Local Girl Guide marks major achievement

For the past three years, 12-year-old Kelsey – a Grade 7 student at Henry Munro Middle School and former member of the 192nd Gloucester Guides – has been hard at work earning every badge and honour in the Guiding handbook, finally capping off her project with almost 100 badges this past summer. “She came home from her first meeting and wanted to earn every badge in the book – I looked at her and said, ‘Okay,’” describes mother Heather with a laugh, admitting her initial reaction, especially as a former Guide participant and leader. “But I’m really impressed by her stick-to-it-ness. It’s never been done before in the Canadian Guiding system.”

Everyone “didn’t really believe me (at first),” adds Kelsey of completing her three-year project in June, when she was officially recognized at a Guides ceremony while “moving up” to Pathfinders. “Then I did it and they still didn’t believe me. I’m proud of myself.”

Earning almost 100 badges was broken down into about two hours for each, Kelsey estimates, following instructions and guidelines in her book, completing an average rate of four per week. After running through all the outlined requirements and experiences, she was tested twice a month by Guide officials on her achievements and how she completed them, Heather explains.

After receiving the first few emblems, Kelsey began laying them out on her vest, Heather recounts, keeping track and planning where each would eventually go. “At certain points … it looked really odd,” she jokes, explaining Kelsey would also look for opportunities in school and other activities to tailor experiences for her badge-earning.

As for what kept her going during the three years, which Heather says were marked by some moments of feeling overwhelmed by the task, Kelsey credits living up to expectations helping to keep her motivated. “I’d told my friends I’d do it all, so I didn’t want to lie to them,” Kelsey continues, describing it as “sometimes” difficult to fit everything in, mostly working on her badges during the evenings.

Some of her favourites to earn were the “create your own badge” option for rock-climbing, Kelsey recounts, where she wrote her own requirements, designed the emblem herself and recruited her Guiding group to join in. Others, like horseback riding, weren’t entirely enjoyable, she admits, expressing her dislike for the sport.

Regardless, adds Heather, the three-year endeavour meant plenty of time and opportunity to try a range of activities, and even pick up some favourites, like geo-caching and rock-climbing. “I’m really proud of her,” she continues, also touching on the “great” support Kelsey received from fellow Guides and leaders. “It’s neat to see her try different things. She’s just come so far. It gives her such sense of independence and self-confidence.”