The Welly! Senior Branch Magazine November 2019 - SB - Irish Girl Guides
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Senior Branch Magazine • November 2019
Irish Girl Guides
The Welly!
SB th
Mystery 100
y
Tour Birthda
s
activitie
Sangam
and other
travel Gaisce
tales... Award
s
Octagon News
Camp from the
Crew Regions
Cures
for the
blues
... and
much
more!
The Welly!
Senior Branch Weekend
We hope that all Senior Branch Weekend participants this year enjoyed their fun-
packed weekend! This annual national weekend is a wonderful opportunity to meet
other like-minded Senior Branchers from around the country.
Senior Branch Weekend traditionally takes place on the last weekend in
November and, this year, it took place in Galway and incorporated the
launch of our Senior Branch 100th Birthday!
The Senior Branch Committee were very busy organising a fun weekend
of activities for members which everyone enjoyed. Senior Branch
Weekend is anticipated as a time to get together and stay indoors, for
a change. Last year we went international and got to experience all that
Belfast had to offer. Other weekends in the past have included a Disney
Princess Ball, when we launched the new Journey Programme, and, one
year, we even had the challenge to escape from Cork Gaol!
So, what are the plans for Senior Branch Weekend next year, I hear you
ask? Well, all good things must come to an end, and the Senior Branch
Centenary will go out in style! The final centenary celebrations will be at
next year’s Senior Branch Weekend. As always, places will be limited so
make sure you book as soon as bookings go live.
If you would like to get involved in organising the 2020 Senior Branch
Weekend - it’s a great experience and you will have lots of support along
the way - just let us know!
Thank you to all Senior Branch Weekend organisers and participants!
A FEW WORDS FROM AVERIL, SENIOR BRANCH CHAIR...
Hello everyone! Another Guiding year has come and gone, a jam-packed one which saw Senior
Branch kick off its centenary celebrations with a bang in Belgium with the Explorer Belt. The
Explorer Belt is an immense challenge and an unforgettable experience for all involved.
August saw a national contingent travel all the way to Sangam World Centre in Pune, India. For
me personally, it will always be a star in my Guiding sky and a fabulous way to realise our place in
the worldwide Guiding family.
This year is bursting with celebratory events designed to best facilitate each interest and budget,
so please, pick ‘n’ mix as much as suits you all! The events are planned by your committee and
reps, with you in mind and for you, so be sure to check out the yearly outline to see what catches
your eye.
Thank you to all our supercalifragalistic committee members who kindly commit their time,
passion and enthusiasm to Senior Branch. Your dedication is inspiring and you are so appreciated.
Thank you to all our Senior Branch members; you are all the backbone of what and why
we do what we do, so please enjoy the amazing events laid on for you all this year.
As we continue celebrating Senior Branch’s 100 year history in Ireland, we can cast an
eye to the next 100 years. How we will act, in terms of our commitment to our earth
and each other, will define us and how the next cohort remember us, so, as a parting
word, I ask you, in 100 years what would you like said?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi
2 The Welly! | 2019
Contents 2020
Senior Branch Weekend and note from the Chair........ 2 SENIOR
BRANCH
Contents and 2020 calendar bookmark........................... 3
Meet the Senior Branch Committee................................... 4-5
Regional reviews....................................................................... 6-7
Juliette Low Seminar................................................................ 8 CALENDAR
Network Meeting, Brussels..................................................... 9
Octagon 2021.............................................................................. 10 FEBRUARY
Senior Branch Centenary pull-out....................................... 11-14 • Branch Weekend (7-9 Feb)
My Europe, My Say and Electric Picnic............................. 15 • World Thinking Day (22
Mystery Tour and Helen Storrow Seminar........................ 16
Feb)
Sangam Trip................................................................................ 17
APRIL
Unlocking Leadership for Change and European • Mystery Tour (4-6 Apr)
Conference................................................................................... 18
Cures for the blues and Ventact South 2019.................. 19
MAY
Explorer Belt 2019..................................................................... 20
• Pre-Chief’s Training (8-10
Safeguarding, Camp Céad and Gaisce Awards............. 21 May)
Gaisce, The President’s Award - How to register and
Q&A................................................................................................ 22-23
JULY
• Camp Céad (9-13 July)
Irish Girl Guides
National Office AUGUST
Trefoil House • Chief Commissioner’s
27 Pembroke Park Award (2-9 Aug)
Dublin 4
Ireland SEPTEMBER
Tel: 01 668 3898
Email: info@irishgirlguides.ie • Ventact South (dates to be
www.irishgirlguides.ie announced)
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Want to contact • Regional Conferences
Senior Branch? NOVEMBER
• Senior Branch Weekend
It couldn’t be easier! (27-29 Nov)
We love to hear from our members and
their Leaders so get in touch if you have a
question or have been up to anything you
would like us to know about!
Facebook: Instagram:
Facebook: Senior Branch seniorbranch
www.facebook.com/senior.branch
Email:
seniorbranch@gmail.com (general)
seniorbranchevents@gmail.com (national Snapchat: Twitter:
SB events) sbweekend @senior_branch
The Welly! | 2019 3
SENIOR BRANCH COMMITTEE............
Anne Hyland – Vice Chair
I enjoy being Vice Chair of the Senior Branch Committee and, previously, was the
North East Rep. You will often see me at Senior Branch events, in the background,
and I’ve loved being involved in organising the Senior Branch Weekend for the last
few years. I was a Guide Leader since October 2008 and, currently, I’m the Navan
Senior Branch Unit Leader. I have represented the North East Region as a member
of the EDI and PR Committees, and the media panel. I was proud to be involved in
IGGNITE 2017 with responsibility for devising the week-long daytime programme.
I have taken groups to Pax Lodge, Ventact, Wellies and Wristbands in the UK,
Euro Disneyland and I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Sangam, India. Next year I am
heading to Our Chalet in February. I have Guiding in my heart, having been a Brownie
and Guide in the UK and attaining my Queen’s Guide Award. I have positive energy and love meeting
people. My pleasure is seeing girls and Leaders grow in confidence.
Lauren Flynn - Treasurer
Hi everyone, my name is Lauren Flynn and I’m the new Senior Branch Treasurer. I’m
from the North East Region and a Senior Brancher in Drogheda. I’m very new to the
Senior Branch Committee, but I have been part of the Guiding family since I was a
Ladybird. I’m a Leader with Boyne Valley Guides and Mosney Brownies and Guides.
Senior Branch is absolutely amazing, not only for all the opportunities it endlessly
offers, but also for the incredible friendships that are made along the way. I cannot wait
for you to experience these wonderful opportunities and I’m delighted to help all of
you on your own Senior Branch journey, whether it be by bus, boat, train or plane, I’ll be
here to help with your travel expenses and ensure there is money for you
to have good fun!
Ciara Casey - West & Central Midlands Rep
Hi! I’m Ciara, one of the Reps for the West & Central Midlands Region. I’m a Ladybird
and Guide Leader in Glasson and a Senior Brancher in Rosmote. My favourite part
of being a Rep is organising Regional weekends where we can all meet up and have
fun. My favourite thing to do outside of Guiding is reading anything written by Maeve
Binchy while having a big mug of tea.
Anne Mc Elchar - North West Rep
Hi, I’m Anne Mc Elchar and I’m the Senior Branch Rep for the North
West Region. I joined Irish Girl Guides as a Guide Leader in 2009 and opened Convoy
Senior Branch Unit in 2016. I’m also a Leader with Convoy Ladybirds and an Area
Commissioner in Donegal. My favourite parts of being in IGG are meeting new people
and camping. We have a small number of Senior Branch in the North West Region so
we were delighted to be invited by the West and Central Midlands Region to camp
along with them in July which was enjoyed by all the girls and Leaders. We’re proud
that one of our Senior Branch Leaders is going to the Juliette Low
Seminar in France this year.
Emily Yule - South East Rep
Hello! I’m Emily and this will be my sixth and final year as one of the South East Reps.
I started in Ladybirds when I was five years old and Guiding is a huge part of my
life. Outside of Guiding I’ve just started first year in Waterford IT where I’m studying
Sociology and I’m loving it.
Rachel Corcoran - West & Central Midlands Rep
Hi! I’m Rachel, one of the Reps for the West & Central Midlands Region.
I’m a Ladybird and Brownie Leader, and a Senior Brancher in Rosmote. I love going
on hikes and meeting all the new Senior Branch in our Region. My greatest Guiding
memory would have to be meeting so many interesting people at IGGNITE 2017.
4 The Welly! | 2019
The Welly!
.........Meet some of the members..........
Róisín Lowe - South East Rep
Hi, I’m Róisín Lowe from the South East. I have been on the Senior Branch
committee since sixth year in school and I’m now in my third year at college
doing primary school teaching. I have been a Beaver, Cub, Brownie, Guide, Senior
Brancher and now a Leader. Being on the committee is a great experience as
you get to learn leadership and organisational skills. Without the support of the
committee, I wouldn’t have been able to get Senior Branchers volunteering and
having fun at Electric Picnic this year. Hope to see you all there next year!
Niamh Healy – Mid West Rep
Hi everyone, my name is Niamh Healy and I’m the Mid West Rep
on the Senior Branch Committee. I’m 22 years old, from Limerick and just finished
studying Business Studies with Travel and Tourism Management at Limerick
Institute of Technology. I started my Guiding journey when I joined IGG as a
Brownie and now I’m a Leader with my local Guide Unit. I have had the fortunate
opportunity to have been part of the Irish contingent that went to Roverway in
2016 and to take part in the My Europe, My Say event in Strasbourg in February
this year. I highly recommend signing up for international opportunities as it is
a great experience. In my spare time I enjoy watching Netflix and reading travel
books.
Mary O’Connell - North East Rep
Hi, my name is Mary and I’m from Dunshaughlin in Co. Meath. I’m one of your
Senior Branch Reps for the North East Region. I’m delighted to be working with my
fellow Rep, Annamarie, from the North East. I was a Guide when I was younger and
was brought back to Guiding by a neighbour who asked me if I’d just come to a
Ladybird meeting for one night. I’m still here, eight years later, having moved from
Ladybirds to Brownies to Guides, where I’m still a Leader now, as well as being a
Senior Brancher! Guiding has brought me all over from Camp 101 to a Brownie/Cub
camp in Germany, from Our Chalet in Switzerland to IGGNITE, and this year a trip
to Sangam in India! Now, as a secondary school teacher, Guiding has given me the
most amazing life skills and experiences that have made me the teacher I am today.
Emma Lovell - South West Rep
Hi there, I’m Emma Lovell, South West Senior Branch Rep. I have been a member
of Irish Girl Guides since I was a Ladybird at age five. Now I’m a member of
Bandon Senior Branch and a Unit Leader with Clonakilty Ladybirds, Bandon
Brownies and Bandon Senior Branch. I have learned so much from my lifelong
Guiding experience so far, have been on wonderful trips and met the most
amazing and inspirational people along the way. One of my favourite experiences
was taking Bandon Senior Branch to Our Chalet this summer; so many great
stories and memories. Outside of Guiding I play rugby, I train underage girls in
rugby and I work as a pre-school teacher. I look forward to meeting you all at the
exciting 100-year Senior Branch celebrations planned for this coming year.
How can you join the Senior Branch Committee?
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Senior Branch
Committee, please email seniorbranch@irishgirlguides.ie
We would be delighted to welcome you to the team!
The Welly! | 2019 5
The Welly!
REGIONAL REVIEWS..................REGIONAL R
SOUTH EAST East
rs in the South
Senior Branche ar!
en busy this ye
Region have be
have travelled
Some members and
Europe, My Say
to Sangam, My er e
ic. Many Units w
to Electric Picn ni or
part in the Se
kept busy taking
e.
Branch Challeng
NORTH EAST
The North East Region is
proud that three Senior Branch
members - Anna, Shauna and
Ruby - completed the Explore
r
Belt. Senior Branchers from the
Region also travelled to Sangam
,
London and Ventact in the
T ar. Many of
South. Lots of Regional hikes SOUTH WESnior Branchers had a busy ye in India,
South West
Se to Sangam
took place including around the
n in te rn ational trips Switzerland
,
iconic Trim Castle and the Hill them we n t o
e U K , a n d Our Chalet in io r B ra n ch
various trips
to th th West Sen
of Tara. Senior Branch members
e lo ca l events. Sou ctivities
took part in Darkness into Lig as well a s so m
-1 3 O ctober and a ing
across the Region and a num
ht
Weekend w
as held o n 11
n , a tr ip to Fota and test
fu
ber e Halloween Cork. Some
volunteered at Bloom and included som e R o o ms in Cobh, Night
Electric Picnic. ourselves in
the E sc a p
a tte n d e d Cork Culture
chers from C
ork h Girl
Senior Bran o te a ll B ra nches of Iris
m
helped to pro .
where they ic u la rl y, S enior Branch
a n d , p a rt
Guides
r and was a
ilc u lly in Septembe
held in K ld strongly
Ventact was d w e e ke nd. We wou tact next
great and fa
st-pa ce
ch to jo in us at Ven
ore Senior B
ra n ttended
encourage m m S o u th W est Region a
ntingent fro absolute ba
ll!
year. A big co vo lu n te e r and had an ive d B ronze
Electric Picn
ic to
n io r B ra n ch ers rece
e
outh West S e year.
Numerous S aw a rd s th roughout th
aisce
and Silver G
NORTH WEST
As we only have a small
number of Senior Branchers
in the North West Region,
we joined with the West &
Central Midlands Region for
a camp in July. We all really
enjoyed the event.
One of our Senior Branch
Leaders attended the
Juliette Low Seminar in
France this year.
6 The Welly! | 2019
L REVIEWS.....................REGIONAL REVIEWS
WEST & CENTRAL MIDLANDS
This is only some of the many things we
got up to this year in West & Central Midl
• Three Senior Branchers represented ands Region:
the Region at National Senior Branch Wee
in November. kend in Belfast
• Seventeen girls attended a Wizardin
g Winter Weekend at Motepark Cottage,
January. Activities varied from Christma Roscommon in
s dinner to a Harry Potter quiz.
• Two girls from the Region attended
the Senior Branch 18th birthday celebrat
• Well done to Ciara-Beth Ní Ghríofa ion in Dublin Zoo.
from Athenry on her TEDx talk in UCC.
• Well done to Alyssa and Aoife from
Carnmore who won our hoodie design
quote on the back of their hoodie read competition. Their
‘Real queens fix each other’s crowns’.
• Thirteen WCM Senior Branchers atte
nded the Princess WCM/NW weekend
Den in July. Activities varied from afternoo at Clara Scout
n tea with members of Trefoil Guild to a
Garda Brian on personal safety. chat with
• Three girls represented the Region
at Sangam on the Senior Branch Centena
• We had a Senior Branch only segm ry trip.
ent at our Regional Conference. The Seni
who attended completed four Choice Cha or Branchers
llenges in one hour!
MID WEST
Limerick. Nine Senior Branchers from the
In April, Mid West Region organised a Regional overnight in
activities, water activities, a monopoly run
Region arrived in Limerick and took part in team-building
ies were followed by a well-deserved
around Limerick, a theatre workshop and lots more. The activit
sleepover in the community centre.
e Scout Centre. Four Senior Branchers
In June, Limerick Area hosted a Regional camp in Curraghchas
activities, helped out with activities and
attended from the Area. The girls took part in some of the
The girls had a great weekend of fun and
crafts, and organised and led the campfire for the Guides.
developing their leadership skills.
Branch, Thurles Senior Branch Leader Cate
To start off the centenary birthday celebrations for Senior
m World Centre in India. A number of girls
O’Connor organised a national contingent trip to the Sanga
from the Region took part and had an amazing time.
to Limerick to take part in the Mid West
In October, Senior Branchers from across the Region came
Senior Branch programme and the
Regional Conference. The girls took part in trainings on the
the Region. The Sangam girls gave a
opportunities available to them, and met girls from across
in India, while dressed in their sarees.
presentation to the whole conference on their experience
Here’s to more great things in 2020!
The Welly! | 2019 7
Juliette Low Seminar
The Juliette Low Seminar (JLS) is WAGGGS’ flagship leadership development event for
young people. Each event provides participants with adventures, cultural experiences and the
opportunity to make friends for life. In 2019, JLS is bigger than ever. For the first time, the event is
connecting the world, bringing up to 1,000 members together in 20 locations around the world,
connected through technology. IGG members met their Guiding and Scouting peers in a unique
and diverse environment and explored how to actively tackle gender barriers to leadership and
bring about positive change.
Ireland hosted one of
the 20 hub locations. We
also had participants and
facilitators all over the
world at different hubs.
By the end of November
all participants and
facilitators had returned
home and now have
fantastic experiences to
share!
#LeadOutLoud
#JLS2019
#GuidesGoGlobal
8 The Welly! | 2019
The Welly!
Network Meeting
for Guide and
Scout External
Representatives 2019
By Lucy O’Donovan and Sarah Canavan
On 16 January we travelled to the very cold city of
Brussels to explore and increase our impact as External
Representatives of IGG, and to learn from other External
Reps. We were 50 participants from across Europe -
from WAGGGS, WOSM and the AEGEE (European Students’ Forum) – and we took part in four days
of training, networking and, of course, fun.
On arrival we were greeted by many smiles; you always know you’re at a Guiding event by the
feeling of inclusion when you arrive. The first day was filled with ice-breakers, getting to know
our Patrols and a treasure hunt around Brussels, in the snow! The rest of the week involved skills
development and advocacy workshops and discussions on youth involvement in the EU. On Friday
we visited EU institutions including the European Union Parliament and the Czech Republic’s
Permanent Representative to the EU.
At the international evening on Friday, each participant showcased their country; we had brought
Tayto for the occasion and we hosted a mini céile. We learned about projects that other Member
Organisations have implemented. For example, Malta Girl Guides used the ‘Stop the Violence’
campaign to influence legislation and the Scouts of Croatia ran ‘Paint it Back’ which is Croatia’s
largest reforestation campaign. The best part of the event has to be all the new friends we made!
We can’t wait to start implementing our action plans :)
The Welly! | 2019 9
I G G I N T E R N A T I O N A L C A M P
OCTAGON 2021
1-8 AUGUST 2021
u fo r
Irish Girl Guides are now eed yo
We n he Themes
organising an international
t
camp for Guides every four years
C re w! The theme of the camp is based on
to ensure each Guide gets themp
developing resilience skills in girls and
opportunity to camp atC an
a young women for today’s world. There
will be 8 Challenge Zones that will offer a
Irish Girl Guides
international camporganise
in Irelandan international camp for wide variety of activities for the girls to
Guides every four years to ensure each Guide gets the complete along with special evening
during their time in Guides. events with international themes.
opportunity to camp at an international camp in Ireland
Following
during thetime
their success
as a ofGuide. Following the success of
IGGNITEinin2017,2017,ourournext
nextcamp will be Octagon in 2021. The Sustainable Development Goals
IGGNITE (SDGs) will be incorporated into the
campvenue
The will behas
Octagon
beeninconfirmed,
2021. Check out thehas
the budget Facebook
been page programme and there will be some World
drawn up, and the dreams have begun! Record attempts!
The venue has been confirmed, the budget has been drawn up, the
dreams have begun! th
As it will be IGG's 110 year, we will
Get involved also be hosting a camp birthday party!
If you wish to be involved on the Organising Team, get in touch via
Applications will open in January 2020
email octagon21@irishgirlguides.ie to become
Thank part of who
you to everyone Booking Costs
The camp will run from
the Camp Crew (volunteer staff). If anyone is interested Sunday 1 August to Sunday 8 August.
hasbeing
in already been in
involved in touch to volunteer.
the planning There are
or in leading a number of
activities, Bookings will be done via OGM.
get in touch and send your ideas to octagon21@
positions still available and everyone is welcome to apply. Wegirls
hope is
to €300.
have Brownies camp at the
Cost for
irishgirlguides.ie event for a night and Ladybirds can visit
All booking information will be sent out via email so if you wish toAdultstoo! andAllSenior
Leaders Branch
over 18 are welcome
aged 16 to
Check out our Facebook page and Instagram to sign up
be on the mailing list, please email the address above. When and over, cancomerunon themini-campsites
the Camp Crew
to our e-newsletters so you can keep up to date with all (theor
volunteer staff).
with the Guides help organise
booking
the does open it will be done via OGM.
information.
activities, manage the camp and
become part of the Camp Crew.
Camp
Details forTheme
now ….
The cost for anyone over 16 years
Booking
The theme of the camp Chiefs
is based on developing resilience
Location is €100 per person. This includes all
skills in girls and young women for today’s world. There training days/weekends and travel
Costs Camp Chiefs Clane, Co. Kildare for Irish groups. For international
will be eight Challenge Zones that will offer a wide variety
Bookings willfor
of activities be girls toHelen
complete along withLocated
special half way guests, travel is not included in that
evening events
done via OGM. with international
Concannon, themes. The Sustainable
between Maynooth price.
Development
Costs: Girls €300 Goals (SDGs) will be incorporated
on N6 andthe
into Naas on
Emer Maher,
programme and there will be some world record attempts!
SB/Leaders €100 Jenna Goodwin the N7. Location
As it will be IGGs’ 110th year, we will also be hosting a camp Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co.
birthday party. The camp will run from Sunday 1 August to Kildare. The college is located half
Sunday 8 August. We hope to have Brownies camp at the way between Maynooth on the M4
event for a night and Ladybirds can visit too. All Leaders and Naas on the N7.
over 18 are welcome to join the Camp Crew.
10 The Welly! | 2019YEARS
OF
SENIOR
BRANCH
S e n i o r B ra n ch!
e a r we h ave fun in
Ever y y
The Welly! | 2019 11YEARS OF SENIOR BRANCH
2020 PULL-OUT CALENDAR OF SEN
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE
NEW YEAR! SPRING! 4-6 SUMMER!
MYSTERY
TOUR
START 7-9 8-10 ARE YOU
MAKING BRANCH CHIEF’S
WEEKEND PREP
WEEKEND
PLANS FOR 22 GOING TO
WORLD
THINKING
DAY
YOUR REGIONAL
EVENTS! CAMPS?
As you all know, this year is a very special year for Senior Branch. We are 100
years old - as old as the first transatlantic flight, Tesco and the pop-up toaster.
Big celebrations are planned for our amazing Branch’s centenary. We kicked off
these celebrations in Sangam, India in August and the celebrations will continue
throughout this Guiding year.
As a committee, we share most of our exciting events and opportunities with
Senior Branch members through social media – but 100 years ago there were no
phones, no iPads, no internet, no Facebook and definitely no Instagram! So, what
was it like to be a Senior Branch member back then?
Senior Branch members were known as Rangers or Young Leaders; we’re all
called Senior Branch members now, whether we meet as a Unit or work with
younger members as part of a Unit leadership team. Back in the day you could
only be a member of Senior Branch up to the age of 25; now 30 is the new 20
and you can be part of the Branch up to the age of 30.
12 The Welly! | 2019YEARS OF SENIOR BRANCH
NIOR BRANCH CENTENARY EVENTS
JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
AUTUMN! WINTER!
2-9 VENTACT HAVE YOU
CHIEF
COMMISSIONERS (CHECK OUT
VENTACT
AWARD WEBSITE FOR
(WATCH
EVENTBRITE FOR DATES AND
DETAILS) BOOKINGS)
9-13 SIGNED UP 27-29
CAMP FOR SENIOR
CÉAD BRANCH
(COBH) WEEKEND
SB ONLY!
YOUR
REGIONAL
CONFERENCE?
A lot has changed over the years and the most recent
changes came with our new Journey Programme in 2015.
The programme used to include awards such as Campfire
Leader, Gold Leadership award and the highly sought-
after Senior Star. Now we are reaching for the sun,
moon and stars! Senior Branch always focuses on giving
members choice; we have the world of badges open to
us, deciding our own path to earn overall awards and
specialised pins, or to become Badge Divas earning the
Interest Badges of the younger Branches.
While the Senior Branch name, age, uniform and
programme have all changed and evolved over the
last century, our essence is the same. We are youthful
members of Irish Girl Guides, always on the lookout for
adventure!
The Welly! | 2019 13Ever y
year we
n
have fu
S e n i o r
i n
YEARS OF !
Branch
SENIOR BRANCH
14 The Welly! | 2019The Welly! My Europe, My Say by Dara Callanan In February of this year, I attended the My Europe, My Say event in Strasbourg with Rachel Doyle, Emily Yule and Niamh Healy. Together, with Scouts from all over Europe, we discussed why it’s important to get involved as a young person and how we can do that. We learned communication skills, shared campaign ideas and discussed issues that impact the lives of young people all over the world. We heard from the General Secretary of WOSM, Ahmad Alhendawi, who encouraged us to use our voices as Guides and Scouts and to work together as young people to face the big challenges that will affect us in our lifetime. During our visit to the European Parliament, we met the Irish and Croatian Ambassadors for the Council of Europe and had some great discussions. One of the main aims of the event was to encourage young people to vote in the European elections that took place in Ireland on 24 May, the same day as the local elections. We ran a campaign to encourage all IGG members to be active citizens and, for those over 18, to get out and vote. We highlighted that this year marks the 100-year anniversary of the women’s right to vote in Ireland. The May vote was just as important as any other as we elected the people who now represent us in Europe over the next five years. Always use your vote, it’s always worth it! IGG Take Electric Picnic by Sorcha Harkin This year IGG members over 18 were given the incredible opportunity to attend Electric Picnic (EP) as staff. The rule was that we would have to complete a six-hour shift every day of the festival. We simply had to pay a deposit of €100 that would be refunded after the weekend if you completed your shifts, which was a pretty good deal in return for a free ticket to EP and some decent staff perks too, like the spacious and quiet staff campsite! On top of that we were collecting money for Women’s Aid and Focus Ireland. Electric Picnic gave us a certain amount of money per staff member that we brought which went straight to the charities. So, for next year, if you think you’d be interested, the more the merrier! Our main job at the festival was stewarding, which meant telling people where to go and answering any questions they might have. We were given a detailed handbook that had all the information we needed to help people. We worked hardest on the Friday as that was when people were still arriving and finding a spot to camp for the weekend, and when they had the most questions. Even though we weren’t there to pitch tents, we definitely lent a helping hand every now and then because tent-knowledge is very valuable at festivals! Each day before and after our shifts we were free to do whatever we liked, whether that was seeing some of the performances, going on the carnival rides or trying lots of incredible food stalls. It was a great way to spend a weekend and we got to meet Senior Branchers from around the country and see old friends. We even got neckers for the event! Over the weekend we raised an amazing €2,752 for Women’s Aid and Focus Ireland. Next year we’d like to raise even more, so, if you’re interested don’t hesitate to apply! The Welly! | 2019 15
The Welly!
When are we going?
Myster y 4-6 April
Who is going?
Senior Branchers
Tour Where are we going?
IT’S A SECRET!!!
nch
are rea lly loo kin g for ward to our first Senior Bra
We
April.
Mystery Tour abroad in
so get
ey’re on sale on Eventbrite
Tickets are selling fast! Th late!
yours now, before it’s too
Helen
going to add an extra day world, learning about the
to our trip to see some of Sustainable Development
Switzerland even though Goals, climate change
Storrow
we would meet for the first and leadership. We built
time at the gate to board our igloos (one of my personal
flight! We visited CERN (the highlights), went sledding
Seminar
European Organisation for (another highlight), ate
Nuclear Research) before we fondue and planned the
made our way to Our Chalet action projects we wanted
in Adelboden. Having never to implement at home. Some
by Ciara-Beth Griffin,
been to a World Centre of us worked on the ‘Our
Member of Arbutus and
before, I didn’t really know Chalet Challenge’ badge in
Claddagh Senior Branch
what to expect and Our what little spare time we
Chalet quickly became one had, while others took part
In October of 2018, IGG
of my favourite places on the in pop-up seminars that
held an International
planet. were like Skype calls with
Selection Day where girls
Guides and Girl Scouts in
and Leaders could apply to
other locations. My personal
go to various international
favourite was the pop-
events. I never imagined that
up session we had with
I would be selected - I had
members in the USA.
assumed that international
opportunities were only
In summary, it was the
offered to girls with lots
experience of a lifetime
of Guiding experience. So,
and I’d give anything to go
imagine my surprise when I
back and do it again. If I
opened an email a little over
could go back in time, I’d
a week after my interview to
tell myself to start applying
find out that I was going to
for international events
the Helen Storrow Seminar
sooner. While the idea of
in Our Chalet, Switzerland.
applying can be quite scary,
Having only joined Senior
The Helen Storrow Seminar it’s important to remember,
Branch when I was 16, I
is a leadership seminar that you have nothing to lose
was over the moon to be
focuses on climate action and everything to gain. The
selected!
and it was definitely one International Selection Day
of the most interesting is a great opportunity to
On 29 January, I flew out to
weeks of my life. We spent interview for multiple events
Geneva with Alison Dowling,
the week in the company on one day and I highly
the representative for the
of other Guides and Girl recommend that everyone
Catholic Guides of Ireland.
Scouts from around the apply!
We had decided we were
16 The Welly! | 2019had
journey I
“On our n it y to “I started my days
rtu
the oppo o o l for with a not-so-early
sch
work in a cial morning swim and
with spe
children om finished many of my
me of wh
needs, so st amazing days that way too.
mo
were the et; After the dust and heat
n I’d ever m
childre ir
’t let the of the day it was so
they didn p th e m refreshing! ... Sangam
sto
disability e ir b e st is a little oasis of
g th
from livin ighlight tranquillity from the
Senior Branch
h
lives. My
e s c h ool was noise and chaos of the
in th
oy with a street just outside the
when a b
pairment gates.”
Sangam Trip
hearing im side us
be
sat down ing
ed show “Over the trip I
and start He made
nguage.
2019
some amazing
us sign la re d friends,
tely lowe and came way
immedia o n out
unicati of my comfort
the comm r.” zone
barrie to do things I ne
ver
thought I would
do. I
can’t wait to go
“As part of the Sangam back
to my unit and
Challenge, we were encourage share
d with them the
to participate in the campfire. many
things that I’ve
Campfires are great for sharing learned
and encourage
songs but I also love campfires them to
jump at opport
that involve storytelling and skit unities
s, like these.”
so I decided to write a quick
poem for everyone there. ... Jus
t
for fun, in this poem I chat abo
ut
the hiking we did, the lovely
people of Pune we met and the
jokes we shared along the way
.”
“I went to a special needs school
All the places we’ll go which was the first in India where
In Sangam and beyond children can do art, swimming, sport
Hundreds of miles from home and dance… we visited a local family
As we jump from the cosy Irish and shared in their way of life which
pond is a side to India that you wouldn’t
see as a tourist. We went on Tuc Tucs
We heard tropical birds which is an experience never to be
Went for a trek forgotten and going down to the
Hiked the beautiful countryside local market was a sight to behold - I
Embraced the monsoon’s wet have never seen so many people in
one place.”
All the people we met
From lands far away “I never would have predicted how sad I was to leave India
The meals we shared behind. Inspirational people and life-changing experiences
aside,
And their games we played I really miss the food! I learned so much about being gratef
ul for
life and truly embracing every moment of it. I have discovered
All the stories we shared what I know will be a lifelong love of travel and helping others
.”
I knew I’ve a fair few from Cor
k
We laughed at our Irish dancin
g
And how we couldn’t eat dinner
without a fork
All the lessons we learned
About community strength and
resilience
Our batteries came home
restored
Ready to share our inner Guidin
g
brilliance!
The Welly! | 2019 17The Welly!
Unlocking Leadership
for Change
by Sorcha Langford
In May of this year, I travelled to Our Chalet in Switzerland to attend
an SDG event called ‘Unlock Leadership for Change’. There were two
WAGGGS/WOSM members from 14 different countries around the
world at this event. The event was based on how we could make the
world a more sustainable place. At the start of the event everyone was given a key to wear on
their neckerchief and, if we felt we had learned something new from someone during the event,
we would swap keys with them, representing the unlocking of new knowledge to help change
the world for the better.
During the five days we spent at Our Chalet we discussed what the SDGs were, what sustainable
development meant and which SDGs we were working on in our home countries. It was very
interesting to see that we were all focused on different SDGs because our own countries had
different problems that needed solving.
We also spent a lot of time thinking about how we can make our own country or organisation
more sustainable. The Irish contingent agreed that single-use plastics is a significant issue in
Ireland. Reducing the amount of single-use plastics we use, or just getting rid of single-use
plastics altogether, is one way of working towards making Ireland a more sustainable place.
European Conference by Dara Callanan
This summer, I attended the Europe Region Joint Conference of WOSM and WAGGGS with Jenna
Goodwin, Jenny Gannon and Amanda O’Sullivan. We travelled as part of the Council of Irish Guiding
Associations (CIGA) Contingent.
I had no idea what to expect but, after a week in Croatia with some amazing women, I’m excited
for what the Europe Region has in store. We took part in discussions about the future of WAGGGS,
tabled and voted on motions, and elected the new Europe Region Committee.
IGG held a session about the partnerships we have
in Ireland. We discussed who we partnered with
and the benefits. During our session we had some
great discussions to encourage partnerships and
gained ideas from other countries.
Being new to the conference scene meant I had a
lot to learn going into this event. I learned about
how decisions are made at an international level
and the impacts those decisions have on different
Guiding organisations. CIGA, with the support of
some other organisations, put forward a motion
for an event to be held to help young people
become more involved in conferences. As the
motion was passed, this means that hopefully there will be a greater drive to have young women in
decision-making roles within organisations across Europe.
Overall the conference was a fantastic experience with lots of interesting things going on and the
chance to see the beautiful city of Split.
18 The Welly! | 2019‘Cures’ for the Blues by Ciara Casey
Senior Branch Change Adventure, Choice Challenge 6:
Brainstorm ‘cures’ for the blues. Make a list of what you might do to feel better the
next time you’re feeling down or depressed.
Here are some suggestions of things that might make you feel better the next time
you’re feeling low:
olate Listening to music
a w it h s ome choc g
e
a cup of t rnal
lin
Enjoying Jou Keeping a posi
Watching a tivity jar
movie
A long walk Trying a new craft
Cuddles with your pet
d
a frien Senior Bran
ch
t with
A cha
Ventact South 2019 by Aishling McCarthy, Bandon Senior Branch
Hundreds of Senior Branchers, Rangers, Rovers and Venture Scouts arrived at Kilcully Campsite
in Cork on Friday 6 September for what can only be described as a fantastic weekend and, for
many, a highlight of their summer. Ventact is an annual event organised by the Joint Committee of
Scouts and Guides in Cork. I signed up as staff for the weekend and can gladly say I enjoyed it just
as much as the participants. The theme for this year’s Ventact was ‘Disney’ - a fitting theme with
the recent remakes of some classic Disney movies.
Friday night’s activities included a campfire, a movie – Disney of course, and the infamous
madness that is the swapping of activity tickets. For those of you who have attended Ventact in
the past, you know what I’m talking about!
On Saturday, we were woken by Robin William’s ‘Good Morning Vietnam’, another Ventact
tradition. After the raising of the flags, we headed for the bus pens to head off for the day to our
activities in Cork City and County. This year some of the activities included Ballyhass Lakes, West
Cork Secret, Zip It, Dragon Boats, Awesome Walls, water skiing and that is just to name a few.
As staff, we accompanied the participants to these activities and were free to join in any activity
if we so wished. So, I headed off to Cobh for the day where we headed out on ribs around Cork
Harbour – a first for me even though I live in Cork and I’m so glad I got to do it! The participants
then completed a Whats App Challenge around Cobh in the afternoon. We returned
to Kilcully for a jam-packed evening, including music from
Rebel Brass, Ventact’s Own, a fire display and a disco, where
we saw some fantastic Disney costumes on display.
On Sunday morning, we woke to the sound of ‘Good Morning
Vietnam’ again, although not quite as early as Saturday
morning. Some of the morning’s activities included Tug-o-
War and the water slide before everyone on site gathered to
create a drone image of Ventact ’19 before striking camp.
A great weekend was had by all. Don’t forget to keep an eye
out in January for the Ventact 2020 announcement!
The Welly! | 2019 19Explorer Belt
we took that first step, I wasn’t going to
stop, even if I had to lance blisters!
• Then all our prayers were answered and
2019, Belgium
we came across a little stable.
• We got some ice-cream, very nice ice-
cream, and some cold drinks and we sat
down and consulted our map for the
Twelve lucky Senior Branchers and Leaders
1,500th time that day.
took part in Explorer Belt this year in Belgium,
• He said, “Have a great holiday!” and we
Guiding’s ultimate challenge!
cracked up – this was no holiday!
• It turns out throwing your rucksack around
Explorer Belt requires participants to hike
the place isn’t a great idea.
180 kilometres over 10 days in teams of two
• I know this is cheesy but, when I waved
while carrying all their camping and cooking
my necker, another pointed at his and
equipment, food and water, and surviving on
it felt great to have a connection with a
just €3.25 a day.
complete stranger.
• They must have thought I was so weird!
Successfully completing the challenge also
• I could almost imagine what it would be
involves keeping a log book and completing a
like to go over the top of the trench on the
series of projects along the way - all without
sound of the whistle.
the use of a smartphone! And, just to add to
• I was tending to my feet once again and I
the challenge, participants have no idea in
prayed that I would make it to the end of
what country the event will take place until
the Belt, or rather that my feet would make
they turn up at Dublin Airport and receive their
it.
boarding passes!
Five of the six teams successfully completed
Reading the snippets below from participants’
the challenge and received the much-coveted
log books will give you some insight into the
Explorer Belt. Regrettably, one team had to
event and what it felt like to take part:
pull out of the challenge three days before the
end for medical reasons.
• I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat, if it
weren’t for the walking.
Explorer Belt is usually only open to Senior
• Our high point today was helping children
Branch members aged 18-30. To mark Senior
with pony-trekking at a stables.
Branch’s Centenary year however, this year’s
• I’m happy I took the plunge to seize the
Explorer Belt was open to members aged 30+
opportunity.
too. Well done to all participants!
• I realised I can be personally resilient; once
20 The Welly! | 2019Safeguarding CAMP CÉAD
and Child
Protection
training for
9-13 July 2020
Senior Branch Cuskinny Court, Cobh, Cork
members Cost: 150
Senior Branch members
between the ages of 14 and Camp costs include site fee, all meals,
17 (working with a Ladybird, camp t-shirt, camp necker, badge and
Brownie or Guide Unit) all activities.
must complete the online
Safeguarding and Child
Protection training for under
18 years. This online training
will soon be available on the
IGG website, in the Leader
Area under the tab for Online
Courses. If you don’t know
the password to get into the For more information email
Leader Area, email National
Office or ask your own Leader. campcead@gmail.com
Current numbers of BRONZE 53
Irish Girl Guides
doing Gaisce awards
Silver 31
with IGG are: GOLD 18
The following Senior Branch members have completed Gaisce awards since the last Welly:
BRONZE Gold
Caoimhe Crean
Emma Fallon
Silver Ailís Ward
Ailís will be presented with her Gold
Fiona McDonnell Gaisce in Dublin Castle on 4 December.
Ruby Loughlin
Aoife McElroy Ailís is the first Senior Branch member to
Anna O’Farrell complete Gold under our joint programme
Aisling Smyth with Gaisce.
Congratulations to all 2019 Gaisce Awardees!
The Welly! | 2019 21re ’s h ow
He for
i st e r
to reg e n t’s
e s i d
The Pr :
Award
NOTE: You are required to
1
register with Gaisce before you
▶ Visit www.gaisce.ie. commence your award-related
▶ Click on ‘Get Involved’. activities. Activities undertaken
▶ Scroll down and select your before you are registered with
award – Bronze, Silver or Gold. Gaisce will not be considered
towards your award.
▶ Scroll down again and
check out the 6 stages to
2
‘Starting Your Award’.
▶ Next click on ‘How to
Register’.
▶ Ensure you first meet the
‘Checklist’ requirements
and then click through ‘to
begin registering’.
NOTE: From this point, use the buttons provided (e.g. ‘back’ and ‘next’) to
move through the screens as opposed to the browser buttons.
▶ Click ‘Next’ and create your new Gaisce
Login.
▶ Follow the guidance on the website.
3
▶ When you arrive at the Award Partner
section, this is what you need to enter.
No matter where you live in Ireland, you
must choose Dublin 4 as your county,
IGG National as your award partner, and
Admin IGG as your PAL. Then click ‘Next’.
4 5
▶ Enter your activity details ▶ Complete the last page i.e.
and click ‘Next’. ‘application fee’ and ‘terms
▶ You’ll be asked to check your and conditions’, read the last
details and to click ‘Next’ page and then click ‘Finish’.
again.
22 The Welly! | 2019Questions and Answers for Gaisce Awards
– Gold, Silver, Bronze
weeks in Community, Personal and Q. When I log onto my award, I am
Physical, an Adventure Journey of only credited for ten weeks on
four days and three nights and a Community. I have done a couple
Residential Project of five days and of days some weeks but it doesn’t
four nights. appear to be counted. What is
the problem?
Q. Do I need to keep the online
Q. I am 14 and a half. Can I sign up diary entries? A. The challenges are one hour per
for the Bronze Gaisce? It says 15 week for the required length of
years on their website. A. No. You must record your time depending on which award
challenges each week by getting you are undertaking. This can be
A. Yes, you can sign up for the Bronze the Record Sheet signed by your done in full or on different days.
Award when you register with IGG trainer/supervisor. It is good However only ONE hour each week
National Office as soon as you have practice to make notes of what you counts for the challenge and Gaisce
completed the Now You’re a Senior are doing for your own information. is about continuity over the length
Branch member section of the For the Gold Award, you must of time.
programme. Follow the steps on produce a log book of your
page 18 of your SB Travel Journal. challenges as well as the Record Q. I have been helping with
Sheets. Meals on Wheels for the past
Q. There are a number of IGG PALs two months. I am signing up
on the list. How do I know which Q. Must I submit my Record Sheets for Gaisce. Can I count these
one to use? to IGG? weeks as part of my Community
Challenge?
A. Look for Dublin 4 and then IGG- A. Yes, you must submit your
National. Once you have done this completed and signed Record A. No. You need to sign up for Gaisce
and paid the fee, your name will Sheets to the IGG Gaisce Co- and decide on your challenges and
appear on the IGG list on the Gaisce Ordinator - Deirdre Henley, then you can count the weeks from
website. The IGG Co-ordinator will Birchleigh, Rosnascalp, Macroom, your registration date.
activate your application and will Co. Cork. We suggest you keep a
contact you shortly afterwards. copy for yourself.
Q. I did my Bronze Award in Q. I started the Bronze Award in
Transition Year. I want to do school but didn’t get it finished
Silver but my school doesn’t do within the academic year. Can I
this. Can I move to IGG for my still complete this with IGG?
PAL and will the award that I
completed through school be A. Yes, you can transfer to IGG to
recognised? complete the award. Contact the
or.
IGG Gaisce Co-ordinator.
A. Yes, your Bronze Award will be
acknowledged and you will be
able to use the merit system for the
Silver Award.
Q. What is the merit system and how
does it work?
A. If you do the Bronze level, you do
a minimum of 13 weeks for the
Community, Personal, and Physical
&
sections and an extra 13 weeks
in one of these. In addition you
will do the Adventure Journey of
at least two days and one night.
A
When you sign up for Silver, you
will complete a minimum of 26
weeks in the Community, Personal
and Physical sections with no extra
Q
weeks. Your Adventure Journey will
be a minimum of three days and
two nights. If you continue to Gold,
you will complete a minimum of 52
The Welly! | 2019 23
The Welly! | 2017 9Heading for Senior Branch...
Guides being awarded their Trail Blazer award at the National Guide Awards in Croke Park in October.
Irish Girl Guides
Trefoil House
27 Pembroke Park
Dublin 4
Phone: 01-6683898
Email: info@irishgirlguides.ie
www.irishgirlguides.ie
The mission of the
Irish Girl Guides is to enable girls
and young women to develop to
their fullest potential as responsible
citizens of the world.
24
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