Why I Guide? Friendship.

Alannah Olah
Guide Guider / Deputy District Commissioner
21 years of Guiding in Maple Ridge

“I love you can do so much with Girl Guides. I started as a 5-year-old, and now I’m in my 20’s and I get to be a Guider and play an influential role in my District and do lots of things I never thought I’d be able to do. As much as I love the kids, it’s the adult interactions that keep me involved in Girl Guides. I make a lot of friends through Guiding. I get to do a lot of training with adults, and while the trainings are great and I really enjoy learning new things, it’s always the fun that happens in-between or after or during. I went to Camp Olave for training in January and met a bunch of new ladies that are now my friends on Facebook, and we’re planning to meet up in the next couple of months. I love the friends that I make and the things I get to do with them. If you’re thinking about joining Girl Guides―do it! Jump in! I think new Guiders are sometimes really hesitant, and I think they’re almost nervous to make a mistake because they’re joining Units or Districts where Guiders have been there for years. But we’re always looking for fresh eyes, fresh ideas, and fresh people, so don’t be afraid to jump in and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. And, I also think it’s important for people to know you don’t have to work with the girls to still be a part of the organization. I love the inclusivity. I love that we include people with all ranges of activities, abilities and skills. You can come to District meetings, attend trainings or whatever it is. I totally get it…kids aren’t for everybody. But you can still join the organization and be a part of it.”