guiders link 2014 vol. 2

www.girlguidesireland.ie 1

Guider’s Link

2 Guiders Link Vol. 2

CONTENTS

National Commissioner for Outdoors 3Noticeboard 438th National Council 6Cygnet Section 12Brigín Section 14Guide Section 16Ranger Section 18Training 20All Sections Day 21Free Being Me 25Outdoors 26International 30Communications 37Around Ireland 37Contacts 47

Don't forget to send your photos and articles for the Guiders Link to: [email protected].

Closing date for the next issue is Friday 1st August 2014.


NATIONAL COMMISSIONER FOR OUTDOORS

Hello Everyone

Welcome to this edition of the Guiders Link. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to introduce the Link for this edition and to talk to you all about the outdoors, the environment and the part that we all can play in it; from the youngest Cygnet to the oldest Guider we can all enjoy the outdoors. As Yvonne said last month we are I in 10 million so imagine the change we can effect. Changes to the environment and to our lives and the lives of many other people. Every minute we spend in the outdoors helps us to achieve change. For every outdoor project we undertake we improve the environment around us. If we create or maintain a garden in our locality we bring enjoyment to a lot of other people. A brilliant project that I remember from the CCA a few years ago was when one of the Guides did window boxes for people

who didn’t have gardens, she made them for old people in a certain area so they had a bit of colour in there lives. This was a fantastic project and one which could be repeated in any corner of Ireland.

Apart from all the other serious difficulties in the world, there are a lot of environmental issues which in turn will lead onto other complications. Whereas we might not be getting involved in these problems by scaling the sides of oil refineries we can all play our own part in saving the environment. Think of all the damage that litter does, the casual dropping of litter without thinking, it makes its way everywhere and does untold damage. We can change this by making our members aware of throwing litter, apart from how unsightly it looks, take the girls through the damage that litter causes. If we could make every one of our members stop throwing litter think how much more beautiful our countryside and towns would look. Even if we only teach them to bring their rubbish home after a day out or day on the beach, all of this helps us to change the environment. The damage that the plastic rings off drinks can do … left on the beach, washed into the sea and then catches around the neck of a seal or bird ... we need to think of the consequences of our actions.

Now that the evenings are longer and the summer is on the way (yes I’m an optimist) I hope you are all getting out and about with your

Guides, leave the meeting room behind and using the outdoors as your meeting room. The bright evenings and sunny weekends give us the opportunity to show what Guiding is really about, the out of doors, this is what differentiates us from other youth organisations we are guides, we should be using the outdoors as our unique selling point. So are you hiking, cooking, picnicking, camping, bivvying under the stars, surfing on the waves, strolling on the beach, teddy bear picnic in the park, hiking up a mountain, looking at the flowers in the local park, overnight camp, weekend camp, summer camp, international camp, whatever you are up to in the out of doors enjoy it and make sure the girls enjoy it too. A good quote I seen on a t-shirt lately was “I planned, I prepared, I prevailed”. We need to prevail to make our out of doors programme as good and as exciting and enticing as our winter indoor programme is. And most importantly I hope you the Guider enjoy your time spent out of doors.

Enjoy and stay safe.

Emily McCann

National Commissioner for Outdoors


NOTICEBOARD

Residential Board 6th-8th June 2014

Ranger Day 21st June 2014

Ranger Leader Training 5th-7th September 2014

NEB 13th September 2014

Chief Commissioner Award Ceremony 27th September 2014

Brigín Patrol Leader Training 4th October 2014

Cygnet Day 18th October 2014

NEB 8th November 2014

Ranger Weekend 14th-16th November 2014

Intermediate Training Weekend 14th-16th November 2014

Guide Weekend 21st-23rd November 2014

Brigín Day 22nd November 2014

EVENT & TRANSPORT FEES Just a reminder of fees for national events.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Cost per Girl Cost per Adult

Day Events (including All Sections Day)Event €10 €0 (FOC)

Transport €12 €0

Ranger Day EventEvent €30 €10


Weekend Events (Children)Event €50 €20


Weekend Training Courses (Adults)Event €n/a €50

Transport €n/a Participant's own responsibility


RESOURCE DATES

REGIONAL TRAININGS

NEWS FROM THE NEB• Patricia Murphy, South West Region, was co-opted to the National Executive

Board as National Commissioner for Communications.

• The Finance booklet and Index for the Guider Handbook will be sent out to Members in the next few weeks.

• Northern Region were granted the Freedom of the City of Lisburn recently and Brenda Davison made a presentation to Cecilia Browne at the May NEB.

• The Ranger rugby top is now available in extra-small.

World Environment Day 5th June 2014

Father's Day 15th June 2014

International Picnic Day 18th June 2014

Summer Solstice 21st June 2014

Chocolate Day 7th July 2014

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

9th August 2014

National S'mores Day 10th August 2014

International Youth Day 12th August 2014

World Humanitarian Day 19th August 2014

International Day of Peace 21st September 2014

Warrant Training Weekend - Northern Region 29th-31st August 2014

CPA Training - South-East Region 6th September 2014

Guider Induction Day - South-East Region 20th September 2014

Guider (Basic Training) Weekend - South-East Region

18th-19th October 2014


38TH NATIONAL COUNCIL 2014

National Council 2014 was held at the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport and was a one day event attended by ninety one delegates, fifteen observers, guests and staff.

This year for the first time, we were delighted to welcome the Brigíní, Guides, Rangers

and representatives from the Members Council.

The meeting opened with a welcome from the Chief Commissioner, Cecilia Browne, which included an invitation to meet someone new at National Council.

Emily McCann (National Outdoor Commissioner) and representatives from Members Council presented a Reflection based on the theme of this year’s National Council,

Honouring the Past, Treasuring the Present, Shaping the Future. Cecilia lit three candles to represent the Past, the Present and the Future.

The Agenda and the Minutes from the 37th National Council were proposed and seconded and then Cecilia gave her Chief Commissioner’s address.

Cecilia introduced the National Executive Board, National Office Staff, Development Officers and Northern Region office staff.

Josephine Higgins (Assistant Chief Commissioner) officially launched

the CGI Strategic Plan 2014-2018.

Speakers for the International Presentations were introduced by Yvonne Browne (International Commissioner).

Nicola Mangan Nicola gave an insight to the three months she spent volunteering as a Tare in Sangam in 2013. Some of the main highlights of Nicola’s stay in India were working with the children from the Doorstep School, taking a tour of the Aga Khan Palace – the place where Gandhi was imprisoned, visiting ladies at a rural women’s centre to teach them new useful skills and visiting the Taj Mahal.

Nicola Kennedy Nicola gave a presentation on her attendance at the 9th Helen Storrow seminar at Our Chalet, Switzerland. This was part of the WAGGGS

Leadership Development Programme and focussed on Young Women Leading for a Greener Future. During the event Nicola learned new skills covering: WAGGGS values and beliefs, Leading others, Working in a team, Climate Change and Solutions, Fund Development, Reflection Methods and Glow (Global Learning Online for WAGGGS).

Jennifer Giangrande, WAGGGS Jennifer presented an introduction on the WAGGGS Free Being Me Campaign, in partnership with Dove - Working together to empower a generation with the body confidence and freedom to be themselves. The talk was informative and inspiring and lots more information will follow for CGI members.

"In order to become leaders, girls require role models - people

they can aspire to and emulate. This

inspiration can come from anywhere: parents,

siblings, teachers, and friends."

"We are gamechangers."

SENATOR JILLIAN VAN TURNHOUT

Yvonne Browne then re-launched the International Handbook.

Following presentation of the Financial and Annual Reports, the meeting stopped for lunch, also giving the attendees the opportunity to view the exhibition stands and shops that had been provided by: CGI Chief Commissioners Award;

CGI Development Officers, Le Cheile and Members Council; CGI International – Four World Centres, WAGGGS Dove Campaign, Stop The Violence; CGI Shop; ISPCC; Leave No Trace Ireland; Mellowes Centre; Mountaineering Ireland; Sail Ireland; Scouting Ireland Campsites; The Scout Shop and See Change.

The afternoon started with Cecilia introducing the Guest Speaker, Senator Jillian van Turnhout who gave an inspirational talk on the role of women in today’s society.

Claire Wilson from Northern Region gave an interesting talk on Members Council. Following Claire’s

presentation, the Members Council left the meeting to attend their own workshop and also a presentation by Jennifer from WAGGGS on the Dove Free Being Me Campaign.

Following the election of scrutineers, the following members were elected to positions on the National Executive Board - see our new Commissioners on the next page.

There were no nominations for National Commissioner for Development or National Commissioner for Communications.

Presentations were made by Mary E. Lawlor (National Commissioner for Training) to Suzanne Breen,



Geraldine Conway, Marie Denham, and Nichola Donnelly who had recently completed their An Dushlan training.

Two Resolutions were put forward by the Eastern Region:

The Eastern Region Council proposed that the current Guide neckerchief become the Unit neckerchief. To make ordering easier the section neckerchiefs should be abolished and replaced by a single Unit neckerchief. This was debated and voted on and the majority voted against the change.

The Eastern Region Council proposed that National Council review the Ranger rugby shirt. This is currently produced in men’s sizes, with the

smallest size available being small, which is far too big for many of the Rangers. It is felt that the cost is very high. This was debated and voted on and the majority voted for the review.

Emily McCann on behalf of the National Executive Board presented the finding of a recent questionnaire conducted with the Rangers.

There were three proposed Amendments to the Constitution and the Rules of the Association which were all voted on and passed. Full wording is available from Regional Secretaries or the National Office.

Yvonne Browne went through a proposed amendment to the CIGA Constitution regarding the auditing

of CIGA accounts and this was voted on and was passed. Full wording is available from Yvonne or the National Office.

Presentations were made to the outgoing National Executive Board members by Cecilia with special thanks to Josephine Higgins (Assistant Chief Commissioner) and Martha McGrath (Ordinary Member) for all their work and time that they gave to the NEB.

Cecilia thanked everyone for attending the 38th National Council.

The meeting closed with a photo-call for the newly elected National Executive Board and dinner.


Introducing the new members of the NEB

Assistant Chief Commissioner(4-year term)

Philomena McKeever

Region: Northern Region

Nominated By: Northern Regional Council

Philomena has 40 years’ experience as a Leader and is a former Brigin/ Guide/ Ranger and Unit Leader in St Patricks Belfast. Former Diocesan Commissioner in Down and Connor Diocese. Two terms as an Ordinary

Member on the NEB. One term as National Outdoor Commissioner. Chairperson of Northern Region. Philomena is currently a Guide Leader in St Patrick's Guide Unit and is a former Commissioner for Outdoors and Regional Commissioner in Northern Region.

National Commissioner for Cygnet Guides(2 year term)

Erica Tyndall

Region: Eastern Region

Nominated By: Eastern Regional Council

South Eastern Regional Council

Erica is a Guide leader in Buíon an Leanbh Prague Raheny and has been a member of CGI for 10 years. Erica

is a Former member of the Eastern Region Executive. Erica was co-opted in 2013 into the position of National Commissioner for Cygnet Guides. Erica is delighted to continue in the role.

National Commissioner for Guides(3 year term)

Geraldine Conway

Region: South-East Region

Nominated By: South Eastern Regional Council

Geraldine is a Guide Leader in Clonard, Wexford and has been an active member of the Unit since joining as a Brigín in 1994. In 2013 Geraldine was awarded the FETAC

Level 6 Train the Trainer accreditation and is now an active trainer for CGI. Geraldine holds an outdoor warrant and from a young age has been passionate about this element of Guiding, which she hopes to embrace in this role. Geraldine has also represented CGI at the Helen Storrow event at Our Chalet and also has a great interest in the international aspect of Guiding.

National Commissioner for Ranger Guides(3 year term)

Patricia Derwin



Patricia currently holds the position of Ranger Commissioner, Eastern Region and is a member of the Regional training team. Patricia previously held the position of National Commissioner for Ranger

Guides and is a Ranger, Guide and Unit leader at present.

National Commissioner for Training(3 year term)

Mandy Bradley



Mandy has been a Guider for almost 25 years working with Cygnet, Brigini and Guide Sections and is a member of both Northern Region

and National Training Teams, she is also a member of both Child Protection Teams as a Trainer. Mandy was a member of the Northern Region Executive Board, first as Co-Ordinator of the Training Team for the pilot of the Region and then as Deputy Regional Commissioner and was also a member of the National Executive Board as both an Ordinary member and as National Commissioner for Brigín Guides.

Ordinary Member (3-year term)

Sarah Browne



Sarah joined CGI as a Brigín is 1985 and was commissioned as a Guider in 1998. Sarah worked in the WAGGGS World Centre Pax

Lodge in 2001 – 2002 and was a Brownie Leader in Ealing before returning to Ireland. Sarah is now a Brigín and Ranger leaders and outside of Guiding she is a paediatric nurse. Sarah is now a Brigín and Ranger leader in Buíon Marc in Tallaght and outside of Guiding she is a paediatric nurse.

Ordinary Member(3-year term)

Catherine Murray



Catherine started as a Brigín and left CGI after Guides, then came back as a leader four years ago. Catherine has worked in a range

of sections and currently is head of Brigíní. Catherine has attended Ranger weekends and actively contributed to the programme there and would like to enbrace the challenge of progressing within guiding and feels that she could do this as an Ordinary Member on the National Executive Board.



STRATEGIC PLAN 2014-18Our Strategic Plan sets out our vision and priorities for the next five years.

We need your help distributing it throughout CGI.

CGI STRATEGIC PLAN 2014–2018

FRONT

131125 - CGI Strategic Plan v2 6-page gatefold.indd 3

19/12/2013 11:32:08

Request your copies now through the National Office!


Hello Everyone,

This Guiders Link is all about summertime

and I hope it’s a good one that we can make the most of the good weather and long stretch in the evenings.

It is great to have some of our Cygnet activities outdoors and ties in well with the environment and outdoor elements of the programme. I would like to wish all the Cygnets and their leaders a lovely ‘sunny’ summer.

Don’t forget to send all your photos and trips into the Guiders Link so we can see what you got up to and hopefully I’ll see some of you at different events throughout the summer.

Yours in Guiding, Erica.

TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC SONG 'If you go out in the woods today, You’re sure of a big surprise.If you go out in the woods today, You’d better go in disguise.For every bear that ever there was, Will gather there for certain, becauseToday’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Chorus

Picnic time for teddy bears,The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today.Watch them, catch them unawares,And see them picnic on their holiday.See them gaily dance about. They love to play and shout.And never have any cares.At six o’clock their mommies and daddiesWill take them home to bedBecause they’re tired little teddy bears.

If you go out in the woods today, You’d better not go alone.It’s lovely out in the woods today, But safer to stay at home.For every bear that ever there was Will gather there for certain, becauseToday’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic

Chorus

Every teddy bear, that’s been good, Is sure of a treat todayThere’s lots of wonderful things to eat, And wonderful games to playBeneath the trees, where nobody sees, They’ll hide and seek as long as they pleaseToday’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic

Chorus

Sand Craft Picture

Requirements

• Cardstock• Colouring pencils or markers• Glue• Sand• Tray / basin

Method

Each girl gets a piece of card so that they can draw out their own beach scene or you can photocopy the “Summertime Fun Colouring Picture”

onto card and use this for the craft.

Next the girls colour in all elements of their picture except for the sandy beach areas. When this is done using the glue, get the girls to spread a thin layer on all the sandy areas and then carefully over a tray or basin pour the sand onto the picture. Make sure all areas are covered and leave for a minute to stick and then tap off the excess off into the tray or basin. Allow time for the pictures to dry completely.

[Note: If you’re not near a beach to get sand the same idea can be done by replacing the sand with gold glitter or by using super fine sandpaper cut to fit the elements of the pictures. Sand can also be found in the majority of craft shops.]

CYGNETS

CYGNET DAY IS ON ITS WAY!Cygnet Day is happening on 18th October, so watch this space and the CGI website & Facebook for more information!


Winners of the Cygnet Thinking Day Competition

Our Lady of the Angels, Beth Greene

Our Lady of the Angels, Rebecca Killen

St Malachys, Grace McCann

Buíon an Leanbh Prague,

Eimear Keyes

Buion an Leanbh Prague, Aine Sheridan

Buíon Colette, Eillie O’Sullivan

St Matthews, Kayla Lawor

St Matthews, Bronagh Kelly

St Therese, Aoibhe Hurley

St Therese, Amber McCleane

Thanks and well done to all the Cygnets that took part in

this competition.

It was wonderful to get such a good response and we will have more competitions in the future.

Prizes will be making their way out to the leaders listed for the above girls.

S______ S___________________ B_____

L_____________ T___________ S________ C__________

K__________ D__________ S_____ S___________

SUMMER SCAVENGER HUNTFILL IN THE LINES BELOW THE PICTURES THAT YOU FIND OR SEE ...


BRIGÍNÍ

SUMMER BEACH GAMES

WATER BALLOON CATCHWhat you’ll need

• Gallon-size milk jugs (one for each player)

• Tape

• Ribbons

• Water balloons

How to play

1. Create the catchers by cutting the bottom off a gallon-size milk jug (one for each player), taping the cut edges, and decorating with ribbon, as shown, or use a beach bucket.

2. Fill a bunch of water balloons to the size of a grapefruit.

3. See how many times you can toss the balloons without breaking them or how far you can catch and throw them.

Hi all,

It was a pleasure to meet so many of you at National Council and I

look forward to seeing many more of you over the coming months.

I hope you all have a great summer and hopefully we will have a good weather to carry out some of these activities while on Day trips or Camp

Suzanne

Bookings to be received by 1st June - €10 per Brigín, €12 each for transport – you may book & pay for places for your unit and send the names in September.

This is an excellent opportunity for your Brigín Patrol Leaders to meet other PLs from around Ireland and to learn new things in a fun environment.

TRAINING

BRIGÍN PATROL LEADER TRAINING

Date: Saturday 4th October Venue: Harrington St.


CRAFT IDEA FOR CAMP

FRIENDSHIP BRACELET

Friendship bracelets have been around for years and are a favorite with girls.

Some forms of this craft use intricate weaving and macramé patterns, but ours is as simple as braiding a friend’s hair!

What you’ll need

• Two 24” strands of pink embroidery floss

• Two 24” strands of yellow embroidery floss

• Two 24” strands of light blue embroidery floss

• Scissors

Helpful Tip

Embroidery floss is available near the sewing, kitting and cross stitch items at your local craft supply or discount department store. To make a thicker bracelet, double the amount of floss that you are using. To make an anklet, use 12 more inches of thread than the instructions above. This is a great project for friends to do together. Have your friend hold the end of your bracelet while you braid. She can tie yours on then reverse roles and help her make hers.

How to make it

1. Line up each strand on your work surface in matching pairs. Make sure they are all the same length.

2. Hold all the strands together, then fold them in half. Tie a knot

at the center, creating a loop (See Picture 1).

3. Separate the strands into three sections: pink, yellow and light blue.

4. Tape the knotted end to the table or hang it with a thumbtack in a bulletin board. This will hold the string taut for you as you braid.

5. Braid the three strands. Keep going until you have a braid that will fit around your wrist.

6. At the end of the braid, combine the strands to make two strands instead of three and tie into a knot to end the braid.

7. Now separate the strands again into two separate groups. Braid each group, leaving enough room at the end to tie a knot. Knot both mini braids and trim off the excess strands to make them even and neat. (See Picture)

8. Wrap the bracelet around your wrist and ask a friend to tie the small braids to the loop at the end (See Picture 2).

YOUR SAY ON BADGES

The Brigín Support Team are currently looking at the Brigin Interest Badges and we want your say on what you think of them. We are looking for Brigín Leaders to email us their top-five favourite badges and their five least favourite badges.

[email protected]

YOUR SAY ON BADGES

Picture 1

Picture 2

DATE CHANGEBrigin Day date has changed to November 22nd in Harrington street.


BACKWOODS COOKING

Traditionally, belfires are lit on the evening before May Day. Belfires are large bonfires burning wood from a range of types of trees. A good time to try out some Backwoods Cooking.

Making delicious treats to cook in tinfoil on the embers of your fire, anything from eggs cooked in orange skins to Mars bar sandwiches, and not forgetting the Guide favourite, Smores!

Let us know about any other delicious recipes you come up with! Email [email protected] with your ideas!

NAVIGATORS & SAILORS

Saint Brendan, Patron Saint of Navigators and Sailors, Feast Day is 16th May … a native of County Kerry, he is one of the the most important Kerrymen ever and ranks with Colmcille and Columbanus among the most important of Irish saints.

Why not look him up and find out more about life in 484 to celebrate his feast day. Or work on your Map & Compass badge in his honour.

REPEAT AFTER REPEAT AFTER ME

Played in teams of twos.

The first person says a word and the second person repeats it and adds another word beginning with the last letter of the previous word, e.g.

Paper – river

River – rule

Rule – egg

Egg – gloss

Gloss – summer.

The first person to miss a turn on each team is out.

All the winners can then go into teams of two and so on until only one pair is left.

GUIDES

Hi everyone,

At last the sun is peeping out and the cold is gone … time to get outside and do all

those things that the long winter made impossible.

Freda Outgoing Guide Commissioner


MAY POLE COMPETITION

Another tradition for this time of year is May Pole dancing.

Why not give it a go, or hold your own individual May Pole making competition, poles (like broom handles/bamboo) traditionally decorated with flowers, strands of ivy, crepe paper, ribbons, etc. with a prize for the most impressive.

GUIDE WEEKEND

When?November 21st-23rd

MORE INFORMATION TO COME IN THE NEXT GUIDERS LINK!

DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES


KNOW YOUR PLACE What to do

Give each Rangers a post-it note with a job written on it and ask them to stick it on their backs so that everyone else knows what they do but they do not.

In turn, each Ranger asks a question about themselves, but not their jobs, for example: Where did I go to school? What accent do I have? How old am I? Where do I live? The other Rangers should answer according to how they would expect someone with that job to be.

Discussion Questions

• What helped you guess the job?

• How does a person’s background influence the type of work they do?

• Why do some jobs have a higher status than others?

AimTo explore class prejudice get some Post-It notes or sticky labels and write out these sample job cards:

• Judge• Bouncer• Doctor• Hairdresser• Mechanic• Cleaner• Head Teacher• Thief

These activities have been taken from an update to the National Youth Council of Ireland’s Anti-Racism and Equality Education Pack published in 1995 as part of the Council of Europe’s All Different All Equal (ADAE) campaign. The new resource includes some of the activities from the original pack and follows a similar format. This revision attempts, however, to accommodate the considerable changes that have occurred in Ireland over the last ten years with regards to its population diversity. The full pack is available in the Members sections of the CGI website.

RANGERSWe would like to wish all the Rangers taking exams over the coming months the very best of luck. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there” – Theodore Roosevelt.

Enjoy the summer holidays and we look forward to seeing you at the next National Ranger event.

What to bring: All kayaking gear is supplied. What you need to bring is appropriate clothing for under the wetsuit, Shorts/swimming gear, warm fleece/hoodie or thermal that can get wet and also old runners and a towel.

Don’t bring any of your good stuff! It’s a busy day so you’ll need a packed lunch with lots of snacks,

plenty to drink to keep yourself hydrated throughout.

Venue: Canoeing Ireland Training Centre, Strawberry beds, Lucan.

Dates: Saturday 21st June 2014

Times: 10am to 4.30pm

Cost: €30 per Ranger (Transport over €12 will be refunded)

Closing Date: Friday 30th May 2014

This event is open to all registered Rangers aged 14 and over. Leaders attending the event with their Rangers must be aged 19+ and places will be limited.

Please complete the Event Booking Form (see page 43) and send full payment to the National Office by Friday 30th May.

EVENT

Learn to canoe Hang out with other Rangers

Earn Canoeing Ireland Level I skills Certificate

Have fun

NATIONAL RANGER DAYCanoeing Ireland Training Centre, Strawberry Beds, Lucan.

Saturday 21st June


DIVERSITY ACTIVITY

What to do Give each Rangers a piece of A4 paper and ask them to draw around their hand.

Tell them they are going to fill in the fingers as follows:

Stick the hands on the walls.

Discussion Questions• What do the different ‘hands’ have in common?

• What global problems did the group identify?• What actions were suggested?

Aim To encourage Rangers to explore the contribution they can make to their local community and to the wider world.

1. Thumb

Stick your thumb up making the gesture for good. Rangers should write something good about themselves in the thumb on their drawing.

2. Index finger

Point and wave your index finger at the group as if telling them to stop doing something bad. Rangers should write something that they want others to stop doing in the index finger on their drawing.

3. Middle finger

Point to your middle finger showing that it is the biggest finger on your hand. Rangers should write whatever they think is the biggest problem in the world in the middle finger on their drawing.

4. Fourth finger

Point to your fourth finger and remind Rangers that it is the finger on which people would wear their wedding ring. Rangers should write something they love about their area in the ring finger on their drawings.

5. Little Finger

Hold up your little finger. Rangers should write a small change they are going to make to their lives to make the world a better place in the little finger on their drawings.


TRAINING

Hi everyone,

As my term of office draws to a close I would like to thank everyone for their help and support I won't name any one as I am bound to forget

someone you all know who you are.

I would like to especially lilke to thank my family, Unit and Region for their time and patiance with me.

Bless you all and may Guiding always lead the way.

Regards, Mary E.

Do you sometimes feel that you are on your own as a Ranger Leader and could do with some support? Well this is the weekend for you.

Come along to this weekend and you will go home re-energised and full of new ideas. Some of the areas that will be looked at over the weekend are:

• Networking with other Ranger companies – ‘You are not alone’

• Self-esteem for Ranger leaders –

‘You are doing a great job’

• Teenagers – What to expect and getting the best out of young people.

• What do other uniformed organisations do for their 14-19 age group?

• Discuss things you could encounter as a Ranger Leader.

• Guidance on the Ranger Programme – Your role as the ‘Facilitator’ and giving the Rangers Choice.

• Knowledge Sharing

• Outdoor activities that you have never tried before – e.g. pioneering or bivouacking!

• To be put in touch with other Ranger companies/ leaders

• Need new ideas to take back to your Rangers.

THIS WEEKEND IS FOR REGISTERED RANGER LEADERS.

To book your place contact the National Office and send full payment by Friday 20th June.

EVENT

Cost: €50Closing Date: Friday 20th June 2014

RANGER LEADER TRAINING WEEKEND

Larch Hill Scouting & Adventure Centre, Co. DublinFriday 5th – Sunday 7th September 2014

FOUR LEADERS COMPLETED THEIR AN DUSHLAN AWARD

Suzanne Breen (St. Anne’s, Clonard) Nicolla Donnelly (Wexford Town), Geraldine Conway (St Anne’s, Clonard), Marie Denham (Buíon Leanbh Prague) with Chief Commissioner Cecilia Browne proudly receiving their An Dushlan awards.


ALL SECTIONS DAY 2014

PULL-OUT SPECIAL!


Making friends, and friendship knots ...

Make & do ...

This year’s All Sections Day took place on 26th April in Larch Hill International Scout Centre.

Over 1,000 of us attended and, despite some rain, spirits weren’t dampened with everyone enjoying all the fun and exciting medieval-inspired entertainment, including ...


LOTS OF MEDIEVAL FUN & EXCITEMENT ...

The stocks!

Medieval history ...

Fencing ...

Magic ...


Falconry ...

And Cara!

Enjoying some ice-cream, whatever the weather ...

Stilt walking & juggling ...

Huddling together ...


What is Free Being Me?Free Being Me is an innovative, cutting-edge educational programme for 7-14 year olds, created by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in partnership with the Dove Self Esteem Project. It is based on the latest research into how to increase young people’s body confidence through fun, non-formal educational activities.

Participants will develop their skills. By working together, leading others and speaking out, they will be empowered to make a difference in their local and global communities.

The Facts6 in 10 girls stop doing something they love because they feel bad about their looks

9 in 10 girls want to change something about the way they look

Who can take part?Any Girl Guide/Girl Scout group (girl-only and boys and girls mixed), aged 7-14.

Why should my group take part?Change lives: Free Being Me has been created with world-leading experts in body confidence. Studies have

shown that taking part in activities like those in Free Being Me has a lasting impact on girls’ wellbeing.

Community reach: at the end of the activities, your group will Take

Action! You will reach out to your local community, boosting the body confidence of more children and young people, and raise the profile of Girl

Guiding/Girl Scouting where you live.

Especially for you: written especially for our non-formal Girl

Guiding/Girl Scouting setting, Free Being Me reflects the World Association’s values

and focus on developing skills for life.

Develop young leaders: Free Being Me is ideal for peer educators or young leaders to run. Peer leaders

may help girls and boys feel comfortable with taking a more active part in the activities.

Visit the website, download the activity packThere is an activity sheet available here which introduces Free Being Me. Your group will play a card game to discover fascinating facts about beauty round the world.

Download the pack at: www.free-being-me.com

Free Being Me


US AND THE COMMUNITYTidy townsMake contact with them, they love help and they love having young people involved so team up with your local tidy town committee and get involved in a project. It could be as simple as cleaning up a small piece of road or a neglected garden for an old people’s residential area or a graveyard so full of history or the centre of a village. Get out there and get tidying, this will fit into the Brigin “Lets go out or Lets go Green part of Choices or Cygnet “I can go out and I can be green”. The Guides can use it as part of there”Get on the Trail and Make a difference and part of your outdoor award. Note that tidy town committees exist all over Ireland and Northern Ireland. Another site to look up is www.niacbestkept.com

An Taisce National Spring CleanSign up to An Taisce and take part in a spring clean, it can be an area you have noticed that you would like to “spring clean”. Register your project on the web site and keep in touch with them through their web site for

loads of tips and help. www.nationalspringclean.org.

www.cleancoastireland.org - if you’re lucky like myself to live in a coastal area, beach cleans are a fantastic way of contributing to the community and after such a bad year of storms there is a lot of rubbish thrown up on our beaches so they need a good clean. Combine it with some beach combing and shell collecting and you never know what you will come across. Look up Coast watch Ireland which is an All Ireland NGO and keep an eye out for their requests for volunteers for surveys.

Hello everybody,

Well, by the time you get this the hour will

have changed and we have the fabulous long evenings so we hope you’re changing your programme and making use of the the extra daylight. Regardless of whether you are in rural or urban areas there’s loads we can do with our sections, let’s make our motto for the longer evenings to be “out and About”.

We hope these suggestions will help you to plan your out and about campaign and make sure you let us know how you used these suggestions. Remember these are only guide lines; the rest is up to your imagination.

Emily McCann, National Commissioner for Outdoors

OUTDOORS


Camping it’s what Guiding is all about so whether it’s a sleepover, weekend or the ultimate week long summer camp make sure you do something.

Every Brigín, Guide and Ranger should experience the joy of camping. What better enjoyment than to eat your meals outside under the open blue sky and regardless of the weather camp can be an enjoyable experience for all. Remember there is no such thing as bad weather just bad raingear.

RaingearMake sure your Guides are aware of the importance of raingear, we all know a hoody isn’t waterproof but do the girls try this simple example, get someone to wear a hoody and jeans and the someone else to wear a rain jacket and rain pants ... turn the hose on them (it’s OK water

won’t kill anyone) if you can’t get volunteers, hang them on a line before soaking. After a few minutes when they are good and wet get them to change and hang up the rain gear and the hoody and jeans, see how quickly the water drips off the rain jacket and pants and then see how long it takes for the hoody and jeans to dry out. One other good thing is get them to bring their wet gear to the meeting before the camp so you can see that it is good to go. Good rain gear makes for a good camp.

TentsWhen looking at tents at the end of camp, make sure they are dry when

you take them down but before you take them down get the girls to look back into the tent. Is it as clean as they would like it to be when they open it next season to set up home in it? Is everything out of the pockets? I remember one camp all the tents down and we couldn’t find the key to the van..by elimination the last time we remembered seeing it was in the pocket of the tent ... oh yes, we had to open up 6 tents, of course they were all the same and in the 6th tent there they were in the pocket of the tent, a hard lesson learnt but one we didn’t forget! So check the pockets make sure they are clean and empty. Does it need repairs? Make sure if there are repairs needed the tent is labelled clearly so that the repairs are done before it goes away for the winter. Make sure the underneath of the tent is clean, that part is often forgotten and is put away with grass attached. So empty, clean and dry

CAMPING


is the way to make sure your tents are put away. Love your tents and they will reward you with years of service.

Fires on CampFires on camp are another unique part of camping and of the outdoors, so practise on your meeting night, on a hike and the break out full day of cooking on your camp. Campfires will create many memories for our youth members, not even for cooking on or for singing on but for sitting around late at night with your friends and chatting, catching up on the day reflecting on the camp, this is where memories are made. So if you put nothing else extra into camp make sure you light a fire at the end of the evening and allow time for sitting and chat.

Cooking on CampOutdoors cooking whether on camp, on a hike or just outside the hall on your meeting night is a great fun experience. Refer back to your last year’s Guider's Link and you will see some excellent methods of cooking in the outdoors. Remember you can cook anything out of doors and cook on embers not on flames. But here is an idea that everyone likes.

Mars Bar Sandwich

Butter two slices of bread, cut up a mars or snickers or similar bar , with the butter side out fill the sandwich with your chopped up mars bar. Wrap the sandwich in tin foil and either place in the embers of the fire or on hot rocks or a bbq , any place that can put direct heat onto the sandwich…the sandwich should come out sweet and gooey - a lovely treat.

Crafting on CampNot for all of us but some of us do like to do a craft on camp to fill in a few hours in the evening so why not build a bit of knotting into your craft. Ever tired the Josephine Knot, you will find it on the website www.instructables.com. This knot can be used in a recyclable craft, go to www.sugarbeecrafts.com for the tutorial on how to use an old t-shirt and the Josephine knot to make an attractive head band.

Some things to remember if you’re doing a craft on camp;

• Be organised and gather your equipment in advance

• Bag it all having the requirements for your craft in a plastic bag ready to hand out makes life so

much easier and saves wastage

• Use paper plates for easier clean up

• Give the instructions verbally but also handy to have some laminated copies of the instructions around the place

• Make it in advance - Much easier of the girls can see the finished product..

Why not take a look at sugarbee and other web sites and come up with something different for your camp this year…share it with us.

Your campsiteWhether it’s a local farmers field, local campsite, national campsite or a campsite abroad, make sure the site is safe, welfare of our youth members and Guiders is of the utmost importance. There are some fabulous camp sites out there and they provide plenty of activities that will give the girls a chance to try something different.

Something different!! Geo-caching Organising an activity for a large group or for your region, why not look at geocaching, it’s the ultimate treasure hunt and with a bit of research and thought you can set up a geocaching treasure trail for your group. All you need is to plant your treasure, work out the GPS coordinates and give your girls a smartphone or sat-nav to find them. If you’re looking for an organised geocaching Larch Hill have one already set up, it could be all you need to give you some inspiration to set up your own.

Pinterest Does anyone use Pinterest? .If so it is a fabulous resource for ideas for camp and outdoors and just about anything else you want to look up.


Try this On a hike Make it the silliest hat and scarf competition, or the pink hike ,,,

Cook on your hike Get out the trangias and finish the hike with a burger cooked on your own trangia.

Ready steady cook ... But on an altar fire - main course and dessert for your patrol cooked on an open fire. Cleanliness and hygiene must come into it because out of doors is no reason for standards slipping

Teddy bears picnic Get those teddy bears out in the air and get your Cygnets thinking of there favourite picnic snacks

Photo treasure trail Treasure trail and photos of Patrol or group to be taken at designated points ... they all have a smartphones so make use of them, or get them to text back to you at certain points to get the next clue - the only limit is your imagination.

Looking for leaders Try a daughter/niece/goddaughter/ mother/aunt/godmother hike or

picnic, you never know who will volunteer

Sand Castle competition You’re never too young or too old to make sand castles.

We hope some of these ideas will help you to develop the out of doors in your programme this year. If you have any ideas you would like to share please send them to [email protected].

All sections Outdoor day – can be run in your region or area or unit, our aim is to get all of our Guiders, Rangers, Guides, Brigíní and Cygnets out walking on the same day. You will receive full information pack with resources and ideas and a badge will be available for all participants. So keep the 25th April 2015 in your diary.

Guide and Ranger camp 2015 – the guide and Ranger camp for 2015 will be held in Castle Saunderson and the dates are 26th to 28th June 2015. Mark the date down and details will be coming out over the next editions of Guider's Link.

DATES FOR YOUR 2015 DIARY

Whether it’s a local or national campsite, or a campsite abroad, make sure the site is safe.


35TH WORLD CONFERENCE 2014

When the 35th World Conference gets underway in July 2014, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from all corners of the globe can expect to feel exhilarated by the tremendous opportunities ahead. The World Conference takes place every three years and in 2014 the Hong Kong Girl Guides will act as hosts. Delegates will be laying the future path for our World Association of 10 million members and considering how we can enable more girls and young women to

develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world.

To help explain to the members in your group how what a big, global organisation WAGGGS is, there are some short games included below.

I hope you are all getting ready for a fun filled summer of activities, whether it be here or

abroad. If you are not going abroad this year and would like an adventure in 2015, please check out our upcoming Service Project Opportunity in Sangam India.

As always I would encourage everyone to keep an eye on the CGI website and Facebook page as often detailsfor events are received outside of the closing date for the Guider’s Link.

To contact me please use [email protected].

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Guiding, Yvonne Browne

INTERNATIONAL


WAGGGS’ WORLD

Sections: Cygnets & Brigíní Time: 15 minutes

You will need Cards with countries and names written on (see below).

What to do (1) Write each country and their name for Cygnets (C) or Brigíní (B) on separate cards. Use as many cards as you have members in your group, but make sure you keep correct pairs in the game (see the answers below).

(2) Ask your group to guess how many countries around the world have Girl Guides or Girl Scouts. The answer is a huge 145 – does this surprise them? Explain that different countries sometimes have different names for Cygnets and Brigíní.

(3) Shuffle the cards and hand one to each girl. Some girls have the names of countries; others have the names of Brigíní or Cygnets in those countries. Help Cygnets to read their cards if you need to.

(4) Challenge girls to find their partner, matching the section names to the right countries.

(5) When everyone has found a partner, ask them to call out their country and section names in turn. Any pair which has got it right can sit down. The others play again, trying different partners. The game ends when everyone has paired up correctly.

Correct answers Antigua and Barbuda Tweenies (C) Argentina Pimpollitos (C) Bangladesh Yellowbirds (B) Israel Ofers (B) Malta Dolphins (C) Mexico Sunflowers (C) New Zealand Pippins (C) Philippines Twinklers (C) Senegal Jeannettes (B) Sudan Bluebirds (B) Tanzania Viangzas (B) Turkey Smurfs (C) Ukraine Swallows (B) Venezuela Little Fairies (B)

INTERNATIONAL GAME

C O U N T RY

Argentina

_______________

N A M E


RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS

Sections: Brigíní Guides, Rangers Time: 30 minutes

WAGGGS’ mission is to enable girls and young women to develop their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world.

What is a responsible citizen? What rights and responsibilities should all people have? How can you be a responsible member of CGI?

You will need • A4 paper • Pencils and pens • Scissors

What to do (1) As a group, talk about what rights we all have. Can the girls come up with some ideas? For example, they might think ‘I have the right to a clean environment’, ‘I have the right to believe in whatever I want’, or ‘I have the right not to be bullied’.

(2) When you have a list of rights, split the girls into smaller groups. Give each group a few rights and ask

them to think of responsibilities that go with each one: ‘I have the right to my own beliefs’ might lead to ‘I have the responsibility to respect other people’s beliefs’.

(3) Now make some concertina girls to display the results of your discussions. Fold a piece of A4 paper into thirds and draw the shape of a girl on the front third. Make sure that her arms extend off the paper, as this is where the girls will be joined. Cut out the shape and carefully unfold the paper – you should have three girls holding hands.

(4) On the front of the first concertina girl, write down a right. On the middle one, write the responsibility that goes with it. On the third, write a suggestion for something you could do to be a responsible citizen. For example, ‘I have the right to a clean environment – I am responsible for keeping my own environment clean – I can pick up litter.’ Now decorate the paper girls and display them in your meeting place.

INTERNATIONAL GAME


Back at the end of August 2013 I began an incredible journey, to Sangam, India. I left full

of excitement but also feeling a bit nervous as to what would lie ahead of me for the next 14 weeks. I had been chosen to take part in Sangams Community Partnership Volunteer programme and become a “Tare” (the hindi word for star, the name Sangam has given to their Community Volunteers.) I would be living at Sangam while going out to the community to volunteer and work with children who live in some of the poorest areas of the city of Pune.

On arriving at Mumbai airport the first thing to strike me was the noise of the hustle and bustle and the incredible heat despite it being the middle of the night, I soon discovered that this is always the case in India. I was picked up at the airport and brought on the 4 hour journey to Sangam, this was quite the adventurous journey with cars, bike rickshaws and animals of all varieties weaving constantly in and out of traffic. After been given a day to settle, it was down to work and begin our 10 day induction process by taking part in the “Reach for

the Stars” event which Sangam had created especially for Tare. This process helped all us Tare get to know one another while also getting us introduced to and adapted to Indian cultures and life. We got to adventure in and out of the city on rickshaws, meet with a local family for an evening, eat delicious authentic Indian food and take part in festivals with Sangam’s neighbours.

After this it was time to start doing what I came to India for and get out to my chosen site. I chose to work at the Doorstep site as when I had first visited India back in 2009 it was one of the places we got to go and see. Doorstep is a charity which sets up educational sites beside construction sites. This allows children who may not have otherwise gotten the chance to receive some education and it also allows their mothers to go back to work and bring additional wages into the household. The school I worked in was located beside a massive construction site which was building luxury apartment blocks on the outskirts of the city. The families who worked at these sites traditionally set up their homes on the sites and would stay here until

all the work was completed. Each day that I went to site I would have songs, games and worksheets for the children to help them to learn some basic English. Supplies and resources at the centre were very basic and in short supply but the smiles, laughter and joy provided each day by the children made everything worthwhile, and also made it so difficult and heart breaking when it came to saying goodbye.

As I said I began my journey feeling a little nervous but ended it on a complete High. I enjoyed every second of my experience, and have thousands of wonderful memories that will stay with me forever, from riding elephants to seeing the Taj Mahal, and from being stuck on a train for over 24 hours to driving a rickshaw, not to mention meeting and becoming friends with guides from all over the world, including Canada, Japan, Australia, USA, UK and Rwanda to name just a few places.

I would recommend for every Guide everywhere to have a world centre experience.

LIFE AS A ‘TARE’Nicola Mangan tells her story taking part in Sangam’s Community Patnership Volunteer Programme


SERVICE PROJECT TO

SANGAM 22nd June – 6th July 2015

If you would like an opportunity to discover a World Centre while participating in a worthwhile Service project, now is your opportunity.

CGI and IGG are organising a joint contingent to take part in a Service Project in Sangam during Summer 2015. This event is open to all Rangers and Leaders aged 16+yrs.

The cost is yet to be finalised but it will be approx €2500 this will allow for some touring before or after the event.

If you would like to receive further information and application form, please get in touch with the International Commissioner by 23rd May 2014:

Yvonne Browne (CGI) [email protected]

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY


International Handbook The new International Handbook is now available on request from the National Office. To obtain your copy, contact National Office:Tel: (01) 661 9566 Email: [email protected]

A digital copy is also available online at: http://bit.ly/1lIjSB7

INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK

YO U R P A S S P O R T T O I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D I N G

CGI National Of�ce12 Clanwilliam TerraceGrand Canal QuayDublin 2

Tel: 01 661 9566Fax: 01 676 5691E: [email protected]

CGI Northern Region Of�ceSt. Francis De SaleBeechmount DriveBelfast BT12 7LUTel: 028 9031 3639Fax: 028 9031 3639E: [email protected]

This publication is funded by the Depar tment of Children and Youth Affairs and the National Lottery.

Your Passport to International Guiding

Develop your leadership potential!

Start your leadership journey today…

glow.wagggs.org

global learning

online for WAGGGS

What are the benefits?

•Free and flexible online access–Developyourleadershipskillsanytimeanyplace

•An international perspective–TheWorldAssociationprovidesaglobalfocus;thecourseallowsyoutoconnectwithothersworldwide

•Skills based–Developyourownleadershipskillsthroughonlineactivities

•Global experts–Thecoursesarewrittenbyexpertsingloballeadershipandtestedamonggirlsandyoungwomen

•Inspire others to lead–Supportothersandshowcaseeffectiveleadership

What can you expect at the end of each course?

•Agreaterunderstandingofleadershiptheory

•Practicalleadershipskillsyoucanutilizeinyourpersonalandprofessionaldevelopment

•Aglobalperspectiveonleadership

•Accesstoaglobalnetworkofotherparticipantswhohavecompletedthecourse

The best aspect (of this course) was being able to work at my own pace and at times that suited me. E-Learning is wonderful for those of us who are a great distance from training venuesAustralian Participant (Lone Guider), 2013

Communication happened, understanding happened and learning also happened - that’s when I saw what e-learning is aboutPatricia, South Africa, 2012

Supported by

World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts

OlaveCentre,12cLyndhurstRoad

LondonNW35PQ,England

+44(0)2077941181

[email protected]

2014WorldAssociationofGirlGuidesandGirlScouts.Allrightsreserved.UPS,theUPSbrandmarkandthecolorbrownaretrademarksofUnitedParcelServiceofAmerica,Inc.



glow.wagggs.org

global learning

online for WAGGGS














Supported by




+44(0)2077941181

[email protected]




glow.wagggs.org

global learning

online for WAGGGS














Supported by




+44(0)2077941181

[email protected]


DID YOU KNOW?

— CHILD

PROTECTION AWARENESS TRAINING IS

COMPULSORY FOR ALL ADULT

MEMBERS

140331 - Posters - Did you know.indd 7 31/03/2014 12:42:41


This is my last introduction to all of your news from around the island of Ireland. Thank you to all of you for making it so interesting and I’ll see you around!

Karen Devilee Outgoing Commissioner for Communications

COMMUNICATIONS

AROUND IRELAND

SOUTH-EASTERN REGION

Outdoor Skills Weekend in Carne

The South East Region held a Guide PL and APL Skills Weekend in Carne. 46 Guides attended the weekend and learned a lots of new skills including: tent pitching,

backwoods cooking, making camp gadgets, knots and communication skills. The Skills Day for Leaders was also held the same weekend.

DID YOU KNOW?

— CHILD

PROTECTION AWARENESS TRAINING IS

COMPULSORY FOR ALL ADULT

MEMBERS

140331 - Posters - Did you know.indd 7 31/03/2014 12:42:41


St Oliver Plunkett Guide Unit in Lurgan is celebrating “40 Years of Guiding” this year and as part of our celebrations we organised a day out for all our members on Saturday 5th April 2014.

We went to ‘We Are Vertigo’ – Ireland’s only indoor ski and alpine themed Adventure Centre which has recently opened in Newtownbreda Factory Estate, Belfast. There was a soft play area, high and low rope trails, a climbing wall and for the really adventurous a zipline.

All our Cygnets, Brigíní, Guides, Rangers and Leaders had a great day which was finished off by a lovely lunch in one of the Cabin Party Rooms.

NORTHERN REGION

Celebrating 40 Years of Guiding


Navan Road Guide Unit trip to London

On 19th February 34 Guides and Leaders from our Unit went on a 2 day trip to London. We all met bright and early, me and my twin sister and all the other guides were full of excitement when we met at 6.00a.m. at Dublin Airport.

We landed in Gatwick around 9.00a.m. and we took the train into Victoria Station in London and then on to the tube out to Pax Lodge, the Guide World Centre where we were staying. The staff were very friendly and showed us around. After check-in we headed back into the centre of London to see the sights and do some shopping. In the evening we went to the West End to see the musical ‘Billy Elliot’. It was fantastic. We all loved it and the boy who played Billy was a brilliant dancer.

The next day we went to Madame Tussauds waxworks where we met with all the stars. The highlight was having our picture taken with One Direction. We went to the Chamber of Horrors, took a ride on a London cab and saw a 4D movie all in Madame Tussauds it was brilliant. We had lunch, did a bit more shopping and headed back to Pax Lodge. We said goodbye, thanked everyone there and headed back to Gatwick for our flight home that night. It was a brilliant trip I really loved

it especially being with all my friends. Thanks to our leaders for taking us there and I can’t wait for our next trip.

Nicole Dalton (Navan Road Guides)

EASTERN REGION


Arklow Brigíní stand up against bullying at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Eastern Region Guide Outdoor Skills Day

Sunday 11th May

Guides, and their leaders, from around the Eastern Region came together in Larch Hill for a day filled with outdoor skills, from pioneering, backwoods cooking, tent

pitching and outdoor first aid skills, finishing up with a campfire. While it was another wet day in Larch Hill, everyone still had a great day and made new friends from around the region.


New Years Resolution to Get Fit!

January started off a health and fitness themed meeting, members of all ages enjoyed a night of fun and exercise with ‘exergaming’, which is a blend of the worlds of exercise and gaming. The girls tested their fitness, dance and co-ordination on the dance mats, while others tested their speed and concentration levels on the cardio wall. The leaders attempted to join in, however have some work to do in order to catch up with the girls fitness levels.

Linda Fitzpatrick St. Stephens Brigin & Guide Company

St. Brigid's Day

Our meeting on February 1st involved making enough St. Brigids crosses for everyone before attending the local Mass in Watergrasshill, with some of the guides alter serving in their CGI uniforms. On Sunday it was then off to Wilton for the South Western regions Mass

in the SMA Church, followed by a disco and some treats afterwards.

Linda Fitzpatrick St. Stephens Brigin & Guide Company

SOUTH-WESTERN REGION


Cork's North Pole Outpost Experience

Just before Christmas brigins and leaders set off to visit Santa at Corks North Pole Outpost Experience.

Set deep in the woods, in a secret location in Cork, the girls boarded a train to make the final part of their journey to meet Santa. They were greeted by Roy-The-Toy, Christy Ring-a-Rosie and Shinny Shepherd, in the magical world of the busy Elves.

Once the girls practiced the secret password, we gained entrance to the house, where the journey really started. First there was singing and dancing to some One Direction songs, a chat with some Elves before the ‘Elf in Training’ commenced for those interested!

Next up was Mrs Claus kitchen, where the girls enjoyed

decorating some cookies while drinking hot chocolate, the leaders had mince pies and finally everyone made a wish with the very special Corkonian Christmas pudding mix.

Next stop, the Elves workshop, where we made some Rudolf crafts, before checking whose names were on the naughty and nice lists and finally meeting the man himself in his study. Everyone had a chat with the man in red and white, posed for a few photos, collected their gifts and made one or two final adjustments to their Christmas list, before posting it … where … but at the Cork Elf Post Office of course like! Certificates were presented to those who successfully passed stage one of the Elf in Training, before catching the last train home.


What is Ventact?Ventact is an activity weekend held every year in Kilcully scout campsite in Cork for older members of Scouting and Guiding (15 and up).

What Activities? Who Knows?Canoeing, Sailing, Water skiing and Bushcraft have all happened in the past.

All that's certain is a fun fantastic weekend!

CRUCIAL INFORMATIONDates (not the fruit): 5th-7th SeptemberLocation: Kilcully Campsite (duh!)Cost: €45 (before July 18th) €50 (after July 18th)Last bookings: August 22nd

Facebook group: Ventact South (http://goo.gl/mCMUp8)

Full details on Facebook and ventact.org.


CGI SOUVENIR SHOP CLOSING FOR SUMMERPlease note the CGI Souvenir Shop will close for the summer to allow for stock taking.

Please place final orders by Friday 11th July if you

need items for events taking place over the summer.

The shop will re-open in September for the new Guiding year.

CGI SOUVENIR ITEMS

Item Price Comments

ACCESSORIES

Lanyard - CGI Green €2.00

Sporks €2.00

Shoe laces (Cygnet & Brigin size only) €2.00

CENTENARY DAY SOUVENIRS WAGGGS Centenary Day Mug €2.00

STATIONERY

Colouring pencils & sharpener set €1.50

Erasers €1.00

Pencil - Wooden Rainbow Nibbed Pencil €1.00

Poppers - colouring crayons €1.00

BADGES

Cygnet Environment €1.00

Cygnet Cara Badge €1.00

Smile - You’re Beside a GG €1.50 limited stock

Thinking Day €0.50

WAGGGS Centenary - 2011 Yellow €0.50

WAGGGS Centenary - 2012 Green €0.50

WAGGGS World (dark blue) €1.00

WAGGGS Bio-diversity tba

METAL PINS

Friendship Pins - Brigin version €2.00 limited stock

WAGGGS Metal - Blue €2.00 limited stock

WAGGGS Metal - Blue (small) €2.00 limited stock

BAGS Cygnet Bag €3.00

UNIFORM

Guiders Blouse €35.00

Guiders Silk Scarf €21.00

Guider Sweatshirt: XS / S / M / L / XL / XXL €20.00 limited stock in all sizes, main stock

sold by The Scout Shop

Pin Tab €8.00

RAIN COATSYouth sizes: 5-6 & 12-14 only €10.00

sold out stocks will not be replacedAdult sizes: S / M / L / XL / XXL €10.00

HOODIESYouth sizes: 9-11 / 12-13 / 14-15 €20.00 Med adult currently out of stock

(same size as youth 14-15) Adult sizes: S / M / L / XL €20.00

BOOKS

Campfire Book & CD €5.00

Guides Choose Games €3.00

Guides Choose Songs €3.00

Guides Choose Games & Songs (set of 2) €5.00

Event Booking Form - Page 1 of 2

EVENT BOOKING FORM EVENT & UNIT DETAILS:

Name of Event: (e.g. Guide Weekend) Event Date:

Unit Name: Unit No.: Region: E Region NE Region N Region SE Region SW Region

CONTACT DETAILS: EVENT INFORMATION WILL ONLY BE SENT TO PEOPLE LISTED ON THIS FORM

CYG

NET

CO

NTA

CT Name:

GU

IDE

CON

TACT

Name:

Tel/Mob: Tel/Mob:

Email: Email:

BRIG

IN

CON

TACT

Name: RA

NG

ER

CON

TACT

Name:

Tel/Mob: Tel/Mob:

Email: Email: TRANSPORT DETAILS: PLEASE SELECT OPTION 1 OR 2 BELOW

Transport Costs - €12 per person travelling on the bus, including ALL Guiders/Adults

1. We will arrange our own transport and will not be availing of the subsidy (This would be to your advantage if you can get a bus which will costs you less than €12 per person)

2.

We wish to avail of the subsidised transport and enclose €12 per person travelling on the bus Furthermore: a.) We will book our own bus and supply CGI with an invoice in advance of the event

(if you are booking your own bus please get the lowest price possible) b.) We would like CGI to arrange our transport (please provide pick up details below)

Total numbers travelling on the bus (inc. adults)

Details of pick up/drop off location for bus:

All fees for those travelling on the bus must be paid at the time of booking

BOOKING DETAILS:

Section Children Guiders / Adults

Total People

Cygnet Brigin Guide

Ranger Total

PAYMENT DETAILS:

No. of people

Fee p.p. €

Total Fees €

Event - Children Event - Adults Transport - ALL

Total Fees Due (for GBP rates, refer to www.xe.com)

ALL FEES PAID ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

Bookings are not valid until payment and completed booking form has been received by the National Office. Please supply names of all participants on the next page and return with your booking form

Other Information: (e.g. 1 Guider is driving to the event and will not be on the bus)

BOOKING NOTES: • Bookings are made against the person named in the contact details below. If you are booking for multiple

sections and each section person is to receive direct correspondence please list each person below, or supply a separate booking form for each section. Otherwise all correspondence will be sent to 1 person only.

• Only 1 booking can be made against an individual (i.e. if you are working with a 2nd Unit we cannot place a 2nd booking against your name, it should be booked against another person)

Event Booking Form - Page 2 of 2

EVENT BOOKING FORM - PARTICIPANT LIST

EVENT & UNIT DETAILS: (PLEASE FILL IN AGAIN IN CASE PAGES GET SEPARATED) Name of Event:

(e.g. Guide Weekend) Event Date:

Unit Name: Unit No.: Region: E Region NE Region N Region SE Region SW Region

Guiders/Adults: 1 6 2 7 3 8 4 9 5 10 Cygnets / Brigíns / Guides / Rangers 1 31 2 32 3 33 4 34 5 35 6 36 7 37 8 38 9 39 10 40 11 41 12 42 13 43 14 44 15 45 16 46 17 47 18 48 19 49 20 50 21 51 22 52 23 53 24 54 25 55 26 56 27 57 28 58 29 59 30 60

A soft copy version of this form is available on the CGI website: www.girlguidesireland.ie

• All participants must be registered members of CGI • Participants will be checked against registration records • Please supply names as per registration form • Please state if a child has moved up a section since registration • Please state if a child is registered with a different Unit


CONTACTS

NEBChief Commissioner [email protected]. Chief Commissioner [email protected] National Secretary [email protected] [email protected]íní brigíní@girlguidesireland.ie Guides [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Region [email protected] Region [email protected] Region [email protected] Region [email protected]

Child ProtectionEastern Region Catherine Monaghan Anne Murphy Clare O’Brien

086 2710931 086 2710951 086 2710953

South-Western Region Marion Gleeson Maria Dowling

086 2710941 086 2710950

South-Eastern Region Barbara Ryan Aideen Moran

086 2710958 086 2710952

Northern Region Josephine Higgins Martha Mc Grath Sarah Mc Manus Carol Ewings Maire Mc Grath

07581644947 07581644899 07581645481 07581644860 07581639739

StaffNicola Toughey National Office Coordinator [email protected] Hosback Finance Officer [email protected] Yvonne Nulty Administrative Assistant [email protected] Geoghegan Communications Administrator [email protected] Behan Development Officer [email protected] Emer Johnston Development Officer [email protected] Mason Development Officer [email protected]

Funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the National Lottery.

CGI National Office12 Clanwilliam Terrace, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2Tel: (01) 661 9566 • Fax: (01) 676 5691Email: [email protected]

CGI Northern Region OfficeSt. Francis De Sale, Beechmount Drive, Belfast BT12 7LUTel: 048 9031 3639 • Fax: 048 9031 3639Email: [email protected]

www.girlguidesireland.ie

Charity Number: CHY 7958

guiders link 2014 vol. 2

Documents

guiders link2 guiders

cygnet section

litter causes

brign section

guide section

ranger section

old people

untold damage