Health and Safety Information for Families
Updated September 1, 2023
Quick link: Illness Self-Assessment Check List
Please complete the check list before every unit meeting. A Guider will confirm that you have completed the Self-Assessment when you arrive at the activity. You do not need to bring a paper copy to the meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GGC Screen its volunteers?
All potential volunteer Guiders (Adult Members) are screened before being placed in a unit. More information about the application and screening process can be found on our Volunteer Application Process page.
What training do Unit Guiders receive?
All new Guiders must complete Safe Guide training prior to becoming a volunteer. This training provides Guiders with information about how risks impact activities, how to manage risks when planning activities, and how to find requirements for specific types of activities. You can find more information on those policies here: Safe Guide
Guiders also have access to a wide variety of training opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills. Some of these trainings include:
- The Girl Program: an overview of the girl program, badge guidelines and navigating the program platform
- Building Unit Guider Skills: the girl-driven approach, girl engagement strategies and how to organize effective unit meetings
- Safe & Inclusive Space: safe space practices, diversity and inclusion and accessibility considerations
- All About the Branch: developmental characteristics, Guiding traditions, behaviour management and girl engagement strategies
Do Unit Guiders have first aid training?
Many of our Guiders are trained in First Aid and CPR.
For higher risk activities, such as overnight activities, canoeing, and whenever EMS response time is over 30 minutes, a Guider with current First Aid and CPR training must be present at all times.
For lower risk activities, such as typical unit meetings, and when EMS response time is less than 30 minutes, we still recommend that a Guider with First Aid be present.
How many Unit Guiders will be supervising the unit?
There will always be at least one Guider present during every activity.
Our minimum supervision ratios depend on age and the risk level of an activity. At a typical unit meeting the following ratios apply:
Sparks: 1:8 with at least 1 Guiders and another Guider or screened adult present
Embers: 1:8 with at least 1 Guiders and another Guider or screened adult present
Guides: 1:15 with at least 1 Guiders and another Guider or screened adult present
Pathfinders: 1:15
Rangers: 1:15
My child carries medication on them, or is will have to take medication during an activity. What do I do?
If your child is prescribed emergency medication, such as an epi-pen or inhaler, please make sure they bring it to every Girl Guides activity.
Any medications that your child may need while at Girl Guides must be included on their H.1 Personal Health Form.
My child has complex medical or behavioural needs, what supports can GGC provide?
Girl Guides recognizes and values the richness of human diversity in its many forms aims to be a place where all girls and women can say ‘I belong’. See our Inclusivity and Accessibility page for more information.
Guiders are responsible for the safety and experiences of the entire unit, and may not be trained, or have the experience, to work with all medical or behaviour needs. If you child requires additional support to participate in Girl Guides activities speak to your Guider about having a Support Person accompany your child.
Do we still need to complete the self-assessment before every in-person meeting, event or activity?
Yes. To ensure the continued safety of our families and communities, any person attending an in-person Guiding activity must complete the Illness Self-Assessment Checklist.
This checklist has been updated to align with current public health recommendations. People who feel unwell, or answer 'Yes' to any of the questions on the Illness Self-Assessment Checklist should stay home.