GIRL GUIDE NOTES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 11 September 1926, Page 18

GIRL GUIDE NOTES.

(By “Guider.”),

'The Oaks” was the sceno of a livoly gathering of Brownies and recruits on September 1, when about 40 small peopie picnicked in the pine plantation. How the Brown Owl succeeded in keeping a tally of the pack must ever remain a mystery, for there never Avas such a fascinating place for games and rambles among tall trees, with delightful gulli'cs beyond, and a lagoon Avhere the'weeping Aviilows AA r ere breaking into pale green loveliness and shy pukelio find sanctuary. Soon the Brown Owl had the camp fire started, and the Brownies heaped in potatoes for dinner. What a meal that was. Cocoa made in a bucket was nectar indeed, and nobody minded how burnt the potatoes wore, nor lioav much black came off on hands and faces. It was a wonderful clay'. At the invitation of the Brown Oavl the Guides A\ r alkod out to ‘‘The Oaks” the following afternoon. While the billy boiled avc had a sing-song. Afterwards captain demonstrated a campfire, and a number of girls then built tlioir fires for the camp-lire test, AA’hich is included in second-class work. No paper is ulloAvcd to be used* and not more than two matches. All passed their test, and some clever ones used only' one match. All fob soon, the. sun disappeared behind the pines and the quiet, shadows came stealing over our picnic spot. All the little fires Averc carefully extinguished and, turning our backs regretfully' on the splendid sunset. avc set off for home.

The camp lire lias its particular significance for Guides. The flame is a symbol .of loyalty, to remind us that Guides are faithful to God and loyal to their nation; a symbol of devotion, to remind us that the Guides have dedicated themselves to the service of others; a symbol of fidelity to remind ns that Guides strive to keep their tenfold law of Chivalry and Honour. Last Saturday the Guides followed usual routine—signalling practice, knotmaking, and legends of the flag. Some now recruits handed in their names. Now that the school holidays arcojiiwr, avo expect our numbers, to increnfefurthcr.

As numbers of the recruits are completing their tenderfoot test, it is hoped to have another enrolment ceremony' next Saturday. Our local association is becoming a really strong one. Ever so much car, be . accomplished Avlien the Guides -have this practical form of support from the community. The executive of the local association Avill meet in future on the last Monday of each month. Some Guides are wearing their tenderfoot brooches in mufti as well as in. uniform. This is quite in order, and any properly enrolled Guide is entitled to wear the tenderfoot badge at all times. Most Guides in England Avear the badge Avhcn not in uniform, and it is interesting to note that various Guiders from OA-erseas have worn the badge with, mufti Av-hile visiting New Zealand. After all, it is the sign of our great world-wide sisterhood. It is a welcome sight to a Guide away from her own people, linking her up at once with now friends wherever she goes. The Girl Guide organisation is affili-i atod with no less than thirty-five other societies, and the Guides are represented on the Women’s Advisory Council of the League of Nations. A leading article, published in the Morning Rost, says: “The Girl Guides proceed upon the ancient but neglected principle that unselfishness makes people happy. And the Girl Guides are happy.” Very neatly put. Success in Guiding can be attained only where each Guide and each Guider carries the Guide luav and promises into her daily life.