About Unit Leader 101: for Leaders of Sparks, Embers, Guides, Pathfinders, Rangers, Trek and Lones.
Unit Leader 101: A podcast for leaders of Sparks, Embers, Guides, Pathfinders, Trex and Rangers units. Helping new and experienced leaders learn easily with tips, tricks and resources to make your unit successful and fun. We talk about everything from starting your unit on day one to programming, cookies, badges and camping, and engage with guest speakers along the day.
(This podcast is not affiliated with or sponsored by Girl Guides of Canada and is completely independent. All ideas, thoughts and opinions are those of the host and guests.)
Ep 17 - World Centers and WAGGGS with Guider Natalie
This week we chat with Guider Natalie about the 5 world Centers and WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts). She shares her adventures at Pax Lodge and Sangam and ways you can get involved with WAGGGS. If you didn't want to go to a world center before, you will when you are done listening to this!
Links from this episode:
Exploring your World with Guider Natalie (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkUc2ebJzxTenkheJxx0REepZDHtOsi_h&si=dIN8L681rtPaH5NA)
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts - WAGGGS (https://www.wagggs.org/en/)
Join us on instagram at @unitleader101
7 Oct 2024
Ep 16 - Pathfinders and the Canada Cord - Interview with Collette
On this episode of Unit Leader 101, we talk with Collette about her experience with in Outdoor Pathfinder Unit and the Canada Cord.
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified when a new episode comes out here (https://mailchi.mp/616ea25d3180/unit-leader-101-podcast) Or join us on Instagram @unitleader101
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Until time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
21 Jan 2024
Ep 15 - Navigating Guiding with Depression
On this episode of Unit Leader 101 in honour of Bell Let's Talk Day, we are talking to Hayley about Guiding with Depression. Hayley shares her story, diagnosis and guiding experiences.
Remembering that everyone's story and experiences are different, Hayley wanted to share her experiences and start the conversation about mental health. Take a listen
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified when a new episode comes out here
[00:00] - Intro
[02:52] - Can you please share your story
[05:32] - What had to change about how you lead in the Guiding world?
[09:23] - Know yourself and set boundaries
[11:15] - How have your guiders supported you?
[16:34} - Advice for new guiders
Key Points from this episode:
- Know who you are as a guider, and what you can and cannot do
- Depression is not a one size fits all approach, everyone's experiences are different
- Guiding with depression comes down to self awareness
- Use the resources that are in your community
- Start the conversation about mental health.
Links from this episode
Bell Let's Talk
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
14 Jan 2024
Ep 14 - The Fortitude Award - Interview with Winnifred
On this episode of Unit Leader 101, we talk with Winnifred, her experiences in Guiding, and how she overcomes adversity daily. Winnifred is the recipient of the Fortitude Award granted to guiders who show great courage and endurance in adversity.
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified when a new episode comes out here
[00:00] - Intro
[00:51] - Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your guiding experience
[04:00] - All about the Fortitude Award
[08:20] - Winnifred shares her story
[18:06] - What is your favourite things you have done with your unit?
[21:41} - Advice for new guiders
Link to Guiding Awards information:
Awards (girlguides.ca)
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
8 Jan 2024
Ep 13 - Giving Back To Your Community - Interview with Jessica
On this episode of Unit Leader 101, we talk to Jessica about all of the ways you and your unit can give back to the community in your area. We talk about experiences that she has done with her unit, as well as working with Resource Guiders, and what this Guiding Movement is all about!
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified
when a new episode comes out here
Don't forget to leave us a review, or share this podcast with all of your guiding friends! And until next time, don't forget to share and be a good friend.
3 Dec 2023
Ep 12 - Volunteering outside of your unit - Interview with Karleena
On this episode we chat with Karleena from Newfoundland and Labrador council who has held many different roles at the Provincial and national levels within the organization. Find out about Youth Forum Advisor, Programming Committee and Girls First champion roles that you can get involved in!
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
12 Nov 2023
Ep 11 - Guiding on a budget - Interview with Jane
On this episode of Unit Leader 101, we talk with Jane about guiding on a budget and ways to reduce costs for your units.
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified when a new episode comes out here Or join us on Instagram @unitleader101
Key points from this episode:
- Look at your unit finances over the entire year
- A big cost is craft supplies, plan out crafts with recyclable materials and send a list home for what is needed
- Thrift stores are a great resource for crafts
- Use parents as resources
- Don't be afraid to ask!
- Reach out to your Trefoil guild
- Listen to your kids and have conversations!
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
5 Nov 2023
Ep 10 - Recruiting New Leaders - Interview with Nicole
On this episode of Unit Leader 101, we talk with Nicole about her experience recruiting and working with new leaders to your unit.
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified when a new episode comes out here Or join us on Instagram @unitleader101
[00:00] - Intro
[02:09] - Tell us about your experience recruiting new leaders
[04:18] - What is the need for leaders in your area?
[06:00] - What is the biggest challenge when recruiting new leaders?
[08:01] - What types of events do you use for recruitment?
[11:01} - What is successful / helpful when you are working with a new guider?
Key Points from this episode:
- Recruitment is just a conversation
- Get to know your new guiders as a person, find out each other's strengths
- Ensure your program is girl lead and get their input
- When recruiting - ask to put up signs in your local community, attend community events and talk to anyone you can about guiding
- Remind parents that we are all volunteers. The program will not run sometimes if we don’t have support from them.
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
29 Oct 2023
Ep 9 - All about Cookies!! - Interview with Amy
Today we are talking to Amy, the outgoing provincial cookie advisor for Manitoba who is going to tell us all about everything we need to know when it comes to cookies. I also give you tips and tricks from other guiders when it comes to cookies!
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified
when a new episode comes out here Or join us on Instagram @unitleader101
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
22 Oct 2023
Ep 8 - First Meetings, Patrols and Campfires - Interview with Guider Annie
On this episode of Unit Leader 101, we talk with Guider Ann about her experience as a Guider leader and how to run a meeting, create patrols and have an amazing campfire!
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified when a new episode comes out here Or join us on Instagram @unitleader101
[00:00] - Intro
[01:52] - What is your advice for guiders for the first couple meetings?
[04:08] - Dotmocracy
[05:57] - What does a typical Guide meeting look like?
[07:07] - All about patrols
[10:43} - What is a campfire and how do I structure it?
Key Points from this episode:
- Memorize the youth names
- Run a programming brainstorming meeting with your unit
- Remember the 5 pillars of the girl driven approach - A safe space, a growth mindset, positive identity, shared leadership, and engaging the community
- Be sure to be engaged with groups when picking patrols
- Think of a campfire structure as a triangle; start low and slow, build to the fun and engaging songs and then bring it back down to close
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
15 Oct 2023
Ep 7 - All About Embers - Interview with Allison
On this episode of Unit Leader 101, we talk with Allison, an Embers leader with 22 years' experience about how to build an engaging and fun Embers program.
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified
when a new episode comes out here. Or join us on Instagram @unitleader101
Key Points from this episode:
Using the Girls First approach for Embers, it's possible to make anything they are interested in fit!
Create ways to have multiple units in the same space, this is great for parents
Sharing duties between leaders in your unit - share what you love to do
Guidelines for parent helpers - remind them they are leaders for everyone
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
1 Oct 2023
Ep 6 - All about Area and District Commissioners BONUS EPISODE - Interview with Julia
On this BONUS episode of Unit Leader 101, we talk with Julia, an Area Commissioner in Nova Scotia, to help us understand the role of the Area and District Commissioners and an understanding of how they uniquely support unit guiders.
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified
when a new episode comes out here. Or join us on Instagram @unitleader101
Key Points from this episode:
Understanding the role of both the an Area and District Commissioner
When to go to each level if you need support
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
1 Oct 2023
Ep 5 - All about Administrative Community Leaders and Community Guiders - Interview with Jane
On this episode of Unit Leader 101, we talk with Jane, a previous Community Guider and Administrative Community Leader about each of these roles and an understanding of how they uniquely support unit guiders.
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified
when a new episode comes out here. Or join us on Instagram @unitleader101
Key Points from this episode:
Understanding the role of both the Community Guider and the ACL
Learn about what Transformation was
Some interesting facts about Ontario communities along the way
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
24 Sept 2023
Ep 4 - Food Intolerances and Food Allergies - Interview with Heather
On this episode of Unit Leader 101, we talk with Heather about food intolerances and food allergies in a unit and how to make it successful with all of those involved. Heather also shares how ensuring that a large scale event was inclusive when it came to food, had a huge impact on the members attending.
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified when a new episode comes out here (https://mailchi.mp/616ea25d3180/unit-leader-101-podcast)
[00:00] - Intro
[02:20] - Tell us about yourself
[03:45] - What is the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy?
[05:36] - How do you manage food intolerances in your unit?
[07:24] - Some favourite gluten free recipes
[09:44} - What do leaders need to be aware of when planning for their units?
[11:42] - What to look for on grocery store labels?
[13:43] - What advice do you have for leaders?
Key Points from this episode:
Being aware of the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy
Being mindful of cross contamination in your kitchens
It's okay to ask families for advice and help
Gluten Free items that are recommended by Heather:
Little Northern Bakehouse for bread.
Made Good for granola bars and cookies
Glutino for cookies
Catelli for pasta
Sabatasso's for frozen pizza
Annie's Organic Gluten Free for mac & cheese (they have a non gf line as well so read the box)
Schär for cookies, crackers and bread
Barilla also has a gf pasta the kids like
Dandies for marshmallows (this is a gelatin-free marshmallow. Most marshmallows are naturally gf)
Freybe's for meat
Celiac Canada - GF Product Finder GF Product Finder - Celiac Canada (https://www.celiac.ca/living-gluten-free/gf-product-finder/)
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
17 Sept 2023
Ep 3 - New Leader POV - Programming, Being Treasurer and Cookies - Interview with Genevieve
On this episode of Unit Leader 101, we talk with Genevieve about her experiences moving from a unit Assistant last year to a Guider taking over 2 units this year. We talk about STEM programming, being the
treasurer and cookies!
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified
when a new episode comes out here
https://mailchi.mp/616ea25d3180/unit-leader-101-podcast (https://mailchi.mp/616ea25d3180/unit-leader-101-podcast)
[00:00] - Intro
[02:55] - Three things you wish you knew as a new guider
[06:30] - Tell us about the Treasurer Role
[09:34] - STEM Programming Ideas
[13:12] - Let's talk Cookies
[17:39] - Advice for new guiders
Key Points from this episode:
Cookies need to be ordered in advance of the season
Forms as a new guider - figuring out what you need to submit and where they are can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Ask a mentor
The treasurer role is awesome! And the resources and trainings available make it super simple
STEM programming - Check out Astronomy in Action or McMaster University (both linked below)
Cookies - selling events and door to door sales both work well!
Links from this episode
https://www.astronomyinaction.com (https://www.astronomyinaction.com)
https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/youthprograms/programs/list/2022-girl-guide-workshops/ (https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/youthprograms/programs/list/2022-girl-guide-workshops/)
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders! Or send me an email at any time 1sparksembers@gmail.com
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
10 Sept 2023
Ep 2 - Exploring yellow level activities and behaviour management strategies to support leaders - Interview with Kayllie
On this episode we chat with Kayllie, an ECE, from the 7th Orillia Embers about yellow level safe guide activities for Sparks and Embers, and behaviour management techniques you can use to help when needed.
Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to you get notified
when a new episode comes out here
[00:56] - Tell us about yourself and your guiding experience
[01:30] - What's your favourite part about being a leader
[01:58] - What is a yellow level activity
[05:26] - 3 pieces of advice for someone running a yellow level activity
[07:30] - Have expectations for Guiders, Participants and Unit Assistants
[10:19] - Identifying COVID kids - the lasting challenges
[12:10} - Behaviour strategies to use
[18:47] - Start your meeting off being active to get energy out, the participants have been sitting all day at school already
[19:22] - Activities to get active in rainy or colder weather
[22:43] - Final Advice
Key takeaway points:
Get a mentor for yellow level activities. You can do it!
Always be flexible and go with the flow
Know the skills and abilities of the level that you are camping with
Behaviour strategies include: talking to parents, having the child write out in their own words, sticker charts, setting expectations, using small groups
Be active when you start your meeting! Get out their energy from sitting at school all day
Important Links
Safe Guide (https://mbr.girlguides.ca/MZ/Guider_Resources/Safe_Guide/MZ/Guider_Resources/Safe_Guide_SubPages/Safe_Guide.aspx)
A to Z list of Safe Guide activities (https://mbr.girlguides.ca/Documents/MZ/SafeGuide/A_to_Z_of_Activities.pdf)
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Until next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
3 Sept 2023
Ep 1 - Experiences from a new leader - Interview with Andrea
On this episode we talk with Andrea from the 7th Chilliwack Embers unit about her experiences as a new leader last season and her advice to help support new leaders and unit assistants, as well as some fun and interactive programming ideas along the way.
Join our mailing list so you never miss an episode here (https://mailchi.mp/616ea25d3180/unit-leader-101-podcast)
[00:00] - Intro
[01:04] - Welcome Can you please tell us about your guiding experience
[02:18] - What are some things you wish you had known as a new leader coming in?
[06:43] - How to you manage behaviours within your unit?
[10:04] - We need volunteers!
[12:13] - Do you have any advice for doing events with your unit as a new leader?
[16:50] - What are some programming ideas
[18:13] - What is your advice for activities during meetings?
[20:16] - What was your favourite program you did last year?
[22:27] - What is your advice for a new leader?
Key Episode Takeaways:
Memberzone- New Guider Corner (https://mbr.girlguides.ca/MZ/Guider_Resources/New_Guider_Corner/MZ/Guider_Resources/New_Guider_Corner.aspx?hkey=adbef620-151a-430d-a7f8-0c20ec138d3d)
Program Platform (https://experience.girlguides.ca/ggc-login)
If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with all of your guiding leaders!
Join us next episode when we chat with Kayllie about Yellow Level Activities and Behaviour Management Strategies.
Unit next time, don't forget to share, and be a good friend.
20 Aug 2023
Preview of the Unit Leader 101
Helping new and experienced leaders learn easily with tips, tricks and resources to make your unit successful and fun. We talk about everything from starting your unit on day one to programming, cookies, badges and camping, and engage with guest speakers along the day.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
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