Girl Guides of Canada

Why are you in Guiding?

I am in Guiding because I believe in giving back to my community, building meaningful connections and growing alongside other youth. Through Guiding, I’ve developed important life skills, explored the outdoors and helped to create positive experiences grounded in inclusion, respect and collaboration.

I joined at a time when my social circle was small and Guiding quickly became a space where I felt a strong sense of belonging. It has given me a safe and supportive space to build confidence, form lasting friendships and see the world from new perspectives.

Why did you want to join the Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council to help strengthen Girl Guides as a safe, inclusive and empowering space for all members. I care deeply about learning from the experiences of Guiders across Canada and making sure those voices are reflected the organization grows and evolves.

I bring a strong awareness of intersectionality and how identity shapes each member’s experience within Guiding. Having faced bullying related to my own identity, I am deeply committed to fostering environments where all youth feel respected, supportedand safe to be themselves by empowering engagement and supporting their accommodation needs.

Girl Guides has been a consistent source of belonging and stability in my life. Through my role on the National Youth Council, I hope to ensure that everyone feels seen – because Guiding is more than an organization to me,it is my community and chosen family.

What are your goals for the year?

My goal for the year is to help make Guiding more empowering and to build awareness around equity, so members feel confident engaging with real-world issues.I want to support learning about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (DEI-AR), along with the Sustainable Development Goals, in ways that are age-appropriate, meaningful and easy to understand.

I also hope to help create a culture where Guides feel encouraged to speak up, support others and take part in civic life together without fear or stigma.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I’ve been involved in many youth leadership opportunities, from apageants and being the Chair on my GGOC Provincial Youth Forum, to being a youth ambassador for STEM and even speakingwith an astronaut board the International Space Station. I’ve also taken part in my province's Youth Parliament, participated in The House of Assembly to discuss local provincial issues, and recently became a youth councilor in my town to help raise awareness of youth needs. All of this has shaped my experiences neurodivergent person. I love reminding others not to be afraid to try new opportunities – you never know where one experience might lead.

Why are you in Guiding?

Guiding has always been a safe space for me, somewhere I can be myself in my element and without judgment. It’s given me the best experiences, opportunities, and the best friends and community. In my 13 years of Guiding, I’ve been able to connect with people across Canada and work on projects that make a real difference. Guiding has shaped who I am today and continues to inspire me to create positive change.

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council because I believe youth voices are powerful and Guiding is stronger when girls and young women are directly involved in shaping it. Having already served at the local and provincial levels, I wanted to bring my perspective nationally, contribute to big-picture initiatives, and help create a Guiding experience that is meaningful, inclusive, and inspiring for others.

What are your goals for the year?

My goals this year are to amplify youth perspectives in decision-making, help increase engagement at both the local and national levels, especially for older youth and girls, and work on projects that empower girls to see themselves as leaders. I also hope to bring creativity to the council, strengthen collaboration between members, and ensure the work we do leaves a lasting impact on the future of Guiding.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

A fun fact about me is that I once helped design and lead the GirlJam scavenger hunt with my Hub team. I also love calligraphy and painting, which I’ve turned into workshops for Guiding!

Why are you in Guiding?

I am in Guiding because it continues to shape me as a person and gives me a platform to share my voice. I have been involved in many initiatives to improve my community and I was always supported by my leaders and fellow members in Girl Guides. I also love to go on trips and spend time outdoors and Guiding is the perfect way to do so.

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council to advocate for the needs of my province, along with the needs of Guides and Lones. Furthermore, I love the prospect of connecting with members around the country with a shared interest in Guiding and volunteering. I have never been able to share my voice on a national platform such as the National Youth Council, so I am very excited for what’s to come!

What are your goals for the year?

My goals for the year as part of the National Youth Council are to create more travel opportunities for members, such as another national camp. I would also love to start creating a plan for an international trip to one of the WAGGGS World Centres. These trips would be an amazing opportunity to create cross-cultural understanding and strengthen the bond between Girl Guides of Canada and other Guiding countries around the world. Additionally, I would like to uplift the voices of members through nationwide polls and surveys to analyze the needs of our Guiding community. I would also like to create a new challenge around mental health training so that members are better informed about mental health crises and how they can help. As for my personal goals, I hope to graduate from high school this year with honors and become more involved in my community.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I spent a year in Germany as an exchange student! I was able to visit many cities in Germany, along with other European countries like Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Denmark, and Italy.

Why are you in Guiding?

I’m part of Girl Guides because Guiding provides a safe space where I can be myself fully and feel supported without judgment. What began as an opportunity to try new activities and make friends has grown into a community that has shaped my confidence and values. Guiding gives me a safe space place to share my ideas, learn from like-minded peers, step into leadership roles and challenge myself beyond my comfort zone. Overall, Guiding encourages me to use my voice, contribute positively to my community and create that same supportive environment for others.

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council because youth voices should play an active role in shaping the future of Guiding. Over the years, Guiding has given me confidence and a strong sense of belonging, and I want to give back in a meaningful way. Being part of the National Youth Council allows me to contribute beyond my local community and help ensure initiatives and decisions reflect the real experiences and needs of Guides across Canada. I care deeply about Guiding and want to help create a future where every girl feels heard, valued and inspired.

What are your goals for the year?

My goals for the year are to meaningfully represent youth voices and advocate for stronger policies in environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion and STEM engagement within Girl Guides of Canada. I want to help move initiatives beyond awareness and toward real action, such as promoting sustainable practices at events and camps, encouraging environmentally responsible programming and empowering girls to take leadership in climate advocacy within their communities.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I’m a big stationery enthusiast. I love bullet journalling, practicing calligraphy and I’m always excited to connect with new penpals!

Hello! My name is Emily, and I’ve been in Guiding since I was seven years old.

Why are you in Guiding?

Guiding has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I joined Embers at age seven to make friends and come out of my shell, and over the years, Guiding has grown into so much more. I’ve found a strong community and built friendships that will last a lifetime. Guiding has given me opportunities to learn camping and leadership skills, travel, volunteer in my community and grow overall as a person. It has also taught me the importance of teamwork, responsibility and perseverance, help shape me into someone confident ready to face any challenges.

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council as a way to give back to Guiding. One of the things I appreciate most about Girl Guides is the opportunity to contribute to my community,. and this role allows me to have an impact at the national level. I’m looking forward to connecting with members from across Canada who share a love of Guiding and to be a voice for issues that affect girls and women. I hope to work alongside other youth to create positive change and promote opportunities for girls and women across Canada.

What are your goals for the year?

This year, I plan to contribute as a member of three Guiding units. As a Ranger, I will use the Girl Guides platform to grow my skills and contribute to my community. As a Junior Leader in Sparks, I hope to mentor younger girls and help create positive, welcoming spaces in Guiding. I’malso excited to travel to India with my travel unit to visit the Sangam World Centre and connect with Guiding members from around the world. Alongside these goals, my work on the National Youth Council will focus on learning from other youth members, listening to the voices of girls across Canada and representing as we work on initiatives that support and benefit them.

Share a fun fact about yourself

I love to travel and have visited nine countries so far. I try to visit a World Center or Guide House on each trip, and I’m excited to travel to my tenth country, India, to visit the SANGAM World Center this summer.

Why are you in Guiding?

Guiding has been a passion of mine since I was a Spark, and it has only grown over the years. Through Guiding, I have learned more about myself, my fellow Guiders and my community. Some of my best friendships began in Guides and have grown into lifelong connections. Through my experiences with Guides, I have found my career – teaching young children. By supporting fellow Guiders in my units and taking on the role of Junior Leader, I realized how much I enjoy helping children learn and grow.

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

After my experience on the Provincial Youth Forum, I knew I wanted to continue supporting Girl Guides of Canada at the executive and national level. Listening to youth voices and supporting them as they navigate the world is key to building a strong future. As a member of the National Youth Council, there are so many opportunities to support our youth through Girl Guides and I want the chance to contribute to this work.

What are your goals for the year?

My goals are to explore new ways for members to share their ideas with the Council and to engage more regularly and thoughtfully with members to better understand their perspectives and vision for Guiding.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

A fun fact about me is that I’ve travelled to four countries in Asia: Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong!

Why are you in Guiding?

Guiding has been there for me even when I felt at my lowest. It helped me build confidence, push me through challenges and find a space where I could spend time with friends and make new ones, no matter how busy got. Over my nine years in Guiding, I’ve built skills and made memories that I hold very close to my heart and continue to make more every year.

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council because hearing other Guiding stories sparked curiosity in me to know what Guiding looks like across Canada. As I head into my last year of Rangers, I wanted to take initiative, share my voice and be a part of something at the national level for the first time. I’m excited for this new opportunity to build skills, learn from different perspectives give back to the Guiding community.

What are your goals for the year?

My goals for the year are to get more people engaged in the outside world and to make people feel more included and connected. I want to help introduce new members to Guiding and show current members all the opportunities that Girl Guides has to offer. I also hope to spread more positivity and help make Guiding experience even stronger for others.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I love scrapbooking and journaling and I’ve been writing in a journal since I was 10. I enjoy documenting my life through journalaling and looking back on memories or specific days. I now have a mix of scrapbooks and journals and I’m up to 19 journals so far!

Why are you in Guiding?

Hi, my name is Natalie and I have been part of Guiding since second-year Sparks. Guiding has given me the chance to build new friendships, take part in meaningful projects, connect with others from across Ontario and Nunavut, develop lasting skills and best of all, earn badges! I’ve stayed in Guiding because every meeting , outing, camping trip and GGC event adds something to my “imaginary toolbox”. Most importantly, Guiding is a space where I feel supported, accepted, encouraged and free to be my true, authentic self.

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council to give back to the organization that’s given me so much. To do so, I hope to be a catalyst for change and support Girl Guides of Canada’s Vvision, A better world, by girls. . Throughout my experience on the Ontario & Nunavut Youth Forum, I’ve learned how youth experiences can vary across different communities and what can be done to support them. That experience has shown me the importance of listening to diverse voices and advocating for meaningful change. As a member of the National Youth Council, I’ll continue learning what Guiding is like across the country, new ways to support others on a national scale while meeting new people along the way!

What are your goals for the year?

This year, my goal is to build stronger connections with members of Guiding across the country while helping ensure GGC programs continue to reflect the needs of today’s youth. I want to create more accessible opportunities for members to share their ideas and perspectives, so everyone feels welcome, heard and valued within GGC. I’m also excited to grow my leadership skills by working with people who bring diverse perspectives and experiences and help to highlight all the opportunities Guiding offers to empower youth to make a difference.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I love staying active and I’ll take any chance I get to play sports, hike or simply go for a walk. One of my favourite things to do when I’m exploring somewhere new, is to go on a hike and experience the unique nature and landscapes the place has to offer.

Why are you in Guiding?

When I first joined Guiding as a second-year Ember, I was really looking forward to learning new skills and making friends. Nine years later, I’ve made so many lasting friendships and have loved doing all sorts of meeting activities, from making slime to building bird houses. The weekly meetings from Embers to Rangers have always created safe spaces for learning and growth, and I enjoy every minute I spend with my fellow Girl Guides!

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council because I love getting involved in my community, especially the Girl Guide community, and would love to be a voice for Girl Guides at a National level. I became a Junior Leader for an Ember unit last year, and really enjoyed helping create a positive Guiding environment for the younger girls, and so I was eager to continue my engagement in the NYC. I was also really interested in meeting Girl Guides from across Canada, and learning about their experiences in Guiding.

What are your goals for the year?

My goals for the year are to get to know and learn from members from all over Canada, and to advocate for more forums and other engagement opportunities for members. Also, I would like to learn more about what decision-making processes look like at a national level in Girl Guides of Canada and use what I learn to help ensure that Guiding continues to be a safe, fun and inclusive space for all our members.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I’ve been in French Immersion since I was 4 years old, and really love learning French. One day I hope to travel to Quebec and test my speaking skills in a francophone environment. Who knows? Maybe it’ll be through Guiding that I get to visit Quebec!

Why are you in Guiding?

Girl Guides helped me see my potential and gave me the opportunities and support to reach it, and it has become an important part of who I am. When I first joined as a third-year Pathfinder in 2021, I truly believed Guiding would be a simple, yet temporary, pastime as I waited for the pandemic to end. Overtime, my love for Guiding grew, starting quietly at camp and really taking shape when I became a Ranger.

As I began taking on leadership roles through my Provincial Youth Forum, area committees and as a Junior Leader, I realized that Guiding was no longer just temporary.It became a place where I could grow, lead and see myself making a difference.

Why did you want to join the Youth Council?

When I first learned about the NYC, I made it a personal goal to be a part of it. Joining a Provincial Youth Forum showed me more of the world of Girl Guides of Canada and helped me build the skills and confidence I need to successfully apply.

While writing my application, I had just returned from a very busy Ember camp, and even though I was exhausted, I felt more motivatedthan ever to help create a better Guing experience for them. I struggled with self-doubt at the start of my term, but the same Embers pushed my limits camp after camp believed in me, and that gave me the courage to take a leap and step into the world of the NYC.

What are your goals for the year?

As this is my third and final term on the NYC, I want to learn as much as I can about Girl Guides structures and governance. I joined Guiding later than many members starting as a third-year Pathfinder, so I’m especially motivated to advocate for newer members and help break down barriers they may face. I hope that by sharing my perspective, I can make Guiding a safer and more inclusive space for everyone. I also have some fairly ambitious Guiding-related goals, and I am working to create a plan for myself to continue growing and learning beyond my time on the NYC.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I am a very active person and love trying different sports. I've been involved in running, dance, wrestling and sailing, and sailing is probably my favorite and I’m a sailing instructor.

Why are you in Guiding?

Girl Guides has shaped who I am giving me a place to try new things and grow my confidence. It has also given me lifelong friends and many camp memories. Most of all, Guiding has shown me that my story matters and that my voice deserves to be heard.

Why did you want to join the Youth council?

After serving on my Youth Forum, I experienced firsthand the importance and impact of prioritizing youth voices and advocacy. I was interested in lending my voice to create deeper, long-term change by contributing to national-level conversations and decision-making. Joining the National Youth Council felt like the right place to grow as a leader while making a meaningful impact.

What are your goals for the year?

I’m interested in building meaningful connections with the people around me (and throughout the country). I want the work I'm involved in to be thoughtful, rewarding and impactful. I hope to never take for granted this opportunity to advocate for other Girl Guides in Canada!

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I love to dance, especially ballet and contemporary, as it lets me be both creative and active.

Why are you in Guiding?

I am in Guiding because I truly believe in what we stand for and what we can accomplish to support youth now and in the future! Girl Guides of Canada is a strong organization with the ability to create positive change, and it has played a big role in my own growth. The community, guidance, opportunity and skills I’ve gained through Guiding are meaningful and lasting to me.

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council because I believe I can both learn and contribute towards Guiding at the national level. After my time in ON Youth Forum. I wanted to continue growing my leadership skills, build confidence and make meaningful connections with others in Guiding through the NYC. As I get older, I feel more motivated to stay involved and give my best!

What are your goals for the year?

This year, I want to create some lasting memories, understand more about Girl Guides, its decision-making process and the internal structure of the organization. I would also like to use this opportunity to learn more about member data and statistics and how they can be used to support successful programs and initiatives.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I enjoy reading and one year I read over 200 books!

Why are you in Guiding?

I'm in Guiding because this organization has shifted my perspective on what girls and youth are able to achieve. The opportunities that I have been granted within GGC have changed my life. Guiding is so much more than growing up doing crafts, songs, cookies, and camping; it's a foundational leadership opportunity for girls and youth to find their passions and gain skills to thrive in life.

Why did you want to join the Youth council?

I'm excited to be Chair of the National Youth Council because, as an alumni of the program myself, I see endless potential in youth leadership opportunities like this. The NYC has the chance to make real, tangible change within the organization and help GGC become an organization that is relevant and exciting to people of all ages.

What are your goals for the year?

This year, I look forward to discussing what youth engagement looks like within GGC and how we can create an even more effective environment for young people to be involved in leadership. My goal is to help influence personal and professional development opportunities for not just the National Youth Council, but other young people within our organization so they can become our current and future leaders.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I studied English Literature and have a passion for Jane Austen! As a reader, I always love seeing the impact a good book can have on a person and in what ways literature reflects and shapes our society.