Guiders Link Vol 1 2024

CHIEF COMMISSIONER AWARD &

OISÍN AWARD CEREMONY

RANGER WEEKEND

GLENDALOUGH

2023

NOV

10-12th

RANGER WEEKEND 2023

Mrs Clause, an elf and a T-Rex?!

an interesting weekend

RELAX AND

UNWIND

21st – 23rd June 2024

IOAC Wexford

GUIDE & RANGER CAMP 2024

Find out all the details for this year’s

National Guide and Ranger Camp

YOUTH

FORUM

YOUTH FORUM 2024

Bookings are now open for

this year’s Youth Forum

2024 Vol. 1

Guider’s Link

CONTENTS

Chief Commissioner's Message 3

Chief Commissioner's Diary 4

Noticeboard 5

National Ranger Weekend 6

National Dates 14

Development 18

Cygnet Section 20

Brigín Section 22

Guide Section 24

Ranger Section 26

International 28

Training 36

CCA 38

Around Ireland 47

Contacts 55

Don't forget to send your photos and articles for the Guider's Link to:

communications@girlguidesireland.ie.

Closing date for the next issue is 4th April 2024

2 Guiders Link Vol. 1

CHIEF COMMISSIONER'S MESSAGE

January 2024

Happy New Year for 2024!

I would like to wish you a really Happy New Year for 2024 and I look

forward to sharing another action-packed year with you. I hope you had a

lovely Christmas and had a chance to relax and re-fill your Guiding spirit! I

know for many of you that Christmas is also a sad time, as we have lost so

many dear friends and family, so I hope you know that you are always in our

thoughts and prayers throughout the year.

2024 will be a big year for us as we celebrate a special anniversary. St Brigid

died 1,500 years ago and we will mark the occasion both nationally and

locally. On 1st February we will have an on-line gathering to celebrate St

Brigid’s Day. On 10th February we will gather in-person in Kildare and trace

the footsteps of our patron saint. There is a special St Brigid’s Challenge

badge for our youth members with a special section for our Brigíní, who are

of course called after our patron saint. Across the regions there are plans

to visit local sites associated with St Brigid, so I hope you get a chance to

celebrate at one of these events. St Brigid was known for her kindness and

compassion and this is something we as Guides try and put in to practice

every day. Could that be your challenge for 2024, do a small act of kindness

every day, or maybe try to? Our registration badge for 2024 is designed to

capture this spirit of St Brigid, so let’s share our wonderful gift of kindness

near and far.

We have a fantastic programme of events planned for 2024 and I hope you can make some of them during the year.

We are thrilled that we have a group of Rangers going to Roverway in Norway in July, the much-anticipated Youth

Forum returns to Carlingford in April and each section will also have their National Days throughout the year. I can’t

wait for the National Camp for Guides and Rangers in Wexford in June - that will be one big adventure for everyone.

We are one family of Guiding and national events give us the best opportunity to come together to celebrate and

have fun, so please do try and join us. There are also many opportunities for Guider training and International

events, so keep an eye out for these.

Thank you for making a fantastic effort to comply with all our governance requirements. It's hard to believe we are

once again at Registration and Unit Accounts submission time. It really helps when you do this in full and on time, so

that we don’t waste time and energy on having to follow up. We really appreciate the extra effort this all takes and if

you need help just ask, we have a dedicated finance team and office staff that will help you.

Finally, I would like to thank all of you for your true commitment to Guiding and to our organisation. I would

especially like to thank everyone who took on extra responsibilities at local, regional and national level, we would

not exist without you. Thank you to our National Executive Board who work tirelessly to make CGI such an

amazing organisation. A special thanks to our National Office staff, Nicola, Eoin, Rob and Nicola, who somehow pull

it all together and make our ideas a reality, thank you!

Have a great year ahead and hopefully we will meet during the year!

Have fun, be safe!

Yours in Guiding,

Julie Donnelly

Chief Commissioner

chiefcommissioner@girlguidesireland.ie

www.girlguidesireland.ie 3

Recruitment Week, Cork, October 2023

I was amazed by the range of events that took place across the

country for National Recruitment Week. If you missed the

videos shared by Maria Travers and the Development team you

really should take a look, they were fantastic. I stopped by the

SW Recruitment desk in Mahon Point in Cork, it looked very

colourful, friendly and inviting! Great publicity too!

Ranger Weekend, Glendalough, November 2023

It was fantastic to be able to visit the Ranger weekend in a very scenic

Glendalough in November. There was such a positive atmosphere and

able to visit the Rang

mber Th

the Rangers really looked like they were enjoying the weekend,

especially when joined by some unusual Christmas guests. I know the

Rangers had a brilliant Christmas-themed party, as well as enjoying the

o

te

outdoors. Well done to Michelle and all the National Ranger Support

team for organising such a successful event!

he Natio

successful event!

NR AGM, Belfast, November 2023

I was delighted to attend the NR AGM in

Belfast, especially as it was held in one of

my favourite Guide locations – the NR HQ!

What a fantastic meeting with such a

positive atmosphere, and I was delighted to

present so many different Awards. Well

done to Josephine Higgins, the NR executive,

staff and all the leaders for everything

you have achieved during the year.

Le Chéile Christmas Lunch,

Cork, December 2023

We met in December by the banks of the

River Lee to celebrate our Christmas

lunch with our Le Chéile. We were

thrilled to be joined by some of our

Dublin Le Chéile members too. We had a

lovely lunch, followed by an enjoyable

Secret Santa and raffle and we ended with

singing some wonderful carols and a few

old Guide songs! Following a long tradition

of Le Chéile events we remembered those

who have passed, but whose spirit lives on

in all of us!

ER AGM, Dublin, November

2023

I was thrilled to go ‘home’ to the ER

AGM and hear about all the amazing

work that is being done across the ER

region. It was great to see so many

leaders attend, despite a dramatic

night in Dublin City that night. I was

absolutely delighted to present so

many Membership and Service awards,

in fact it

was an honour for me,

especially

the long service awards for

50

and 60 years. Well done to Fiona

O’Dwyer and all the ER executive on

a very successful meeting.

NYCI Annual Conference,

December 2023

Gillian Garvey, Nicola Toughey and I repre-

sented you

at the NYCI Annual Conference

in Dublin in December. The day was full of

very v insightful talks about the future of our

young people in Ireland and the vision of the

NYCI N to help deliver a better future for all.

There were many highly influential attendees

including the Minister for Children, as well as

representatives from all the main youth

organisations. It was a very positive and

enriching e day.


NEWS FROM THE BOARD

• The CGI Code of Conduct has been reviewed and updated by the National Executive Board. A

copy of the Code of Conduct is enclosed with this edition of the Guider’s Link and is also available on OGM

and on the CGI website.

• All members of CGI aged 18+ including Rangers must complete the Child Protection Awareness

Programme.

• Registration payments to be paid to National Office no later than 29th February 2024.

• CGI Event Booking: Booking is not confirmed until payment has been received.

CGI’S CODE OF CONDUCT

CGI

Code of

Conduct

CGI

Code of Conduct

CGI

Code of Conduct

UPCOMING NATIONAL EVENTS

World Thinking Day

NEB

National Cygnet Day

Guider Training - Step 2 & An Dushlán

Youth Forum

Guider Conference

National Council

22 February

2 March

9 March

23- 24 March

5 - 7 April

27 April

28 April


National Ranger Weekend 2023 has left us with some wonderful memories;

from rescuing reindeer to meeting Mrs Claus or dancing the night away, it

was a Christmas themed weekend filled with fun and laughter.

Ranger Weekend was held from 10th to 12th November this year in the

beautiful Glendalough. Given the location, you’d be forgiven for

automatically assuming that the weekend would be outdoors themed and

the girls would be spending a lot of their time engaged in outdoor pursuits.

However, due to the unprecedented storms and bad weather we had been

having through October and November it was felt that we couldn’t take the

risk and so instead we planned a fun-filled Christmas themed weekend

instead.

The girls arrived on Friday night, coming from three regions, Northern,

South East and East. The rooms were allocated and we had our brief camp

meeting before we introduced a very special guest to the girls; Regimental

Sergeant Major, Anne Kelly, Senior Aircraft Inspector with the Irish Air

Corps.

one of the first five

females inducted into the

Air Corps Aircraft

Apprenticeship

Anne, who is also a Scout leader in Kildare Town, came along and spoke to

the girls about her career in the Irish Air Corps; how she had joined in

1991 as one of the first five females inducted into the Air Corps Aircraft

Apprenticeship. On completing her apprenticeship, she qualified as an

avionic technician and she progressed her career to an Aircraft Inspector

and then to Senior Aircraft Inspector. She now works in the Military

Airworthiness Authority regulating aircraft maintenance across the Air

Corps fleet. She is the first female Acting Regimental Sergeant Major

(Technical) in the Air Corps and the only serving female A/RSM in the Irish

Defence Forces.

6 Guiders Link Vol.1

Anne asked the girls how many females they thought had

entered the Aircorps Apprenticeships in the intervening 32

years? The total was only 27. And how many are still working

there today? Four, including Anne herself. Anne told the girls

how the Aircorps was a great place to work, how there were

so many different opportunities and how they needed more

girls to join their ranks. She also told them that the skills they

learn as part of Guiding and Scouting place them far

above other candidates at interview stage; if you

have been a member of Guiding and Scouting the

interviewer will already know that you can

work as part of a team, that you can take and

follow instruction and that you have

leadership skills, each of these is essential

to a career in the military.

RANGER WEEKEND

2023

Once Anne had finished answering

questions from the girls it was time for food

and then their first craft activity of the

weekend, where they each made Christmas

gonks. It was a lovely relaxing way to finish the

evening.

they each made Christmas gonks.

GLENDALOUGH

NOV

10-12th

Saturday was a busy day, and so after breakfast and some

minor issues with the hostel changing room plans on us, we

got started on our morning activity which was The Reindeer

Rescue Challenge, devised by 1st Crick Rainbows in the UK,

and each of the girls were awarded their special challenge

badge when their team completed the tasks, cracked the code,

and freed Rudolph. There were a lot of challenges to complete

in order to attain their badge and the girls used a number of

different skills along the way; from first aid when they had to

bandage a poorly polar bear; morse code when they needed to

understand a message in a dark cave; a periodic table to

decode some magical potion clues, and we also had some

easier challenges where they played hook a duck or tried to

decipher a tiny message written by a malfunctioning printer. It

literally was just all fun and games for the morning.


After lunch there were a number of sessions to get through. Firstly,

Jonny came along and instead of seeing him just taking photos as

he usually does at our events, this time he presented two really

informative and well-received sessions to the girls. Firstly, he spoke to

the girls about their cv and gave them some handy tips on writing a

better one, ideas of what to put into it etc. Next up was his session

on photography, Jonny gave the girls some hints and tips on how to

take better photos, they even did some demonstrations in the session,

then he sent everyone outdoors to take a picture in nature and see

how they got on; even some of the Guiders got in on the act and used

their newly acquired camera knowledge to take better pictures. There

were lots of beautiful photos taken of the scenery of Glendalough,

of the girls out enjoying nature, and of Mrs Claus, her elf, and the

Christmas T-Rex! Some of the girls were a bit mystified but Mrs Claus

assured them all that the Christmas T-Rex was harmless and that

he and the elf had been sent along with her to collect the rescued

Rudolph and bring her safely back to the North Pole. You really never

know who, or what, you’ll meet on a Ranger Weekend.

Mrs Claus assured them

all that the Christmas

T-Rex was harmless and

that he and the elf had

been sent along with her

to collect the rescued

Rudolph

Sarah Jane was up next with her high-octane dance session, and yet

again the girls thoroughly enjoyed it. At this stage the girls were

divided into two groups and as the first group was inside with Sarah

Jane, dancing and letting their hair down, the other group were

outdoors with Gerardette working on some mindfulness and making

beautiful mandalas from foraged pieces of nature around the gardens.

They used sticks, leaves, stones, flowers, and berries and created

beautiful pictures on the ground, and they listened to a beautiful poem

that Gerardette had written. Once the girls had done with their dance

and their mandalas it was then out to Trish who had taken to the

outdoors for the first part of their next craft, the girls each decorated

a clean and clear wine bottle with some stickers and then spray

painted on top of it and they were left to dry till the next morning.

8 Guiders Link Vol 1

At this stage the girls were all beginning to flag a little, but the day wasn’t done yet. There was some free time and

then everyone had to dress up in their Christmas jumpers and meet in the foyer to get our transport down to

Lynham’s of Laragh where we had our Christmas party night. The staff at Lynham’s were wonderful, nothing was

a bother to them and they really looked after us so well. The room was decorated with a lovely Christmas tree

and presents underneath it, which was a great photo opportunity for the girls. The tables were also laid out with

crackers for everyone and their special Ranger Weekend menus.

Before we sat down to eat Trish had everyone up to take part in a game about the Wright family, and how they had

to move right and left etc. We tried this game twice, we still ended up with some people having no penny and others

having two, at one stage we even had one person who had four! But it was still a laugh, and we quickly realised which

of us know our right from our left, and those who don’t, or may be confused.


When it was time to eat we were treated to a wonderful three course meal,

with homemade vegetable soup to start, followed by a fabulous Christmas dinner

complete with turkey, ham and the obligatory Brussels sprouts, and finished off

with a chocolate brownie and cream. The food was delicious and the plates were

empty as they returned to the kitchen.

Next up we had a game at the tables for the girls, to ensure that everyone went

home with a Christmas gift. We started with a gift in front of everyone then they

played the Roll the Dice game and ended up with a different one; at the end we

did have some people disappointed with their gifts, but we managed to either

swap with each other or take a final swap from the Guiders so all went home

happy. The Guiders also got in on the gift action and there were some very happy

ladies leaving Laragh that night.

Once the gift game was over, it was time to turn up the music and let everyone

dance the night away, and what better way to do so than with our very own

DJ Hope, a Ranger from Kilcock. DJ Hope had brought along her kit and was

providing music for us throughout the night, she also took some requests, from

the girls and the Guiders. And we all know that no Guiding disco is complete

without a rendition of Rock the Boat, and DJ Hope did not disappoint, she also

played some other favourites that we could all join in with. It was a wonderful

night and the girls all left the hotel with a smile on their faces. When the

festivities were done it was back on the bus once more and straight back to bed

at the hostel as it was quite late.

and we all

know that no

Guiding disco

is complete

without a

rendition of

Rock the Boat


Sunday morning we had some sleepy heads and it took a while to

rouse the girls, they were all very tired after such a jam-packed day

beforehand. But, we managed to coax them down to breakfast and

to give each unit time to prepare a reflection or contribution for our

Guides Own later in the morning.

We cleared out the bedrooms and made our way to the conference

room for the final time of the weekend and we had our Guides Own

ceremony. We took the opportunity to get some evaluations of the

weekend from the girls in a less formal way than usual; we simply put up

some sheets of paper and gave them pens and post-it notes and asked

for their feedback that way instead of the usual sheets we ask them to

fill in. This was very well received by the girls, they enjoyed it and felt it

was a better way to give their feedback.


The final session of the weekend then was a session where

Trish, as the Ranger Commissioner who had previously launched

the newest version of the Ranger programme and the Ranger

badges, took the girls through the programme and where to

find it on OGM and also showed them the badge design, how

the three badges interlock when placed together, and how they

will look fabulous either on your arm or on your camp blanket.

Once the business was done, it was down to the final craft of

the weekend, which was Christmas candles, which the girls really

enjoyed and most of them were discussing who they would give

their candle to as a Christmas gift. They also finished their wine

bottle craft, by topping off the bottles with some corked lights.

When we were done it was time to pack up and leave. The day

finished earlier than some other years, but we were conscious

that some of the girls had a long way to travel and everyone

was back to school the following day, so wanted them all home

in plenty of time. Lunch was provided for anyone who wanted

to have some onsite, or to bring it with them as they travelled

home. Goodbyes were said and plans to meet up again at the

next CGI event were made. Lots of hugs and waving off new

friends as we took our leave of Glendalough

Goodbyes were

said and plans to

meet up again at

the next CGI event

were made. Lots of

hugs and waving off

new friends as we

took our leave of

Glendalough


Not everything ran smoothly for the team at the

weekend, and we did have some learnings as a result;

for example, the girls really did appreciate the free

time so they could get to know other Rangers; some

girls would like more camps or activities at different

times in the year; some wanted a longer camp for

Rangers maybe every second or third year, and a

range of other things that we’ve taken away and the

Ranger Support Team will go through them when it

comes to our evaluation and discussion on the next

event for the girls.

All of the girls went home with a smile on their face

and that’s the best result we can hope for. We must

say a massive thanks to all the Guiders who went

on the weekend for all their help and participation,

and thanks to the office staff as well for all their

help in the run up to the weekend, it couldn’t have

happened without you. A final thanks to the National

Ranger Team, most of whom were on site for the

weekend and were instrumental in making the camp

the success that it was. It had been a few years since

we had had a Ranger Weekend; and next year we

will have a Ranger Day only, not weekend, as we’ll be

having Youth Forum and National Camp as well; so it

will be 2025 before our next Ranger Weekend, and

we can’t wait!


NATIONAL

YOUTH MEMBERS

27th January

9th March

5th - 7th April

21st - 23rd June

22nd July - 2nd August

6th - 8th September

5th October

19th October

November

9th November

CCA Award Ceremony

National Cygnet Day

Youth Forum

National Guide & Ranger Camp

Roverway

Ventact

National Brigin Day

National Guide Day

National Steam Month

National Ranger Day


DATES 2024

GUIDERS

1st February

10th February

22nd February

23rd - 24th March

27th April

28th April

12th June

28th - 29th September

St. Brigid’s Day

St. Brigid’s Day Celebration

World Thinking Day

Guider Training - Step 2 & An Dushlan

Guider Conference

National Council

Le Cheile Event

Unit Leader Training

12-19 October National Recruitment Week

4th December

Le Cheile Christmas Lunch (Cork)

For revised dates please make sure to check

our digital Calendar on the website

Support > CGI Events Calendar


RELAX AND

UNWIND

21st – 23rd June 2024

IOAC Wexford

€50 per Guide or Ranger

€20 per Guider

€15 per head travel subsidy applies.

Bookings to be sent to admin@girlguidesireland.ie

and payments received by closing date:

Friday 19th April 2024.

Bookings will not be confirmed until form and full payment

are received. The Event Booking Form is available on

OGM


National

CYGNET Fun Day

9TH MARCH 2024

1 0 . 3 0 A M TO 3 . 0 0 P M

EASTERN & NORTHERN REGIONS

FUNTASIA, DROGHEDA, CO. LOUTH

SOUTH EAST & SOUTH WEST REGIONS

ARDMORE OPEN FARM & MINI ZOO,

BALLYKILMURRY, CO. WATERFORD

COST: €10 PER CYGNET

FREE FOR LEADERS

€15 PER HEAD FOR TRAVEL SUBSIDY

To book places please complete

the Event Booking Form on OGM

and email to admin@girlguidesireland.ie

with full payment by closing date

Closing Date: Friday 9th February 2024. Please note

that bookings will only be confirmed once the Event

Booking Form and full payment have been received

by the National Office


DEVELOPMENT

OUR TEAM

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

OF CGI IN 2024

CGI

National

Development

Team

PROGRAMME OF

EVENTS FOR 2024


Networking Opportunities & Skills for Guiders

& Volunteers

‘Cuppa and a Biscuit’ informal sessions

• 23rd April 2024@8pm (Virtual)

• 10th December 2024@8pm (Virtual)

‘Share a Skill’

• 13th February 2024@ 8pm (Virtual)

• 22nd October 2024 @ 8pm (Virtual)

Recruitment & Retention Drive

• Preparation and Branding for National Recruitment Week

2024 (12th to the 18th October 2024)

• Retention Drive Initiatives ‘April to June 2024’

CGI Strategy 2025

• Participation in CGI Strategy 2025 (On going)

• New Development Strategy March 2024

Storrows Programme

• Review of Storrows Programme with Chief Commissioner

and Regional Commissioners February 2024

We are always looking for new members to join the Development Team – perhaps you would like to

get involved in some of our initiatives if so please contact development@girlguidesireland.ie we

would love to hear from you’.


CYGNETS

Hi Everyone, as you may know the National Cygnet Day is fast approaching and the team would love to see as many

of you as possible there. It’s a great opportunity, and often the first one, for our Cygnets to meet up with girls from

other units and other Regions and to begin to understand the sisterhood of Guiding and how we’re all connected. So

hopefully we’ll see you and your Cygnets at one of our locations in March.

As usual, if there’s something you’d like us to pass along to other Guiders, a programme idea, and activity or even

something to avoid, please get in touch at programme@girlguidesireland.ie

An activity that has recently been brought to our attention is Ice Painting, and if you haven’t tried it with your

Cygnets, you should definitely give it a go. Not only is it fun, but there are multiple benefits to it too.

NATURAL LETTERS

As the days begin to lengthen and the weather begins to turn in our favour, we’re all going to be getting out and

about more with our Cygnets, why not try an Alphabet Nature Walk to make an ordinary walk that bit more fun

and engaging for the girls.

Simply have them collect different materials on their walk and then together have them assemble an alphabet using

their collection. This is a great activity if you’re having a meeting at a park or the beach, where you’ll have access to

lots of natural elements. It also assists in teamwork, because as they progress through their alphabet they may realise

they need more of certain items, and will have to work together to complete the task.


An activity that has recently been brought to our attention is Ice Painting, and if you haven’t tried it with your

Cygnets, you should definitely give it a go. Not only is it fun, but there are multiple benefits to it too.

HERE ARE 5 BENEFITS OF DIY ICE PLAY ACTIVITY:

• It Teaches Sensory Attributes

Ice play allows kids to explore sensory attributes through the cold, the smoothness of the ice, the texture

of the paper, and the way that it melts with heat. Comparable to the watercolour effect but with different

tools, and don’t forget the time and temperature factors as ice melts! This adds a whole new layer

of complexity and opportunity to learn that kids will love!

• It Develops Fine Motor Skills

Find a way to let them help you put everything together in the ice trays, as it will help them practice

squeezing the bottle for food colouring, stirring with the stick, etc. Then holding the popsicle stick to paint

is excellent fine motor practice.

• It Aids Creative Development

Kids love when they get set free to be creative and messy to create beautiful things as they learn what

works and what doesn’t. Ice painting is a great way to learn colour mixing because the watercolours

will easily mix. Also, these water-based colours will challenge a child’s ability to handle “watery paint” for

different effects and colour intensity.

• It Practices Hand-Eye Coordination

Putting the ice cube to paper is a great way to practice all that necessary hand-eye coordination, an easy win

for anyone with issues in this regard.

• It’s A Form Of Process Based Art

Process art is a type of art that focuses on the process of making art, rather than the end result. With

process art activities, the child is free to create whatever they want, without having to follow set

instructions. There are a ton of benefits of process art, including independence, creative thinking,

experimentation, and self-confidence.

Ice is a choking hazard so watch them closely while they create.

THE ICE PAINTING RECIPE

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Ice cube tray

• Water

• Food colouring

• Popsicle sticks

• Watercolour paper

HOW TO MAKE ICE PAINT:

1. Fill an ice cube tray with water, but don’t overfill it.

2. Add a small drop of food colouring to each well. Drop in a different colour in each for a rainbow effect!

3. Cut a popsicle stick in half and use the flat edge to mix the water & food colouring.

4. Leave the popsicle stick in it and freeze overnight.

Tip:

ICE PAINTING

To paint with ice cubes, use watercolour paper for the best results. Watercolour paper is designed to absorb that

amount of water. Regular paper will likely begin to fall apart from the wetness.


BRIGÍNÍ

Hi all and Happy New Year to you and all your Brigini.

In this issue of the Link we’ve decided to take a look at some of the old badges, ones that didn’t make it into the new

programme but that we still have some stock of left in the office. This can be a great way to increase the badges for your

girls, or if you have any girls who may find the criteria just a little bit too difficult on some of the new challenges, why not

make up your own, achievable ones, for some of these.

As usual, if there’s anything you’d like to share with other Brigini Guiders, anything you know works really well, or

something that doesn’t work at all, please get in touch and we can spread the word, at programme@girlguidesireland.ie

WANT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF BADGES YOUR GIRLS ARE RECEIVING?

As you all know the Brigin programme now has a badge called Event Management, but if you have some newer

Brigini in your section and you don’t think they’d quite make it to the level of their Event Management badge,

you could always think about awarding them the Hostess badge – perhaps the girls can plan events and earn their

Hostess badge one year and then move on to the Event Management badge the following time around?

Perhaps for the first badge the girls could help plan and organise an award ceremony, a family day

or another event in your unit? Then for the Event Management badge the following year they

could work towards something bigger and more important in the life of the unit, so perhaps your

Enrolment Ceremony, Moving On Ceremony or Thinking Day Ceremony? Once the girls have

achieved their first badge they’ll know the level of work and detail needed for the bigger events

and it will hopefully improve their teamwork skills and communication as well. There are still some

Hostess badges available from National Office if you want to try this out.

How about the Saver badge? That’s another badge no longer in the programme but there is still a stock left in the

National Office. Have you heard of the new craze, the 52 Week Cash Challenge? There are quite a few variations

on TikTok and elsewhere on social media; The 100 Envelope Challenge or simply the Cash Stuffing Challenge. It’s a

great way to introduce the girls to saving and being careful with their money, but in a fun way.

You can use this concept in a number of ways; whether it’s simply to get the girls to save some money at home for

themselves, to learn the benefits of saving and begin good lifelong habits; or you could use it as a way of the girls

paying towards a trip, whether that be National Brigin Day or a unit camp, each euro the girls save is one less their

parents need to come up with at the end of the day.

There are lots of fun ways to do this and you could incorporateinto a meeting where the girls could actually design

their own envelopes and folders, as we’ve said, there are loads of good examples on the internet. They can make

their own envelopes, they can reuse some that may be lying around after Christmas, or they can simply use ziplock

bags, whatever is easiest for you.

The girls can come along each meeting and put their money into their envelope, some weeks they

might have a little more to save than others, but encourage them to try to save at least €1 per week.

If your meeting hall has access to a safe or lockbox then the girls could leave their money there,

otherwise the girls can bring their envelope folder to their meeting each week and we depend on their

honesty and ability to keep their hands off the money in between.

This is a fun way to teach them a life skill, to earn a badge at the end of it, and save towards a treat for them. It’s a

win-win. It could also go towards their Money Management badge.

Working towards the Craft badge the girls could always incorporate the now defunct Toymaker badge,

again there are a number of them left in National Office. One of the challenges on the Craft badge

is to make a puppet, if your girls did this you might award them their Toymaker badge? Or you might

incorporate it into the Knit and Needle badge. This is another good team building badge. Perhaps you

could contact your local Men’s Shed, or ICA Guild (Irish Countrywomen Association) for some help in this regard,

it’s also a nice way to get to know other groups in your community and to learn about some of the other activities

that go on in your community. The girls might be interested, and surprised, at the things that are going on right

under their nose.

‘A full list of available badges will be circulated to Brigin leaders. Please ensure there is enough stock before starting on the badge

with your Brigini by checking with the National Office’


SPRING BUCKET LIST

A new year, a new Guiding term, why not have the girls create their bucket list for the coming term? Whether it’s

things they’d like to do at a meeting, places they’d like to go for a day trip, or locations for camps they’d like to go

on, let them make their bucket list and you might take some ideas from them and add it to your programme for

the upcoming term; the girls always love to feel included and heard, and what better way to do that than to include

some of their activity ideas in your programme.


GUIDES

FURTHER ADVENTURES IN GUIDING

Everyone may remember that last year the Kilmuckridge Guide Unit very kindly began sharing a year in the life of

their very active group. We had seen what they were doing right up to Christmas of last year, and now they’ve given

us the next instalment, all of their adventures from January right up to their end of term in the summer. So, thanks

to Hannah Barton and all the Guiders in Kilmuckridge for sharing their ideas and their programme with us.

If you’d like to share any of your programme ideas or activities,

please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at programme@

girlguidesireland.ie

The new year started with lots of preparatory work for our

enrolment which is the highlight of our Guiding year. Promises

and prayers were practiced and pre-enrolment challenges were

set. We also celebrated Thinking Day. We had some breaks

in the form of arts and crafts as well as learning about bees

and bugs for our Take Action project. We were building a bug

hotel but also doing research on a variety of bugs like spiders,

bees and ladybugs for the presentation at Youth Forum.

March Regional Guide Patrol Leader Training

Some of the girls attended Guide Patrol Leader training which was organised by the South East Regional Training

team and hosted in Piercestown. The girls had an amazing time learning about patrols and how they work, outdoor

skills in Guiding, flag-work and a lively campfire led by Ger Conway and Nicola Mangan from Summerhill. The smiles

on the girls faces said it all! They made friends with Guides from other units and had a fantastic experience. Thanks

to all involved who make it such a success.

April 2023 Youth Forum

There was big excitement with a dose of nerves about our

presentation of the Take Action Project at the Youth Forum in

Carlingford. The fact that the bug hotel made out of cardboard and

paper, coloured and decorated, had an accident during the bus ride

did not help the nerves. But the show must go on. And Sophie,

Niamh-Aine and Nell did a brilliant presentation of the battered bug

hotel and the reasons why they are important to the environment.

With the presentation over, the girls could then enjoy the rest of

the activities at Youth Forum which included tag archery and the

amazing high ropes.


May Backwoods Cooking and Camp Prep.

May was a busy month completing the pre-enrolment challenges as well as preparing for the Regional outdoor camp

which was being held at the end of June. It would be the first time attending an outdoor camp for most of the

Guides. To get a taste of things to expect, a session of backwwoods cooking was organised with Mr. Frank Shelley

a very experienced scout leader. The girls were both enthralled and horrified by what they made. Here are some

pictures of some of the yummy(!) treats.

June 2023 Enrolment and Regional Outdoor Camp

The highlight of the Guiding year for girls and parents was the enrolment which took place on a lovely summer

evening on the beach. Our Regional Commissioner, Nicola Toughey, came to join in the celebrations which

continued on with chicken and chips in Lawler’s for everyone. It was to celebrate a year of hard work by both girls

and Guiders. Not all of the girls in the unit were getting enrolled but everyone was there to celebrate the unit’s

main event.

At the end of June, the newly enrolled Guides joined Guides and Rangers from other units in the Region in the

IOAC for the Regional Outdoor Camp. We were blessed with the weather that weekend and the girls put their skills

of pitching a tent, games, and archery into work at the camp. The smiles on their faces at the final photo showed the

enjoyable time they had. A fitting end to a fantastic year! Although we are a small section in a small unit, there were

countless opportunities for us to fully participate in both Regional and National events which we fully appreciate, as

well as our own unit activities. So any section, regardless of numbers, should go to any, and all, events that are being

organised, as the friendships and memories created by the girls are worth it.


RANGERS

As we’re coming to the end of the academic year why not plan a relaxing, pampering night for the Rangers? There

are a tough few months ahead for the girls as they’ll be facing into the end of the school year, some will have orals

and aurals and state exams, so they will have a lot going on. What better time to plan a treat night, to just allow

them time to relax and enjoy, and maybe even give them some pointers to help them relax at home as well.

REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is based on the theory that your hands, feet, and ears are connected to certain organs and body

systems. Reflexologists believe that applying pressure to these parts offers a range of health benefits.

Reflexology rests on the ancient Chinese belief in qi (pronounced “chee”), or “vital energy.” According to this belief,

qi flows through each person. When a person feels stressed, their body blocks qi.

This can cause an imbalance in the body that leads to stress and illness. Reflexology aims to keep qi flowing through

the body, keeping it balanced and disease free.

In Chinese medicine, different body parts correspond with different pressure points on the body. Reflexologists use

maps of these points in the feet, hands, and ears to determine where they should apply pressure.

They believe their touch sends energy flowing through a person’s body until it reaches the area in need of healing.

If you don’t like people touching your feet, there are other methods available; such as reflexology slippers or

reflexology massage mats which you can try, or here’s a diagram of the corresponding areas on the feet if you want

to give it a try yourself.


AROMATHERAPY

Another great way to ease stress is by use of aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy oils can make your home smell nice, help you

unwind after a long day, or even boost your mood. Why not

try burning some candles, wax, oil or incense sticks in your

meeting hall before the girls arrive, so that when they enter

there’s already the aura of calm? Then, you could let them

make their own aromatherapy oils to bring home.

You only need a carrier oil if you’re applying oils topically.

Carrier oils, like jojoba oil, coconut oil, and olive oil, are

mandatory if you’re putting oils on your skin. However, smelling

an oil is much safer than putting it on your skin so you don’t

need the carrier oil.

You use water instead of oil if you’re using a diffuser. Diffusing

your oils is the most popular way to do some aromatherapy.

With a diffuser, you fill the machine with water and then add a

few drops of your preferred essential oil to the water and turn

the machine on. There are even some waterless diffusers out

there, and if you have one of those, you don’t need to dilute

the oil at all.

MOCKTAILS

Finally, don’t forget to have some nibbles and some mocktails for the girls to make it a truly pampering girls night

in. Some bowls of crisps, nuts or trail mix dotted around the areas, and the ingredients for the makings of some

mocktails will add to the enjoyment


INTERNATIONAL

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are all settling into the new year

and your Guiding activities.

In this issue, you will hear about the

preparations for the Roverway contingent, the

experiences of the attendees at The Academy

and you will see a snippet of the new Thinking

Day newsletter!

Don’t forget if you are interested in any

international experience where you can

represent CGI, fill out the international

opportunities form here:

The next two events to apply for are the next Juliette Lowe Seminar 2024 (deadline for applications – End of

February for Guiders aged 18-30) and Overtures (EDI network open to all Guiders)

Looking forward to seeing your applications!

Yours in Guiding,

Gillian Garvey

International Commissioner

international@girlguidesireland.ie

OVERTURES

The Overtures Network provides an opportunity for members of WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides

and Girl Scouts) and WOSM (World Organisation of the Scout Movement) to come together to discuss ideas on

opening up the Associations for young people originating from ethnic and other minority groups. The participation

of children and youths with different backgrounds is based on the principle that Guiding and Scouting are open to all

people.

Their next meeting is planned for June 2024

when it is hoped to hold the event in person.

The steering group and hosting team always plan

a great weekend including topics on inclusion of

scouts with special needs, reaching out projects

to underprivileged neighbourhoods, mental health

and wellbeing, LGBT+, and many other exciting

topics. The meeting will be an opportunity to

meet open- and like-minded Guides and Scouts

working in this area across the European Region.

If you would like to represent CGI at this event

(in person) please contact

international@girlguidesireland.ie for more

information or fill out the international

opportunities form accessed from the QR code

above.


WORLD

THINKING DAY

On Thinking Day – Let’s learn about the symbol of WAGGGS!

WHAT IS WORLD THINKING DAY?

It has been a day of international friendship since 1926.

In 1926, Girl Guide and Girl Scout delegates from around the globe met in the USA for the 4th World Conference.

The thoughtful delegates agreed that there should be a special annual day when Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around

the world think of each other and express their thanks and appreciation for our international Movement. This was

called Thinking Day. Every year on the 22nd of February, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts celebrate the Movement by

connecting with each other and having fun together, learning about and taking action on the global issues that affect

their local communities, and fundraising for the 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world.

The 22nd February was chosen because it was the birthday of both Olave Baden-Powell, who was the World

Chief Guide, and Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout Movement. On International Day of the Girl 2020,

WAGGGS asked Girl Guides and Girl Scouts under 18 from 100 countries what issues they were most concerned

about and what they wanted to change about the world. From this data, the number one worry mentioned was the

environment and so the World Thinking Day theme from 2022-2024 will be Our World, Our Future.

WHAT IS THE SYMBOL OF WAGGGS?

It was introduced in 1975 and is called the World trefoil.

The World Trefoil in the centre represents the World Association, whilst arrows pointing towards it represent

action and direction. The circular design represents the World of the Girl Guide/Girl Scout Movement. The colour

changes depending on the region of WAGGGS i.e. The Navy and yellow represents the European region WAGGGS.

The European WAGGGS badge should be worn on guider activity uniform when attending international events – it

marks you as a member of WAGGGS to other members and it is available from the CGI shop. Have a look at the

printable activity here – it explains the meaning behind each part of the WAGGGS trefoil – an important part of our

history.


Are you a Guider interested in going on an international event you haven’t had

the chance to yet?

I’m looking for feedback from Guiders on what sort of international girlguiding

trip to one of the World Centres you would like to be a part of. Scan the QR

code and fill out the survey to have your voice heard in the coming decisionmaking

process!


Tuesday 14th of November

We met at the airport at 4:30 am, checked in our bags, and the adventure had begun! Our flight took off at 7am, and

it wasn’t long before we arrived in Frankfurt. Neither of us had ever been in Frankfurt before, so we spent the day

exploring the city. We went up the Main Tower which gave us a great chance to see a panoramic view of the city.

We had lunch, walked around some more, and then it was time to get the train to Wiesbaden. After an hour on the

train, and a short bus, we made it to the hostel and registered. We got name badges, and were assigned our peer

groups who we’d be working with over the coming days.

We then checked out our room and met our roommates - 4 scouts from Slovenia and Sweden. We had dinner and

chatted to other participants, before having a fabulous campfire in the German ‘Kohte’ tent. We sang songs from all

over the world, including Ireland!

We then got an early night to prepare for the week ahead.

Wednesday 15th of Nov

The day started early in the morning with breakfast being between 7-9am. After breakfast the opening ceremony

began, and Scouts and Guides from 38 different countries were welcomed. Following this we were put into our peer

groups made up of around 9-10 people.

We then began our first activity which was the living library. This was where we were able to go around to different

Guides and Scouts and hear about their Guides / Scouts and personal experiences, and what led them to be here

now. This was a great way to hear about the different events and working of Guides and Scouts all over the world.

After the living library and lunch we partook in the first session of The Academy. Which was Leadership Model 1. In

this session they discuss behaviours that encourage leadership traits and how to integrate them into programmes to

help make future leaders. It was a really interesting session and we talked about things we had never heard of.

After lunch we attended the first marketplace, which allowed us to see programmes and activities that different

organisations around the world use, and it allowed us to take some ideas when making future programmes.

Before dinner we attended our peer group sessions, where we reflected on the day we had, how we felt and what

changes we would make for future days. This was a nice way to talk to people in our peer group and get to know

them better.

After dinner, we had our national evening. Where we went around in our peer groups and did challenges to learn

about the German way of Scouting and Guiding. We learned how to pitch German tents, sing German songs and

dances and the best way to start a fire.

After a long day we headed to bed to get some rest for Thursday.

Thursday 16th of November

We had breakfast again between 7 and 9am, before our seminar sessions started at 9. We both attended a Free

Being Me session, in which we looked at social media posts and advertisements, and discussed their potential impact

on our young members. We then looked at the ´Action on Body Confidence’ which we are looking forward to using


in our future meetings.

Our second session started at 11:00 after a 30 minute coffee break spent chatting to other participants. One session

was on emotional flexibility, in which we learned about why some people might be rigid in their decision making, and

how to become more emotionally flexible when making big decisions for our Member Organisations. We also made

‘emotional anchors’ and practised some meditation for keeping calm in stressful scenarios.

At 14:30, after a two hour lunch break, we went to our third session of the day, including Guiding and Scouting in

the âge of AI and misinformation. This was super interesting, we learned about how to teach our members about the

pros and cons of AI, and also about how to use AI to enhance our planning.

Every day after our sessions, we gathered together with our peer group, consisting of 8-9 people from all over the

world, along with our facilitator, to reflect on the day and give feedback.

Thursday was our free evening which was spend exploring Wiesbaden with many participants from all over the

world.

Friday 17th November

Again we had breakfast between 7-9am, and after breakfast, we partook in the first session of the day which was

Mental health in Guiding and Scouting. This session was very interesting and participants were able to learn about

the different ways that other Guides and Scouts try to have discussions about Mental health, and tools they use to

help encourage more people to talk about their mental health.

After the break was the second session of the day which was EU YOUth Dialogue. This session was particularly

intriguing, as it was the first time we learnt how Guides and Scouts are involved in EU dialogue, and how to become

involved.

Following the second session, we had a free afternoon, which we used to catch up on rest and visit the city of

Wiesbaden.

A market place session took place again, where we were able to learn about embedding external programmes into

our work at CGI. This session was useful as being surrounded by many different Guides and Scouts and learning

about the programmes they use had given us some ideas that we wanted to take home with us.

Following these sessions we had our peer group meeting again, which allowed us to reflect on the day.

This evening was an international evening. We had a table set up with the other Irish members from Irish Girl Guides

and Scouting Ireland. At our table we had Irish food and drink including Baileys and Tayto, and a small game where

people had to guess how to pronounce Irish names. We were also able to visit other countries' stalls where we got

to taste popular food of their country and learn about their culture. This was one of the best nights of The Academy

and it ended with learning different dances from around the world.

Our favourite was ‘Ai se eu te Pego’ from Portugal!

Saturday 18th of November

Sessions started at 9am after breakfast. One of the first sessions we attended was the Basics of Advocacy, where we

learned how to integrate advocacy into our weekly meetings, and we planned an advocacy campaign in groups.

Shauna’s group focused on an advocacy campaign for each Guide unit in Ireland to have their own facility for

meetings. We made a step by step plan, including the stakeholders we would involve, the advocacy methods we

would use, and of course our goals and objectives.

Later in the day, Sinéad attended a session on participation amongst women and girls, and Shauna attended an

inclusion session, which consisted of making a growth campaign based on a set of criteria. Shauna’s group worked on

a campaign for including a group of immigrant children in the local Guide or Scout unit. It was really interesting and

gave us great insight into how to grow our organisation in a gradual and meaningful way.

After all of our Saturday sessions had finished, we had a Kaleidoscope session where many organisations set up

a stall to talk about what their organisations were up to, and how to get involved. At every stall we collected a

piece of paper for our kaleidoscope, and at the end we had beautiful patterns inside. Many stalls were particularly


interesting, including one on leadership training in Sweden, and LGBTQ+ inclusion from the UK.

In the evening we met with our peer groups to do a Wiesbaden city challenge- it was lashing rain but that didn’t

stop us! We then had our candlelit closing ceremony outside Hessisches Staatstheater- the theatre in Wiesbaden.

We thanked the amazing German organisers, the WAGGGS/WOSM volunteers and the facilitators. We then walked

home to the hostel together and packed our bags.

Sunday 19th November

Sunday was our final day, after breakfast in the morning we checked out of our room and gathered together for one

final reflection session. We did some ‘speed dating’ to share what we had learned in the academy and the changes we

have been inspired to make in our MO.

We said goodbye, helped the organisers with some of the cleaning up of the hostel, and then spent our last few

hours exploring Wiesbaden before getting our train to the airport.

The Academy has been an unforgettable, inspiring and energising experience. We can’t wait to implement what we

have learned in CGI- we have so many ideas and project ideas to share!

Shauna & Sinéad, Buíon Naomh Brendán, Coolock

ROVERWAY UPDATE

Roverway 2024 will be taking place in Norway from 22nd July to the 2nd of August. The CIGA (Council for Irish

Guide Associations) contingent will be travelling to Norway. The CIGA contingent is made up of CGI members and

IGG members. The jamboree is divided into two parts. From 22nd July 2024, the participants will gather in smaller

groups and get the opportunity to explore a self-chosen path. The paths will run throughout Southern Norway and

end in a jamboree at Lundsneset, Stavanger. A closing ceremony on 1st August 2024 will mark the end of the 11 days

of Norwegian adventure, and on August 2nd everyone will travel home with memories that will last them a lifetime!

We have a contingent management team made up with Aisling O’Halloran (IGG) Head of Contingent, Yvonne

Murphy (CGI) Assistant Head of Contingent, Sarah O’Dovonan (IGG) contingent member and the support from

both International Commissioners Gillian Garvey (CGI) and Aisling Claffey (IGG)

We’ve all been working hard for a year now

getting ready for this amazing experience.

Besides all the meetings (online, phone calls,

emails etc.) for the May Bank Holiday weekend

Aisling and myself travelled to Oslo for our

first Head of Contingent physical meeting.

We stayed in a Primary school (Eidsvol Verk

Elementary School) in Eidsvoll Verk. It is a

village in Eidsvol in Akershus Norway, 50

minutes’ drive outside Oslo. Primary schools

are regularly rented out their due to their large

buildings (classrooms, halls, canteen) on the

weekends for groups to use.

Our Friday night was we mingled with other

HOC’s from all over Europe and Canada. A

relaxed evening settling in, and we finished

up with an Norwegian outdoor campfire with

popcorn.


On Saturday we began with our morning ceremony

hosting our flags, followed by a contingent breakfast

(Recommend you try the Brown Cheese!) After

breakfast we were introduced to the Roverway team

behind the event. In the afternoon we got some key

information regarding travel and pathways (although

there was a lot more questions than answers given at

this stage). Later we had a safety talk telling us how safe

Norway is and how strict they are with their laws and

how these will be implemented in Roverway.

Before dinner we went on an Historical walk to Eidsvoll

Manor, this is the place where the Constitution of

Norway was signed in 1814. An enjoyable walk through

the suburb. Majority of all the house detached single

story and made from timber. Not much snow about for

this time of the year but lumps of ice on the side of the

paths. It was about 12 degrees, so the walk was pleasant

not too hot or cold.

After dinner it was time for international night. We had brought Tayto crisps with batch bread for crisps sandwiches

and some games for fellow Guides and Scouts to pronounce Irish children’s names and places. We joined our table

with Scouting Ireland who brought Clonakility Pudding and cooked it up. All the table from Europe had lovely, tasty

treat, games to try and treats to make at home.

On the last day I had an early flight to catch but before I left, I celebrated a small European mass lead by an Italian

Scout/minster.

A great weekend to final out loads of information regarding Roverway, meet with Aisling and put a plan in place for

the next few months gathering all the participants.

We open applications for all 16-22

members of CGI and IGG and we

were inundated with 107 applications.

We then opened applications for IST

(International Service Team). These

applications were for members of

CGI and IGG over the age of 23 to

help within Roverway and help our

contingent along the way too. We had

great support of 11 members wishing

to travel and other members wishing

to help the contingent along the way.

Fast forward to October we needed

to ensure that the participants

wishing to go were suitable for this.

Coming out of covid not many had

the opportunity to travel international

with Guides and also an 11 day trip is

an extensive camp.

We held selection weekend in Kilcock Co. Kildare with an overflow selection weekend in Cork due to the numbers.

All participants were given very little information regarding kit and equipment they needed other than they were told

you’d be sleeping on a floor and walking!

Friday night was filled with information, lots and lots of questions! And team building bonding games. Some

participants had come by themselves and some in big unit of 6 so it was important everyone mingled.


Saturday we got moving, in the morning they were spilt into random patrols and given 3 tasks to complete along

their 7km walk with rucksacks on their back! After lunch they were spilt again into number patrols randomly and to

complete another 3 tasks on a 7 km walk and luck behold this time it was in the rain! All accomplished the task with

great enthusiasm, some forward thinking but most of all enjoyed the time to get to know the other participants.

Saturday evening to everyone's delight we got to watch the Rugby and all full engaged in it. And the rest we’ll leave it

there.

Sunday we started the day with more questions, team building games and got them thinking about what paths,

patrols they would like to be in and most important when would they be told if they could go!

When we asked the participants what they enjoyed about the weekend? A few responses were:

‘Getting to meet the leaders and other girls planning to head to Roverway, I enjoyed the satisfaction and achievement of

completing the hike’.

‘I enjoyed being in patrols as it gave opportunities to actually talk to people and get to know them. Seeing potential paths

made it all fee very real and more exciting’.

‘I enjoyed meeting everybody and I also enjoyed the games and activities everybody is incredibly friendly, and I was very

comfortable with everyone’.

Also asked what do they feel they need to do to prepare themselves for Roverway?

‘I will prepare by buying more suitable wet weather gear and make sure I have all camping essentials.

‘I'll complete some more hikes carrying my gear to ensure I’ll be fit enough to hike in Norway I will go on some more camps to

improve my skills’.

After a week of reviewing the weekend we

(CMT team) were happy to say that all the

girls were amazing and all suited to go. So,

heading to Roverway we have a contingent of

64 participants, 8 IST and 3 CMT, 75 in total.

9 CGI members (Raheny, Piercestown and St.

Comgalls) 3 IST (Piercestown) and 1 CMT (St

Comgalls)

A lot of work still to be done before heading

North of the Ordinary. A May Pre Camp, 2nd

HOC physical meeting in Stravenger (the camp

site).


TRAINING

Firstly let me start by wishing you all a very happy 2024. As we get back to our Guiding year, it’s also

time for the National Training Team to get back to their work at planning some more training for this

year.

STEP 2 AND STEP 3 (AN DUSHLAN)

Step 2 and Step 3 (An Dushlan) is organised on a national basis and will take place March 23rd and 24th

2024. After this year it will run on alternative years i.e. Step 2 will run in 2025 and then Step 3 (An

Dushlan) in 2026.

UNIT LEADER TRAINING

Unit Leader Training takes place 28/29th September 2024. More information will follow nearer the time.

FIRST AID TRAINING

First Aid training – this is planned in each region.

CPA (CHILD PROTECTION

AWARENESS)

This is also organised in each region and takes place at various times throughout the year, depending on

demand and is mandatory training.

GUIDER TRAINING - STEP 1

Step 1 – is compulsory training and all elements must be completed to become a fully trained leader.

36 Guiders Link Vol .1

WAYS TO HELP SUPPORT/ MENTOR

YOUR NEW TRAINEES.

1. Create an environment that supports new trainees, this will put them at ease

2. Set clear goals that everyone is happy with and understands as they move through

their challenges

3. Decide who will mentor each trainee and support them through their

challenges.

4. Provide options for training. There is a no one-size fits all as we

all learn differently. There are seven ways people learn:

visually, aurally, physically, logically, socially and solitarily. So

while reading from a book might suit one person it does

not suit all.

5. Make engagement a key component of training. Keeping

our trainees engaged is essential for volunteer retention.

6. Provide supervision and feedback so your trainees know that

they are completing the training successfully.

Trish Derwin

National Commissioner for Training


Chief Commissioner Award &

Oisín Award Ceremony

Saturday 27th January 2024


On Saturday 27th January, CGI returned to the Dining Hall in Trinity College, Dublin, for the annual Chief Commissioner Award

and Oisin Award ceremony.

The recipients, their families and members for their Units started arriving around 1 o’clock excited and nervous at the same

time as they saw the room that they would soon be filing into and the stage where they would be receiving the award(s) they

had worked so hard to achieve. As the crowds gathered the participants were lined up in the reception area behind their Unit

flags as they prepared to enter. It was then they were informed of the secret criteria for receiving your award, they had to smile!

Everyone stood as the Participants Parade entered and they filed in to their allotted seats in the room.

It was then they

were informed of

the secret criteria for

receiving your award


Chief Commissioner Award & Oisín Award Ceremony

The proceedings began with our International Commissioner, Gillian Garvey. Gillian proceeded to give a speech on

what the Chief Commissioner Award entails, how much work and effort the participants have put into their projects

to even reach this particular point, and how they should be commended for persevering and completing the journey.

After Gillian, we were treated to speeches from

four of the CCA participants. Amy Shortt, Buion

Naomh Brendán, Martha Fennell, St. Colmcilles, Lucy

O’Sullivan, Buion Choca Naofa, and Izzy Downey,

Buion Mhuire na nDolas, gave us an insight into what

it is like to work on and ultimately, complete the Chief

Commissioner Award. After the participants gave

their speeches, it was on to the main event, the Award

presentations, Each participant was called out in turn

and only at that point did they find out what level of

award they would receive, gold, silver, or bronze. Each

participant was given a certificate signed by the Chief

Commissioner, a medal with the corresponding level of

achievement and a gift from CGI for each of them. The

Chief Commissioner challenge this year was ‘Guiding

is Fun’ and as a number of the participants had brought

mascots to their interviews, their gift was a teddy

bear with the CCA logo printed on the t-shirt and a

compass to acknowledge all the hard work the girls

had done on the outdoor elements of the award. 21

Guides received their Chief Commissioner Award.

Each participant

was given a

certificate signed

by the Chief

Commissioner, a

medal with the

corresponding level

of achievement

and a gift from CGI

for each of them.



www.girlguidesireland.ie




Next up were the Rangers who had gathered to receive their Oisín Award and Gaisce – The President’s Award.

Amy Geraghty, Clonard, spoke about achieving the Oisin Award and the Rangers were each called out in turn to

receive their awards. 14 Rangers received their Oisín Award and 8 of them also received their corresponding Gaisce

certificate and pin. Their gift was a teddy bear with the Oisín Award logo printed on the t-shirt and a compass to

acknowledge all the hard work the girls had done on the outdoor element of the award.

CGI’s Chief Commissioner, Julie

Donnelly, then gave her speech

and welcomed the invited guests

from Irish Girl Guides and Scouting

Ireland, and how lovely it was to

see past CGI Chief Commissioners

at the event. Julie thanked the

families and Guiders of the

participants for supporting the girls

to achieve their awards and said

how proud everyone was of their

achievements.

Julie spoke about the high standard

each of the CCA participants

brought to the projects and the

amount of work each one put

into them and mentioned that at

times when involved in meetings

in relation to CGI there are times

when you wonder as an adult

volunteer or board member if in

fact we are on the right path with

helping all our youth members.

After meeting all of today’s

participants at the interviews and

here at the ceremony her resolve

was strengthened that we are in

fact on the right path



Holly Kennedy, Buion Pheadair an tAspal, read a Reflection that she had written as part of her project.

At the end of the ceremony everyone was invited to join in with refreshments which was well deserved after such a

great day, one that hopefully all the participants will remember for a long time to come.



Congratulations to:

Chief Commissioner Award Recipients

Amy Browne • Buion Naomh Brendan • Eastern Region

Andi Courtney • Buion Naomh Brendan • Eastern Region

Aoibhe Cunningham • Buíon Chóca Naofa • Eastern Region

Izzy Downey Buion • Mhuire na nDolás • Eastern Region

Paige Farrell Buion • Pheadair an tAspal • Eastern Region

Martha Fennell • St Colmcilles • Northern Region

Rachel Ferguson • St Colmcilles • Northern Region

Lily Golledge • Buion Pheadair an tAspal • Eastern Region

Katelyn Graham • Buion Pheadair an tAspal • Eastern Region

Aisling Halligan • Buíon Chóca Naofa • Eastern Region

Holly Kennedy • Buion Pheadair an tAspal • Eastern Region

Maebh Lynch • St Comgalls • Northern Region

Eve McDermott • Buion Mhuire na nDolás • Eastern Region

Michelle Mooney • Buion Naomh Brendan • Eastern Region

Siobhan O’Connor • Buion Pheadair an tAspal • Eastern Region

Lucy O’Sullivan • Buíon Chóca Naofa • Eastern Region

Lucy Quinn • St Colmcilles • Northern Region

Amy Shortt • Buion Naomh Brendan • Eastern Region

Megan Smyth • St Colmcilles • Northern Region

Aisling Timoney • Buion • Naomh Brendan • Eastern Region

Caragh Watson • Buion Mhuire na nDolás • Eastern Region

Oisin Award Recipients

Sarah Aberg • Buion Naomh Ailbhe • Eastern Region

Fiona Brazil • Buion Naomh Ailbhe • Eastern Region

Sarah Casey • St. Stephen's • South West Region

Rebecca Clarke • Buion Francis Taylor • Eastern Region

Livi Doyle • St. Stephen's • South West Region

Amy Geraghty • Clonard • South East Region

Ciara Gleeson • Buion Naomh Ailbhe • Eastern Region

Oliva Haines • Buion Naomh Ailbhe • Eastern Region

Ellie Lynch • St. Stephen's • South West Region

Julia Madden • Buion Naomh Ailbhe • Eastern Region

Roisin Downey • Buion Naomh Ailbhe • Eastern Region

Caoimhe Murphy • Buion Francis Taylor • Eastern Region

Emma O'Brien • St. Stephen's • South West Region

Anna Price • Buion Francis Taylor • Eastern Region


YOUTH

FORUM

5th - 7TH APRIL

CARLINGFORD ADVENTURE CENTRE

COST: €50 PER GUIDE or RANGER. €20 PER ADULT

TRAVEL: €15 PER PERSON

Places will be limited and bookings will only be

confirmed once full payment has been received.

To book places, please complete the Event Booking Form

on OGM and email to admin@girlguidesireland.ie

Closing date Friday 1st March 2024


AROUND IRELAND

EASTERN REGION

Eastern Region Round up

Eastern Region Brigín Day

Eastern Region Brigín Day took place on October 15th.

The day followed WAGGGS Day of the Girl theme

‘Resilience’. The day was organised by Brigín and Cygnet

Commissioner Sarah Browne. The Brigíni took part in

many activities throughout the day including a superhero

party, learning about resilience and spending time with

animals. Thanks to all who were involved.

Regional Executive

The Regional Executive continued to meet monthly.

On February 23rd Eastern Region regional council took

place. We thanked those who had finished their time on

the executive and welcomed new members. We were

delighted that Julie, our Chief Commissioner, was able to

join us and she presented service awards to many of our

Guiders. Gisele Mansfield gave us some information on

Brigid 1500 and the events that were to take place this

year at National and Regional level.


Christmas card

competition

During the Christmas period we

also held our annual Christmas

card competition designed by

the Guides in the region and

were given to the Guiders and

Le Chéile members in the region

this year. Congratulations to all

who took part most importantly

to our winner Kyra Smith from

Buíon Pheadair an tAspal.

Oak ward in Tallaght University

Hospital

Also organised by Sarah, many units in the region

helped to decorate the Oak ward in Tallaght University

Hospital this Christmas. We hope that they brought

some cheer to those who may have needed the

services of the hospital over the Christmas period.

Buion imelda

Coffee Morning for the Cancer Society we raised €332.

Arklow

Arklow Girl Guides & Rangers attended St. Mary’s

production of the Addams Family to support Roisin one

of our Rangers.

Then on Friday 27th we hosted a disco for the Brigini,

Guides, Rangers and their friends and family in the Arus

Parish Hall. There was over 120 in attendance and a great

night was had by all.

Camp Harry

Potter Wizardry

‘Glendalough’

December 2024

‘Buion Imelda’ Ice

skating on the 13th

January 2024


Carmel O’Connor

Receives Presidential

Award

The Parish of Terenure nominated

Carmel O’Connor, Buion Muire

Na Toirbhirte, Eastern Region,

to receive an award from the

President, Michael D. Higgins

for her ongoing commitment to

Guiding in the parish since 1980.

NORTHERN REGION

Northern Region Round up

Lots happening in the Northern Region this quarter. We had our Guider Step One training in Ocotber with 18 new

Leaders attending. November saw us busy with a Leaders Craft Day with excellent examples of crafts for all ages! We

held our AGM in November and a big thank you to our Chief Commssioner, Julie Donnelly, who attended the day and

presented our Service and Membership Awards. Well done to Holy Family Unit who celebrated 50 years of Guiding in

their parish. Sadly we lost another Leader, Hyacinth Murtagh sadly passed away in September. She was a past Leader

with St Oliver Plunkett, Lurgan and a valued member of our association. Now is the time for everyone to have a well

earned break over Christmas. I wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas and a great New Year.

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind”

- C. S Lewis

Josephine Higgins

Northern Region Commissioner

September

Holy Family Unit celebrates 50 years!


October

Holy Trinity Cygnets reveal their magical works of art!

St Mary’s on the Hill enjoy Halloween movie nights

St Paul’s complete Halloween month of STEAM

November

Leaders Craft Day at Northern Region HQ


St Patrick’s, Aghagallon, complete their ‘Guides Against Bullying’ Badge

Northern Region AGM

December

St Oliver Plunkett, Lurgan, celebrate their enrolment.

Congratulations to newly enrolled Brigins, Guides and

Rangers from St Comgall’s Unit.

Holy Family

Guides hold

‘Living Library’

and invite local

women to tell

their stories

and answer

questions

from the

Guides.


SOUTH WEST REGION

Our Lady of Lourdes Ballinlough

On the 14th of December, 2023, Our Lady of Lourdes Brigini did their annual Christmas good deed. This year, instead

of our usual Christmas concert, we hosted a table quiz and raffle in aid of Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. We would

like to say a massive thank you to those who helped organise the table quiz, those who helped out on the night, and

to those who attended and donated. We would also like to say a massive thank you to Niall and Buzz from Autism

Assistance Dogs Ireland for coming out to visit and explain what they do.

Our Lady of Lourdes Unit St. Brigid's Day Mass

On the 28th of January 2024, Our Lady of Lourdes Unit hosted the South West Regions annual St. Brigid's Day Mass

at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ballinlough. It was great to be able to celebrate our patron Saint with so many

of our regional members, especially as it is her 1500 anniversary this year. We would like to thank Msgr. Gearóid

Dullea for facilitating the mass and Our Lady of Lourdes Unit for organising the day. We would also like to once again

congratulation Amy and Nicola from St. Stephen's Unit Watergrasshill , on their commissioning.

The Passing of Eilis O'Mahony

We received sad news on Saturday 13th January 2024, that our dear friend Eilis

O'Mahony passed away peacefully following a short illness. Eilis joined St. Theresa's as

a Brigin Guider in February 2020. During COVID she participated in Zoom meetings

with the Cygnets and Brigin companies sharing her skills with our youth members.

After COVID Eilis took on the roll of Guider and during her short time she was a

fantastic Brigin Guider, keen to be involved in all activiities, enthusiastic, loved and

cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a secondary school

teacher and had a wealth of knowledge and interests she was willing to share with the

Youth Members and Guiders. She will be deeply missed by her Guiding family, may her

gentle soul rest in peace.

Norma Lombard, Unit Leader, St. theresa's Unit, Passage West


SOUTH EAST REGION

Wexford Town

Wexford Town has had a busy year focusing on developing the social and task oriented confidence of all the members.

Here's some photos

Summerhill

Summerhill Guides were very busy for the last quarter

of 2023 with all 4 sections keeping busy . The Guides

had a fabulous day at Hell and Back , the smell of muck

was strong on the bus coming back but the smiles

of the girls were wide. The Rangers also thoroughly

enjoyed the National Ranger camp. Guides had

recycling fashion show to name but a few things while

the Rangers were busy with aerial yoga and a trip to

the Wicklow Goal. The Cygnets and Brigini were all

busy and great to see the girls having so much fun. The

unit was delighted to take part in the Regional STEAM

day and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all sections.


The unit came together before Christmas for an All sections Christmas party and the girls even the Rangers! were

delighted to see Santa .

The Guiders were busy attending the Regional AGM among other things and were delighted to receive a variety of

service awards. Emily along with Sharon from Castlebridge attended the Launch of Heed - an art exhibition to highlight

the campaign to End the Violence against Women and Girls. Guiders from Summerhill along with other Guiders from

the region attended the Rural Youth Gathering which highlighted the issues being experienced by youth and adult

members around the county.

Clonard

The Guides had a fantastic day at the National Guide Day

doing the Hell and Back course. The term no Guide left

behind was certainly used that day. The girls shouted and

screamed encouragement at each other. They pulled each

other over,under and through obstacles and they never left

anyone behind.

We ran a Christmas day for the Cygnets and were joined

by Piercetowns and Summerhill for a fun day with a very

special guest.

We held our annual enrolment just before Christmas where

we were delighted to enrol new members and members

who have moved sections. One of our Rangers was

presented with her silver Gaisce award by Michelle who

became very emotional as she has watched Amy grow into

a confident, independent young woman and is thrilled that

she is looking forward to becoming a leader next year.


CONTACTS

NEB

Chief Commissioner

Assistant Chief Commissioner

National Secretary

National Treasurer

International

Communications

Development

Programme

Training

South-Western Region

Eastern Region

South-Eastern Region

Northern Region

chiefcommissioner@girlguidesireland.ie

assistantchiefcommissioner@girlguidesireland.ie

secretary@girlguidesireland.ie

treasurer@girlguidesireland.ie

international@girlguidesireland.ie

pr@girlguidesireland.ie

development@girlguidesireland.ie

programme@girlguidesireland.ie

training@girlguidesireland.ie

s.west@girlguidesireland.ie

eastern@girlguidesireland.ie

s.east@girlguidesireland.ie

admin.nr@catholicguides.org.uk

Staff

Nicola Toughey National Office Coordinator

Eoin Hamilton Communications Administrator

Rob O'Connell Digital Communications

Nicola Kennedy Cope Administrator

nicola@girlguidesireland.ie

communications@girlguidesireland.ie

rob@girlguidesireland.ie

admin@girlguidesireland.ie


CGI National Office

12 Clanwilliam Terrace, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2

Tel: (01) 661 9566

Email: admin@girlguidesireland.ie

CGI Northern Region Office

St. Francis De Sales, 55 Beechmount Drive, Belfast

BT12 7LU

Tel: 028 9031 3639

Email: admin.nr@catholicguides.org.uk


Charity Number: CHY 7958

Reg. Charity Number: 20018689

Funded by the Department of Children, Equality,

Disability, Integration & Youth and the National

Lottery.

Guiders Link Vol 1 2024

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