Guides_scouts_09-09

Jeff Green | Mar 05, 2009

Sydenham Sparks join the ranks for the WAGGGS' "World Thinking Day" celebrations in Harrowsmith

It was an evening of song, celebration, and trivia games for the Girl Guides and Scouts of Harrowsmith and Sydenham last Thursday night at St. Paul’s in Harrowsmith as they met for their annual “World Thinking Day” celebration, which occurs every year on February 22.

The event celebrates Guiding by honoring the birthdays of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell of England, founders of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

The “World Thinking Day” according to organizer Marni Pedersen of Harrowsmith is “geared to thinking of our sister Guides all over the world.”

This year’s theme was “Stop the spread of AIDS, malaria and other diseases” and it supports the WAGGGS’ aim to change the world by taking global action and affirms their commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals as set out by the United Nations.

The five local Guide and Scout groups that participated in the Harrowsmith event were the Sydenham Sparks, Brownies and Guides, the 1st Harrowsmith Guides and the Chippewa Pathfinders. The five groups took turns presenting songs, skits, and trivia games in an interactive presentation that was enjoyed by friends and family members. Highlights included an interactive “stomp” by the Path Finders sung to the tune of Queen’s “We will rock you” with their own original lyrics.

Long time Guider Marni Pedersen organized the event. Val Ruttan of Harrowsmith, who has been involved in Guiding for 40+ years and remains involved as a trefoil member, was also present.

There are more than 10 million Girl Guides and Scouts worldwide whose goals are to contribute responsibly to their communities and to develop into responsible citizens.

Guiders Marni Pedersen and Melissa Nason say that the numbers of local Guides and Scouts are down because there are so many other activities available to children these days.

Kelsey Ross, who helps guide the Chippewa Pathfinders and who has been in Guiding herself for 12 years, lists the benefits of Guiding.

“It’s taught me leadership and teamwork and I’ve had a chance to meet a lot of people outside of school.”

The groups meet weekly and are looking forward to their regular camping excursions that take place at Camp Waupoos near Picton.

Anyone interested in joining the ranks can call Marni Pedersen at 613-374-9929.