For endless fun, new activities and the chance to connect with friends, Try Now, Join Later is the perfect opportunity to discover Girl Guides.
Girl Guides of Canada invites your daughter to take part in Try Now, Join Later, at no cost to you!* Try Now, Join Later is open for girls between five and 17 years old who are not currently members of Girl Guides to try Guiding for the remainder of the Guiding year (April – June).
With activities adaptable for in person, virtual or anytime, you can be confident that Guiding will be there for girls. Girl Guides of Canada has always been a leader in safety.
- In-person Guiding: Girls connect in-person (whether indoors or outdoors), with appropriate COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Virtual Guiding: Girl connect in real time using online meeting platforms.
- Anytime Guiding: Girls and Guiders connect via email, telephone or social media, on their own time, when it's convenient for them.
Our Return to In-Person Guiding protocols are informed by recommendations from Ministries of Public Health across the country and we are continually monitoring current COVID-19 data in every region.
Girl Guides helps her see what she can achieve – and build the skills to take her there.
Get Started!
Register now!
You can register your daughter for Try Now, Join Later through our online registration system. You will be able to view available groups (units) and register directly to the available unit of your choice.
Your daughter will be able to participate in the unit from the time she is registered until June, or the unit’s last meeting date for the year. Please note, this date will vary depending on the unit. Most will have their last meetings in May or June.
The volunteer leaders, (Guiders) from the unit may also reach out to welcome your daughter before her first meeting.
Bonus Opportunity
Try Now, Join Later participants will receive advance access to registration for the 2021-2022 Guiding year. This means that you will be able to secure a space for her before the registration period is open to the public. We will send you more information about priority registration closer to the registration period.
FAQs
*Is it really a no cost trial?
With Try Now, Join Later you won’t be charged the registration fee for your daughter to participate in a unit. Costs for some activities, excursions (if space allows†) and materials may apply – speak to your volunteer Guider for more information.
†Girls may not have access to all pre-planned unit events as part of Try Now, Join Later.
What fun things will your daughter get to try at meetings?
She can explore activities in STEM, leadership, community building, the outdoors, and more!
No matter what, girls can count on Guiding as a place where they can connect with friends and explore their interests in all the ways they love, whether that’s through hands-on experiments, getting outside, playing games, or trying new challenges. We have fun options available for all the different Guiding formats:
- In-person Guiding: Girls connect in-person (whether indoors or outdoors), with appropriate COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Virtual Guiding: Girl connect in real time using online meeting platforms
- Anytime Guiding: Girls connect through email, mail, telephone or social media
What safety measures are in place?
Safety has always been a priority for us. At Girl Guides, we like to be prepared! Learn more about our
up-to-date safety protocols that keep the fun going.
Are there age restrictions?
Girls between five and 17 years old are invited to register for the Try Now, Join Later program.
What age group (branch) will she participate in?
Please refer to the chart below to see which branch your daughter is eligible for. Depending on your daughter’s age, she may have the option to try a lower branch or the next branch up to get an idea of what comes next!
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Birth Year
|
Age by Dec 31, 2021
|
Try Now, Join Later
|
2021-2022 Guiding year
|
|
2016*
|
5
|
Sparks
|
Sparks
|
|
2015
|
6
|
Sparks
|
Sparks
|
|
2014
|
7
|
Sparks or Brownies
|
Brownies
|
|
2013
|
8
|
Brownies
|
Brownies
|
|
2012
|
9
|
Brownies or Guides
|
Guides
|
|
2011
|
10
|
Guides
|
Guides
|
|
2010
|
11
|
Guides
|
Guides
|
|
2009
|
12
|
Guides or Pathfinders
|
Pathfinders
|
|
2008
|
13
|
Pathfinders
|
Pathfinders
|
|
2007
|
14
|
Pathfinders
|
Pathfinders
|
|
2006
|
15
|
Pathfinders or Rangers
|
Rangers
|
|
2005
|
16
|
Rangers
|
Rangers
|
|
2004
|
17
|
Rangers
|
Rangers
|
|
2003**
|
18
|
Rangers
|
Rangers or adult
|
More information about each branch:
Sparks (ages 5 and 6)
Brownies (ages 7 and 8)
Guides (ages 9 to 11)
Pathfinders (ages 12 to 14)
Rangers (ages 15 to 17)
How do I find a spot in a unit?
Our
Unit Finder tool can help you find a participating unit near you. Once she is registered, your daughter has been placed in the unit. Please note that in some cases (for example if the unit decides to stop meeting early) she may need to be placed in an alternate unit.
When can my daughter start going to meetings?
Girls must be fully registered in Try Now, Join Later before attending any meetings. After she is registered, you will receive information about the location, day and time that the unit meets (some units meet virtually). Your volunteer Guider may also reach out before your first meeting to welcome your daughter and provide any additional information.
Will my daughter need a uniform?
Girls in the Try Now, Join Later program are not required to wear the Girl Guides uniform. You are welcome to purchase the uniform or other fun Guiding related clothing from our
online store.