February 22nd was World Thinking Day but what does that mean? Jacqueline Bolton kindly took the time to explain to us what the Girl Guides means to her and what World Thinking Day is all about.
“Without Girl Guides I would not be the person I am today – 100%. I joined as a Brownie at seven years old as a pretty shy and unsure girl, I moved through the branches – Guides, Pathfinders, Rangers and then became a Junior Leader while I awaited turning 18 so that I could be enrolled as a leader. I needed to give back to other girls what my leaders had given me; life skills, an appreciation of the outdoors, confidence, leadership skills and lifelong friends.”
“Since becoming a leader I’ve had the honour of meeting hundreds of youth members and other guiders through my Spark and Brownie units, summer camps, conferences and other guiding adventures. Seeing a new Brownie learn her promise or tie knots on her bedroll or watching a former Brownie, now Pathfinder, overcome her fear of heights while we’re Tree Top Trekking has been the most rewarding feeling in my life.”
“In the Spring of 2010 I decided to take on a bigger role within Guiding (because 2-3 nights a week out wasn’t enough), and am currently the Co-Administrative Community Leader for Community #37 (Northern York Region). My best friend and I took on this role to get to know our community better and to help make a difference in more girls lives. We have approximately 75 units that we support – with almost 200 guiders and just over 900 girls. We’ve met some truly amazing women and youth members along the way. Every Tuesday night you can still find me surrounded by twenty-eight Brownies and five of my closest friends learning a new skills or singing songs.”
“This week, Scout Guide Week, is a very exciting time for Guiding and Scouting around the world. Throughout the week units, communities, countries come together to celebrate World Thinking Day. We have some fun and raise awareness and collect items for local and global initiatives, this year’s being “Saving our Planet”. February 22nd has been chosen, as it was the birthday of our Founders Lord and Lady Baden Powell.”
“Every time I hear Sunny Owl from down the grocery store aisle I can’t help but smile, in knowing it’s one of “my” girls. I’m truly proud to be part of such an inspiring organization and look forward to continuing to share it with our leaders of tomorrow.”
For more information click the links below.
worldthinkingday.org/en/home | girlguides.ca | guidesontario.org | @girlguidesofcan
To follow Jacqueline’s adventures you can find her:
jacqueline.bolton@sympatico.ca | facebook.com/jacqueline.bolton | @jacquiebolton
Genumark is pleased to announce that Susan Heslop, CAS has joined our company as an Account Manager.
