Charitable youngsters … Caitlyn, 10, and Sarah, 12, love their work with the Girl Guides. 59077 Picture: SARAH MATRAY
By Natalie Gallenti
The Sydenham sisters joined the Brimbank District Girl Guides Movement when they were only six years old and have spent every Friday night since learning integral life skills surrounded by their mates.
This year the group will celebrate its 100th year.
Young Caitlyn who has thrived since joining the Guides said it was a place where girls could go and make friends in a relaxed environment, but most importantly it was a heap of fun.
The motivated duo are patrol leaders for their relevant groups and said the Guides had always had a positive effect on their life, particularly because of their team leader Gail.
Sara, who described herself as a shy little girl before starting at the Guides, said the self-belief she had gained was indescribable.
“It’s really easy to express yourself just around girls.”
And the pair have done more charity work than most adults can boast. Having raised funds for the Salvation Army and a host of other worthy organisations the girls are now hoping to raise money for the victims of the Queensland floods.
Proud mother Kathleen McInnes said the Guides had only had a positive impact on her daughters who she described as caring and compassionate.
“The Guides are about working with other people,” Ms McInnes said.
“It’s about learning life skills and being the best person you can be.”
She said visiting places like nursing homes taught youngsters the importance of making other people happy.
“They learn to think about other people and how to be selfless.”
At the Guides, girls can get involved in activities like cooking, sewing, drama and even organising events and camps, teaching them imperative leadership skills which may one day help them in the workforce.
So enthralled are they by the Guides that the pair will continue until they are 18.
“I love it. I think everyone should do it,” Caitlyn said.
