Our History - 1930-1949

By 1930, the Guiding movement had spread world-wide and Lady Baden-Powell was acclaimed World Chief Guide. This world-wide exposure and the popularity of Guiding in Ontario encouraged girls and women from varying backgrounds to get involved. In 1932, the first all-Ukrainian company, 6th Oshawa, was formed. From its inception, Guiding always welcomed girls and women from all communities, backgrounds, and cultures.

In 1939, World War II began. Girl Guides across Ontario helped support the war effort in a variety of ways, such as sewing insignia onto uniforms, making bandages, and raising money for the Red Cross. One outstanding unit, the Toronto-based SRS “Princess Royal” Sea Rangers, put in more than 7500 hours of war service by 1945. They assisted with the aforementioned tasks, staffed a Red Cross canteen, and altered uniforms for military personnel.

It is estimated that by 1940 eighty-seven thousand girls in Canada had participated in Guiding. Rallies had become a popular affair and one of the most memorable for Ontario was held on June 1, 1946 at Maple Leaf Gardens. Even though this was just a Toronto Area Rally, over 8,000 girls and Guiders attended and Lady Baden-Powell made a much anticipated appearance.

Due to the rising membership in Guiding and popularity of camping, campsites were acquired across the Province. By 1949, there were five Guide-owned camps across Ontario and it was in this year that Ontario Council purchased the largest Guide-owned camp in Ontario to date, Doe Lake.

Official program for the Girl Guides Rally held at Maple Leaf Gardens, 1946.

Letter from Mrs. Verna Conant to the Master of Letters in Parry Sound regarding the purchase of a campsite on Doe Lake, 1949.

*The name Brownies was changed to Embers in January of 2023. The use of the name Brownies in these materials is for archival purposes.

Ontario Girl Guides of Canada

Our History - 1930-1949

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