organisation's Commissioner.

At a recent meeting of the Hamilton Lions Club Lynne Hollis Cann said that the association has had to make radical changes to stay up-to-date with the modern world.

"Guiding is committed towards producing programmes mainly for women, especially for those between the ages of five and 65,'' Mrs. Hollis Cann said.

More programmes are being geared towards challenging and equipping our members to keep up with rapid technological and sociological changes in our local and global environment.

"The overall purpose of the Guide programme is to encourage and mould girls between the ages of five and 26 into responsible individuals enabling them to realise their potential in home, career and personal endeavour.

"The programme does this in a fun-loving atmosphere while fostering interactive skills, developing friendships and creating adventure, teaching the importance in balancing and maintaining ones' spiritual, physical and mental well being -- necessary ingredients towards a rewarding life.

"We have incorporated into our programme a distance learning programme whereby our membership can use their Guide training and education to qualify them for credits towards a degree programme at accredited colleges. Courses and badges in computer literacy are becoming more popular.

"The eight point programme is flexible enough to allow the girls to make a broad array of choices that will challenge their ability and spark their interest to succeed. Girls can decide to train and work for external qualifications in other programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards, Outward Bound, the Jason Project and others. The Girl Guide Association has always maintained a good relationship with the Scout Association and they have a serving member on our council.

"More emphasis is being placed on the badges relating to healthier lifestyles, diet and exercise.

"Camping and enjoying the out of doors have also always been enjoyable learning experiences for our units.

"In this, our 80th year of Guiding, it is our aim to encourage more community involvement in our programmes. We want the community to know that the Girl Guide youth programme is alive and well. We also want them to know that we need and want their help as project volunteers, leaders, trainers, badge testers or any other support or expertise that they might be able to give as friends of Guiding.'' To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Girl Guides Association the Island will be hosting an international camp later this summer, with Guides from around the globe expected to attend.