Ontario Girl Guides of Canada

The Canada Cord is the highest award that a Pathfinder can earn.  The requirements include completing the Pathfinder Program as well as extra initiative in the areas of Community Service, Volunteering, and specific hours spent in developing Leadership or Camping skills. The Award is a pin that is worn on a red ribbon around the neck to ceremonial occasions, the pin itself may also be worn on the Pathfinder or Ranger Pin Tab.  The pin is purchased by the Unit and awarded at a local ceremony.

To accommodate Rangers who prefer to complete the Chief Commissioner’s Award (CCA), we are extending the availability of the CCA certificates and pins until June 2019. After June 2019, all versions of the CCA will be retired. At that time, any Rangers working on the award can easily transfer what they’ve completed towards the Trailblazer Leadership Award. To learn more about the Trailblazer Leadership Award and what is involved in receiving this recognition, log on to the Girls First Platform and search for “Trailblazer.”

The Youth Commitment Award is presented to third-year Rangers who have been a member in all branches from Sparks through to Rangers in recognition and celebration of their long-term commitment to Guiding. To qualify members must have:

• one or two years of Sparks
• two years of Brownies
• three years of Guides
• three years of Pathfinders
• three years of Rangers

The list of Rangers eligible for the Youth Commitment Award will be generated from the iMIS records. Certificates are sent automatically in the Spring to the Ranger Contact Guider for presentation to all eligible members. No application is necessary.

This application is to be filled out by an adult member of Guiding (cannot be a relative of the member).

Two supporting nomination letters are required and the completed application.

• One is to be from a peer
• One is to be a non-member of Guiding in her community (i.e. teacher, clergy, other organization).
• Award nomination application (this application is required to be uploaded as the third supporting letter in Fluid Review).
• Application process

The Outstanding Youth Award recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of Rangers and Pathfinders who exemplify their dedication to Guiding and their community.

The Outstanding Youth Award is presented based on the following criteria:

• The nominee is a registered member of Girl Guides of Canada, Ontario Council, at the Ranger or Pathfinder level
• Displays exceptional leadership qualities within Guiding and in her community at large; enthusiastically brings her personal talents and skills to Guiding
• Has demonstrated qualities of dedicated service to Guiding and her community
• Lives by the ideals of the Guiding Promise and Law; is a positive role model with and out of Guiding; actively promotes Guiding and its benefits
• Is well respected by her peers, Guiders and other members of the community
• Has contributed significantly and has had a positive impact to her unit and community

A Letter of Commendation may be given to a girl or adult member in recognition of service to Girl Guides of Canada by any other member and may be given more than once to the same person. Application process

The Gold Thanks pin may be given to a girl or adult member for exceptional service to Guiding and may be given more than once to the same person. Application process

The Team Award may be given to each member who has been part of a team that planned and carried to completion an extraordinary event or project. The award is primarily intended as an adult award, but there are times when girls have been part of a team and can be granted the award. A member may receive the Team Award more than once. Application process

Girls in Guiding do amazing things every day. They leap into action, overcome obstacles, come up with brilliant ideas, and pretty much add a little bit of awesomeness to the world around them. Now it's time to be recognized!

Girl Guides of Canada's Girl Greatness Awards are all about applauding girl members who accomplish great things in their lives and in their communities. The awards recognize one girl per branch who has excelled in one of the following award categories:

• Confidence
• Resourcefulness
• Courage
• Making a Difference

Girl Greatness Award Information (English | French)
Activities for Guiders – Girl Greatness Award Meeting Guide (English | French)

Girl Guides of Canada, Ontario Council recognizes the importance of continuing education. That’s why we offer scholarship programs to encourage further education of our active members. Use the links below to learn more about these programs, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Learn more and apply for scholarships:

• Isabel Kerr Scholarship - for members ages 17-plus (including adults)
• Portage Over Poverty Scholarship - for Rangers in their last year of high school

You can also learn about National Girl Guides of Canada Scholarships

Local Recognition Ceremonies are held by a multi-unit or a community to recognize achievement. Examples:

• A gathering of all the Pathfinder, Ranger and adult award recipients within a city or neighbourhood.
• A gathering of all the units (from Sparks to Rangers) within a neighbourhood.
• A special event that includes an advancement ceremony for all of the units in a town plus the presentation of Canada Cord and Trail Blazer Leadership Award - Gold Award pins and leader recognition awards.

Details on planning and funding for Local Recognition Ceremonies