst enjoying themselves in a wonderful environment. The venue is Ghajn Tuffieha Campsite, situated in the North of Malta, and features an open-air Greek Theatre! For more information, view the jamboree website www.medjam18.org.mt
NorJam 2018 NORJAM is a week-long camp which brings together Scouts & Guides from around the world every four years at the Norfolk Showground just outside Norwich. With everything from archery to zorbing and thousands of new friends to meet from across the globe, you really can’t miss NORJAM 2018! The camp is for Guides and Rangers ages 10 to 17 and will be held from 11-18 August 2018. For more information, view the website www.norjam.org.uk
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WAGGGS World Centres Don’t forget to always consider the WAGGGS World Centres for individual, unit or family trips throughout the year. After all, they belong to us as members of WAGGGS! Experience a world of possibilities at one of the Five World Centres. WAGGGS has World Centres located in Mexico (Our Cabana), Switzerland (Our Chalet), India (Sangam), Africa (Kusafiri) and the United Kingdom (Pax Lodge).
World Centre Volunteering Opportunities World Centre Volunteer and Intern programmes are a fantastic opportunity for you to develop both professionally and personally. During your assignment as a Volunteer, you’ll be helping to make sure that operations at our World Centres run smoothly. As an Intern you’ll take on responsibilities in a particular area of work where you already have some experience or knowledge, and you’ll have the space and support to grow and develop in your area of work. Each of the World Centres has different volunteer and intern opportunities available. Check the centres own websites for more information.
THE ACADEMY
ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY Dates: 31st Oct - 5th Nov 2017 (may be required to travel on 30th Oct) The Academy is a unique Scout & Guide event designed to enable participants to get high quality training and networking opportunities around core priorities of the European Regions of WAGGGS and WOSM. The event is open to everyone newly involved at Regional or National level and members of particular working groups. You will gain practical skills in many key areas of work. This event will cover a range of flexible and focussed subjects giving participants the valuable opportunity to network within and between areas of work. The content will consist of stimulating topics of great relevance to Scouting and Guiding including innovation and new methods of working. The Academy will consist of different modules allowing participants to choose their own learning experience. The Academy 2017 will offer a broad range of sessions addressing matters of interest to all these different groups of participants. This allows participants to choose their own learning experience. You will gain practical skills in many key areas of work.
Further information can be found on the event website www.thesgacademy.eu - do not apply directly on the website. If you are interested in attending the Academy 2017, please contact international@girlguidesireland.ie by Friday 18th August
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ROVERWAY 2018 Opposites Attract Roverway 2018- Irish Guide Contingent Roverway 2018 will be held in The Netherlands in the summer of 2018. This is a European Guiding and Scouting event and participants must be aged 16-22 at the time of the event. We are also looking for International Service Team (IST) members that must be 22 years or older. The Irish Guide Contingent will travel to the event from the 21st July - 2 August 2018. This is a joint contingent with IGG: Irish Girl Guides so there will be members of both CGI and IGG represented in our contingent.. This is an outdoor event. You do not need to bring your leader with you to go to this event.
The Trip 21st-23rd July 2016: Pre-camp sightseeing in Amsterdam 23rd July: Opening Ceremony in The Hague 24th July-28th July: Patrols are out on camp/paths 28th July-2nd August: main camp in Zeewolde 2nd August: Travel home
Training All members of the Irish Guide Contingent (Participants and IST) MUST attend two training weekends: 1st weekend: 13th-15th of October 2017. 2nd weekend: May/June 2018 34 Guiders Link Vol. 3
Cost The cost for participants is €950 Payment plan is as follows: €200 deposit upon registration €250 December 1st 2017 €250 March 1st 2018 €250 June 1st 2018 The cost for IST is €720 Payment plan is as follows: €200 deposit upon registration €250 December 1st 2017 €150 March 1st 2018 €120 June 1st 2018 The cost includes pre-event tour, all meals, all transport, training weekends, all food, all activities, contingent uniforms and badges. ALL PAYMENTS ONCE PAID ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
Closing date for application September 22nd 2017 Form must be filled out and deposit must be sent by September 22nd 2017
Application & Information Application form: https://tinyurl.com/RW18registrationform Facebook: Irish Guide Contingent Roverway 2018. Email: roverwaycontingentireland@gmail.com www.girlguidesireland.ie 35
National Council My name is Alanna Hickey. I am 12 years old. I am a guide in Buion Noamh Pol guides Greenhills. I attended National Council because I am the secretary for the Eastern Region Members’ Council. National Council took place on Saturday 22nd of April 2017, in the Carlton Hotel, Old Airport Road.
Secondly, also from the to date ba dges and c Eastern Region, to add in mo hange som to comple re e of the th te and rec ings you m up eive badge involved in u s st do (Members designing ’ Council these). w On arrival, I received a registration pack which held my ill be The South schedule, directions, annual report etc. There was a shop -Western Region pro Executive and delicious refreshments for us beforehand. I was seated posed tha Board, NE t the Bp expansion at the Eastern Region Members‘ Council table. We all of the org rioritises the develo National anisation a pment and the Memb t a region received a jigsaw with the new 2017 slogan, IT TAKES A ers’ Coun a l c le il vel (none a re ls a o lly unders discussed BIG HEART TO HELP GROW LITTLE MINDS. of tood that allowing C s one:-). We le ygnets to epovers w Also, a beautiful memorial card for our late Chief go on one ithin their that the N n own regio Commissioner Cecilia Browne, a poem written by Nicola EB debate n. Lastly, w ight the name e discusse Catholic G d Crofts (a Brigin leader) about bullying, conference notes uides of Ir At 11.30 th eland. and pencils. ere was a slide show deceased members, c followed b ommemorating our deceased y a specia Chief Com At 10:30 National Council began, we opened with the l memoria missioner her family l for our Cecilia. It guiding prayer followed by a minute’s silence to remember members was the Fionn, wh o was only re, especially her n nice to have the late Chief Commissioner, Cecilia Browne. ew grands five days o on ld. As the me etin At 11:05 matters arising from the previous minutes were to a differe g continued, The M embers’ C nt room w discussed. Firstly, from the Eastern Region, making the ouncil mo here we p yummy co v layed gam okies) Ranger neckerchiefs more cost effective. es (and ate ed When we came back , internati being held onal prese . Firstly, a ntations w p resentatio is a 1 0 ere -d a n on Rove n y o le u e td o H o r camp in rway 2018 olds. All th t the u th o , which b e a N e informati etherlands as ery on you wil can be fou fo tion w ent, held ev an r a t 1 6 n -2 e 2 s l need if y nd at http nal pre ip developm n you need c ou are inte year s://www.ro io t a n r h v e re s e rway2018 sted ader xt int orrow rmatio .nl/en/ . The ne Seminar on le . All the info vents/helen-st s e w rg/en/ ar old Storro 8-25 ye www.wagggs.o 1 r fo r / yea tps:/ ny d at ht and ma g in t s be foun 017/ e y inter he r-2 ere ver ve to have t semina w s n io lo t a n ld t a u n se rilli t wo hese b the pre rs’ Council t t f h o g h u mbe I tho r bot the Me ing on one o in s u f o o g icola nce of aker N e a e p experie ities in CGI. s t s e av un ck, a gu of WAGGS g lo opport ’c o 1 sident ed her nch at ious lu ard Chair Pre la had finish ut c li e d After a d, World Bo . When Nico with her abo ch ea Grinst rmative spee cil got to talk being on the K’s un U fo ut very in ers’ Co e talked abo rking for the ing in b m e M o d , W h w u . c g s s e e a t id spe she do oard as well s abou she gave u g t in h h g t u y la ta rld B ever he day et a e. Nico GS Wo nd of t WAGG Health Servic and at the e e who had m ssed n al gs mpre Nation orld meetin dges for anyo was very im y w a I , b . d ere ver w Boar Britain l WAGGGS s r ld e r d o ia SW y lea us spec of WAGGG badge and m r is e memb hted with th was a lig and it il and de c n u o I have ! tional C vements CG a jealous N t a impro iends new fr at plans and f o s t lo h I made nce to see w re. a u h u c f d e th t goo in e n o ry for eve
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S G W G o G r ld A W A whistlestop tour of the World Centres
:KHQ" 1RYHPEHU :KHUH" 0W 0HOOHUD\ &RVW" € SHU *XLGH € SHU /HDGHU € 7UDQVSRUW CLOSING DATE FRI 6th OCT 38 Guiders Link Vol. 3
CARD PAYMENTS From September the National Office will be able to accept payments for items with Credit and Debit Cards, both over the phone and in person. All major credit cards and Visa debit cards will be accepted.* An email will be sent to all Guiders once the facility is up & running *Please note this facility can not be used for paying Registration
3rd Party Insurance As with previous years please note: The onus remains with the Guider to ensure that qualified instructors/leaders are present when organising any specialist activity for our members. All safety precautions must be taken in any routine activity. Where activities are provided by specialist service providers or at Third Party activity centres, you should seek confirmation that they have Public Liability Insurance.
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COMMUNICATIONS In the past few months our members have been involved in some really great events, from handing out Green Ribbons at local train stations and school yards, to taking part in Darkness into Light walks all around the country (including one by a unit in Larch Hill) Well done to all on your community spirit. As you'll see in the pages of this edition of the Guider's Link, great fun was had by all at Camp Flower Power recently, and it's that time of year again as contingents are preparing to go off on international jamborees and units are getting ready for their annual trips, so please let us all know how you get on, we'd love to see some pictures of your adventures. Finally, a big thanks to everyone that has sent in information to our newsletter. It's growing from strength to strength because of your participation. So keep sending in hints and tips you'd like to pass on, ideas for programme planning, or photos of your events, we love to see them all. Yours in Guiding, Michelle Finnerty National Commissioner for Communications pr@girlguidesireland.ie
AROUND IRELAND NORTHERN REGION Northern Region Guide Day A Northern Region Guide Day was held in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, County Down on Sunday 7th May. Guides took part in a nature hunt through the park and down through the Narnia trail before bubble football and games
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Our Lady of Angels Round Up SIlver Outdoor Awards
Cygnet Crafts
Six guides and two leaders from Our Lady of the Angel's guide unit in Kilkeel have achieved their silver outdoor award. The guides had to complete 5 outdoor activities, attend a community event and camp for two nights.
Our cygnets have been very busy making the summer crafts from the last Guiders Link. Thank you for the ideas .
Colour Run Carnival Fun Day 68 Brigin's and Cygnets from Cathedral area got together on Sunday for a carnival fun day. The girls won prizes on the many games available; hoopla, hook a duck, can knock down etc., raced each other on the inflatable assault course, visited the fairy garden, made fairy doors, dressed up in the photo booth plus much more. Thank you to everyone who attended and to all the leaders for their help in organising and facilitating the event.
Our Lady of the Angel's leaders and guides took part in Newry Colour Run raising money for Children in Crossfire
Skydive Niamh Mc Burney will be taking part in a Skydive to raise money for Our Lady of Angels Guide Unit among others. She says doing this dive helps her give something back. Our Lady of Angels tour of Analong Cornmill Our Lady of the Angel's guide unit had a tour of Annalong Cornmill as part of their Irish History badge.
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St Mary's Muff Report St. Mary’s Unit, Muff, Co. Donegal have been very busy since we came back from our Christmas holidays and now we are on our Summer holidays. How quick our guiding year goes by, it seems no time ago we were welcoming our girls back to the unit in Sept 2016 and now we are wishing them a great Summer holiday and hope to see them all again in Sept.
We had our annual Easter Bonnet Competition for our Brigini and Cygnets and our Cake Baking and Tasting Competition for our Guides. All our winners went home with lovely Easter Eggs and those not lucky enough to win went home with chocolate bunnies.
The Brigini and Cygnets were busy doing crafts and badge work and when the good weather came they had trips to the play-park, nature walks and games outside. The Guides were also busy with their crafts and badge work and three of our guides were working hard on their Chief Commissioners Award.
During May our Guides attended the Guide and Ranger Day in Moville where they had a great day taking part in water sports and gorge walking. Three of our Guides Emma, Melissa and Catriona attended interviews for the Chief Commissioners Award in Belfast. We are so proud of these girls and the hard work they have done. All of the unit wish them good luck.
Some of the highlights for the unit were: During April we had our annual Enrolment Mass where we enrolled 2 Guides, 18 Brigini and 6 Cygnets.
We had our annual camp with a sleep over in the hall for the Brigini and Guides on the Friday night. On Saturday morning we were joined by the Cygnets for a fun filled day at W5 in Belfast. During June the guides had a trip to Carrowmena Activity centre where the girls showed how brave they were by doing everything from rock climbing to sky walks. We hosted the Errigal Area Brigini and Cygnet Fun Day. On the day the girls enjoyed a magic show, games, songs and making a craft. Thanks to all the units that came on the day and to their leaders for their help on making it a great day for all. 42 Guiders Link Vol. 3
We finished off our guiding year with a fancy dress walk for the girls and their family. It was a lovely evening with refreshments being served afterwards. We look forward to seeing them all back in September for our new Guiding year.
St. Oliver Plunkett Lurgan St Oliver Plunkett Lurgan have been making good use of the sunny weather and getting out and about.
SOUTH-EAST REGION Clonard Cygnet and Brigins out and about The Cygnets and Brigins have been out and about recently now that the weather is improving. The Cygnets have been out doing nature trails in the local community while the Brigins hiked from Clonard church out to the Irish National Heritage Park and then did the tour and archery. Meanwhile the leaders took part in the Darkness Into Light walk.
Regional Swap Shop The Regional Outdoor Team recently held an Outdoor skills swap shop for all the guide leaders in the region. It was attended by 18 leaders with two leaders from IGG joining us for the day. A great day was had by all with loads of skills and ideas being swapped between leaders and units.
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South East Region Spirit of Brigin Day
Castlebridge Brigini in Tramore Castlebridge Brigins recently went on their annual camp to Tramore. We left on a wet damp Friday evening but everyone was so excited. When we arrived in Tramore we unpacked and set up our base for the busy weekend ahead, we then had supper and played a few very competitive board games (Yes this included Leaders too!!). It was then bed time. On Saturday morning thankfully the weather was drier, we did a few crafts before setting out for our surfing this was a BIG hit with the girls they loved every minute of it, after getting dried off and a quick bite to eat it was time to set off for a bit of Rock Pool exploring. Unfortunately at this stage the weather had taken a turn for the worse and we had less time than planned for this activity, the girls really enjoyed this and found it really interesting. It was time to return to base for dinner and a quick change of clothes before going down to the sea front and to the local park. When we returned to base it was time for a movie and munchies before heading to bed. On Sunday morning we packed up all our gear before we went to Splashworld. Again this was a great hit with the girls. When we returned to base camp we had dinner before we held a Guides Own. It was then time to hit the road for home! The bus was a lot quieter this time!! We had a great weekend. Tara Roche
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SOUTH-WEST REGION Ballinlough Wins Special Unit Outdoor Award Marian Hughes Unit leader of Our Lady of Lourdes Unit , Ballinlough, Cork being presented at the Flower Power National Camp in Kilcully with the Special Unit Outdoor Award Certificate by Chief Commissioner Emily McCann. We are the first Unit in the country to be awarded this which is very exciting. Also present are Guide Leaders, Katherine Fitzpatrick, Mary Ballard and Olivia O'Callaghan with some of their guides. We look forward to Sept to being presented with our badges. Well done to all Sections.
EASTERN REGION Eastern Region Brigini Camp Each summer in the Eastern Region there is an annual Brigini camp, affectionately referred to as The Commissioner Mary Lawlor Camp. This year, as every year, it took place in The King's Hospital School, and it was on from the 23rd to 25th June. It's a great way for Brigini from Dublin and beyond to get together and enjoy a full-filled weekend. They arrived at 4.30pm on Friday and settled into their rooms, and then there followed an Opening Ceremony. The theme this year was "Once Upon A Time" and the Brigini set about decorating the hall with posters of fairytales which they had prepared at their own meetings. Following some tea and swimming, everyone got ready for the disco, which also included a spotlight dance prepared by each company. On Saturday everyone was up bright and early. The day was filled with arts and crafts, games, a book quiz, swimming and a dance workshop. The evening activity was a spelling bee and a fancy dress competition. Where did they get the stamina to keep going all day? On Sunday morning the Brigini were treated to a film show, and after lunch they tidied up and got ready for the prizegiving, which has become a highlight of the weekend. Proceedings drew to a close at 3.30pm when everyone left for home, tired but happy. Again, a big thanks to all the leaders involved in organising and running the camp, and for giving up their weekend to attend.
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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.