October 2017
Here's what the new Girl Guide program will look like
Just a few examples of the many topics girls will be able to explore in the new program.
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The Girls First team is excited to share a sneak peek at the new programming content. After extensive research and consultations with Girls and Guiders, we heard loud and clear the kinds of programming Girls want and the topics that were most important to you. We also listened when you told us what you felt needed to be kept – like camping and badges – and the importance of incorporating opportunities for creative expression and developing real-world skills.
We took all of these topics and suggestions and mapped them out into seven Areas of Program (AoPs). Within each AoP, there'll be three or four main themes, each with several topics girls can explore. We've already identified nearly one hundred topics to start with – and those topics will continue to evolve to match Girls' interests and needs. The topics are where the new programming really shines – offering every girl the chance to be everything she wants to be with flexible, relevant and agile programming options. Check out the illustration below to learn more about the Areas of Program and Themes.
Yes, badges will still be a part of Guiding!
Tune in next month for updates on program requirements and how badging will work.
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Snapshots
Test Units
Thank you to everyone who applied to become a test unit – we had a great response from across the country! All applicants will receive an email the first week of October with details about what's next.
Technology
Thank you to all the Girls, parents and Guiders who generously provided input on the design of our new online platform. We're continuing to refine the design based on the amazing feedback we received.
Awards
Thank you to the National Youth Council for your fantastic feedback regarding awards. We know awards are important to members and they will continue to be supported through Girls First.
Applications for Girls First Champions
Join this dynamic and engaging facilitation team and support the transition to the Girls First program!
Click here to learn more about Girls First Champions
Girls First is a Girl-driven program – which means girls are empowered to be active and engaged contributors in their Guiding journey. Girls First Champions (GFCs) will be available to support the transition to the new program. This is a new role – Champions will support their area, province or territory by familiarizing adult members with program structure, requirements, technology, and ways to fully leverage the program to ensure a truly Girl-driven experience.
What You Need:
- Experience as a Unit Guider within the last 5 years
- Age of majority in the province of membership
- Compliance with GGC's policies, practices and standards – which include, but are not limited to, Safe Guide, Police Records Check (PRC), Code of Conduct
- Facilitation experience through training, teaching, coaching, mentoring (experience as a GGC trainer is not required)
What You'll Do:
- Conduct on-boarding sessions throughout the year with approximately 75 adult members, with a special focus on Unit Guiders utilizing the Girls First model and approach as outlined in resource materials
- Commit to on-going learning and development (Girls First information sessions, April 2018 event, youth engagement); stay up-to-date on knowledge and best practices
- Cultivate a network of sustained support for Unit Guiders within your province through regular check-ins, coaching, and peer collaboration (approximately 8-10 hours per year)
- Travel within your area, province, or territory, as required, to deliver sessions (minimum 5 sessions per year; approximately 4 hours per session) to Unit Guiders
- Monitor, evaluate, and record training activities for program effectiveness
Who You Are:
- Passionate about youth engagement and the Girl-driven approach
- Comfortable with group facilitation and engaging diverse adult audiences using a range of facilitation methods
- Welcoming and inclusive by creating a climate of safety and trust; cultivating diversity awareness and sensitivity toward difference
- Skilled at interacting with others; you develop rapport, listen actively, and influence through modelling of best practices
- Comfortable with technology and/or willing to learn about the new digital platform and support others
Expected Time Commitment
- Facilitation (5 Girls First sessions x approximately 4 hours each – 20 hours per year)
- Administration & preparation (approximately 5 hours per year)
- Guider check-ins (approximately 8-10 hours per year)
- April 2018 event – location to be communicated (over 2 ½ days – Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
Term
- 18 months (January 2018-June 2019) with option to renew depending on program needs at the time
Have questions? Click here for FAQs
We'll share feedback from Quebec's girl and adult members from Montreal and the Morin Heights Camp.