GIRL GUIDE NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23370, 9 December 1937, Page 20

GIRL GUIDE NOTES

By Guider

DOMINION CAMP FIRE On December 11 at 7.30 p.m. Girl Guides of New Zealand will hold a Dominion camp fire. This’ will be on the same lines as the one which was arranged for part of the Guides’ Coronation celebrations, but which had to be postponed. The Dunedin camp Are will be held at the spot on the town belt where the Coronation grove of trees was planted. Each Guide is asked to bring with her a log of wood for the fire and a piece of waterproof material on which to sit. Referring to the camp fire in Te Rama, the Guides magazine, Miss Ruth Herrick, chief commissioner for New Zealand, states: “ Instead of celebrating a great national event, we now have given to, us a great opportunity for service. All who read their newspapers will have seen the appeal made by the International Red Cross Committee for the relief of distress in the Far East caused by the war. The Red _ Cross societies in times of national disaster are known throughout the world for their impartiality in caring for suffering humanity and directing assistance where the need is greatest. “Mr de Gielgud, under-secretary-general, League of Red Cross Societies, who recently visited New Zealand, wrote to the press on the eve of his departure. He says: ‘I am sure there will be no hesitation on the part of New Zealanders in supplying the Red Cross with the means of answering the cablegram which it has received. But I am venturing to ask for the hospitality of your columns in order to stress the character of the appeal made. The opportunity given is an opportunity to help in relieving dire suffering—an occasion for displaying, not antipathy towards anyone, but concrete sympathy with people in dreadful distress.’ “We have suggested to the Red Cross Society of New Zealand that as Guides we should like to help, and so it is proposed to make this Do minion camp fire one of service, to which we bring gifts of medical comforts and other things suitable to send away to the East. The Red Cross Society has written to us telling us that this will be a most acceptable way of assisting them in their efforts to supply what is needed. They will supply us with a list of the most suitable requirements. These can.be put together in a box or case and handed over to the Red Cross or St. John Ambulance agents in the local centres, and they will be responsible for sending them away. „ ~ .... “ Commissioners and Guiders will interest their Guides and tell them what we are trying to do. I feel sure all companies will be keen to help and assist with the filling of a case of useful things. Almost everyone can make a triangular bandage of grey calico or an eye bandage, and the youngest Guide will be able to share with the making and giving as easily as those of Ranger age. We do not often act together as one unit all over New Zealand. doing the same thing at the same time, and this should make us feel strong and help us to enjoy to the full our own particular camp fire.” CAMP FIRE CEREMONIAL Fire read to light, with Guides surrounding it. —“ From north, south, east, and west sparks appear to light the beacon of friendship, kindliness, and peace.” , . ~ Four Guides with matches or small pieces of lighted candle come from four different points of the cricle, and, kneeling, kindle the camp fire. They rise, stand to attention for a moment, and, seeing that the camp fire is well lit. return to the circle. Next, four different Guides, each with a small stick or branch long enough for one end to be put in the fire to light, and later picked up again, approach from four different points of the circle and place their sticks in the fire. While these are lighting, the Guider says: “To those now far away across the water, who are under the shadow of misfortune, we offer our tokens of help and send thoughts of goodwill and peace.” Camp-fire circle in unison: “ Speed on your way and bring comfort and relief.” Guider: “From this beacon may the spirit of good-fellowship between peoples of different races spread his wings and soar to the four corners of the earth.” Hymn.—“ These things shall be.”