The history of Guiding in Prince Edward Island which we will
attempt to
present here, has been gathered from an early publication "A
History
of Guiding on Prince Edward Island" written by Jessie
R. Fullerton in
1967. Information was also obtained from Provincial Council
minutes and
archive records. Additional history memories, as identified
throughout
this site, were gathered by our members in the hopes of carrying
on the
story of Guiding on PEI.
A young, theological student named Mr. Harry Morris started
the Guiding
movement in 1913. The group was sponsored by Saint Peter's
Anglican
Church in Charlottetown but unfortunately dismantled when Mr.
Morris
went overseas. Several attempts were made in the early 1910's
to
structure a Guiding company through the support of the Catholic
Women's League, the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire
and many
other such philanthropic organizations. Many of the attempts
did not
succeed out of fear that weekly meetings would interfere with
schoolwork.
Other concerns included access to limited financial resources
and a lack
of trained Guiding leaders.
It wasn't until 1934 that, with the help of Mona Wilson, the
Girl
Guides of PEI (Provincial Council) was established. At that
time, dues
were only $0.25. Since Ms. Wilson's appointment, there have
been 16
Provincial Commissioners including our present appointment,
Mrs. Gayle
Chiasson.
In 1970, the dream of a Provincial Camp site for Rangers, Guides
and
Brownies became a reality when Dr. Dorothy Bentley, Montreal,
deeded 74
acres of land in King's County to be used as the PEI Girl Guide
camp.
Many girls and Guiders on PEI have enjoyed their outdoor camping
experiences in the east end of the Island.
Today, girls and Guiders (ages five and up) meet weekly and
participate
in challenges, service projects and learn new and exciting
life skills
such as leadership, self-awareness and teamwork.
With the support of Scouts Canada, the PEI Girl Guide Headquarters
has
found its home at 100 Upper Prince Street in Charlottetown.
The Public Relations Committee hopes you enjoy your journey
through
time. Meet the guiding faces of yesterday and the leaders of
tomorrow.
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