In September 1909, four brave girls walked up to Scout Movement founder Robert Baden Powell and asked if they could join the Scouts. In 1910, he formed the Guide Movement, which this year celebrates 100 years of good deeds and changing lives. Queensland State Commissioner for Guides, Sue Van Eyk, said not many organisations could boast of reaching this milestone. “Guides have gone from strength to strength,” she said. “We encourage all members to speak out on issues that affect everyone. One small individual can change the world and we encourage others to do the same.”
A range of celebratory activities are planned across the nation to mark the centenary. “We have a special day for every month of the year,” Sue said. “We have just held a Power Up for 18 to 30-year-olds to increase public relations skills and government knowledge with the theme of advocacy. “We had a Thinking Day on February 22 with both Guides and Scouts. We raised funds for those countries less fortunate than ourselves. The theme was ending poverty.” April was party month with Guides celebrating the 100th day of the year and everything they love about Guiding. In May the Guides were out selling their famous biscuits as part of their major fundraising initiative. This month sees a national chain of campfires. “We are also planning to change our uniform to update our image and reflect what our girls want,” Sue said. “In August we are celebrating National Tree Day as the environment is a big part of our program. “Girls today are very interested in planting trees around local areas to help reduce the carbon footprint. “In September, we are going to have Guides toss a coin to open as many sporting grand finals as possible.” On the 10th day of the 10th month 2010, Guides across the world will renew their Guiding Promise in a public place. “We want to be seen in public celebrating everything we love about Guiding,” Sue said. Sue said while there had been significant changes in the movement over the past 100 years, the core values remained the same. “There have been changes in the program to keep up with changes in society, but we have held onto to traditions like enjoying the outdoors, camping and self-development,” she said. For details on events go to www.guidesaus.org.au
Joining up brought Dot self-confidence Some time over the past 28 years, between attending her first Brownie meeting to running Girl Guide groups, Dot Dalglish’s blood turned blue. And not any blue – the blue of a Guide dedicated to helping young girls become confident and capable leaders. Dot used to attend her daughters’ meetings and was asked to fill in as Guide leader when the position became vacant. “I said I would fill in for a little while and I am now a lifer,” she laughed.
Dot admits that at first she was terribly shy and had little self-confidence. But over the years, the principles of personal development and leadership wove their magic on Dot and she is an active leader of the biggest district in Australia. “I did not think I had the ability or the experience, however I now have full confidence in my experience,” she said. “So if you asked me to be king for a day I would say ‘sure, I can do that’.” That is what being a Guide can do. Guiding’s mission is to enable girls and young women to grow into confident, self-respecting, responsible community members – and that hasn’t changed over the past 100 years. The atmosphere is non-judgemental and non-competitive.
“Each girl is accepted at their own level and they challenge themselves at their own level,” Dot said. “We do a lot more than sewing, cooking and knitting. We do lots of adventurous stuff like canoeing and abseiling. “While we do cook, it is not about producing a cake or sewing a bag; it is about team work and developing leaders.” |
