By Melissa Smalley
A meeting is set for this weekend for parents and volunteers interested in resurrecting a Girl Guides program in 100 Mile House.
The effort is being spearheaded by Tracey Lervik, who has arranged an informational meeting for Saturday (Oct. 22) at 10 a.m. in the meeting room at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre.
Lervik, who was a Girl Guide growing up, says she was prompted to revive the program locally as a means of raising self-esteem and self-awareness in young girls.
“I really think we need to have this program for our girls. We need to empower them for the future ... and this is my answer.”
Saturday's meeting is open to anyone interested in registering their five- to 17-year-olds, or any adults who may want to volunteer as leaders. A location to hold future meetings is also being sought.
Lervik says leaders are thoroughly screened and trained prior to working with the Guide groups, and she is looking for people who are committed to the program and enriching the lives of the girls involved.
“The more hands, the lighter the load.”
There are a number of Girl Guide events in the region set for the new year that Lervik says she is hoping the local program can participate in, including a Snow Ball dinner/dance in Clearwater in January.
Cost of enrolment is approximately $109 annually, and more details about that and other aspects of the program will be discussed on Saturday.
“I am really hoping this all works out, and I'm very committed to it, but I need the community to meet me half way.”
For more information, call Lervik at 250-706-7411 or visit the 100 Mile House Girl Guides Facebook page.