We all have fond memories of being a Spark, Brownie or Guide and we would
love to hear all about your memories of camp, crafts or just being
part of your unit.
Valerie Campbell
I
was a Ranger in Cardigan in the mid 1970s. Mary Jo Trainer
was our leader and I believe there were somewhere between
six and ten girls (after thirty years the memory is somewhat
dim!). We decided to host a fashion show in the spring (perhaps
as a fundraiser?). We contacted clothing stores in Montague
who provided us with the latest summer fashions. Members
of the community volunteered their time and skills to do
our hair and makeup. We created our own version of a runway
and each of got an opportunity to model a few outfits while
the MC introduced us and described our clothing - just like
a real fashion show! I know there was a lot of work involved,
we had programs and entertainment and probably food (what
Guiding event does not involve food?). But what I remember
is the fun and the excitement of walking down our "runway",
twisting and turning like real models. And of course the
stagefright that almost had me running in the opposite direction
when it was my turn! But I didn't run, I went out there,
shaky knees and all, and did my part and was so very proud
of myself at the end of it all! I knew that I would never
be a real runway model (very few are only 5 feet tall) but
that day that was exactly what I was.
Guiding gave me that opportunity and even if the details are fuzzy so many years
later, the feelings are still clear.
I
have been a member of Girl Guides of Canada since I was a
Brownie in 1981. I have earned my badges, wings and cords.
The experiences that I have had in Girl Guides have been
immeasurable. I have traveled to England and Europe, climbed
the Alps to take a ride on a dogsled, visited two World Centres
and the site of the first Boy Scout Camp, and I also met
Betty Clay (Lord and Lady Baden-Powell’s daughter).
After I finished the Ranger program I was not sure where I would go, I had helped
in a Guide unit, but I was bit by the International bug. I was asked by the Nova
Scotia Provincial Commissioner to be a member of them International Committee.
I was a member of that committee for 5 years and continued as a Blue Guider for
3 of those years. I was also fortunate to help set up the NS Diversity Task Force
and be a member for a year until I moved to PEI. Right away I joined the PEI
International Committee, and later became PEI International Director. 2004 I
also took on the role as Brown Owl in Hunter River, a role in which I am having
a lot of fun!
May 2005 marks a very important time for me; I will be your new Provincial Commissioner!
I am very excited about want the future holds for Girl Guides on PEI it is our
time to grow.
