Local teenager earns Girl Guides highest award

Persephone Howard

Prince Edward County teenager Persephone Howard was recently awarded the Girl Guide’s highest honour for Pathfinders, The Canada Cord.

She was presented the award at the 1st Picton Girl Guides Advancement Ceremony May 22 at Picton United Church. There were 16 girls moving up under the theme of “Growing in Guiding”.

“This is the first one awarded since we reopened the unit seven years ago,” said contact Guider Laura Bryan.

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

“I’m most proud of earning my Canada Cord Award and all of my Pathfinders badges,” she said. “My international service project involving collecting eclipse glasses was very successful. I collected several hundred pairs of glasses to be sent to Astronomers Without Borders for future use.”

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

“Just do it. Girl Guides is really welcoming and has a lot of fun activities. You’ll have an 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 run each night.

“We work on badges related to our community, taking action, raising books for our community library sale, litter chase and camping, are a few things we did this year,” adds Bryan.

For more information about the programs, contact: Laura Bryan at lbryan.pec@gmail.com