You are invited!  The Manitoba Council Archives Committee invites our Guiding members, their families and all friends of Guiding to the official launch of the exhibit 100 Years of Guiding in Manitoba - Challenge & Change!

The launch will be at 12:00 noon in the main foyer at the Manitoba Museum (190 Rupert Avenue).  Join us to celebrate our past 100 years!

Guiders have you ever heard about independent International trips that other have gone on and thought "I'd like to do that, but I don't know where to start"?

Manitoba Council wants to see more groups travel independently and we are looking for a Guider or two who would like to take the dream to the next level.

• Would you like to visit Our Chalet, the first World Center in beautiful Switzerland?
• Are you interested in traveling with a group of teens?
• Would you like to learn how to be an Independent Group Leader?
• Would you then be a mentor for other interested Guiders?

If you can answer "Yes" to all of the above, do we have an opportunity for you!

Manitoba Council is organizing an Independent trip for ten 14 - 17 year olds to Our Chalet in July/August 2011.  We need one leader who wishes to be mentored through the independent trip process.  The Guider chosen will be involved in all aspects of the trip planning, paperwork submission, participant screening, travel preparation, execution and wrap-up.

What's the catch?  You will be expected to take your new knowledge and mentor the next Manitoba Adventure and continue to hone your travel skills with your own group.

Still interested? Fill out the Pay it Forward Guider Application and return it to the Provincial office at 213-530 Century Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3H0Y4 or email to mtheissen@girlguides.mb.ca before February 22, 2010.

The trip will take place approximately July 29 through August 7, 2011.  Exact dates will be set once the summer 2011 schedule has been set by Our Chalet.

The recent catastrophic earthquake in Haiti has left many thousands of people dead and millions injured and homeless and the country continues to struggle with the ongoing after effects. Girl Guides of Canada shares in the sadness and concern for the people of Haiti and has informed the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) of our concern and intent to provide support.

As Girl Guides of Canada is not an expert disaster relief agency or a disaster fund co-coordinator, we suggest the following methods for showing your support and compassion for your sister Guides in Haiti and the Haitian people generally. We believe your contributions will be more effectively managed and distributed by expert disaster agencies.  However, should you wish to contribute through Girl Guides of Canada, here are the best ways to do so:

1. Contribute to the Canadian World Friendship Fund (CWFF) where donations are designated for mutual aid. Members of Girl Guides of Canada who are interested in providing support to Haiti Guiding through the Canadian World Friendship Fund can send cheques to:

Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada
50 Merton Street, Toronto , Ontario   M4S 1A3.

Cheques should be made payable to Girl Guides of Canada with CWFF/Haiti in the memo line).


2. Contribute to this years World Thinking Day Fund, where WAGGGS is focusing on five specific countries; Haiti , Georgia , Maldives , Sudan and Zimbabwe . The WTD Fund supports the work
of WAGGGS globally, it is not exclusively dedicated to Haiti or disaster relief. However, part of the funding raised will go to Haiti in 2010 and specific projects agreed upon by Haiti and WAGGGS. You can find details on the World Thinking Day website.

Moments like these demonstrate the strong values and international sisterhood that make Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting such a unique and important Movement, ready and willing to take action to make the world a better place. Please continue, in the weeks and even years ahead, to do all you can to help the Girl Guides, their families and communities in Haiti .

Should you wish to make a personal donation to aid the relief efforts in Haiti , please send your donation to a charitable agency. The Canadian Government is matching donations being sent to many agencies.  The list of agencies can be found at: http://www.cbc.ca/haitirelief/
For more information on the disaster relief funds available, please visit the WAGGGS website.

Habitat for Humanity would like to invite Girl Guides to participate in the Plant it Forward initiative.

The purpose of this campaign is to bring the community together to make the impossible, possible - a field of flowers in Winnipeg in March and decent housing for everyone through Habitat for Humanity.  Community groups are being invited to make over 1000 flowers that will be displayed from March 12 to April 4, 2010 at the Forks.  

Plant it Forward is a craft project challenging kids to create spring flowers out of unused and unwanted items from around their house.  While they are creating great, recycled art, they will also be supporting a good cause.  Every flower made will become part of a beautiful, public flower garden on display in March to help raise money for Habitat for Humanity.

For project instructions, inspiration, flower ideas and necessary logistics visit www.plantitforward.ca
For more information on this initiative contact Getty at getty.stewart@ibexherd.com
To download the Project Guideline booklet click here

Deadline for flower submissions is March 1, 2010

The 245A Brownies are hosting a Family Skate Day Fundraiser to help Caddy Lake Girl Guide Camp pay for a new floor.
Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Greendell Park Community Centre, 75 Woodlawn Ave

For times, cost and activities check out our events page here.

Its 2010, and Girl Guides of Canada is celebrating quite the milestone - its our 100th anniversary as a trailblazing organization helping girls become confident, courageous and resourceful leaders.

As we celebrate 100 years as a dynamic, vibrant organization focused on girls, we are excited to unveil a renewed Promise that will take us into the next century:

    I promise to do my best,
    To be true to myself, my beliefs and Canada.
    I will take action for a better world
    And respect the Guiding Law.

Girl Guides of Canada prides itself on being an organization in which all Canadian girls and women are welcome, and one that reflects our country and our communities. This Promise truly demonstrates that Guiding is an inclusive and forward-thinking organization in which Members are encouraged to develop strong personal beliefs and to take action on issues important to them. We are adopting this renewed Promise after extensive consultation and feedback from our Members and we are proud that it has been approved by the World Board of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

Throughout 2010, there will be celebration events held right across the country - including many in your own province and community:

National Launch Party, January 16, Casa Loma, Toronto - 4,000 girls and adult Members will kick-start our year long celebrations and will have the honour of being the first to say GGCs renewed Promise, alongside their Guiding friends from across the country. Many other launch parties are happening across Canada as well.

100 on the Hill, Parliament Hill, Ottawa - Senators and MPs will join Guiding Members in celebrating 100 successful years as the premier organization for girls.

National Rally Day, May 15 - This is a once in a lifetime chance to celebrate all things Guiding with Members from coast to coast on the same day! Events are being held in major centres in every province.

Guiding Mosaic 2010, July 8-17, Guelph, ON - 5,000 girls from across Canada and around the world camping together - wow! Its not too late to sign up - go to www.guidingmosaic.ca - or just come and visit for a day to see Guiding in action.

National Service Project: Eradicate Hunger and Poverty - Members across Canada will learn more about these important issues and take action by making a difference in their community. And, well be keeping an online tally of every act against hunger our Members take.

100 in 100: Global Guiding Challenge - Take a virtual visit to 100 WAGGGS countries, play games and learn more about girls around the world. Girl Guide stamp - officially launched and available for all of Canada to celebrate with Girl Guides of Canada.

We hope that every Member will participate in at least one centennial celebration activity. Be sure to check out http://2010.girlguides.ca , your online destination for participating in our 100th anniversary events.

Theres never been a more exciting time to be involved in Canadian Guiding. I am proud to be a Member of Girl Guides of Canada and to share this year of celebration with each one of you.

Lets make 2010 a year to remember!

One of four World Centres, Pax Lodge is an international gathering place for members and families of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. We offer accommodation, international volunteering programmes and employment opportunities, and a wide range of activities.
We are looking for a Deputy World Centre Manager to join the Pax Lodge staff team. You will have specific responsibilities relating to Guest Services, all front desk and office operations. You will also manage our on site retail shop and supervise housekeeping.

You must have lots of energy, excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy working in an international and culturally diverse team made up of both staff and volunteers. Your first class customer service skills will mean that the services provided by your team will meet and exceed guest expectations. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, with knowledge of other languages desirable.

This is a fixed term contract position for two years, with the possibility of renewal. Free board and lodging are provided, this is a residential post, plus a salary from Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Closing date for completed applications is 22 January 2010.

Here are the links to the job announcement as well as the job description.

The deadline for applications for the Board Director for the National Board of Directors has been extended to February 1, 2010.  For a copy of the posting, please click here. Applicants do not need to be current members, but they must have past experience as an Adult member of GGC. The details about specific skill sets that we are seeking this year are listed on the position posting, but keep in mind that we are always looking for people with excellent general leadership skills and relevant experience.

Apply to attend the Young Decision Makers IV conference supported by Girl Guides of Canada
You could be one of six Girl Guides of Canada Members attending the Young Decision Makers IV National Youth Conference in Cornwall, ON, February 11 to 14, 2010.
If you are a current girl Member (aged 15 to 17) or Link Member (aged 18 to 30), you can apply to attend this amazing conference with youth and young adults from across Canada to discuss the issues that matter to Canadian youth and young adults.
Airfare, conference fees (including accommodation and meals), and medical insurance will be provided by GGC to the selected participants.
Check out the Girl Guides of Canada website for more information about this exciting youth and young adult conference opportunity: www.girlguides.ca/uploads/File/news_publisher/whats_new/Fact_Sheet_YDM_IV_2010.pdf .
Applications and reference letters must be received at the GGC national office by Monday, January 25.
Attention to: GIRL PROGRAMSMAIL: Girl Guides of Canada, Girl Programs50 Merton Street, Toronto, ON M4S 1A3FAX: 416-487-5570EMAIL: programs@girlguides.ca Subject Heading: YDM IV Conference Application

Should you have any further questions/concerns, please email programs@girlguides.ca .

Girl Guides of Canada Scholarships
Apply Today!

Will you be attending university in September 2010? Then why not apply for one of Girl Guides of Canadas scholarships. These scholarships assist Members with university costs and pursuing their academic and career goals.
There are three scholarships available:

Girl Guides of Canada National Scholarship
o$2,000
oAvailable to any GGC registered Member who has been accepted to, or is continuing her education at a Canadian college or university on a full-time basis

Roberta Bondar Scholarship
o$2,000
oAvailable to any GGC registered Member entering her third, fourth or post-graduate year, studying science, applied science, mathematics or technology

Karen Ritchie Memorial Scholarship  
o$2,000
oAvailable to a first-year engineering student entering a Canadian university

Go to http://www.girlguides.ca/scholarships for the scholarship application package. Applications must be received by mail or courier by April 1, 2010.

Let Guiding support you as you follow your dreams! Girl Greatness starts here.

National has the following volunteer opportunities:

As a member of the Canadian Guider Editorial Committee, you will be part of a team that ensures the production of a national magazine that reinforces the "essential elements" of Guiding, including the Vision, Mission and programming of GGC.  We are looking for approximately 4 members to form this committee.  We are also looking for a new Chairwoman for this committee.  If you wish to be considered for the Chair position please indicate it on your application.  This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer your time in a position where your creativity, research skills and passion for writing well be leveraged to create a lasting impact on the organization.

For more information on the position click here

For a volunteer application form click here

A Century of Girl Power
As they celebrate 100 years as the original girl-focused organization, Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada (GGC) remains dedicated to opening the doors for girls and young women to be confident and resourceful and able to make a difference in the world.  Over the past century, their fundamentals haven't changes, as girls still join to have fun, and seek challenges, life skills and adventure.  But the opportunities are now as vast as what girls can accomplish in society.  Life skills have evolved from cooking and sewing to career planning and money management, with limitless possibilities.  Serious issues like homelessness, bullying and being good cybercitizens are talked about openly and faced head on.


To read the complete article please click here

The new GM 2010 website is up and running - please visit http://2010.girlguides.ca/.

Please click here to be directed to the national website.

At Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada's Annual General Meeting held in Halifax, Chris Burton of Alberta was installed as Girl Guides of Canada's new Chief Commissioner.Chris has been active in Guiding for the past 50 years, starting as a Brownie, Guide and Ranger. She has served as a Guider, Camp Adviser, Division, Area and Provincial Commissioner, Provincial Public Relations Commissioner, Trainer and Vice President of the Management Board.
In her speech at the AGM, Chris noted that "GGC's strength comes from the participation and efforts of all of our Members. Guiding is structured so every girl and woman has a place. Working together in cooperation, our organization can become even stronger."
After completing her three-year term as Chief Commissioner, Myrtle Corkum now serves as the International Commissioner for GGC.

Please click here to be directed to the national website. Information regarding summer camps can be found here.  

Update on H1N1 flu virus (human swine influenza)
June 12, 2009
On Thursday, June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the H1N1 flu virus pandemic alert level from Phase Five to Phase Six. In doing so the WHO underscored:
The decision is based on the spread of the virus and not the severity of illness it causes. The virus has caused sustained community level outbreaks in more than three countries across two WHO regions;
In general, the H1N1 flu virus continues to cause moderate illness globally with most people affected recovering at home without medical treatment. For instance in Canada most infections to date have been mild; and,
That borders should remain open.
This decision had not affected the Government of Canadas overall response to the H1N1 flu virus. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) will continue to monitor the situation and build on the measures that are already in place under the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan.
As such, Guiding meetings and events should continue as usual. Please see below for further information about the H1N1 virus, and ways to protect yourself.

Human Swine Influenza update
May 1, 2009

As reported by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), human swine influenza has been reported in Canada, Mexico and the United States. As of April 29, 2009, 19 cases have been confirmed in Canada.
To date, PHAC has not indicated the need to restrict public gathering or events in Canada. As such, Guiding meetings and events should continue as usual. However, Guiders should be aware of and encourage girls to follow the guidelines outlined below to help prevent the spread of influenza:
1.Wash your hands with soap and running water frequently. If soap and water is not available, alcohol-based hand gels can be used.
2.Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and wash your hands immediately after.
3.Do not share utensils, cups or towels.
4.If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, stay home if possible.
5.Try to avoid contact with people who appear to have a respiratory illness.
What is human swine influenza?
Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. From time to time, human infections do occur, resulting in human swine influenza. Human swine influenza is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu. Much like regular seasonal influenza and other respiratory infections, human swine influenza is transmitted from person to person when germs enter the nose and/or throat. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, and sore throat. Some people with human swine influenza have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.
Travel advisories
On April 27, 2009, the Government of Canada issued a travel advisory urging travelers to postpone all non-essential travel to Mexico. While Our Cabana in Mexico is a popular destination for Members of GGC, we do not currently have any nationally-sponsored trips occurring in Mexico at this time.
No other travel advisories have been issued in relation to human swine influenza. We will continue to monitor the situation and assess national and international travel on a case-by-case basis. We will provide additional information through our website as it becomes available.    
For more information about human swine influenza, please visit the PHAC website at .

In 2010 Girl Guides of Canada will be celebrating our 100th birthday! Help us to plan the celebrations! We will be having a Provincial 2010 celebrations committee with an additional committee that will plan the 2010 Rally.

The 2010 committee will be responsible for items such as:
Provincial  birthday initiatives (to be decided)  
Provincial Launch of the 100th birthday
Promotions  of national  and provincial initiatives
Public Relations activities  (i.e.) community flower beds
We will be hosting 3 rallies across Manitoba on National Rally Day - May 15, 2010

The rally sites will be in Assiniboine and Cambrian Area and in Winnipeg or surrounding area. If you are interested in working on the planning committee for any of these rallies please contact:

Assiniboine Area, Carla Paddock, ggcaa@mts.net

Cambrian Area, Heather Hall, hallh@mts.net

Winnipeg, Michelle Barclay, (204) 774-4475, mjbarclay@shaw.ca

All rallies will be similar in organization and program so that the girls will get a similar experience at any event they attend. There will be some national components that all girls across Canada will experience. It is important we get Guider and girl member support of these committees to ensure they are the best celebrations! Girl voice is very important and we hope to have girl members on each committee so we can hear what they want!!

The possible committees for the Rally are:

Transportation - parking, security
Program - station activities and equipment, entertainment and volunteers
Site Management - site booking, equipment, set up, tents, bathrooms, take down, garbage
Communications - media, internal communication, pre-event information
Registration - crests

The first Provincial 2010 Celebrations Committee meeting will be on Tuesday June 16th at 7:00 pm at the provincial office. Our initial planning meeting will be a brainstorming meeting, any members are welcome. No experience on a provincial committee is needed! Bring a friend! Be part of the 100th birthday celebration experience!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Michelle Barclay or Maureen Leppington.

The first ever filmed message from World Board Chairman Margaret Treloar is on YouTube: http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/about/100years  this will be developed into a more lengthy film piece for use by MOs in the coming weeks.   It can also be accessed from the WAGGGS website!!