CYGNET & BRIGIN DAY Pages 6-8
GUIDER CONFERENCE Page 24-25 2016 Vol. 1
Guider’s Link
www.girlguidesireland.ie 1
CONTENTS International Commissioner's Message 3 Noticeboard 4 Cygnet & Brigín Day Report 6 Cygnet Section 10 Brigín Section 12 Guide Section 16 Ranger Section 18 Training 20 Outdoors 22 International 26 Free Being Me 34 Diversity 35 Around Ireland 36 Contacts 47 Included with this issue: • OGM Spring Update pull-out Don't forget to send your photos and articles for the Guiders Link to: guiderslink@girlguidesireland.ie. Closing date for the next issue is Friday 1st April, 2016 2 Guiders Link Vol. 4
INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONER'S MESSAGE Hi everyone, Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2016! February is our month to celebrate being part of one of the largest female organisations in the world. On the 22nd February each year, World Thinking Day (WTD), Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world take time to recognise the impact of being part of such a worldwide movement.
started that members would offer a voluntary contribution to the World Association. This voluntary contribution, also known as the WTD Fund, is used to assist Guiding Associations in developing countries. The WTD Fund also helps girls’ voices to be heard globally, delivers leadership training to young women and gives support for Girl Guide and Girl Scout organisations around the world. I would ask that, during your WTD celebrations, you encourage
In 2016, I encourage you all to hold events within your Unit, Area or Region to celebrate WTD. The important thing is to get together to recognise the day and being part of such an important movement. You can download more information on WTD at the following link and read on in the International section of this edition of the Guider’s Link for more detail and sample ceremonies to mark the occasion. www.wagggs.org/en/what-we-do/ world-thinking-day/ The 22nd February was chosen as the date for Thinking Day because it was the joint birthday of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout Movement, and his wife Olave, who served as World Chief Guide. Because their Birthdays were chosen for this day of celebration, and birthdays are associated with presents, a tradition
www.mythinkingday.com This past year, many of our members have had the experience of visiting World Centres or attending camps abroad or visiting interesting places. Many thanks to all the Leaders involved who have given so much of their personal time to take members away. Don’t forget to start planning for the future International opportunities; camps, visits to World Centres, set the seeds now and encourage your girls to start a saving scheme. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for any support or advice. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the CGI International Facebook Page, look for ‘CGI – International Page’ on Facebook. We share lots of information regarding WAGGGS, Guiding/Girl Scouting events taking place at home and abroad and upcoming opportunities for leaders are shared. Like the page to keep up to date.
your girls to make a small donation and explain where the money goes and what it is used for. This can be sent to the National Office where they will be collected and sent to WAGGGS. Throughout February, and not only on WTD, try to encourage your members to appreciate how large an organisation WAGGGS is. Simple postcard exchanges are just one idea of how to do this.
I wish you all a great Thinking Day and would encourage everyone to send in photos of your celebrations, whether they be big or small, so that we can share them. Yours in Guiding, Louise Browne International Commissioner
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NOTICEBOARD UPCOMING NATIONAL EVENTS Unit Leader Training
11-13th March
Guider Training Step I
11-13th March
Guider Conference
15-17th April
National Council
17th April
Zoo Day (all Sections)
7th May
BrigĂn Guider Weekend
20-22nd May
Ranger Skills Day
18th June
Chief Commissioner Award Ceremony
24th September
National Guide Weekend
4-6 November
REGIONAL TRAININGS Child Protection Awareness (SW Region)
10th & 26th February
Child Protection Awareness (SE Region)
2nd April
Outdoor Skills Training for Leaders & Rangers (SW Region)
23-24th April
Child Protection Awareness (SE Region)
3rd September
Guider Course Step 1 (SE Region)
1-2nd October
RESOURCE DATES World Wildlife Day
3rd March
International Women's Day
8th March
World Health Day
7th April
International Day of Families
15th May
Global Day of Parents
1st June
World Environment Day
5th June
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NEWS FROM THE NEB •
Ivan Cooper, Director of Advocacy at The Wheel facilitated a discussion in relation to the Charities Act.
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CGI hosted the CIGA AGM at the Lexicon Library, Dun Laoghaire on Saturday 14th November 2015.
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Scout Shop: Reminder that 'bundle prices' are available for the uniform - see Scout Shop website for details.
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Warrants: Reminder that all warrant holders must hold a First Aid certificate.
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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N A T I O N A L
Cygnet
Brigín
C H R I S T M A S
Cygnet Day Report On Saturday 5th December Cygnets and Brigíní from all regions headed to H.Q. for the Cygnet and Brigíní Day. The theme this year was all about Christmas. When everyone arrived in H.Q. safely after the stormy night before and checked in, we were divided into groups for activities.
opportunity to make chocolatey surprise Christmas crackers and post their letters to Santa in a special post box.
Cygnets were in the first group to head off to the chocolate warehouse for a tour of the chocolate factory and to see the main man himself, Santa. The Cygnets all had the
There were activity stations, wishing wells and face painting thanks to Santa’s Elves. After the Cygnets finished their activities, we loaded back on the bus to Harrington St for
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lunch and the rest of the day’s fun still ahead of us. The afternoon started with decorating Christmas gingerbread cookies. All the sprinkles, smarties and glittering jellies looked truly scrumptious when all the decorating was done. The next craft was an important one, Cygnets made Elves or Snowman “Santa Stop Here” signs so that Santa didn’t miss them all on Christmas Eve. Then it was time for some fun Christmas themed games, such as; Hook a Reindeer, Snowball Toss, Pin
the Nose on Rudolf, Snowman Slam and Christmas Musical Statues. All the groups were back in time to bring the day to a close at 3:45pm. We all headed down to the Main Hall to join with all the Brigíni for a big Christmas Campfire, before the journey home All of the Cygnets seemed to have a wonderful day and went home with a cuddly Christmas Teddy as a reminder of the great day that was had by all the Cygnets. A huge and special thank you to the Cygnet Support Team for all their help in organising everything in the run up to the day and a big thank you to all the Leaders and adult helpers for lending a hand on the day.
Brigín Day Report
On Saturday 5th December 2015, over 130 Brigini and Leaders descended on Harrington Street in Dublin despite the very bad weather. The Brigini were divided into 4 groups which were rotated between the four activities for the day Activity one was making Peg Angels – each girl was given a kit to make an Angel to hang to their Christmas tree. The girls and leaders had great fun putting the angels together, a few had to finish them at home.
Activity Two was games. Many thanks to Sarah and Renee from Coolock who ran the Games Activity for 3 of the 4 Groups. The girls played Rudolph Dash – a relay with a twist. The girls were divided into teams and had to run up to the top of the hall, put a blob of vasaline on their nose and then had to try to get a cotton ball on their
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nose. When they did that, they ran back to their team. They also played Dress the Snowman – each team member had to put a hat, scarf and gloves on and run up and around a chair and back to her team, take them off and pass on to the next player. Snowball toss – team had to throw as many snowballs into their bucket. The girls also played some of their favourite Brigín games. Activity Three – Gift Bags. The girls designed a Christmas gift bag. Many of the girls used their own designs, while some used the templates provided. All the girls got a stuffed penguin to put into their bags. Activity four – the highlight of the day – Trip to visit Santa in the Chocolate Warehouse. The girls wandered through Santas wonderland and visited his workshop where they got to make a cracker and post their letters. After seeing the Big Man, the girls received a small gift. The day ended with a Christmas singalong with the Cygnets, where the girls sang all their favourite Christmas songs and Carols. Many thanks to all the Leaders who helped out on the day. A special thanks to Trish Derwin and Mandy Derwin for all their help in the run up to the event.
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Show them what Guiding is all about! This year, we've decided to try make Mother's Day a little extra special. We're inviting you all to "Bring Mom Along" to your meeting on the week of 2nd-8th March - the week before Mother's Day and International Women's Day on 8th March!
The big idea
What you can do!
By seeing all the great activities you do with your Unit/Section, we hope some of the moms might be inspired to come along and volunteer as an adult helper or even join and become a Leader.
About 2-3 weeks before the event you can begin to prepare. Maybe the girls can make up invitations for their moms, some bunting or other decorations to put around the room for the day.
Keep an eye out for a facilitation pack which will contain lots of ideas for your Bring Mom Along Day! ives me "Guiding g want to go I e r e h w e som I always d n a k e e w every e on my il m s a h it leave w face!"
"I have a ne w, and diffe rent relationship with my daughter n ow that we 're in CGI togeth er." www.girlguidesireland.ie 9
CYGNETS Mother's Day Craft
Hi Everyone, Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and wonderful New Year. I’m sure that you are looking forward to all that we have planned for Cygnets in 2016 and I am really looking forward to seeing many of you at the different events throughout the year. Don’t forget to have a look at the report on CGI’s website from the National Cygnet Day, Dec 2015 that is packed with lots of photos showing all the fun that was had by all the Cygnets who attended. I hope you will find these fun themed crafts and activities a useful resource in this the first edition of the Guiders Link for 2016! Yours in Guiding, Erica Tyndall National Commissioner for Cygnets
Competition Winners Congratulations to the winners of the Cygnet Christmas Decoration Competition 2015. We had a fantastic number of entries for this competition and well done to all who took part. I was really 10 Guiders Link Vol. 4
Candle Collage Materials Needed •
Cleaned small jars (baby food jars are a good size)Coloured tissue paper squares
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Glue / Pritt Stick
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One tea light candle
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Squares of Cardstock or Blank Gift Tags
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Cygnets Photo / Ribbon (Optional)
What to do Glue the tissue paper all around the jar (overlapping them looks great), this will create a stain glass effect. Then simply insert a tea light candle, when the jar has had a chance to dry. Optionally you can add a picture of the Cygnet to a square of paper and tie around the neck of jar (attach with a ribbon). On the back write "Happy Mother’s Day 2016”.
impressed with the creativity and artistic flare from all the Cygnets. It was very hard to make a final decision from all the amazing entries. Prizes will be making their way out to the winners; Katelyn Byrne – Buíon Muire Lourdes, Eastern Region Naomi Howlin - St Mathew’s Cygnets, South Eastern Region
Lily Kelly - Buíon Naomh Ailbhe, Eastern Region Elli-Mae Cudden - St. Colmcille’s, Northern Region Jane O’Reilly - Buíon Gobnait, Eastern Region Chynna Sambou - St Noel’s, South Eastern Region Aoife Swan - Buíon an Leanabh Prague, Eastern Region
Cygnet Easter Games Bunny Hop Relay
EVENT Next Cygnet event: Zoo Day See ad, page 21.
Have a bunny hop relay race in your meeting place. Have the Cygnets hop like bunnies and pick up Easter Eggs. They then have to hop back and put the eggs in another basket. Then the next Cygnet goes, until the last Cygnet in the team has a go.
Bunny, Bunny, Rabbit
Pin the tail on Mr. Easter Bunny
Play just like Duck, Duck, Goose. One Cygnet goes around the circle tapping another Cygnet and saying bunny, the girl continues until they choose one Cygnet and they say rabbit. The rabbit must then try to catch the girl that was "it" before they run around the outside of the circle back to the open space.
Just like the donkey version played as a birthday game, Cygnets can play the bunny version at Easter. To start blindfold the first Cygnet, and spin them around a few times using a cotton/ styrofoam ball with tape or blue tack on it. The aim to try put the bunny’s tail on in the right place.
Thinking Day activities! Thinking Day Activity The World Thinking Day 2016 theme is “Connect” and is a great theme to get all the Cygnets involved with. Why not tell Cygnets about the wider WAGGGS community to which they belong, tell them about the meaning of Thinking Day, and explain about the WAGGGS world centres or all about girls in other associations that are the same age as them. If you have been to a world centre or know of a ranger or another leader who has been to a world centre invite them to your meeting.
Thinking Day Wishing Well After having a group chat about the world of guiding and the meaning Thinking Day has for all Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, a fun idea is to design a “wishing well”, where the Cygnets can drop in a £2/€2 coin and make wishes on behalf of Girl Guide and Girl Scout sisters around the world. Send all contributions to the WAGGGS Thinking Day Fund.
Did you know? There are additional resources for Cygnet Leaders on the members section of the CGI website, and we also have a Cygnet Section Page on Pinterest that is bursting with relevant pins for crafts, games and fun activities for the Cygnet age group and a huge amount of additional resources on CGI’s Online Guide Manager (OGM).
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BRIGÍNÍ Hi all,
Crafts
Wishing you a very happy 2016, I hope you all have a lovely Christmas. It was lovely to see so many Brigini at our Brigin Day in December. I look forward to seeing you at events throughout 2016. This year CGI has teamed up with Tallaght Hospital to hold Pancake Parties. Why not share your pancake party ideas with us by entering our Competition.
Pancake decorating
Pancake toss
You will need
You will need
•
•
Yours in Guiding, Suzanne Stuart.
Pancakes - at least one per person
1 Light weight frying pan per team
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Chocolate spread
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1 Fun Foam Pancake per girl
National Commissioner for Brigíni
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Honey
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Table with 1 plate per team
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Sprinkles
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Jelly tots
How to Play
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Small fruit chunks - bananas, apples, strawberries, etc.
1. Put the girls into team of approx. 6
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Whipped cream
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Any other goodies you want on your pancake
2. On the whistle the first girl puts her pancake into the frying pan, she runs up the hall to the table
The Brigin Support Team are still looking for leaders to join us with their ideas, if you are interested why not drop me a line on brigini@girlguidesireland.ie.
Pancake Party Competition Send your Unit photos of your pancake party to brigini@ girlguidesireland.ie to be in with a chance to win a prize for your unit. Photos to be in by 31st March.
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What to do 1. Get the girls to decorate their pancake with all their favourite goodies. 2. You can also make savoury pancakes by using vegetables & sour cream instead of fruit
3. The Brigín must toss her pancake in the frying pan 2 times then place her pancake on her plate 4. She then runs back to her team with the frying pan and pass it to the next player 5. The first team with all their pancakes stacked on their plate wins.
Mothers' Day Gifts Mum you Rock You will need •
Smooth river rocks
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Feather boas
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Colour card
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Fun foam
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Small pompom for nose
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Wiggly eyes
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Markers
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Plain coasters
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Decorative items - lace, buttons, beads, flowers etc.
What to do 1. Clean and paint rock 2. Once dry, glue on eyes & nose 3. Cut short lengths of feather boa and glue on top of head as hair.
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Glass jar
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Pretty fabric
5. Cut feet out of card or fun foam and glue to coaster
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Ribbon
6. Print "MUM YOU ROCK" on Coaster
Instructions
4. Add decorations to hair - bow, button, bead, etc.
Mother's Day Bath Salts You will need •
Plain bath salts (like Epsom salts)
•
Essential oil Powder or paste food colouring (not liquid)
3. Cut a square of fabric to fit over the lid of the jar, tie in place with some pretty ribbon.
1. Put some of the plain bath salts into an old bowl. Put in a tiny amount of essential oil (about 2 drops for every cup of salts) and a tiny amount of food colouring. Stir well with an old wooden spoon until all of the salts absorb the colour. Repeat with as many different colours as you like. 2. Carefully pour the salts into a clean jar (we layered different colours). www.girlguidesireland.ie 13
In association with
Host your own Pancake Party and raise money for The National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght.
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Do you have a new volunteer in your Unit? You must give them a copy of the Volunteer Form and Garda Vetting Form. It is essential that the volunteer form is signed and references and ID’s are checked by the Unit Leader. All volunteers must be Garda Vetted as per legislation. Forms can be found on the CGI website or can be posted to you from National Office. For new volunteers in the Northern Region, different forms are in place for new volunteers and vetting is done online via Access NI so please check with the Northern Region Office for details.
tion Form r Applica Page 1 of 2
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GUIDES St. Patrick's Day Game
Hi Everyone, Welcome to the Guiding year 2016. I hope it will be fun filled with excitement and adventure. Springtime is very busy this year with lots of special occasions and events happening. Here are some ideas to help you through the busy period. I would love to hear from you and see what your group is getting up to during springtime. Looking forward to seeing you all at the National Zoo day. Yours in Guiding, Geraldine Conway National Commissioner for Guides
Pot of Gold Hunt Materials •
Green construction paper
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Scissors
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Masking tape
What you need:
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Edible gold coins
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Tracking symbols
Pictures of your mum and you or pictures/ paper cut outs of her favourite things
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Flower pot
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Permeant markers
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Ribbon
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Compost
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Spring flowers e.g. tulips
What to do 1. Cut the tracking symbols out of construction paper 2. Place them around your hall leading to the pot of gold coin. 3. Find a location to "hide" the pot of gold. Place it anywhere you wish 4. Set the girls off in team to find the pot of gold using the tracking symbols.
Valentine's Day Competition Create and design a Valentine’s Day card with a poem inside for someone. The card can be A4 or A5 in size. Send your entries into the National Office by Friday 21st of February. Good Luck - can’t wait to read your poems and see your creative designs.
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5. Time the girls for a bit of competition and fun. Great way to teach new recruits their tracking symbols and refresh the other girls.
Mothers’ day crafts Memory Flower Pot
with some spring flowers inside.
What to do 1. Cut out all of your pictures and glue then onto the outside of the flower pot. 2. Write your message or design onto your flower pot and tie your ribbon around the top. 3. Pour in the compost and plant your flowers into the pot.
Easter Chick Biscuits Ingredients •
This Mothers’ day why not create a memory flower pot for your mum
200g unsalted butter, at room temperature
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100g golden caster sugar
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1 medium egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
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200g icing sugar
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2 tbsp milk
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A few drops yellow food colouring
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75g unsweetened desiccated coconut
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50g small chocolate chips
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25g orange or white fondant icing, plus a few drops orange food colouring
You will need •
15-18 lolly sticks
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Ribbon, to decorate (optional)
Method 1. Put half the butter and all the sugar in a bowl. Using an electric whisk or wooden spoon, beat together until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg and half the vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. 2. Sieve in the flour into the
mixture and mix on a low speed until it comes together to form a dough. Gather up into a ball, wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 20 minutues. 3. Line 2 baking trays with baking parchment paper. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put the biscuit dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out until about 5mm thick. Cut out the biscuits using a 6cm round cutter. Transfer the biscuits to the prepared trays and insert the lolly sticks into the sides, just a quarter of the way through. Bake for 6-7 mins until the edges are golden brown, then carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before decorating.
Buttercream frosting 1. Place the remaining softened butter in a bowl and beat with a wooden spoon. Slowly add the icing sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, until thoroughly incorporated and you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Add a little milk and the remaining vanilla extract with a few drops of food colouring to give a pale yellow colour. Chill for 5 mins.
2. Put the desiccated coconut in a small bowl, add a few drops of yellow food colouring and mix well until the coconut is coloured pale yellow 3. Spread the buttercream frosting over one side of the biscuit and sprinkle with the coconut. Add 2 chocolate chip eyes to each. Pinch a little orange fondant icing and shape into a beak and press into the mixture. Decorate with a ribbon, if you like, and serve. Will keep for 2 days in an airtight container.
Chief Commissioner Award Update Please note the new provisional dates for interviews are as follows: 2nd/3rd July and 9/10th July 2016. Interviews will be held in Dublin.
Thinking Day 2016 This Thinking Day, why not play a game of the five world centres, similar to the blind tasting challenge. For each world Centre country you must have two different types of food samples one savoury and one sweet. Each girl is then blindfolded and asked to taste the dish before linking it to the correct world centre. Each girl must taste all of the dishes before she can decide which centre it is linked to. www.girlguidesireland.ie 17
RANGERS Hi Everyone, I hope you had a relaxing time over the Christmas break. Now that our Ranger weekend is over for 2015, it is time to start planning the event for 2016 (no rest for the Ranger support team). We will take on board all of your suggestions that you put forward in your evaluation forms for the 2016 event. A very big ‘thank you’ to all the Rangers and Leaders who attended the Ranger weekend. I would also like to thank the Rangers who attended without their Leaders, you were fantastic and a credit to your Units. Let’s hope that 2016 is a SUPER year for our Ranger events. Patricia Derwin, National Commissioner for Rangers
Crafts Lucky Charm Necklaces using recycled plastic Materials •
Clean, dry recycled number six plastic
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Thin permanent markers
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¼-inch hole punch
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A piece of paper cut from a brown paper bag
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Satin cord or metal chain for the necklace - whatever necklace supplies you'd like to use
What to do 1. To start, preheat the oven to 170 degrees (150 fan) (all oven activities should be done by an adult!)
2. Lay the plastic over the image and copy and decorate it with a thin permanent marker (or free draw).
3. Cut the shape out - sometimes cutting a curve is easier to do by turning the plastic over and coming at it from a different angle - but keep track of which side was drawn on (with that little B). 4. Punch a hole in the shape before its baked (trim that little B off now).
Dates to remember for 2016 Ranger Day
Ranger weekend
When? 18th June 2016 Where? Larch Hill What? Outdoor skills/activities
When? November 2016 Where? Venue and activities are still being planned at present. More information in the next Guider’s Link.
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5. Place the (drawn side UP) shapes on the brown paper on a metal pan (not insulated) and put the pan in the oven; set the timer for 3 minutes. 6. Remove the pan after 3 minutes and the pieces will have shrunk.
Things to note: •
be punched before the plastic shrinks.
Only use #6 plastic (this sign appears on the bottom of the container)
•
Don’t be alarmed if/when the plastic curls- it will flatten out again.
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Whatever line you draw will get thicker and darker.
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Plastic may shrink down from 1.5” to .5” but it varies a bit.
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Holes get smaller and must
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Make a little notation
Ranger Weekend Report 15 November 2016 Carne Holiday Centre, Carne, Co. Wexford The Ranger event held in the Carne Holiday Centre, Carne, Co. Wexford from 13–15th November, 2015 was well attended with more than 50 Rangers taking part in the weekend activities and these were from three of our regions, Eastern, South Eastern and the South Western Regions. It was fantastic to see such representation for a large amount of companies/units.
The weekend began with introductions from the participants and some ice breaker games. We also set the scene for the ‘Murder Mystery’ weekend on Friday night. Unfortunately, the weather was not in our favour this year (can’t have it all the time I suppose) so we had to adjust our programme to cater for indoors. But in the Guiding spirit, everyone was in agreement with the changes. After dinner on Saturday evening the Ranger’s took part in a Christmas table quiz, followed by a Clubercise Disco by one of our
somewhere close to one edge that will be cut off before baking—draw a letter “B” which shows which side is up; if the drawn side is face down-the ink will transfer to the paper and come off the plastic during the shrinking process.
Leaders Sarah Jane. On Sunday morning after breakfast, the girls had a very energetic exercise class in the open air, with Sarah Jane. The Rangers had a brief discussion on the Ranger programme and this was followed by our ‘Guide’s Own’. All too soon, the weekend was over and it was clean-up time. A very massive ‘Thank You’ to each and every Ranger who took part and we have taken into consideration your ideas/opinions for your next weekend. Oh, and rest assured that Santa is alive and well
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TRAINING Hi Everyone, As the second part of the Guiding year is picking up speed why not attend one of the following National Training events – or one in your own Region. Mandy Bradley National Commissioner for Training
Challenge Booklets If you have participated in National Guider Training Step 1 (Basic Course/Guider Course) recently please send your completed Challenge Booklet to the National Office for my attention.
Upcoming Trainings
Where? Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport
To give Unit Leaders and Section Heads from different Regions the chance to come together to look at issues and concerns that arise within a Unit or Section and to share ideas of good practice.
Calling all new leaders! This is an opportunity for you to take the first step on your Guider Training with other leaders from around the country.
Closing date 15th February 2016 (Places limited - first-come-first served basis)
Where? Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport
This weekend will provide Brigin Leaders an opportunity for formal and informal discussion and training with guest trainers from WAGGGS/Guiding UK.
Step 1
How much? €50 per person
When? 20-22 May 2016
Brigín Guider Weekend
National Guider Training
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When? 11-13 March 2016
Unit Leader & Section Head Training
How much? €50 per person Closing date 31st March 2016 (Places limited - first-come-first served basis)
When? 11-13 March 2016 Where? Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport How much? €50 per person Closing date 15th February 2016 (Places limited - first-come-first served basis)
It's back!
All Sections Zoo Day Where? Dublin Zoo!
When? 7th May 2016 (Closing date: 4th April) Event Booking Form on website or from National Office
How much? €10 per girl Transport if required: €12 per person incl. adults
OUTDOORS Hi All Welcome to the Spring edition of the Guider’s Link. I hope you are all enjoying the days starting to get longer and are looking forward to getting out and about again. For this edition we have linked up with two initiatives that Michelle, our Communications Commissioner, is working on: Pancake Tuesday, in association with Tallaght Hospital, and Bring Mom Along Day, so we hope you will get some ideas for your programme.
Outdoor Challenge Challenge your girls to cook a pancake or drop scone using a candle piece of wire and tin foil. Light your candle and using the wire and tin foil make a little frying pan and cook the pancakes over the candle … simple.
Drop Scones
I am also delighted to say that the new look Outdoor Award is is almost finalised and will be sent to you shortly. I hope you all like it and are looking forward to getting started on the award. If you have any queries at all on it please don’t hesitate to contact me. So Pancake Tuesday is 9th Feb this year and your unit will be receiving Pancake Party Packs to raise money for Tallaght Hospital. What you can do right now is think what kind of pancake party are you going to have? Why not a pancake hike with the ultimate aim of finding a beautiful spot by the sea, by a river or lake and to light a fire and cook your pancakes. Make sure that you have permission to light fires in the area or, if not, bring a small gas cooker, and make sure you have your favourite toppings with you! Or be a bit more adventurous and make a fruit filling … stewed apple and cinnamon is one of my favourites. Make up your pancake mix in advance and have it in a bottle with a screw top and just pour it out. If you can’t get out and about, why not cook your pancakes on a trangia, or make some drop scones? (See the recipe for drop scones.) If you’re doing an overnight and want to build your pancakes into your breakfast, these are a great alternative and will fast become everyone’s favourite fast food recipe. Emily McCann, National Commissioner for Outdoors
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In a bowl, mix together 175g self-raising flour, 1 tsp of baking powder and 45g Caster sugar. Next, make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and add 1 large egg and 85ml of milk, mix these until they become a smooth, thick batter. Add another 85g milk to make it the constancy of thick cream then you are ready to cook. To cook, you need a large bake stone (if you don’t have one of these, don’t worry, just use a heavy frying pan). Put the bake stone over a medium heat until hot then place blobs of the mixture on it. Once one side is done, flip over to cook the other side. Once you’ve cooked them all (makes about 20), put two together with jam, butter or syrup and enjoy! Top tip when making drop scones: When cooking them you know when one side is done when bubbles rise on the top! But the top tip is to Google ‘pancakes’ and you will find such a variety of recipes that, like me, your mouth will water just looking at them. So let’s all support the pancake fundraising and get out and about at the same time. Please don’t forget to send us in any photos of your pancake hikes or cook-outs.
Handy firestarters These handy fire starters are made out of paper egg cartons, dryer lint and old candle stubs. Pack the egg carton with lint from the dryer and pour melted candle grease over it - there should be plenty of candle stubs going around after Christmas! Once the candle has set, separate
them into individual firelighters and they are then so handy to have on a hike or camp. Once lit, they burn long and mightily. I always keep one down at the bottom of my backpack, along with the first aid kit. They’re really handy for starting fires, especially for the fire-challenged, or to give you extra security when you’re working in difficult conditions. Best of all, they cost nothing, and take only a few minutes to make.
Some other ideas ... good songs to teach you all. Bring Mom for a picnic Showing how healthy we can eat on a Take your Mom along picnic. Sponsored walk, hike, skip, run Why not include your Mom in the Bring Mom to a campfire fundraising? Regardless of whether it’s indoors or outdoors, and give your Mom Treat your Mom a chance to relax and enjoy the Treat your Mom to an outdoor camaraderie of the camp fire – you dinner cooked on an altar fire, let her never know she might have some
see the skills you’re learning at Guides and let her enjoy the true pleasure of eating outdoors. Bring Mom on an overnight If your company is really adventurous, bring Mom on an over night - she could become hooked on Guides and join in our big adventure.
Summer Camp I hope you are all starting to look at the planning of your summer camp, be it a weekend, a week, 10 days or what ever length of time - summer camp is fabulous. It gives you the opportunity to take part in activities that you wouldn’t normally get to in your weekly programme. So if it’s your first time and you would like any help please contact your local outdoors team or indeed contact me at outdoor@girlguidesireland.ie.
Cooking tip If you’re on a hike, have a fire going, and want to make drop scones, find a flat clean stone, these will cook great on it but be careful - it needs to get quite hot. On a flat griddle on the side of an alter fire is another great way of cooking them.
So before I finish, back to the new Outdoor Award. I hope you will like it, we have tried to make it flexible and achievable for all age groups including you, the Leaders. As we are launching the Award in spring, please feel free to backdate your activities to the beginning of the Guiding year (i.e. September 2015). Remember, the whole essence of the award is to encourage our Members to be out and about and to enjoy the magic of the outdoors. I look forward to hearing about your adventures on the outdoor award. 23 Guiders Link Vol. 1
15th-17th April
GUIDER CONFERENCE 2016 Connect, Explore & Refresh Connect with Guiding Friends, Explore new ideas through the programme workshops, and Refresh yourself by taking part in one of the Wellbeing workshops on offer. The Conference will start with a reception on Friday evening, followed by a choice of workshops during Saturday. The highlight of the event will be our Gala Dinner, which will be held on Saturday evening and will be a great opportunity to catch up with Friends. National Council will take place on Sunday 17th April.
D a te 1 5 th -1 7 th A p ri l Ve nu e C a r lto n H ote l , D u b lin Air po r t
Costs Twin Room: €85 per person Triple Room: €65 per person (limited availability of triple rooms) This conference is being heavily subsidised, so don’t miss the opportunity to make this a great event.
Bookings to be made via iRegister by 26th February: https://www.iregister.ie/v2/events/cgi-guider-conference-2016/
INTERNATIONAL Hello Everyone! Happy World Thinking Day to All We are, each one of us, 1 in 10 million members of one of the largest all female organisations in the world so let's celebrate and share what it means to be part of a world wide movement working to empower girls and young women. The following pages hold just a few examples of how you can celebrate World Thinking Day and also some feedback on international experiences our members have had at events recently. Don't forget the CGI International Facebook Page, look for ‘CGI – International Page’ on Facebook. We share lots of information regarding WAGGGS, Guiding/Girl Scouting events taking place at home and abroad and upcoming opportunities for leaders are shared. Like the page to keep up to date. Yours in Guiding, Louise Browne. International Commissioner
World Thinking Day What is it and what is it all about?
This year, the theme for World Thinking Day is Connect.
Each year since 1926, on 22nd February, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world celebrate World Thinking Day. This special day marks the joint birthdays of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell who founded the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting Movement.
The pack, built on the theme of ‘Connect’, invites you to explore and celebrate the meaningful connections that make our lives better, whether to the people closest to us, to a place we care about, or to a Girl Guide or Girl Scout friend on the other side of the world.
World Thinking Day reminds us that we are all part of a global organisation supporting girls and young women, providing opportunities and helping them to develop new skills. Just think, while you are celebrating World Thinking Day 2016, there are girls just like you on the opposite side of the world doing the same! World Thinking Day is a day of international friendship, speaking out on issues that affect girls and young women, and fundraising for 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world. What do we do on World Thinking Day? Celebrate World Thinking Day and being One in Ten Million!
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Making more positive connections matters, because it helps us to be happy. But what does it mean to feel truly connected? Connected to who we are, connected to where we are and connected to the people around us. A printed pack has been sent out to each Unit in CGI as a resource and is also available for download from the following website. You can earn a World Thinking Day badge, once the selected challenges in the pack have been completed. This can be ordered from the National Office at a cost of €1 per badge. The WTD Badge should be sewn on to the right arm of the uniform jumper and can be worn for the year until the next WTD.
•
Be inspired by the history and impact of our Global Movement
WAGGGS World Thinking Day Website:
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Connect with the worldwide sisterhood of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting
www.wagggs.org/en/what-we-do/ world-thinking-day
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Take action and speak out on issues we most care about
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Make a difference by fundraising for projects around the world
WAGGGS World Thinking Day Pack www.wagggs.org/en/resources/ world-thinking-day-activity-pack2016-connect
Sample Thinking Day Ceremonies Sample One: Use any method of making the letters as you wish - one idea would be to have the individual letters on poster board, with the readings accompanying them attached to the back so the girls could read them as they held the cards.
T
hinking Day is celebrated February 22nd. This is the birthday of Lady and Lord Baden-Powell, who founded and did so much for scouting and guiding.
H
D
I
A
N
Y
e, Lord Baden-Powell, founded Boy Scouting in 1907. At a boy rally in 1909, girls appeared who were most interested in the movement. They wanted in too.
n 1909, as a result of the Boy Scout rally, Lord BadenPowell founded the Girl Guides of England, out of this also grew Girl Scouts of America. othing went very smoothly at first, small companies were formed who did mostly Boy Scout drills and badges. In 1912, the girls had their own handbook.
K
ay by day this movement, started by Lord BadenPowell, has increased, not only in size, but also in its activities. Even though girls from different countries do not wear the same colour or style uniform, their interest and activities are very similar. nd let us remember that the word "Friendship" means much to all, and "International Friendship" means even more.
ou are a part of this, so let us all join hands in a friendship circle with wishes for all that is good for all Girl Scouts and Girl Guides the world over.
nowing little about Girl Guiding, Princess Mary did have an interest and inspected companies on different occasions. She gave many gifts of money to help Girl Guides really get on their feet.
I
nternational Council was founded in 1928. This helped bind the Guides closer together. In wars, they have done quite a good many things. Their biggest aid was in hospitals and telegraph offices.
N
o one forget Juliette Low, who founded Girl Scouts in America, in 1912. She had lived in England and had gained her interest there. She was a good friend of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell.
G
reat was this organisation, started in Savannah, Georgia, Mrs Low's main wish, at first, was to have an International Conference in the United States. In May, 1926, at Camp Macy, in New York, twenty-six different countries had this conference.
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Sample Two: Flame Ceremony Materials •
Six assorted shaped, coloured candles, the more mismatched the better.
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One tall, multicoloured (if possible) candle in the center
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A green taper candle for every participant.
Ceremony Guider in charge lights the tall candle in the middle: “Stars that shine together form a galaxy. Flowers that grow together create a garden. Buildings that stand together begin a city. People who work together make a difference. This is what valuing differences is all about.” 1st Guide (lights the first small candle): “I light this candle in friendship for all of the people who are older or younger, taller or smaller, richer or poorer than I.” 2nd Guide (lights the second small candle): “I light this candle in friendship or all people who worship differently than I.” 3rd Guide (lights the third small candle): “I light this candle in friendship for all people of a different nationality or ethnicity than I.” 4th Guide (lights the fourth small candle): “I light this candle in friendship for all people who are of a different colour than I.” 5th Guide (lights the fifth small candle): “I light this candle in friendship for all people who come from other countries than I.” 6th Guide (lights the sixth small candle): “I light this candle in friendship for all people who don't run, walk, see, hear, or learn the same as I.” Guider in charge lights her green taper from the tall middle candle and says “I light this candle for me, for I am unique and special.” She then walks to the beginning of the horseshoe and the first girl lights her candle from the Guider in charge and recites the line. The second girl lights her candle and recites, and so forth around the horseshoe. Guide/Guider in charge: “Watch the flames closely. Notice the light from each candle is the same as the others even though the outside of each is different. So, too, are all of us in the world. We wear different clothes, speak different languages, follow different religions or 28 Guiders Link Vol. 4
beliefs, like different foods, sing different songs. And yet, we all belong to the same human race. Inside we are all the same. We all wish to be recognised, we all wish to be called by name, we all wish to be loved, we all wish for friends, we all wish for peace. In the spirit of international understanding, we pledge ourselves to world friendship. (Pause for reflection) “In the spirit of international understanding, we pledge ourselves to peace making. (Pause for reflection) “In the spirit of international understanding, we pledge ourselves to accept the challenge to look wider still.” (Pause for reflection) End with friendship circle after blowing out individual candles.
"Look wide! And when you think you are looking wide, look wider still." Lord Baden-Powell
IGG – Our sister Guiding association in Ireland In July 1993, at the 28th World Conference held in Denmark, the Council of Irish Guiding Associations was ratified as a full member of WAGGGS and was recognised as continuing the Full Membership first gained by IGG in 1932. The Council consists of IGG and CGI, on behalf of their members who reside in the Republic of Ireland. Members of GirlGuiding Ulster and CGI Northern Ireland sit on the Council in an observer role. The Irish Girl Guides, sometimes more commonly known as IGG, has been in existence since 1911. It is one of three Guide Associations on the island of Ireland. The other two are the Catholic Guides of Ireland (CGI) and Girl Guiding Ulster (a component part of Girl Guiding UK). The Irish Girl Guides is a uniquely girl-only, youth-driven, active and dynamic organisation. It offers a varied and exciting programme for girls and young women aged 5-30, and opportunities for Leaders of all ages. IGG operates in the Republic of Ireland only and the 26 counties are further divided into seven Regions for administrative purposes. IGG’s mission statement is “to enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world.” Their vision statement is “Every member of the Irish Girl Guides has a sense of ownership in, and feels proud to belong to, a modern, growing and inclusive organisation that empowers and gives confidence
to girls and young women through a fun, educational programme.”
and green lining. They wear a pink neckerchief with a black woggle.
The Sections
Guiders are aged 18+
Ladybirds are aged 5-7 years old Motto: “Ladybird Guides care and share” Ladybird Guides wear a red sweatshirt and/or polo shirt with the IGG logo, a navy neckerchief with black woggle, a navy badge sash, navy tracksuit bottoms and runners. Brownies are aged 7-10 years old Motto: “Lend a hand” Brownie Guides wear a yellow sweatshirt and/or polo shirt with the IGG logo, a navy neckerchief with black woggle, Brownie Guide sash, navy tracksuit bottoms and runners. Guides are aged 10-14 years old Motto: “Be Prepared” Guides have a choice of a blue t-shirt with a pink stripe on each side or a pink t-shirt with a blue stripe on each side. The Guide hoodie is blue with a pink logo and pink lining. All Units wear the same neckerchief - white background with blue and pink celtic knots. Guides wear navy tracksuit bottoms or jeans and runners. Senior Branch are aged 14-30 years old Motto: Be Prepared Senior Branch members wear a navy t-shirt with a green logo and green stripe down each side. They wear a navy hoodie with a green logo
Guiders can wear a mix and match uniform selecting from purple polo shirts, blue blouses, lilac or navy fleeces with navy trousers. The leader neckerchief is purple with a white trim which has the IGG logo printed on it.
Structure of IGG Units (Senior Branch/ Guide/ Brownie/ Ladybird) – Districts – Areas – Regions – National
Journey Programme In 2015 a new Journey Programme was launched which is designed to achieve our mission “to enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world.” It is linked to 15 National Outcomes, these outcomes have been broken down to apply to each branch so that girls and leaders can truly experience a ‘journey’ as they work through our programme. The Journeys are progressive and so, through her time in Guiding, the girl will develop and grow. The Journey Programme in each Branch is composed of three elements – Compulsory Challenges, Choice challenges and Interest Badges. These are all woven through 6 Adventure areas: Guiding, Outdoors, Teamwork, Change, Life skills and Global Awareness.
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Academy 2015 Porto Oct/Nov 2015 At the end of October, I attended a weeklong event in Porto on behalf of CGI. The event known as ‘The Academy’ is high quality training and networking opportunity pitched around the core priorities of the European Regions of WAGGGS and WOSM. To be more precise it was quite simply like going to a college for Girl Guides and Scouts for a week!! You signed up each day for whichever modules piqued your interest, had breakfast lunch and dinner with likeminded individuals from all across Europe and got to right the wrongs of the day with your peer groups in the early evening before heading out to enjoy the city or
whatever entertainment was on the night’s agenda. Some of the avenues I chose to look more closely at were; Marketing/Branding and PR, Scouting and Guiding DNA, the Better World Framework and challenges facing young people in the 21st Century. It was a thoroughly enjoyable week that I really cannot recommend highly enough. Whether you’re weary from years of Guiding or new to it, the Academy will reinvigorate your Guiding spirit, help you make lots of new friends and, most importantly, you will have lots of fun doing it! Arlene Griffin
It was a thoroughly enjoyable week that I really cannot recommend highly enough. 30 Guiders Link Vol. 4
Round Table: A Movement of Ideas for Growth Results London Nov 2015 Below is an account of the WAGGGS-organised Round Table which was held in London, U.K. from 5th-8th November 2015. The purpose of the conference was to allow member organisations, as well as delegations from WAGGGS regions, to engage with each other, external experts and speakers on good practices in membership growth and have the opportunity to make connections and contacts for further collaboration in areas that promote growth. I attended the Round Table from the evening of 6th November until the conference finished on the 8th. This involved attending a wide range of events, including a number of seminars hosted by external experts, interactive workshops, discussion sessions and presentations by MOs in other countries on their own development. Some of the sessions included; ‘Brand’: An examination of the key elements on branding and organisation that need to be considered when strengthening a brand and to encourage MOs to look at their brands and see how they can best be used to promote growth. ‘Using Technology to Drive Membership Engagement’: A look at membership engagement as a measure of a successful organisation, a study of different techniques for measuring levels of membership engagement, and ideas on how to use technology to improve levels of engagement. ‘Organisational Structures for Promoting Growth’: To hear about structures and management approaches that have worked for growth and what the underlying organisational principles of successful structures were, and to learn about how to address organisational structure and performance management approaches that promote growth. ‘Using Partnerships to Foster Organisational Capacity’: To look at and discuss about how we can use
partnerships to enhance organisational structures and promote growth. ‘Change Management’: To learn about the key factors that need to be considered when planning for change; what to do to give change the best chance of success; and how they can return to their MOs and build support for change. ‘Collision of Ideas’: A summary session to debrief the participants on the most significant learnings, evaluated whether expectations were met and looked at key action points and next steps. Relevance Beyond the growth project, the issues discussed over the course of the weekend are those which should form part of any frank and realistic discussion of the current state of Guiding movements in Ireland. Whilst taking steps towards membership growth is important, this needs to be done in the context of an overall evaluation of the role of guiding in Irish society and the ‘value proposition’ being offered by guiding organisations. Essentially, this means developing a full understanding of what Guiding offers to young women, how the organisations deliver this and how this can be refined to enable us to have the greatest impact on members and potential members. Sarah Slevin
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WAGGGS Growth and Development Project
Sarah Browne - Eastern region WAGGGS Europe region has, over the past year, carried out a pilot study on growth and development in guiding in Europe. Guides in Ireland – both CGI and IGG were delighted to have been able to take part. We were joined by guiders from Poland, Norway, Slovenia and Romania who undertook similar projects within their own organisations. The project consisted of two meetings – one in Slovenia last March to get the background of the project and to set out the research needed, and one in Brussels in September where our findings were analysed and action plans were developed. The aim of the project was, in relation to WAGGGS project 2020 – where growth of the global organisation from 145 member
organisations to 157 member organisations is hoped for by the year 2020 - is to examine the reasons why people joined guiding, to discover what makes some members stay for a long time, and to evaluate why others leave after only a short amount of time. This information was then taken and sorted, and an action plan to promote growth was developed. Using face to face interviews, round table discussions and online surveys information was gathered from four target audiences – members (girls aged under 18), volunteers (over 18’s), parents; and stakeholders.
With help from WAGGGS and Noah Roychowdhury from Northstar the information was sorted and filtered until a workable action plan was formed.
Four main themes became evident when the research was analysed. They are: 1 – Support for Guiders A lack of structured support for guiders was mentioned by a large amount of respondents, and it was the main reason that guiders left our organisation. The possibility of creating or joining an employment assistance scheme for our guiders was suggested and its feasibility is being looked into.
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2 – Use of technology and tech safety As technology develops, guiders and our youth members would like to see more technology used in their meeting places and within the organisation as a whole. Alongside this, guiders wished to be able to stress the safe use of technology to the girls both at home and within guiding. CGI has guidelines in relation to online safety and guiders should stress this with their members and adhere to it themselves at all times. The WAGGGS safe smart badge is also available as a resource that guiders can use to keep internet safety foremost (https://www.wagggs.org/ en/what-we-do/surf-smart/) And now that we have launched Online Guide Manager for the leaders, hopefully guiders will be happier with this use of technology in the meetings. 3 – Accreditation for skills gained in guiding Although our guiders don’t join to gain accredited skills, most said that they would not say no to having their skills accredited and to be able to sell their guiding experiences in the ‘real world’. Preliminary work has been done by training and development commissioners into the possibility of a FETAC-type award being available for guiders in the future. There is also a really good leaflet which is published by Girlguiding UK which states how you can use guiding on your CV that can be used as a reference by all – it can be viewed here: http://www. girlguidingulster.org.uk/resources/ guiding-on-your-cv 4 – Sharing guiding by word of mouth The majority of our youth members and a large proportion of our adult members joined guiding as a direct result of hearing about guiding from
friends and/or family. We need to use the resources we have (i.e. our members) to spread the great word of what we do and promote guiding at every opportunity. Events such as ‘bring a friend’ night, and getting out and about in uniform are quick, easy ways to spread the great word of guiding within the local community. These findings were presented to both national boards and the information has been incorporated into the strategic plans of both organisations. It is hoped by
WAGGGS that a tool-kit can be developed from the work we carried out, which will in turn help other organisations discover more about themselves and grow their membership. It was an honour to take part in this project, and I’d like to thank everyone who helped with the research and who took part in gathering the information. Hopefully, working together we can promote growth and expand membership in our wonderful organisation.
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Free Being Me News
Happy new year to all in 2016! Free being Me had quite the exciting and busy year in 2015 with over 300 Leaders trained in FBM and over 5,000 lives reached so far through the programme.
around the country on their take action project including groups designing, creating and more importantly being seen wearing t-shirts depicting and promoting FBM.
Throughout the year, the FBM team had been busy promoting the programme within both Associations and also on a wider scale. On a national level, interviews have taken place with Ray D’Arcy, Newstalk, Morning Ireland, News2day, Irish TV, the Irish times, as well as in several local newspapers and radio stations all of which have helped to spread the message of FBM.
An excellent idea from the Northern Region saw the girls make pencil cases depicting all that FBM stands for and then using them in school and sharing with class mates so as to spread the FBM Message. Another brilliant idea was a group creating FBM Posters and displaying them in local community centres and schools, and 1 more simple idea was to have complement stickers/badges made which girls could simply share with their friends.
Some great work has also been done by groups from
Now the FBM team needs YOUR HELP! We desperately need help reaching our target of a further 10,000 lives to be reached by the end of 2016. We need groups to share their experience of the programme so as to encourage others to join the movement. This can be achieved either through Facebook – FREEBEINGMEIRELAND…. Twitter - @freebeingmeciga or by emailing the team directly 34 Guiders Link Vol. 4
freebeingmeireland@gmail.com From February 22nd until March the 8th (coinciding with Thinking Day and National Womens Day), The Free Being Me team will be launching a Free Being Me fortnight. We need as many groups, Units and Sections from as many Regions as possible to begin (or complete) the FBM programme in this fortnight so as to
kickstart the Free Being Me journey for 2016 and together we can destroy the image myth and build a stronger future the girls of CGI and those around them. Keep an eye out on email, Facebook and Twitter pages for more info and don’t forget for those of you who have completed FBM, download the Evaluation sheet from the girlguidesireland.ie and order your badges ASAP.
DIVERSITY ACTIVITY
Walk apart — walk together This activity is appropriate for a wide variety of ages, ranging from junior school to adult. Since it requires no special materials, it can be conducted in almost any setting. It is a particularly good activity for groups that are just forming. Goal To help participants recognise the differences among people, as well as the many similarities people share.
Time 10–15 minutes
Materials Open space large enough for two people to take a short walk
Procedure Two “volunteers” come forward and stand with backs together. Ask the “audience” to call out things about these two volunteers that are different. Differences sometimes pull us apart. As each difference is called, the volunteers take one step
apart. When they reach the end of the available space, have them turn and face each other. Now, ask the audience to call out similarities of the volunteers. As each similarity is called out, the volunteers take one step toward each other.
Discussion 1. Think about the things that were noted as differences. How many were things that we can easily see (gender, size, hair color, skin color, dress, wearing glasses or not, etc.)?
not so visible. Perhaps both “volunteers” are enthusiastic or both have similar interests or goals in life. 3. Talk about the importance of the differences and of the similarities among members of the group. Be sure to talk about the importance of accepting and welcoming all.
2. What were some of the similarities? While certain physical characteristics are similar, many other similarities are
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COMMUNICATIONS We've got lots planned for the months ahead in CGI, and I'm sure you have even more planned locally, so please take some time to snap a photo or two and send it in to us, who knows, perhaps your article will be the inspiration another leader needs, and that's what it's all about, helping, inspiring and "Connecting" with each other. So for World Thinking Day 2016 why not 'connect' with CGI by letting us know what it is you are doing at Unit or Region level on this special occasion?
We also have two other events in the coming months; firstly, we've teamed up with Tallaght Hospital in support of their Pancake Party. We'll be sending out info packs to all Units and we'd really love as many as possible to take part in this national event. It will be a great way to raise your profile locally and possibly increase your numbers or your Leaders, all while raising much needed funds and enjoying some tasty pancakes! Another opportunity to reach out to potential new Leaders and helpers will be on our Bring Mom Along Day - we'll also be sending out a facilitation pack for this in the near future. We'd like as many
units as possible to run a special 'bring mom along' meeting at their meeting nearest to Mother's Day (Sunday March 6th). It will be a fun meeting for the girls and their mom/granny/auntie whoever they want to bring along, and an opportunity for the girls to show what it is they do with us each week while spending some special time with their mom, and hopefully we may even encourage a few more moms to volunteer a little of their free time. Yours in Guiding, Michelle Finnerty National Commissioner for Communications
AROUND IRELAND SOUTH-WESTERN REGION Maxi Zoo Visit On the 4th of November 2015, Our Lady of Lourdes Brigíni and Guide Companies received a visit from Kieran, of Maxi Zoo, Ballincollig. Kieran brought along his dog and a rabbit to the meetings and talked to the girls about animal care and about how to safely approach animals that may not know you. Overall, it was an enjoyable night for all the Brigíni and Guides and we would like to extend our thanks to Kieran for taking the time to visit us and provide some 36 Guiders Link Vol. 4
free samples of cat and dog foods for the girls. Aoife O Donovan Our Lady of Lourdes Brigíni Company
Carol Singing On the 12th of December 2015, Our Lady of Lourdes Cygnet, Brigíni, Guide and Rangers Companies. St. Therese’s, Passagewest, Cygnet, Brigíni and Guide Companies and St. Catherine’s, Frankfield, Brigíni company participated in a carol singing event in Douglas Court Shopping Centre in aid of the Simon Community. It is an annual event and enjoyed by all who attended.
Much needed funds were raised for the charity and we would like to extend our thanks to all those who contributed to the fundraising effort. Aoife O Donovan Our Lady of Lourdes Brigíni Company
Christmas Concert On the 9th of December 2015, Our Lady of Lourdes Brigíni Company held our annual Christmas concert, where funds are raised for deserving Irish charities. The charity of choice for this year’s concert was Debra Ireland, a charity that provides patient support services to those families living with EB in Ireland. EB is a very rare genetic skin blistering condition which can result in severe pain. The Brigíni provided all different types of acts, ranging from dancing, poems and singing to playing musical instruments. It was an evening enjoyed by all who attended, and we would like to extend our thanks for the generosity of those who provided spot prizes for the raffle, bought tickets for the raffle and to those who attended and helped out on the night.
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Our walk to the recycling bank Late November, St Theresa’s Cygnet Company in Passage West, Cork went on a nature walk to our local recycling bank. Visiting the recycling bank helped the Cygnets work towards earning their ‘Environmental Badge’. The Cygnets brought in things that could be recycled at the local recycling bank such as food cans and fizzy drink cans. Before embarking on the walk, we went through what could and couldn’t be recycled at the recycling bank and
explained why recycling is important for the environment. Our walk took us through the local park in Passage and we named the different types of trees we saw in the park. The Cygnets greatly enjoyed the nature walk to the recycling bank and we hope to do it again soon. Orlaith O’Connell St Theresa’s Cygent Company, Passage West, Cork
Leaders of South West Region at their 2015 Regional Annual General Meeting
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Visit to Bon Secours Care Village Members of South West Region on the occasion of our 43rd Christmas visit to St. Joseph's Hospital, Bon Secours Care Village at Mount Desert in Cork for the annual Christmas Carol Service. This year we were accompanied on organ by Siobhรกn Mullins. This is a long standing tradition enjoyed by CGI members as well as the patients and staff and we are glad to see some of our younger members carrying on the tradition
Lord Mayor honours Cork Guides and Scouts with a reception In December a Reception was hosted by Lord Mayor of Cork Chris O'Leary to honour Leaders past and present of Joint Guiding and Scouting in Cork. In particular, he invited all those involved in organising the annual Ventact South event held at Kilcully Campsite for Ranger Guides, Venture and Rover Scouts. Last September's event attracted over 600 from across the country. The Lord Mayor is a former Scout and served as a member of the Ventact Committee for a number of years. In speaking, he paid tribute to all volunteers who give up their time week after week to guide our young citizens. The Joint Committee of Scouting and Guiding which is
unique to Cork has been running for almost 40 years and organises several joint events each year which inlcude "Hey Jinks", "Squelch", "Ventact" and Joint Christmas Pantomime. Our thanks to the many Leaders who have served on the Committee and actively participate in the organising and running of these events. Our thanks in particular to Betty O'Donovan who this year completes ten years on the Joint Committee and to Maria Dowling who has been our representative on the Ventact Committee for many years. These events form an important part of our Guiding Programme and we look forward to another fun-filled year in 2016.
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EASTERN REGION Buíon Pheadair an tAspal enjoys a busy season Buíon Pheadair an tAspal Unit had a busy month of December. The Brigín were busy preparing for their attendance at the Brigín day and the Guides and Ranger were busy raising funds to purchase items for the homeless. On Saturday 5th December the Brigín section took part in the National Brigín Day in Eastern Region Headquarters in Harrington Street. They really had a brilliant day and while the trip to the Chocolate Factory was fantastic, the highlight had to be meeting ‘Santa’ the excitement in all the children was amazing. With the homeless situation being
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highlighted in the media, our Unit decided that this year we would provide items to give to the homeless. Monday 7th December, the Brigín Section were busy doing crafts while the Guides and Rangers were very busy wrapping our boxes and filling them with items to help keep the homeless warm. We also put in some personal items into the boxes. Later that evening, we had a visit from two members of the Clondalkin Helping Homeless Committee and we made a presentation of 15 boxes to them. They were very thankful and they told the girls that they would pass the boxes to their clients
on our behalf. The girls should feel very proud of themselves for raising funds for the very worthwhile cause. Monday 14th December was our last meeting before Christmas. The Brigíni had a fun-filled games night and a visit to 'Santa’ in his Workshop. Our Guide and Ranger Sections took their annual trip to the cinema. Well that was it for guiding for 2015. We are looking forward to getting back to Guiding in 2016 and getting ‘out and about’ with all our sections. Trish, Mandy, Sarah-Jane, Yvonne, Aoife, Alanna and Shannen
NORTHERN REGION Holy Trinity Guide Unit 50th Anniversary Mass Holy Trinity Guide unit started their 50th year celebrations with an anniversary mass on Sunday 25th October in our parish Church.
We were honoured to have our founder member and one of our original committee members along with Leaders past and present in attendance at the beautiful mass which was celebrated by Fr Aidan Brankin (Regional Chaplin) and Fr Brendan Smyth (Parish Priest).
We were delighted to have our Chief Commissioner, Cecilia Browne, and her husband Andy, join us on the day along with Phil Mc Keever, Assistant Chief Commissioner, Catherine Toner representatives from the Northern Region executive and Leaders and Units from our area.
St. Colmcille's enrolment ceremony On the 26th November St. Colmcille's, Magherafelt, held their enrolment ceremony in the Church of the Assumption Magherafelt. There were 14 new members enrolled, with new additions in each section. The ceremony was lead by Father McAnerney and we were joined for the evening by Gemma and Sharon from St. Canice's, Dungiven. Everyone had a great night!
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Holy Trinity member appointed #iWill ambassador Maebh Reynolds participated in the Step Up to Serve campaign as #iWill ambassador. Here, she tells us about her experience.
H
i, my name is Maebh Reynolds and I’m sixteen years old. Since I was just 5 years old, I guess I have been involved in social action and recently I had the privilege of being appointed as a #iwill ambassador for youth social action in the United Kingdom. I started helping others as a member of CGI and I’m now helping out with the Brigín company in my unit, Holy Trinity, Belfast. I now volunteer every week, helping run the company for girls aged 7-9. Recently I’ve been working on the Free Being Me programme designed to promote positive body image in girls and young women. I’m now about to embark upon CGI’s pilot ‘peer educator’ programme in order to enhance my skills delivering this programme to our members. CGI is an important organisation to me because it provides such a great service to our local communities and I love being part of it and giving something back to the wider community. As a member of the National Members’ Council, I often use social media to connect with other guides 42 Guiders Link Vol. 4
around Ireland to share our ideas about social action and the progress our units are making. I’ve also assisted the local Pensioner Club, organised fundraising events for charity and cared for people who are homeless by collecting and delivering clothes to shelters for the homeless in Belfast. I am proud to have achieved my 100-hour Millennium Volunteer Award and am building up my volunteer hours to achieve my Gold 200 hour award. #iwill was developed in 2013 when Step up to Serve, the charity behind the campaign, was launched by HRH, the Prince of Wales and the UK’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, to make participation in social action the norm for young people by 2020. In November 2015 as part of the 2nd anniversary celebrations of the campaign, 50 young people, aged 8-21 were appointed as #iwill ambassadors and I was one of them! My role is to help achieve the target of making social action a habit in the lives of young people. Using my experiences of Guiding, I am hoping to motivate other young people in my school and in my community to
participate in social action. To help me do this, I attended a ceremony in London at which Prince Charles was one of the guest speakers. I was presented with a certificate showing my status as a #iwill ambassador and I participated in workshops such as public speaking, photography, PR and how to spread the social action message through social media. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet other young #iwill ambassadors like myself – there were just 4 of us appointed from Northern Ireland. I would like to continue to motivate other Guides and Rangers to become more involved in social action as potential leaders and play a role in recruiting members for CGI. I hope to set up a blog in 2016, where people will be able to share and get ideas on social action. Through my involvement in Guiding and as such, social action, I’ve had many opportunities to meet new people and make lifelong friends. It’s also helped me to grow as a person, becoming much more confident and building valuable life skills that I know will come in handy throughout the rest of my education and into my adult years. Maebh Reynolds, Holy Trinity Guide Unit
SOUTH-EASTERN REGION Members of the South-Eastern Region and IGG enjoying themselves at the Guide PL and Leaders Outdoor Skills Weekend
Mary E Lawlor with family and friends at the South East Radio and Talbot Hotel Outstanding Achievement of the Year 2015 Awards, in recognition of her 50 years' membership of CGI
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Thanks to all the girls for their fabulous ideas for our centenary 1916 commemoration badge. We are delighted to announce that the 1916 centenary badge has been designed by Aisling Quinn, Ranger from BuĂon An Leanbh Prague, Eastern Region.
1916 Badge Criteria Aim of badge
To involve CGI in the 1916 commemorations, the badge is aimed at the Guide and Ranger age group, but it would be great if if Brigíni Guiders feel they can adapt to their age group. The work is aimed mainly at Patrol or Company work and whereas it might not be of interest to everyone, there could be many groups who will have an interest in it. Requirements of badge (Cygnets and Brigini)
Requirements of badge (Guides and Rangers)
Cygnets do at least 2 and Brigini do at least 3 of the following requirements:
Do at least 2 of the following requirements:
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Learn and sing the national anthem, Amhráin na bhFíann.
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The GPO was used as a headquarters by Patrick Pearse, James Connolly and their men. It is still an important building in Dublin today. If you can, visit the GPO and see the bullet holes still in the walls, or simply draw a picture of the GPO.
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Ask your parents, grandparents or older neighbours what they know about the Easter Rising and if any of your family was involved? Jacob's Biscuit Factory and Boland’s Mill were both involved in the Rising; both Jacob's and Boland’s still make biscuits today. Find out four different biscuits they make, and draw a picture of your favourite one. Invite a local historian to visit your Company or Unit and talk to you about any local involvement in the 1916 Rising. Design a coin to celebrate the centenary of the 1916 rising - what symbols and pictures would you want to see on the coin? Take part in at least one of the many organised 1916 commemorative events that are scheduled to happen across this country.
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The proclamation of 1916 was the vison of the future of Ireland; write as individuals or as a Patrol your vision of where you would like to see Guiding in 100 years.
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Research the life of one of the children who lost their life as part of the Easter Rising. Explore how children are caught up in war around the world and how their lives change as a result of this. How does it compare to your life?
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The proclamation of 1916 was visionary in that it included equality for women - as individuals or Patrols, look at equality for women and see has Ireland achieved that equality yet?
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Research the stories of the women who played a major part in the 1916 rising; tell the rest of your company what you have learned about these women.
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Invite a local historian to visit your Company and see if there was any local involvement in the 1916 rising.
It will be up to the Guider to satisfy themselves that the requirements of the badge have been met and apply to the National Office for badges required. Badges are €1 each.
DID YOU KNOW? — YOUR CAMP WARRANT IS NOT VALID IF YOUR FIRST AID CERTIFICATE IS OUT OF DATE
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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
chiefcommissioner@girlguidesireland.ie assistantchiefcommissioner@girlguidesireland.ie secretary@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 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 Carol Ewings Maire Mc Grath
086 2710931 086 2710951 086 2710953 086 2710941 086 2710950 086 2710958 086 2710952
07581644947 07581644899 07581645481 07581644860 07581639739
Staff Laura Saunders National Office Coordinator Antoinette Hosback Finance Officer Emma Lyons Administrator Thomas Geoghegan Communications Administrator
laura@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.