When a well-known organization celebrates 100 years, changing with the times is not the first thought that comes to mind. But over 4,000 people attended the anniversary celebrations for the Girl Guides of Canada on January 16, 2010 at Casa Loma in Toronto, Ontario. We have put together a gallery of photos of the event.
Girls Guides of Canada celebrate their centennial at Casa Loma
“The Girl Guides of Canada looks at the needs of the girls within the generation they are living,” explains Linda Crawford, the director of operations of Girl Guides of Canada. “We go out and ask girls what they like to do and what they would like to have the opportunity to try.”
The Girl Guides of Canada began in 1910 in St. Catharines, Ontario. The first chief commissioner of the Girl Guides of Canada was Lady Mary Pellatt, who resided in Toronto’s Casa Loma at the time.
The Girl Guides provides an opportunity for young women to learn through experience. Camping, one of the Girl Guide activities, teaches girls about nature and how to survive in new circumstances. “Girl Guides gives them exposure to new things that help them grow,” says Crawford.
Looking forward to the next 100 years, girls and parents can expect the Girl Guides of Canada to continue to adapt to the changing needs of girls and remain true to their mission, vision, promise and law that they have had for a century. But as science and technology change so will the Girl Guides of Canada. “We will be adapting to use the methods of communication that girls are adapting to,” says Crawford. “The Girl Guides of Canada will help girls adapt to that fast paced change.”
Friendships will continue to be the rewards of involvement with the Girl Guides of Canada. There is great mentorship that lasts a lifetime between women and girls.
“There is a great sisterhood,” concludes Crawford. “As adults we all have a desire to see youth become successful and to pass along important core values to the generations of youth that follow.”
