Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada (GGC) empowers every girl in Guiding to discover herself
and be everything she wants to be. In Guiding, girls from 5-17 meet with girls their own age in a safe,
inclusive space to explore what matters to them. With programming options ranging from innovative
STEM activities to outdoor adventures and discussions on mental health and healthy relationships,
girls in Guiding can customize their experience to dive into the topics relevant to them. GGC is
where girls take the lead, put their ideas into action and jump into awesome activities – all with the
support of engaged Guiders who are committed to positively impacting their lives. Guiding is all
about supporting girls as they take on challenges and grab hold of every opportunity that comes
their way.
The Girl Program
Today’s Girl Guides offers the widest range of activities of any extracurricular activity for girls and young women, with opportunities to explore the arts, sciences, outdoor challenges, global awareness and so much more through enriching experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime. Our core programming allows girls to develop life and career skills in age appropriate groups, where they participate in a number of standard activities to earn badges. There are five branches of girl programming, by age:
- Sparks (ages 5 and 6)
- Embers (ages 7 and 8)
- Guides (ages 9 to 11)
- Pathfinders (ages 12 to 14)
- Rangers (ages 15 to 17)
- Lones is an option for girls who are unable to attend regular meetings due to distance, health, studies or physical challenge.
Specialized Programming
In addition to core programming, Girl Guides have the opportunity to participate in special challenges and activities, according to their particular interests. The range of challenges and activities is vast. Themes include science, the environment, arts, international issues, self-esteem and much more. Upon completion of challenges, girls receive crests in recognition of their achievement.
International Opportunities for Girls
Girl Guides of Canada is dedicated to ensuring that our programming provides opportunities for girls to understand their role in the larger world, so they can develop into informed and responsible global citizens. Our goal is to increase girls’ awareness about the world, promote cross-cultural learning and educate girls on global issues that inspire them to take action.
International programming highlights:
- International travel and global development activities and discussions
- Each year on February 22, World Thinking Day, girls participate in activities and projects with global themes to honour their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries.
- Our Twinning program helps girls connect with youth in other countries.
- Each October, we commemorate International Day of the Girl Child with an “instant meeting” to help girls all across Canada participate in the same activities to address worldwide girl challenges.
- As a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), we’re part of the largest voluntary movement dedicated to girls and young women in the world.
Guiding History
Learn more about the origins and history of Guiding in our
Ontario Council Archives online resources.
