Prince Edward County News countrylive.ca

Persephone Howard, a teenager from Prince Edward County, recently received Girl Guides' highest honor, The Canada Cord.

The award was presented to her during the first Picton Girl Guides advancement ceremony on May 22 at the Picton United Church. There were 16 girls progressing under the theme “Growing in Guiding”.

“This is the first award given since the unit reopened seven years ago,” said contact guide Laura Bryan.

To earn this award, a Pathfinder must complete three services in three areas. Persephone, 15, volunteers in the local library's youth programs, planned a unit camp, participates in local theater, and organized an environmental cleanup.

“I am very proud to have won my Canada Cord award and all my Pathfinders badges,” she said. “My international service project to collect eclipse glasses was a great success. I collected several hundred pairs of glasses to send to Astronomers Without Borders for future use.

Howard recommended joining the group that meets Wednesday evenings at the Picton United Church.

“Just do it. The Guides are really welcoming and offer lots of fun activities. You'll have the opportunity to meet new friends and challenge yourself.

The First Picton is a multi-level unit. There are 30 girls this year between Sparks, Embers, Guides and Pathfinders. The four age-appropriate programs are offered every evening.

“We are working on badges related to our community, taking action, collecting books for our community library sale, going litter and camping are some of the things we have done this year,” adds Bryan.

For more information about the programs, contact: Laura Bryan at [email protected]