by Karina Hunter

“Twist me and turn me and show me an elf, I looked in the water and there saw MYSELF!” This is the poem recited by a half dozen young Tweenies Tuesday as they became Brownies, a type of good deed doing elf, in the company of family and friends who gathered to support them at their enrollment.

For a number of years there have been no Brownies in Manitouwadge but that changed in an instant December 1^st, as Rosemarie Jamieson, Brown Owl to the 1^st Manitouwadge Brownie Unit, assisted by Girl Guide Janelle Rusard, found 6 young Tweenies, girls between having outgrown Sparks and becoming full fledged Brownies, who had prepared themselves doing good deeds and learning the Brownie Law and Motto for the next level in their adventure with the Girl Guides of Canada.  With the help of Jamieson and Rusard, Tawny Owl Kelly Sagle and Guider Cheryl Klause presented the new Brownies with pins and badges in recognition of their hard work and the special occasion.  Afterwards, Jamieson invited proud parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends in attendance to join the girls in crafting a special Christmas centerpiece and sharing snacks and refreshments.

In 2010 the guiding movement will celebrate its 100^th anniversary.  Rosemarie Jamieson, assisted by other Guide Leaders, is planning a celebratory Thinking Day Tea.  Each year on February 22^nd, World Thinking Day recognizes the birthdays of Girl Guide Founder, Robert Baden-Powell, and the World Chief Guide, Olave Baden-Powell.  It is hoped that all past and present Guides (this includes Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders, Junior Leaders and Rangers) and Guiders will attend to acknowledge the positive influence the guiding movement has had in their lives and reminiscing of special moments they shared.  Those planning to attend or interested in assisting with the tea should contact Rosemarie Jamieson at 826-4667.

Submitted with photos to The Echo and the Chronicle Journal, 12.04.09