WHAT HAPPENED
AT CYGNET & BRIGIN DAY?? pg 6
PLUS REPORTS FROM Guide PL Weekend Ranger Weekend & More! 2019 Vol. 1
Guider’s Link
Contents Chief Commissioner's Message 3 Noticeboard 4 Cygnet & Brigin Day 6 Guide PL Weekend 8 Ranger Weekend 10 Health Promotion 12 Development 14 Cygnet Section 16 BrigĂn Section 18 Guide Section 20 Ranger Section 22 Training 24 International 26 Outdoors 32 CGI Partnership with An Ă“ige 38 Around Ireland 40 Contacts 47
Don't forget to send your photos and articles for the Guiders Link to: guiderslink@girlguidesireland.ie. Closing date for the next issue is 1st April 2019 2 Guiders Link Vol. 1
Chief Commissioner's Message Happy New Year. A new year 2019, I hope you all had a great Christmas and enjoyed some family time. So, what will 2019 bring for us all? hopefully lots of more fun times in Guiding. I’ve been thinking about New Year resolutions and apart from all the things I need to do for me, I have a few for CGI. for 2019 I would like to see us; •
Increasing our retention of Brigini to Guides
•
Increase our participation in training and enable Guiders to embrace training
• Develop a meaningful Strategic Plan and from that a meaningful Operation Plan that will enhance Guiding for the next 4 years and beyond for our Guiders and our youth members. These are my wishes and ambitions for 2019 but I can’t achieve anything without the hard work and enthusiasm of all of you and in particular the members of the National Executive Board. Every task we undertake needs all of you to join with us and to continue to work to make CGI an even more vibrant association. So, what have we coming up in the next few months? Apart from several NEB meetings we also have our National Council so make sure and read about that further on in the Guider's Link. Our Youth Forum, you will have received a flyer about the Forum, this is a great opportunity for your Guides and Rangers to have their say in the future of our association, our youth participation is essential for the future of CGI, these young ladies are our leaders of the future and we need them to have a say in the future. But the girls won’t get there without your help and support so please get your 4 Guides and 4 Rangers and get them to the Forum, don’t have them the girls who miss out, we have a great programme organised for the day and the girls' input is essential. National All Sections Day – Dublin Zoo - who doesn’t love the zoo? Look forward to seeing you all there. And later in the year the National Guide and Ranger
weekend in the IOAC in Wexford, delighted to welcome everyone to my home turf, Arlene and her team have a great weekend planned so make sure your girls get the opportunity to take part in this weekend camp, remember it’s the outdoors that differentiates us from other youth organisations. You will have received by now your updated Safeguarding Policy; this Policy is one of the most important pieces of policy that we have and it is of utmost importance that we live by the policy. If you need clarification on anything in it please don’t hesitate to contact me. Many thanks to Barbara Ryan, Nicola Toughey and Karen McCann for the work that went into this updated version of our policy. This policy applies to our members all over Ireland so please ensure that you are working from the updated version dated 2019. Remember you cannot work with the girls if you aren’t vetted and registered, please keep all your Guiders to these requirements. I hope you are all keeping health as a major part of your programme and are sending reports and photos into the Health Promotion Team, by our next edition we will let you know how we are getting on in our bid for Gold. So once again Happy New Year and many thanks to you all for all the hard work you do week in week out, remember you are making a difference in the life of a child and you are that someone in their life who believes in them. But this year strive to do something different and outside your comfort zone. To quote Mark Twain “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Happy New Year
Yours in Guiding, Emily McCann Chief Commissioner chiefcommissioner@girlguidesireland.ie
www.girlguidesireland.ie 3
Noticeboard Upcoming National Events B4U Decide Training Managing Challenging Behaviour NEB Youth Forum National Council Guider Outdoor Bushcraft Training NEB All Sections Zoo Day National Guide & Ranger Camp
16-17 February 2 March 9 March 10 March 6 April 10-12 May 18 May 25th May 28th -30th June
Resource Dates World Cancer Day
4 February
International Childhood Cancer Day
February 15
World Thinking Day
February 22
International Women's Day
March 8
International Day of Happiness April Fools' Day World Health Day
March 20
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 4 Guiders Link Vol. 1
April 1 April 7
Reminder to all Guiders: Forms containing personal information should only be kept by you for current registered members and must be stored appropriately. For historical information and members who have left the organisation, please send the forms to the National Office where the information will be scanned and stored in a safe. This is to meet our insurance obligations.
News From The Board • The National Officers made a proposal to the NEB to introduce the following additional Service Awards for volunteers; 30 years, 35 years and 45 years and also, the introduction of an additional Membership Award for 60 years. The same criteria will apply as for other Service and Membership Awards. The proposal was agreed and approved by the NEB and will be effective from January 2019 and will not be awarded retrospectively. The pins will be available for presentation at the Regional AGMs in 2019.
FINANCE
The next Census will be run on 15th February 2019. Please can you ensure that all members on OGM are registered, complete the census and make payment by this date.
During registration, it was noted that a number of Units continue to operate with only one signature on their Unit account cheque book. I would like to remind all Units that all accounts held on behalf of members of CGI must have a minimum of two signatories on the account. All accounts must be in the Company/Unit name and not in the name of individual Guiders. Not only is this best practice, it is also good governance and complies with the Charities Act. Please refer to Book 6 (Finance) of the Guider Handbook for further information. I would ask that any Unit with only one signatory on their account or where the account is not in the name of the Company/Unit, make arrangements to have this changed with immediate effect. PLEASE NOTE THAT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE PERSONAL CHEQUES TO BE USED TO PAY REGISTRATION. From 1st April 2019, Unit cheques received in the National Office with only one signature will be returned to the sender. Thank you for your cooperation Eileen Mc Carthy, National Treasurer
VACANT POSITIONS ON THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD APRIL 2019 • • • • • • • •
Assistant Chief Commissioner National Secretary National Commissioner for Cygnet Guides National Commissioner for Brigin Guides National Commissioner for Guides National Commissioner for Outdoor International Commissioner Ordinary Member (2 Year Term) www.girlguidesireland.ie 5
Cygnet
& brigin day 2018 "
L
ast October 226 Brigins and 67 Cygnets attended a day of fun and games in Gormanston College, Co. Meath. After travelling from far and wide, Cygnets started off their day by attending a fantastic magic show and being wowed by his surprises. They then took part in activities such as drama session, making edible tea cups and mad hats on hair bands. Brigins also enjoyed the fun of the wonderful magician and then went on to make mad hatters hats. We have some very creative milliners in our organisation! Girls also got to let off steam by playing on bouncy castles and tried their best to complete 50 challenges in 60 minutes. All girls enjoyed the company of Cara Bear at the event and we finished off by spending what little energy we had left by dancing our socks off. Our Chief Commissioner Emily Mc Cann and PR Commissioner Michelle Finnerty then lead the units present on the Great Neckerchief Race where all units achieved a special commemorative neckerchief for their unit. All girls were given a goody bag for the journey home which included cake and a beautifully designed badge to commemorate the day.
6 Guiders Link Vol. 1
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www.girlguidesireland.ie 7
Guide PL Weekend2018
This year we had Guide PL Weekend in Glendalough in Co Wicklow. The long-range weather forecasts all foretold a sunny Saturday and windy and possibly showery Sunday, however, that’s not what we got! The girls arrived to Glendalough’s An Oige Hostel on Friday night in the midst of lashing wind and rain. The weather was so bad that early in the day some branches had actually blown down across some of the access roads, but luckily as night fell so did the wind speeds and the driving rain. Friday night was a nice easy introduction to the weekend, which was all about the girls enjoying themselves and as a way for CGI to give back to them, to show our appreciation for the work they do in the units with the other girls in their patrols. The girls were all given footprints, on which they wrote what they’d like to get out of the weekend, and most of them wanted to make new friends and we can safely say that did happen. We hadn’t banked on the one main rival we had all weekend for the girls’ attention, that was the bank of vending machines in the reception area. They had the girls enthralled from the moment they entered the building, however, in keeping with our Health Promotion Policy we put a ban on them from Saturday morning. Enter Saturday morning; breakfast was an unusually quiet affair, as it turned out mainly because a large number of the girls were over-tired and coming down from their sugar-induced highs! The day passed with plenty of action for the First Aid box; we had headaches and feeling faint, vomiting and tummy aches, cut fingers and sore eyes and plenty more in between. However, putting aside the need for an onsite medical centre, Saturday kept the girls entertained and moving for the entire day. The morning had two sessions; one from Recreate in which the girls learned how to make puppets and perform their own puppet show, and the second was a First Aid demonstration and competition. To illustrate the importance of assessing a situation before you rush in to render aid, a scene was set which the girls were part of, and then some leaders were asked to come in, assess the situation and render aid as appropriate. Both times this demonstration was run (with different leaders on each occasion) the first two 8 Guiders Link Vol. 1
leaders immediately became victims themselves, because they didn’t look at the scene entirely before they touched a person, who was lying on top of an electric wire and thus electrocuted themselves. The girls all found it entertaining to watch their leaders laying prone on the floor and the leaders all learned a valuable lesson too. The afternoon sessions were photography and dance. The dance session was facilitated by Zoe Patterson of FYI Dance and she spent some time with the girls teaching them some listening skills and basic dance moves, before leading them through a very lively and energetic session indeed. Everyone enjoyed the dancing and music. The photography session with Johnny was also a great session, as he too had a competitive element to the day. He spent some time with the girls explaining how easy it is to take an interesting photo and giving them some top tips, then he gave them a number of themes for their photos and off they went. On a side note, the leaders also entered a team, and not to brag, but we did win. On Saturday evening we had a movie and some campfire songs, by which time we had bodies scattered all over the floor pleading for sleep, they couldn’t keep their eyes open after the hectic 24hrs they’d had, and so an early night was had by all. On Sunday morning, after a lot of persuasion, everyone was up and enjoyed a hearty fried breakfast. We decided to walk to Glendalough to hold our Guide’s Own there, it’s a beautiful spot and it would have been a shame for the girls to have been so close and not seen it. We returned to the hostel and the rooms had to be cleaned and emptied. We did have a reflective craft for the girls to do; unfortunately one of the leaders forgot to bring the glue sticks, so the girls brought them home to complete. Another exciting thing that happened on Sunday morning was that An Oige came along and formalised a new partnership with CGI, so that’s something we all look forward to benefitting from in the long run. All in all, the weather wasn’t great and the vending machines were a menace, but by Sunday 12pm we sent home girls with tired but smiling faces, and that’s what counts. A massive thanks to all the leaders who gave up their weekend to attend and who mucked in to help out wherever they could, and a very special thanks to Phil Dempsey who was a regular Nurse Nancy for the weekend! www.girlguidesireland.ie 9
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Ranger’s report on their weekend in November 2018
"
W
e really enjoyed the weekend it was jam packed with activities. We went to Carne, Co Wexford in November for the National Ranger weekend. It was so great meeting up with old friends and making new ones. The weekend was jam packed with fun activities. My favourite was rafting in the rain, it was so funny. During the weekend we did so many different activities. On one of the nights we all sat together and watched Dirty Dancing and made candles with a Christmas design. I loved designing the candles and wrapping them up. We did dancing with Sarah Jane and it was great craic. Everyone was dancing around for half an hour learning some new dance moves. We also learned some things about mental health, healthy eating and good food choices. It was great fun. On the last day, we did arts and crafts. We all had a pillow case each to design with colourful fabric paints. We can use this as our camp pillow case together with our camp blankets. Overall the weekend was a really fun experience. We had the opportunity to make new friends and memories. It was really fun bonding with the girls from the other units.
Milly Emma, Bronagh, Holly, Connie,Buion Pheadar an tAspal, Neilstown
www.girlguidesireland.ie 11
HEALTH PROMOTION
GROWTH MINDSET SELF-TALK
A
I can
ttitude & effort, determine how much I learn.
C
B
e brave & step out of my comfort zone
Ill try a hallenges help me grow
I can welcome
F I
eedback
can choose a growth mindset
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Guides… It’s a healthy thing
D
ifferent strategy
G
etting better takes time
J
learning is a
ourney
E
ffort makes me stronger
H
ow can I build on my strengths
I can
K
eep an open mind
L
M
O
P
earning is the goal....not perfection
It’s
It’s ok to take
U
k to not know something
lan B might work
isks
any ideas can lead to amazing things
Q
When I ask
V
X
T
ry again
aluable information can be found in every failure
YZ Didn’t work I’ll try ABC
Guides… It’s a healthy thing
uestions I learn
I can choose to
uccess of others inspires me
nsuccesful attempts are all part of the process
W Z
istakes help me improve
R S
hat can I learn from this?
N
ew things are opportunities for me to learn
Y
I don’t know how t do this... to
et
Source: www.thecontentchild.co.uk www.girlguidesireland.ie 13
DEVELOPMENT Welcome to the work being done on various initiatives by the Development Team over the past few months. I would like to thank the team for their commitment and contribution, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with the team in the future. A special thanks to all those who continue to support us achieve our goals and make opportunities possible for us, especially the Regions, National Office, Communications and International.
Recruitment - Youth Development Officers Congratulations to Cathy McSweeney, South West Region and Mary Erwin, Northern Region appointed in November & December 2018. Cathy is a Guider with both Guardian Angels and St. Brendan’s Units. Mary is a Guider in St. Comgall’s. I wish them all the best in their new roles.
MENTORING Mentoring available for current and potential new National Executive Board and Regional Positions
Community
Work
email development@girlguidesireland.ie
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In October, the team worked on two community initiatives, the ‘Cancer Care Packs’ and the ‘Shoebox Appeal’ managed regionally, the latter appeal being managed by Le Chéile. There was a great response to this initiative and we would like to thank everybody for getting involved.
THE STORROWS
We have a new name for the 18 – 30’s programme ‘The Storrows’ winner Caoimhe McNamara, inspired by the vision of the Helen Storrow ethos giving young people around the world the chance to connect on issues they care about. To learn how to take the lead and become agents of change in their communities. Over the next number of months the team will work on the branding, the logo and continue to develop the programme using the feedback from the 18 – 30’s Survey Monkey. The pilot programme will be officially launched at the National Council in April 2019. “The programme is designed for the 18 - 30 age group to give flexibility with school/ college/ starting work but is a platform to retain members in CGI. It is therefore designed in a way to “keep involved” and can be a “dip in and out” option for Guiders and/or Rangers to keep in touch with their peers while also facilitating personal development. It does not replace either the Guider or Ranger Sections.”
New Programme Promotion, Over the last number of months, members of the development team did presentations to their Regional Councils to promote and get feedback on the components of ‘The Storrow’s’ Programme.
LAUNCHING
THE NEW
PROGRAMME National Development - Regional Development Commissioners Forum (representing each Region) This will be set up to action, priortise and develop key initiatives as identified in the output from the Development Forum. Development is a fast growing area in CGI for the future, so if you would like to be part of this interesting area please contact development@girlguidesireland.ie
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Members of the team participated in international events, Caoimhe McNamara, a member of the team attended the Growth Gathering 2018 International Conference in Budapest, while another member Deirdre Wray, worked at a WAGGGS World Centre in London. www.girlguidesireland.ie 15
Cygnets Hi everyone, hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Welcome to 2019! Let’s have fun, adventure and build friendships.
Spring is here!! Let’s get out and about, look around your community and see the changes spring has brought. Now draw a picture of your favourite one.
ROCK BUG
It’s springtime, the evenings are getting brighter and the days a little warmer. Let’s get out and about. Yours in Guiding Geraldine Conway National Commissioner for Cygnets
Paper Plate Kite
What You Need:
• Paper Plate
• Tissue Paper
• Streamers
• Crayons
• String
• Lollipop sticks
Method Have each girl draw a design (or make one with tissue paper) on the paper plate. Next have them glue foot long streamers to the paper plate. Finally punch a hole at the nose of the plate and tie a piece of string through it. Wrap additional string around a lollipop stick (tape the string to the stick) Now each girl will have a kite that will really fly on a windy day. 16 Guiders Link Vol. 1
You will need: • Paint or Markers • Rock • Pipe Cleaners • Glue • Google Eyes Method If you can, let your kids go pick out their own rocks. Then wash the rocks and let them dry. Then give the kids the supplies so they can design their own bug.
Box of Hugs
and Kisses You will need: • Small wooden or paper boxes • Paint • Assorted sweets (Hershey kisses) • Shredded coloured paper Method: Cut various sized circles out, or provide your children with small wooden boxes and let them decorate them any way they want with paint. Next give them Hershey's Kisses, Hugs, other sweets, and Easter Grass and let them fill the box with them. Finally attach the following poem to the box and then give it to your Moms for Mother's Day:
This is a very special box, that only you can see. The reason it’s so special it's just for you from me. It’s filled with hugs and kisses, as sweet as sweet can be. Just hold the box close to your heart, and you'll always think of me. I Love My Mommy (Sung to: Frere Jacques) I love my mommy, I love my mommy, (hands on heart) Yes, I do, yes, I do (shake finger) Mommies are for hugging, (Hug self ) Mommies are for kissing (blow kiss) I love you, yes I do (point)
St Patrick's Day
Why not try a delicious snack this St. Patrick's Day Ingredients:
• Green Pepper
• Cheddar Cheese
• English Muffins
Method To make one, slice a green pepper crosswise near the pointed end to get a small, three-lobed shamrock shape. (If your pepper has four lobes, you've got a lucky clover instead.) Cut a small slice for a stem. Toast half an English muffin, then top it with a slice of Cheddar and the pepper shamrock. Place the muffin on a tray, then grill until the cheese is melted
Easter Time No-Bake Easter Egg Fruit Tart Ingredients: • 1 cup – almond butter • 1/4 cup – honey • 2 tsp – vanilla extract • 1/4 teaspoon – salt • 2 cup – oats, dry • 3/4 cup – Greek yogurt, vanilla • 3/4 cup – strawberries • 3/4 cup – blueberries • 1 medium – banana
3. Add the other cup of oats to the almond butter mixture and stir. Slowly add in a little of your homemade oat flour at a time until you get a mixture that you can form into a crust. Depending on your brand almond butter the amount of flour may vary. 4. Take small amounts of the mixture and form Easter egg shaped disks. Place onto parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. 5. Once all the Easter eggs are formed, spread on a layer of greek yogurt. Top with sliced fruit to make your designs and enjoy! Happy Easter!
• 3/4 cup – grapes, green Method 1. In a microwave safe bowl, add almond butter, honey, vanilla and salt. Microwave for 20 seconds, then stir until smooth. 2. Take 1 cup of the oats and place in a blender. Blend until the oats are finely chopped and resembles flour. Set aside.
COMPETITION TIME !!! It’s CGI’s 90th Birthday so let’s have some fun. I want your group to think of 9 things you like to do or places you like to see or activities you have done. Pictures tell a thousand words so let’s make our 90th birthday a birthday to remember. Please send in your entries to cygents@girlguideireland.ie by no later than Friday 29th of March 2019.
www.girlguidesireland.ie 17
Brigíní Welcome to the start of a brand new Guiding year! This year for World Thinking Day we remember the group of girls who took the lead and demanded “something for the girls” during a boy scout rally at Crystal Palace 110 years ago. They asked Lord BadenPowell to create something that they could join in too. They were the early champions of a girl-led organisation which has become our global Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting Movement with 10 million members in 150 countries around the world. These original girl guides were ground-breakers and it is because of their foresight and desire to take the lead that we are here today. As Guiders we need to try harness this spirit. We need to recognize the potential held within the small frame of each 7 year old that joins our organisation, nurture it and support her on her journey in becoming a leader of the future. This doesn’t always mean that every girl becomes a Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader but by recognizing the individuality of our girls and encouraging them to develop their own potential as citizens of the world. Happy World Thinking Day to you all. Here are some international activities for you to enjoy. Sarah Browne National Commissioner for Brigini
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THE UK: Pax LODGE
Pax Lodge is the third world centre to be built in London. It opened in 1991 and is located beside the World Bureau in Hampstead in North London. Buckingham Palace guards Equipment needed: - Wooden clothes pegs - Black pom-poms - Glue - Red, black and yellow paint or markers - Googly eyes Directions:
1. Using the black paint or markers, colour the bottom 1/3 of the peg black. 2. Using the red paint or markers, colour the next 1/3 of the peg red. 3. Draw in yellow buttons on the red section to highlight the tunic. 4. Add the googly eyes almost at the top of the peg. 5. Glue on the black pom-pom to represent the bearskin hat worn by the guards 6. Draw on a smile
Africa region: Kusafiri Unlike the other world centres, the Africa region world centre doesn’t have a permanent home. Instead the centre moves from African nation to African nation, allowing as many of the local guides to join in the adventures the world centres have to offer. So far there have been 10 Kusafiri events in countries such as Madagascar, Rwanda, Uganda and Ghana African hand drums Equipment needed: - 2 small paper plates - 2 beads - ribbon or string - hot glue gun or stapler
- Popsicle stick - hole puncher Directions: 1. Hot glue or staple the Popsicle stick to a paper plate. 2. Hot glue paper plates together. 3. Punch a hole on each side. 4. Cut ribbon/ string so that it goes slightly past the center point & tie on. 5. Tie a bead on at the end of each ribbon. 6. Decorate as you wish.
INdia: sangam
Scratch art henna hands Equipment needed: - white cardboard or card stock - pencil and scissors - crayons - black poster paint - paintbrushes - pointy candy apple sticks Directions:
Mini Piñatas
Mexico: cabana
Equipment needed: - Toilet Paper Tubes - Tissue Paper (3 colors) - Ribbon - Tape - Craft Glue - Scissors - Treats for Filling Directions: 1. Start by cutting out a 2 inch x 2 inch square of tissue paper. You’ll need one square for each piñata. 2. Now cut a small “x” in the center of each square – this will help the candy to fall out more easily. Using a few pieces of tape, secure the four corners of the tissue paper around the toilet paper tube. Be careful not to pull too tight, or the “x” will rip. 3. Now, take another piece of tape, and secure a ribbon right on top of the “x.” When the piñatas are finished, you’ll pull on this ribbon to release the candy. Make sure that you tape this part really well, or the tissue paper won’t come off, and the candy will stay inside the piñata! 4. Now you’re ready to start decorating! Start by
1. Give each girl a piece of card and help them to trace their hand onto it. Cut out the drawn hand. 2. Using crayons, colour in the cut hand, making sure to colour the whole piece of card. 3. When the whole hand is coloured in, cover the crayon with a layer of black paint. Let the paint dry completely before moving onto the next stage (it may be useful to blast each hand with a hairdryer to help the drying process. 4. Once the paint is dry, use the wooden stick to scratch a design into the hand.
stacking your three colors of tissue paper, and then cut strips that are around 1 1/2 to 2 inches. 5. Once you have strips of tissue paper, cut slits in them for making fringe. You can cut the fringe as thick or as thin as you want to – just try to be consistent. 6. Before attaching the fringy tissue paper, draw a line of glue along the top. Now stick the tissue paper to the tube, starting at the bottom and slowing working in a spiral towards the top. When your run out of the first color, start the next one right where you left off. Each strip should wrap around about 3 times. When you get to the top, add a piece of ribbon to cover up the glue and add some more color! 7. Add one last piece of ribbon on the inside of the tube so that you can hang your piñata, and you’re done! 8. Hang up the piñatas as decoration, and fill them with candy and toys.
9. When you’re ready, just pull on the bottom ribbon, and candy will come pouring out! Everyone has their own piñata and their own candy-stash! www.girlguidesireland.ie 19
Guides The Martian Song This song can be sung repeat-after-me style, or all together. Once I met a Martian, Who comes from Mars, He ate all my M&Ms, and my chocolate bars.
So if you meet a Martian, Who comes from Mars, Let him eat your M&Ms, and your chocolate bars.
He banged on my tambourine, and played on my kazoo, And then he showed me somethin’, He did the hula-hu.
Let him bang your tambourine, and buzz on your kazoo, And maybe if you’re lucky, He’ll do the hula-hu.
A hula, hula, hula, hu, ka tang, ka tang, ka tang, A glippity, gloppity, glippity, gloo, a hula, hula, hu.
A hula, hula, hula, hu, ka tang, ka tang, ka tang, A glippity, gloppity, glippity, gloo, a hula, hula, hu.
You can listen to the song at: https://myvirtualsongbook.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/the-martian-song/
Stress Balls Making a homemade stress ball does not require any fuss. The steps are simple, and the items required are easy to find. You will need: • 3 Small Balloons (per stress ball) • Flour • Funnel (or small empty clean & dry water bottle) • Pencil • Spoon • Items to decorate (stickers/sharpie markers) What to do: 1. Create a workspace that is properly covered with plastic or sheets of old newspaper. Things may get a little messy, so you want to make sure that your workspace is protected and easy to clean up after you are done. 2. Blow up the balloon slightly and let it deflate. This will help with the filling process. 3. Now it is time to start filling the balloon with the flour. Use the spoon to avoid making a big mess. Remember not to fill the funnel completely. Put the flour in without a rush. Your funnel is sure to get clogged with the flour. You can use the pencil to unclog it. (if you don’t have a funnel you can use a clean & dry water bottle – carefully spoon the flour into the bottle, and place the neck of the balloon over the neck of the bottle and carefully pour the flour into the balloon. 4. Fill the balloon with the flour and once it is done, tie it up tightly to make sure that the contents do not spill out. Before you do so, make sure that you remove as much air as you possibly can. This will prevent it from popping or becoming saggy. 5. Take the second balloon and cover the ball with it. Then tie a knot in the balloon. 6. Take the third balloon and cover the ball with
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it. Then tie a knot in the balloon. This will make it stronger and prevent it from popping or causing any messy accidents in the future. 7. You can also decorate your new stress ball if you like using stickers or drawing on it using the sharpie markers. Tips to remember: • You can use sand instead of flour, but it is said that for actual stress relief, it is better to use flour. • Baking soda, beans, and rice are also great options as fillings for the balloon. • Never squeeze your balloon stress ball too hard, no matter how stressed you are. The flour will leave a huge mess if your ball pops. An Alternate Method: If you think flour, sand or rice would be too messy, you can make a stress ball with play-doh and a balloon. Here is how you can make a DIY squishy ball with this easy-to-get item: What to do: 1. First, blow up your balloon to stretch it. Once this is done, push your fingers into the balloon and open the neck. 2. Next, slowly start to push in the play-doh into the balloon. This is the part that takes a little time and patience. To make things a little easier, make a snake with the play-doh and push it into the balloon. Use your thumb to pack it in every few minutes. 3. Now, wiggle your fingers out of the balloon and try to prevent the play-doh from coming up to the neck. Once your fingers are out, gently squeeze out any excess air in the balloon and then loosely tie it. 4. Squish the ball a couple of times to get a feel for it. If there are any air pockets, squish the dough to the bottom and untie the balloon to let the air out. 5. Add another layer with a second and then third balloon to make it a little more secure.
Easter Cupcakes What you will need: Cupcakes; (you can make your own or use pre made from the shop) White frosting; Large marshmallows (one per cupcake); For the Easter Bunny Cupcakes Miniature marshmallows; for the Lamb Cupcakes
Pink sanding sugar; Black icing; Small pink jellybeans; Chocolate sprinkles; Piping bag and small and medium tip (optional); Clean scissors; Small spatula
Easter Bunny Cupcakes What to do: 1. Use a small spatula to frost cupcakes with white frosting. 2. For each cupcake, cut a marshmallow in half diagonally, then press the cut side of each marshmallow half into sanding sugar 3. Press the marshmallow halves into bunny ear shapes and place on top of cupcakes. 4. Using a very fine piping tip, pipe two eyes onto each cupcake, and follow with a jellybean nose. 5. Then press the chocolate sprinkles into the icing on each side of the nose to form whiskers.
Lamb Cupcakes What to do: 1. Using a piping bag and a small spatula, smooth a thick layer of white icing onto each cupcake. 2. Press mini marshmallows around the outer perimeter of the cupcake, adding an extra layer along the top and leaving space for the lamb’s ears, as shown. 3. Cut one marshmallow in half diagonally and press the cut sides of each half into the sanding sugar to create ears. 4. Attach ears to cupcake as shown. 5. Create eyes and mouth with lines of black frosting. 6. Add a single pink jellybean for a nose. www.girlguidesireland.ie 21
Rangers Hi Everyone, A very happy New Year to all of you. 2018 was a great year for the Ranger section and we hope that 2019 can be even better. The Ranger Day this year will take place in June, during the National Guide and Ranger weekend. I hope to see lots of you there. Patricia Derwin, National Commissioner for Rangers
SAVE THE
DATE National Ranger Weekend 2019 will be held in Castle Saunderson International Scout Centre, Co. Cavan
1ST TO 3RD NOVEMBER How to re-do a woggle if it has become unplaited
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Easy Heart Tote Bag Supplies: • A canvas tote bag • Fabric Paint • A heart template (Home made with cardboard) choose your own size • A pencil (with an eraser at the top) or be creative yourself
Steps: Step 1- To start simply lay the heart in the middle of the tote bag. Secure with double side tape.
Step 2- Dip the eraser into the paint and start on the edge of the heart, pressing the pencil eraser straight down on the tote bag. Continue making several prints with the eraser, going further away from the heart and pressing harder until you are out of paint. Repeat this step and go all the way around the heart.
Step 3- To make it look the best you need to use thick paint dots closer to the heart and make it fade away. If too much paint build up forms on the edges of the eraser, simply wipe it off before continuing.
Step 4- Allow to try, then remove the heart template www.girlguidesireland.ie 23
Training Let me begin by wishing you all a very happy 2019. I hope you are all back refreshed after the break. I’d first of all like to tell you about the National Training Team meeting held in December. At probably the busiest time of the year your hard working trainers met with me in Dublin on the 8th December. We spent a lot of time discussing suggestions made to trainers either at the end of their courses or at National Council. We particularly looked at the Challenge Books which seem to be causing problems for some Guiders. We have changed quite a few of the challenges and as soon as possible these changes will be put into effect. We are also hoping that they can be completed online. As usual there is a busy year ahead of us all and training is no different.
Guider Training Step - 2 and 3 In February 2019 we are running Guider Training - Step 2 and 3 on the same weekend. Step 2 is opened to leaders who have completed all their compulsory training and Step 3 which is also known as An Dushlan, is opened to those who have completed Steps 1 and 2. Two years ago we had 29 Guiders on Step 2 so I am hoping to see a lot of you back to participate in Step 3.
Challenging Behaviour In March we have a Challenging Behaviour Course. I’m sure that many leaders have seen a change in the behaviour of girls joining our organisation. A lot of Guiders feel frustrated and are not sure what to do and this is why this course has been devised. By the end of the day you will go home with the tools to recognise the difference between regular behavioural difficulties and more challenging behaviour. We will also show you how to provide positive behaviour management.
Unit Leaders Unit Leaders have been neglected for a few years, so we will be running a one day course this year. We appreciate how hard you all work and how your responsibilities keep growing so the aim of this course is to provide you with all the information and support that you need. This will be compulsory for all Unit Leaders. More information about this course will be provided later in the year.
STEM I haven’t forgotten about STEM so if regions can provide a date, venue and Guides, Rangers and any Guider who is willing to participate then the training team will be only too happy to come to you and run what I know will be a very enjoyable day for all. NEW YEAR- A NEW CHAPTER, NEW VERSE OR JUST THE SAME OLD STORY? ULTIMATELY WE WRITE IT. THE CHOICE IS OURS! It’s a new year and I hope to see lots of new faces at courses this year. Yours in Guiding Eilish Smyth National Commissioner for Training
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NATIONAL
COUNCIL ´7ZHQW\ \HDUV IURP QRZ \RX ZLOO EH PRUH GLVDSSRLQWHG E\ WKH WKLQJV WKDW \RX GLGQ¡W GR WKDQ E\ WKH RQHV \RX GLG GR 6R WKURZ RII WKH ERZOLQHV 6DLO DZD\ IURP WKH VDIH KDUERU &DWFK WKH WUDGH ZLQGV LQ \RXU VDLOV ([SORUH 'UHDP 'LVFRYHU Once again, I am re-quoting Mark Twain, National Council is the time for you to take that step, change your life, enhance your guiding experience and help CGI continue to move forward. National Council is three different things; •
The National AGM of our association and a chance for you to participate in this meeting, to have your say on issues that will affect you and your Guides. To hear other Guiders’ views on things, to vote in resolutions and new members of the Board. Its your chance to have your SAY so please ensure you take up the places your Region has on offer
•
A chance for you to become a member of the National Executive Board, this is a great opportunity this year as there are 8 positions available on the board and they are very diverse but all play a part of the running of the association so if you have a particular interest in a section or a general interest the NEB is the place for you to be this year
•
And last but not least, it’s a chance to catch up with your guiding friends from around the country, there’s not many other opportunities for us all to come together to celebrate guiding and catch up with friends, it’s a great day for that.
This year there are eight, yes 8! available places coming up on the National Executive Board so if you think Assistant Chief Commissioner or Ordinary member or any of the positions in between is for you then come talk to us, talk to your Regional Commissioner and get your name put forward. The NEB isn’t a scary place, it’s a great group of women who are working hard to promote guiding and helping us to live up to our mission statement. So, don’t sit on the edge, listen to Mark Twain and come join us ‌you know you want to! Ps- if you are interested in any of the positions, I’m on the end of the phone-Emily Vacant Positions; • • • •
Assistant Chief Commissioner National Commissioner for Cygnet National Commissioner for Guides National Commissioner for Outdoors
• • • •
National Secretary National Commissioner for Brigin International Commissioner Ordinary Member www.girlguidesireland.ie 25
International Hi Happy New Year. Hope everybody had a lovely Christmas. You all received the Thinking Day pack with the last Guiders' Link. It has lots of great ideas for celebrating Thinking Day this year. Don’t forget to raise some money for the Thinking Day fund and send it to the National Office as soon as possible after the 22nd of February. Why not make 2019 the year that you go on an international trip for CGI?. There are lots of opportunities available. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and the link and apply. You never know where you might end up. Hope everyone has a fantastic Thinking Day and looking forward to seeing pictures and hearing about the activities you did to celebrate the day. Suzanne Lenihan International Commissioner international@girlguidesireland.ie
INTERNATIONAL OVERTURES In early November I attended the Overtures meeting in Vienna. Overtures is a network of Scout and Guiding Associations for the progression of Diversity and Inclusion. The overall theme of the meeting was “Promoting knowledge not the actual topic or conversion”. The event ran over three days and many of the Associations attending had a chance to share their work in the fields of Diversity and Inclusion.
The overall purpose of the project is to develop a “Family First” attitude The Friday began with an ice breaker followed by discussing our expectations for the meeting. One of the first projects we heard about was from Denmark and involved the setting up of family clubs. The idea being that nine families meet twice a month for six months. Perhaps have a meal, money provided for food by the Scout Association and activities organised for children by Scouts . After six months the Scouts stand back from running the project but the hope is that the families will keep meeting. The overall purpose of the project is to develop a “Family First” attitude One of the other projects we learnt about was the Norwegian Scouts rainbow project which started 2015 and the inspiration for came from the Austrian LGBT toolkit. They originally had supporter buttons with a rainbow design and then woggles and neckerchiefs were also added. The purpose is for Scouts to know that you might not be LGBT but will support them. They have also held LGBT Workshops, Disability workshops and Rainbow cafes at their National Camps. UK Scouts spoke on a large analysis they have just carried out in their Association which led to the launch of the Scouting for Life Programme which was launched this March. The objectives are Growth, Inclusivity and Community. It was heartening to hear that they were having the very same issues with recruitment and retention that we are. We also heard how some Associations have set up advisors to help those leaders who have children in their groups with disabilities. Rather than the leaders having to have all the skills to cover a range of disabilities there is someone on hand who can guide you with the particular disability you are dealing with.
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On the Friday evening we visited the Kacid centre where we learnt about their joint work with WOSM on projects in underdeveloped countries followed by a lovely meal at an Austrian Winery. Saturday involved more presentations on diversity projects from around Europe which included the Austrian Scouts LGBT+ toolkit which includes a box with book, badges, postcards and games involving different families. We also had a session on Spiriteco which is the Spiritual development pillar of Scouting and Guiding. Its ethos is to make us think about ourselves, our lives and our understanding of others. It allows us to build our future and give meaning to it and helps young people to build a value system which can be personal or shared. WAGGGS also spoke about their new Gender and Diversity mainstream toolkit which was launched at Roverway in August. There are six core areas: membership, programme, finance, relation to society, structure & management and training and there are five key questions in each core area. Who do we reach, Who joins us, Who stays, Who has influence and Who leaves? Saturday evening was spent at the International Evening where we all had a chance to sample food and drink from around Europe. We also had an opportunity to talk to other groups about their projects in more depth. Sunday was the business part of the meeting where we elected a new member to the planning team. Trish Derwin from the Eastern Region had been a member of this team for a number of years but has reached the end of her term so thanks were extended to her for all her hard work throughout the years. Overall I had a great time at this event and made a lot of new friends and contacts in both WAGGGS and WOSM and I am looking forward to working in the area of Diversity and Inclusion in the future.
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The Academy, Skopje, Macedonia 30th October – 4th November 2018 The Academy is organised by WAGGGS and WOSM Europe region and is a learning experience for participants to share skills and knowledge from a variety of topics within Scouting and Guiding. It takes place in a different part of Europe each year and this year the hosts were Macedonia. Myself, Brid Barnes (National Secretary) and Arlene Griffin (National Commissioner for Outdoor) were lucky enough to be able to attend this year. We were also joined by IGG participant Katriona Kealy. We headed out a day early from Dublin to Istanbul and on to Skopje. We arrived safely after a few mishaps on the way – landing in Skopje was aborted twice due to high winds. After a few more attempts we were diverted to Bulgaria where we sat on the runway for 90 minutes before trying to land one more time. Luckily the last attempt was successful and we arrived at our hotel just before midnight. The week was divided into different learning sessions such as Governance, Strategy, Mapping your M&E (monitoring and evaluation) systems, empowering young teenagers to be change makers, Equality and Diversity, Risk Management and many more. We chose sessions which were relevant to CGI such as Monitoring and Evaluation, Risk Management and Governance. We also enjoyed sessions on Peace, The New Scout Method and Equality and Diversity. It was a very busy week but we also enjoyed some evening entertainment which included an International Night where we met the President of Macedonia. We found the Irish Pub and had a monopoly run around the city. Overall it was an excellent week of learning where we met and networked with different organisations. The facilitators were excellent and we will be sharing our knowledge with the National Executive Board going forward. Brid Barnes, National Secretary
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PAX LODGE PART 2 My time at Pax Lodge Summer Events started and we were out in London becoming tour guides to groups of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from around the World. When you are a Summer volunteer at Pax Lodge you collect lots of badges and pins from swaps, I have collected so many that I’ve lost count. Your friendship with all the other volunteers becomes closer and we all support each other. We had many evening programmes which I was lucky to experience, for example, a programme with a group of Japanese Girl Scouts in August. Where did I go since the last report? Well I’ve been to Scotland, Oxford, Stratford upon Avon and Warwick Castle. Friends of Pax Lodge kindly give up to £100 reimbursement for exploring Europe or the UK. I chose to go on a trip to Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Fringe which was an amazing experience, flights and accommodation were covered by this £100 so it meant you could still plan on a budget. I went on a coach tour with another volunteer Shannon to Warwick Castle which also included stopping at Stratford Upon Avon and Oxford, both of these were amazing and wish I could have had more time there. We have found coach tours from London are a great way of seeing the country on your days off. Within London I’ve been to Buckingham Palace (yes the inside) which was beautiful to explore, and of course the gorgeous gardens at the back of the palace were also open to view. I’ve been on the London Eye three times, Tower of London twice and have enjoyed many walks in the local Hampstead Heath Park which is a wild park in London. During my last few days off I went to see London Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Emirates Airline Cable Experience plus a second visit to Greenwich. Working in Pax Lodge has given us so many wonderful opportunities to work somewhere that has so much variation in the type of work you do. Theatre Madness This Summer most of the volunteers had a big interest in theatre, if there were extra tickets going for a show we would always take them even if we’ve seen Wicked three times. So with the summer events I saw Aladdin, Matilda, Mamma Mia and Wicked, then I also went to see Dream Girls and Les Misérables in my spare time. Living in London it’s easy to get cheap theatre tickets to shows on the Westend, apart from Hamilton but most of the others you can find cheap tickets for from the Box Office or if you go to a ticket outlet. Lata, a spring Volunteer was directing the play of William Shakespeare’s Richard III in the local area so we also went to see it. www.girlguidesireland.ie 29
Escape Room: As a celebration of all our work over the Summer our programme manager Tadeja took us all out on an adventure (a scary one). We went to a nearby Escape Room which was a closed down underground station (the tube still runs through it but doesn’t stop) followed by afternoon tea. The escape room was so much fun we had to work as a team to find our way out and save the day all within an hour, we managed to do it with 20seconds to spare, some points were frightening. Our team leader changed from Natalya to Shannon as we were very nervous but we all managed to work through and get out. So to relieve any fears we may have had we headed into Central London to St Pauls area for a deliciously fabulous afternoon tea to end our Summer before welcoming the new volunteers a few days later. From working reception, meeting people, blogging, marketing and event management, this job teaches you so much and gives you opportunities to see the United Kingdom and meet so many guides and scouts from around the world. Opportunities: While I was here in my last few weeks I got to develop some of skills in design and marketing. I have been very lucky to be given the opportunity to work with
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WAGGGS Marketing and design team as some work experience. This has been amazing and it will definitely help me in my future. The tips and tricks that I learned related to the industry I wanted to work in. Volunteers will soon now have a new t-shirt for work which was designed by myself with the help of the other volunteers, so look out for it on their social media. What’s next? For me this summer has been amazing, I have really learned a lot about guiding and scouting across the world and have visited my second World Centre. I would like to continue with international opportunities and see our organisation develop and grow bigger and encourage more international events at World Centres or international events that WAGGGS run throughout the year. Summer events for 2020 are now open so go ahead and book an event or sign up to volunteer. The next deadline for volunteers at Pax Lodge is in January for Spring 2020, follow the social media for updates or visit the WAGGGS website for more volunteering opportunities. If you have read this story and the last one and are saying to yourself I want to do that, don’t hesitate and look at the Pax Lodge website for upcoming closing dates.
#TEAMGIRL #AWORLDOFPOSSIBILITIES
Steps for applying:
accepted (again it could be a few months later).
If you would like to come volunteer here at Pax Lodge then there are simple steps below to apply:
8) Now you must accept the position.
1) Are you over the age of 18? No upper age limit – for all ages. 2) When you would like to apply (remember you need to apply around a year in advanced) 3) Download and sign the forms. 4) Get Suzanne (International Commissioner) to sign it saying that you are approved from the organisation. 5) Send it back via email to programme@paxlodge. wagggs.org and attach a recent photograph of yourself. 6) It may be a few months later but you will hear back about an interview via skype/ phone whichever suits you best. 7) Wohoo you’ve had your interview and you’ve been
9) Get fundraising – start some fundraisers at local and even regional level to help with your fun costs while over here. You get your flights reimbursed once you arrive so don’t worry about going with Ryanair for cheapness – Business class all the way ;). 10) Book your flights. Remember how I said Business class all the way well you could if you want, we get up to a £500 travel reimbursement to get to London, so relax and enjoy your flight. 11) Meet the other volunteers. About two weeks before you leave you will meet some of the other volunteers via email. Exchange contact and get to know each other before your arrival. 12) Bring a good amount of badges and pins to swap with groups and other volunteers and staff. Contact the National Office for some and ask some of your friends/ leaders.
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OUTDOORS Hi all, Hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and is looking forward to the spring and all the guiding opportunities it brings. Now is the perfect time to start exploring the Outdoors with your girls and getting all the prep work done ahead of Summer trips/camps. Please remember that we are an Outdoor organisation and it is one of our main differentiators from other youth groups- make 2019 the year you focus on building that Outdoor element in to your section programmes. There’s lots of ways to get out and about during a meeting not just on camps- go for a local community hike, explore local parkland, have a cycle night etc. There’s also a number of events coming up this year such as the Guiders Bushcraft weekend as well as National Guide & Ranger Camp so I would encourage you to support these events and I look forward to meeting you all over the coming months. Yours in Guiding, Arlene Griffin National Commissioner for Outdoors
NATIONAL OUTDOOR TEAM WE ARE COSTANTLY ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NEW MEMEBERS IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT US outdoor@girlguidesireland.ie
Outdoor Support Team
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NOTICE OF TRIPS/CAMPS ETC THAT MUST BE PROVIDED TO REGIONAL OUTDOOR COMMISSIONER. Activity
Type of Warrant
Paperwork
Timescale
Normal weekly programme event
No Warrant
None
None
Day Hike / Outing
No Warrant
Day Trip Approval Form
2 Weeks
Night hike (Out After Midnight)
Outdoor Warrant
Day Trip Approval Form
2 Weeks
Sleepover den / hall
Indoor or Outdoor Warrant
Indoor / Outdoor Approval Application Form
2 Weeks
Weekend Outdoor Camp
Outdoor Warrant
Indoor / Outdoor Approval Application Form
4 Weeks
Summer Outdoor Camp
Outdoor Warrant
Indoor / Outdoor Approval Application Form
4 Weeks
Indoor Weekend
Indoor or Outdoor Warrant
Indoor / Outdoor Approval Application Form
4 Weeks
Indoor summer camp
Indoor or Outdoor Warrant
Indoor / Outdoor Approval Application Form
4 Weeks
Panto or other such show
No Warrant
Day Trip Approval Form
2 Weeks
Organised Regional activity
No Warrant
No Paperwork
National Activity
No Warrant
No Paperwork
International Camp or hostelling
Outdoor Warrant
Indoor / Outdoor Approval Application Form
3 Months (See International handbook)
NUMBER OF GUIDERS. There must be at least three Guiders present throughout the camp or holiday, one of whom must be a Guider who holds the appropriate warrant.
• For CYGNETS there must be at least one Guider to every 5 Cygnets at all times .
• For BRIGINS there must be at least one Guider to every 6 Brigini at all times.
• For GUIDES & RANGERS, there must be at least one Guider to every 8 Guides/Rangers at all times.
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This year we are asking you to get your sections involved in Earth Day 2019. As Girl Guides we respect and protect our environment. So let’s make action our goal this year and plan a meeting or event with your section/Unit to help to spread awareness or come up with an action plan to help protect OUR species. Use your Choices programme and badge section for inspiration and share you activities with local media or online using #EarthDay2019 #CGI What is Earth Day? Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22. Worldwide, various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day now includes events in more than 193 countries, which are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. The Theme of Earth Day 2019 (April 22) is Protect Our Species! Our species in Ireland Just over 40,000 species have been documented for Ireland. Species diversity in Ireland is maintained because of the variety of habitats and environmental conditions available for plants and animals to live and reproduce. This diversity of species is threatened because of persistent management and other human induced changes leading to the reduction of habitat quality and general environmental degradation. Here is a selection of just 10 of Ireland’s most threatened species. 34 Guiders Link Vol. 1
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GUIDER
BUSHCRAFT
WEEKEND LOUGH DAN
10-12TH MAY, €45PP (FOR GUIDERS ONLY)
• Hands-on backwoods weekend where you will get a chance to practise the basic skills/upskill in fire lighting, axe & saw nadknife skills amongst others. • Suitable for total beginners and those with experience as groups will be divided accordingly. • This is an outdoor weekend but you will not be required to bivvy- dome tent is fine. • Places are limited due to instructor numbers so if oversubscribed Outdoor Commissioner will award places.
BOOKINGS WILL OPEN 4TH FEB AT 10AM AND CLOSE 29TH MARCH 36 Guiders Link Vol. 1
SAT 25TH MAY €10 per girl Transport if required: €15 per person including adults
BOOKING CLOSING DATE: 26TH APRIL 2019
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CGI in Partnership with An Óige In recognition of the great fit between CGI and An Óige, both organisations formed a partnership to benefit the youth of Ireland and this was launched at the National Guide Weekend in November. As a Partner, CGI committed to: • Promote the partnership to young people. • Display the partnership through direct links on the CGI website. • Ensure that only approved messaging is used to promote An Óige’s role as a Partner on website and agreed promotional materials. • Promote the partnership through CGI membership mailings and social media. • Engage with An Óige on social media platforms about youth related topics and youth events. As a Partner, An Óige committed to: • Free Youth Membership to any person who is a member of CGI. • Provide competitive rates and if possible, sponsor Hostels for events for CGI. • Promote the partnership to young people and youth organisations involved with An Óige. • Display the partnership through direct links on An Óige’s website. • Ensure that only approved messaging is used to promote CGI’s role as a Partner on website and agreed promotional materials. • Engage with CGI on social media platforms about youth related topics and youth events. • Promote the partnership on An Óige’s membership mailings and social media. 38 Guiders Link Vol. 1
National Guide & Ranger Camp
IOAC, Wexford. €50PP 28th-30th June €15 Transport
BOOKINGS CLOSE 10TH MAY
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Communications It’s the start of another new year and at this stage everyone is now back to work and school and more importantly our weekly Guiding meetings. Hopefully you all had a great holiday season and have exciting programmes planned for all sections in the coming term; but if you’re still looking for planning ideas, don’t forget our Birthday Celebration leaflet with lots of different ideas to help celebrate, and even better, you can earn the specially designed 90th Celebration badge! The theme for World Thinking Day this year is Leadership, celebrating female leadership through time and also inspiring our youth members to become leaders in their own right, to build our leaders of the future, and really that’s the sort of succession planning we should all be thinking about anyway; who will be the next great leaders in our section or unit? We need to encourage them, mentor them and then let them lead. We've got lots planned for the months ahead in CGI, and I'm sure you have even more planned regionally and locally, so please don’t be shy and send us in a photo or even a written piece about some of the things you get up to in the coming months, share the fun! So, let’s get ready for a great 2019 and let’s show our girls what Leadership in Guiding looks like. Yours in Guiding, Michelle Finnerty National Commissioner for Communications pr@girlguidesireland.ie
Around Ireland sOUTH west Region
SWR St Vincent De Paul
Rangers from the South West Region helping with the St. Vincent de Paul Annual Christmas Toy Appeal
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Fr. John Power, O.S.A. RIP Fr. Jackie Power became Chaplain to the Diocese of Cork & Ross in June 1977 and remained in that position for over 30 years. He came to us from Galway and after a number of years he transferred to New Ross. He regularly travelled to Cork to be with the Guides on St. Brigid’s Day and many other occasions throughout the year. He came at Christmas and visited Mount Desert Hospital with us and said mass there for the patients, staff and Guides. In that time he became a great friend to Guiding in Cork and to many individual leaders and their families. He was a very kind, cheerful, gentle chaplain, always travelling to or from some other part of the country, no distance was too much trouble. He willingly went to families and heard confessions, listened to their stories and advised when called on. He also officiated at the weddings of some leaders, he also did baptisms and celebrated special asses. He gave generously and willingly all in the spirit of service to Jesus, always guided in his travels by Our Lady of Fatima and his Guardian Angel. After he retired he spent nearly ten years at St. Augustine’s on Taylors Lane, Ballyboden, Co. Dublin, and was lovingly cared for there by the staff. Just five days before Christmas 2018 he took his leave from us and has, we are sure, gone direct to meet his God and Friend, and we hope has met with his many family members and friends who have gone before him. He will be sadly missed by his friends in Guiding in Cork. May he Rest in Peace.
Betty O’Donovan On behalf of South West Region
North East Region St Brigid's Girl Guides Dunleer St Brigid's Girl Guides Dunleer & 14th Louth St Martin's Scout Group Share the Bethlehem Peace Light at mass in Dunleer parish on 23rd Dec 18. The Light is from eternal flame that burns in the grotto in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, The journey started on Saturday 1st December this year. As with our tradition, an Israeli scout, and a Palestinian scout brought the light to Tel Aviv, where it was handed over to an Austrian scout. They took it from Tel Aviv to Vienna by air. At a service for the Gift of Peace in Vienna on 15th December, Scouts and
Guides from all over Europe attended a Distribution Ceremony and took a light from the original flame and transported it by foot, by rail and by road across Europe. Our light here travelled across Austria, Switzerland, France, through the Channel Tunnel, and on to Holyhead in Wales, then by Sea to Dublin, there was a National Distribution ceremony on Thursday 20th December in the Church of Holy Cross, Clonliffe College, where representatives of scout groups all across Ireland collected a light in turn, and where sharing the light in the community. Like we did in Dunleer Parish on 23rd of December.
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Northern Region St Paul's Belfast St. Pauls Guide unit have recently undertaken the programme idea from the 18-30 group on homelessness and chemo care packs. In the unit we have gathered up 30+ children’s Christmas packs of colouring and selection boxes, 10 men’s and 10 ladies homeless packs ranging from warm garments and toiletries to making lunch for them during one of our meetings. These were delivered to our local soup kitchen where they were greatly appreciated. The generosity of the girls and their families also extended to making chemo care packs for our local Friends of Cancer Centre. In these packs the girls created gifts of comfortable pillows, hard boiled sweets and non-fragranced toiletries. The Guides and Rangers thoroughly enjoyed making up the packs and felt good in themselves for helping others in their communities.
St Oliver Plunkett Lurgan St Oliver Plunkett Lurgan unit enjoyed their annual trip to the panto. 75 Cygnets, Brigins, Guides, Rangers and Leaders cheered and boo’d at Beauty and the Beast in Lisburn Arts Centre what a lovely way to start 2019!
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South East REgion South East Region Chemo Care Packs Mary Lawlor Regional Commissioner and Sharon Drennan delivered 47 chemo packs to the Hope Centre in Enniscorthy. They met both staff and volunteers on the day, they gave them a guided tour of the building showing them what they offer clients. They were having a coffee morning for the clients and they were able to give out the packs to them, which the clients were delighted with, it was a lovely surprise for them. They were so grateful for the support CGI have given them they are sending out a formal letter thanking us. Not all units in the region had their packs in but they told them they would bring up another batch in the New Year.
Gorey Girl Guides The Gorey Girl Guides were out and about over the Christmas period, with Guides going on their first trip to the ice skating in Wexford Town. The Cygnets and Brigini had their annual Christmas Pizza and movie party. While the Rangers enjoyed a lovely night at the chinese! Then we had a great turn out for the carol singing in our local shopping centre!
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Castlebridge Community Garden We have a plot in the local community garden. Our Brigins and Guides planted strawberries and tomatoes in the tunnel, outside we sowed onions and cauliflower. We made chutney out of the tomatoes. We have planted herbs and brussels sprouts which will be ready for Christmas. One of the other plot owners gave the girls a talk on how to sow, water, and weed the plot also how to care for what we planted.
Clonard Clonard had a great time in the run up to Christmas. The Cygnets and Brigins went to the National Opera House to the Jingle Bells Christmas show and then back to the centre for a Christmas party. The whole unit took part in a Christmas carol service attended by all the parents and family members. We had a raffle on the night and are delighted to say we raised â‚Ź400 for the Wexford Oncology Day Care Unit. The Guides were at the Wexford pantomime to support one of their own who was in the show. Now that all the festivities are over it's time to get out and about again so we plan on doing our first hike of 2019 in Ravens Wood in mid January.
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Eastern Region Buion Naomh Brid
Buion Naomh Brid Cygnets and Brigini from Rathnew went on their mystery Christmas trip to Kia Ora Mini Farm in Gorey shortly before Christmas, on the worst possible weather day. The wind and rain were atrocious and forced many of the other bookings to cancel their trips on that particular day, but Guides are made of sterner stuff and aren’t so easily put off. The staff were fantastic, to both girls and leaders, and the children all had a wonderful time. They got a trip in the fire engine and also got to learn about lots of the animals there and had a chance to hold some of them, there was even a concern that some may try to slip a cute baby bunny into their bag to bring home! The day was topped off with a visit to Santa himself and a chance for the girls to pick their own gifts from the toy store, definitely recommended as a day out to anyone that hasn’t already been. www.girlguidesireland.ie 45
GARDA VETTING National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016
IT IS ILLEGAL
to volunteer with children before Garda Vetting has been confirmed by the National Vetting Bureau.
Proof of Identity and Confirmation of the current address are required BEFORE the vetting process can commence. Therefore, photocopies of these documents must accompany all applications sent to the National Office. Any application submitted to the National Office without these documents will be returned to the applicant. Applications made by anyone under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by form NVB 3 Parent/ Guardian Consent Form.
Garda Vetting Forms are available on the CGI Website or from the National Office
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Contacts NEB Chief Commissioner National Secretary National Treasurer Cygnets Brigíní Rangers International Communications Development Training Outdoor South-Western Region Eastern Region South-Eastern Region Northern Region North-Eastern Region
chiefcommissioner@girlguidesireland.ie secretary@girlguidesireland.ie treasurer@girlguidesireland.ie cygnets@girlguidesireland.ie brigíní@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 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 Nicola Toughey National Office Coordinator Antoinette Hosback Finance Officer Erinn Dunlea Administrative Assistant Eoin Hamilton Communications Administrator
nicola@girlguidesireland.ie finance@girlguidesireland.ie admin@girlguidesireland.ie communications@girlguidesireland.ie
www.girlguidesireland.ie 47
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.