Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada, Ontario Council kicks off 100th
Anniversary Celebrations with Province-Wide Campfire

TORONTO , Oct. 22 /CNW/ - "Tall trees that reach the sky, Mountains and lakes near by, Draw near my friends, Come sing my friends, Our campfire time is nigh." On October 21, 2009 over six thousand Members of Girl Guides in Ontario, both young and old gathered to sing this traditional camp song as they launched the celebrations of the 100th Anniversary of Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada (GGC). Campfires were held in over 100 locations throughout the province making it possible for Members to participate within their local communities.

"Guiding has a proud history in Ontario. Since the first Girl Guide camp was held on the banks of the Credit River almost 100 years ago, about 4 million girls and women have participated in activities from wilderness exploration to shoreline cleanups, from first aid training to global travel to develop the skills and talents to make positive contributions to their communities. Our 100th Anniversary celebrates the impact Guiding has had on the lives of our Members and their hometowns across the province. It is also a time to look to our future as the organization of choice for girls enabling them to be confident, resourceful and courageous, and to make a difference in the world. To begin our celebrations, I would like to welcome all current and past Members of Girl Guides to join together in the wonderful tradition of singing around a campfire," said Marnie Cumming , Provincial Commissioner.

In 2010, GGC is celebrating 100 years of giving girls the tools and resources needed to achieve greatness. Celebration initiatives and events will take place at all levels of the organization throughout the year.

Guiding is THE place for today's girls. GGC offers challenging, girl-centred programming for girls aged 5 to 17+. Since 1910, we've been a trailblazing organization advocating for girls and women while offering them opportunities to discover new interests and learn valuable leadership skills. For more information about GGC, please visit our website at www.girlguides.ca.

For further information: on Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada, visit our website at www.girlguides.ca. To set up an interview with a Girl Guide representative, please contact: Mary Porto, Public Awareness Coordinator at [phone], ext. 2422