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Gray/Riceton District Girl Guides of Canada (1987-1996) by Dolores (Dolly) Picard 2005 the ties that bind Volume III (edited for website)
The Gray/Riceton District Branch of Girl Guides of Canada was founded in 1987 by Sandy Ackerman and Dolly Picard. They had both been leaders previously in Regina and had both been involved with Brownies and Guides as young girls. There are many worthwhile objectives in guiding as it focuses on home/family, community and environment. This is accomplished by teaching girls to set short and long-term goals for themselves. There were Sparks, Brownies, Girl Guides and Pathfinders through the registered District.
There were four volunteer leaders over the years; Dolly Picard (Gray), Sandy Ackerman (Riceton), Rhonda Bleau (Gray) and Monique Love-Maynard (Riceton). We spent many hours every week preparing for meetings, activities and camps. There was a great deal of support from parents (and others) for everything from teaching girls how to snowshoe, instructing the proper use of power tools, volunteering weekends at camps, tree planting, baking, cooking and helping with fundraisers and awards ceremonies for the girls.
We were a small group by city standards, but being small seemed to be to our advantage. We were a very active group and able to accomplish more over less time than our larger counterparts. Our girls were all well-decorated with badges. Two of our girls, Alyson Ford and Trudy Picard received their Canada Cords from the Lieutenant Governor. The wonderful thing about being a guide leader in a small community is that you watch these girls grow up and see what they give back to their family, community and environment. We have at least one of our girls, Nicole Hozempa, who has gone on to be a Brownie leader herself.
Girls registered in our group during it's operation included;  Amy Ackerman, Courtney Bleau, Nicole Bechard, Darah Boesch, Jody Bohlken, Angela Bueche, Sara Daborn, Trudy Ellert, Alyson Ford, Ellen Glaze, Nicole Hozempa, Darlyn Hunt, Laura Hunt, Lindsay Lewis, Janelle Lubkiwiski, Angela Moats, Morgan Moats, Krystal Pederson, Jackie Picard, Trudy Picard, Breanna Schmelling, Erin Schmelling, Shayla Vernon, Tyler Wahl, Angela Wiebe,  Marjorie Wiebe, Laura Zolc and Amber Zolc.
Memorable events include tree-planting at the Gray School, working with Operation Burrowing Owl, building bird houses in Dave Moat's shop, High Teas and teddy bear picnics and of course the many weekend camps over the years.  The group disbanded in 1996.

1st Gray Boy Scout Troop (1982/83) by Larry Levsen 1984 the ties that bind pg 369 (edited for website)
After establishing a committee (Laurence Boesch/President, Ron Ulrich/Secretary, Leonard Wozney/Treasurer, Scouter/Leader Larry Levsen and all parents with boys in scouts acting as directors), sponsor (Gray United Church), meeting location (Gray School), legal connections (with Oliver District in the South Saskatchewan Scout Region) and registration with Scouts Canada the troop was officially formed September 20 1982.  Present at the first meeting were Robbie Bechard, John Boesch, Andy Frisk, Lance Levsen, Rod McDonald, Scott Moyse, Adair Richardson, Blaine Ulrich, Wade Ulrich, Robbie Wozney and Scouter (leader) Larry Levsen. Later joiners were; Myles Leach, Darcy Cross, Don Dobrowolski and Trevor Phillips. Bob Whiteman volunteered his services later that year as Assistant Scout Master.
The first year included;

• Wood Badge I Training attendance so Larry Levsen could be invested as a leader.
• United Church Service Parade (December 5). Reverend Sharon Davis dedicated and blessed the Canadian and Troop Flags - there were over 100 people in attendance. The investiture ceremony followed at the school where each boy received their neckerchief. Troop colors were designated with a grey field bordered by gold (grey being symbolic of our community and the gold representing the wheat fields of the surrounding district).
• Winter camping trip (December 18/19) was an introduction to the thrill of hiking and camping overnight in the snow (temperature - I0°C). Four miles and one night later "Well boys shall we do this again?" was answered with "Yes, but not right away, my mother couldn't stand two in a row."
• Bottle Drive (January 8) raised over $1000.00
• Troop Charter presentation by Lawrence Fisher- President of Oliver District (January 12). In keeping with the tradition established by Lord Baden-Powell the charter is always delivered by hand, from Ottawa to South Sask. Region, to Oliver District, to 1st Gray Group Committee. Assistant Scout Master Bob was invested by taking his oath, from Oliver District Commissioner, Bruce Black.
• Canoe build at Robert Bechard’s farm (January 29). The fiberglass canoe materials and instruction were donated by Robert Bechard.
• Klondike Hike (February 12) was seven miles, pulling toboggans loaded with items necessary to perform 12 events in route including; building shelters, ice rescue, cooking bannock on a tin can stove, making and carrying a stretcher and several more tasks. This was an event with 27 groups entered for the day.
• Parent and Son Banquet at Gray Memorial Hall (February 28) honours the Scout founder Lord Baden-Powell. Event included displays of pioneering, map work and camping gadgets and the newly constructed fiberglass canoe was presented.
• Charters Presentation (March 23) made by hand from Scouter Larry Levsen to the Gray United Church Board Scouter Larry.
• Bottle Drive (April 9) collected just over $600.00. Funds were used to purchase tents and equipment for long term camping.
• Scouts Own Service (April 29) at Gray United Church with everyone participating.
• "Woodtick City" camping trip (May 21-23) twelve miles south of Milestone. An excellent opportunity to train for summer camp.
• Good Turn Event (June 11) - the scouts (and parents providing vehicles and assistance) cleaned up the streets, public reserves and school grounds in Estlin, Gray and Riceton. Over four heaping truck loads of garbage.
• Canoe trip (June 18/19) – the troop with two fearless recruits Laurence Boesch and Eldon Richardson attempted to paddle the forty miles (via the Wascana Creek and Qu' Appelle River) to Craven. We covered most of the distance. The route consisted of water, rocks, logs, rocks, fences, rocks, low bridges, rocks, trees, rocks and the two canoes of adults stalled on top of each and every rock. Several members of the Group Committee met us at Wascana trails and spent the night camping with us, they even supplied a hot supper, talk about roughing it.
• Camping (July 16-23) West Block, Cypress Hills. The camp is called "Wilderness Rendezvous" and is a special Scout camp devoted to hiking and compass work. Some of the scouts discovered you can still get lost with a compass and map if you are not careful. First year boys hike a minimum of 25 miles the last three days, second year boys will pick up approximately 35 miles in their outings. (Leaders do the same).
• Sailing/Swimming at Regina Beach (August 4) – a wind-up for the year.

Unsure if the group continued beyond this first couple of years. More information welcome.  

Explorer Group (1960's) by Isabella Moats 1984 the ties that bind pg 362 (edited for website)
This was a United Church group for girls aged 9-11. Groups met once a week for bible study, learning programs and charitable outreach. At the time (early 1960’s), there were more than 38,000 Explorers across Canada. The Explorers often took part at Sunday services. As part of Youth Sundays or special occasion programs (possibly Mother’s Day or Thanksgiving).
Meeting agendas;

• President/chief-explorer calls members ‘to an expedition.
• Explorer Purpose recitation; As an Explorer, it is my purpose with God's help to look to the light, to do with my might what is good in His sight. To follow the Christ, The King.
• Explorer motto; Be doers of the word and not hearers only.
• Explorer hymn; This is my Father's World
• Business meeting followed by a game or song.
• Mission work/Study – this could include a worship service with Explorers taking part with Bible readings or prayer, a story by the leader with explanation and discussion.
• Activity which could be a craft or article for discussion.
• Projects – usually to raise funds for those in need (popcorn, candy or bake sales).
• Studies included current events or places - one year focused on Hong Kong and included preparing a Chinese meal. One year a visit to the Historical Museum in Regina.
• Holiday crafts were made for special occasions (candle centrepieces or stocking at Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter decorations, bunnies from plastic egg cartons, Easter centre pieces from styrofoam, book marks, needle books, brooches for their mothers, scrapbooks, cracked-glass jewellry, a caterpillar from egg cartons, Chinese dolls, candles made from beeswax and glitter, a puppet show and beautiful plaques of "Praying Hands".
• Closing Ceremony

The girls word a blue skirt and a white blouse with the emblem logo (a red maple leaf represents Canada, the white circle is the world and the gold star and blue compass signify exploration). Stars are ‘earned’; first year explorers may earn two red stars, second year explorers two blue stars, and third year explorers two gold ones. Explorers learn to be co-operative and share in the responsibilities for the group (planning and leadership).
Leaders at Gray were Dorothy Carnegie, Evelyn Hannan, Muriel Houghtaling Isabella Moats, Marj Steve and Alyce Thompson.
Some Explorers (taken from photo captions in the ties that bind – additions welcome); Judy Bratt, Gaye Burwell, Joy Burwell, Loma Henry, Connie Lafoy, Neta Lafoy, Janet Lewis, Elaine Moats, Sheila Moats, Shirley Moats, Georgia Sundwall. 

​CGIT (Christian Girls in Training) 1919-1965 by Isabella Moats 1984 the ties that bind pg 357-361 (edited for website)
This was a Christian-based organization for girls aged 11-17 supported by the YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association). There was an emphasis on the unity of life - Physical, Intellectual, Religious and service to others.
Motto; As a member, under the leadership of Jesus, it is my purpose to cherish health, seek truth, know God, serve others, and thus with His help become the girl God would have me be.
1919-28 Mrs. Long organized the first group in 1919 but no records from this period were found.
1928-31 Mrs. Frank Hoover leader written by Margaret Lewis. Early members were Lorna Dunning, Ethel Eichenberger, Joyce Hebb, Doris Lafoy, Eloise Lafoy, Macie Lafoy, Minnie Lafoy, Margaret McCutcheon, Bernice Moats, Jean Pomeroy, Peggy Pomeroy, Lillian Risto and Rose Staves. Mrs. Hoover (also the Sunday School teacher) was a real motherly type and just loved to work with girls. She just loved to have girls out to their farm for meetings and a feed - and what a feed! No one in the country could set a table like Mother Hoover.
We held weekly meetings and our purpose was fourfold, Spiritual, Intellectual, Recreational and Service to Others. Of course, we were always waiting for the Recreational meeting to come up. One meeting that stands uppermost in my mind was in the Gray church. We were being host to the Estlin CGIT. Our plans were all made and I was to lead the meeting in prayer and I forgot about it completely. You can imagine my embarrassment when I was called upon. I got up, floundered around and ended up by saying the "Lord's Prayer", but it could have been "Now I lay me down to sleep" for all I knew.
I think the most inspiring CGIT occasion in my life was our last week at Lumsden camp. Those who have never attended C.G.I.T. camp can never understand the feelings of emotion in a girl's heart on the final day of camp. The inspiration from sunrise service to Taps at evening, the life-long friends that are made, the hilarious fun, not to mention the sardines, crackers, cheese, olives, cookies, etc. that were purchased for our last fling for cabin parties on the last night, even to a midnight swim in the lake.
1932 Miss Euphemia Riddell, leader I became leader of the Gray CGIT and since I was to be their Monday night leader, why not their Sunday School Teacher too? Why not? So, I agreed to, a decision I never regretted but enjoyed to the limit. Among those I recall were Leone Ashford, Kay and Loma Dunning, Doris and Eloise Lafoy, Lucille Lafoy, Dorothy Martin, Helen McCutcheon, Bernice and Helen Moats, Edith Pomeroy, Rose Staves and Hazel Tennyson.
I will always remember rehearsing a Sunday evening church program when Bernice mounted a chair and recited with emotion and gesticulation, "Be strong, we are not here to drift and dream". The final performance was not nearly so forceful, nor so funny. But I may say, more suitably presented.
Another highlight I recall with pleasure, was a week at Regina Beach with the girls where Reverend Toombs had offered us their cottage, supposedly vacant. But upon arrival, their son Herb, complete with big white dog, was in residence, a fact which caused faces to drop. However, as often happens, this proved a blessing in disguise for Herb was a most versatile host, taking the group on an enlightening nature hunt. We were swamped with specimens, flowers, berries and weeds, which the girls named glibly upon their return and who were we to doubt their accuracy? Herb won the entire group by taking his turn at asking the Blessing. He made it a very personal and intimate ceremony, which was warmly received by all - and commented upon several times in the following year. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Lewis added greatly to the success of our venture by acting as "camp parents". Margaret offered to make berry pies if the girls picked the berries, an agreement which brought perfect pleasure - lots of berries - wonderful pies. Earl didn't display his culinary art but in a hundred other ways he made himself indispensable - like loading us all into the back of his truck and bravely heading into the vast unknown with some twelve to fifteen females. It took courage. I must not forget Herb's ghost story, one bedtime in the near darkness of the cottage's long narrow sun porch. He had just reached the spookiest, hardest-to-breathe part, when his big white dog quietly pushed the door open and limped into the narrow "aisle" along which we were all huddled. Before I knew what was happening, I felt I was being strangled. Lucille was at my back, with her arms around my neck, screaming blue murder. After we all calmed down, we agreed the dog had played his part well, even with a badly sprained leg. In conclusion, I want to make special mention of our ‘sunrise service’ held at dawn Sunday morning on a high grassy hill, overlooking the lake. Every girl took part and contributed personally, making it a most inspiring experience and one never to be forgotten, I'm sure. Now my last words of thanks to the wonderful parents of those girls, who made the trip possible. They provided us with prepared foods in abundance and all the essentials for do-it-yourself items as well as plenty of advice. But the pots and pans proved even more useful when a heavy rain shower caught us near Lumsden. In no time flat, each girl was equipped with a rain helmet. Some were almost extinguishers, but they were effective, and we reached home feeling tired but most happy and satisfied that we never enjoyed a week as much as we had enjoyed this one.
1938-42 Leta Gillis, leader Pearl and Gladys Burwell, Lois Graham, Dorothy and Lois Hendrickson, Olive Henry, Anne Marko, Esther and Florence Olson were in the group from the start. I remember Jean McGillivray was not quite old enough, but was the only ‘older’ little girl, so the girls voted to take her in.
One event that was rather amusing - the girls suggested dressing a doll and raffling it and I was all for it. The project was well under way, when Mother Gillis had a serious talk with me about raffling in a church organization - we went ahead anyway. I remember Ruth Mitchell made a lovely velvet coat and bonnet, I knit numerous articles. A large grape-basket was made into a cradle - with rockers from coat hangers, covered with frilly net, etc. Guess who won the doll and cradle? Mother Gillis - and she was very pleased! The grandchildren played with it until it fell apart. Proceeds went to Red Cross and for study books, etc., - we cleared over one hundred dollars.
During the war years we didn't have uniforms - many of the girls couldn't afford them and when we made money, the extra went to the Red Cross.
Red Cross bake sales were often organized and held in the store on Saturdays. One Saturday, a Gray lady said, "If Mrs. Gene Hendrickson sends an angel cake, I want it for my child's birthday party". Well, you know the kind of fluffy, iced angel cakes she used to make (maybe still does). She placed the cake on the lid of a large, round cookie box and then put the bottom of the box over it (as a lid), so that it would arrive in perfect condition. Unfortunately, husband Gene thought the box was upside-down and righted it before handing it off to me. This resulted in a bit of a mess that the recipient accepted and did their best to patch up.
We had two annual Mother and Daughter banquets. I can't remember the name of the young lady who came out from the Christian Education - Room E to attend one of these - but she told me afterwards that she was so glad we hadn't served ham and scalloped potatoes. She had attended three banquets the week before, and had that same menu at each. She never knew how close she came to having it again - can't recall why we changed, but it was a last-minute decision. I remember how the girls giggled when I told them. We had our banquets in the church basement and the mothers who hadn't girls in the group served. There were two Lutheran, one Greek Orthodox, seven United Church and, of course, I was a Baptist, quite a democratic bunch. Anne Marko and Lois Hendrickson were always very good at getting up a devotional. We used to hold our meetings at the school after I went back to teach and they (the girls) used to fix up an altar with a Bible and candle on the desk. No doubt having an altar was something to do with the study book that year.
We had a wiener roast at the end of May, a couple of times. Don't know why, but we went down the track to the fork, where the road crosses the track to Bueche's. Everybody brought some wood and food. I don't think we had a car there at all - haven't times changed? Of course, the boys whirled out on their bikes and made a general nuisance of themselves - much to the disgust of the girls - but how much greater their disgust if the boys hadn't come.
I also remember that we put on the Candlelight Service Christmas of 1939 (the first time a program was provided) and 1940. Lois sang a solo part and Jean played most of the numbers. Mrs. Staton, Sr. told me that evening after it was over that it was the most beautiful service she had ever attended. Of course, we were pleased.
1945 Helen Moats and Isabella Message (Moats later) were leaders at the CGIT camp at Lumsden.
1954-1955 CGIT resumed. Leader Mrs. Josephine Gillis and Mrs. Flo Lewis assisting. There were nine members; Bonnie Bratt, Bunty Carter, Crystal Dunning, Rose Federick, Marj Felske, Lynne Houghtaling, Joan Knoke, Eileen Seibel and Penny Van de Kamp. They chose Gray Belles for the name of their group. They were to keep a record of their meetings, telling of their work and feelings toward CGIT. Their mission study was based on India and the knit squares for afghans. They made scrapbooks for the children in the Red Cross hospital. Money was raised by a bake sale and Shoeshine project. They held a Mother and Daughter banquet. Several girls went to camp.
1955-56 Leaders Mrs. Josephine Gillis and Mrs. Flo Lewis. Joan Raven was the only new member. Mission study was on Korea. They collected used clothing for the Salvation Army and raised money by collecting margarine box tops. Also, they had candy sales and a fish pond, finished the afghan and made decorations for the Christmas tree at the church. The girls attended a Rally in Regina, went to camp and had a Vesper Service.
1956-57 Leaders Mrs. Josephine Gillis and Mrs. Pauline Lewis - one new member, Pat Lafoy. They had a mission study and the group attended a Rally in Regina. Five girls attended a World Day of Prayer service and social evening at Wilcox. They raised money in the same ways as previous years plus served at a school bonspiel and covered hat boxes and sold them. They sent their scrapbooks to Weyburn Hospital. They held a social evening in the hall and invited the Riceton CGIT. The girls had a Vesper service and a Mother's Day Luncheon and several girls went to camp.
1957-58 Leaders Mrs. Libby LaFoy, Mrs. Evelyn Knoke and Mrs. Neva Lafoy. Membership was Marlene Axford, Cherry Dunning, Linda Kelly, Pat Lafoy, Faye Martin and Sharon Gabert. Mission study was on Japan. Scrapbooks went to Moose Jaw training school. They had a show in the hall, attended a Rally in Regina, conducted the World Day of Prayer Service, repaired church hymnals, sang carols at the station, embroidered tea towels and packed boxes of goodies for Senior citizens at Christmas. This became an annual event in the following years. They had a Mother and Daughter Banquet and several girls went to camp at Carlyle.
1958-59 Leaders Mrs. Libby Lafoy, Mrs. Evelyn Knoke and Mrs. Neva Lafoy. The name of the group changed to ‘Gray-Go-Getters’. Bible study was "Encounters With Jesus" and for mission study the girls kept Friendship diaries. They had a Halloween Party inviting Wilcox and Rouleau CGIT and also sponsored a Film night. They made Welcome Kits which were sent to the Immigration office in Halifax. They sent gifts to retarded children at Moose Jaw Training School, made aprons, ornaments for Christmas, pin cushions for their mothers for Christmas, as well as taking part in the usual Vesper service and World Day of Prayer and camp.
1959-60 Leaders Mrs. Evelyn Knoke, Mrs. Muriel Houghtaling and Mrs. Edythe Bratt. The new members were Lynn Bratt, Grace Dunning, Sheryl Ford, Marge Hannan, Ann Houghtaling and Brenda Van de Kamp. This year, the girls started a scrapbook for themselves, of all the important events that took place during the year. Mission study was on Africa, South of the Sahara and the Bible study was Women of the Bible. Another busy year in which they washed the windows in the church basement, sent parcels of gifts to the Indian Hospital at Qu'Appelle, made stuffed clowns, animals, dressed dolls for their dressers, made jewel boxes out of cigar boxes, Christmas stockings and book marks from felt, carried on the same annual events as well as taking part in the Youth Church Sunday Service. Mrs. Dunnet was the guest speaker at the Banquet.
1960-61 Leaders Mrs. Edythe Bratt and Mrs. Muriel Houghtaling. New members were Nelda Carnegie, Susan Lewis and Catherine Moats and making a total of 14. Mission study was "We Belong Together". Bible study finished the study on Women of the Bible. Along with the previous projects they sent a parcel of books to Trinidad, stuffed a negro doll and made a Christmas card holder. Mrs. Molberg was guest speaker at the Mother and Daughter banquet.
1961-62 Leaders Mrs. Edythe Bratt and Mrs. Evelyn Hannan. There were four new members, Carol Barr, Beth Hannan, Lois Henry and Carol Martin making seventeen members. For Bible study, they divided into an intermediate and senior group - the Seniors studied "Our Bible" and Intermediates studied "Disciples". Mission study theme was "New Churches for New Times". The girls compiled a news magazine on the part the church plays in the community. An added project was making foam rubber clowns for the children at the Physical Restoration Centre. They made a table centre for their mothers for Christmas. They were invited to Knox-Metropolitan United Church in Regina for a social evening and make-up class. The older girls served at Joan Knoke's and Lynne Bratt's wedding receptions. Mrs. Leta Gillis was guest speaker at the Mother and Daughter banquet.
1962-63 Leaders Mrs. Edythe Bratt and Mrs. Evelyn Hannan. Shirley Moats was the only new member for a total of 13 girls. Mission study was based on the Christian movement in East Asia. Bible study was "Encounters with Jesus". The girls entertained girls from Knox-Metropolitan United Church, Estlin and Riceton at a Social evening in the hall. This year the girls entertained their fathers at a Father and Daughter Banquet at the rink. They drew up rinks and curled before the meal. They made plastic Christmas wreaths and Christmas tree ornaments. Also, the girls sewed themselves a mu’umu’u (a duster type gown). They had their usual annual events with Miss Dency McCalla as guest speaker at the banquet.
1963-64 Leaders Mrs. Edythe Bratt and Mrs. Evelyn Hannan. Three new girls, Lorna Henry, Neta Lafoy and Georgia Sundwall, making twelve members. Mission study was on the Christian movement in India. The group sent one of the recommended books to the Educational centre in India. The group once again planned and presented a Variety night, the proceeds going to the Hi-C group for support of their Korean orphan. At Christmas, the girls bought little gifts and took them to the children in the Red Cross wing of the hospital. This was an evening the girls talked about for a long time. They visited and sang Christmas carols with the patients. This year the girls planted begonia bulbs and looked after them until Easter, when they gave them to the Senior women in Gray. They made make-up capes for themselves and a candle ornament for their mothers. Mrs. Mabel Colquhoun was the guest speaker at the Mother and Daughter banquet.
1964-65 Leaders were Edythe Bratt and Evelyn Hannan. Members - Judy Bratt, Beth Hannan, Lois Henry, Lorna Henry, Neta Lafoy, Carol Martin, Sheila Moats and Shirley Moats. The highlight of 1965 was the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of CGIT. A program and tea were held in the Gray Memorial Hall. Invitations were sent to former leaders and members that we were able to locate. A most enjoyable afternoon was spent renewing old friendships, reminiscing on the "Good Old Days" in CGIT and the many adventures at camp. Thanks were expressed to the founders of the movement, who had the foresight and knowledge to plan a church-centered program for girls, with the aim to help girls grow Physically, Mentally, Socially and Spiritually. There were only eight members, so the girls with their mothers' help worked very hard in preparation for the big day. Snapshots were collected from former members and put on display. Presentation items included charts on the changes in the uniforms, dolls dressed in the uniforms of other countries and decorations for the hall in blue and gold. A history of the Gray CGIT was presented. A letter requesting aid for the 50th Anniversary project to provide a Christian Youth Centre for Indonesia was read. Money was raised by selling pins. Fifty thousand dollars was raised across Canada and in return a hand-carved wooden plaque was sent to the CGIT girls in Canada to show their appreciation for the money raised to help support this centre. A skit, "All in the Family" was presented by the girls, giving the history of the CGIT from its early beginning. They closed their program with a most inspiring worship service. Refreshments which included a large birthday cake with 50 candles was served to over 100 guests. I am sure the mothers were as proud and thrilled as the leaders were with all the work and effort the girls put forth in making this a most memorable afternoon.
1965 With girls now attending high school in Milestone or Regina and with two moving from the district the Gray CGIT was disbanded.
Special thanks to all mothers and supporters of the CGIT over the years.