The 1st Barry’s Bay Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Pathfinder, Ranger Unit is in its third year of operation in the Madawaska Valley. The Barry’s Bay Legion recently donated $1,200 to the Unit. (Above: The Legion presentation to the 1st Barry’s Bay Guides Unit. Photo submitted.) Brown Owl Stacie Pecarski recently told The Current that this year there are 21 girls registered in the Unit at levels from Sparks to Ranger. She said,
With this very generous donation we are hoping to be able to take our guiding unit to possibly go dog sledding, swimming, skating and camping again this spring. Most weeks the girls also do badgework and sometimes we need to buy crafting supplies so this donation will also help us with that.
The Unit meets regularly – usually in the gym or library at St. John Bosco School – and parents follow the schedule on a Unit calendar or check the Unit’s Facebook page. The Unit has enjoyed nature hikes up to the Barry’s Bay water tower and hikes through the bush around St. John Bosco School.
The Unit participated in Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Barry’s Bay Legion, placing a wreath on behalf of the Youth of Canada. The girls also participated in their individual school ceremonies. Before Christmas the Unit walked through town to go caroling at the Golden Age Chateau, at the Opeongo Seniors’ Centre where cards were being played, and at Water Tower lodge where the girls were able to do a craft and enjoy a snack of hot chocolate and cookies.
Other activities so far have included a camp out at no cost to the girls because of all the cookie selling they did. They also went horseback riding at a minimal cost per girl as the unit covered more than half the expense.
Brown Owl Pecarski said,
We are very thankful to the community for all the support they have given to us in the past three years. The Barry’s Bay Legion Branch 406 and the Ladies Auxiliary has always been a supporter of our unit and for that we are thankful.
For more information Click HERE to visit 1st Barry’s Bay Spark/Brownie/Guide/Pathfinder/Ranger Unit on Facebook.
Congratulations on the fantastic job you all do!! I know how time consuming it can be and how much dedication it takes to lead these young ladies. I was a guide leader and District Commissioner for 10 years that was very rewarding. It is a volunteer position that I would highly recommend! The girls will always remember their guiding days! Well done Leaders!!