Girl Guides and leaders from around Greater Victoria were recognized for their outstanding achievements during a Jan. 15 ceremony in Esquimalt.
Individuals were honoured with the Canada Cord (for Pathfinders, age 12 to 15) and the Chief Commissioner's Gold Award (for Rangers, age 15-18), the highest Girl Guides of Canada awards that girls in those categories can achieve.
The Canada Cord recognizes extra work done over and above the regular program. Such efforts come in the areas of community service – for example, participating in the Uplands Park Broom Bash or baking pies for Our Place – leadership, relationship skills, environmental awareness, home life-skills, camping and event planning.
The Chief Commissioners Award marks successful achievement of increased challenges at the Rangers' bronze, silver and gold levels, plus at least 20 hours of community service.
The gathering at the Chiefs and Petty Officers Club heard from special guests Daphne MacGregor-Greer, B.C.'s provincial commissioner; South Vancouver Island area commissioners Brenda Fraser and Wendy Smylitopolous; Amanda Jagdis, the B.C. active living advisor and young Guider, and Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins.