GIRL GUIDE NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22816, 27 February 1936, Page 17

GIRL GUIDE NOTES

By Gxjipeb.

THINKING DAY. On Saturday last a good representative of commissioners, Guiders and Guides from all the companies in Dunedin, met in Wilson Hall to observo Thinking Day. The evening opened •with an international «amp-fire ceremony given by Dunedin Central district. This was followed by the singing of the International Guide Song. Interspersed with the singing of camp-fire songs were items given by the districts. South district, dressed as Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and English Guides, played national games of the countries represented. Central district, dressed to represent Guides from Hungary, Finland, Turkey, and Sweden, sang suitable descriptive songs. Dunedin North gave a silent charade on Internationalism. At the conclusion of the items Miss Barron spoke briefly on Thinking Day, which, at the suggestion of French Guides in 1928, is held on February 22, the birthday of both Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. In France the Guides wear their uniforms all day on Thinking Day. Miss Barron stressed the fact that as there are 3,500,000 Guides and Scouts in the world, surely when thoughts of friendliness were being flashed across the world it should help to promote peace among the nations, It was difficult for Guides in some countries to have friendly feelings towards those in other countries, and there had never been a time when international friendliness had been so much needed. Every action was preceded by a thought and 'Guides should have thoughts of goodwill and friendliness to everyone. The evening closed with the singing of Vespers and Taps. On Sunday a well-attended parade was held at St. Paul's Cathedral at 4 p.m. The service was conducted by Dean Cruickshanlc, who based the theme of his address on the Guide and Scout promise: "Duty to the home and community, to the King, and to God." The acting metropolitan commissioner for Scouts (Mr A. Hastie) read the lesson, and the provincial commissioner for guides (Miss J. M. Barron) led in the renewal of the promises. SUMMER CAMPS. The summer of 1935 will be memorable to many Guides and Guiders who attended at least one of the large national and international camps, of which there was an epidemic.

There is a certain sameness about the accounts of camps—each of these, to believe the people who attended it, was the best there has ever been—and it would be mere repetition to give the paeans of praise which have risen up from the guests about their hostesses, so let these be taken for granted in the brief notes which follow: —

Poland.—The largest and most important camp was the Jubilee Camp at Spala, to celebrate the twenty-fifth year of Scouting and Guiding. This is the largest camp that has ever been held, except the Scout Jamboree at Godollo. There were 23,000, of whom 8000 were Guides. The camp was held in a pine forest, on the estate of the President of the Polish Republic: There were many guests from other lands, and detachments from the Polish communities in countries such as Latvia and the United States.

A unique feature was the " family camp " for those who had been Scouts or Guides in the years gone by and who came back to steep themselves once more in the Scout spirit, bringing with them their children, who were looked after by specially appointed Scouters and Guiders.

A surprise was arranged for Olga Malkowska: she was asked to come out and look at a company—the captain stepped forward and reported—Madame Malkowska saw 20 rather plump ladies smiling at her—then they all rushed forward and embraced her. They were the survivors of her first company, the 3rd Lemberg, which she started in 1911!

Ulster (Northern Ireland).—This camp, not so large, was outstanding for good organisation and good camping; and for the happy mixing of different coloura and creeds.

It took.place at a moment when there were so-called " religious " riots between Protestants and Catholics in Belfast close by, which added to the anxieties of those running the camp. The " Guide Way" in such matters was shown on the Sunday when a service was being held in camp by the Protestant Archbishop of Armagh. The Catholics in camp, having attended Mass earlier, came to the commandant and asked to be allowed to do the policing of the camp and all the afternoon's work, so that all the others might be free to attend the service.

Rumania. —The Jamboree in August was the first great public event held by the Rumanian Guides, and was most efficiently carried out in a lovely site in the mountains. The tents were lent by the army. The King came to visit the camp, and demonstrations were organised in his honour, and in that of the various ministers who came to see what the Guides could do. Leaders from England, France, Poland, and the United States were guests in camp. Denmark (K.F.U.K.). —This was a national camp, but the Guides were allowed to invite their special friends from other countries—those with whom a " peu friendship " had been established, and these all enjoyed it immensely. Our Chalet. —Two important events took place here this summer. The Fourth International Training was given by Madame Walther (Federation 'Franchise des Eelai^euses), -Miss Synge (Great Britain), and Miss Rita de Jong (Netherlands). This training was as valuable and enjoyable as ever; the trainees came from 14 countries, including the United States, Australia, India, and Greece, countries which are not usually able to send so far afield. After this came the Round Table of Trainers, who met to discuss the methods and results of their work. There were talks and discussions on the special conditions and problems of to-day and on how Guiding is trying to solve them. It was, as it were, a second " Quo Vadis " Council, and at the end the trainers had a clearer vision of where Guiding stands to-day and whither it is being directed. —The Council Fire.