ESTEVAN — The Estevan Girl Guides are seeking volunteers to join their ranks as leaders.
Although there is a long and rich tradition of Guiding in Estevan and area, a lack of volunteers and the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to pressures in keeping units open.
Girl Guides of Canada provides its members with a place to be themselves while offering valuable life skills, leadership opportunities and a supportive sisterhood. Guiding offers the widest range of extracurricular activities for girls and young women, with opportunities to explore the arts, sciences, outdoor challenges, global awareness and so much more.
"Being a Girl Guide leader has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life," says Megan Clake, provincial commissioner for Saskatchewan Girl Guides.
"Watching youth grow and develop over time has been nothing short of incredible. I have witnessed shy, reserved girls gain confidence and become leaders, and I've seen energetic, creative spirits channel their energy into making a difference in their communities."
Along with having the chance to lead girls, volunteering with Girl Guides provides a unique opportunity for women to build lasting friendships with other women in their community. Guiders also develop skills that are highly valued in the workplace, such as communications, event planning and leadership skills.
"I can honestly say that being a Girl Guide leader has shaped me into a better person and allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives of young girls in my community," says Clake.
The organization is actively seeking women 18 years or older to volunteer with support groups of girls at all levels, including Sparks (ages five and six), Embers (ages seven and eight), Guides (ages nine-11), Pathfinders (ages 12-14), and Rangers (ages 15-17). Those interested in taking the position do not have to have a child in Girl Guides or any prior Guiding experience to join, just a desire to be part of the organization's vision of a better world by girls. Volunteers will be set up with a mentor and will be provided with flexible opportunities for training and shared leadership.
Other southeast communities in need of leaders include Stoughton and Lampman.
Clake says that there are also hopes to reopen units in Arcola in the next year.
"Volunteer as a Guider today – it's worth your time," the organization said in a press release.
Girl Guides of Canada/Guides du Canada (GGC) empowers every girl in Guiding to discover herself and be everything she wants to be. In Guiding, girls from five to 17 meet with girls their age in a safe, inclusive space to explore what matters to them.
With programming options ranging from innovative STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities to outdoor adventures and discussions on mental health and healthy relationships, girls in Guiding can customize their experience to dive into the topics relevant to them – all with the support of women volunteers, who are committed to positively impacting their lives. Guiding is all about supporting girls as they take on challenges and grab hold of every opportunity that comes their way.
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