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Badge of honour a lifetime achievement for Pathfinders by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 13 | Thursday, July 11, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The recognition Oakville Pathfinders earn is a badge they will proudly wear for life. Pathfinders is a three-year Girl Guides of Canada program for girls aged 12-15. It focuses on various tasks such as relationship building, leadership development, community services, life skills, camping and outdoor survival skills. Recently, members of the 38th and 18th Oakville Pathfinders were awarded the Canada Cord and Citizenship Certificate for their accomplishments at a ceremony held at Oakville Town Hall. "(Girl Guide's) commitment to giving girls the tools and resources they need to succeed has remained the cornerstone of the organization," said Carol Kelley, Oakville Girl Guides administrative community leader. "These girls have all had the chance to learn new skills, develop lasting friendships, build their confidence and leadership abilities and learn about the world around them." The Canada Cord, the highest honour for a Pathfinder, is awarded to members upon completion of the three-year program. To achieve it, one must earn more than 20 diverse badges and complete a leadership project, community service, first-aid training and a citizenship challenge, among oth- From left, Joia D'Aurora, Lauren Maul, Chantal Barclay, Brittany Rucska, Carina Nasturzio, and Gloria Zambrano received the Canada Cord, an award for being part of the Girl Guides organization for a decade, at the Girl Guides of Canada ceremony at Town Hall. | photo by Hannah Yoon ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) er activities. Gloria Zambrano, 15, a Canada Cord recipient with the 18th Oakville Pathfinders, has been in Girl Guides for nine years. She joined the organization after hearing about her friends' experiences in the program and wanted to "have a part of what they're experiencing," Zambrano said. "Canada Cord symbolizes all the hard work I did with my community and my Pathfinder family. It feels good to know that I've accomplished something and it's been well-rewarded," said Zambrano. What she enjoyed most about Pathfinders was building a stronger bond with the other girls, Zambrano explained. The entire group got to know each other better, which became a "second family." The most challenging aspect for Zambrano was taking control as a leader, she said, because at times it was difficult to tell others what to do. "You just want everyone to contribute, but sometimes you have to take the initiative and say what you want to be done," said Zambrano, who will be joining the Rangers program shortly. For 15-year-old Carina Nasturzio of the 18th Oakville Pathfinders, the program has taught her to be independent because "you don't really have much of a say" when you're younger, she said. "When you come into Pathfinders, (it) gives you more opportunities to plan things or have a say in what goes on and to be a leader in a way. I really enjoyed taking the lead," said Nasturzio, recipient of the Canada Cord. She noted the groups she's been in have planted trees and volunteered at the Fareshare food bank and Chartwell Classic Oakville retirement home. see Canada on p.14 Imagine the sound of your own thoughts. THE INNOVATORS OF COMFORTTM EARN ONE AEROPLAN® MILE FOR EVERY $2 SPENT ® Aeroplan is a registered trademark of Aeroplan Canada Inc. July 1 - August 12: Now when you purchase a Stressless recliner and ottoman you can choose between our convenient swing table, personal table or elevator ring set. Also, receive a FREE Corner or Ellipse table with the purchase of any Stressless® sofa. Stressless® living is the perfect combination of comfort, function and style. Our patented PlusTM system provides you with optimum head and lumbar support in any position, while the Glide system keeps your body in perfect balance. Stressless® is proudly endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association. ® RECEIVE A FREE * ACCESSORY with purchase of any Stressless recliner or Stressless® ® sofa. *See sales associate for complete details. 4080 Fairview St. Burlington (between Walkers & Appleby) 905-633-7226 · 1-866-556-7226 · www.scandecor.ca Hours: Mon.-Wed. 10-6 · Thur.-Fri. 10-8 · Sat. 10-6 · Sun. 12-5