What I gained in Girl Guides of Canada: Creativity, goals, life experience and friendship. I went through Brownies and flew up to Guides while having so many adventures along the way… weekly meetings, overnight camps, badges, songs, and FUN. It’s amazing how one extracurricular activity for girls can mean so much…
That article on me above? I was honoured to be featured in Canadian Guider magazine “Brownie to Boredom Buster“.
What I gained in The Girl Guides of Canada
Reliability. Starting with my weekly unit meetings, I learned how to be on time, prepared, and ready. These skills are used every day in my adult life.
Creativity. I LOVED making crafts in Guides. I also learned that creativity isn’t limited to art projects. One time at overnight Guide camp, we crafted a dessert out of aluminum foil, banana, marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Not only was it delicious – it taught me to think outside the box.
Goals. For me, goal setting and achievement started with my first badge. The support I received from my unit leaders and parents, the determination I had in achieving that badge, the pride I had receiving my badge from my leader in front of my friends.
Life experience. (I’d also like to file this under “challenges” and “self-esteem”). Because learning how to work in a team environment, encouraging acceptance and friendship, challenging yourself (oh, that night in a tent scared me to death, but I overcame the challenge – with a little help from my friends), learning new skills, being patient…these were all experiences which are so important to my childhood and who I am as an adult.
The Guiding program (starting at age 5) is aligned with the school year, with units starting up every September and winding down in late spring. Girls participate in weekly activities with their units, based on a well-researched, flexible curriculum that allows girls to participate in leading their own programming, at age-appropriate levels. Register today. Adult women are welcomed as volunteers. Volunteer with Girl Guides today!
Not only did I gain amazing childhood experiences through being a Girl Guide…I gained so many skills. My reliability, creativity, and goal setting were essential to becoming a kids-lit author. My life experience helps me in being a mom (my family and I do community service, outdoor activities, and arts & science projects). My ability to make and support friends helps me in my business endeavors. The Girl Guides of Canada is an amazing extracurricular activity for all young women. I recommend it!
Disclosure: #ad This post is in partnership with the Girl Guides of Canada, Ontario Council. As always, opinions are my own.