LEWISPORTE -
The mission is to enable girls to be confident, resourceful and courageous - to make a difference in the world.
That's the Girl Guides of Canada's vision for the participants of the organization and that's exactly what Dean and Stevie Stairs want for their girls.
Ever since moving to Lewisporte in 2000 Ms. Stairs has encouraged her girls to actively be involved with the Girl Guiding movement. Especially since all their children have been home schooled.
"Our oldest was just a newborn when I first got introduced to home schooling," said Ms. Stairs. "I just couldn't shake it and when it was time for her to go to school I decided to give it a try and we have loved it."
Currently six children are being home schooled and Ms. Stairs said the regimen seems to be working.
"We have kept it up all these years and the oldest has graduated and done very well," said Ms. Stairs. "Jasmine went on and got honours at her college and Courtney is almost done her studies.
"But when we moved to Lewisporte we thought it would be great to get them into Girl Guides and we contacted Sandra Whiteway, the district commander, and she has been our best pal since."
Once a week, each of the girls out on their outfits for Brownies, Pathfinders or Guides and take part in various activities through the organization.
First year Guide Georgia, second year Guide Elizabeth and Brownie Charlotte all enjoy earning badges and playing with fellow guides, while Pathfinder Bonny enjoys the community involvement.
"I like the community service projects the most," said Bonny. "We just brought 100 items of clothing to the Goodwill Center in town and we have donated food to the Food Bank."
Ms. Stairs said the Girl Guide organization gives young girls a chance to socialize and learn outside of a schooling environment.
"They not only teach the girls things for their badges, but they also get them involved in the community," she said. "They like going, they like playing and they love the things they learn there. For my girls it's not so much about the badges as it is enjoyment of the activities and it's wonderful.
"Especially for a home school mother because it's really nice to be able to let the children have other people guide them as well."
Ms. Stairs also takes in comfort in the volunteers and directors of the program in Lewisporte.
"The volunteers at Girl Guides are just wonderful and they are real kind and it's a trustworthy program."
Growing up in the United States, there was a time when Ms. Stairs joined the Camp Fire Girls and although she enjoyed it, she said it was nothing compared to what her girls have experienced through Girl Guides.
"There's often activities outside the once a week meetings, like camps and wake-a-thons," she said. "And there is also camps that they have been able to go to in Gambo, Loon Bay and even on the other side of Terra Nova Park.
"One of my girls came back from camp last summer and she was in tears saying good-bye to these friends that she met and had played with for the week. So, they make really dear friendships and then they are all really excited to see each other again the next time at camp."'
Ms. Stairs said she highly respects the well-structured program and well continue to enroll her children in the organization. She also encourages all parents to take the opportunity to find out more about the group.
"We have been grateful to the volunteers and to Sandra," she said. "When Gideon was sick they were really supportive and helpful. Guiding has been and is a very important part of our girls education and life."
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