As a young girl, I loved adventure and being outdoors—I never imagined how much it would shape my life. I started Girl Guides at The Salvation Army’s Cedar Hill Corps in Warwick, Bermuda, at the age of 10. It was the place to be! We had about 30 girls at one time in our pack. Our leader, Gladys Dillas, was amazing. As Guides, we learned so many skills, especially camping skills.

When I finished Guides in 1984, I became a helper, assisting with activities, camps and meetings, until the time when Gladys retired in 1998. Those early years as a helper gave me a new perspective on the organization in which I had grown up. I moved from being one of the girls learning and exploring to someone who could guide and support others. And from there, I became the leader at Cedar Hill, 27 years ago. It was rewarding to give back to the same group that gave me so many wonderful experiences and lifelong friendships.

From 2015-2019, I had the privilege of being the island commissioner for Bermuda. As the commissioner, I had a wonderful time working with others to plan an international camp that brought together branches of Girl Guides from across different countries. The goal was to create a shared space for learning, friendship and cultural exchange. It involved months of careful co-ordination, from organizing activities and logistics to ensuring that every participant felt included and inspired. Seeing girls from various nations come together to learn from one another and celebrate the Guiding spirit was truly one of the highlights of my term as commissioner. 

Making an Impact

Over the years, Guiding has changed and so have the girls. Years ago, many of our activities focused on traditional skills, such as camping, crafts and community service, and while those values remain at the heart of our program, Guiding must adapt to the changes of modern life. Girls today are more tech-savvy and Guiding competes with all the other programs they can choose. Yet our focus on friendship, service and personal growth remains the same. We continue to empower girls and help them develop their leadership skills.

The partnership between The Salvation Army and the Girl Guides helps shape the program’s focus at Cedar Hill. And as Gladys and I both attend the Cedar Hill Corps, what better place to carry out our Guide meetings?

The values embedded in our vision for Guiding are like Salvation Army values: service, compassion and faith. We teach and guide our girls so that they, too, can become aware of our community, learn how to lead and develop their beliefs.

The Girl Guides at Cedar Hill are making an impact in our community as they continue to help with the Salvation Army kettle drive in December, assist with Tag Days (charity fundraising initiatives) and contribute to community clean-up efforts. They also have a heart for seniors in the community. They have been to seniors’ homes and washed their windows, swept their floors and done other handy jobs around their yards. 

Service First

Working with Gladys over the years has been a great experience. I have learned the true meaning of dedication, service and mentorship within Guiding. Her steady leadership, patience and belief in the potential of every girl have shaped not only how I lead but also how I serve. From our partnership, I’ve learned that leadership is service first. True leaders guide by example, listen deeply and put the needs of others before their own.

When we worked together, sharing ideas, resources and encouragement, we created lasting experiences for our Guides. Tradition and innovation can coexist. Leaders like Gladys remind us to honour our heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth. Mentorship matters. Investing time to nurture the next generation of leaders ensures the values of Guiding continue to flourish. Most importantly, I’ve learned that leadership in Guiding isn’t about titles or recognition—it’s about the quiet, consistent acts of kindness, support and example that inspire others to do their best. 

Strong in Spirit, United in Service

If someone is considering becoming a Girl Guide leader, my advice is to say yes! It’s one of the most rewarding opportunities you’ll ever have. By joining the Guiding family, volunteers not only help shape future leaders but also gain friendships, skills and experiences that last a lifetime. It’s an opportunity to give back, and to grow, right alongside the girls.

My hope for the future of Girl Guiding at Cedar Hill is that it continues to be a place of belonging, growth and inspiration, where every girl feels valued, supported and encouraged to discover her strengths. We are the light on the hill. I want our unit to grow in numbers, stay vibrant and full of laughter, curiosity and friendship; to be a safe space where girls can be themselves and build the confidence to take on the world. I dream of seeing more young leaders stepping forward, continuing the Guiding tradition that so many before us helped build. I hope we can expand our programs, strengthen community connections and continue offering meaningful outdoor and service experiences that shape lifelong memories. Most of all, I want the spirit of Cedar Hill to always reflect what Guiding stands for: leadership, friendship and service, ensuring that generations of girls will proudly say, “I am a Cedar Hill Guide.”

I envision the next generation of Guides continuing to grow in faith, confidence and service by finding strength in their values, and having the courage to do what is right, even when it’s difficult. To know that they are capable and that their voices matter. I want them to care for their community, protect the environment and help those in need. These acts of kindness will nurture empathy and leadership that extend far beyond the campsite or meeting hall. My hope is that they continue to live by the Guiding Promise—“I promise that I will do my best, to be true to myself and develop my beliefs. To serve the King and my community, to help other people and to keep the Guide law”—carrying the light of friendship, faith and service wherever life takes them.

Our strength comes from our unity, generations of girls and leaders working side by side, keeping the Guiding flame burning bright. “Strong in Spirit, United in Service” reflects both our proud history and our hopeful future. 

Karen Trott attends Cedar Hill Corps in Warwick, Bermuda.