Girl Guides of Canada in the Manor Park area, identified as Community 29, is very pleased to be actively involved in the community in which we live. In the immediate vicinity of Manor Park we have Sparks, Brownies and Guides with Pathfinders and Rangers being approximately 10 minutes away in the Beaconhill/Gloucester area. Our Units use the facilities of St. Columba Church and the Manor Park Community Centre.
Whichever Unit you choose, you can be sure that we have lots of fun and adventures.
Sparks (ages 5 and 6) For Fun and Friendship
Sparks is a two-year program for 5 and 6 year old girls. Usually, they meet for one hour on a weekly basis in groups of about 10 to 15 girls. There are at least two leaders at each meeting and girls are supervised at a ratio of one leader or helper for every five girls. They meet at the Manor Park Community Centre at 100 Thornwood from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM every Monday night, except school holidays.
Sparks are involved in many different activities as part of the Spark program: They learn about themselves, learn to be a friend, are active outdoors, play games, do crafts, sing songs, learn to respect and protect the environment, have fun and much more! Through sharing, girls take their first step in learning about service to others and a commitment to their community.
Outdoor activities, including camping, are emphasized to foster a love of nature and a caring attitude towards the environment.
Contact for this group is Jenny Wheatley, 613-741-1247.
Brownies (ages 7 and 8) For Fun and Adventure!
Brownies is a two-year program for 7 and 8 year old girls. The Unit meets on a weekly basis, for 1 1/2 hours, in groups of up to 24. They meet at St. Columba Church, 24 Sandridge Road from 6:30 to 8:00 PM every Thursday, except school holidays. There are at least two Guiders present in each unit.
The Brownie program is an experience-based, developmentally appropriate program for this age group, and above all, fun for the girls. It is based on the premise that girls learn best by doing. Brownies provide the girls with the opportunity to do things ands on, be active, have fun and practice the concepts of friendship, co-operation and helping others.
Brownie camping and nature activities promote environmental stewardship and an understanding of the wonders of nature - and are loads of fun and adventure!
Contact for this group is Jenny Wheatley, 613-741-1247.
Guides (ages 9 to 11) For Fun and Challenge!
Guides is a three-year program for 9 to 11 year olds. Weekly meetings are usually two hours. A Guide Unit typically has about 24 girls, working with two Guiders.
In an objective-based program, Guides are challenged to explore their individual interests and develop further understanding of their community, the outdoor environment, their personal horizons and their futures. Co-operation is emphasized and leadership skills are learned through activity-based games and challenges. Guides may earn interest badges in a wide variety of topics from Angler to Writer, such as Art Appreciations, Camping, Canoe Safety, Computer Skills, Dancer, Fire Safety, Gardener, Law Awareness, Pet Keeper, Reporter, Skater, Skiing and Snow Shoeing to name only a few.
Camping is an option attractive to many girls. It fosters self-esteem through developing independence and a sense of achievement. In Guides, many girls have experiences they might never have if it were not for Guiding.
The 99th Ottawa Guides meet on Mondays at St. Columba Church, 24 Sandridge Rd., 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Contact for this group is Gail Somers, 613-741-7486.
Pathfinders (ages 12 to 14) For Fun and Opportunities!
Pathfinders is for girls 12 to 15 years old. The frequency and length of meetings is usually adapted to suit the group. Small units of 10 to 15 girls under the guidance of their leaders plan the framework for their own programs.
The Pathfinder program is packed full of exciting challenges in seven "Emblems": Be Prepared, Camping, Community, Home, Leadership, Outdoor and World. Girls may also earn a Religion in Life Emblem and/or a Citizenship Certificate. There are over 500 Challenges to choose from. Each Challenge is relevant to young women of today, encouraging them to tap into their talents, develop confidence to face the challenges of life, and to get along well with their friends and families. Emphasis is placed on leadership skills, decision-making and fun!
The Pathfinders Unit, although not located centrally in Manor Park, a Unit does meet in Gloucester area Trex(ages 12 +) For Pathfinder and Ranger Aged Girls
Treks meet approximately once per month and is geared for girls 12 to 17 years old who have a busy schedule and cannot always attend regular weekly meetings. Their activities take them to Museums, camping, canoe trips, hiking or special outings geared towards the Trex program. Do Trex along with Pathfinders or Rangers!
Senior Branches (ages 15 to 17)
For girls 15 to 17 years, there are three options. Cadets and Junior Leaders develop practical leadership skills by assisting in units of younger girls. Rangers is an activity-based program organized by the girls themselves. Adult Members provide guidance and support to assist these young women to reach their goals.
Trips, camps, service projects or co-ed activities are a few of the ways these young women develop their independence, leadership skills and self-confidence as they step into adulthood.
Working with Girls as a Leader
Being a Guider is about working with the girls and challenging them to reach their potential. Being a Guider is about working with girls and empowering them to give leadership and service as responsible citizens of the world. Being a Guider is truly rewarding.
Like most good things in life, your hard work and dedication, the subtle ways you influence the young minds of today, the respect you earn as a Guider all contribute to some fantastic girls turning into captivating young women.
Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada is the largest organization for girls and women in Canada, with over 160,000 Members - over 130,000 girls and over 28,000 adults. Guides Canada welcomes girls 5-17+ years old and women over 18 to be part of the Guiding movement.
Guiding provides opportunities for fun, friendship and adventures. Through our different imaginative and innovative activity choices, girls are encouraged to reach their potential, be independent, confident and caring. We empower them to give leadership and develop their decision-making and life skills. Guiding helps them connect with their community and with the wider world.
Registration forms for each level of Guiding is available at www.girlsguides.ca. Units collect dues each week. Girls are expected to bring their program book to meetings as a resource to assist them with their program work. Dues and profits from the sale of cookies help cover the costs of badges, art supplies, outings, etc.
If you have some spare time to enjoy working with girls and are interested in becoming a Leader or a volunteer in a Unit, or if you would like to register your daughter, please call Gail Somers 741-7486 after 6PM.
