After nearly 18 months, two Clearwater Girl Guides have received their long-awaited Lady Baden-Powell Awards, the highest award a Guide can achieve, after their original awards ceremony in Kamloops was cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.
Caitlyn Masse, 13, and Cadence Cisna, 13, obtained every badge, completed many hours of community service, achieved life-long skills in camping and took part in charity work, among other tasks, to achieve the sought-after award. They were also inducted as Pathfinders, the next level in the Girl Guides program.
Both girls were visibly excited as they received the awards, which included a certificate, pins and handmade wooden flowers.
Masse said she breathed a big sigh of relief after the 18-month wait, and now she can look forward to other awards, such as the Canada Cord award, the highest achievement for Pathfinders. While working toward this award, girls can earn four high school credits, the equivalent of one course.
Over their three years as Guides, Masse and Cisna clocked many community service hours, putting together events such as a Christmas dinner for seniors at the Elks Hall, raising support for animal shelters in Australia during the wildfires, set up a food drive for the local food bank and tree planting for Wells Gray Community Forest.
They also have a camping requirement, including a 10 kilometre “night hike,” consisting of 13 challenge stations.
“These girls went above and beyond to get this award and not only that, they’ve waited 18 months to get it,” said Michelle Masse, Clearwater district guider. “Unfortunately, with all the world activities…they patiently waited 18 months, so today (Dec. 14) is the day that they finally get the award.”
The meeting was also to welcome other girl guides into various levels, including Sparks, Brownies and Guides.
Those seeking for information can reach out to caribooyellowheaddc@gmail.com.
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