December 16th: Holiday Party

Tonight we will be inviting all the mom's to join us for a holiday celebration.  We ask that each Spark bring a book to share with the group. It can be a favourite book, a Christmas story or whatever.  We are focussing on diversity this month and how people have different likes and dislikes and also different traditions.  Girls are learning that just because someone likes something that is different, they can still be friends.

Tonight we are going to do a few crafts, read the stories (in small groups), enjoy a snack together and have a big campfire (no real fire...just really sit in a circle and sing songs:)

We are going to have a 2 week break and Sparks will start up again on January 6th.

We hope that you and your families enjoy this holiday season and we will see you all in 2015.

Jewel, Sunshine and Sparkle

December 9: Diversity challenge

Tonight we are going to continue working on our diversity challenge. We will be doing an art project where we get to decorate our names. We will be completing small books titled All About Me. We will be playing a game which focuses on complimenting others, We will be also sharing some stories in a Sharing Circle: Please have the girls prepare something to say for any of the following:
*Share a story of someone you respect
*Share a story of a time when you took responsibility for something you had done or said
*Share a story of you being brave
*Share a story of when you told the truth even though it was hard to do so
*Share a story of when you felt sad or happy for someone.

***We have decided to contribute to the toiletries train....see below....

The Amor Dei Committee of St. Leonard’s Parish are once again collecting contributions for the Christmas Hamper Program they organize every year during this season.  They are looking the following items: Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, toothpaste, q-tips, toothbrushes, hand soap, shaving cream, deodorant, disposable razors, dental floss, bandages, hand cream, sos pads, scrubbies, mouthwash, sponges, and garbage bags.

At St. Jerome, we collect these items in our Toiletries Train that is set up in our front lobby.  Thank you for your consideration and generous support of this project.

Please encourage your daughter to go out and spend $5-$10 (preferably of their own money) on a few of these items. We have been talking about the importance of helping others and giving back. Please try to bring your items this Tuesday so that they can be included in the Christmas Hamper program at the church.

Thanks

Jewel, Sunshine, Sparkle

December 2: Diversity Challenge

We are going to be working on the Alberta Girl Guides Diversity challenge.  This challenge teaches the girls about all the different aspects of Diversity and acceptance.  This week we will be focusing on how the girls in the unit are all different.  In past weeks we have focused on how the girls are alike, now we are going to celebrate their differences.

***Girls that are attending Winter Camp, please remember to bring back your permission forms and cheques*****

Upcoming Weeks.....


December 9:
Sharing Circle:  Please have the girls prepare something to say for any of the following:
*Share a story of someone you respect
*Share a story of a time when you took responsibility for something you had done or said
*Share a story of you being brave
*Share a story of when you told the truth even though it was hard to do so
*Share a story of when you felt sad or happy for someone.

December 16:

Christmas Party: Mom and Me...Please bring a book to share.

November 25th Love Yourself

Tonight we are going to be doing the Love Yourself challenge.  We will be making "Love Yourself" buttons, listening to some stories regarding body image, and completing the body pride pledge.  The girls will receive the badge at the end of the night.

Upcoming Events:

Winter Camp: Do you want to build a Snowman?

We have worked out the details for the winter camp. The camp is going to be held January 16,17, 18, 2015 at Camp Woolsey.  The cost of the camp will be $50 per child. This will include 2 nights accommodation, all of our food for the weekend, and craft materials.  The girls will be dropped off Friday night at 7pm and picked up Sunday at 10:30am.  We have lots of fun activities planned including snow shoeing, ice sculptures, snowmen etc all themed around the movie Frozen.  This camp has limited space and to ensure that every girl has a equal opportunity to attend, we are setting up a special email address.  Once the camp email has been sent out, you will need to send an email stating that your child would like to attend the camp.  The first 80 girls that email, will be going to camp.  Please note that once you email your response, you are not guaranteed a spot.  There will also be a date when payment will be due. We will be keeping a waiting list and those that do not get their cheques in on time will be dropped.  So, it is going to be like City of Ottawa swimming lessons...please email as soon as you can...so that everyone in our group is able to attend.


December 2: Diversity Challenge

December 9: Diversity Challenge: Part of this challenge we need to have sparks share one of the following:

 Share a story of someone you respect
 Share a story of a time you took responsibility for something you had done or said
 Share a story of you being brave
 Share a story of when you told the truth even through it was hard to do so
 Share a story of when you felt sad or happy for someone

If you could help your Spark with one of these stories and so they are a bit prepared for the meeting and have something to say.

December 16:  Christmas Party

 Mom and Me Christmas Party.  Please remember to bring a book to share.

Thanks

Jewel, Sunshine, Sparkle

November 18th Being Me Keeper

This week we are going to be finishing up our Being Me Keeper.  The girls should bring in something that is special to them for Show and Tell.  We will also be doing an art project with Tissue Paper.

We have been talking with the girls about charity.  With the Christmas season sneaking up on us, we are trying to come up with an idea of a charity we can support. As part of our Diversity Challenge, which we will be working on in December, we are to look at those in the community that are in need.  Last year we collected hats and mitts and donated them to the Snowsuit fund.  The girls were very excited to give away all of their used toys, since they are getting new ones for Christmas.  We are trying to steer away from that concept.  We would like to pick something simple like toothbrushes and toothpaste for care packages at the food bank or baby food for the baby food cupboard.  Let me know if you have other ideas of what we can do. The point of the exercise is to get the girls to go out and buy something small ($5-$10), with hopefully their own money, and donate it.  If anyone has any ideas or comments, please contact us via email.  We want this to be a positive experience for the girls and obviously need their parents onboard.

We are also planning a Mom and Me Christmas party this year.  Our last meeting before Christmas is December 16th.  As part of our diversity challenge, we are to have each spark bring in a book that focuses on different cultures, different family orientation, different family traditions, etc.  We are going to separate the group into smaller groups of 4 or 5 and each mom will read their story to the group. We will also have some treats and refreshments and make a special craft.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us,

Thanks

Jewel, Sunshine and Sparkle

November 11th: Remembrance Day

In honour of Remembrance Day, this week's meeting will be all about Peace. We are hoping to have a couple of the Peace Builders (grade 6 students trained in mediation skills) from St.Jerome's school, join us to talk to the girls about peace keeping in the school yard. In addition we have games, crafts and stories themed around being peaceful and good friends.

Girl Guides Canada asks that all girls wear their uniforms for whole day on Remembrance day.

***Just a reminder as the weather turns colder and wetter that the girls should have indoor shoes they can change into for our meetings*****

Coming Up....

For the November 18th meeting, we will be finishing up our Being Me keeper. Please have your Spark bring an item that means something special  to them. (ie special book or toy or blanket etc) We will be setting up sharing circles, so the girls can practice sharing with the group and listening to others.

November 4th Karate Night

Karate Night

Tonight we are going to learn a little about karate. We are going to have a karate demonstration and try some of the moves. This is going towards our Being Healthy keeper.  We are going to talk about how it is important to stay active, in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

October 28th: Halloween Party

Tonight we are going to have a Halloween Party.  Please make sure you wear your costume. We will be making some spooky crafts, playing some Halloween games and, of course, a dance party.



Coming up in November:


November 4th:  Karate Night

November 11th: Remembrance Day Meeting: Peace

November 18th: Being Me Keeper

November 25th: Love Yourself Challenge

October 21: Being Me Keeper

This week we are continuing to work on our Being Me Keeper.

We will continue to work on our memory books. We will also be painting a picture with a buddy...don't worry we will be using washable paint, so there should be no issues.

We will also be looking at the different kind of pets that people have.

Reminders:

If you have not already contacted me,  please let me know if your daughter is interested in attending the Winter Camp. We will be sending out the official permission forms in a few weeks.

Thanks

Jewel, Sunshine and Sparkle

October 14th: Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a great long weekend!

This week we have invited the Monday night Sparks group to join us for a meeting.  We will be playing a Frozen themed game.  This game will be broken up into different challenges. The girls are going to be both inside and outside for parts of the night so please make sure they dress appropriately for the weather.  We are still going outside even if it is raining.

We will be breaking the girls up into groups and starting the game at about 6:25pm. The meeting will end at the usual time.

Thanks

Jewel, Sunshine and Sparkle.

October 7: Being Me Keeper

We are now moving on to our Being Me Keeper.  This keeper focuses on the girls and what is important to them.  We will be talking about their talents and interests and working on building self esteem.

This week we will be making Memory books.  We tried to take everyone's picture at the end of last night's meeting, but we did miss a few camera shy girls. If you know that your child was not photographed, can you please send a 4 x 6 picture for next meeting. We will also go through the pictures we have and let you know via email if we are missing a photo.

We will be decorating the front page of the memory books.
We will be drawing pictures of our families.
We will be filling out personal stat sheets: hair colour, eye colour, height, weight, etc
We will also be playing charades with different careers. So the girls can act out all the different roles that people in society have.

Reminders:

Please bring your cheques for the cookies if you still need to
Please make sure that your daughter goes to the washroom prior to coming to Sparks. We had about 15 minutes of bathroom breaks last week. It is okay they can go to the bathroom here, but it is hard to keep the meeting flowing when half the room is in the bathroom.
Also please send water bottles...we do play active games and the girls tend to get thirsty. It is easier to grab a water bottle, than have a field trip to the water fountain.

Thanks

Jewel, Sunshine and Sparkle.

September 30th: COOKIES!

The cookies are here!

Fact about the Cookies:
1. These are the chocolate mint cookies and we sell the chocolate/vanilla cookies in the spring.
2. Cookies cost $5 per box
3. Each girl will be given 1 case (12 boxes) to sell
4. Please bring a cheque for $60 (payable to Girl Guides of Canada) as a deposit for the case. Please note that the cheques will be cashed once the campaign is over in late October/early November.

****If you don't think your Spark can sell a case or would like more, please send Jenn( Jewel) an email or let us know at the meeting****

This week is going to be all about cookies. We are going to learn the polite and proper way to sell cookies. We are going to learn about making change by playing a game called "Exact Change".  We are also going to be making Vanilla cookie swaps.

Thanks

Jewel, Sunshine and Sparkle

September 23: The Colours of the Rainbow Enrolment Ceremony

For the first half of the meeting we are going to continue working on our Being a Spark keeper. We are also going to be making "Mini Me" Puppets.  The girls will be learning about diversity and how everyone can look different or be different colours but, still come together as a group and work together.

We will also be having our enrolment ceremony to welcome the new girls to the unit. The ceremony will be starting at 6:50 pm. Families are encouraged to attend. We will have a brief ceremony followed by refreshments.

1st year sparks will receive : Welcome Certificate
                                               1st Year Pin
                                               Spark Enrolment Pin
                                               3rd Riverside South Unit tape
                                               Being a Spark Keeper

***Badges, unit tape and pins should be fastened to the girl's sashes

2nd year sparks will receive: 2nd year pin.

I was just on the Guide Store website and saw that the Spark's scarf is back ordered. If you have not ordered your uniform, please don't worry about enrolment...just get the uniform when you can..it is not a big issue.  If the girls can wear blue pants and a light blue (or close) shirt with no writing...They will blend in fine.

Thanks
Jewel, Sunshine and Sparkle

September 16th : Being a Spark

This week we are going to work on our Being a Spark Keeper.  We will be working on the Spark Promise: " I Promise to Share and Be a Friend". We will be going through the rules at Sparks (ie no running, no jumping off window sills, etc) Tonight we also introduce Crystal. Crystal is a friend to all Sparks. She will be starting to go home with the girls for the week. The girls are encouraged to write a few sentences in Crystals journal to share with the group the following week.

We will also be decorating invitations for our upcoming Enrolment Ceremony (September 23th). This ceremony is to welcome the new Sparks to our group. The girls will be receiving certificates, pins, and there Being a Spark keeper. Family members are encouraged to attend the ceremony. We will have some refreshments at the end.  We will be having our regular meeting(6:15pm) and then the ceremony will start at 6:50pm and we will finish on time at 7:15pm. Our enrolment theme is " The colours of the Rainbow"

Please remember...

Name tags
Indoor Shoes
Water Bottle
Sparks bag

****whoever is missing their sash (2nd years) we will get it back to you next week******

Thanks

Jewel, Sunshine, and Sparkle

Sparks September 9th

Just a quick Reminder....

Sparks tonight at 6:15pm

Please bring H1 Health Form and dues cheque for $32.

We will be painting so bring a paint smock or wear something older if you do not have your uniform yet.

We will have a quick meeting at 6:15pm for all parents to answer any questions you may have.

See you tonight!

Jewel

Sparks 101: First Meeting Tuesday September 9th

Sparks Program

Welcome to 3^rd Riverside South Sparks! We have an exciting year planned for the girls, and can’t wait to get started! Our Sparks will be involved in many activities this year that will help them strengthen their potential, meet new friends, and help them get to know themselves and the world around them. The variety of activities we have planned will help the girls earn keepers as well as various challenge badges. We welcome feedback and suggestions. Donations of craft supplies are always appreciated too! 

The Leaders

Jenn Raponi (Jewel)  This will be my 2nd year volunteering as a Sparks Leader. I am married and have 1 daughter, Maya (who is also in the sparks group). I work as a Project Manager for a mechanical contracting company. I have my up-to-date first aid training and CPR. I enjoy camping, hiking and crafts. My goal for this Sparks year is to ensure that everyone has fun and learns how to be a good friend.

Janine Kaye (Sunshine)  I have been involved in guiding for 14 years, the last 9 as a Guide and Pathfinder leader. I'm looking forward to working with the Sparks this year (and I've been told it is probably the best age group for my crafting abilities :) ). My daughter, Arya is excited to be joining sparks this year as well and I also have a one year old son. In my day job, I play with data at the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

Vanessa Alsukkari (Sparkle) This will be my first year volunteering with guiding. I have one daughter, who is in her second year of Sparks.  I was a brownie and guide when I was younger.  We have lived in Ottawa for 6 six years now.  I enjoy walking and swimming.

Meetings and Communication

Our meetings are held at the Rideauview Community Centre in the front meeting room on Tuesdays, from 6:15pm to 7:15pm. Our program runs for a total of 32 weeks. There are no meetings on December 23, 30 and March 17. However, there will be additional meetings for camping trips and other activities throughout the year. You will be notified of these dates as early as possible.

Our primary forms of contact with you regarding meeting activities will be via this blog or by email. (Regular meeting updates will be available on the blog, while permission forms will be emailed to you.) If you do not have regular access to email or the internet, please let us know. Leaders are available to answer questions before and after the weekly meetings, or you are more than welcome to email or call us.

Uniform

The Sparks uniform consists of the Sparks t-shirt (either the new blue one or the older pink one), scarf and sash, with dark bottoms when possible. These items are available for purchase online at www.thegirlguidestore.ca.

All Sparks and Leaders should wear their uniforms to meetings and special events. We ask that you attach all keepers to your child’s sash. Some, but not all, of the keepers and crests are iron-ons. Other earned crests could be attached to the sash or a camp blanket or poncho if you wish.

Dues

Dues will be collected at the start of the program to cover our weekly activities (crafts, snacks, etc.). The amount is $32. Please make cheques payable to Girl Guides of Canada, Ontario Council, noting 3^rd Riverside South Sparks in the memo line. Thank you!

Allergies and Special Needs

If your child has allergies or special needs, please notify the leaders. We also require that H1 forms be filled out at the first meeting (leaders will have them available when you drop off your child).

Crystal and her Journal

Each week a Spark will be able to take home our doll named Crystal and her journal. Your Spark can then draw a picture of her adventure with Crystal during the week. When it is your Spark’s turn to have Crystal, we would ask that a parent help write a 1-2 sentence description of your child’s picture to help with storytelling in our sharing circle. Please remember to return Crystal and her journal to the next meeting so that Crystal can continue her adventures with another Spark.

Final Reminders:

       

·         Please ensure your Spark goes to the washroom prior to coming to Sparks. If we can minimize the washroom breaks, the girls will get the most out of the short time we have together.

·         Please send a pair of indoor shoes when the weather is wet outside. It will help keep the floor clean and safe for everyone in the room.

·         Your Spark is more than welcome to bring a water bottle to our meetings. The girls tend to get thirsty and this would help minimize our trips to the water fountain.  

Welcome to 3rd Riverside South Sparks!

Hello Families,

Welcome to 3rd Riverside South Sparks. We look forward to meeting your daughters in September. We have lots of fun activities planned for the 2014-2015 year.  Please stay tuned to this blog for more information....

May 6 - last official meeting

Hi Families,


Can you believe that we have reached the end of our Sparks year already? We have truly enjoyed working with your girls this year, and hope that they have had fun as well.


If your Spark does want to continue with the program, please remember to register as soon as possible. The unit is half full and spaces will start to fill up very quickly once June 1 rolls around. Visit www.girlguides.ca to re-register.


Also, Jenn R and Janine will be looking for an additional leader next year, as Heather and I are both moving on to other units (Heather to be with her daughter Abby in Brownies; I am going up to Guides with my two older daughters.) Being a Guide leader is a great opportunity to get to know a great bunch of women and girls, not to mention try some new things. Please consider it!


This week's meeting: it's carnival night!!


Camp: Just a reminder that arrival is 7:30am on Saturday for those not staying Friday night. Let's all keep our fingers crossed for nice weather!


Finally, Sparks advancing to Brownies next year are invited to attend the advancement ceremony at St. Jerome School on Thursday May 15. Please arrive by 6:15pm.


That's it for now. See you soon!
Jen

April 29 - Camping Prep!

Hi Families,

Just a reminder that this week I will host a 10 minute chat about camp for parents at the beginning of our meeting (6:15). We will go over what the girls should bring for camp and I will try to answer any questions you may have.

 After the parent meeting, the leaders will be taking the sparks outside for a short hike. Please ensure your girls dress for the weather. They may also wish to bring a water bottle.

 Thanks and see you Tuesday,

Jen

 

April 22 meeting and a few other reminders

Hi Families!


Apologies for not updating the blog last week -- we had a busy guiding week with camp planning and I just ran out of time. Funny story: at last week's meeting we were going over some of the things we should bring to camp and one of the Sparks said, "You're going to put all of that on the blog so my mom can read it, right? There is no way I can remember all of this stuff!" Too cute. :)


Last week we went over some of the standard duties girls are required to do at camp: wash their dishes, roll up their own sleeping bag, and look after a buddy while hiking. The girls also put together their own ditty bags for their dishes: a big thanks goes out to Abby P's grandmother for sewing all of the bags!!


I also wanted to ask a quick favour: as is the case at this time every year, the girls have started to get a bit rowdier during the meetings. They have become good friends, which is great, but at the same time it does make it more difficult to cover some of the activities we are supposed to do at our meetings. At our end, the leaders have been trying to do activities in smaller groups to help keep things calmer, and we try to keep the girls busy so that they don't get bored. If everyone could remind their Sparks to listen to the leaders though (e.g. come to the circle when asked, stop running in the room because it isn't safe), it would be really helpful. Thank you!


Here's what is coming up:


April 22: This week we are celebrating Earth Day with some crafts, a story about treating nature nicely, and a recycle relay. If all goes well (e.g. no snow, exceptionally muddy conditions or rain), we plan to spend the last few minutes of the meeting outside in the community centre playground area. So, please make sure your Spark dresses for the weather! Also: please note that this is the last night for turning in camp forms.  We cannot accept any more girls after the 22nd.


April 29: This week we'll finish up the requirements of Going Camping Keeper. We'll also be going on a short neighbourhood hike, so please make sure your Spark is dressed for the weather. We also recommend that she bring a water bottle. ** Parents are invited to stay for the first 10 minutes of the meeting to talk about the camp kit list and camp expectations. Please feel free to bring your questions: I'll bring a sample ditty bag and the equipment my girls and I usually take to camp.


May 6: Our last meeting as a unit! We have a fun carnival-themed party planned for the girls.


May (9), 10, 11: Camp


May 15: Flying up ceremony for those girls moving to Brownies.


Happy Easter!
Jen

April 8 and April 10

Hi Families,


As mentioned in our last post, this week the girls will be doing the Sing Ontario Sing! Challenge. It's a great one -- the Sparks get to learn a whole bunch of great songs that we will definitely be singing at camp and in the years to come.


Also, just a reminder to the 4 girls moving to Brownies next year: they are invited to the 2nd Riverside South Brownie meeting this week, on Thursday from 6pm to 7:30pm in the St. Jerome gym. I was talking to the Brownie leaders, and boy, do they have a fun evening planned! Please let Hearts and Marigold know this week if your Spark is not attending.


Camp
Thanks also to all those who have responded to the email asking whether your Spark will be coming to camp. If you haven't done so, please drop Jen/Marigold a quick line.  This camp is certainly optional, but we hope that all the girls can make it out.


For those of you who have asked about having your Spark come for the day: that will be fine, but we ask that she be picked up at 7:30pm Saturday evening, as the campfire is finishing. This has proven the least disruptive in the past for the others staying -- the less they see parents coming and going, the less homesick they tend to be.


Finally, please see the info letter posted below from the two organizers of the camp -- Diane and Jean, our community guiders. The permission slips will be circulated via email soon, but this letter gives you an idea of what camp is all about. In addition to the permission slips that will be sent via email, we will also be having a short info session about camp at the beginning of the April 29 meeting (we'll show you what to pack and answer any questions you may have).


Here is Diane and Jean's letter:

March 31, 2014

To Parents/Guardians of Guiding members in Manotick/Riverside South

Dear Parents,

Guiding provides lots of new experiences for girls, and one of these opportunities is to go to camp in a safe environment, with girls and supervisors that they are familiar with.  This letter is being written to provide you with information about our upcoming Spring Camp.


First the date of the camp is May 9-11, which is Mother’s Day weekend, however our camp will end at 9:30 on Sunday morning to allow you to spend time with your daughter(s) and family.


The location of the camp is at the RCMP campground on Nicholl’s Island Road, just off River Road, between Manotick and Riverside South.


The camp is open to all girls in guiding in the Manotick/Riverside South area.  We know that in a few cases we will not have enough leaders to cover the girls attending from a unit, and will need to ask a few female parents to assist us.  Any Parents attending camp must have a current Police Check with the child vulnerability section completed.  You also need to understand that you are at camp for all the girls in your group, not just for your daughter.  Giving your daughter space is important if she is to be able to have the same experiences as others with no parent attending.  If you are interested and available to attend camp, please let your unit leader know.  If she needs assistance she will ask you.


Our staff at camp are our unit leaders and members of guiding.  All have current police checks and many have current First Aid training.  We are required by girl guides to provide ratios of adults to girls depending on ages, and these ratios are met at our camp.


Camp provides an opportunity for girls to learn to live and work with other members of our organization.  They learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment, and they have lots of fun.  Our program provides time for active group games, some outdoor cooking (age related), campfires, crafts, and outdoor program work. 


A kit list will be provided for camp and we request that you follow the list.  Rain gear is required because the program goes on outdoors even in the rain.  Camp hats are often overlooked, but they are important and each child and adult leader must wear a hat at camp. 


If your child requires medication at camp, she must bring it in it’s original container with her name and the dosage clearly marked on the container.  You will be requested to complete a form for the administration of any medication sent to camp.   We do not provide any medications, so if your child is prone to headaches and might need a Tylenol, you must have this marked on her health form, and must send the Tylenol in case.  If your child requires an epi pen or an inhaler, she must carry it with her at all times, so please provide a suitable fanny pack type carrier, and inform her leaders that she has this item.  All medications with the exception of the inhaler or epi pen, will be collected by a first aider and stored in a safe location in the kitchen, out of the reach of others, but convenient for dispensing.


A little about the camp: the camp is located by the water, however, we rope off the access to the water, and all girls are told that they will be sent home if they cross the rope without permission.  We do not take chances with water.


                : The Sparks sleep in the two large rooms of the main building, with indoor flush washrooms.  We have a camp cook to assist them with meal preparations.  The leaders also sleep in the building.


                : The Brownies sleep in smaller, unheated cabins that have two bunk beds in one room for the girls, and a separate room for the leaders, with the door access.  Washrooms are also flush, but are not in the cabins.  The girls will have some meals prepared by the cook, and they will have the opportunity to try some food preparation too.


                : The Guides will sleep in tents, normally two to a tent, and will assist with cooking outdoors.  They will also have the opportunity to cook breakfast on a tin can or in a cardboard box.  Please have the girls remember to bring two ground sheets.  One from each girl will go under the tent and the other will be used inside the tent.  Please pack these groundsheets at the top of the bag, or in an outside pocket so that they can be easily accessed.


                : The Pathfinders will also sleep in tents, normally two to a tent, and will do their own cooking in groups outdoors.  They will have opportunities to practice their leadership skills, and the younger girls watch carefully to see what the older ones can do, so they act as role models for the camp.


Camp begins on Friday with arrival time at 6:30.  Sparks that are not camping on Friday night should arrive at camp at 7:30 am on Saturday so that they are in time for breakfast. 


We have a busy schedule planned, and  all food and snacks are provided.  Please DO NOT SEND candy, chips, or other treats with your child.  We do not permit food in tents because food attracts wildlife.  You will be provided with a copy of the menu, and if for dietary reasons there are foods your child cannot eat, you may be required to supply an alternative.  Our camp is NUT FREE.


If you have any questions, or are hesitating about sending your daughter to camp, please contact one of us named below and we will try to help.


Diane Arbuckle                                                                                                 Jean Mowat


613-692-2459                                                                                                   613-692-4632

Wow, April already!

Hi Families,


Thanks to those who have already responded to my email about camp, May 10-11. If you have a chance to drop me a quick email to let me know if your spark is attending, that would be great.


Here's what is coming up in April:


April 1 - Backwards week, in honour of April Fool's day. Please come with your shirt on backwards. We'll start with closing circle and go from there. Also April 1: online registration for girls returning to the same unit begins.


April 8 - This week we're doing the Sing Ontario Sing Challenge!


April 10 - Brownies and Beyond - Grade 1 Sparks are invited to the 2nd Riverside South Brownie unit for their meeting (St. Jerome School, 6pm to 7:30pm).

April 15 - Going Camping Keeper, part 1: the Sparks are going to learn some of the basics for camping with the unit.


April 22 - Earth Day activities!


April 29 - Going Camping Keeper, part 2: the girls will learn more about camping, including how to roll up their own sleeping bags and pack what they need for camp (did you know the girls do their own dishes at camp?! They make their own lunch too.) Parents will be invited for a 10 minute meeting as well to talk about the kit list.


And what's in store for May:


May 1 - Online registration for girls moving to another unit begins.


May 6 - Our last meeting as a unit


May 9-10 - Camp!! (2nd years can attend the evening of May 9 as well if they would like.)


May 15 - Advancement ceremony for girls 'flying up' to Brownies. More details to follow.


June 1 - Online registration for girls joining Girl Guides for the first time begins.


See you soon!

March 25 - Visit to the Ottawa Humane Society

Hi Families,
Just a reminder that we are meeting at the Ottawa Humane Society, on Hunt Club Road, by the Lexus dealership, at 6:15 on Tuesday. If you have not already done so, please send or bring a signed permission form in order to leave your Spark with us that evening.


As a token of appreciation for the tour of the Humane Society, we are asking that your Spark bring a small dog/cat treat, dog/cat toy, or some old blankets or towels for the animals as a donation. Whatever you could contribute would be appreciated!


Also, COOKIES will be available that evening. Marigold will bring them in her van for you to take home. Please bring a $60 cheque payable to Girl Guides of Canada for the case of cookies.


Returning Sparks registration: If you plan to register your daughter in the Sparks unit again next year, please note you can do so online starting at 10am on April 1. Girls moving up a level or to a different unit can begin registering May 1. Registration for new members starts June 1. Also, we are always looking for new leaders! Please speak to any of us if you are interested in helping out: we would love to have you!!


Looking for water bottles: If you have any clear plastic water bottles (Aquafina, etc), can you please bring them in over the next few weeks? We will be using them for an Earth Day craft.


See you soon!

March 18 - Tour of Moncion's

Hi Families!

Just a reminder that this week we are meeting at Moncion’s YIG for a tour as part of our In My Community Badge. Please meet us by 6:15 in the front entrance of the store. If you have not already done so, please bring a signed permission form so that you can leave your Spark with us. Thank you!

Upcoming Events

March 25 - Humane Society Tour (In My Community Badge): Please meet us at the front door of the Humane Society, on Hunt Club Road, by the Lexus dealership. Signed permission forms are also required for this trip.

As a token of appreciation for the tour of the Humane Society, we are asking that your Spark bring a small dog/cat treat, dog/cat toy, or some old blankets or towels for the animals as a donation. Whatever you could contribute would be appreciated!

Also, COOKIES will be available that evening. Marigold will bring them in her van for you to take home. Please bring a $60 cheque payable to Girl Guides of Canada for the case of cookies.

April 10 – Brownie Unit Visit: All Sparks moving up to Brownies next year (i.e. those girls currently in Grade 1 at school) have been invited to attend the Brownie meeting at St. Jerome School on April 10. More details will follow: please let us know if your Spark would like to attend.

Looking for water bottles: If you have any plastic water bottles, can you please bring them in over the next few weeks? We will be using them for an Earth Day craft.

Thank you!

Jewel, Hearts and Marigold

March 4 - Active Living Night

Hi Families,


Thank you for bringing your Sparks out to the Thinking Day meeting last week. Hopefully they all came home with a better understanding about how lucky they are to be able to get a formal education, when there are so many girls around the world who still don't have the same opportunity.


This week we are having an active living night. Please ensure your Sparks have indoor shoes they can jump in -- we will be doing lots of hopping as well as learning a fun new dance. A water bottle would be a good idea as well (which reminds me: someone left a Hello Kitty bottle at our last meeting. I have it and will bring it on Tuesday).


Also, please check your email for permission slips for our two upcoming field trips. The first will be to Moncion's on March 18th. And then we head to the Humane Society on March 25th. If possible, please return the forms this week.


Lastly, we will not be having a meeting on March 11 given that it is March Break.


Thanks and see you soon!

February 18 meeting

Hi Families!

We hope the girls had fun at cowgirl night last week. Here are a couple of pictures:

This week the girls will finish up their Emergency Preparedness badge. Please have your Spark bring a stuffed toy or doll – they will be practicing first aid with them.

Other items:


Just a reminder that our next meeting will be Monday February 24 rather than Tuesday the 25^th. See our previous post for details. We will have one of the Sparks leaders meet the girls at the front door of St. Leonard’s (5344 Long Island Rd., Manotick), as there will be a number of people there. Please arrive shortly before 6:15 if possible. Also, please let us know if your daughter cannot make this meeting.


Rona cards: Girl Guides of Canada has teamed up with RONA for a fundraising project. Discount cards for 5% off most purchases, that can be used at the two Ottawa RONA locations, will be provided to families . When the cards are used, RONA also makes a matching donation to Girl Guides. Marigold will have the cards after February 24 – please ask for one!!


Finally, we have two field trips scheduled for after the March break. Stay tuned for details – permission forms will be emailed out shortly.


Thank you!


Hearts, Jewel and Marigold