“Sparks made me feel confident and independent. I loved that it gave me a chance to be the silliest, truest version of myself with a group of other girls.” Yes! For 30 totally amazing years, our Sparks program has sparked amazing experiences for younger girls in Guiding. We catch up with two alumni who share how Guiding sparked amazing things in their lives.
Alyssa Newell – Sales Manager, Avid Apparel (who makes our Sparks 30th anniversary T-shirt)
What was your favourite thing about Sparks?
I loved everything about my time in Sparks so it’s hard to narrow down just one thing! I really enjoyed getting to go away to my first weekend camp (I still love camping to this day!). I loved the sense of independence it gave me – being away from home for the first time can be a bit scary when you’re young, but knowing I was with my Spark unit made it the easiest experience. Plus, sharing bunk beds with your best friends is always a blast!
How did you feel attending Sparks?
Sparks made me feel confident and independent. I loved that it gave me a chance to be the silliest, truest version of myself in front of a group of other girls. It helped me learn how to make new friends, how to be confident enough to speak in front of large groups, and how to set goals and achieve them (earning badges was the MOST fun!).
Can you share a favourite memory or experience from Sparks?
My favourite memories from Sparks definitely revolves around cookie selling (and cookie eating – they’re still my favourite!). I loved getting to go to the local mall with my Sparks unit to sell cookies and talk to everyone about all the fun we had in Girl Guides. I still love sales and have been in a professional sales role for over eight years.
Would you encourage young girls to join Sparks? If so, why?
Absolutely! I can honestly say that my time in Sparks (and then Brownies, Guides, and Pathfinders) shaped me into the woman I am today. Girl Guides helped me learn to be comfortable in my own skin, taught me that it’s okay to be a girl and be a leader, and gave me the confidence to meet new people and try new things.
Courtney Wong – Store Director, J.Crew
What was your favourite thing about Sparks?
My favourite thing about Sparks was meeting new friends both from my elementary school, as well as neighbouring schools. Most importantly, I met my best friend Natalie in Sparks and we have been friends for over 25 years!
How did you feel attending Sparks?
I was super shy growing up, so naturally at first I was a bit nervous! Once I realized many of the other Sparks went to the same elementary school, as well as lived in the same neighbourhood as myself, we would countdown the number of sleeps to our next meet-up!
Can you share a favourite memory or experience from Sparks?
My favourite memory from Sparks is wearing my pink Sparks T-shirt with my childhood best friends and singing our favourite camp songs at the top of our lungs. I am the oldest sister in my family and my pink Sparks T-shirt was passed down to each of my sisters. To this day, we still know all the words to our favourite songs from Girl Guides!
Would you encourage young girls to join Sparks?
Totally! Everyone, especially young girls need a safe and inclusive space to explore. By joining Sparks and continuing on with Girl Guides, I learned the importance of female relationships, feeling empowered to learn and explore new things, and to gain the confidence to use my voice. There is something really special about watching young girls grow into strong, powerful leaders and building positive relationships with one another. One of the most rewarding things about my job, is to guide my team and to watch them grow from associates into strong, fearless leaders!
Be part of the Sparks 30th anniversary celebration – get your classic Sparks T-shirt and join in our promise to ‘share and be a friend.’