H E A LT H PROMOTION D AY 2 0 2 1
Guides… It’s a healthy thing
A RUNDOWN OF CGI’S VIRTUAL HEALTH PROMOTION DAY Also: • HEALTHY UNIT PROGRAMME • POSITIONS ON THE BOARD 2021 Vol. 1
Guider’s Link
Contents Chief Commissioner's Message 3 Noticeboard 4 Positions on the Board 6 Health Promotion Day 2021 10 Oisin Award 14 Development 16 Health Promotion 18 Cygnet Section 22 Brigín Section 24 Guide Section 26 Ranger Section 28 International 30 Training 38 Around Ireland 40 Contacts 47
Don't forget to send your photos and articles for the Guiders Link to: communications@girlguidesireland.ie. Closing date for the next issue is 6th April 2021 2 Guiders Link Vol. 1
Chief Commissioner's Message Happy New Year everyone. I hope you are all keeping safe and well in what continues to be the strangest of times that we are living in. 2021 – How did that happen so quickly? 2020 will be a year we will look back on as a time where time stood still and we all had to stop, slow down, look after ourselves and one another and breathe. Where we didn’t get to do all of our normal activities maybe it was a time when we got to do something different, to spend more time with family so when we look back let’s try to take the positives from 2020 into 2021 with us. So 2021 – again our plans for some of our larger events have been put to one side and we need to look at living our lives virtually for another while. Patrol Leader Training is underway, the Health Promotion Day was held virtually, the first of the Share A Skill sessions was excellent and we are looking forward to the Youth Forum in March. Enjoy your Thinking Day activities and take time to remember we are part of a large international movement that carries out fabulous work for girls and young women around the world. I hope all your girls are keeping well and keeping in contact with you. If virtual meetings aren’t for you, try to keep the contact by text or the odd phone call or postcard or what ever works for you. Just keep the contact. When life slowly starts to get back to normal, Guiding is going to be important to all of our youth members and to us ourselves. If we can help you with any of this let us know. If you have any ideas that are working well for your Unit be sure to share with us, we all need as much help as we can get. Why not drop into one of the Development Team Cuppa and a Biscuit sessions and share your ideas. As always there are a lot of teams working away in the background so many thanks to all of the Guiders who are working in these teams. It takes a lot of volunteers to keep any Association going and I am thankful for all the work that everyone puts into CGI. Ladies, keep safe and mind yourselves and your families. Make sure to look after yourself as well, as self care is so important. We need to look after ourselves so that we can all get through this pandemic together. Once again thank you to you all for volunteering your time to CGI
“When you Volunteer You are not paid in money or recognition You are Paid in LOVE People may forget what you say But they will never forget how you made them feel” Stay Safe and Be Kind Yours in Guiding, Emily McCann Chief Commissioner chiefcommissioner@girlguidesireland.ie
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Noticeboard Upcoming National Events (Provisional) Thinking Day
22nd February
NEB Youth Forum National Council
6th March 2021 7th March 2021 24th April
resource dates World Day of Social Justice International Women's Day International Day of Happiness World Autism Awareness Day World Health Day Earth Day
20th Februaury 8th March 20 March 2nd April 7th April 22nd April
GARDA VETTING/ACCESSNI: IT IS THE POLICY OF THE CATHOLIC GUIDES OF IRELAND, THAT REVETTING/REAPPLICATION TO THE NATIONAL VETTING BUREAU/ACCESSNI, WILL BE CARRIED OUT EVERY 3 YEARS.
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News from the board •
Fiona O’Dwyer was welcomed to the NEB as the newly elected Eastern Region Commissioner
•
National Council 2021 will be held virtually and information has been sent out to the Regions
•
Child Safeguarding Statement 2021 approved by the Board and will be circulated to all Units
•
Health and Safety Policy reviewed and approved by the Board and available on OGM
•
Safety Statement and Risk Assessment reviewed and approved by the Board and available on OGM
finance •
National Finance Support team is in place.
•
Accounting year for Units from 1st January 2021:
o
Units in the South: 1st January 2021 to 31st December
o
Units in the North: 1st September to 31st August
REGISTRATION In light of the challenges faced by Units in the current pandemic, CGI will accept part payments for registration this year.
The deadline for receiving all payments is
Wed 31st March 2021 As the national registration fee has been reduced for our youth members by 40% this year, there will be no half year fees.
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Positions on the Board In April at National Council a number of positions on the National Executive Board (N.E.B) will become vacant and new volunteers will be needed to fill these positions All members of the N.E.B. are Trustees of the Catholic Guides of Ireland (CGI) and have an obligation to ensure the following: • That CGI is carrying out its charitable purpose for the public benefit • Compliance with the Constitution of the Catholic Guides of Ireland • Proper books of account are kept for the organisation • That the Catholic Guides of Ireland is registered on the Charities Regulator’s Register of Charities and that an annual report is completed and filed on time • Regular attendance at Board meetings • Shaping strategy for the development of CGI including deciding on strategic actions required to achieve CGI’s outcomes, ensuring that all activities are consistent with CGI’s Vision and Values. Further information on the role of a Charity Trustee and the Charities Governance Code can be found on the Charities Regulator website https://www.charitiesregulator.ie/en/information-for-charities/guidance-for-charities
Assistant Chief Commissioner Appointment: By election at the National Council meeting. Responsible to: National Council. Role: She shall with the other National Officers promote the expansion and progression of the Association, through the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Association as devised by the National Executive Board. She shall with the other National Officers, develop and implement an effective internal communication system. She shall assist the Chief Commissioner to co-ordinate the work of the National Executive Board, by liaising with the National Commissioners and the National support teams and providing support where necessary. She shall, in the absence of the Chief Commissioner, act as Chairman of the Board. She shall carry out any other duties as the National Executive Board may decide. Duties: • To act as a member of National Council. • To act as a member of the National Executive Board. • To foster and promote Catholic Guiding. • To assist the Chief Commissioner to co-ordinate and direct Guiding at National level. • To represent the National Association at official functions. • To act as designated National Officer for Le Chéile and Members’ Council. • To liaise with the National Office Coordinator.
National Treasurer Appointment: By election at the National Council meeting.. Responsible to: National Council. Role: She shall with the other National Officers, promote the expansion and progression of the Association, through the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Association as devised by the National Executive Board. She shall with the other National Officers, develop and implement an effective internal communication system. She shall co-ordinate and if necessary, direct the financial, fundraising, supplies and property management functions of the National Executive Board and such other duties as the National Executive Board may decide.
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Duties: • To act as a member of and treasurer to National Council. • To act as a member of and treasurer to the National Executive Board. • To ensure that records are maintained of all the National financial affairs. • To be responsible for ensuring value for money for the Association. • To be responsible for and a signature for all National bank accounts. • To present financial reports to all National Executive Board. • To submit annual audited accounts to National Council. • To foster and promote Catholic Guiding. • To represent the National Association at official functions. • To convene and chair the National Finance Team meetings as required, but at least twice annually. • To provide support and if necessary training for Regional Treasurers. • To liaise with the National Office Coordinator.
National Commissioners for Cygnet, Brigin, Guide and Ranger Sections Appointment: By election at the National Council meeting. Responsible to: National Council. Reports to: Chief Commissioner/ Asst. Chief Commissioner and National Executive Board. Role: She shall co-ordinate the work of the Section Support Team. She shall with the other members of the National Executive Broad, promote the expansion and progress of the Association, through the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Association as devised by the National Executive Board. Duties: • To act as a member of National Executive Broad. • To convene and chair meetings of the National Support Team. • To liaise with the National Treasurer regarding Section budget. • To present the Section report to all National Executive Boards and contribute to the Annual Report. • To developing and reviewing the Section and programme. • To assist with the organisation of events, activities and competitions. • To submit approx. 4 page spread for Guiders Link to include games, crafts etc., also suggestions for the website. • To represent the National Association at official functions. • To participate in the development and review of National Policies/ Programmes.
National Commissioner for Training Appointment: By election at the National Council meeting. Responsible to: National Council. Reports to: Chief Commissioner/ Asst. Chief Commissioner and National Executive Board. Role: She shall co-ordinate the work of the training support team. She shall with the other members of the National executive broad, promote the expansion and progress of the Association, through the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Association as devised by the National Executive Board. Duties: • To act as a member of National Executive Broad. • To convene and chair meetings of the National Training Team. • To liaise with the National Treasurer re the training budget.
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• To present the training report to all National Executive Boards and produce an Annual Report. • To liaise with the Development Commissioner. • To submit updates on any training news in the Guiders link and website. • To represent the National Association at official functions. • To provide support and if necessary training for Regions. • To organise and coordinate the following training courses: Guider Training – Step 1, Guider Training – Step 2, Guider Training – Step 3 (An Dúshlán) and any other courses as required. • To represent the Association at official events. • To participate in the development and review of National policies / programmes. • To liaise with Regional Training Teams.
National Commissioner for Communications Appointment: By election at the National Council meeting. Responsible to: National Council. Reports to: Chief Commissioner/ Asst. Chief Commissioner and National Executive Board. Role: She shall be responsible for the overall image of the Association She shall co-ordinate the work of the Communications Team. She shall with the other members of the National Executive Broad, promote the expansion and progress of the Association, through the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Association as devised by the National Executive Board. Duties: • To act as a member of National Executive Broad. • To convene and chair meetings of the National Communications Team. • To liaise with the National Treasurer re the Communications budget. • To present the Communications report to all National Executive Boards and produce an Annual Report • To oversee the Guiders Link, Annual Report and all other publications. • To liaise with Media. • To oversee the content and update of the website and all online media • To represent the National Association at official functions. • To provide support and if necessary training for Regions. • To participate in the development and review of National Policies/ Programmes.
National Commissioner for Development Appointment: By election at the National Council meeting. Responsible to: National Council. Reports to: Chief Commissioner/ Asst. Chief Commissioner and National Executive Board. Role: She shall co-ordinate the work of the Development Support Team. She shall with the other members of the National Executive Broad, promote the expansion and progress of the Association, through the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Association as devised by the National Executive Board. Duties: • To act as a member of National Executive Broad. • To convene and chair meetings of the National Development Team. • To liaise with the National Treasurer re the development budget. • To present the development report to all National Executive Boards and produce an Annual Report. • To the development of CGI nationwide through liaising with Regional Team Members.
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• To liaise with the Training Commissioner. • To submit updates on any development news in the Guiders Link and website. • To represent the National Association at official functions. • To provide support and if necessary training for Regions. • To participate in the development and review of National Policies/ Programmes.
Ordinary Member Appointment: By election at the National Council meeting. Responsible to: National Council. Reports to: Chief Commissioner/ Asst. Chief Commissioner and National Executive Board. Role: She shall with the other members of the National Executive Broad, promote the expansion and progress of the Association, through the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Association as devised by the National Executive Board. Duties: • To actively participate as a member of the National Executive Broad. • To take on projects as requested by the Chief Commissioner and assist at national events • To assume role(s) as required by the National Officers in order to meet the development needs of the Association.
Please note that National Officers must be at least 21 years of age. If you are interested in any of the above voluntary vacancies, please contact your Regional Commissioner
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EXERCISE/ DANCE ROUTINES
STRESS MANAGEMENT
MEDITATION
RELIEVING GUIDING PRESSURE/SUPPORT WITHIN CGI
SELF ESTEEM AND APPRECIATION RECIPES FOR BUSY GUIDERS
FUN & LAUGHTER PHYSICAL/ MENTAL/ EMOTIONAL
RESILIENCE
WORKING REMOTELY
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
LEADER’S GET TOGETHER
YOGA
IT’S GOOD TO TALK
SUICIDE AWARENESS
BEING ACTIVE
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H E A LT H PROMOTION D AY 2 0 2 1 OUTDOOR/ PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Guides… It’s a healthy thing
LEAVING TIME FOR ME
BUSY PEOPLE/ TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES
In Januar y 2020 CG I h eld it’s first Health Promotion Day an d d u e to the success of the event another Healt h Promotion Day was planned for Januar y 2 0 2 1 .
CARDIAC HEALTH
Little did we know t h at the day this year wou ld be held vir tually, b u t t h e team with the exper t is e of Eoin and Rob m an aged to move the event online . The day was desig n ed around feedback from a sur vey of all adult members.
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Emily McCann, Chief Commissioner, welcomed everyone to the online event and the start of the Health Promotion Day. Emily reminded everyone of the importance of following Government guidelines at this time and how important it is for us to stay safe and well, so that we can all get back to providing a fabulous programme of Guiding once again. Throughout the day Guiders watched videos on several Health and Wellbeing topics including: •
What is Health Promotion
•
Health and Beauty
•
Physical Fitness
•
The benefits of Yoga
•
Healthy Eating and Recipes for Busy Guiders
•
Minding Your Wellbeing and Resilience
•
Relaxation and Meditation
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A special word of thanks to Laura, from Laura’s Beauty Rooms for showing us how to look after our skin, to Sarah Jane for taking us through a Yoga session and to The Happy Pear for showing us delicious recipes to try out. Our Chief Commissioner and her husband Dave had a cook off between the curry and Bolognese. Apparently both dishes were delicious! Our social media on the day recorded 268 reactions, 74 shares and 44 comments, which was good to see that people were engaging with the Health Promotion Day.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Health Promotion Day and we look forward to seeing everyone in person next time. CGI Health Promotion Team
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Oisín Award The Oisín Award is for registered members of CGI aged 14 – 25. This is a personal challenge and one that should be enjoyed. There are six Elements of each award:
• Team Challenge • Community Challenge • Personal Challenge • Physical Challenge • Environmental Challenge • Wider Guiding Community Challenge
All six elements must be completed at each level, bronze, silver, and gold to achieve the award. For the the Gold Award, there is an additional Residential Project. The Oisín Award can be completed as a stand-alone award by members of CGI or members can register to also take part in Gaisce – The President’s Award. Have you completed your Bronze Oisin Award and/or Bronze Gaisce, then now is the time to register to take part in the Silver Oisin Award. By completing the Oisin Award you will also receive your Silver Gaisce. To register contact the National Office email admin@girlguidesireland.ie
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Partnership with Gaisce CGI has a partnership with Gaisce – The President’s Award. How to Register: • To register for the Oisín Award only, please contact the CGI National Office. • To register for the Oisín Award and Gaisce – The President’s Award:
1.Contact the CGI National Office and you will be put in contact with an Oisin Award Leader (OAL)
2.Agree your challenges with your OAL
3.Register through the Gaisce website for the Gaisce online registration www.gaisce.ie
4.Where it asks for your GAP (Gaisce Award Partner) please go to Dublin 2, under Dublin 2 you will find CGI National Office.
5.Payment for the Gaisce Award will suffice for both awards(so payment should not be made twice)
• Bronze €15 • Silver €20 • Gold €25
News from Gaisce
Non-Mandatory Adventure Journey for Bronze and Silver Awards Due to COVID-19, as a temporary measure in place until August 31, 2021, the Adventure Journey will not be mandatory for Bronze and Silver participants. Whilst the Adventure Journey experience is an integral element of the Gaisce Award for participants, we also recognise the need to support PALs and participants during this very challenging time. PALs will be allowed to sign off on their participants who have fully completed the Personal Skill, Physical Recreation and Community Involvement Challenge Areas of their Award. The decision to undertake an Adventure Journey remains with the PAL once they adhere to the Government and HSE Guidelines relating to COVID-19. Gaisce Development Officers are available to advise on Adventure Journey options for Bronze and Silver. We do anticipate reverting to the mandatory requirement of the Adventure Journey for new registrations from September 2021. This temporary measure will be reviewed prior to this and PALs will be informed of any updates
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DEVELOPMENT From September to December 2020 the National Development team have been very busy actively reviewing the Development Survey results and are currently working in sub-groups on three key areas, Retention, Recruitment and Flexible Guiding, with some of these initiatives coming into effect from October to December 2020. The ‘Survey’ feedback is shaping CGI’s National Strategy and we are currently in the process of setting goals and metrics on how we as an organisation aim to achieve these in 2021 ond onwards. Against the backdrop of COVID-19 we set up various events e.g., Cuppa & a Biscuit, Volunteer Skills Group to engage, motivate and support our Guiders for 2020 and 2021. Phenomenally over 30% of participants in the survey responded to say they had skills or qualifications to share with CGI. The first ‘Volunteer Skills Group’ meeting was held in November 2020. The first ‘Share a Skills’ event hosted by Maria Carroll, on the 10th of December 2020 was very successful. It is envisaged that the ‘Share a Skills’ group will run an event every two months. Over the coming months, we will be creating a skills database on OGM for everybody to access. In addition to this the Development Team reviewed and updated the CGI Recruitment and Retention Booklet.
SUPPORTING OUR VOLUNTEERS
A CUPPA AND A BISCUIT CATCH UP VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM NO AGENDA
• October 2020 Monday 12th at 8pm • December 2020 Tuesday 8th at 8pm • February 2021 Wednesday, 17th at 8pm • April 2021 Thursday 15th at 8pm • June 2021 Friday 18th at 8pm
A National Development Team Initiative
VOLUNTEER
SKILLS GROUP ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SHARING YOUR SKILLS?* IF SO, JOIN US ON
The ‘Storrows’ Development Team working in tandem with the National Development Team have also been actively creating innovate ideas to engage all our Guiders, through the pandemic, e.g. CGI Page Turners, CGI Heroes, Christmas Card Pen Pals, Fancy Dress Halloween Party, CGI Storrows Friends Giving, and a Murder Mystery Christmas Party.
INTRODUCING
SHARE A SKILL EVENTS Our first event will be ‘Share a Skill with Maria’ Thursday 10th December over Zoom at 8pm We will be making pom pom Christmas decorations. So start collecting your different coloured balls of wool a full kit list and Zoom meeting details will be issued nearer the date.
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*A follow up initiative from recent responses on the Development Survey
TUESDAY 10TH OF NOVEMBER AT 8PM ON ZOOM For further information contact development@girlguidesireland.ie
A National Development Team Initiative
CGI Page Turners
&KULVWPDV 3DUW\ We have come to the end of another amazing year which was full of great Storrows events. On Saturday the 19th December we held our first Murder Mystery Christmas Party via Zoom. This was a joint Storrows and CGI Page Turners event. The game was titled ‘Which Guide Lied’ where the group were tasked with solving the murder of a (fictional) girl guide Peg Puller who had been murdered while camping with her guide company. The game saw characters such as Cara Van, Iona Woggle, Barbie Kew and Fay Den-Powell work together to try to solve the murder of their fellow guide. An amazing evening was had by all. We have some amazing events coming up in 2021. A mix of online and (fingers crossed) in person if the restrictions allow: • Chinese New Year (online event) – 12th February • Period Poverty Working Group Catchup on Progress - 28th February • Chocolate Day – Date and details TBC pending local restrictions • Barbecue – June TBC • Storrows Weekend – 1-3rd October Details TBC • The Storrows will also be running a ‘Storrows Retention Drive’ during 2021in an effort to promote Guider engagement and retention All our online events are open to guiders over 18 and everyone is welcome even if you have never made it to an event before.
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health promotion Congratulations to St. Vincent’s Brigini, South West Region, on completing the CGI Healthy Unit Programme. They have sent us in a full report on how they achieved this. Each Youth & Adult Member in the Unit completed at least two activities from the following Sections: Fitness, General Health & Wellbeing, Healthy Eating, Mindfulness, Community Activity
Fitness: The Unit held an Outdoor Sports afternoon in our local amenity park, followed by a play around in the playground.
The girls completed a 2km hike through a local greenway and finished up with a picnic in the park
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The girls devised an Exercise Programme and integrated it into both their indoor and outdoor programme throughout 2020, including their home activities during lockdown.
General Health & Well Being: When programme planning for 2020, we assigned a Health Element to each month. We had assigned March as Physical Health Month. On week one, the girls devised their Exercise Programme. Very soon afterwards, we were put into lockdown because of the Coronavirus Pandemic. However, this did not deter us and the Health Topics continued to be rolled-out in our Activity Packs which were posted out to the girls in time for their Easter Holidays. Since our return to indoor meetings in September, as part of our meeting programme we either had an Action Song or we practiced our Exercise Programme to music. Given that we were very limited in the running/moving games that we could play at meetings during the pandemic, this was a good way of shaking out the cobwebs and ensuring that the girls were getting their share of physical activity. We have continued to roll-out our health topics and work on our Healthy Unit Programme. We availed of one of our outdoor summer meetings for a Nature Walk, while also giving the girls the opportunity to complete their Nature Lover Badge.
Healthy Eating: The girls examined the labels to inform themselves of the sugar and fat content in their crisps, chocolate, sweets and drinks. These were discussed and shared at one of our weekly meetings. We ordered individual copies of the Simple Food Pyramid (suitable for Brigini) from the National Health Promotion Unit. These were discussed in our meeting pods and the girls were asked to fill in a blank Food Pyramid (either drawing or listing the items on each shelf ). They were also given mini-adhesive copies of the food pyramid for the door of their home fridge.
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Mindfulness: We allowed time at our weekly meeting to talk and listen to the girls. This was especially beneficial to leaders to find out how our brigini were coping with the restrictions of the pandemic during lockdown. The girls practiced and performed a short play outlining the negative effect of bullying on mental health
We had a Mindful Month where the girls did Mindful Colouring and discussed their Weekly Kindness Act
Community Activity: In the Autumn of 2020, we worked on the second Brigin Principle, “A Brigin loves her country”. The girls discussed ways they themselves could practice this Principle and how they could encourage others to take pride in their city. Here is sample of the “Anti-litter” Posters made by the girls. When we receive our litter pickers in our Climate Change Box, we plan to use it to carry out a clean-up of the local amenity park.
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In December 2019, along with St. Colmcille’s Unit, we held a Carol-singing Fundraiser at Blackpool Shopping Centre, to raise funds for Edel House; a Cork City hostel providing emergency shelter and support services for vulnerable women and children. Over €300 was raised for the charity. ** These photos were taken in December 2019 prior to Covid-19 Social-distancing Guidelines
In December 2020 we filled shoeboxes with essential toiletries, instant foods, treats and warm hats & gloves for Cork Homeless Help and Support. The girls filled the boxes at home, with many brigini contributing from their own pocket money and personal treats. We had a designated meeting night where the girls decorated their boxes which were then quarantined for several days before being despatched to the charity’s collection point. Everyone completed one activity from the Health Section of the Choices Programme, as well as one of the CGI Additional Programme Activities: In light of the Coronavirus Pandemic, we put a lot of emphasis on personal hygiene in 2020. On return to our Outdoor Meetings in July, and again on return to our Indoor Meetings in September, each member completed a Coronavirus Quiz. In October 2019 we completed the GAB Badge. In 2020, the girls completed their Bronze Outdoor Award, with one brigin being awarded Silver. Congratulations to St. Vincent’s Brigini, South West Region, on completing the CGI Healthy Unit Programme’. The programme is available on OGM.
HEALTHY UNIT PROGRAMME
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CYGNETS
ST. PATRICK’S DAY BADGE Equipment: • 1 green card shamrock, approx. 3 inches in size • Safety Pin • Sellotape • Markers • Ribbon (optional) Green, White and Orange.
Method: 1. Decorate the shamrock 2. Use the Sellotape to stick the safety pin to the back of the badge. 3. If using the ribbon, stick it to the back of the badge. If the girls prefer to use these for hanging up, punch a hole near the top and thread some ribbon through it to make a hanger.
PAPER CAKE CASE FLOWERS Equipment: • 1 round lollipop, • 3-4 different coloured paper cake cases • Small piece of ribbon
Method: 1. Make a hole in centre of the bottom of paper cases 2. Slide the cases up the lollipop stick until they reach the lollipop. 3. Tie the piece of ribbon just under the cases to hold them in place.
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ST. PATRICK’S DAY WAND Equipment: • 2 Green Card Shamrocks, approx. 3 inches in size, • Pencil, • Ribbon, Green, White and Orange • Glue, • Sellotape • Scissors
Method: 1. Place the pencil on 1 of the shamrocks and hold in place with sellotape 2. Cut the ribbon into bunches of the 3 colours and Sellotape to the same side as the pencil. 3. Glue the 2nd shamrock to the first shamrock. Time permitting the girls could decorate the shamrocks before assembling the wand.
SCAVENGER HUNTS COLOUR HUNT Ask the girls to find something for each colour: Red ,Green, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Orange, Black, White, Grey, Pink, Brown, Yellow. 1. 2. 3. 4.
If being done by Zoom the colours could be called out separately If doing in person the colours could be written down the side of a sheet of paper and girls asked to pick a small item for each colour and attach it beside the colour. This could be done as a team game. For the younger girls the colours could be put on the paper with markers rather than words.
INDOOR HUNT to be played on Zoom 1. Soft Toy 2. Large Spoon 3. Towel 4. Candle 5. Pencil 6. Book 7. Pillow 8. Tea Bag 9. Ornament 10. Something special to them. Ask the girls to tell you why it is special.
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Brigíní An Irish Caterpillar Equipment • 7 Black pipe cleaners per person • Green Card per person • Sellotape • Glue, • 2 google eyes per person
WHAT TO DO. 1. Cut out 7 shamrocks from the green card and glue them to form the caterpillar body 2. Cut the pipe cleaners in two and glue them to the sides of the shamrocks to form legs 3. Stick the eyes on to the top shamrock.
Ireland Quiz
1.
Ireland is an island does this mean is it surrounded by (a) Water (b) trees (c) other countries
2.
The patron saint of Ireland is (a) St Brigid (b) St. Patrick (c) St. David
3.
Which of these is found at the end of the rainbow (a) Pot of gold (b) tin of sweets (c) pot of glue
4.
How many counties are there on the island of Ireland (a) 32 (b) 27 (c) 19
Tambourines Equipment: • 2 Paper plates per Brigin • Green, white and orange crepe paper • Glue, • Dried peas
WHAT TO DO.
5.
Is a leprechaun thought to be a (a) Dressmaker (b) shoemaker (c) hatmaker
1. Decorate the paper plates on the back with shamrocks, etc.
6.
Which city is the capital of Ireland (a) Belfast (b) Cork (c) Dublin
2. Cut Streamers in the 3 colours of the crepe paper
7.
What is St. Patrick said to have banished from Ireland (a) Snakes (b) monkeys (c) bears
3. Glue the streamers onto 1 of the plates
8.
When is St. Patrick’s Day (a) 19th September (b) 17th March (c) 25th December
9.
Which of the following is not associated with St. Patrick’s Day (a) Shamrock (b) leprechaun (c) Easter eggs.
10.
How long was St. Patrick in Ireland (a) 3 months (b) 3 years (c) 30 years. Answers: a, b, a, a, b, c, a, b, c, c.
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4. Glue the two plates together with the decorated sides out, leaving a small gap to insert the peas. 5. Close the gap 6. Play some Irish dance music for the Brigini to dance to shaking their tambourines.
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811<% &,&+. /&+($&722 :(67(6 ,'+'1(
BASKET, BUNNY, EGG, CHICK, HUNT, CHOCOLATE, BONNET, SWEETS, EASTER, HIDDEN
Coffee
Break
Equipment • Mug or cup (girls could be asked to bring this down to the meeting or to have it for a zoom meeting). • Coffee Stirrer • Individual Coffee Sachet • A Small Snack • Mini Marshmallows • 2 Individual Long-life Milks • Cellophane • Ribbon
WHAT TO DO 1. Wrap a small number of marshmallows in some cellophane and tie with ribbon 2. Put the coffee sachet, stirrer, snack and mallows into the cup/mug 3. Cut out a circle of cellophane and place the cup in the middle and scrunch it up over the cup, leaving the stirrer sticking out. 4. Tie the cellophane with a bow of ribbon If time allows the girls could make a tag which could be put on the ribbon. www.girlguidesireland.ie 25
Guides As all our meetings for the moment have to be done virtually, here are a few ideas on activities that can be done with the girls via Zoom.
guess the price €€€€ Equipment
??????
Items and a list of their prices: Method
????
The leader brings a number of items to the meeting. The leader then holds up an item and asks the girls to guess to how much they think it would cost. Right or nearest guess wins a point. Person with the most points is the winner.
Crazy Dance
Name
Place Animal
Thing
Equipment
pen and paper Method Teach the girls some crazy dance moves using a tune that has some connection with the Unit. When the girls have mastered the moves, get someone to play it at random and every time the girls hear the tune they get up and do the crazy dance moves until it stops. It could be used over more than 1 meeting without telling the girls in advance that it will be happening.
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Get the girls to draw 4 columns on a sheet of paper. Put the above headings on the top of the columns, one on each column. The leader calls out a letter of the alphabet and the girls enter an object beginning with that letter in each column.
Equipment list of challenges, a stopwatch, pen and paper to keep scores. The leader brings a list of challenges with her to the meeting and calls them out one at a time. Everyone who completes a challenge within the set time gets 2 points. Anyone who completes a challenge but not within the set time limit gets 1 point. If a girl has an unique item she gets an extra point.
CHALLENGE SCAVENGER HUNT Suggestions for Challenges: Bring a knife, fork and spoon in 20 seconds: Make someone laugh in 15 seconds: Balance a pen on your head for 10 seconds while standing up and sitting down: Find something that begins with the same letter as your name in 20 seconds: Say the alphabet as quickly as possible, 1st to finish gets a point: Say the alphabet backwards without stopping: Name the patrols in your section: Name the Guiders in your section.
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Rangers Hi everyone, I hope you all had a safe Christmas and that 2021 is a better year for all of us. We are hoping to get back to Guiding when it is safe to do so and to holding events for our Rangers. We have the National Ranger weekend in our calendar for November and all going well this will take place this year. In the meantime, I hope that we can put together some activities using zoom. If you have any ideas on what you would like to do please let me know by sending an email to rangers@girlguidesireland.ie. Please stay safe. Trish Derwin National Commissioner for Ranger Guides rangers@girlguidesireland.ie
RECIPE FOR PEPPERMINT SUGAR SCRUB Ingredients: • 1/2 cup Coconut Oil • 1 cup White Sugar • 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (you can replace this with any essential oil you prefer)
•
Wide Mouth 8 oz. Jar (recycle a previously used jar)
Instructions: • Place 1/2 cup Coconut Oil in microwave safe dish, and microwave for 45 seconds, or until completely melted. • Transfer melted Coconut Oil to small mixing bowl, and stir in 1 cup of White Sugar. Mix well. • Add 10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil {or more for a stronger scent}, and mix again until well combined. • Transfer to Mason Jar, and you’re done!
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Getting back with nature
As most of our activities are taking place in the outdoors at the moment here is a reminder on how to pack a backpack comfortably for hiking or camping..
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International Hi everybody, Hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. Despite all the restrictions and challenging times there has still been a lot going on on the international side of Guiding. Our next big event will be Thinking Day on the 22nd of February and we have sent out a newsletter with information on how we can all still celebrate this day in the current climate. If you are thinking of going on an international camp this year please let me know asap. Suzanne Lenihan International Commissioner international@girlguidesireland.ie
WAGGGS World Centres Seminar
WAGGGS World Centres Seminar attended by Deirdre Wray (member of International team) and here is her report. On the 31st October I attended an online seminar for WAGGGS and the World Centres which followed on from the feedback that they had got on their survey in which they wanted to hear more from the 18-30s age group We discussed our opinions on how the World Centres can attract young people to come to them and what they can do at the moment, in the near future in relation to online events about the World Centres. In attendance were young leader representatives from Albania, Uganda and the UK, we each experienced difficulty with reaching out to our members and participation. We discussed which social media platforms worked best for us and how our guiding has worked during the last few months. We discussed our previous experience of World Centres and what we would expect from visiting others. Some suggestions for online events to attract the 18-30 age group were to design events specifically for the age group only. Pax Lodge are already working on this with Girl Guiding UK and they would be interested in running programmes about the world centres for this age group.
I made the suggestion of running some virtual tours for those especially overseas that may not have the chance to visit a world centre. The aim being that guides get the experience of visiting a world centre from abroad and they can ask questions and have a session afterwards about opportunities or events that happen at the world centres and what they do. It was said that we find you learn the basic facts about the World Centres in your guide programme but don’t necessarily learn about the opportunities that can come from visiting them or attending events, some may not be aware. Overall it was interesting to hear the experiences of the other participants and how they would like events to be run while we cannot visit the world centres in person. 30 Guiders Link Vol. 1
WAGGGS Europe EGM 2020
With the onset of COVID-19 the WAGGGS World Conference was postponed and as a result the European EGM which normally takes place at the event was also postponed. At this meeting we would normally pass the WAGGGS Europe budget and plan for the next year. As the meeting did not happen it was moved online in order to pass all the necessary motions. As CIGA is the member of WAGGGS for Ireland we attend this event with members of IGG. Our delegate was Suzanne Lenihan and our observer was Gillian Garvey (member of international team) who attended along with Amanda O’Sullivan and Jenna Goodwin attending for IGG.
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The meeting was set for Saturday 21st of November via zoom and prior to the actual event we attended two webinars to bring us up to speed with how the meeting would work online. The first webinar was to check the voting system which is done using a WAGGGS app. We also needed to rename ourselves on zoom so the committee could work out who was from where. You would think people renaming themselves with their country and their name would be an easy task but it proved to be far from that. The first hour of the webinar involved trying to sort everyone out. When we moved on to the test voting that took nearly as long. Eventually everyone got sorted. This webinar proved just how important our motto is – Being prepared definitely made a difference at the actual meeting. The second preparatory webinar was on finance and we were all brought up to speed with the current state of WAGGGS Europe’s finances which then allowed us to make a decision as how to vote on the day. At the actual meeting we discussed all seven motions and voted on same. The motions ranged from approving the rules of the meeting, adopting the financial report for 2019 and approving the introduction of a cap on the numbers for the voluntary contribution. We also were introduced to some members of the various WAGGGS Europe committees. Not quite the same as being with each other but over 150 attended the meeting with 37 of the European members MO’s represented.
THE ACADEMY 2020 I took part in The Academy this year from 4th to 8th November, along with Emily (Chief Commissioner) and Suzanne (International Commissioner) It ran over the five days; in the evenings from Wednesday to Friday and then for the entire day of both Saturday and Sunday. There were opening and closing ceremonies; social events such as a pub quiz and an international night. They also tried to tie in the use of What3Words as part of the journey theme which wasn’t really successful and it confused a lot of attendees. It was quite difficult to attend virtually, especially as it meant we were all still at home, going to work, to college, tending to our families etc. There was lot to do and fitting it in was challenging. Some of the sessions were: Role of the National Board, where we learned
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about the principles and practices of a well-functioning Board. Managing online Tools to help Recruit New Members, where they showed us some apps and websites that we should utilise to help our recruitment process, for example making sure that all our premises are protected locations on Google Maps. A session on Volunteering in the Digital World and how to welcome new volunteers, which had some great tips on making new volunteers feel included both from a national as well as a local perspective. Design Thinking, which was about finding creative solutions for new problems, a human-centred method of creative thinking that helps us focus on our target audience to try find new solutions. The one thing that stood out was there were very few ideas that people were coming up with, or new initiatives that they were trying, that CGI either hadn’t already done or were currently doing. In fact, all three of us spent quite a bit of time in all our sessions handing out info on different initiatives we’ve undertaken and emailing copies of different boredom busters or activity packs to other participants. This was brilliant from a CGI point of view to know that everyone was facing the same issues as we were, but actually we were handling them a lot better than many of the larger organisations. In fact, it doesn’t look like there were any that had been as proactive as we have been, or consistently produced as much for their members as we have since March. All in all, it was a good experience. I think if it was a “physical” meeting we may have gained more from the interactions outside of sessions, and while working in peer groups, but we still managed to come back with quite a bit of information as it is. We came home with lots of notes and some good ideas that I’d hope we can implement at CGI. Thanks to Suzanne and CGI for the opportunity. Michelle Finnerty Assistant Chief Commissioner www.girlguidesireland.ie 33
Jamboree Denmark 2022 23rd – 31st July 2022.
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Over 40,000 Scouts and Guides expected to attend this jamboree which takes place in Hedeland, where water, nature and outdoor adventure meet. The area of Hedeland is co-owned by the three municipalities of Greve, Roskilde og Høje-Taastrup.
Any girl aged between 10 to 17 on the camp dates may attend. 18 and overs may attend as IST Cost is 325$ per person and includes all activities, transport to and from the jamboree site, all food and a welcome package. You will need to book flights separately. You can bring your own equipment or hire on arrival. For more information please see https://www.spejderneslejr.dk/en or https://www.facebook.com/jamboreeDK
If you are thinking of traveling abroad as a CGI group in 2021 can you please let us know before you book anything. Just send an email to international@girlguidesireland.ie. www.girlguidesireland.ie 35
TEAM GIRL / STOP THE VIOLENCE F ll i the Following h National N i lE Executive i B Boards’ d ’d decision i i that h every monthh would ld hhave a theme h the h IInternational i lT Team hhas been busy. October’s Theme was WAGGGS’s Team Girl and November was their Stop the Violence campaign. At the start of October we sent out a newsletter with lots of information on TEAM GIRL and what it is all about. Also included was a plan for how each section could complete the programme. Throughout the month of October we also used our social media to highlight the theme. In November we moved to WAGGGS Stop the Violence campaign and just before the start of the 14 days of action a newsletter was issued with lots of information on how to join the campaign. We then followed up with challenges and facts on all our social media channels. If you completed either off the he programmes don don’tt fo forget to get your badges from the WA WAGGGS shop on WAGGGS - Overview (wagggs-shop.org) gs-shop.org)
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I attended this year's online meeting of the Overture Diversity Network on the 5th December 2020. 25 countries were represented at this year's meeting and it was great to see some familiar faces again this year! This was my second year attending the meeting and first year as a member of the steering committee. Throughout the year I worked on putting a programme together for the meeting with the other members of the steering committee. The meeting was jam-packed and began with all the old-timers and new-timers getting to know each other. We then had sessions with WAGGGS and WOSM to give everyone updates on the associations. There were lots of icebreakers and interactive sessions to discuss opinions on topical issues. After that, we heard from Freddo who told us about the next meeting due to take place in Belgium in December 2021. After lunch I did a quick session about how CGI has adapted Guiding since COVID. Sharing ideas is a big part of the network meetings and it was great to be able to share all the wonderful work that has been done by the association. James and Marc did a brilliant session on ‘Voices of Young People.’ In the evening we had an International evening to connect with everyone and share stories! The network is a great place to meet with like-minded people and discuss topical issues in the context of guiding and scouting. It gives people a chance to express opinions and share experiences too! Overall, it was a great day and I would encourage anyone to attend the next meeting postCOVID as it is a great opportunity to network, travel and see different perspectives! Megan Dempsey, South East Region
WAGGGS EGM Due to Covid 19 the WAGGGS World Conference scheduled for 2020 had to be cancelled and as WAGGGS needs to agree its plans and budget for the upcoming year a zoom meeting was planned for Saturday the 19th of December. Emily McCann represented CGI along with Amanda O’Sullivan of IGG. Over 100 of the WAGGGS member countries attended the event and it was very interesting to see how people around the world were getting on during these testing times.
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TRAINING Happy 2021 to everyone! I hope you are all well and surviving as best you can. I don’t need to remind you how difficult the past year has been - trying to keep being positive for everyoneyour family, your friends, your boss and your Cygnets, Brigins, Guides and Rangers. It’s really tiring isn’t it? Sometimes we just want to take a bit of time for ourselves. Like a lot of people I’ve been reading a bit more and trying to find ways to remain positive. I’ve discovered (a lot later than thousands of others) the practice of Mindfulness which has been linked to positive outcomes such as • • •
Physical health Greater well-being and Reduced anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness allows you to practice being fully aware of yourself and what happens around you. Anyone can do mindfulness exercises and the practice of even short exercises has been shown to be of great benefit. I am going to share two exercises with you, please try them and return to them as often as you like. After all what have you got to lose?
Be Mindful of What’s Around You It is very easy to go about life as if on automatic pilot, often in a state of high stress, and just pushing on without really taking a step back and notice how we feel, what is around us, and what might be a better response to circumstances. This first exercise is a short set of steps aimed at slowing down, and becoming more mindful of what is around us. Please take 20 seconds to slow yourself down by focusing on your breath. Now, go through these steps one by one (it may seem a little uncomfortable or unusual, but do your best to complete the steps). 1. Sight: Look around you and name 5 different objects. Now, look around you again and name 4 objects. Now 3, Now 2, Now 1. 2. Sight & Touch: Look at, name and touch 5 different objects, noticing their texture, temperature, mass and weight as you do so. 3. Sight, Touch, and Smell: Look at, name and smell 3 different objects, noticing their colours, texture and aroma. 4. Hearing: Close your eyes and identify 5 different sounds. Now 4, Now 3, Now 2, Now 1. Notice how you felt immediately after completing one of these exercises. Were some activities better than others? Mindfulness exercises like this can help bring us into the present moment and can help us slow down and become more aware of how we are feeling.
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Walking Mindfulness Meditation Walking meditation is perhaps one of the most accessible forms of meditation. Often when meditating in a still position the body becomes restless. When we are walking, the body is already in motion and can be used as an aide for mindfulness. Walking meditation can bring calmness and peace while you practice it and it can be done at any time and for any period of time. Please read the following exercise to assist you in walking mindfully. The next time you go for a walk (soon after reading this is preferable) keep in mind the following instructions. • When you begin walking do so with an active willingness to be present, aware, and mindful of yourself and your surrounds. • It is best if the road is not too rough or too steep. Better still; find a park or walking track. Slow down and concentrate on your steps. Be aware of each move. Walk straight ahead with eyes fixed in the distance, calmly, and confidently. Consciously make an imprint on the ground as you step. Be aware of your body and how it moves when it walks. Be aware of how the ground feels underneath your feet. • As you walk expand your focus and gently take in everything around you. Look at the trees, the people and the ground. Listen to the sounds around you. Feel the stillness inside you connect with the stillness around you. • If you notice your mind drifting off and engaging with thoughts, that’s ok, let them come and go without attaching to them and bring your attention back to your steps. • Walking meditation is not about getting to the destination but is about the act of walking itself. There is no goal of the walk other than the walking itself • Begin to feel truly at ease with yourself as you walk. Your steps can be those of the healthiest, most secure person on earth. Let your sorrows and worries drop away while you are walking. Walking mindfulness meditation can be a very pleasurable experience and can result in you feeling calm and a sense of aliveness. You can do this anytime you need to walk. All it takes is the active willingness to engage with your walking mindfully. Now, go and try it or, at least, commit to a time when you will. I have to say that personally I love the walking meditation. Sometimes we just have to remind ourselves to breathe and be in the moment. I’m finishing today with a Congratulations and a Confession
CONFESSION
Congratulations to our 15 new Trainers who successfully completed the very challenging “Train the Trainer” Course.
The update on my Study tidy-up – It’s still a work in progress!!
Yours in Guiding Eilish Smyth National Commissioner for Training
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Communications Unfortunately, 2021 started off with more of a squeak than a bang as we continued to while away our time in lockdown. Luckily, we did have some time before Christmas where people were able to meet and we had some units do just that; going on hikes, holding meetings outdoors, even getting a safe and socially-distanced visit from Santa! We know that not everyone was in a position to meet but it was great to see that some could. If you’re holding online meetings why not send us in a few words on the type of things you’re doing, what’s working well or not at all; we’re all continually looking for inspiration, now more than ever. And don’t forget, there are some great ideas on OGM, activities for online meetings, socially distanced meetings and more, you’ll be amazed at what you can find. Michelle Finnerty National Commissioner for Communications pr@girlguidesireland.ie
Around Ireland Eastern Region Christmas Cards In November we held a competition for our Brigini to design a Christmas Card. There were lots of entries and the winning entry was Meadhbh from Buion Iosaf in Lucan and her design was then made into a card which was sent to all our leaders along with a wooden angel Christmas decoration as a thank you for all their efforts this year.
Regional Council We held our Regional Council over zoom this year on the 2nd of December and it was great to see people attend who would normally be unable to travel. It was definitely a different experience but it was great to see everyone even if it was on a screen. Clare O’Brien and Brid Barnes both finished their terms as Regional Officers and the Region thanked both of them for all their time and efforts over the past seven years. We also would like to thank Michelle Finnerty and Deirdre Wray who completed their terms as Regional Commissioner for Rangers and Ordinary Member. We also listed our service awards and their receipients and hopefully we will be able to give them their awards in person soon. Fiona O Dwyer was elected as our Regional Commissioner and Mandy Derwin as our Treasurer. All positions on our Executive Committee were filled at the meeting and we are looking forward to working together. 40 Guiders Link Vol. 1
Christmas Cards In July we were all hopeful of returning to Guiding and with this in mind our Executive decided to organise a bag for each member. These bags contained pencils, pencil case, colouring pens, notebook, tissues, and a gift as well as the items from National. We put together 2000 bags which were distributed to each in time for the start of the new Guide year. In addition the leaders also received a pack with goodies for themselves and an Eastern Region face mask. All members of our Region also received a COVID -19 badge designed by one of our members and the Leaders received a thank you badge.
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Buion Columbanus - Bake Off Buion Columbanus guide unit – Loughlinstown. Some photos from our great guide unit bake off. All the girls did really well and their cakes looked amazing. Just a pity we couldn’t taste them!!
Buion Columbanus - Dance Night Buion Columbanus guide unit dance night. All sections had a great night learning new dance with Amy.
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south west region St. Vincent’s Brigini SWR enjoy a busy run up to Christmas Crafts: The girls made 3D Christmas cards and learnt to make hanging Christmas tree decorations using clothes pegs and popsicle sticks. We also made Kindness Charts, with Weekly Kindness Acts being discussed and shared in our meeting pods during the run up to Christmas.
Christmas Cards for the elderly: The girls made and wrote Christmas cards for the residents of our local Care Home. These were collected by a Guider and quarantined in advance of our Carol-singing visit.
Cork Homeless Help and Support: This year, St. Vincent’s Unit participated in the Cork Homeless Help and Support Christmas Shoe Box Appeal which has been supported by other units of the South West Region in recent years. Our thanks to the girls and their families for getting behind this initiative by filling the Christmas boxes/bags with essential toiletries, instant foods, treats and warm hats & gloves. Well done to our brigini who contributed some of their own pocket money and personal treats for this worthwhile cause. We had a designated meeting night where the girls decorated their boxes which were then quarantined within our meeting hall before being despatched to the charity’s collection point.
Outdoor Carol-singing at Blair’s Hill Nursing Home, Sundays Well: We finished up the year with an outdoor Carol-singing visit to our local Nursing Home, situated in the vicinity of our meeting hall. The girls and leaders turned out in force, despite the unfavourable weather conditions earlier in the day. We sang traditional Carols and popular Christmas songs from an outside veranda, while the staff and residents joined in the fun and watched on with delight from behind a full glass window. The residents were thrilled with their handmade cards, nice messages and sweet treats, while the Care Home Management had their own quarantined surprise in store for the girls. All at St. Vincent’s Unit were happy to be able to share a little Christmas cheer and participate in this very uplifting experience, bringing to a close such a difficult year for young and old alike. Brigini, Guiders and Care Home Staff have pledged to make this an annual event. www.girlguidesireland.ie 43
northern region
This update was originally meant for the previous issue of the Guiders Link
Excitement around Regional HQ There was much excitement around Regional HQ on Monday 28th September when the cast and crew of top drama ‘Line of Duty’ came to Beechmount to film! Pictured are Martin Compston & Vicky McClure in our Reception whilst Clare Crooks from St Paul’s rubs shoulders with Adrian Dunbar! (October 2020).
St Patrick’s, Aghagallon
Holy Trinity
St Patrick’s, Aghagallon, held their first socially distanced meeting of the year and celebrated 5 years since the Unit first opened with 5 themed activities. (October 2020).
Holy Trinity Guides and Rangers teamed up with a local councillor to do a much needed clean up of their local area. (September 2020).
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St Paul's
St Paul’s first meeting back! Starting Tide Turner Badge with a litter pick in Dunville Park, followed by getting their activities for the next few weeks of Zoom Meetings. (September 2020). Celebrating World Mental Health Day with tea and milk around the campfire with smores and hot chocolate! (October 2020). Then around Belfast celebrating International Day of the Girl with our ‘Hear Me Now’ posters. And what do the girls want for the future? A safer environment, no bullying, no COVID and for girls to be the World Leaders of the future. (October 2020).
St Comgall’s St Comgall’s Brigins and Guides enjoy a Scavenger Hunt in Ward Park. (October 2020).
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St Comgall’s Guides went hiking to work on their Hiker Badge. An evening walk up to Helen’s Tower walking through Whitespots Country Park and navigating their way following the signs. (October 2020).
St Comgall’s Brigins were out and about walking along the North Down Coastal Route earning their Foot Explore Badge Stage 1 (October 2020).
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Contacts NEB Chief Commissioner Assistant 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
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
Child Protection Eastern Region 086 2710953 Clare O’Brien South-Western Region Alison Tanner-Howe Maria Dowling South-Eastern Region Barbara Ryan Aideen Moran Northern Region Josephine Higgins Martha Mc Grath Sarah Mc Manus Maire Mc Grath
086 2710941 086 2710950 086 2710958 086 2710952
07581644947 07581644899 07581645481 07581639739
Staff
National Office Coordinator Eoin Hamilton Communications Administrator
Nicola Toughey
nicola@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 Sales, 55 Beechmount Drive, Belfast BT12 7LU Tel: 028 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.