All Units will meet in the Hall / Church at _____ am sharp, they will march in to the Hall / Church, Sparks Units, Brownie Units, Guide Units, Pathfinder Units, Rangers and Senior Branches and take their seats.

                       

Please Stand for Presentation of the Colors – Canada Flag followed by Unit Flags, followed by Presider (Parent, Priest, Reverend, Community Leader, etc.)

 

 

 

 

Thinking Day, Jour des pensees, Tenkendag.  From dawn in the Southern Hemisphere to midnight in Alaska, the hours and minutes of 22^nd February are no ordinary time.  Thinking Day is a special day for millions of girls throughout the world.

 

Why is Thinking Day So Important?

 

To start with, Guiding isn’t just something we do one night a week.  That’s one aspect of it, true, but Guiding is more than that – it’s a way we are given the power to improve our world and Thinking Day is a time to celebrate that.

 

Guides around the world are working to improve their communities in all sorts of ways,

 

§  Teaching reading, writing and health care

§  Transporting medicines from depots to where they are needed

§  Improving farm methods

§  Building water pumps and latrines

§  Planting trees, monitoring wildlife and providing recycling services

§  Working with minority groups

§  Looking after children and helping to educate mothers in nutrition and child health issues

§  Forming part of the relief effort after disasters

 

In countries where some of these services are provided by other agencies, Guides raise money for charities, play with disabled children, and shop for the elderly. Helping other people and working to make things better for them are ideas common to every Guide wherever she lives.

 

In Guiding, we learn that by doing, trying new things, sharing our traditions – but most of all, we learn by having fun.

 

 

Come along with me to a place I know,

Where the grasses bend, where the breezes blow.

Where the lake is smooth and the maples grow,

It’s a gift for me and you.

 

On a village green underneath the sun,

We will live and laugh ‘til the day is done,

And the joys we share there with everyone,

Will be ours the whole day through.

 

Chorus:        

Let’s get together now, We’ll show each other how,

We’ll make this dream reality.

And if it is to be, I know it’s up to me.

Let’s sing a song of harmony.

 

When the stars come out and the moon in bright,

We will sing our songs by the campfire light.

With the welcome rest of a peaceful night

We’ll begin the day anew.

 

Oh, this friendly world is a dream!’, you say;

But with hearts and hands we will find a way

To a better world, and a better day;

It begins with me and you.

 

 

 

 

 

You may bring to your office and put in a frame

A promise as fine as its paint.

But if you’re not fair when you’re playing the game,

The promise won’t make you a saint.

 

You can stick up the place cards all over the hall.

But here is the word I announce:

“It isn’t a promise that hangs on the wall.

But the promise you live that counts.”

 

If the promise says “Smile” and you carry a frown,

“Do it now” and you linger and wait,

If the promise says “Help” and you trample folks down,

If the promise says “Love” and you hate –

 

You won’t get away with the promises you stall,

For the truth will come forth with a bounce,

It is not the promise that hangs on the wall –

But the promise you live that counts.

 

 

Promise Song:  Whene’er You Make A Promise – W. W. Shield

 

Whene’er you make a promise

Consider well its importance

And when made,

Engrave it upon your heart.

 

 

 

As a band of sisters joined, one in heart and one in mind,

Let us renew our promises.

 

Spark Promise:  ALL SPARKS TOGETHER  

 

I promise to share and be a friend.

 

Brownie Promise:  ALL BROWNIES TOGETHER

 

I Promise to do my best,
To be true to myself, my beliefs and Canada
I will take action for a better world
And respect the Brownie Law

 

Guides, Pathfinders, and adults, Senior Branches (Cadets, Junior Leaders and Rangers) Promise:  ALL GUIDES TOGETHER

 

I Promise to do my best,
To be true to myself, my beliefs and Canada
I will take action for a better world
And respect the Guiding Law

 

 

 

Chorus:

On my honor, I will try:

There’s a duty to be done, and I say. “Aye.”

There’s a reason here for a reason above.

My honor is to try and my duty is to love.

 

No one needs to know my name,

If I hurt someone, then I’m to blame.

If I’ve helped someone, then I’ve helped me.

And that’s the way that it should be.

 

I’ve tucked away a song or two;

If you’re feeling low, there’s one for you.

If you need a friend, then I will come.

There’s plenty more where I’ve come from.

 

Come with me where the fire burns bright,

We can even see better by its own light;

We can find more meaning in a campfire glow

Than we’ve ever found in a year or so.

 

We’ve make a promise to always keep,

And sing “Day is Done” before we sleep.

We’re Girl Guides together, and when we’re gone,

We’ll still be a-trying and a-singing this song.

 

 

 

Lord Robert Baden-Powell (known in Guiding and Scouting as “B-P”) was born in England on February 22, 1857.  When he was 19 years old, he joined the army and went to South Africa and India.  He was responsible for teaching other men in the army “military scouting” which included finding out all about the countryside around them.  So he made up games to help teach the men.

 

Lord Baden-Powell wrote these games in a book called Scouting for Boys.  When he returned to England he discovered that many people were playing his games.

 

In 1909, he called a rally to bring together all those who were practicing the scouting games.  The rally was held at the Crystal Palace in London.  Thousands of boys and their leaders came – and a small group of girls!  They want to join too.  Lord Baden-Powell asked his sister Agnes to be in charge of the girls whom he called Guides.

 

Agnes wrote the first handbook for Girl Guides.  In it she gave girls good advice and information on many subjects, including camping.  Agnes also set up a Girl Guide Headquarters in London, England.  During the early years of Guiding, Agnes was president of the Girl Guide Association in the United Kingdom.  She always loved nature and loved to camp.  Even in her old age she called herself the “Grandmother of the Guides.”  Agnes died in 1945 at the age of 86.

 

Reader 3

 

In 1912, Lord Baden-Powell met Olave St. Clare Soames aboard a cruise ship going to the West Indies.  The fact that they shared the same birthday, February 22, seemed like a special sign.  By the end of the cruise they were secretly engaged.  They were concerned that because Lord Baden-Powell was much older than Olave, their families would not approve of their marriage.  However, they were married later that year.

 

Olave had always loved being outdoors.  As a child she had learned to garden, swim, sail, row, skate, bicycle, ride a horse and play tennis.  She was also musical and had learned to play the violin very well.  So, in 1917, after their third child was born, Olave, turned her talents to Guiding and was elected Chief Commissioner.  In 1930, Olave (now Lady Baden-Powell) was named World Chief Guide.

 

Over the years the Baden-Powell’s travelled all over the world.  After B-P’s death in 1941, Olave returned home to England.  However, she soon realized that Guides still needed her so she continued visiting and encouraging Guides and Scouts the world over.  Olave was over 85 when she finally had to give up her travels.  In June, 1977, she died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 88.

 

The spirit and enthusiasm of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell live on in the Guiding movement around the world.  Every year, on February 22, Guides everywhere celebrate the joint birthdays of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell.  Today is that special day, Thinking Day.  Guides think about their sister Guides in other countries and celebrate international friendship.

 

Once a mighty soldier, beloved by his fellow men

Under the shade of the flag of the free

Took some boys and trained them,

Made them strong and brave and true,

Who’ll come a-Scouting, a-Scouting with me?

 

Chorus:

Keep on a-working, never a-shirking,

Carry out the rules as he wanted them to be,

And we’ll sing as we put our shoulders and our brains to work,

Who’ll come a-Scouting, a-Scouting with me?

 

Soon the little band grew, swelling great in number,

Through other countries, one, two, three,

Then around the world it spread,

Stronger, ever stronger,

Who’ll come a-Scouting, a-Scouting with me?

 

In 1909, at the Crystal Palace,

A small group of girls came and wanted to see.

BP asked Agnes to lead the charge for Guiding

Who’ll come a-Guiding, a-Guiding with me?

 

Chorus:

Keep on a-working, never a-shirking,

Carry out the rules as she wanted them to be,

And we’ll sing as we put our shoulders and our brains to work,

Who’ll come a-Guiding, a-Guiding with me?

 

 

Reader 4 – Light Candle 1

                       

As girls in Guiding we are not only members of our own unit, and Girl Guides of Canada, but we have 'Sister' Girl Guides or Girl Scouts in 145 countries around the world. Each of our Sister Guides and Scouts has accepted a Promise and Law much like our own. 

 

In the Netherlands, a Girl Guide is called a Padvindster.  As Padvindster's close their meetings with a friendship circle, each girl says in turn. "I am a link in the golden chain of world friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.”  Today each of us will participate in creating a link to build our Golden Chain of Friendship, let’s think about our Sister Guides and Scouts in other countries. About how things may be different for them but also about how much we are the same and about how each of us is an important link in the Golden Chain of Friendship.

 

Reader 5 – Light Candle 2

                       

Repeat after me the saying from Padvinsters in the Netherlands.

'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

 

ALL TOGETHER: 'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

 

Reader continues

 

§  In the Bahamas, Brownie Scouts promise to have courage and be cheerful in difficult situations.

§  In Ghana, an Ananse Guide promises to make good use of her time.

§  In Guatemala, Little Riding Hoods promise to smile and sing under all difficulties.

§  In Italy, a Ladybird promises to love and respect nature.

§  In Madagascar, a Little Wing promises to do all she can to create peace around her.

§  In Nigeria, a Ranger Guide promises to be useful and help others.

§  In Papua New Guinea, a Sunbird promises to take care of her own possessions and those of others.

§  In Spain, a Pioneer promises to get to know the place she is living and be involved in its improvement.

§  In Turkey, a Venture Guide promises to be a friend to animals and plants.

§  In Greece, a Star promises to be conscientious in her work and reliable.

                                     

Reader 6 – Light Candle 3

 

Repeat after me the saying from Padvinsters in the Netherlands.

'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

 

ALL TOGETHER: 'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

 

Reader continues

 

§  In Korea, a Cadet promises to be thrifty.

§  In Liechtenstein, a Little Bee promises to seek and convey joy.

§  In Malta, a Dolphin promises to be self-controlled in all she thinks, says and does.

§  In Jordan, a Ranger promises to be frank and make it a point of honor to deserve trust.

§  In Grenada, a Guide promises to be obedient.

§  In Germany, a Caravelle promises to share and be grateful.

§  In Austria, a Brownie promises to pay attention to all human beings and seek to understand them.

§  In Australia, a Gumnut Guide promises to be friendly and a sister to all Girl Guides.

§  In Switzerland, a Ranger promises to rejoice in all that is beautiful.

§  In Sudan, a Bluebird promises to be a sister to every other guide, no matter to what country, class or creed, the other may belong.

 

Reader 7 – Light Candle 4

 

Repeat after me the saying from Padvinsters in the Netherlands.

'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

 

ALL TOGETHER: 'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

 

Reader continues

 

§  Israel, an Ofer (or Brownie) promises to live life correctly and do her duty.

§  In England, a Rainbow promises to love her God and be kind and helpful.

§  In Canada, a Pathfinder promises to be true to herself.

§  In Argentina, Little Wings promise to obey the law of the pack.

§  In Bangladesh, a Yellowbird promises to help other people every day especially those at home.

§  In Botswana, a Sunbeam promises to do her best.

§  In Columbia, a Fairy promises to generous and always tells the truth.

§  In Cyprus, a Butterfly promises to bring happiness at home.

§  In the Philippines, a Star Scout promises to lend a hand.

§  In Rwanda, a Wagtail promises to do a Good Turn every day.

 

Reader 8 – Light Candle 5

                       

Repeat after me the saying from Padvinsters in the Netherlands.

'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

 

ALL TOGETHER: 'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

           

Reader continues

 

§  In Sri Lanka, a Little Friend promises to give in to older folk.

§  In Argentina, a Sun Guide promises to be thrifty and respect other people's property.

§  In Belgium, a Beaver Guide promises to be cheerful with others.

§  In Bolivia, an Intermediate Guide promises to be kind to animals.

§  In Brazil, a Brownie promises to participate actively and responsibly in her community.

§  In China, a Ranger promises to smile and sing under difficulties.

§  In Costa Rica, a Brownie promises to listen to and obey her leader.

§  In Denmark, a Mini-Guide promises to listen to the opinion of others and to form her own.

§  In Egypt, a Guide promises to be useful and help others.

§  In Estonia, a Guide promises to be pure in thought in word and in deed.

 

Reader 9 – Light Candle 6

 

Repeat after me the saying from Padvinsters in the Netherlands.

'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

 

ALL TOGETHER: 'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

 

Reader continues

 

§  In Finland, a Flickscout promises to develop herself as a human being.

§  In France, a Girl Scout promises to enjoy work and endeavor to do nothing by halves.

§  In India, a Bulbul promises to keep the law of the Bulbul Flock.

§  In Ireland, a Ladybird promises to be a friend to all, and a sister to every other Guide.

§  In the Ivory Coast, a Jeanette promises to be always active.

§  In Japan, a Junior promises to be courteous.

§  In Kenya, a Guide promises to be courageous and cheerful under all circumstances.

§  In Latvia, a Little Fire promises to be active and thrifty.

§  In Lebanon, a Faradole promises to obey and have team spirit.

§  In Luxembourg, an Aventure Guide promises to be ready to help her neighbors.

 

Reader 10 – Light Candle 7

                       

Repeat after me the saying from Padvinsters in the Netherlands.

'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

 

ALL TOGETHER: 'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

 

Reader continues

 

§  In Malaysia, a Pandu Guide promises to be loyal.

§  In Mexico, a Fairy Guide promises to help everybody every day.

§  In the Netherlands, a Beaver promises to play together with others in her troop.

§  In New Zealand, a Pippin promises to care for herself, her home and her community.

§  In Oman, a Zahra promises to fulfill her duty towards God, her country and the Sultan.

§  In Paraguay, a Dawn Guide promises to admire and respect nature.

§  In Portugal, a Little Bird promises to always tell the truth.

§  In Romania, a Flower promises to listen well.

§  In Sudan, a Bluebird promises to always do her best.

§  In Thailand, a Bluebird promises to speak the truth.

§  In Tuvalu, a Sunbeam promises to make good use of her time.

§  In Uruguay, a Bee Guide promises to think first of others.

 

ALL TOGETHER:  'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.'

 

 

Sisters in Guiding – Jane Darby

 

I haven’t met you personally

But one glance confirms a friend I see

For behind the trefoil and the smile

Lies strong ideals linking hearts and minds

That banish time and miles.

 

Chorus:        

You are my sister in Guiding

You’re a friend I can confide in

No matter if you’re a different race

Young or old. From some far place as

Sisters in Guiding, we share a secret drive

To make this world a better place

In which to be alive.           

 

From around the world we throng

Eight million people can’t be wrong

Guides are found in many lands,

You’re never far from a friendly smile

Or willing lending hands.

 

So we travel on together

Through the bright and stormy weather

Striding forth in work and game

We are joined by the Guiding spirit

The world is ne’er the same.

 

 

God Wants to Use Our Talents – Reader 11

Each one of us is absolutely unique and irreplaceable in the eyes of God.  And we have each been given talents and abilities that are ours alone.  The key to achieving satisfaction and success with our talents is to place them always at the service of God.  We should ask for His guidance so we may use our gifts fruitfully and fully in His eyes.  God has a plan for each one of us, and He has equipped us for our journey.  Our responsibility is to seek His will and allow Him to perfect and refine our endowments until they are functioning as they were intended.  It is then that we can be sure that He will bless the work of our hands.

 

ALL TOGETHER:

God, we give all our talents and abilities to You.  We ask You to use us as we grow in determination to be all that You have created us to be.

 

 

Presider / Guest Speaker - Theme:  Service – Together We Can Change the World

 

Helping others is the very heart of the philosophy and practice of Guiding.  From the Good Turn to the more extended community service of the older girls, we see this ideal of Guiding in action.         

We can help at home or in the community.  As a unit or individually we can help at hospitals, places of worship, nursing homes, or at Guiding activities.  Whatever we do, we always find ways to fulfill our Promise and Law by giving our time, energy and enthusiasm whenever we see an opportunity to help.

 

 

Honor God by Ministering to His People - Reader 12

 

When we put our lives in God’s hands and commit to do His will, He uses us mightily to bring comfort and peace to other people.  By helping others, we act as conduits for God’s love in the world.

 

There is meaning and intention behind every circumstance we face.  Often times, it only becomes clear in hindsight.  The depressed neighbor, the neglected children of a friend, the sick, elderly, homeless, and lonely all need our loving kindness and reassurance.  These people are precious to God and should be to us as well.  We can use each new day as an opportunity to do God’s work in the world, work that brings love and peace into the lives of everyone we encounter.

 

ALL TOGETHER:

God, let us be an instrument of Your love to all those around us.  Fill our mouths with words that will encourage and strengthen.  Thank You for letting us share Your light with others.

 

 

Ev’ryone Knows Its – Sue Stevens

 

Ev’ryone knows it, but how can you show it

That love is a wonderful thing.

Try to believe it and then you will live it

And see what the future will bring.

 

Chorus:        

Ah -----------

Ev’ryone knows it but how can you show it

That love is a wonderful thing.

 

Laughing or crying, there’s no use denying,

That love holds each life it its hand.

So do what you can to be living in harmony,

Meeting what love may demand.

 

You’ve got a lot of it, so you must share it,

Proving that love isn’t cold.

Give it to ev’ryone, don’t miss out anyone.

They’ll give it back threefold.

 

 

World Thinking Day Collection – Reader 13

 

 “A penny for your thoughts” was the simple message ‘coined’ by Olave, Lady Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide (1930 – 1977) that was to start World Thinking Day as one of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) largest fundraising activities. 

 

Millions of people around the world will participate in World Thinking Day in 145 countries to help raise money for the worldwide work of WAGGGS. 

 

The money raised through the World Thinking Day will help the World Association achieve its mission to further Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting worldwide.  Whatever we raise will help them make a difference to girls and young women worldwide

 

All proceeds from today’s collection will be sent to WAGGGS to support their important work.

Thank you for your help in supporting their efforts.

 

Pass the collection basket around.  Units with cheques to present, come forward and present to Commissioners (2 girls from each unit).

 

During Collection Sing:

 

 

We Change the World – Melinda Caroll

 

Chorus:

Change the world, come with me,

Time to let our dreams fly free.

And it comes so easily, that is our way.

Ev’ry moment we’re alive it’s our love that will survive.

In the Girl Guides together,

We change the world.

 

Sisters of ev’ry color

Friends from ev’rywhere

We all make the difference

When we show the world we care

The Girl Guides are a family,

And they show us what we can be,

And I believe together,

We Change the World.

 

In a world with many faces,

Girl Guides find a way,

To help in many places

Along the trails we blaze

We’ll light the light and do our share,

Reach out our hand and someone’s there

I believe together

We Change the World.

 

 

Closing Prayer – Reader 14 Leads

 

ALL TOGETHER:

O God, let us try our best to keep our Promises.  We made them first when we joined this great game of Guiding and we renew them today before You and before each other as a pledge of faithfulness to an ideal given to us by Lord and Lady Baden-Powell.  We remember them both today especially as we join with our brothers and sisters across the world in this service of thanksgiving for their life among us.  We thank you for letting them share their enthusiasm and energy.  We remember with gratitude the gifts, cheerfulness and encouragement, their infectious good humor and their sense of fun.  Let us try to live up to their example of care for each other and try always to look up, to love and laugh and live.

 

Grant O God, we pray Thee that Thy blessing may rest upon us and all other Guides and Scouts.  Help us with Thy grace to serve Canada and keep our Promise and Law.

 

Make us humble and friendly, eager for adventure, alert and prepared for service.

Give us courage to dare to do right.  Make us both strong to fight and steadfast to endure.  And may our lives be filled with the joy that spreads happiness everywhere.  Amen.       

 

 

Closing Remarks – Presider

 

 

I Can Make a Difference – Dorothy Lind

 

I can make a difference, yes I can;

I can be a friend and lend a hand;

I can make a choice and take a stand,

And I can change the world!  Oh,

I can make a difference; yes I can;

I can be a friend and lend a hand;

I can make a choice to take a stand,

And I can change the world!

 

You can make a difference, yes it’s true;

You can choose the things you say and do;

You can help the earth and people too,

And you can change the world!  Oh,

You can make a difference, yes it’s true;

You can choose the things you say and do;

You can help the earth and people too,

And you can change the world.

 

We can make a difference if we try;

We can work together, you and I;

We can do our part so by and by

We can change the world!  Oh,

 

We can make a difference if we try;

We can work together, you and I;

We can do our part so by and by

We can change the world!  Oh,

 

We can change it;

Yes, we can change it;

We can change the world!

YES WE CAN!

 

 

Recession of the Colors – Color Party Come Forward

 

 

Day Time Taps

 

Thanks and praise

For our days

‘neath the sun,

‘neath the stars,

‘neath the sky.

As we go, this we know –

God is nigh.

 

 

 

BIRTHDAY CAKE and REFRESHMENTS will be served in the HALL immediately after the Ceremony.  Please plan to join the Birthday / Thinking Day Celebration.