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.