Making the Most of Yourself: Island Bay Rangers

It was in 1908 in Kaiapoi that Lieutenant Colonel Cossgrove was prompted by his daughter to establish a wing of the Boy Scouts Troops for girls. Referred to as 'Peace Scouts,' girls 12-20 years of age participated in  activities that helped to build stamina, improve physical strength, mental alertness and good moral values, where camping and even jiu jitsu were highlights of the programme. Fifteen years later the Peace Scouts officially registered  to the Guiding Association, and you could say that the rest is history.

Today the organisation continues to maintain core values of development and leadership where girls and young women participate in a variety of recreational activities that are in-keeping with current needs; helping to build confidence, foster community relationships, enhance skill-base, and nurture idividual's goals and ambitions. 

The strands of Guiding include:Pippins-(girls aged 5-6), Brownies-(girls aged 7-9 1/2), Guides (aged 9 1/2 to year 9) and Rangers (from 9-18 years-old).

Island Bay Rangers take part in an interest certificate Making the Most of Yourself.

Psychology student Danielle Evans has had a long career in Guiding- she's  currently a leader of the Island Bay Rangers, and her love affair with Guiding  has come via her mother who would regale her daughter with nostalgic memories of jamborees and other adventures. 

For Danielle it's the fun activities and relationships formed with the young Rangers that keeps her motivated to lead the group. Meeting once week, the girls themselves are encouraged to actively contribute to discussion and come up with ideas for 'interest' certificates throughout the year which have ranged from internet awareness and safety, to self improvement, time management and personal grooming.