Trefoil News September 2014 Issue No: 625
Published by: Irish Girl Guides, Trefoil House, 27 Pembroke Park, Dublin 4. Printed by: Richardson and Watts, 36 Thornville Park, Raheny, Dublin 5.
The Editorial Team of Trefoil News reserves the right to edit material submitted. Publications Officer: Katherine Ryan. Contact : [email protected] From the Chief Commissioner Page 1 Noticeboard Pages 2-3 P.R. Essentials/ Dates for your Diary Page 4 Stitch’s Diary Page 5 Membership—Trefoil Guild Page 6 Discover Lorne — Open Day for all Leaders Page 7 Executive News / NPT Update Page 8 Cost of National Events / Leader Uniform Page 9 Information on IGG’s Age Brackets for September 2015 Page 10 TWIGG—Save the Date Page 11 Charity Collaborations Pages 12-13 Includes ACT for Meningitis and the Irish Hospice Foundation Coffee Morning Programme Review Update Page 14 Free Being Me - launch and Leader Training Pages 14-15 Who’s Who in IGG? — National Office Team Page 16 Trainers’ Conference Page 17 Spotlight on Inspirational Leaders Pages 18-19 Memories, Memories — Brownie Centenary history feature Page 20 Out and About Pages 21-26 Includes lots and lots of your Summer activities. Ladybirds Pages 27-30 Includes the announcement of the Ladybird Sunflower competition winner, lots of getting to know you games and easy crafts for your first weeks and some ideas to complete the Outdoor Awards. Brownies Pages 31-33 Includes some fun games for your first meeting back, some musical ideas for fun with your Brownies and a reminder about the Brownie Photography competition. Guides Pages 34-37 Includes some great easy games to get your year off to a flying start, hints and tips on ceremonies, street orienteering and other games you can play outdoors and a nice sheet to share with your Patrol Leaders in September. Senior Branch Pages 38-40 Includes this year’s Chief Commissioner’s Award and information about next year’s Explorer Belt International Pages 41-44 Includes Travellers Tales from Pax Lodge and WLDP event in Oman, a report on the WAGGGS World Conference in Hong Kong and details of other international opportunities. Inserts Included: • ACT for Meningitis Cover Photos: Senior Branch — Chief Commissioner's Award 2014, Brownies — Naomh Gobnait Brownies at Mount Mellary, Ladybirds — Lee Valley Ladybird at Fota Wildlife Park, Guides — Lucan and Dun Olaf Guides at Camp Xplore’14
From the Chief Commissioner...
Dear Fellow Leader,
Fáilte ar ais! Welcome back to another Guiding year. If you were following IGG’s Facebook page over the summer, it seemed like many of our Units and Leaders were very busy during the last few months - great trips abroad, fun days out, brilliant camps and even our Ladybirds were busy growing sunflowers! Well done to everyone who was out Guiding during the school holidays.
My summer involved representing all of you at the World Conference in Hong Kong. It was a wonderful privilege to be there and you can read more about it on the IGG blog or later in this edition of Trefoil News. I also had the pleasure of meeting all the participants of the Chief Commissioner’s Award in August in The Burren. Those young women are excellent role models for our younger members .They had to live on €3.50 a day which was a hard challenge but it allowed them to develop a greater understanding of people living on low incomes here and around the world. The words ‘bored’ and ‘lazy’ just do not exist in their vocabularies; instead they were inspiring and resourceful.
When I presented the girls with their awards, it reminded me of how important it is that we acknowledge the achievements of our girls. One of the wonderful things about Guiding is that it is not a competition with anyone else. Once a girl does her best, she deserves recognition for it. It’s important too that the badge or award is given soon after the activity/challenge is done so I encourage all Units this year to buy the badges and present them as you go along, in as far as is possible.
During this Guiding year, we have a lot of things planned both nationally and regionally. • In March 2015, we will combine our National Conference and Branch Weekend into one event called TWIGG - Together We’re IGG! At this event we will have the first training for Leaders on our new IGG Programme. We have been hearing bits and pieces about our new programme in Trefoil News over the last year and all will be revealed in the Carlton Hotel, Dublin in March. I hope to see you there! • In line with the new programme, you can read in this Trefoil News about the review of the Age Brackets of our Branches and see how we are changing the age brackets slightly. We hope this will improve our flexibility at local level so that we can offer Guiding to as many girls as possible. • This Guiding year will also see the IGG census going online and we hope this will be a time-saver for Leaders and be more efficient for IGG overall. Information and training on this new method will be provided at the Regional Conferences so be sure to book your place.
I do hope that all Leaders got some chance to rest a little, relax a bit and recharge again over the summer break and together we are ready for what is going to be an exciting Guiding year ahead.
Yours in Guiding, Helen Please feel free to contact Helen Concannon by emailing [email protected]
Hi everybody and welcome to a new year of Trefoil News. I hope you’ll enjoy everything that we bring you over the coming year and that you’ll continue to send in as many of your own stories and photos as you can.
We were inundated with Out and About stories over the Summer because you were up to so much, so if we didn’t have room to use them here, they will have been used on Facebook or Twitter.
Please email me at any time with feedback or questions and let us know what you’d like to ssee in Trefoil News. We want this magazine to help make life easier for all IGG Leaders. Thanks for reading.
Katherine Ryan, Editor . Email: [email protected]
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 1
Notice Board
We are very excited to hear that Trócaire, who Notice Boardsupported us in rolling out this great new Voices Against Violence programme here in Ireland, are now planning to work with Girl Guides in other countries around the world to promote the badge and put an end to violence against girls and women! What an amazing ripple effect that will make the world a better place.
It’s also great that so many Units have now completed the Voices Against Violence badge. Don’t forget that there are still some FREE BADGES available if your Unit would like to take part. The programme is suitable for all ages, from Ladybirds to Trefoil Guild - contact Jemma in National Office for more
Young people needed
to help ensure FACEBOOK PHOTO COMPETITION quality Guiding for all! Congratulations to Sharon Conlon of Carrick IGG is looking for young women Ladybirds, Leitrim, on winning the Facebook (age 14-21 approx.) to join our photo competition with her fab photo of a Quality Standards for brave Ladybird, which sums up our tagline ☺ Youth Work team. “Giving Girls Confidence” Together with the team you will help to ensure that Guiding offers safe, educational, developmental and inclusive opportunities to our members.
The role involves meeting 4-6 times per year in Dublin and some other work by email throughout the year. Support and training will be provided.
This would be particularly good experience for someone who is interested in studying or working in the areas of youth work, social care or social policy.
If you have any questions or need encouragement to participate in this team, please do not hesitate to contact Jemma in National Office.
Page 2 Trefoil News September 2014
Notice Board
Thanks to Leader Rosaleen Mackeown for sending in this lovelyNotice picture of BoardIRISH GIRL GUIDES Crosshaven Brownies cartwheeling at their picnic — a special last meeting ONLINE before the Summer.
To see lots more Out and About photos and see what exciting things groups got up to over the summer months, turn to page 21. Castle Saunderson @SICasSaunderson Aug 2 @IrishGirlGuides @CGIGirlGuides @ScoutingIreland Rain hasn't stopped @ggulster guides at @xplore14
Mary Beare Aust @marybaust Aug 1 What a fun evening we had @IrishGirlGuides in Crumlin Children's Hospital. Giving Girls Confidence! @CMRF_Crumlin
Helen O’Reilly Free Being Me Ireland is a new WAGGGS programme which will be IMPORTANT GARDA VETTING UPDATE starting in September to improve the body
The Gardaí have revised the “Garda Vetting confidence of girls aged 7 - 14. Please Application Form” and the “Garda Vetting like our page to keep up to date with trainings which are available, find out Parent/Guardian Consent Form”, these new more about how you can get involved and forms must be used for all future vetting to ask any questions you may have. applications with immediate effect.
An email was sent to all Leaders/Senior Maïa Dunphy @ MaiaDunphy Jul 16 Branch Members informing them of this I always wanted to update on 30th June 2014 so please refer join the Brownies to this email or to the IGG website when I was little. for more information. Finally got to 30 years on..... Thanks @IrishGirlGuides ;) To request a copy of the revised form/s for replacement in packs you currently have or have recently given out please contact the Safeguarding Membership Officer, Follow us on Twitter, like us on IGG National Office by emailing Facebook and get posting to see [email protected] yourself here next month!
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 3
Public relations
SOME PR ESSENTIALS FOR THE START OF THE NEW GUIDE YEAR
Whether you are having a Parents’ night, doing displays in local schools or halls, or distributing leaflets to girls, there is something for everyone in every Branch.
You can order the following PR materials: A6 Postcards for Ladybirds and Brownies A5 Posters for all Branches Flyer for Guides and Senior Branch Flyers and Posters for Volunteer recruitment
Other Promotional Material includes:
IGG Promotional DVD (this is also available to play from youtube if you have wi-fi in the location that you are promoting IGG)
Spare copies of Annual Reviews, Centenary Yearbooks, Trefoil News (you can leave spare copies of published material in Doctor’s Offices, local community halls etc. with permission. If you have finished reading Trefoil News and will not need it again, feel free to leave that in one of those locations as well.)
IGG Pop-Up Banners — 2 General IGG Pop-Up Banners and 4 on the theme of “giving girls confidence” (There is one of these for every Branch and you can order them to use at your events.)
Call 01 6683898 or email [email protected] to get your hands on any of the PR resources listed on this page. We’d be happy to help you…..
Dates for Your Diary
6th ExecuƟve CommiƩee 10/12th Free Being Me 1st/ 2nd Trainers Conference MeeƟng Training Opportunity st th th 1 Lorne Open Day 18 Hospice Coffee 11 Day of the Girl th Morning th 10 WCM Regional 11 ExecuƟve CommiƩee October th Conference 20 NaƟonal Programme MeeƟng
November th
September & Training CommiƩee th 8 NaƟonal Programme 18 North West Regional & Training CommiƩee st Conference 21 Interna onal Day of th th 15 South West Regional Peace 19 North East Conference Regional Conference 27th Guide Gold Awards 22nd Eastern Regional 19th Mid West Conference
Regional Conference nd 22 South East Regional Guiding Dates are th 19 West & Central Conference in italics! Midlands Regional 29th ExecuƟve CommiƩee Conference MeeƟng
Page 4 Trefoil News September 2014
Stitch’s Diary
Hello Everyone,
What a week I had in Rathdowney, in Co. Laois just before the Summer. They invited me because they were celebrating 30 years of Guiding in town, that’s right not even one year in 30 years when there was no Guiding. I got to spend 10 days in town for their celebrations.
They were having a Gang Show and all Branches; Ladybirds, Brownies, Guides, Senior Branch and Leaders, were represented. On Wednesday evening, I went to rehearsals with the Ladybirds and Brownies, and I had a lot of fun singing along and dancing with everyone. Some of the Guides were there, painting a magnificent banner for the occasion. I tried my best to help them, but it turns out that I’m not much of a painter.
On Friday night, it was into town again for me to go to rehearsals with the Guides. Someone had to help set out the chairs in the hall for Saturday, and that someone was me (and several others).
The big day arrived, the Community Centre was a hive of activity, balloons everywhere, the banner was covered in plastic and pinned up out on the street, the kettles were boiled, guests started arriving. The show kicked off with all the Rathdowney Girls singing, Can a Woman…Followed by the Ladybirds with Teddy Bear’s Picnic and Singing in the Rain. The Brownies did a medley from the Sound of Music. The Guides danced to Flashdance and did some Irish Dancing and performed The Cup Song. There were guests from the Guiding Units in Birr and Borris-in-Ossory.
Sylvia one of the Brownie Leaders had made replicas of the old uniform, some beautiful Brownies modelled them for us and Catherine, Brownie Leader had written a Rap to celebrate 100 years of Brownies. Maureen Dillon was there, as was Pauline Kennedy, Regional Commissioner and Margaret Corr the Mid West RDO.
It was a great day, a lot of work for the Leaders, but they did get a lot of help from the Senior Guides and Young Leaders.
To everyone in Rathdowney, here’s to another 30 years, Well done to everyone, don’t forget to invite me back again for your next celebration. You really throw a great party.
If Stitch has been to visit your Unit; you can order this great Stitch button Lots of love, badge from the Distribution Centre for each of your girls. Stitch XXX Only €1.00 each
If you’d like me to come and visit your Unit or go with you on your camp or holiday, please contact my Mammy Egle at 01-6683898 or email her at [email protected]
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 5
MEMBERSHIP — Trefoil Guild
Trefoil Guild “Scouting and Guiding is not only a game for children, Lord Baden Powell said it is a way of life for adults”
That's where Trefoil Guild comes in. Trefoil Guild provides a framework for you to continue living your life within the ethos of Guiding when you are unable to continue active involvement as a Leader or member due to work, family or other commitments – or even advancing age! Girl Guides Forever
The stated aims of Trefoil Guild are: Friends Forever • To keep alive the spirit of the Guide Promise and Law • To carry that spirit into the community • To give support to active Guiding
At present there are 10 active Trefoil Guild Groups: Benbulben in Sligo, Cork, South Cork, Dublin, Dublin North, Dun Laoghaire, East Wicklow, Galway, Kildare and Waterford. Most of these have been established for a long time and are local groups.
Each Guild is represented on the Irish Trefoil Guild National Council. Irish Trefoil Guild is a member of the Federation of Irish Guides and Scouts (FIGS) (www.figsireland.org). In turn, FIGS is a member of the International Scout and Guide Fellowship (ISGF) (www.isgf.org) Through this membership, Trefoil Guild Members can travel to conferences, workshops and gatherings held regularly at venues around the world.
• A Student Guild (like the old Scout and Guide Clubs?), • A Craft Guild, IS IT TIME TO THINK OF • A Hillwalking Guild, SETTING UP A NEW • A Book Club Guild, • A French Speaking Guild, TYPE OF GUILD? • A Theatre Guild, • A Food Guild.
Maybe you have some more ideas? Have you recently found that you are unable to give the time required to be involved with a Unit?
Would you like to join or help set up a new Trefoil Guild or join one of the existing groups?
For more information contact Hazel Convery, the Chairman of Irish Trefoil Guild National Council. EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 01 2697107 MOBILE: 087 2213257
Page 6 Trefoil News September 2014
Check out this great opportunity from out friends in Girlguiding Ulster
DISCOVER LORNE
GIRLGUIDING ULSTER
OPEN DAY 1st NOVEMBER 2014
LORNE HOUSE RESIDENTIAL AND ACTIVITY CENTRE
Over the past few years the number of groups coming to Lorne from the Republic of Ireland has steadily increased. The feedback from these groups has been amazing however, we realise there are many groups completely unaware of the wonderful facilities Lorne has to offer and all just a drive away.
With this in mind, we would like to offer an all expenses paid day at Lorne for any Leaders who might be interested in visiting somewhere new.
We intend to provide transport, picking people up from a point in the Dublin area at approximately 9.30am (the pickup point to be arranged). They will then:-
• Travel to Lorne. • Have morning coffee with homemade scones on arrival. • Tour the Estate accompanied by our staff. • Enjoy a home cooked lunch. • ‘Have a go’ at the onsite activities led by our instructor team • Return to Dublin by approximately 5.00pm with a goodie bag.
This is bound to be a great day out and you are sure to go home with loads of ideas for new things to do, places to visit and a whole new world of friends – and it won’t cost a cent!!!
We would also like to extend the very special offer of a 10% reduction for any group who makes a definite booking on the day! So please don’t miss out, it really is a great opportunity to open some new doors for your young people. If you would like to find out more or would prefer to use your own transport and need directions, please go to our web site www.girlguidingulster.org.uk
To book your place either on our bus or, if travelling independently, for the day only please contact Lorne Estate office on 04890425212 or email [email protected]
We very much look forward to hearing from you!!
Remember if you are visiting Lorne and taking a group of Guides, it is an international trip and you should complete a C4 form and have the necessary qualifications to take girls abroad.
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 7
EXECUTIVE NEWS The Executive Committee of the Irish Girl Guides meets to discuss policy issues and to ensure the smooth running of the organisation for all its members. Here are some of the decisions made at the June 2014 Executive Committee meeting.
Resignations IGG’s screening documents The Leader screening forms were reviewed, as a result of The following resignations were received with regret:- which it was agreed that the Application Form to be a Leader • Aisling O’Halloran, Chairman Membership Committee with IGG and the Agreement Form for Leaders would be • Hannah Keating, Chairman Irish Trefoil Guild National combined in the same document, together with guidelines for Council completing them. It was also agreed that the Guidelines for completing the Garda Vetting Application Form would be • Joan Gregg, Chairman National Memorial Cottage, produced on the same document as the form itself. These Enniskerry Committee changes will be introduced as of September 2014. • Cathy Thewlis, National Treasurer Senior Branch Elections The following decisions were made which will be brought into The following were congratulated on their election:- effect with the new programmes:-
• Sinead Crilly, Chairman Membership Committee • There will be a structured and specific programme for • Hazel Convery, Chairman Irish Trefoil Guild National 14-17 year olds Council • Over 18 year olds will work on a more flexible and open-ended programme that will align itself to specific Proposed amendments to the CIGA Constitution IGG leadership awards e.g. warrant, indoor licence It was reported, with regret, that the two proposed and to other awards amendments to the CIGA Constitution had not been passed • “Senior Branch” will be re-branded and members will at the IGG General Council meeting as the required 2/3 be consulted and asked for suggestions for new majority needed had not been reached. names. The final vote will take place at the Senior Branch weekend in November 2014. Approval of documents The Executive Committee approved the following documents: Branch Day/National Conference 2015 The Finance and Executive Committees considered • Amended “Guidelines for international uniform” proposals for the venue for the joint event which will be held on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March 2015. The decision • Terms of Reference for new Communications was made to hold the event at the Carlton Hotel, Dublin Committee • Airport. Volunteer Policy, to be reviewed in June 2016 • Recruitment and Selection Policy/Manual, to be Membership badges for Leaders reviewed in June 2016 It was agreed that, from 2015 onwards, membership badges would be produced for girls and Leaders. Inclusiveness and LGBT A fact sheet on Inclusiveness and each of the nine forms of Forthcoming Dates: discrimination will be produced and made available on the 6th September, 11th October, 29th November IGG website.
Brownie Centenary A meeting of the A fantastic day was had by all at Dublin Zoo and all present congratulated Martina and the Brownie Centenary Committee on an amazing job of organising everything. National Programme & Training Committee NYCI Development Education groups was held on Cathy Whyte is now IGG’s representative on NYCI’s Development Education Advisory May 10th 2014. Group. Aisling O’Boyle is sitting on the Development Education Youth Advisory Group.
Here are some of the items Succession planning menƟoned at that meeƟng: Margaret Patterson has begun her role as Chair of ATOC; Sylvia Richardson has taken over the responsibility of Grant Secretary.
Page 8 Trefoil News September 2014
Cost of National Events
We had a query recently, wondering where your money goes when you pay to attend a national event. Well, that seemed like a good question that many of you might like to know the answer to, so here you go!
A large percentage of the costs of an event go towards refunding your travel expenses. This is important because it ensures that the cost to attend is the same for everyone, no matter where in the country they are coming from.
The next big expense is food. We usually try to offer refreshments on arrival and departure, especially if there are some people who have a long distance to travel. This can cost a lot more if we have the event in a hotel with a sit down meal!
Thankfully, IGG has a wonderful panel of volunteer Trainers who give up their time for free. Their expenses vary, for example a craft training involves a lot more materials than a songs & games training. We also get in external experts or guest speakers from time to time, depending on the topic.
The organisers usually need a lot of emails and calls and at least one meeting to get everything organised for the event. This includes checking through names lists, dividing up groups, catering for all special requirements, co-ordinating travel, dealing with queries etc. Depending on the venue, they will often meet the night before to have everything set and be there before participants start arriving in the morning. Fee covers So where does your money go? 63% of the For a one-day training event (such as Branch Day) costing €30 to attend, your fee will cover approx. 63% of cost of an the costs. The rest comes out of IGG’s National Programme & Training budget. For an overnight 2-day event event the rate of subsidy is even higher. Many Leaders pay these fees out of their Unit funds, or get assistance from their District or Area to attend. Do you have other questions about how things work in IGG? Get in touch Of course there are so many variables that this is only an estimate but and we’ll see if we can answer them!
we hope it gives you an idea of the costs and work that go into Email Jemma on organising such events. [email protected]
Leaders’ Uniform
Wearing the Irish Girl Guides uniform is an integral part of being a member of IGG. Nothing looks more impressive than a photograph of a group of Ladybirds all wearing their red sweatshirts, with their sashes and neckerchiefs all in place.
As Leaders we have a responsibility to set a good example for all the girls. If the girls see us in uniform at each meeting, then they are more likely to come to meetings in their uniforms too. It’s a good idea to praise girls who come to meetings wearing their full uniform. Some Units award a prize or certificate to the Ladybird/Brownie/Guide who has worn her full uniform to all meetings. Other Units have regular uniform inspections.
A mix and match uniform is worn by IGG members for all occasions, including Unit meetings. IGG has a set of guidelines for both girls and Leaders. The full guidelines are available on the Irish Girl Guides website - (just search “uniform guidelines” in the search tab on the right or scan the code to the right)
As Leaders here are some important points to remember: • For formal occasions, such as St. Patrick’s Day parades, IGG trainings and conferences, Leaders wear inner and out- er uniform tops with navy trousers or a navy skirt • For Unit meetings Leaders wear inner and outer uniform tops and can wear plain blue jeans on navy tracksuit bottoms. • Shoes can be navy, brown or black. • Leaders may wear the plain purple neckerchief or the purple neckerchief with white banding with a black woggle, or the silk fuchsia scarf with the silver scarf ring. • The Promise badge should be worn by all Leaders and may be worn on the badge tab or neckerchief • The badge tab may have up to a maximum of four of the following badges – Trefoil/Promise badge; Warrant pin; World badge; CIGA pin; Service badge; Trainer Bar; Camp/Holiday qualification. Karina Dingerkus, North West RDO.
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 9
Every ten years since 1993, the Irish Girl Guides has reviewed the age brackets of our Branches. Over the last couple of years, the Programme Review committee completed research on the opinions of girls, parents and Leaders and it raised concerns over the current age brackets. It was agreed that if any changes were to be considered, now was the time to do it, along with the new programme.
So in October 2013, all Leaders and Senior Branch members were invited to contribute to an Age Bracket Review survey. The survey ran for two months in both online and paper format and was included in Trefoil News for distribution to all Leaders & Senior Branch members. It contained 42 questions and took approximately 10 minutes to complete. There were 412 responses to the survey. Eighty of the responses came in paper format while the majority were answered online. The response rate was approximately 20% of our leadership (which is average for this type of survey). A good sample of both age, branch and experience replied to the survey and over 400 comments were received to the open-ended questions which has provided a lot of good additional material for further analysis.
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO COMPLETED THE SURVEY.
The majority of respondents to the survey were in favour of the following:-
• changing the age brackets Yes No Undecided • getting rid of the ‘half’ years in the brackets Changing age brackets 48% 28% 24% • overlapping the age brackets Keeping ‘half’ years 34% 48% 18% In relation to the Branches being differentiated by age rather than by school class, there was a slight favour towards age - 51% for Overlapping the ages 63% 20% 17% age, 48% for class, 1% for other. And the starting age/class for Ladybirds resulted in a preference for girls aged 5. Starting Ladybirds The questions in relation to Senior Branch resulted in the following preferences: Aged 4 10% • Senior Branch needing a structured programme but being optional and not for under 18 year olds only. Aged 5 48% • Having different programmes for each group within SB and Rangers having separate sections for under and over 18 years and extending the upper age (Young Guider section) of SB to 30 Aged 6 6% years. Junior Infants 21%
IGG’s Executive Committee considered all the results and after discussing the implications for Senior Infants 15% the organisation and our local structures, has decided to change the age brackets for implementation with the new programme from September 2015:
STARTING Age Bracket Length of CURRENTLY Age Bracket Length of SEPT. 2015 Programme Programme Ladybirds 5 - 7 years 3 years Ladybirds 5 - 7 years 2 years Brownies 7 - 10 years 3 years Brownies 6.5 - 11 years 4 years Guides 10 - 14 years 4 years Guides 10.5 - 15 years 5 years SB (under 18) 14 - 17 years 3 years Senior Branch 14.5 - 26 years various SB (over 18) 18 - 30 years various
Flexibility The overlapping ages between Branches is to allow local Leaders to make decisions as appropriate to the girls in the Units and to the circumstances in their District/Area. With over a year to plan for this change, it is hoped that Leaders in Districts/Areas will meet to discuss what suits their Units and how this will be phased in. Having this flexibility means that together, we can ensure that every girl and young woman has an opportunity to experience Guiding.
More information will be provided by your Regional Commissioner at your Regional Conference and at TWIGG in March 2015. Feel free to get in touch with [email protected] in the meantime and we will publish Q&As in each Trefoil News to share more information.
Page 10 Trefoil News September 2014
ONE WEEKEND
______
TWO EVENTS
______
SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY:
When: 21st & 22nd March 2015 TRAIN IN THE NEW Where: Carlton Hotel BRANCH PROGRAMME Dublin Airport What’s on? TWIGG ______
New Branch SUNDAY: Programme Launch & National Conference NATIONAL
CONFERENCE ‘Attend TWIGG and gain the tools to make our Branches ______grow stronger’
HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE FUTURE OF IGG
Booking details to follow in next month’s Trefoil News
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 11
CHARITY COLLABORATIONS
This month we’re featuring Act for Meningitis. Former Guide Leader Siobhan Carroll shares her story on how Meningitis changed her life:
WHEN YOUR LIFE CAN CHANGE IN A HEARTBEAT.... "I was obviously very worried then, and I spoke to Noel when the ambulance arrived and he told me 'They're working on Some days are easier than her' and I didn't know what he meant, 'working on her,' sure others for Siobhan Carroll, she only had a vomiting bug." What Siobhan didn't know was but there is never an easy by the time the ambulance had arrived to the house, Aoibhe day. Sometimes she can had stopped breathing. The ambulance crew worked roll out of bed without too furiously on the little girl, and managed to revive her, and she much thought, other times was rushed into hospital. it takes a couple of deep breaths before that first "I was being kept in for the night for observation, so when step of the day can be Noel told me she was on the way in to the hospital in an taken, and that is often how ambulance, I made my way over to the A&E to wait for them. she and her husband Noel I remember standing outside in the dark, it was the middle of get through the day-one the night so it was very quiet, and off in the distance I could step at a time. hear a siren and do you know what I said, I said to myself 'God, it sounds as if someone is very sick, God love them' The date of April 2, 2008 without realising it was the ambulance rushing my Aoibhe saw Siobhan and Noel's into hospital. The ambulance pulled up, the doors opened lives turned completely and someone just ran out, straight past me, and into A&E, upside down when the followed by the ambulance crew and Noel with Aoibhe. ultimate horror for a parent Aoibhe died within an hour, an aggressive strain of visited them - the death of meningitis taking her life," she says in hushed tones, her a child. voice trailing off.
Their eldest child, Aoibhe - who had turned four in January - "I was in hospital so I never got to hold her, I never got to say woke up in the middle of the night of April 1 with vomiting goodbye to her, and that's very hard to take, she was gone, and diarrhoea. Noel was at home alone with Aoibhe and her just like that. We were great friends, great buddies, I'm brother Eimhin (2), as Siobhan, who was pregnant with their thankful for the fact that I didn't go back to work after she third child was experiencing some difficulties related to her was born, so I had that precious time with her, but God, I pregnancy and so was in hospital for overnight observation. miss her so much, it's still hard to believe she's gone. She Noel comforted Aoibhe, changed her and when she fell was a great little character - we'd go shopping together, and asleep again, tucked her back into bed, and rang Siobhan in when we'd be on the way home we'd hatch a plan that I the hospital to let her know Aoibhe had been sick. would go in and distract Daddy so she could run upstairs and hide the bags of things we had bought in the wardrobe. She "I didn't expect a thing, sure how could you? Yes, I was was really looking forward to starting school - she was in the worried that one of the kids was sick, but the kids get sick all Naíonra and was loving it there, and she just couldn’t wait to the time. I had spoken to her on the phone earlier in the start in ‘big school’, as she’d say,” Siobhan explains. evening before she went to bed and she was in great form, so I wasn't overly worried," Siobhan recalls. However, Aoibhe “Her photo was on the front of the Tribune when she was got sick again later in the night, setting off alarm bells with born, actually, as she was born at 12.06am on New Year’s Noel, and he called the doctor, who told him it sounded like Day in 2004, the second baby born in Ireland that year. Aoibhe had a vomiting bug. As her condition deteriorated That’s the thing, we start every year on her birthday, every during the night, he rang the doctor a couple of times and year without her, that is unbelievably hard. It’s the loneliness followed the advice given. At this stage Noel was sitting on that is the biggest thing. You have this huge pain in your the couch in the sitting room of their Oranmore house in the heart, and it never, ever goes away. You don’t even learn to early hours of the morning, cradling Aoibhe in his arms. They deal with it, you just understand that it will be there forever, were watching cartoons around 5am when Aoibhe's eyes and you work out how you can live from day-to-day with that closed and Noel thought she was drifting off to sleep, but he pain, but we still have some really bad days,” Siobhan says. then noticed her lips had started to turn blue. He immediately rang an ambulance, and phoned Siobhan to tell her Aoibhe was not well and there was an ambulance coming out.
Page 12 Trefoil News September 2014
Siobhan and Noel were naturally devastated, as was their The ACT stands for both the Aoibhe Carroll Trust, and also second child, Eimhin, who shared a room with Aoibhe. “He represents the three key messages Siobhan and Noel want to went to bed and she was there in the room with him, and get across to people in relation to meningitis. “The ‘A’ stands when he woke up in the morning she was gone, and not just for ‘Ask’, as in ask yourself could it be meningitis; the ‘C’ gone from the room, but gone. We told him that holy God stands for contacting your doctor; and the most important one wanted Aoibhe to live with him, and he was very angry with is the ‘T’, which is trust your instincts. “We are focussed on that. He would ask us to get a ladder so he could climb up to offering much needed support to anyone affected by Heaven and see Aoibhe, and asked could she come back and Meningitis through our free support services and continuing to play with him some time, and if she did, could she take off her raise awareness of the life saving signs and symptoms. If you angel clothes and put on her normal clothes. As he gets older, ask people about signs of meningitis, most will tell you to look he still talks about her,” Siobhan says. out for a rash, but in the majority of cases, there is no rash – Aoibhe didn’t have a Four weeks after Aoibhe died, Siobhan gave birth to their son, rash. That’s the kind of thing we want to You will have Noah, and their youngest child, Sophie, was born in tell people about, to be aware of all the each received a symptom December 2009. Both have been told about Aoibhe, and they, symptoms, and not just go looking for checklist card like Eimhin, regularly ask about her. one that might not be there,” she says. as an insert with this issue Siobhan, who is a native of Getting to know the signs and of Trefoil News. Galway – wanted to do symptoms of Meningitis is vital...It everything they could to may just save a life….. Please keep it prevent another family going somewhere through the horror they did, so close at hand Check out www.actformeningitis.ie and be vigilant they threw themselves into for more info about the charity... for any of the setting up ACT for Meningitis in symptoms. July 2011.
IRELAND’S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING IS THE MAIN ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT TO RAISE MUCH NEEDED FUNDS FOR LOCAL HOSPICE SERVICES.
ALL MONEY RAISED LOCALLY, STAYS LOCALLY.
Anyone can host a coffee morning!
So gather your family, friends and colleagues to enjoy a cup of Bewley’s coffee – and support your local hospice service at the same time.
Bewley’s provide the coffee FREE OF CHARGE. You simply collect €2 for every cup. And all proceeds go towards hospice services in YOUR area. What is raised locally — STAYS locally.
Registration advice and details on how to get your special complimentary Bewley’s fresh ground coffee pack can be obtained by contacting your local hospice group or by calling the Irish Hospice Foundation on (01) 679 3188. People can register to host a coffee morning on www.ibcm.ie
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 13
Programme Review Update
Hi everyone,
September is an exciting milestone for the new Programme. We are entering the ‘pilot phase’. This means that several Ladybird, Brownie, Guide and Senior Branch Units in Dublin, Meath and Galway have very kindly agreed to give the new programme a test run. We will be working with them to check and test the Programme.
The piloting of the new programme will allow us to iron out any creases and fingers (and toes!) crossed we won’t come across any major problems. So, the good news is that we are on target with our Launch date of March 2015. By launching it in March it will give you as a Leader time to read and get to know it and then hopefully to start operating it in September 2015.
The Programme Review Team brings together a wide range of experiences from all of the Branches. Áine, Anne, Ellen, Emma, Katherine, Louise, Mary, Sonya, Susanne and I (Jillian) have been working around the clock to pull everything together and I can feel the excitement and buzz as the pieces fit together.
We will continue to keep you posted on our developments in upcoming issues of Trefoil News. If you wish you can contact us at [email protected]. Please do keep cheering us on. Thank you, from all of us on the Programme Review Team.
Yours in Guiding, Jillian, Chairman Programme Review Team
Imagine a world free from appearance related anxiety - a world where people can define beauty for themselves.
WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) and DOVE have joined together to produce the Free Being Me programme.
This is a ground breaking new programme for 7-10 year olds and 11-14 year olds which unmasks society’s beauty myths – exposing air brushing and challenging unhealthy body talk.
Through a series of fun, interactive and thought provoking activities it challenges young women to stand up and take action to stop unhealthy body ideals affecting the next generation of girls.
A survey carried out by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on young people’s body image asked “Are you satisfied with your body image?” Findings showed only 38% of girl participants were “fairly satisfied” and a shocking 21% were “dissatisfied”.
With the Free Being Me Programme, the girls and young people learn that body confidence and self-esteem come from valuing their bodies, standing up to social pressures, and supporting others to be more body confident. By working together, leading others and speaking out, participants will be empowered to make a difference in their local and global communities.
The girls who have taken part in the Free Being Me activities set out in the programme and do the Take Action project will earn the Free Being Me badge. Please see the next page for details of a Leaders' Training Weekend for this programme
Page 14 Trefoil News September 2014
C.I.G.A is proud to announce Ireland’s first, of many, training weekends for the Free Being Me Programme
When: 10th-12th October 2014. Where: Larch Hill, Scout and Guide Centre, Co. Dublin For who: Open to all I.G.G. and C.G.I. Leaders and Rangers aged 16 + years. Cost: €32.
To secure a place at this Free Being Me Ireland training, email [email protected], with Free Being Me programme in the subject line by the 26th September 2014. Apply early as places are limited.
The email should include the following information:
Your Name Address Mobile Phone Number Association—CGI or IGG Age—under/over 18
Once your place is secured, you will be emailed contact details relating to the method of payment.
This event will involve training on the Free Being Me programme, including participating in some of the activities as well as discussing issues that may arise. This Free Being Me Ireland training will be facilitated by a WAGGGS trainer and members of the Free Being Me Ireland committee.
After the weekend, participants will be prepared to comfortably present the programme to other Leaders and help tackle body issues amongst young girls within their organisations The programme is divided into two sections - for 7-10 year olds and for 11-14 year olds. Upon completion of this training, participants will be asked to assist in facilitating other Free Being Me Ireland Training events.
We look forward to sharing this exciting programme with you! Helen, Nicola, Hannah and Marg - The Free Being Me Committee.
[email protected] #FreebeingmeCIGA freebeingmeciga
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 15
National office team
Linda Peters—C.E.O. I have overall responsibility for the organisation and Karen Lynch—Accounts Administrator administration of National Office, working to ensure that I ensure that invoices and bills for Irish Girl Guides the staff members provide a high standard of friendly, are paid, travel expenses refunded and generally efficient and professional service to IGG Leaders. that the finances are in a good running order. I work I am very lucky to have made my hobby my career and very closely with the National Treasurer to keep the love working for an organisation that I believe in and am accounts up to date. I also compile IGG’s grant passionate about application to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Mandy Swanwick—Distribution Centre Manager I work at making sure we have all the uniform, badges, Jemma Lee—Support Officer resources and knick-knacks available to you whether you As Support Officer, I support the running of IGG in lots of visit the Dublin Distribution Centre, or order online, over different ways. I help out the Chairpersons of all the the phone or by email. I love working in IGG National national committees when I can; I look after the Office. I get to talk to lots of you & I see the huge arrangements for people representing IGG at amount of energy and enthusiasm you all give to international events; I keep in touch with our Guiding WAGGGS sisters around the world; I deal with grant applications and fundraising ideas and I keep an eye Caitriona Kelly—Distribution Centre Assistant to make sure we are maintaining a high standard of quality I am really happy to be joining the Distribution Centre youth work. As well as all of that I am here to support all of our staff full-time. I have worked Saturday’s and covered Leaders, if you’re ever struggling with something in your role, or days-off in the Distribution Centre for a few years. My job if you have a question and just can’t find the answer, feel free involves serving customers and dealing with mail orders. to give me a call or a message and I’ll see what I can do! Also, checking in stock, restocking the shelves and pricing goods. I am also a Leader with Bray Ladybirds. I started my Guiding journey in Ladybirds, aged 5, and I have never looked back. Guiding has given me the skills and Egle Maldutyte—Reception confidence I needed to succeed in all areas of my life and I I answer the telephone and look after the many really love having the opportunity to work here in National housekeeping duties in National Office. I also deal with a Office and to hear about all of the amazing work that so many wide range of other duties, including insurance and Leaders are doing around the country. acting as Health and Safety Representative. I’m originally Katherine Ryan—Publications Officer from Lithuania and can speak three languages; I make sure Trefoil News and the Annual Review Lithuanian, Russian and English. make their way to you every year. I also do extra
design jobs such as promotional material, pop-ups, Vivienne Walsh—Membership Administrator posters, even something as random as event logos. I My main role is to keep the membership database up to keep I.G.G.'s resources up to date and work with the date with all members details. I also co-ordinate, Branches on new publications . In addition to this, I implement and process the annual Census. I started help to maintain and develop IGG’s website and deal with the working in IGG in January 2013 but have been a Leader IT within the office. I love working for IGG and also volunteering with Trim Girl Guides for nearly 6 years. I really enjoy with Crumlin Children’s Hospital Unit. working for an organisation that I also volunteer with. Fiona Murdoch—Communications Officer Lisa Challoner—Safeguarding Officer I am responsible for communication both within and I administer the IGG Screening process, including Garda outside the organisation, so as well as writing the Vetting and act as Authorised Signatory on behalf of weekly newsletter and updating the IGG website and IGG. I am IGG’s designated Child and Adult Protection social media (along with Katherine.) I also prepare person so handle Child/Adult Protection issues within the press releases and organise photo shoots to try and organisation. I am here to support IGG members, get IGG into national and local media as much as Leaders and Unit Helpers in respect of any aspect possible. We’re a great organisation that is as covered in our Code of Ethics. I am also responsible for relevant to girls and women today as it was 100 years ago: we handling all concerns and/or complaints that may arise within know that but we need to let everyone else know that too! It’s the organisation, dealing directly with members and non- great to be able to use my journalism training for such a members to help resolve the issues, from queries up to worthwhile organisation … and how many jobs have eating disclosures, offering support and advice when needed. I am 7 ‘smores as one of the perks?! years working in IGG and enjoy the diversity of my role and being part of a wonderful organisation! Page 16 Trefoil News September 2014
CALLING ALL TRAINERS, & TRAINEE TRAINERS …
COME AND JOIN A.T.O.C. AT THIS YEAR’S
TRAINER’S CONFERENCE
When: 1st — 2nd November 2013
Where: Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise
NEW REGISTRATION - 9.30a.m. START - 10a.m. Saturday Programme FINISH - Lunchtime on Sunday.
Cost: €30 booking deposit (which will be returned on attendance) (This event is heavily subsidised)
During the Conference, the Programme Review team will introduce the new Programme.
It is IMPORTANT for trainers to attend the Conference so that they will be able to train in the NEW PROGRAMME.
Please send the below application form along with a fee of €30 to: Margaret Patterson c/o National Office 27 Pembroke Park, Dublin 4 by 30th September 2014.
TRAINERS’ CONFERENCE Name:______Region:______
Phone:______Email: ______
Would like to share with:______
Dietary Requirements:______
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 17
SPOTLIGHT ON inspirational Leaders
Eileen Kingston Brown Owl and National Trainer celebrated her 100th Birthday on 23rd April 2014
Eileen Kingston was for many years Brown Owl in the Allin Pack in Bandon and is still fondly remembered by the hundreds of girls she taught so many life skills such as making a bed with proper corners, laying a table and the most important task of learning to tie shoelaces.
She was also a National Trainer and travelled the country to impart her extensive knowledge at numerous trainings and conferences. Many of her ideas are still being shared by Leaders today. Eileen in the late 1960’s and throughout the 1970’s opened new Guide and Brownie Units in West Cork and supported them with weekly visits, until they were ready to do things alone.
To celebrate the wonderful occasion of her 100th Birthday, a group of Leaders and Brownies from Bandon ( Jane Fleming Leader Siamsa Brownies, Alexandra Fleming – one of Eileen’s last Brownies, Eve Cave -Siamsa Pack, Rachel Perott – Siamsa Pack and Theresa McCarthy - St. Peter’s Guides) travelled to Limerick to meet with Eileen and her daughter Gillian in the South Court Hotel where they were joined by Evelyn Hayes and Margaret Corr, both of whom had been trained by Eileen and recounted many of their experiences and expressed their gratitude for all they had learnt from her
Eileen enjoyed her party, the first of many planned by her family and friends. She was in great form and enjoyed chatting to us all and especially checking the badges on the Brownies, uniforms.
Eileen posed for photos in the new Leader’s neckerchief and thought it was very colourful. She graciously received her gifts that included shortbread and an Alice Taylor book about her garden. Eileen still loves to read and to have a cup of tea and shortbread. We also delivered a card signed by many past and present Leaders from the South West which she greatly appreciated.
We wish Eileen many happy days remembering her Guiding experiences.
A TRIBUTE TO MY GUIDING MOTHER by Anne Hyland
I was very proud to attend a recent event in England where my Mum, Doreen Murrell, received a Jack Petchey Foundation award for all her hard work in Guiding. She began as a Brownie Leader 42 years ago when we were living in Hong Kong, we moved to England in 1975 where she soon made contact with the local Brownies in Harlow Essex and has been involved ever since.
Known locally by many simply as 'Brown Owl' you can never go too far without someone of any age saying 'hello Brown Owl'. As well as running a local Brownie pack she was District Commissioner for ten years and during that time helped keep a local Guide Unit open and also ran the Ranger Unit. In more recent years Doreen Murrell has been involved at Division level whilst still remaining involved in the local Brownies. At the tender age of 65, she had to hand over the lead role to Sharon Head but is still involved every week and even goes on Pack Holiday.
I am proud to say my Mum is an inspiration to me and is always there with a piece Photo (leŌ to right) :Pauline GilleƩ (former Guide Captain), Doreen of friendly advice. She is usually seen in the background of events making sure all Murrell (former Brown Owl, Mum), Sharon Donohue (my former Patrol the finer details are taken care of and that activities run as smoothly as possible. I Leader and now Division Commissioner and current Guide Captain), Ann Hill (former County Outdoor Advisor), Sharon Head (current Brown Owl) got involved myself in the Irish Girl Guides in 2008 and if I can be half the woman and Anne Hyland (Irish Girl Guide Leader, and proud daughter) my Mum is, I will be doing very well.
Well done Mum, I am so proud of you and I was delighted that you were being celebrated for all you have done for thousands of girls over the years, you have made a difference in all of their lives!
Page 18 Trefoil News September 2014
SPOTLIGHT ON inspirational Leaders
Gill Buckley — 45 Years a Leader
On Friday 25th April (school holidays and no regular Guide meeting), one of my Assistant Leaders told me she had arranged for our Gold Award Girls to be tested for some badges. My daughter, Hazel was one of the testers, but suggested she and I would go for a walk earlier in the evening and then after the badges we would collect my husband, Dan and go for a meal, she persuaded me to pop in to see how the girls were getting on. I was totally taken in by all this and arrived at our hall to a surprise party to celebrate my 45 years as a Leader with Tivoli Guides, I took over the Unit in 1968 on my return from Canada.
I started as Assistant Leader for a year with Blackrock Guides in 1963, then with a hospital Unit in England while I was in college and as a Unit Leader in Newfoundland. The only break in the 45 years with Tivoli was when we lived as volunteers in Namibia for 2 years and Hazel and I took over the local Guide Unit together with an Irish Cub Leader.
Three of our younger Leaders — Ciara, Maeve and Fiona — had arranged everything for the party, contacted many Guiding friends from over the years, some past Guides, present Guides, parents etc. ranging from Elspeth Henderson who I was in Guides and Sea Rangers with to Maureen Dillon, President of IGG and Linda Peters as CEO but also a friend for many years.
Some of the Gold Award girls did their Hostess badge and a great spread was provided. The hall decorations were even made at a Guide meeting under the guise of being for an activity at the end of the year! I swallowed it all. There were photos from over the years shown all evening, I had been told that Ciara was doing a talk in college on Guiding and she borrowed my laptop to get the photos, my projector was borrowed for a ‘Ranger event’!
I, of course was not in uniform, but Dan had been asked to bring my uniform with him so I would have it for photos (well the top half anyway). The three Leaders had made an amazing cake, covered in iced Guide badges. My assistant Leader, Helen McGuigan, Linda Peters and Ciara, Maeve and Fiona all made speeches and I was presented with lovely gifts including a special hoodie. I also received greeting messages from people who could not be there. Thank you to all my great Leaders, I don’t know how they, the Guides and my family kept it a complete secret, but well done. Gill Buckley
Wishing a Happy Retirement to Joan Gregg
At a meeting of the Baden-Powell National Memorial Cottage committee, we said goodbye to our Chairman Mrs. Joan Gregg and thanked her and her husband Jim for all the work they have done over the last 21 years.
Everyone agreed it has been a real pleasure working on this committee dur- ing Joan's term as Chairman. She has the true Guiding Spirit, leadership by example and there has never been unpleasant words or atmosphere. To save I.G.G. money, spring cleaning and painting, inside and out, was done on a voluntary basis with Joan as our leader. Poor Jim was volunteered on a regu- lar basis to fix broken doors, toilets, roof and gutter cleaning, weed spraying - all the dangerous jobs.
When large items, such as new fires, fridges and freezers were ordered for the Cottage Joan was always around opening and closing the Cottage for deliveries. Alarm calls brought Joan and Jim out even during the night and believe me there have been many call outs over those years.
We were delighted when Joan agreed to continue organising our Friends’ days. Lady Baden-Powell would be proud and delighted to know that all those like minded people, without whose dedication to Guiding, we would not have Guiding here today, are still meeting yearly in this Cottage, which she opened on 1st July 1950 (64 years ago)
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 19
Memories, In the year of the Brownie Centenary, we look back on it’s history with an extract from Winifred Bewley’s memoirs.
Memories! It wasn’t always easy being a Brownie in the 1920s …
For Winifred Bewley (nee Burne), joining Leeson Park telegram which was being tapped out on the buzzer in the Brownies in the early 1920s proved a life-changing event: post office.
The little old lady who introduced me to Brownies … changed The examiner for the senior signalling test was a uniformed my whole life. She was grey-haired, and with the kind of Irish Army officer who clearly thought that such an evening’s friendliness which inspired trust, and she was a well- work was beneath his dignity. This affront to our pride established customer in our shop. How, or why, she arranged overcame our awe at being confronted with an examiner of for me to go to Brownies I never discovered. My parents such standing, and before long examiner and victims came to arranged my comings and goings in those days without any respect each other’s ability, in an atmosphere of shared reference to me whatever, and so when I was sent out with enthusiasm and friendly exchange of unlikely messages …. this elderly lady, I was surprised, but did not raise any objection. Brownies, and later Guides, became my only On two occasions we camped in the Powerscourt Estate in contact with others of my own age, apart from school, and Enniskerry. Lord and Lady Powerscourt were both very were the beginning of independence and release from the interested in the Baden-Powell movement and frequently restricted life of home. During eleven years I grew up through visited camps in their grounds. …. On one occasion a large Brownies, Guides, Rangers to become an officer (Tawny Owl) pile of grain had been left at the end of the barn which we before leaving the movement [due to other interests and used for sleeping. The possibility that this would attract rats or demands on time]. mice was firmly discounted by the workman who was in charge of that part of the yard. However, early one morning After a year in Brownies, and having got my first class badge, several rats were seen nibbling industriously at the grain. I ‘flew up’ to Guides, because by then I was larger than the Amid rising excitement, the girl nearest to me threw a shoe others in the pack, and it was impossible to find a Brownie and killed one of the animals, thereby earning our amazed uniform to fit me, especially the awful cream straw hat, which respect. The pile of grain was removed during the day …. was then the official accompaniment to the brown cotton dress and tie. Some people did not approve of Guides or Scouts; they considered the organisation to be too military in style, too Tests for badges in domestic subjects such as cooking, British in orientation, or just vaguely not quite suitable for cleaning and laundry work were a problem for me as Mother young people. I had a form mistress who, without explanation, had little time, and no patience, for helping me to get the disliked the whole idea of Guides so much that she would not necessary experience. My awkward attempts to iron a long- allow anyone to wear a Guide badge in her class, of which I sleeved blouse appalled Mother into finishing it herself. The was a member when I was about 12-years-old. On one examiner must have had quite a sense of humour, for on occasion she gave as our homework essay, ‘My hobby’. This being presented with the blouse, part creaseless and part was awkward for me as my great interest was in being a somewhat less so, she just looked at me with a smile and Guide. Greatly daring, and with extra care as to neatness, I waited, until in a rush of embarrassed words I explained that tried to convey to her what Guiding meant to me in interests Mother could not bear to see me make such a mess of it. The and companionship. I attached a examiner just said quietly, “Well, at least you tried, and you note to my essay apologising for can improve with time, and she allowed me sufficient marks to having had to write on a subject scrape through that part of my exam.” which she disliked so much. I received an adequate mark for my First aid, home nursing, signalling and map-reading fascinated essay, but no comment me. Learning from books was interesting and caused no great whatsoever. problem, while curved arms of chairs, bulbous table-legs and an elderly teddy bear became admirable subjects for bandage When I was a young married practice. Adventures stories in my brother’s books provided woman I re-visited my old school an impetus for learning the mysteries of signalling in Morse and met this teacher, who was by code by flag, by light or by buzzer, as well as using then thinking of retirement. I was semaphore …. surprised, and very pleased, when she told me that she still had my One day I was sent on a message to a shop in Enniskerry, essay on ‘Guides’ among papers where our Guide company was camping, and the shop had a which she specially wanted to Winnie Bewley pictured at a Ranger post office which sent and received telegrams. It was only keep, and that she was always camp in Lyndhurst in 1932 when the shop assistant laughingly accused me of day- glad that I had written it. dreaming that I realised that I was automatically de-coding a ~ Winifred Bewley (1913 – 1992)
Page 20 Trefoil News September 2014
OUT AND ABOUT
SKIPATHON
Many Thanks to all those Units who took part in the Skipathon in May and sent us in pictures. Here are Griffeen Valley Brownies having a skipathon in their local park and Trim/Kiltale Brownies holding their skipathon at Trim Castle. If you sent in other skipathon photos, they can probably be seen in our online galleries. Many thanks for taking part!
Scan here to visit IGG’s Donabate Ladybirds and Brownies plan ng flowers on the village green. Taking part in Tidy Towns as lots of Units did. Well Done to all…
Siamsa Brownies, Bandon planted a flower bed in their local area. Have you been Out and About? Tell us about it [email protected]
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 21
OUT AND ABOUT
North West Outdoor Leader Training
Ballycroy Brownies raised €300 in a cake sale for the children’s cancer charity — Hand In Hand — as part of their Brownie Centenary Badge challenge.
Well Done, Well Done, Very Vey Well Done, girls!
NAVAN GIRL GUIDES WIN THE WAR AT CAMP!
Navan Girl Guides had a great Guide Camp mid July, well done to my small but wonderful team Siobhan Duffy and Jo- Anne Corcoran and especially our two enthusiastic and very helpful young Leaders Sarah and BanAnna !! The theme was How the Girl Guides Won the War, inspired by the book of the same name.
Some of the activities were very thought provoking and we even explored the 'voices against violence' Programme and made and hoisted a flag. The girls had great fun all weekend and completed their craft badge too, making craft like fabric painting, hand sewing and machine sewing plate bags and getting to be 'land girls' milking cows and baking bread, they also enjoyed learning new skills like sawing wood and campcraft.
The games were simple and traditional often needing little or no materials but some Have you been games meant using our first aid skills to bandage the wounded ‘soldiers’. Evening Out and About? entertainment was a traditional camp fire on the first night and our movie night Tell us about it included a short Pathe clip about women's role in wartime, which showed the Girl [email protected] Guides; and was followed by 'The Book Thief' a film about a girl of Guide age living in Germany during the war, which made us all cry but we all thought it was a great film. Thanks to Causey Farm who gave us a chance to try the bodhran and dance the siege of Ennis, all great craic! and special thanks to Maureen Dillon for all her support, and telling us about the penny for luck tradition :-)
Page 22 Trefoil News September 2014
OUT AND ABOUT
Albatross Brownies & Phoenix Guides - The Results are In!
The girls in the Albatross Brownies and Phoenix Girl Guides have been working on their Voting Badge which culminated in the girls holding a mock election in May. There was great excitement all around as we distributed voting papers and counted the votes! A special visitor, Cllr Molly Buckley, surprised the girls and told us all about her experience of running for elections. At the final count Jane was voted as Brownie Representative and Lucy as Guide Representative.
It was a fantastic night and great way to teach the girls about the Voter badge — well done to Val Lynam and all the other Leaders in Tullamore who organised the evening.
Take a Step Back in Time - for your Guide Trip
Having been to Lorne House several times before, Tivoli and Ballybrack Guides were looking for somewhere new to go. We heard that there was a residential option at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Set in over 170 acres of rolling countryside, this outdoor museum tells the story of life in early 20th century Ulster by recreating the town and countryside buildings of the time, some are replicas and some have been moved stone by stone from their original locations. The urban area had three churches, a courthouse, a picture house, and many other buildings including a sweet shop which the girls quickly discovered! The rural area had many farms, a working forge etc. ranging from poor dwellings to more wealthy farms of the time. The Transport Museum is across the road and residents have free access to that too. The staff of the museum were dressed in period costume and were all very helpful, some of them demonstrated trades and skills of the era. There are workshops available in various skills, but as we were there during school holidays, we were limited to one of these.
Four Leaders and 20 girls went in early July, we travelled by Dart, Train and local train right to the Museum. The accommodation was very comfortable and clean, hidden behind the façade of old terraced houses in the middle of the Folk Park town. During the day the museum was open to the public, so it was important the girls respected this. After 5 we had the whole area to ourselves so the girls loved the freedom to wander freely on the streets and country lanes in small groups; this was very safe as there was 24 hour security who we had radio contact with. The town included a photographer Have you been who took photos of each patrol with a Leader in period costume. One evening the Education Officer Out and About? arranged for a man to come and do a Barn Dance in the parochial hall, she also gave us some quizzes Tell us about it [email protected] for the girls to do. We spent an afternoon in Bangor. We went for a day to Crawfordsburn Scout Centre which is close by, we did rafting, caving and pedal carting. We were catered for and the food was excellent. We felt it was good value for money.
This was a very interactive easy trip to organise. The girls enjoyed their time away thoroughly and came away having learnt a lot about life in the early twentieth century. We would definitely go again
and recommend it to other groups. Gill Buckley
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 23
OUT AND ABOUT
Donabate Brownies & Ladybirds had a visit from some of the Dublin Fire Brigade recently. The crew spoke to them about fire safety and showed them some of the equipment on the fire truck. Inviting the local Fire Brigade to a Unit meeting is a great Unit activity and a brilliant way to teach your girls about fire
Fun day held in Fota, Co. Cork for the Lee Valley uNITS. Girls from Ladybirds, Brownies and Guides attended on the day and not even the rain could spoil the day for all the girls involved.
Our favourite campfire songs were sung and the girls had plenty of time to check out the animals and even have their faces painted. A truly successful day for all involved. The girls are already looking forward to next year’s fun day!!!
Ardilaun Have you been Out and About? Ladybirds Tell us about it Macroom, completing [email protected] part of their outdoor badge with this great collage on the weather!
Page 24 Trefoil News September 2014
OUT AND ABOUT
Centenary birthday party with Rivervalley Brownies and Howth Brownies, which took place on Saturday 14th June in Swords. The girls took part in lots of activities including cake decorating, making friendship bracelets, guessing the number of sweets in a jar, having their nails painted and learning The Walls of Limerick and some other dances as part of their dancer badge. It was a great day helped in no small part to all the Leaders who helped organise it, and of course the lovely sunshine.
Sandford Brownies 100 year celebration. The National Adult Literacy Agency were kind enough to host the Sandford Brownies in their lush gardens for a special 100 year Brownie Birthday celebration.. The lovely garden combined with the amazing weather and a delicious chocolate cake donated by Butler’s Pantry meant that the event was a roaring success
Mayo Brownies Brilliant Birthday
Eighty Brownies and 18 volunteer Leaders came together at Ardagh Community Centre on Saturday the 7th June to celebrate the national Brownie Centenary. Ardagh, Ballycroy, Belleek, Castles, Moy and Thevenet Brownie Units were all represented. The girls had to complete a number of tasks during the day including learning about food, crafts, dance and games from other countries.
All the girls got to take part in a treasure hunt. They also met two international ‘guests’ and got to ask them questions about their own countries. The girls wanted to know all about New Zealand from volunteer Leader Janey Lavelle and were equally interested in finding more about Latvia from Zane Joyce. Zane also introduced the girls to a traditional Latvian song and a Latvian instrument called the Kokle During lunch the girls were entertained by a local traditional music band.
Toward the end of the day the girls formed a giant Brownie ring and sang happy birthday and a representative from each Unit got to blow out the candles on the birthday cake. The day ended with a bit of disco fun! A big thanks to all the Leaders who made the day such a great success.
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 25
OUT AND ABOUT
Naomh Gobnait Brownies, Clonmel camping in Mount Mellary.
Galtee Brownies from Mitchelstown with their Leaders having a cake in the shape of 100 to celebrate Brownies’ 100th birthday.
Howth Brownies’ trip on the O'Malley Express and then to the Howth Transport Museum.
Combined with a sailing trip earlier in the Summer — Howth Brownies had a very busy, fun time! We have so many photos from the Brownies celebrating their birthday - both at the Zoo Day and local Have you been parties, we just wouldn’t be Out and About? able to publish them all. Tell us about it [email protected] If you sent in a photo to us and it’s not published here — check out the galleries on the IGG website or our Facebook page to find your photo
Page 26 Trefoil News September 2014
LADYBIRDS
Welcome back everyone, we hope you enjoyed your summer break (your batteries are recharged) and are ready to face the fun and challenges the new Ladybird year will bring. Thanks to all Leaders for overseeing our Sunflower planting and a big congratulations to Amy Warren of Cú Chulainn Ladybirds - owner of the tallest sunflower.
In this issue we have” getting to know you” activities, so important for your new Ladybirds as it can be an exciting time for some who may have just started in “Big” School plus some new faces for our older Ladybirds to welcome to Guiding, and for Leaders a reminder to dot the “i”s and cross the “t”s on the paperwork. Hopefully the weather will stay kind and maybe allow us to go outdoors with the Outdoor Awards Badge in mind.
This Ladybird year 2014/15 will see the new Programme roll out and Leaders are invited to the first Trainings for the new Programme on 21/22 March 2015 at the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport, see ad page 11 (booking form will be in next month’s Trefoil News) Please think about going to this training as it will be the first glimpse of the new Programme.
n the meantime we have the Table Quiz to look forward to in October and we would be delighted to hear any ideas or suggestions for any activities/events you have for Ladybirds.
Ladybird Committee
GET IN “FORM” FOR THE NEW LADYBIRD YEAR
IGG Personal Registration Form All Units must use the IGG Personal Registration form for girls. The form Congrats to the winner of our holds important information for the Ladybirds in Bloom Sunflower Leaders and insurance details if and when needed. The Unit Leader CompeƟƟon — Amy Warren of Cú should keep the completed forms safe Chulainn Ladybirds in Drogheda in a plastic pocket folder and bring to your weekly meeting. It is important to ensure The Arboretum received lots of that all new Ladybirds are five years old. This great photos like this one from September new girls must be born in the year Meghan Fielding on the le but 2009 in the months before the 9th month. they had to pick Amy’s sunflower (Forms available from Distribution Centre) as the tallest and just look at it—as tall as the second floor window. Unit Helper Application/Garda Vetting
If you hold a Registration Night, this is the We’d like to thank the Arboretum ideal time to ask parents to volunteer as Unit Helpers. Have a supply of the packs of forms again for sponsoring the sunflowers handy on the night. for every Ladybird and we hope (Packs available from National Office ) you all had a great me growing these flowers over the summer.
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 27
LADYBIRDS
GETTING TO KNOW YOU ACTIVITIES
SWEET MEET You need : Plenty of “Non-Melt” sweets.
♦ Sitting in a circle ask each Ladybird to take some sweets. ♦ Tell them not to eat them. ♦ However many sweets the Ladybirds have in their hands, that is how many facts they have to tell about themselves. i.e. if they have 3 sweets they have to say three facts about themselves. Keep it simple e.g. favourite colour, movie, sport, teddy, clothes, etc. ♦ Don’t forget to let the girls eat their sweets when they have said their facts!
SHOE MATCH UP ♦ Leaders and Ladybirds stand in a circle. Everyone removes one shoe and places it in a pile in the centre of the circle. ♦ Each girl takes a turn to pick a shoe and match it up with the owner wearing the other shoe. Once they have found the match they can ask the owner a simple question to get to know them e.g. what’s your favourite colour or just ask their name. ♦ A good way to liven this one up is to have all the girls run in to the circle at once and grab a shoe at the same time, find their match, ask their question and remake the circle when they are done THE NAME GAME
♦ All Ladybirds and Leaders are standing in a circle. ♦ Each girl takes a turn to do an action while saying her name, this can be a funny move or gesture e.g. clapping hands, a star jump, twirling around. ♦ When they finish everyone copies by doing the same action and repeating the person’s’ name until everyone has had a turn.
FACE TO FACE ♦ Played in pairs. Girls must think quickly to follow the instructions. ♦ The Leader calls out “face to face” or “back to back”, “elbow to elbow”, “nose to nose”, “knee to knee” and so on. ♦ The girls touch body parts as they are called out.
WE ARE LOVELY LADYBIRDS
All the girls stand in a circle. A Leader dances around the circle singing: We are lovely Ladybirds We are lovely Ladybirds We are lovely Ladybirds and ……………….is our friend
She then chooses one of the Ladybirds to join her dancing around the circle. They repeat the song and continue choosing a different Ladybird every time until all the Ladybirds are dancing around the hall in a chain.
When the last girl has joined the chain, they all dance back into the circle and sing together: We are lovely Ladybirds We are lovely Ladybirds We are lovely Ladybirds and we are all great friends.
Page 28 Trefoil News September 2014
LADYBIRDS
Some Fun and Easy Craft Ideas to Get You Started
Popcorn Apple Blossoms Frog Puppet Materials Needed: Materials Needed: Blue Card/Strong Paper A sheet of A4 Green Paper Crayons Red card (small strip) Glue Glue/sellotape 1 Cup of popped popcorn (not Scissors salted) Markers or crayons Googly eyes Instructions: • Have the girls draw a large Instructions: tree or branch, leaves and • Fold the sheet of A4 paper in three forming a long all. Colour in the trunk. rectangle. (suggestions: mark the fold lines in pencil • To create fluffy apple blossoms, glue on pieces of for the girls). popped popcorn. • Fold the rectangle into four making a “W” shape. The “W” shape will be the frog. • Cut out a long tongue using the red card and glue to the inside of the frog’s mouth. Fairy Houses • Draw on the frogs eyes or glue on googly eyes. • The girls can put their fingers into the frog’s upper Materials Needed: jaw and their thumb into the frog’s lower jaw and Cardboard Tube open and close the frog’s big mouth. Scraps of patterned paper e.g. wrapping paper Ladybird Pencil Topper Fairy Cake Cases/ Bun Cases Materials Needed: (coloured/patterned work best) Black Pipe cleaner Scissors Sellotape/Glue Large Red Pompom Markers/Crayons Medium Black Pompom Small Black Pompoms Instructions: Googly Eyes • Cut a rectangle of patterned paper slightly larger Glue than cardboard tube and wrap around the tube. • Sellotape the paper to the tube, don’t forget to tuck Instructions: the ends in. The easiest way to do this is to make • Wrap the pipe cleaner once around the centre of the some small cuts in the end of the paper and fold the red pompom. Twist together underneath and twist end inwards down the cardboard tube. the end into a spiral to be used to wrap around the • For windows and doors on your fairy house you can pencil. The black line of the pipe cleaner forms the draw directly onto the paper with markers or crayons black line down the centre of the Ladybird’s back. or alternatively you can cut out little shapes from • Glue the medium black pompom to the front of the card or paper, draw the details on with markers or red pompom to form the head. crayons and glue them in place. • Stick the small black pompoms on to form the • A pretty bun case makes the perfect roof for your Ladybird spots. fairy house, just glue in place. • Finally stick on the googly eyes. • You could always cut around the door so it opens and you can peak inside!
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 29
LADYBIRDS
A great idea for the coming weeks, while the weather is still 2. WATER warm and the evenings bright is to get the girls started on Sand Picture their Outdoor Awards Badge.
Materials: Coloured Sand There are 10 sections to the Outdoor Awards Book. Please Card note that these books no longer need to be returned to Wallpaper paste/glue National Office, once the Leader is satisfied that the Ladybird Paintbrush has completed sufficient challenges, she can award the Pencil badge.
Instructions: Firstly draw your pictures. Brush a thick layer of For a Ladybird to obtain her Outdoor Awards Badge she must paste on one part of the drawing. Sprinkle sand over the area complete ONE activity/challenge from any SIX Sections. and shake off any loose particles. Paint another area with
paste and shake on a different colour. Leave it for a few The 10 sections are as follows; hours to dry.
1. Animals 3. THE UNIVERSE 2. Water 3. The Universe Star Craft 4. Guiding Events 5. Trees and flowers Make a display of stars that can be used for Halloween or 6. Our environment Christmas. Cut out 2 identical triangles for each Ladybird. 7. Rambling Place on top of each other so that you have a six pointed star 8. Weather and glue centres together. Decorate with glitter or glow-in-the 9. Birds -dark markers. 10. Camping and Holidays 4. GUIDING EVENTS Invite Stitch to Visit: Do something outdoors with Stitch and The Outdoor Awards Book is available join all the other Units that Stitch has visited. Don’t forget to online on our website write up a Dairy entry for Trefoil News. www.irishgirlguides.ie under multi-branch programmes. 5. TREES AND FLOWERS Grow Something — see I am a Ladybird workbook Page 24. This book gives the whole range of activities/challenges to choose from 6. OUR ENVIRONMENT to obtain the award. Below is just a Recycle! taste of the activities/challenges under each section to get you started. 7. RAMBLING Take the girls on a hike.
8. WEATHER 1. ANIMALS Weather Activity — see I am a Ladybird workbook Page 23.
Play a stalking game: 9. BIRD Make a Bird Feeder or a Bird Mobile Arrange the Ladybirds in a large circle. In the middle place a Identify 5 birds you would see in Ireland chair – under which you have placed an object, toy Ladybird or the roll book. Choose one Ladybird to sit on the chair 10. CAMPING AND HOLIDAYS blindfolded. In turn, each Ladybird in the circle must try to Build a shelter remove the item under the chair, without the blindfolded Have a pretend camp indoors. (See April 2006 Trefoil News Ladybird hearing or becoming aware of them. Total quiet is for a great Indoor Ladybird Camp programme) needed for this.
Page 30 Trefoil News September 2014
Brownies
Hi Folks,
Welcome back again to the last three months of our centenary year - let’s hope it’s as exciting and fun filled as the first few months were. Lets’ not forget to celebrate Brownies’ Brilliant Birthday for another while.
Some of the ways you can continue your celebration is by sending in for your Brownie Challenge Badges and by entering the photographic competition. Remember the photographs for that will be used for a pack going out later on (mid November) so make sure you send us the photographs by the end of September.
Brownie Branch thanks you for all your help and input into this special year and looks forward to working with you again.
Keep smiling ! Brownie Branch
Welcome back ideas to restart your Brownie Unit Make new friends— BRACELET ‘Bee’ Prepared
You will need: Give each Brownie a cut Pipe cleaners out of a bee shape. Pony beads – gold and silver. Ask them to write on the ‘Bee’, what they are going ◊ Give each Brownie a pipe to try and ‘bee’ e.g. ‘ Be cleaner and a mixture of gold friendly, be helpful, be kind, and silver pony beads. be tidier’ etc. ◊ Brownies thread beads on to Have a large picture of a the pipe cleaner and make a bracelet. hive, flower, house, etc. ◊ Brownies form a circle and sing: and place it on the floor in ‘Make new Friends and keep the old the middle of Brownie circle. Brownies then place their ‘bee’ One is silver and the other gold on the picture and say what they are going to try and ‘bee’ A circle’s round it has no end better at for the following week. That’s how long we’ll all be friends’ The following week, ask Brownies if they managed to ‘bee ◊ Brownies then go to another Brownie whom they better’ and repeat. don’t usually play with outside of Brownies and introduce themselves and spend 5 minutes talking to This could be a quick activity done on a weekly basis, to each other and they then exchange bracelets and encourage Brownies to do their best. Bees could be stuck have made a new friend. onto the picture to encourage Brownies when they see all the bees swarming together. SCRAP BOOK GOOD TURN POST=IT ◊ At the start of your Brownie Guiding year, give each Brownie a scrapbook. ◊ Give each Brownie 7 x Post-its ◊ Record in it the date she joined Brownies, and/or stick (for each day of the week) to her Ladybird to Brownie Cert on the first page. take home. ◊ When you are doing badge work, use the scrapbook ◊ When Brownie has done a to record the activities that the Brownie has done and Good Turn, she places a ‘Post- record on it the date she received her badge for it’ in that room, area etc. e.g. relevant activity. emptied / loaded dishwasher, ◊ Ideas: Take photos of enrolment ceremonies, pack but post-it on door of holidays, parties, special events and record in the dishwasher, tidied playroom – put post-it on door. scrapbook to give Brownies as a memento of their ◊ The following week ask Brownies who did 7 Good time in Brownies. Turns, and if anyone noticed the Good Turns they ◊ did. Trefoil News September 2014 Page 31
Brownies
FACE CLOTH THROW MUSICAL BROWNIES ◊ Brownies form a circle, make sure they are well spaced out (arms length away from each other). LOLLIPOP STICK HARMONICA ◊ Brownies have to remember 2 things: 1) who they are throwing the facecloth to, and 2) who threw the facecloth You will need: to them. • 2 Lollipop Sticks (use wide ones if you can get them) ◊ Roll facecloth up and secure with ribbon or wool. A soft • 2 Rubber Bands (you could also use string) ball or soft beanbag could also be used. • A strip of paper the same size as the Lollipop Stick ◊ Give facecloth to Brownie to start off the game, she • throws it to another Brownie calling out her name. This 2 toothpicks cut the width or just wider than the Lollipop Stick Brownie then throws facecloth to another Brownie calling out her name and so on. At any point the Leader What to do: can stop the game and ask for the facecloth throwing to 1. Sandwich the paper strip be reversed. in between the 2 Lollipop ◊ See if they can remember the sequence of throws. Sticks. ◊ Start off with a small number of throws first and build up 2. Wrap a rubber band the sequence to involve all the Brownies. around one end until it is snug. Spinning Top 3. Slide a toothpick to the inside of the rubber band. You will need: CD, top of a bottle, marble and circle of 4. Sandwich the last toothpick at the other end of the Lollipop patterned or plain paper, hot glue gun. sticks, and wrap with a rubber band. 5. Now you are all set to make some music. Simply blow or What to do: suck air to make a unique noise. You can also try pinching ◊ Cut out a circle of paper to glue on top of the CD. (this the Lollipop Sticks together to see what new noise you can should be smaller than the CD), you can use wrapping create. paper or plain paper and get Brownies to colour it in themselves. ACTION SONG: edelweiss ◊ Glue the marble to the bottom of the CD covering the hole Edelweiss, Edelweiss, every morning you greet me ◊ Glue the bottle top to the top of the CD covering the Small and white, clean and bright, you look happy to meet me hole. Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow ◊ Let glue dry : have fun with your spinning top. Bloom and grow forever Edelweiss, Edelweiss, bless my homeland forever ‘IT’ STICK Actions: You will need: Large plain lollipop sticks, stickers, markers Sitting cross-legged in a circle, each girl places their left hand face up between their left knee and their neighbour's right knee about a What to do: foot off the ground. Everyone places their right hands, palm down, ◊ Give each Brownie a large plain lollipop stick. on their right neighbour's upturned left hand. To the music (so ◊ On one side they write their name and then decorate the these actions fit half of one line of the song) with your right hand, stick, front and back. first you hit your neighbour's left hand, then your right knee, your ◊ Collect all the sticks and place them in a container – the left knee, the bottom of your left hand and then the top of your left ‘it’ container. hand twice. e.g.: for the line "Edelweiss, Edelweiss", you'd go ◊ When selecting a Brownie to run a game or activity etc., through the actions twice. pull an ‘it’ stick from the container and this Brownie is the ‘it’ for this activity. This stick then goes into another The really hard part is switching directions when the Leader says container until all the Brownies have had a chance at “switch.” Usually initially the switching starts at the word blossoms running a game or activity. (from Blossoms of snow... ) so your left hand is now doing the ◊ This ensures that all Brownies will get selected to run an hitting and the right hand remains stationary. Once they and you activity and not always the eager Brownie who feel comfortable with that you can switch every time (therefore volunteers for everything. you'd switch twice a line).
Page 32 Trefoil News September 2014
Brownies BROWNIE PROMISE DOOR HANGER
Enlarge and print off the template on to card. Brownies can colour in and decorate. Then glue two sides together.
The theme of the competition is: embodying/promoting the Brownie Spirit Photographic All entrants must ensure that permission has been granted for children to be included in photos. This competition competition is open to all members of the Brownie Unit – Adult Leaders, Brownies and Young Leaders. Entries with Reminder name of Unit and photographer details to be emailed to [email protected].
Closing date: September 30th
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 33 GUIDES Hi Leaders,
Ceremonies Welcome back to another Guiding year. This is going to be a very exciting Guiding year with the launch of the new The site listed below has lots of hints and tips for holding programme and we look forward to this event in March 2015. ceremonies. A link has been provided in QR code so that it might help Leaders plan ceremonies during the year. In September, Guide Branch will hold the Gold Awards and Some of the most important things to remember about we look forward to meeting all Gold Award recipients on 27th ceremonies are listed below: of this month. We hope you enjoy the activities in this month’s Trefoil News and have a great first few weeks back When Planning a Ceremony... with your Guides.
Remember, there is no set formula for creating a Guide Branch successful ceremony. Having said that, here's a list of things you might want to consider in your planning: Getting to Know You Games! THEME - The central idea of the ceremony e.g. friendship, international, Promise and Law. What do you want this ceremony to say? Silent Interviews
• WORDS - Something read or said by one or more persons Divide the Unit into pairs - try to make mix the girls into pairs who don't know each other well. So if you have PARTICIPATION – Who will take part in the new girls in your Unit in September—pair them with ceremony? Who will help plan the ceremony? The girls older Guides and don’t allow friends to be paired will feel more ownership of the ceremony if they have a together. • hand in its planning and implementation. Ask the participants to introduce themselves to their partner. • GATHERING – How will you draw the group together in a Instruct the Guides that from this point forward, unified identity? In Guiding, one way to do this is through speaking is not allowed. This includes whispering, the reaffirmation of our Promise and Law. mouthing words, and making sounds, too! • Inform the girls that they must tell their partner 3 things PROPS - Flags, candles, maps, dolls, a pond, a bridge, about themselves without speaking, similar to a anything that can be seen and helps to emphasize the charades game. These things can not be physical theme, e.g. lighting candles to signify the Light of Guiding. characteristics. • Once all of the partners have finished miming to each ACTIONS - How will the participants stand? Will anyone other, call everyone back into a circle. • move? If so, where and how? Visualize the space in Ask for each pair to verbally introduce their partner to which the ceremony is to take place and go through the the group, as well as the three things that they learned flow of the ceremony in your mind. Plan these elements (or think they learned…...) beforehand and ensure everyone knows what they need to do. Face to Face
MUSIC - Sung or played on an instrument, tape recorder • The Leader has the Unit randomly pair up. Once or CD player, with or without words. introductions between partners are made, the Leader gives the group a topic to discuss with their partner for SYMBOLS – Give the participants 30 seconds or so. something to remember the • At the end of the time, the Leader will call for the ceremony by, whether it is a Guides to switch partners and call out a new topic. certificate, a foamy shape, a special • Try to choose topics that are both fun and insightful. picture of the event, a candle with Examples include: their name on it, a flower, etc. "If you could have lunch with anyone from history, who would it be?" "If you could be granted one wish, what Becky’s Guiding would it be?" Resource
Page 34 Trefoil News September 2014
GUIDES
FUN LAST MINUTE GAMES!
HULA HOOPS by 31st Orleans Pathfinders
Materials needed: 2 hula hoops
All Guides join hands and form a circle. Two Guides drop hands and put their arms through the hula hoops. They then join hands again. The hula hoops are then dangling from their arms. The objective of the game is to send the hula hoops completely around the circle and return them to the starting point without releasing hands. This means that each Guide has to go through the hula hoops as they make their way around the circle. One of the hula hoops will also have to travel through the other hoop. You cannot use your fingers at all! It takes co-operation with your partners. Once experienced, you could add more hula hoops!
UP AND DOWN Guides stand back to back with a partner with their elbows interlocked. Using each other's back for support, the partners must try to sit on the floor and stretch out their legs. Then, while keeping their elbows locked, the partners must now try to stand up without slipping or falling down! (Not as easy as it sounds!)
HIDE AND GO BEEP When it's too dark to play hide and go seek, get out your personal radar for a game of Hide and Go Beep! Locate one another by sound: Hidden Guides must beep every 30 seconds or so. Just count to 30 and beep. Remember, locate a space where Guides won't trip or run into unseen objects.
COLLECTIVE SHEET BALL by Trudy Haughland
Materials needed: 2 large sheets 2 lightweight balls (such as beach balls, tennis balls, etc.)
This is a good game for a big group. Two teams of Guides spread around the 2 sheets. The Guides grasp the edges of the sheet and the ball is placed in the middle. Have Guides warm up by tossing the ball into the air and catching it. The teams pass the ball back and forth. One team can toss their ball straight up and dash out of the way to let the other team catch it. After cooperating for a while, there can be another ball added for more fun.
GROUP WALK by Linda Gardner Guides line up shoulder to shoulder, each Guide's right foot next to the left foot of the Guide to her right. The challenge to the group is to 'walk forward' as a group--with each group step every Guide steps forward with one (and only one) foot (keeping her feet touching the feet of the Guides on either side of her). Not easy!
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 35 GUIDES Street Orienteering
An idea for a first meeting back in September when you need an activity that doesn’t require specific numbers: In Patrols, the girls are given a sheet of paper with a instructions on what route to take around the town with questions to answer about shops, street names, and local landmarks to make sure they followed the right route before returning to the meeting place, e.g. walk to traffic lights and cross road. What is the name of the bakery on this street? Turn left at newsagents. Name two shops on this street. What is this street called?
A few more activities that can be used as outdoor number challenges and could be played outside on a fine evening:
North by Northeast The Leader gathers the Guides together. Using the compass, they all learn how to determine which direction is north. One Guide is asked to select an object that is directly north (e.g. a tree, or a doorstep, or a post ). The Guides then decides on an object that lies directly south, one that lies directly east, and one that lies directly west.
Everyone assembles in the centre of the playing area. The Leader calls out one of "NORTH", "SOUTH", "EAST" or "WEST", and everyone runs to touch the object that lies in that direction. The last girl to touch the object is eliminated.
After playing a few rounds of the game, play can stop, and objects for the other points (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest) can be added. Every one can begin the game again. A great game to introduce the skill of orienteering!
The Stalker Half the Guides are given blindfolds to wear. These girls are placed in scattered formation within the boundaries of the playing area. A stone is placed between their feet but not touching them.
The other half of the Unit (the ones that can see!) begin to stalk the blindfolded players in an effort to obtain the stone from between their feet. In an attempt to pinpoint a stalker, the blindfolded players may point to a sound. If a stalker is there, the two players switch positions. Stalkers try to collect as many stones as possible without being caught.
VARIATION: There is a terrific variation to this game that you can play on dark evenings. The girls protecting the stone between their feet are given torches When they think they know the location of a stalker, instead of pointing to her, they flash the light in the direction from where they hear the noise. Each girl is given three opportunities to use her torch but if she has not caught the stalker then she loses the stone to the closest stalker.
You Can't See Me! The object of this game is to allow the players the opportunity to pretend they are animals, trying to hide from Man.
The group walks a given distance down a nature trail (you will need to be near a wooded area) while the Leader explains the rules: 1) Each player is given time to hide along the trail. 2)They may travel no more than 15 feet from either side of the trail 3) May use anything in the natural environment to provide camouflage
The Leader waits about five minutes until all players are hidden. She then walks the distance of the trail ONCE ONLY, and tries to find as many Guides as possible.
After the walk, she calls out, and watches to see where all the successful 'animals' hid. This game can be repeated many times, with different players taking the role of the searcher. It is fun to talk about the hiding places that were the most successful, and how animals might protect themselves from predators. Courtesy of: www.ultimatecampresource.com
Page 36 Trefoil News September 2014
GUIDES Why not photocopy the following sheet to help your Patrol Leaders find their feet in September.
Eleven Tips for Being a Good Patrol Leader
1. Keep Your Word. Don't make promises you can't keep. 2. Be Fair to All. Show no favourites. Don't allow friendships to keep you from being fair to all the girls in your Patrol. Know who likes to do what, and assign duties to girls by what they like to do. 3. Be a Good Communicator. A good leader knows how to get and give information so that everyone understands what's going on. 4. Be Flexible. Everything doesn't always go as planned. Be prepared to shift to “plan B” when “plan A” doesn't work. 5. Be Organised. The time you spend planning will be repaid many times over. At Patrol meetings, keep a record of who agrees to do each task. 6. Delegate. Some leaders assume that the job will not get done unless they do it themselves. Most people like to be challenged with a task. Empower your Patrol members to do things they have never tried, find difficult, etc. 7. Set an Example. The most important thing you can do is lead by example. Be a leader in Guide Spirit. Girls in your Patrol will look to you for guidance and example not only in the activities but also in the inner spirit of a Guide. Whatever you do, your girls are likely to do the same. For example, a cheerful attitude can keep everyone's spirits up. 8. Be Consistent. Nothing is more confusing than a leader who is one way one moment and another way a short time later. If your patrol knows what to expect from you, they will more likely respond positively to your leadership. 9. Give Praise. “Good job or Well Done” is often all the praise that is necessary. It helps to build self-confidence and makes the girl feel valued. 10. Ask for Help. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. You have many resources at your disposal. When confronted with a situation you don't know how to handle, ask someone with more experience for some advice and direction. 11. Be Patient. You won't get anywhere by pushing or scolding. That will only put the girls on the defensive and do the opposite of what you wish to accomplish. Take it easy, and you'll eventually have everyone cooperating to the best of her ability.
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 37
SENIOR BRANCH Chief Commissioner’s Award
It's all over for another year. 60km, €3.50 a day, 8 projects and carrying your home on your back. Our 4 teams have been amazing. They all finished saying they couldn't have given more of themselves than they did and that is exactly what we were looking for. We spent our final weekend at the Chief's having interviews, visiting Father Ted's House, surfing and of course having the all important ceremony and banquet. We choose Poulnabrone Dolmen for our ceremony as it is one of the enduring monuments of the Burren. The sun shone (although storms were forecast) and the girls squeals of joy could be heard all over as one by one we announced that they had all received cert, woggle and pin. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect end to a great week. Congratulations again to all the girls. Cathy, Colleen, Gillian.
Day 3: Well yesterday’s adventures were a bit rough. It can be tough going not knowing when the road will end! But we did it and smiles were put on ready for day 3 of 5. As we went along the road we sang and chatted, waved at the locals. We made it to the camp site after a little bit of a hiccup .. but we were soooo happy to be greeted with open arms (plus 3 cans of coke from Eoin) and a big hug from Colleen and Gillian (Chief Commissioner's Award Organisers) Pasta eventually cooked - like a slow boat to China - but tummys were full and it was time for bed. Stars were shining so bright it was magical.
Day 4: One more day to go, illness was kicking in and injuries were affecting our plan for the day. With teamwork Honestly, it’s so hard to describe exactly how we are feeling we made it up the steepest hill and over the rocky fences. at this moment excited, accomplished, emotional, overjoyed- Sometimes people just need to smile at other people just to it’s like we've been on a roller coaster ride - everything has make them forget all the bad things. Teamwork! It was an happened so quickly the ups and the downs, the left and the eventful day - we smiled, we laughed and even washed a rights, everything and it’s been a blast. Land Rover !! Our Service project was completed, it didn’t turn out too shabby considering it was Lauren and my first Here is a little diary of our journey we’d like to share with you time to wash a car. We made it to the last campsite, it was our base camp we were delighted and got greeted by Miss Day One: Happy Campers were set on the road, our secret Grace Whyte with the biggest smile. Projects needed to be location was Doolin Pier. Map was planned for the 5 days done ASAP as tomorrow was collection . Sleep was just what and mileage started to be counted as we walked along the we needed for our last 3 km in the morning cliffs. It was all surreal with our homes on our back and fresh faces, we knew it all started here. Mileage was done and a Day 5: This is it we've made it to the last day, who knew we quick escape off the mainland to Inis Oirr was the next plan ! could do it ! Well apart from Coleen, Gillian and Cathy who Inis Oirr was our home for that day and night, through out the have been telling us all along that we could do it of course. day we met lovely locals and tourists in Clare, we knew we were in safe hands. 3km was so short and we made it to the harbour, our final pick up point ! We doodled the log book and wrote our Day Two: Projects needed to be started so it was a trip to reflection and handed it up at 2pm on the dot, knowing that the Irish school that we needed. We tried to speak in Irish for we gave our all, that’s all that matters to us, No one can take most of the duration on the island to respect the language ! the 60k away from us nor the memories we had made along This was a personal challenge for most of us. Time was the way. ticking and the boat was slowly coming into shore. As we boarded the boat we planned the day ahead, knowing we We came so far from the moment we started on this journey wouldn’t hit a shop for another few days - we planned our thinking we could do it and we soldiered on. What was food budget and what to get,. The three amigos needed food achieved was not easy but it shows us that the you can do to carry on the amazing adventure. anything you set your mind to…. Aine Foley
Page 38 Trefoil News September 2014
SENIOR BRANCH Chief Commissioner’s Award
Three Rangers, 60 kilometres, 5 After our five days of hiking, living in our small tents, cooking all days, 2 tents and 1 secret our meals on a limited budget, we finished at the Ailwee Caves, location – without doubt the tired but feeling that we really deserved our 99 ice cream which Chief Commissioner’s Award is a was our treat for achieving the 60k. We were picked up and recipe for adventure or….. returned to base camp, where we met the other teams and disaster!!!! heard about everyone’s adventures during the week. That evening we all had our team assessments and then we sat rd On the 3 of August, we were chatting and nervously wondering how we had fared overall. given a 6-figure grid reference, Saturday was a relaxing day and the surfing was brilliant which which led us from our homes in took our minds off all the aches and pains of the previous five County Cork to Galway Bus Station. Later that evening, the days. All dressed up in our Award uniform, we headed off for secret location of out treacherous 5-day hike was revealed – the presentation ceremony that evening to the portal dolmen at amongst the spectacular landscape of the Burren. After a Poulnabrone, which was our logo for this year’s Chief’s. We debriefing with the Award staff and a good night’s sleep at the were all delighted that every team achieved the certificate, base camp, we were “unceremoniously dumped” at the side of a woggle and much-prized Chief Commissioner’s Award pin. gravel path along the Cliffs of Moher. From there, armed with our map, compass, instructions and loaded rucksacks, we All in all, we had an amazing experience. It was far, far better began our journey. that we had expected; we learnt that we had the strength and resources to keep going when things were tough, to interact with Throughout the 5 days we roamed the countryside of Doolin, strangers, who very quickly became friends, to learn a lot more Fanore, Ballyvaughan and the island of Inis Oírr. On our about the country in which we live and to live in close harmony journey, we quizzed tourists on their opinions of Ireland and as friends within the confines of very small tents, minimal questioned locals on the importance of the Irish language as clothing, keeping to a budget and cheering one another through part of our Award projects. On one such occasion we were aches, pains and a couple of blisters. The week was brilliant, warmly welcomed by Eugene on Innis Oírr, who told us of the exhilarating, a once in a lifetime experience and an eye opener importance of the next generation in order to secure the future of for us as to the things could achieve when we set our minds to the island. It goes without saying that the opinions of all the doing something. This is what Guiding has given us over the people living in the Burren struck a cord with us on our journey. past number of years and who knows what our next challenge As part of our Service project, we offered to help in the will be? traditional Irish pub -Tigh Ruaraí - where we cleaned tables Vera O’Riordan, Laura O’Sullivan, Eimhear Smith — during the lunch time rush and spent time washing and drying all MacEgan Rangers, Macroom and Schull the dishes.
Senior Branch Chairman’s Note
This summer has been great for Guiding with many Units off travelling to foreign parts, spending time at camp and for the adventurous among you there were even four teams who completed their Chief Commissioner's Award.
This year is shaping up to be an exciting year in Guiding and especially in Senior Branch with many changes coming. Senior Branch will have a new age range, there will be new Units popping up around the country and there will be a great new programme with many different opportunities to gain skills, knowledge and confidence.
We have been consulting on a new name for Senior Branch. We are in the process of having an extensive survey completed by our members. We will be Jenny Gannon and Chief Commissioner’s Award explaining more, and finalising the name and other details at the November organiser Gillian Finan outside Fr Ted’s house in Clare. Weekend so make sure you keep it free. There will be details and booking information in next month’s Trefoil News and of course via Facebook.... It is, as always, the last weekend in November so put it in the diary early!!!!
Have a great Guiding year and if you got up to anything exciting over the summer or even last year please send an article and pictures on to us - we want to see YOU in The Welly!!! Jenny, SB Chair
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 39
Albania Andorra Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus
Germany
IGG Explorer Belt Expedition 2015 Czech Republic
UK Inspired by the adventures of the girls on this year’s Chief Commissioner’s Award?
Slovakia
Looking for a personal challenge for next summer? Greece Look no further…
Ukraine The Senior Branch commiƩee is organising Serbia
an Explorer Belt expediƟon to take place in early August 2015. Hungary Denmark The Explorer Belt Expedi on, some mes referred to as ‘The Belt’ for short, is kind of like the Chief Commissioner’s Award, except it’s bigger, be er and foreign. You have to hike for Turkey 10 days, carrying all your supplies with you, and it all has to take place outside of Ireland.
Along the way you have to keep a diary of your adventures and you have a number of San Marino Iceland
projects to complete which help you find out more about the area you are walking in and Estonia gives you a chance to meet the locals. It is not a mountain expedi on, the walking takes place on tracks, trails and local roads
Who can sign up? st Russia Girls aged between 18 and 30 on August 1 2015 are eligible to par cipate in teams of two Italy Finland Switzerland Costs: Details are currently being finalised but we hope to keep the event around €600 for the two weeks.
Loca on: Kazakhstan
Romania France
Sweden Where? Just like the Chiefs the loca on is kept top secret un l the last minute. In previous years teams only discovered their des na on at Dublin Airport!!! To narrow it down slightly we can confirm it will be in Europe! Spain
What next? Georgia ⇒ Convince a like-minded individual to sign up for this unique challenge. Latvia
Portugal ⇒ Clear your calendar for the first two weeks of August in 2015. ⇒ Email [email protected] to let us know you are interested or to ask for further informa on.
Slovenia
ApplicaƟon forms will be available in next month’s Trefoil News.
Poland
Norway Netherlands Montenegro Monaco Moldova
Malta Malta Macedonia Luxembourg Lithuania Liechtenstein
Page 40 Trefoil News September 2014
International — Travellers’ Tales
On Wednesday the 23rd of April 2014, eight local Leaders and eight Guides from the Ballybay Girl Guides Unit set off on an adventure to a-not–so-far-away London. The flight from Dublin airport to Gatwick was approximately one hour. Some of the Girl Guides had never travelled by underground in London before, so this was a new experience as they saw various stations such as Warren Street, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Victoria, Embankment and many others. Where did this group stay you may ask? Well they stayed at Pax Lodge of course!
Pax Lodge is located in north London in Belsize Park, which is on the northern line of the underground system. Pax Lodge has numerous flags hanging outside, representing Girl Guides, Girl Scouts and Leaders from all over the world. Many of the volunteers in Pax Lodge are of different nationalities.
While the Leaders and Guides stayed in Pax Lodge, there were 2 flag raising ceremonies, one on the Thursday and another one on our last day the Saturday. At these ceremonies two flags were raised, the Pax Lodge flag and the WAGGGS flag. Any Girl Scouts or Girl Guides who were staying in Pax Lodge while these ceremonies took place were invited to attend. The Guides and Leaders took part in an international night with Girl Scouts from the USA and exchanged games, songs and swop badges!
On Friday the 25th of April, all of the Guides and Leaders who had never been to Pax Lodge before attended the pinning ceremony, where they all got a lovely pin that you can only get if you visit Pax Lodge.
Some of the Leaders and all of the Guides took the tour around Pax Lodge, which includes information about WAGGGS and the four World Centres, the World Chief Guide and the history of Pax Lodge. On the tour they got to see the different rooms of the Centre too. “The tour was brilliant,” according to the Leaders. So if you ever visit London, definitely have it on your to-do list!
The group from Ballybay also took The Original Bus Tour of London and a River Cruise. While on the River Cruise the Leaders and Guides saw Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London among various others. On the bus tour they got to see Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, Speakers' Corner, Ten Downing Street and several other famous sights. They also got to go on the London Eye, which has spectacular views from the top, right across London.
The Leaders and Guides went to a show in the London Palladium. It was called ‘I Can’t Sing’ and was written by Harry Hill and was very funny.
Now if you were away for four days with eight Guides, what is one thing they will want to do in London? SHOPPING! Of course. The Guides and Leaders alike went shopping in Westfield Shopping Centre, which has many big name shops such as Hollister and Superdry. The Leaders and Guides also went to Covent Gardens which has many exquisite and unique shops.
Overall the Guides enjoyed their trip to London very and would like to thank all the Leaders that helped organise it. Lauren Mooney (Ballybay Guide)
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 41
International — Travellers’ Tales World Leadership Development Programme, Oman by Cathy Connelly
In June this year I attended the World Leadership Development Programme in Muscat, the capital of Oman. It was hosted by the Arab Region of WAGGGS under the theme “Leaders know the way, Leaders go the way, Leaders share the way”. It was designed to develop leadership skills and enable Leaders to share those skills with their Member Organisation upon their return.
The event was held in the Golden Tulip Al-Seeb Hotel in Muscat where all 51 participants and facilitators converged for eight days. There were 22 different nationalities represented at the event. For the duration of the week we were assigned a patrol. Every session began with a talk on that topic, followed by a task which involved group work within the patrol and a presentation to the entire group. The topics covered during the programme included the basic principles of Leadership, self-esteem, effective communication, coaching skills and motivating others. The patrol I worked with had participants from Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Pakistan and Qatar. Visiting Oman Scout and Guide Although language was a barrier initially, we learned Headquarters in Muscat to communicate using hand gestures and by learning bits of each other’s language.
In the evenings there were a variety of events organised including a visit to a traditional souq (market) and a tour of the city which included the Sultan’s palace. We also attended an official dinner hosted by the Directorate General of the Oman Scouts and Guides, Mr. Khaamis, which was held in the Al-Hyaat Hotel in Muscat. On another evening we held an international evening where we got to sample each other’s culture such as our traditional food, music and dance. My presentation on Ireland involved a video display of hurling, a sport which many of the participants had All the Leaders at the World Leadership never heard of before! Development Programme in Oman
For me the highlight of the event was working in my Patrol, something which I have not done since I was a Guide. I enjoyed this as each member of my patrol came from a different culture and as we didn’t have a common language we worked together to overcome this communication challenge. I also enjoyed meeting Leaders from around the world and learning that the principles of Guiding are the same the world over. I learned a lot and made a lot of new friends during this week who I hope I’ll keep in contact with. Cathy working in her patrol at the Conference with an interpreter sitting to her left.
Page 42 Trefoil News September 2014
International — WAGGGS World Conference
The World Conference is held every 3 years in a different region of WAGGGS. This year it was hosted by the Hong Kong Girl Guide Association and IGG was represented by our Chief Commissioner and International Commissioner, Helen & Lorna. Although they had both been involved in the wider background team of the World Conference when it was hosted here in Ireland in 1999, it was very different attending as a delegate along with 600 others!
Over 100 countries were represented and the Irish delegation was made up of 4 people - 2 from IGG and 2 from the Catholic Guides of Ireland, and great fun was shared by the team. The International Commissioners of each association had attended a Helen Storrow seminar together and had a mini-reunion with some of the other participants who had also been at that event. In fact, there were a number of mini-reunions with people from previous Guiding events. It’s great to see familiar faces and to discuss what each association is doing while making new connections and building partnerships. For Ireland, one of the nicest moments was when the Papua New Guinea delegation told us how much they Scan here to read the enjoyed receiving our international edition of Trefoil News every January! Find out more by reading the online blog from the blog on www.irishgirlguides.ie World Conference
The format of the event is a business conference with simultaneous translation in Spanish, French, English and Arabic. We had many guest speakers from different organisations discussing the status of girls and young women around the world. The Conference is the main decision- making forum where each member organisation can vote and have a say in the direction of WAGGGS. The issues being voted on are discussed throughout the week and are combined with workshops and presentations. The final voting session then concludes the conference. And all this was sandwiched into 4 days starting and finishing with wonderful opening and closing ceremonies full of colour, music, culture and delicious food!
The main decisions that IGG helped to make at the conference are summarised here for you:
Financial: • approval of the Global Strategic Plan & budget 2015-2017 • to adopt a new fairer method of calculating the quota/membership fee each organisation pays to WAGGGS and a reduction in the cost for under 30 year olds to attend World Conferences
Constitutional: • to change the wording so that we can register as a charity in the UK under new charity legislation • not to change to allow email or proxy voting or new categories of membership • to change the deadline for submission of motions and amendments for World Conferences
Programme: • to continue the pilot study of the Fifth World Centre experience in Africa • to facilitate opportunities for networks working to develop the spiritual dimension to become special contact points for WAGGGS • to maintain a focus on the Guiding method and principles, leadership and teamwork
Operational: • to create a webpage to help young people who have moved to new countries to get involved in Guiding/Girl Scouting • to review WAGGGS approach to new Federations
And we also got to vote for the location of the next World Conference in 2017 and it is ……. Tunisia!
If any Leader is interested in receiving more information or a full copy of the report of the event please email [email protected]
Trefoil News September 2014 Page 43
International
Timpeall an Domhain – Dates for your Diary!!!
Timpeall an Domhain is an event run every second year by the International Committee for Guide Patrols to promote the International aspect of Guiding.
This year in order to encourage more Patrols to enter there will be two sections to the event:
The Junior Section will be open to patrols of which all members are still in primary school.
The Senior Section will be open to patrols of which one or more members are in secondary school.
Details for the Unit level of the event will be published in next month’s Trefoil News. Units that intend to enter should plan to hold their Unit event in January/ February perhaps as a focus for your World Thinking Day activities.
Winning Unit Patrols will progress to the Regional level, Regional events will be held by the end of March 2015.
Winning Regional Patrols will progress to the National Final. The National Final will be held at the end of April 2015
International Opportunities
You’re Up! European Jamboree
When: 16th to 23rd July 2015 Where: Strasbourg, France Who: Senior Branch members aged 14-17 What’s it about: A camp for 15,000 Guides and Scouts from all over Europe to come together to build friendships and to learn about European and active citizenship. Irish Senior Branchers should apply as a Unit and will be twinned with a French Unit and will be in touch with them in advance of the camp and spend the week camping with them, while also participating in activities with all of the other participants. How much: Camp fee no more than €250. Flights, insurance etc. are extra. Support will be given from Scouts et Guides de France to apply for European funding. Highlights: ♦ A European day in Strasbourg to find out about the European project at the institutions themselves. ♦ A chance for young Europeans to speak out about their ambitions for the Europe of tomorrow. ♦ An outreach day that will open up the jamboree to youth associations from across the Alsace region. ♦ A day in town to discover the world around us, in partnership with associations working for urban development. For more information: http://caravane.sgdf.fr/rubrique-jamboree-you-re-up How to apply: The Senior Branch Unit should email [email protected] to express your interest and find a French Unit to twin with. Please let International Secretary Jemma know that you have made contact about this camp by also emailing [email protected]
Page 44 Trefoil News September 2014
CHIEF COMMISSIONER’S AWARD 2014
REMEMBER — TREFOIL NEWS IS YOUR MAGAZINE! YOUR STORIES! YOUR PICTURES! YOUR VOICE!
Email [email protected] with all your pictures and stories! IRISH GIRL GUIDES Bantreoraithe na hÉireann
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