Trefoil Guild: Keeping the Spirit Alive!
In this edition of Guidepost, Trefoil Guilds will be speaking to the roles that guild members enjoy and embrace when providing support resources to girl programming. Trefoil Guild members support the myriad of roles that GGC’s adult members have in girl units and Guiding administration. There is a misconception that members of Trefoil Guilds not only enjoy but expect certain privileges. As you read the articles below, you will see this is far from the truth. We already know that 40% of Trefoil Guild members are still active Unit Guiders or hold other positions in Guiding. Others want to take on more supporting roles and we are working on some existing barriers so they can do so more easily. Connection and communication are critical if we are all going to work together to achieve GGC’s Mission.
The demographics of Trefoil Guilds are changing as more and more adult members recognize and embrace the sisterhood, comfort, fun and mentorship that comes from being a Trefoil Guild member. Guilds can enjoy a few hours of personal reflection, laugh amongst friends and rejuvenate their energy for the other Guiding roles. If you are an adult member, this is the place to be. We offer energy, enjoyment, experience and fun so you can refresh your passion for your other roles in our wonderful sisterhood.
For more information on Trefoil Guilds, visit the Trefoil Guild page or connect with your Provincial Liaison, who can answer your questions or connect you with a Trefoil Guild.;
~ Sharron Callahan, National Trefoil Guild Liaison
Alberta, Northwest Territories and Yukon
Beverly Simpson Headon/Glenda Metro, ANY Council Co-Trefoil Guild Liaison
ANY Trefoil Guilds have been busy getting their plans organized for various World Thinking Day events. One of the guilds had a special guest at a zoom meeting. Myrna Pearman took them on a journey of nature observations and experiences through photography and stories. Myrna spends as much time as she can outdoors with her camera - kayaking, hiking backroads, rambling, exploring wild places and enjoying the company of wild creatures.
We had a Unit Guider approach us to discuss opening a guild in their area. This is great! We were very happy to discuss this with them. During the discussion, they told us they want to do more in Guiding while enjoying their unit.
One of the guilds worked with a local Pathfinder unit to make table favours for a local long term care unit and brighten up their days. ANY Trefoil Guild members are active and enjoying the sisterhood of Guiding.
British Columbia
Darlene Kent, BC Trefoil Guild Liaison
BC Trefoil Guilds continue to visit units to present program ideas and packages of supplies for Unit Guiders. They support units and their Guiders by making themselves available when called upon.
We recently improved the communication between Trefoil Guilds and District Commissioners. The Provincial Trefoil Guild Liaison has contact information for all DCs and Trefoil Guild leads. She will be able to put both parties in touch with each other, so if assistance is needed for an upcoming activity that contact can be facilitated. Some examples of guilds helping out! Thank you for all you do.
In Kamloops, three members of the Blazing Sages Trefoil Guild attended a Spark, Embers and Guide unit to show them the Heritage uniforms. The girls learned about different uniforms from around the world. They had the opportunity to see uniforms from previous years and even designed a uniform top, which was very fun.
In Coquitlam, our guild helped at the District Advancement Ceremony in the park,held a teddy bear repair shop and handed out treats at the area youth achievement awards night.
In Nanaimo, dishes were prepared by Pathfinders at the annual Camp Creina Cookoff competition held at Camp Creina in Duncan. This year, there were nine teams who were tasked with preparing three courses; appetizer, entrée and dessert. All meals were prepared outside using one propane camp stove. The girls were challenged to incorporate five mystery ingredients into their dishes.
In North Vancouver, a local guild helped at the Lions Area 50th Anniversary Challenge Day. The event was open to all unit levels and we had Sparks through to Rangers attend. There were ten activity stations, each related to Guiding in the 50 years of our existence as an area.
In Victoria there are multi-generational opportunities in Guiding; daughter, mother and grandmother. All are in Girl Guides, going to camp together.
In Surrey, over the years our Trefoil Guild has held a Tea Party. For Sparks, Carol dressed up as Queen of the Sparks and several guild members were her ladies-in-waiting. The Sparks provided the tea and we brought goodies to enjoy with the it and we played games with the Sparks. Trefoil Guilds helped with the annual Snowflake Ball for Sparks and Embers. Our guild helped with set-up, ran the registration station and helped during the event at craft and activity stations. The photo is proof that Trefoil Guild members have fun!
Most recently, a Trefoil Guild, joined by a few local Trefoil Guild members, packed boxes for an upcoming Camp-in-a-Box event. This is a provincial event taking place around the province. Guilds in BC have contributed and continue to contribute to the success of Girl Guides.
Manitoba
Sharon Romanow, MB Trefoil Guild Liaison
In Manitoba, about a third of Trefoil Guild members are active Unit Guiders. Other Trefoil Guild members happily help as invited guests, sharing their experiences in Girl Guides with the girls, especially around World Thinking Day. They fill in for missing Guiders when ratio is needed and help organize and work large area and district events. Many of these events would not happen without the help of our Trefoil Guild members. One event was Lagimodiere Areas 30th Anniversary. Guild members cooked and served a full hot dog lunch for 600 people! For approximately 15 years, one areas Trefoil Guild members have helped organize and run the annual Lady Baden-Powell awards evening for the girls and their families -even with the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions. Trefoil Guild members are willing to help when the need arises.
New Brunswick and PEI
NB/PEI have a new Provincial Trefoil Guild Liaison. Her name is Carmel Hambrook and she is from Coastal Shore Area, Miramichi Trefoil Guild. Carmel brings many years of Guiding experience to her role. An Honorary Life Member, Guide and Pathfinder Unit Guider, trainer, District Commissioner and Trefoil Guild lead are among the many positions she has held.
The Provincial Trefoil Gathering committee is working very hard preparing for our June 17 event. Tidewater Area, Moncton, NB is looking forward to having Trefoil Guild members from NB and PEI join us for a day packed with re-connecting, sharing special memories and a museum tour along with friendship, fun and food.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Plans are well underway for the Spring Gathering at Max Simms Camp. The theme is Getting Back on Track. I am really excited we have several applications so far, and many guilds have let me know if many of their members will be attending.
Some of our Trefoil Guilds are still holding virtual meetings due to the time of the year and others are still active Guiders and time is limited.
Big Land Trefoil Guild, whom I have never met, are very ambitious and full of youthful energy. I was thrilled to hear they did an archery night, made hot chocolate bombs, held a pamper party and made dog cookies for the SPCA. It is wonderful that they are so active and ensures the future of Girl Guides in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Several of our groups attended the Growlers Hockey Game that was open to all Girl Guide members.
A guild held a quilting retreat camp and made three quilts for a women’s shelter. Another guild filled purses and donated them to Naomi House, Purses 4 Purpose.
A guild prepared supper at Ronald MacDonald House. Other guilds had card making sessions and made donations to Gathering Place.
Two highlights: Caribou Trefoil Guild will be holding a high tea in appropriate attire and have invited other guilds to attend.
World Thinking Day lunches were planned by several groups. One memorable World Thinking Day event was Centennial Trefoil Guild who had a lunch and celebrated their oldest active member, Mable Manual, who just turned 97.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has nine Trefoil Guilds. They vary in size, age distribution and geography but share the principles of Guiding. When asked what each guild does, in terms of girl support, the guilds are divided into two groups. The first group had a majority of members currently in units, working in areas or districts or working on the provincial council. Two guilds have 14 of 17 members in those roles. This group includes our youngest guild but also includes many members with many years in Girl Guides. Because these guilds have such a high number of Guiders in Guiding positions, all members are often drawn in to help with activities, meetings or camps.
The second group is composed of members with many years of service to GGC and many have held positions at provincial or national levels. This group includes the first Trefoil Guilds formed in Nova Scotia. This group supports the girls financially, providing funds for specific units, maintaining camps or contributing to scholarship programs. They are ready and willing to share their expertise and experiences but are not often brought into units.
When asked how the guild contributes to the girls’ experience in Girl Guides, three categories of help emerged.
- Direct work with girls in units or providing the support needed to present program. This was the strongest but not exclusive to the first group.
- Financial aid. While scholarship support has been provided in 2022-2023 by the collective group of Trefoil Guilds in Nova Scotia, the second group was stronger in this type of contribution.
- One off support to units, camps, training days, etc. Present in both groups but more often when there were direct links to units or if guild members were well known in their community.
While these trends are not surprising and I would expect them to be the same at this time next year, there is no doubt that emerging from the years of the pandemic has been difficult. Guilds are still struggling with the new normal and commitment issues. We are re-engaging and our opening has been cautious. While I think the three general areas of girl support will be the same next year, hopefully the individuals in the guilds will be more engaged.
Thank you to the Trefoil Guild leads for their continued interest and effort, and for responding to my request for input.
Ontario and Nunavut
Candace Gaudet, ON Trefoil Guild Liaison
Our Ontario Trefoil Guilds are all very anxious to help youth members. Many are still Unit Guiders, and others go into units to increase numbers when needed or help with a specific aspect of Guiding such as camp skills and spreading the idea of international sisterhood. Quite a number sell cookies and use the money to help units. One guild has a travel account available to any girl or unit going on an independent international trip. If none are travelling, they help with camp fees or equipment.
Guilds are stepping up and planning big multi-branch events to take some of the planning off the
shoulders of Guiders.
Guilds would like to do much more in their communities but run into difficulties getting contact information for the units around them. Guiders have the opposite problem; they are not sure where Trefoil Guilds are located or what they can offer.
One guild, not specifically located in one community, twins with Link members to do service projects either together or in smaller units. Sometimes, Agencies sometimes send requests and guilds help them with their needs.
Quebec
Ellen Gauthier Quebec Trefoil Guild Liaison)
Many of our guild members in Quebec help in units by providing leadership, support and role models. Some guild members are behind the scenes interviewing new potential Guiders in their screening process and helping with camp maintenance like painting floorboards.
Sparks and Embers learned about fire safety before they headed out to make their own small campfires to roast marshmallows and make s’mores.
Embers making a craft for their camp hat.
Embers and Sparks on a nature scavenger hike following a Trefoil Guild member at camp.
Saskatchewan
Lorraine Thibeault, Saskatchewan Trefoil Guild Liaison
“I became a leader because I wanted to be a positive influence in the life of at least one girl. What happened was hundreds of girls became a positive influence on my life.” ~ Lorraine, Trefoil Guild Member
In Saskatchewan, Trefoil Guild members continue to be positive influences in the lives of our youth and adult members as we maintain our connection with Girl Guides of Canada. Sometimes, our influence is direct and sometimes it is indirect.
Our members influence girls, Guiders and girl programming in a variety of ways:
- Two members work at the provincial level; one coordinates Lones Guiding activities, the other deals with all aspects of Saskatchewan Guiding in the provincial office.
- Several of our members are Unit Guiders working face-to-face with our girls; others volunteer occasionally.
- One member is a Trainer, working directly with Unit Guiders and indirectly affecting girls’ programming.
- One member is a Lones Guider working with a Sparks unit.
- Recently, two guild members hosted Guides on a tour of the provincial archives and talked to the girls about them.
- One guild sells Girl Guide cookies for a unit.
- When guilds closed their bank accounts, money was donated for girl programming.
When not working with the girls directly, guild members do much service work in their communities.
- Making quilts for people experiencing homelessness. An ongoing project of seven years, this project is an excellent example to our youth members of service to those in need, wise use of resources (the quilts are made from old jeans, blankets and comforters), cooperation (the quilts are tied by residents at Abbeyfield House - a communal living residence) - and of bridging, as ages are spanned.
- Collecting and donating items for women’s shelters and sexual health clinics. Again, these projects are great examples of service to those in need. In doing this service work, Trefoil Guild members set a wonderful example for our girls who also focus on service as a part of their program. Who knows? Perhaps some of the children and women are our own youth members and mothers/caregivers.
- Some guild members are grandparents to our youth members and work with them directly and indirectly on programming.
- It’s important to note that many guilds do not receive invitations to participate with youth members. Several guilds have indicated a willingness to work with our youth members on a variety of activities such as sewing projects, making s’mores, pouring tea, packing up handicraft kits and helping with crafts. However, they haven’t been invited, and they do not have access to rosters of Unit Guiders so they have no one to contact to offer their services.
1st Canadian Internet Trefoil Guild
Dana Weatherell, 1st Canadian Internet Trefoil Guild Liaison
Our Trefoil Guild is unique because it is all online and spans across Canada. We also have a couple out-of-country members who keep up their GGC membership. Many of our members are still in units while others are Community Guiders, ACLs, member support as well as a Provincial Trefoil Guild Advisors. So many of our members are involved in either working directly with girls or supporting the units that do. You may see some of our members in pictures posted by the various provinces as many are members of their local Trefoil Guild too!
Our guild also has a Campership fund available specifically for members of Lones units. Seventeen members have received this campership so far and we hope that units are camping again and girls will take advantage of this offer. Our members donate directly to this fund that is in memory of a past president of the Trefoil Guild. It is called the Elaine Hodgson Memorial Lone Guiding Campership.
Many of our members get together each year to make a donation to WAGGGS specifically to pay one or more African country's membership dues. The girls in those countries can continue in Guiding, which is wonderful. The donation is organized by a member in the UK who gets funding from her country to top up the donation. We donate to CWFF annually as well.