The Golden Poplar District of the Girl Guides of Canada in Innisfail recognized the hard work, time and dedication of its members during its annual awards ceremony and advancement night.
The event was held at the Innisfail United Church on April 26 and saw a number of local girls graduate within the Sparks, Brownies, Guides, and Pathfinders and Rangers units.
“At the end of the year we hold our awards and advancement night where the girls graduate and move up to the next unit,” said Judy Purcell, contact guider for First Innisfail Pathfinders. “It's a nice evening to come together and enjoy guiding.”
This year, the Innisfail chapter of Girl Guides of Canada, known as the Golden Poplar District, has about 80 members ranging in ages from five to 15 in all units, including those in Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders and Rangers.
Purcell said the evening was a great way to show their appreciation for the girls' contributions to each unit in the association.
“It's a night to recognize them for their accomplishments and to share what everybody (in each unit) has done throughout the year,” she said, pointing to the many achievements from Sparks to Pathfinders.
The guiding season, including meetings and activities, runs from September until May each year, noted Purcell, adding all awards are acknowledged across the country in the guiding program.
Awards presented on April 26 included the Lady Baden-Powell Award, the Citizenship Certificate for Pathfinders, the Canada Cord Award and the Religion in Life badge program for members in the Brownie unit.
This summer several Pathfinder members will be attending Mosaic, the Canadian National Girl Guide Camp at Sylvan Lake in July.
Guiding in Innisfail is an enjoyable experience where girls can learn and have fun, said Purcell. She added the program provides a number of activities for members, including camping, crafts, field trips, regular meetings and community service.
“I think guiding at every level is an opportunity for girls to feel that they belong, to be themselves and be accepted,” said Purcell. “To try new things, make new friends, have adventures, to do good things within the community and to empower girls.”
Judy Purcell
"I think guiding at every level is an opportunity for girls to feel that they belong, to be themselves and be accepted."
