Photo: Supplied.
After being forced out of their much-loved hut following Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the Capalaba Girl Guides has finally returned home to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Past and present members gathered at the hut on August 1 to mark the milestone, which had been delayed after a gum tree crashed through the roof during the cyclone, causing major water damage and destroying furniture, resources and supplies.
For District Manager Barb Hodkinson, there was only one place to celebrate.
“The hut means so much to generations of Guides, so we wanted to wait until the repairs were done,” she said.
The celebration included an afternoon tea before members gathered around a campfire to sing songs – a longstanding guide tradition.
The day also celebrated the district’s history, with founding leader Claudia Cunningham choosing the design of the commemorative anniversary badge created by junior leader Phoebe Terhoeven.
The Capalaba District Girl Guides began in July 1975 after Claudia was approached by the State Commissioner to start a Guide unit in the growing suburb, with seven girls signing up.
Having joined herself in 2000, Barb says thousands of girls have made their way through the Capalaba Girl Guides, with many returning later as leaders.
As part of the worldwide Girl Guides movement, the organisation gives girls the chance to learn, lead and grow through outdoor adventures, teamwork and practical life skills.
“The girls decide what they’d like to do each term and we help make it happen,” Barb said.
“They’re learning things like budgeting, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership without even realising they’re learning.”
From canoeing, abseiling, archery, orienteering and geocaching to camps and environmental projects, members continue to take part in a wide range of fun activities.
Giving back to the community is also a big part of Guiding, with members collecting donations for Share the Dignity, Night Ninjas and the RSPCA, as well as baking biscuits for local emergency service personnel.
For more information or to join, visit the Girl Guides Queensland website or email [email protected].
