Guiding was started by Lord Robert Baden Powell during the Boar War in South Africa in 1899. He called on young boys to carry messages and was so impressed by their willingness, reliability and usefulness, that it sparked the idea to train young boys to become Scouts. When he returned to England, he ran a camp in County Dorset in 1907. The camp was a success, and he began writing articles , which were eventually combined into a book “Scouting for Boys” which was published in 1908. In 1909, a rally was called at Crystal Palace, London, and was attended by 11,000 boys, and a few girls who decided they wanted to become Girl Scouts. More and more girls joined, and in 1910 it was decided that a separate movement for girls would be formed. Lord Baden Powell’s sister, Agnes Baden Powell became their leader. It was decided that this movement would be called the Guides. These Guides were calm and decisive in action, watchful and helpful, and with their trained powers of observation, were able to sense danger before it came.
Guiding started in Trinidad in 1914. and spread to San Fernando in 1920. The 2nd Vistabella Junior Guides started in Vistabella Presbyterian School in 2005, and the girls have moved up to Senior Guides 12 – 15 years. The Guide Company, 2nd Vistabella Junior Guides are for ages 8½ – 12 years while the girls are maturing. While guiding can be lots of fun, they are involved in many serious activities to prepare them for mature life.
The Junior Guide Programme consists of the following:
1) Character and Intelligence, which includes…
a) Duty to God
b) Guides own
c) Love of God’s creation
d) Knowledge of the world
2) Service
a) Helpfulness
b) Sharing talents
c) Helping to clear away after a function
3) Physical Development
a) Health
b) Dancing
c) Tracking outdoors
d) Company drill
e) Cook outs
f) Eating the right ways
4) Handicraft
a) Literary arts
b) Visual arts
c) Performing arts
Details of the uniform:
The uniform is sold at the Girl Guides Headquarters, Rust Street, Port of Spain. A uniform is required after six (6) weeks of training. The cost at this time is one hundred and fifty dollars ( $ 150.00)
Badges are awarded to the girls based on their performance, at a small fee.
Monthly Subscription: $2.00
National levy: $6.00
Thinking day: $2.00
Thinking day is the joint birthdays of Lord Robert Baden Powell, and his wife Lady Olive baden Powell, the founders of the Boy Scout and Girl Guide movement. It is celebrated on 22nd February each year.
At Vistabella Presbyterian School, Guides meeting will be held each Friday From 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.
This article was submitted to the PTA by:
MRS. IRMA SEEPERSAD
Guider
2nd Vistabella Junior Guides.
We sincerely thank you for your dedication, and the wonderful job you are doing.
