Girl Guides of Canada, one of the most recognized youth groups in the country, has had a long history in the Boundary and like many youth groups, it runs on volunteers. Almost anyone can volunteer, said Grand Forks Leader Bea Parker. It can be challenging for male volunteers due to Girl Guides being about nurturing female empowerment, but there is always a need for more people to help out. “There are many, many aspects of the group that need volunteers,” she said. “In small towns, especially, program volunteers work directly with children. But in larger centres, it’s more wide-open. People can work at a Guide camp, just come out for special events.” Getting girls to join and help out is fairly easy, Parker said, but getting adults to volunteer can be challenging. However, when needed, they do find people willing to help and step in for the group. In Grand Forks, Parker said there are plenty of opportunities for people to volunteer for Guide programs. People can apply as backup leaders in case someone isn’t available, or just come for special events. There is also a seniors “trefoil” league for people over 55 that went through the guiding program that want to return to help out. The group also fosters volunteering from within through their training and activity levels. Girl Guides starts with Sparks, taking in girls at five years old to start the Guiding journey, then progressing to Embers (formerly Brownies.) Once they turn 18, they can either become Junior Leaders for their community Guide groups, or another stream that helps them get involved in activities like camping. Becoming a Girl Guide member often turns into a lifelong passion, like it did for herself. Like herself, many start by enrolling their children, then become more involved by volunteering with the program. Parker stayed after her daughter progressed to be a Leader. Many more were also part of the Guide program as children and wanted to return. “It’s a world-wide sisterhood,” she said. “Anywhere you go you will likely meet others who also went through the program and there are plenty of opportunities for travel and employment, everywhere.” One benefit is being able to visit, work and stay at the Four Wheels centres in England, the European continent, India, Mexico and the African continent. While Grand Forks Guides don’t organize international trips, people who go through guiding and stay in it as a vocation have that option. For anyone not involved in Guiding or the programs, the best way to get involved is to go to the Girl Guides of Canada website. From there, people can apply and learn more about what Guiding programs are available. All applicants have to undergo a police record background check and some paperwork. “Beyond that, it’s pretty wide open for everyone,” Parker said. “There really isn’t a criteria saying someone can or cannot be a leader. It’s totally up to the person and up to them what program they want to join.” To register to volunteer, go to www.girlguides.ca/web/bc
