Wagtale Issue 47

Issue 47 - Term 3-4 2021

in this issue...

State Campfire Hiking Fun

JOTA/JOTI

Beach Clean-up

Guiding in 2021

Wagtale is the quarterly magazine of Girl Guides Western Australia.

Address: 265 Great Eastern Hwy Belmont WA 6104 Phone: 08 9479 9800 Web: www.girlguideswa.org.au Email: info@girlguideswa.org.au Postal: PO Box 780 Victoria Park WA 6479

Cover photo: JOTA/JOTI Celebrations at Guide House Photo credit: Cassie Pethrick Back cover photo: Armadale Active Guides' Mini Market Night for Charity Photo Credit: Diane Smith Send articles and photos to communications@girlguideswa.org.au.

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Contents Coming Events

4

State Commissioner's Report

6

National Team Report

7

Ern Halliday Camp

8

State Campfire

10

Beach Clean-up

11

Yanchep Tree Climb

10

Axe Throwing

12

Guides Get Hiking

14

Jamboree on the Air/Internet

15

Mini Market Night for Charity

16

Olave Albany Camp/AGP-OP Link

17

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Coming Events

Girl Guides Get Hiking: Whiteman Park - Goo Lorto Hike This event is an easy hike for all youth, leaders, adults and Trefoil, to have a go at hiking or further develop your experience.

Cost: Free

When: 20 November, 2021 Where: Whiteman Park

Register: on the What’s On page at www.girlguideswa.org.au

Peel Region Amazing Race Amazing Race done Girl Guide style.

Cost: $30

When: 21 November, 2021

Where: Safety Bay Guide Hall Register: on the What’s On page at www.girlguideswa.org.au

Leader Qualification Training Day This training day will include several components of your LQ passport and will provide you with a much better understanding of the role.

Who & Cost: Required training for all Unit Leader and Assistant Unit Leader roles. Free When: 19 March, 2022

Where: Guide House, Belmont

Register: on the What’s On page at www.girlguideswa.org.au

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Coming Events

Leaders Retreat

Event

All adult members are invited to Description come together for a retreat to share ideas, plan for 2022, have some fun and meet some new Who & Cost: Guiding friends.

When: Who/Cost: Adult members only, $80-130 Where: When: 22-23 January, 2022 Register: on the What’s On page at www.girlguideswa.org.au Where: Seaside Camp for Children, Peron Register: on the What’s On page at www.girlguideswa.org.au

Girl Guides Get Hiking:Event Provide First Aid in Remote Situations HLTAID013

Description Join us at Guide House to complete Provide First Aid in Remote Who & Cost: Situations. The course will be run by St John and is required for When: those completing their expedition qualification.

Where: Who/Cost: Open to all Members 17+, $194 When: 29 January 2022

Where: Guide House, Belmont

Register: on the What’s On page at www.girlguideswa.org.au

Register: on the What’s On page at www.girlguideswa.org.au

Events coming in 2022 Event We're excited to bring you a range of fun activities and events Description in 2022.These events will be for both youth and adult members.

Who &Day, Cost: Please keep an eye out for Australia World Thinking Day, ANZAC Day, Trefoil Canoeing Days, Archery Days, and many When: more.

Where: To stay informed about new events please keey an eye on on the What’s On page at www.girlguideswa.org.au our social media and check onRegister: the What's On and Upcoming Training pages at www.girlguideswa.org.au

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State Commissioner's Report

As we prepared for the start of a new term, we are reminded that the year has nearly gone and what a year it has been.

We have been lucky here in Western Australia, but our thoughts go to our Guiding sisters in the East who have battled through months of lockdowns.

The way in which they have adapted to the delivering Guiding virtually is to be commended.

We were able to provide some relief by hosting four Zoom sessions to NSW, ACT and NT during the beginning weeks of October. It was great to connect with new Guiding friends. We had a visit from Cass and her amazing reptile family and danced the morning away with a virtual disco.

Girl Guides Australia has shared the updated Mission - Empowering Girls and Young Women to discover their potential as leaders of their world.

The Chief Commissioner Rosemary Derwin shared – “Girl Guides Australia has been on a journey to consider our strategic priorities for the next five years.

"It is often hard to find that activity or plan the Unit meeting and sometimes we just want to stay at home under the doona – but we don’t, we find that Guiding spirit."

"Our updated Mission reflects the Guiding experience and endorses the value of Guiding today, tomorrow and in the future.”

One our goals for 2022, is to have more events in the calendar, these events are for both our Youth and Adult members.

Please keep an eye out for Australia Day (Celebration Zone – COVID permitting), World Thinking Day, ANZAC Day March Trefoil Canoeing Days, Archery Days and many, many more.

As the months fly and we prepare for the busy season, please take a minute to reflect on the year and the impact that that you have had. It is often hard to find that activity or plan the Unit meeting and sometimes we just want to stay at home under the doona – but we don’t, and we find that Guiding spirit.

Go well and safely.

Katrina Lane State Commissioner Girl Guides WA Paula Dunn Laura Ives- Hicks Claire Veen Assistant State Commissioners

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National Team Report Hello Guiding Sisters all around Australia, As I write this update some of us are getting very excited to be coming out of another extended lockdown, we are looking forward to visiting family and friends, we are planning some holidays, we are anticipating borders opening, we are navigating what the rules are for our everyday life and most importantly we are putting plans into action so Guiding can resume face-to-face activities.

This pandemic has been tough; we could not have imagined the impact it would have on our lives. To all the Leaders who have continued to stretch themselves to provide opportunities for girls – thankyou.

To those in States with less restrictions – thanks for the care and support you have given to your Guiding sisters who were unable to meet face-to-face.

Those girls who are back to Girl Guiding are super excited - they may not be allowed to meet indoors but Guiding fun can happen anywhere and being in the outdoors is just the best! One Leader shared with me today the highlight of her week was to be back at Guides just listening to the girls “giggling, laughing and having fun”. The small things we too often take for granted.

Please continue to follow the advice of your State Girl Guide office. The rules vary between states and territories and are changing frequently - please be patient and stay informed.

What else can you do? The advice from health experts is that getting vaccinated reduces the risk of the severity of Covid-19 and reduces the risk of passing it onto others. Vaccination enables us to contribute to the health and wellness of others. It is encouraging to see the double vaccination rate in Australia continue to climb to that magic 80% which only a few

months ago seemed unreachable. Are you included in that number? If you aren’t and you are able to be vaccinated – please consider a discussion with your GP. Child Safe Child Friendly - You will hear this phrase with increased frequency. The Girl Guides Australia Child Safe Child Friendly Framework was launched earlier in October. It provides guidance for everyone in Girl Guiding in Australia to understand their role in keeping children safe and to build on the Child Safe Child Friendly Community that is central to Girl Guiding in Australia. You can access the Framework on Guide Lines.

You will receive information from your State Girl Guide office about training and any procedures that may be changing in your State. Remember – no matter what your role is in Girl Guiding this Framework is important and applies to you.

I am pleased to share Kate Alcorso (Girl Guides Tasmania) has been appointed as GGA Chair, effective December 2021. Kate replaces Janet Torney, GGA’s inaugural Chair, who retires as a GGA Director after 8 years, having also served as Finance & Risk Committee Chair and Treasurer.

Kate will bring to the Chair role a strategic and collaborative approach underpinned by a breadth and depth of expertise and experience across Guiding, governance and legal practice. A most sincere thankyou to Janet as she finishes in the role and a very warm welcome to Kate.

Happy Girl Guiding!

Rosemary Derwin Chief Commissioner Girl Guides Australia

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Ern Halliday camp

Units from the Southern Foothills Region went on a camp to Ern Halliday in Hillarys on 17 to 19 September.

Some of the girls have shared their favourite memories below.

"This camp was by far my favourite camp because we got to do lots of fun activities including archery, caving, a pump track, the big swing, rock climbing and the flying fox.

Not only were the activities fun, but I also enjoyed sitting around our campfire and singing campfire songs with my friends.

This camp was especially fun because we got to enjoy it with two other Girl Guide Units around the same age as us. I really enjoyed when we got to do the activities because everyone was being supportive and helping each other throughout all of the activities."

- Casey, Armadale Active Girl Guides "I was worried about going away on my first camp but felt better after setting up the tents - it was more comfortable to sleep than I thought.

I loved the big swing and caving. The pump track was difficult but I was glad I had a go.

The food was good and the beach walks were fun. I got a few scratches and bruises, which mum says is evidence of a good weekend."

- Addison, Forest Lakes Moonlight Girl Guides

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"This year’s September camp was awesome! We camped at Ern Halliday with the Serpentine Jarrahdale, Forest Lakes and Aubin Grove Guides.

The flying fox was terrifying at first because I had never done it, but after my first try, I couldn’t stop doing it! Rock climbing was also a lot of fun. Even though I did not go high because I was afraid, I still helped out doing the belaying. My friend was able to get to the very top, blind folded! We helped guide her all the way to the top!

One of the best things that also happened, is when we had the campfire, and sung guide songs at night! Putting up the tents and putting them down, are always a challenge but is great.

We sometimes went for walks and found a trail leading to the beach! So we had fun there. It also didn’t rain much, which was a relief! And one last thing is, nothing compares with camp food!"

- Zarina, Armadale Active Girl Guides

"On this Girl Guide camp, I loved making better relationships or even some new relationship with the other Girl Guides that came to camp.

Another thing I loved about this Girl Guide camp was all the activity’s I did. I almost got a bullseye (in archery), but it just bounced off the target. In caving we went in groups of three and you got to encourage people to keep going when they were having a hard time in the cave. I loved doing pump bike because even though it made it a workout for your arms you still had fun going around the track and up and down the hill.

Overall, this camp was really great and I had a lot of fun I would like to go on another camp like this another time."

- Ruby, Armadale Active Girl Guides

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State Campfire 2021

Guides of all ages and their families braved the cold weather to come together for the 2021 State Campfire. The campfire was a great success with hundreds of members and their families turning out to sing songs around the campfire and join in a Guiding tradition. The event was also live-streamed so our friends in the Eastern States could join us from lockdown.

Photos: Helen Matusik

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WARNBRO GUIDES CARE FOR BEach

Warnbro Wagtail Girl Guides have been dedicating some time to looking after their local beach and checking in on their dune revegetation project from winter.

The girls collected a total of 14kg of rubbish from the beach!

Their efforts will be counted in the data collected by not-for-profit organisation Tangaroa Blue, who are working to reduce marine debris and protect our oceans.

Photos and information from Alison Cousins and Sarah Clark

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Yanchep treeCamp climb Olave Summer

The Yanchep national tree climb is a great outdoor day activity for a range of ages from 3 years to concession.

There are 7 fun and challenging high rope courses. Each course is made up of wobbling wooden bridges, cargo nets, zip lines, and many more challenging obstacles.

Courses range from 2 metres low for the mini adventurers, all the way to 10 metres high for the adrenaline seekers! You get amazing views of the beautiful Australian native bush and some wild life!

They use world-wide interlocking safety systems that keep you attached to the course at all times to ensure you are safe as possible while on the high ropes.

Doing these fun and challenging adventures with guide friends is a great day out. It’s a safe environment for you to try something you have never done before and test your limits.

If you struggle along the way I can still assure you that you had an amazing time and are willing to come back and try it again. If you are wondering what to do in the school holidays or a day out with your guide group, Yanchep National tree climb is a great day.

By Sienna Glanville - Joondalup Destiny Girl Guides

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Guides Go Axe Throwing

In Term 3 Joondalup Destiny Girl Guides tried their hands at something new - Axe Throwing.

sofia's thrilling experience I was just as surprised as you were when I first heard the phrase Axe Throwing with Girl Guides. I never expected a group of young girls who were known for wearing braids and selling cookies to take part in such an extreme activity. But honestly, it was one of the best experiences I’d ever had with this amazing group.

Being trusted with an axe at first felt like being given a pet shark for Christmas - the thought of being in control of something so cool and powerful was thrilling.

Once we were separated into small groups and told how to throw the axes at our targets, our next challenge was to try it for ourselves.

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This took many tries and a lot of effort on my part, but when the blade of the axe first wedged its way into the wooden target, I was overwhelmed with exhilaration. I felt like I was being trained for the Hunger Games, or fighting my way through a zombie apocalypse.

Even if I didn’t do so well against my opponents in the mini competition - which finished on 11 points compared to a top score of about 45 - I still loved the experience and am still trying to convince my parents to let me do lessons.

So next time a friend or sibling comments that Girl Guides isn’t cool enough for their standards, tell them about the time they took us axe throwing.

By Sofia May, 13

Photos: Michelle Hatton.

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Hitting the trails

Guides get hiking In Term 3 Girl Guides WA launched “Guides Get Hiking” thanks to support from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. This 12-month project will help Guides of all ages get outdoors and experience the fantastic trails in our State.

Whether it’s a peaceful stroll through the bush, a personal challenge rewarded with spectacular views, or an adventurous multi-day expedition – we’ll be creating opportunities for both our Guides, Olaves and Leaders to build their experience, skills, and confidence for hiking activities.

The program includes: - A series of State events ranging from short 2-3 hour trails, to day-long adventures and overnight expeditions.

-Remote Area First Aid Training - Hiking Skills Weekend - Trail Packs to give you ideas on where to go, a head start on logistics and hints about what paperwork is required. These are available on the GGWA website under the Programs tab.

- Opportunities to earn Trefoil 3 Camping-Expeditions or your Conduct-an-Expedition module

Lesmurdie falls taster session The first of the hiking events took plave at Lesmurdie Falls. Youth members 6+, Leaders and their families walked the 3km Valley Loop Trail, making their way alongside the Lesmurdie Brook, down to the bottom of the valley and to the base of the falls!!

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JOTA/JOTI 2021

jamboree on the air/Jamboree on the Internet Guides had an awesome day celebrating JOTA/ JOTI at Guide House.

The girls enjoyed chatting with Guides and Scouts from across the world via online chats, Skype, and the radio.

We connected with young people in many countries including Indonesia, India, Philippines, Canada, Japan and Australia.

Photos: Cassie Pethrick

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Mini Market for charity

The Armadale Active Girl Guides held a Mini Market Night in late October and raised over $470.

Each patrol chose a different charity and held a bake sale or second hand stall to raise money.

They also sold 30 bandannas for Canteen.

The three other charities were Breast Cancer Care WA, Cancer Council WA and Autism WA. Their family and friends were very supportive of the girls and turned out in force!

Photos and information from Diane Smith

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Olave Albany Camp

On the September long-weekend, Olaves travelled down to Albany to enjoy a weekend of sightseeing.

We visited The Old Whaling Station, Wildflower and Wildlife reserve, The Gap and Natural Bridge, The Rose Maze, The Princess Royal Barrack and the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.

We also held a successful (indoor) campfire for the Albany Girl Guides.

We learnt new songs and had to re-learn some old ones we forgot!

The Albany Girl Guides enjoyed a special visit from a dinosaur and really enjoyed the dress up(Olave in costume).

Photos and information from Madeleine Sparks.

AGP-OP Link Bage ARE YOU 16 OR OLDER AND WONDERING WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH GUIDING AFTER YOU TURN 18? IF SO, The AGP-OP LINK BADGE IS FOR YOU! The AGP-OP Link Badge is a great place to discover what the Olave Program is all about.

It has been designed to help Guides transition into the OlaveProgram by experiencing parts of the Olave Program before they turn 18.

The badge is split into Part A and Part B. ·Part A is completed between your 16th-18th birthdayand encompasses the Olave framework areas of community, adventure and self-development. ·Part B must be completed by your 19th birthday and is achieved by successfully linking to the Olave Program.

Completing Part A earns a certificate and completing Part B earns the metal AGP-OP Link Badge, which can be worn on the badge tab of the Adult uniform.

Come and meet some great Olaves, make new friendsand get a badge for your effort.

What’s not to love?

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