BRUCE Porter Reserve in Laurieton sprung to life on Sunday 22 February as Girl Guides from Port Macquarie, Forster, Wauchope and Camden Haven came together to celebrate the centenary of Thinking Day.
Joined by family members and volunteers, the world-wide event involved more than ten million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
First observed in 1926 the day was selected as it commemorates the birthdays of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout movement, and Lady Olave Baden-Powell, his wife and world chief guide.
Thirteen-year-old Guide Patrol leader Ashley Baxter from King Creek has been involved in guides since she was seven.
“I love going to guides because I get to make new friends, as well as learning leadership and community skills,” she said.
With 40 girls attending, a mix of current guides and those interested in joining, the 30 volunteers and parents present were kept busy supervising canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and tie dying scarves.
An orienteering activity was also provided by Hastings Orienteering Group.
After a hiatus of six months due to a lack of volunteers, Camden Haven Girl Guides is back up and running with District Manager Kim Woodhouse telling News Of The Area, “I’m 62 and I started in Guides when I was seven.
“It has taken me to so many different places around the world.
“I’ve met and made countless friends, and locally I’ve helped create a safe space for girls and women to do the activities they love.
“For me, guiding is a way of life and it has taught me skills that I will have forever.”
The day finished in a group circle with a reflection, where the guides were encouraged to think about the importance of global friendship and community, while remembering that Guiding is about fun and adventure.
By Rachael THORPE
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