Tag Archives: camping

The power of carrying a canoe solo

Grit. Determination. Self-reliance. Those are just some of the skills girls unleash when they hoist a canoe and do their first solo carry. Along the way, they demonstrate to themselves and each other the limitless possibilities of what girls can … Continue reading

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Why giving girls a little bit of freedom in the great outdoors is a recipe for awesome

Think Sparks are too little to cook their own meal or set off on an adventure? Think again. As this Guider writes, when girls get outdoors and have the chance to discover just what they can do on their own, … Continue reading

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Opening the Vaults: Before there was Instagram…

Long before Instagram and eons before selfies, Girl Guides captured their forever memories by printing and developing photos and carefully preserving them in photo albums. Among the favourite items in our national archives collection are two black photo albums titled, … Continue reading

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My Guiding Journey

When I think of my journey through Guiding, I can’t help but reflect upon the inspirational leaders who have played such a major role in my life. These amazing women are always there for me in both the highs and … Continue reading

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Opening the vaults: A camping we will go…

As girls are set to arrive at Guiding Mosaic 2016 (July 9 to July 17), our 13th national camp, we have combed through the archives and discovered some pictures from past national camps. Our first national camp was held in … Continue reading

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Opening the Vaults: Timeless summer fun

Exploring the outdoors through activities such as hiking, camping and rock climbing can have an extraordinary impact on a girl’s life. With the approach of summer, we’re showcasing some of the outdoor activity photos from our national archives. Although the … Continue reading

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The best seat at the campfire

Sit-upons, bum buckets or camp chairs: The great debate One of the central parts of a camping trip is the campfire. It’s where we cook and eat, where we bond and strengthen our sisterhood, and where we sing and create … Continue reading

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Now my family understands why I’m a Guider

It’s almost the May long weekend – which means you might be camping in shorts and T-shirts, wearing flannel and a toque, or a combination of both on the same day. In this blog re-post, Guider Jodi shares how her … Continue reading

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When Guiders amp up their camp skills

There’s nothing quite like March in Canada – cold enough to qualify as winter camping, but often with no snow on the ground. That didn’t stop the group of Ontario Guiders I guided on an overnight trek into the woods … Continue reading

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Opening the Vaults: Creative camp gadgets

We have some really interesting photos of camp gadgets in our collection. So many that we had trouble narrowing them down and reached out to some self-proclaimed gadget experts for their help with the selection. Choosing these pictures brought back … Continue reading

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My camp blanket tells a thousand stories

Not all stories are told in books, not all memories are seen in pictures – some come in the form of a thousand little embroidered pieces of felt. My camp blankets tell more than my Guiding story. They weave together … Continue reading

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Teaching camp skills….indoors

Teaching camp skills to a group of 30, mostly new, inexperienced Guides before a fall tent camp that will be three-hours away from home can be a very rewarding experience. Teaching these skills that are to be applied outdoors during … Continue reading

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How I planned – and survived! and enjoyed! – trekking with my Rangers

New Brunswick’s 2nd Tidewater Ranger Unit focuses on outside activities as much as possible. Our meeting place is in a ski hut in a park in Moncton where we have access to hiking trails, cross country ski equipment, snowshoes and … Continue reading

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Practicing for Guiding Mosaic 2016

With one year to go until Guiding Mosaic 2016 (GM2016), we decided to hold a Mosaic practice camp for the girls registered in our patrol. So, in mid-July we headed out, looking to get to know our girls better and … Continue reading

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Opening the Vaults: 1920s and 1930s Campfires and Cookbooks

Every so often we find cookbooks included in a donation to the archives. Today we have decided to share a few of the earliest cookbooks and illustrations from our collection. Many of these recipes and cooking styles would no doubt … Continue reading

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Trex Trek to Baden-Powell Lake

Earlier this summer, eight girls and six leaders from 1st Quinte Trex  in Trenton, Ontario headed into Algonquin Park for our annual wilderness canoe trip. In addition to the fun, good food and adventure, the girls planned a very special … Continue reading

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Who are we singing along the road

This past weekend, on a beautiful summer day, my friend Megan and I slapped about 40 pounds of gear on our back and took to the backwoods of Kejimkujik National Park. Like, 10 kilometres into the backwoods, into the backwoods. … Continue reading

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I “Bee-lieve” in Camp!

I spent a lot of my time as a youth member in Girl Guides at camp. Going to Guelph ’93 as a Pathfinder was one of the defining moments of my youth, and one of the main things that kept … Continue reading

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You gotta sing!

Spring is here and Girl Guide camping season is upon us! Out come the sleeping bags, the dippy bags, the sit-upons, the camp blankets and flashlights! All over Canada at the moment, girls from the youngest Spark to the oldest … Continue reading

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It’s never too late

It’s never too late.  No matter what you want to do, aspire to be, or where you want to go.  It’s never too late to try something new. When my daughter was 10 and in her second year of Guides, … Continue reading

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A ditty bag by any other name…

Every Girl Guide knows a mesh bag is essential at camp to do dishes, but what do you call it? A mess kit? A ditty bag? A mess sack? Every unit uses different terminology but generally within the same region, … Continue reading

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Why every Brownie should have a camp blanket

On this edition of Throwback Thursday, we’re revisiting a blog post on favourite topic – camp blankets! When I became a Brownie leader, right before we went to camp, I always brought my camp blanket to a meeting. This was … Continue reading

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Throwback Thursday: The Benefits of Camping without Parents

If you’re involved in Guiding, you know how amazing the camp experience is. For girls, it may be their first exciting taste of freedom as they head out into the world without mom and dad. Here’s a Throwback Thursday post … Continue reading

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Now my family understands why I’m a Guider

There we were…pouring rain, middle of May chill in the air (not quite spring, not quite winter), camping 100 km from anything –  running water, power and even cell phone service. What was I going to do with 14 cold … Continue reading

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Girl Guide Camp Blanket vs. Camp Poncho

For today’s Flahsback Friday installment, we’re re-posting one of our most viewed blog posts of all time.  ——————————————————————————————- In today’s post, we’re entering into some pretty turbulent waters, opening up a seriously contentious debate, if you will. No, I’m not … Continue reading

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Doing it all – and then some – at camp

What can you do at camp? Pretty much anything. Our friends at Caddy Lake Camp in Manitoba outline just some of the amazing experiences campers can expect this summer. When can we start packing?! Did you know going to camp … Continue reading

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Should girls bring tech to camp?

It started when a Brownie asked if she could bring her iPod Touch to camp. Our packing list says no electronic devices at camp. Cameras are optional. The Brownie (and her parents) understood, but she explained that her iPod is her … Continue reading

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How to Explain the Beauty of Winter Camping

“Why would anyone do that!?” That was the reply when I told a dinner companion that in 10 hours I’d be heading to the mountains of Manning Park, British Columbia, to go winter tent camping in record low temperatures, along with … Continue reading

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The Benefits of Camping without Parents

Every year, our Brownie unit takes a spring weekend camping trip. As I enter my seventh year as a Brownie leader, I have been reflecting on what I have learned about planning these camp weekends. There are some obvious things, … Continue reading

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I “Bee-lieve” in Camp!

I spent a lot of my time as a youth member in Girl Guides at camp. Going to Guelph ’93 as a Pathfinder was one of the defining moments of my youth, and one of the main things that kept … Continue reading

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A Storm to Remember!

We REALLY want your vote! It’s time for the 2012/2013 Big Deal Seal! We’ve ranked all of the 2012/2013 blog posts (posted May 1, 2012 – April 30, 2013), according to views on the day they were posted. Now we’re looking … Continue reading

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A Constant Quest for Adventure

My new year’s resolution for 2013 was to sleep outside at least one night every month of the year. This goal is born from a passion for outdoor adventure. I feel like I am the best version of myself when … Continue reading

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What Are Jeans Good For?

  Update: This post was voted a 2012/2013 GirlGuidesCANblog Big Deal Seal winner in the Camping/Outdoors & Global Guiding category! Bravo blogger Elizabeth! —————————- Our district went to a winter camp a couple of weekends ago and quite a few … Continue reading

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Oh Baby! Let’s Go Camping

Many know that I’m the leader of the 2nd Port Elgin Pathfinders which means I love to camp! It has taken me a few years to finally figure out this camping thing – before I became a leader, my idea … Continue reading

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First Camp of the Year

This post was originally posted on Guider Stephanie’s blog Life of a Twingle Gal. Thanks Stephanie for sharing it with us! ———————————————— This past weekend, we held our first camp of the 2012-13 Guiding year!  I’m a leader with Girl … Continue reading

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Camping Lady Baden-Powell Style

This post was originally shared on Guider Kirsten’s blog Kirsten’s Life. Thank you Guider Kirsten for sharing it with us! ————————- Camping Lady Baden-Powell Style The other weekend four of my third year Guides and us leaders went camping. We only … Continue reading

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Guiding with Baby on Board

I was a Guider long before we decided to have children.  So when I learned I was pregnant, right before heading off to spring camp, I had no doubt that I would continue Guiding after my daughter was born.  Luckily … Continue reading

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Thrown in the Lake: POV from First-Time Guider

A little about me Girl Guides is new for me – I became a Sparks Guider last September when my twin daughters joined. Little did I know that I’d love being a Guider! I was nominated by my fellow Guiders … Continue reading

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Bringing the Outdoors In: Part IV

This is part four of a series – camp prep, brushing up on camping skills from the comfort of the meeting place, and enjoying the camping adventure. In this installment, we learn about the evaluation skills needed to figure out … Continue reading

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Bringing the Outdoors In: Part III

This is part three of a series… preparing for camp and learning camp skills from the comfort of the meeting place, before going out to test our abilities at camp.  In this installment, we learn about the ‘people skills’ needed … Continue reading

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Bringing the Outdoors In: Part II

This is part two of a series… preparing for camp & learning camp skills from the comfort of the meeting place, before going out to test our abilities at camp.  In this installment, we learn about the ‘planning skills’ needed … Continue reading

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Camping à la “Dad and Me”

This is the first of our Flashback Friday blog posts for the summer months! Every Friday we will re-share a post previously shared on GirlGuidesCANblog, that related to the summer months (camping, outdoor fun, family time). Enjoy! ———————————————————————– Earlier this … Continue reading

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Girl Guide Camp Blanket vs. Camp Poncho

This is the first of our Flashback Friday blog posts for the summer months! Every Friday we will re-share a post previously shared on GirlGuidesCANblog, that related to the summer months (camping, outdoor fun, family time). Enjoy! ———————————————————————– In today’s … Continue reading

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Lending a Hand [to Camp]

I realize we’re all busy, and everyone feels they do plenty for Guiding. I hate for you to find out like this, but there is always more work to be done, and you, the responsible, helpful, and giving adult who … Continue reading

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Guiding Songs

We all know about Girl Guide Cookies – when they’re being sold, where to buy ‘em, and the flavours available. But did you know about the Girl Guide Cookie songs? Here are the lyrics to a few gems we’ve heard … Continue reading

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Green Camping

Recently I had the pleasure of spending a beautiful fall day at the Quebec Girl Guides’ Camp Wa-Thik-Ane in Morin Heights just north of Montreal. I was able to support my daughter’s Guide Unit and do a little “green camping”* … Continue reading

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I Camp Therefore I Have My Camp Blanket

Update: This post was voted as a 2011/2012 GirlGuidesCANblog Big Deal Seal winner in the Growing Guiding category! Bravo blogger Sarah! ——————————————————————– When I was chosen to be one of the Nova Scotia delegates to the International Camp in Guelph ’93, I was … Continue reading

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Camping à la “Dad and Me”

What place do Dads have in Guiding you ask? On Father’s Day, we had heard about Dads that helped build bird houses and some that assisted at a Unit BBQ. Attending a ‘Dad and Me’ camp is another small, but … Continue reading

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Girl Guide Tweets that SOARed!

In the ‘Spirit’ of last week’s large scale SOAR camp in Agassiz, BC, we had to share a small sampling of the fun Twitter messages posted by some attendees! Thanks to the ladies who permitted us to share these messages on … Continue reading

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