I do not know if you remember, but there was a time in the not so distant past when there were no girls at Harrison College. Yes, no girls! This, however, is no longer the case. History was made when girls became official members of the school in 1976. These girls were the first Girl Guides of Harrison College.
The Girl Guides of Harrison College were once required to go to the then neighbouring Queen's College School for meetings. However, on announcement of the relocation of Queen's College, two new units were formed soley for Harrison College girls in September 1991. These were the 74th and 123rd Barbados Girl Guide Units.
During the days with Queen's College units, the 74th Guides belonged to the 4th Barbados, and the 123rd Guides to the 1st Barbados. It was simply a matter of coincidence that the title 74th was free when this new unit was started. This meant that the girls simply had to add a 7 to the 4 on their unit tags - a very convenient and money saving plot.
Again. it was only a matter of conincidence that the new unit became 123rd. Fate could could not have chosen any wiser. It has always been felt that the 123rd stands for 1,2,3, GO! A symbol of the activity filled life that the Guides have.
Harrison College Guides do a lot of camping, hiking and outdoor cooking. Even if you are not the outdoors type, there are still loads of thing to do. The possibilities are endless: guides learn everything from swimming to computers to craft. There is also room for becoming qualified in a field such as First Aid.
The unit caters to a lot of interaction among young people. Camps with other schools such as Queens's College, activities such as Thinking Day on The Air whereby you talk to members of the Girl Guide Association from all over the world uisng ham radios, National ceremonies and parades are a few examples of how you can make with many different people.
For those who like to travel and meet people from all over the world, join Guides! Last summer, a Regional Camp was held in Barbados. Harrison College has a tradition of attending Regional and International events. In 1996, five Harrisonians- Andrea Applewhatie, Carla Bourne , Alison Cumberbatch, Carol-Ann Jordan and Sherry-Ann Lashley were part of a twelve member Girl Guide delegation that was privileged to go to England. There they were able to meet Guides and Scouts from as far away Japan, and were able to go canoeing, dirt biking and even paragliding. In additon the contingent was able to travel to Paris via the Euro Tunnel and visit many famous sites including the Eiffel Tower. This year, Shernelle O'Neal was able to visit the Girl Guide Cabana in Mexico to participate in events geared towards building friendships with people from all over the world. Below are some pics of our trip to Europe.
Nickola Browne and Carol-Ann Jordan became members of the Girl Guide Junior Council.
Coral-Ann Jordan attended the Regional Guide Camp- Survival 2000 & Beyond, held at the Foundation School.
Shernelle O'Neal visited the Girl Guide Cabana in Mexico.
Claire Gittens qualified for her Queen's Guide Award.
Many Senior Guides have continued their Guiding into the Senior Branches by joining Rangers and there is currently one Young Leader- Carla Bourne.
The Girl Guides participated for the first time in the Harrison College 1998 Remembrance Day Parade.
Guide allows your children to build strong friendships with people who engage in constructive activies, instead of destructive activies normally associated with teenagers. Parents can feel secure with the knowledge that the units are run by the two Guiders shown below Mrs. Ednith Parris- 74th and Mrs. Patricia Roach- 123rd. Both Guiders have been with the units from their inception and have spent many years actively involved in all aspects of the Guiding Movement.
Girl Guides offers a great combination of learning, enhancing your skills and, most importantly, the opportunity to enjoy yourselves to the MAX! You don't need any prior qualifications to join. We only ask that you bring yourself and lots of enthusiasm and motivation. Meetings are held every Tuesday at 3:15 p.m.