Musician’s Badge

Musician’s  Badge

The aim of this badge is to deepen the girls’ understanding of music within their church and culture

Junior Candidates

1          Learn a chorus

2          Learn an action song

3          Make a simple musical instrument

Candidates

1          Learn a chorus

2          Learn an action song

3          Make a simple musical instrument

4          Be able to join in the singing of the GFS hymn for your age group

Junior Members

1          Know what the staff clefs and bars represent

2          Know the note value and be able to clap 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4 time

3          Be able to name notes written in the treble clef

4          Complete any four of the following:

a)  Find out the two best selling singles in the previous year in two of the following categories-      pop/chart, reggae, folk and rock

b)  Name two different groups and two different songs they sing and say why you like them

c)  Listen to three different pieces of music say which one you prefer and why

d)  Be able to fill in the correct names of notes on a keyboard chart

e)  Be able to sing or play on any instrument of your choice a hymn/song

f)   Be a member of a church choir/music group for six months and show a chart of attendance

g)  Be able to identify at least four different orchestral instruments from pictures (see pack)

h)  Listen to music –

• Draw a face to show how it makes you feel
• Draw a picture to show where the takes you. e.g. a holiday or a spooky castle

Members

1          Know what the staff clefs and bars represent

2          Know the note value and be able to clap 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 and 6/8 time

3          Be able to name notes written in the treble and bass clef

4          Complete any four of the following:

a)  Find out the two best selling singles in the previous year in two of the following categories-   pop/chart, reggae, folk and rock

b)  Name two different groups you like; name two songs they sing and say why you like them

c)  Listen to three pieces of music and classify them as classical/pop/rock/reggae as appropriate

d)  Be able to fill in the correct names of notes on a keyboard chart

e)  Be able to sing a hymn

f)   Perform a simple hymn/song of your choice on any musical/percussion instrument of your

choice

g)  Prepare an A3 size presentation on the life of a composer/artist

h)  Be able to identify at least six different orchestral instruments from pictures (see pack)

Senior Members

Complete number 1 and  5 others of the following

1.         Do a general study on a piece of music – name, composer etc.

Give two reasons why you picked this one. Name another composition by this composer.

Name the musical features

Tell younger GFS girls about your study, giving three reasons why you like it and why your piece  interests you musically

2.         Find out the two best selling singles in the previous year in two of the following categories-

pop/chart, reggae, folk and rock

3.         Listen to a piece of music from each of the following categories and compare them. Say why you like them. Which appeals to you most?

Classical/historical/ballad/opera/musical/Irish folk/jazz and popular

4.         Be able to sing back two bars of music played or sung by the examiner

5.         Be able to sing a hymn

6.         Perform two pieces of music of your choice on any musical/percussion instrument of your

choice.

7.         Be able to identify at least six different orchestral instruments from a piece of orchestral music

8.         Compose a piece of music to accompany a short poem of your choice.

Mission Partner Badge

Mission Partners Badge

Aim: The aim of this badge is to increase awareness of our Mission Partners and the countries overseas where they serve God, through word and deed.

Objectives: To provide up to date information on our Mission Partners

To provide support through prayer and resources.

Memory Verse:

Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world

Red and yellow, Black and white

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children

Of the world.

Jesus died for all the children

All the children of the world

Red and yellow, Black and white

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus died for all the children

Of the world.

Jesus rose for all the children

All the children of the world

Red and yellow, Black and white

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus rose for all the children

Of the world.

Missionary Hymn:

In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North;
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.

In Him shall true hearts everywhere
Their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord,
Close binding humankind.

Join hands, then, people of the faith,
Whate’er your race may be!
Who serves my Father as His child
Is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West,
In Him meet North and South;
All Christlike souls are one in Him
Throughout the whole wide earth.

Junior Candidates

1          Name our Mission Partners.

2         What type of work are they involved in?

3         Learn/sing one verse of the memory verse.

Candidates

Complete 4 of the following:

1          Name our Mission Partners.

2          What type of work are they involved in?

3          How do we help /support our mission partners?

4        Draw a picture showing some aspects of the work carried out in St Columba’s

Hospital, India

5             Learn/sing two verses of the memory verse.

Junior Members

Complete 5 of the following:

1          Know the names of the mission partners supported by GFS and in what countries they are working. Be able to point out the countries on a map.

2          Write a simple prayer for our own mission partners which could be used at a branch meeting.

3          Know how we support our mission partners.

4          Complete the attached worksheet based on our mission partners.

5          As a group design a poster for your church porch advertising your branch missionary fundraising event.

6              Learn/sing the memory verse.

Members

Answer all questions:

1          Know the names of the mission partners supported by GFS and in what countries they are working. Be able to point out the countries on a map.

2          Write a prayer for our own mission partners which could be used at a

branch meeting.

3          With your group help organize a GFS missionary fundraising event.

4          Be able to discuss comparisons in medical care in our country and in that where our mission partners are working.

5          Design a frieze, chart, scrap book or other visual way what you have learnt about our Mission Partners work.

6          Be able to sing the Missionary Hymn No 522 “In Christ there is no East or West”

Senior Members

Answer all questions:

1         Know the names of the mission partners supported by GFS and in what countries they are working. Be able to point out the countries on a map.

2         Write a prayer for our own mission partners which could be used at a branch meeting.

3         As a group design a poster for your church porch advertising your branch missionary fundraising event.

4         Be able to discuss comparisons in medical care in our country and in that where our mission partners are working.

5        Design a frieze, chart, scrap book or other visual way what you have

learnt about our Mission Partners work.

7             Know some of the ways in which we can be called to serve God.

8             Be able to sing the Missionary Hymn No 522 “In Christ there is no East or West”

Information Technology Badge

Information Technology

Aim: The aim of this badge is to develop knowledge and skills in  Information Technology

Candidates

1. Know how to turn your computer, ‘on’ and ‘off’
2. Know your computer and how to look after it.

(see Badge resources)

1. Know how to play a game on CD

Junior Members

7-9 choose six of the following

9-11 choose seven of the following

1.       Know how to turn your computer, ‘on’ and ‘off’

2.       Know your computer and how to look after it.

3.       Know how to play a game on CD.

4.       Know how to write a letter as word document

5.       Know how to address an envelope correctly

6.       Know about safe use of your mobile phone and internet use.

7.       Access the G.F.S. website and download a piece of information from it.

8.       Know how to email. What is the G.F.S. email address?  Email the G.F.S. Central Office

9.       Learn about the following – your printer, CD-Rom, memory stick, handling of CD-Roms and DVDs, software and hardware, know about input, process, output and store, computer application or program, and computer viruses.

(see Badge resources)

Members and Senior Members

Members choose 8 of the following

Senior members choose 10 of the following

1.       Know how to write a letter as a word document

2.       Know how to address an envelope correctly

3.       Know about safe use of your mobile phone and internet use.

4.       Access the G.F.S. website and   download a piece of information from it.

5.       Know how to email. What is the G.F.S. email address?  Email the G.F.S. Central Office

6.       Learn about the following – your printer, CD-Rom, DVD, memory sticks and how to handle them, software and hardware, know about input, process, output and store,  computer application or program, and computer viruses. (see Badge resources)

7.       Prepare a C.V.

8.       Know how to use a fax machine and photocopier

9.       Design a poster using Clip Art

10.     Show and be able to use 3 functions on your computer.

11.     Know the Glossary included in the pack

12.     Insert a table into a Word document.

13.     Know how to prepare a Spreadsheet.

Home Maker

Home Maker

The aim of this badge is to develop in the girls the skills necessary for good “home making”.

Junior Candidates

Complete all

1.         For 2 weeks complete the following tasks:

a.         Tidy your toys

b.         Make your bed

c.         Clear your dishes from the table after your meal.

(Complete chart in Resource Pack)

2.         Be able to match socks into pairs.

Candidates

Compete all

1.         For 2 weeks complete the following tasks:

a.         Tidy your toys

b.         Make your bed

c.         Clear your dishes from the table after your meal.

(Complete chart in Resource Pack)

2.         Help clean up after a branch meeting.

3.         Know how to sweep the floor.

4.         Learn the correct way to care for your G.F.S. uniform.

Junior Members

Complete all

1.         For 2 weeks complete the following tasks:

a          Tidy your room

b          Make your bed

c          Clear the dishes from the table after a meal

d          Sweep/vacuum a room

e          Know the correct ways of sorting and disposing of waste for

re-cycling.

(Complete chart in Resource Pack)

2.         Be able to change your bed linen. (9-11 years only)

3.         Be able to set a table for a 3 course meal.

4.         Learn at least 2 ways to fold a table napkin.

5.         Know how to sort your clothes for laundering – separate colours, whites and textures.

6.         Pack a bag with items required for a sleep-over.

7.         Learn the correct way to care for your G.F.S. uniform.

8.         Help clean and tidy up the room at the end of a branch meeting.

Members

11-13 years    Complete 8

13-15 years    Complete all

1.         Keep your room clean and tidy for one month. (including vacuuming, dusting).  Completion certificate is to be signed by parent/guardian.

2.         Demonstrate the ability to iron an item of clothing.

3.         Know the correct ways of sorting and disposing of rubbish and waste for         re-cycling.

4.         Prepare a centre piece and set a table for a 4 course meal.

5.         Learn at least 3 ways to fold a table napkin.

6.         Be able to recognise the laundry care symbols.

7.         Know about environmentally friendly ways to remove stains from clothing.

8.         Know the correct procedure for changing a light bulb.

9.         Know the correct procedure for wiring a plug.

10.       Help tidy and carefully put away materials and items used during the branch meeting.

Senior Members

Complete all

1.         Demonstrate the ability to iron 3 items of clothing (different textures).

2.         Be able to set and decorate a table for a dinner party.

3.         Learn at least 3 ways to fold a table napkin.

4.         Be able to recognise the laundry care symbols.

5.         Know the correct procedure for hand-washing delicate items of clothing

e.g. wool, silk etc.

6.         Know the correct procedure to change a light bulb and wire a plug.

7.         Write ways you can make you home more environmentally friendly and say how you have put them into practice.

8.         Plan and supervise a rota for the clearing up of the hall at the end of your branch meeting.

9.         Using the correct procedures demonstrate your ability to clean:

a          A window

b          A brass or silver item

c          A mirror

d          A sink and toilet.

Health and Hygiene Badge

Health and Hygiene

The aim of this badge is to educate girls in good health and hygiene

Junior Candidates

1          Know how to clean your teeth properly.

2          Know how and when  to wash your hands properly.

3          Know how to dial 999/112.

Candidates

1          Know how to clean your teeth properly.

2          Know how to wash your hands properly.

3          Know how to dial 999/112.

4          Identify from a food pyramid five healthy foods.

Junior Members

7-9 years – Choose 7

9-11 years – Complete all

1          Know how to care for your

a)  hands,  b)  teeth,   c)  hair.

2          Know how to care for and protect your skin.

3          Know the normal body temperature.

4          Be able to treat yourself if you had a nose bleed.

5          Know what to do if you get an insect sting.

6          Complete the food pyramid.   (See Resource Pack for template)

7          Explain why it’s important to have a healthy breakfast.

8          Explain why daily exercise is important to health.

9          Know how to dial 999/112.

Members

11-13 years – choose 6

13-15 years – Complete all

N.B. All instruction regarding First Aid in this section should be done by a certified First Aid Trainer.

1          Create a chart to include all the essential/emergency services in your area to display in your home.

2          Know how to treat the following

a          Cuts

b          Burns

c          Insect stings

d          Sprains and strains

e          Nose-bleeds

f          Choking.

3          Know how to look after ones personal hygiene.

4          Know about the care and protection of your skin.

5          Know the normal temperature of the body and be able to use and read a thermometer.

6          Know the normal pulse rate for children and adults.

7          Know and understand 6 rules for keeping healthy.

8.         Explain the importance of daily exercise.

9          Know about the dangers of drug abuse.

Senior Members

1.         Do a certified First Aid Course.

2          Write an essay on the importance of eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise.

3.         Know about the dangers of drug abuse.

Beautician Badge

Beautician’s Badge

Aim: The aim of this badge is to help girls to develop good skin and hair care.

Objectives: To provide safe and informed knowledge about skin and hair and how to keep it healthy.

Members and Senior Members

1.       Know why it is important to take care of your skin.

2.       Know why it is important to use sun screen all year round.

3.       Know the importance of hair care & hair treatment.

4.       Learn about the composition and care of your nails. Complete the attached worksheet.

5.       Learn about the composition of the skin. Complete the attached worksheet.

6.       Know the different skin tones and types. Choose a foundation for your skin colouring and know why it is suitable.

7.       Write a paragraph about your own skin type and the products you would use

8.       Research a health club/spa in your area and the various ranges of treatments available. Choose a treatment that would best suit your skin type and explain why.

9.       Within your group take part in a make-up demonstration.

10.     Research skin diseases and disorders. Choose one and explain the treatment for the condition.

11.      Within your group take part in a manicure and nail painting/nail art session.

In addition to the first 3 sections which are compulsory, please choose 5 further sections to complete this badge.

It is recommended that this badge is completed in conjunction with a visit from a qualified beautician.

Beautician’s Badge 2010

Welcome

The Girls’ Friendly Society is the oldest Church of Ireland organisation for girls and women, founded in 1877 by a small group of people whose conscience and Christian faith formulated a vision and aim to help young girls coming from the rural areas of the country to the cities in search of employment, little dreaming of the difficulities and loneliness that might beset them.

Almost one hundred and thirty years later after it’s inception, the Girls Friendly Society has broadened it’s scope and offers an even wider appeal.

Today the Girls Friendly Society is active in eighty branches throughout Ireland, a wide spectrum of interest is covered in the badge syllabus, which includes a study of the natural world, the community and the church, handcrafts and skills, information technology, sports and outdoor pursuits, as well as participating in fund raising to demonstrate our will to help others, both locally and globally.

Membership is open to women of all ages

Friendship knows no bounds

GFS World Council Jane Cairns

I had never been to a GFS World Council before this year, so when I got news about having been chosen to be Junior Delegate for Ireland I was overjoyed and couldn’t wait to get to Dublin. Having been a member of GFS since I was four, I had always heard so much about the exciting trips fellow diocesan members had made to previous World Councils and I had always hoped I could attend one sometime too. What better opportunity to start attending World Councils than in my own country!? And what a great time was had by all!

I was so surprised how much I felt at home when I settled in at World Council. I soon realised that GFS is such a close knit ‘family’ even with members thousands of miles away from each other, and the challenges of culture and language differences. We are all joined together by and worship the same God which is something so precious to share with friends all around the world.

One of the most interesting parts of World Council was when we all met to discuss various matters in GFS. It was great to see how women and girls from all over the world could make good decisions that will further enhance the futures of world GFS. On many occasions we felt ‘challenged’ to make a ‘change’, which proved our themed very appropriate.

Aside from all the important meetings we had many opportunities to have lots of fun doing other activities such as visiting the beautiful Powerscourt and Glendalough, a sightseeing tour of Dublin, a visit to the Zoo, a spot of shopping, and of course you can’t come to Ireland without a good old bit of Irish Dancing! I felt these were great opportunities just to relax and get to know everyone a little bit more.

Another highlight of mine has to be the International day. It was so great to see so many girls from all across Ireland coming to meet together and having lots of fun!

I will never forget my experiences at World Council, Ireland 2011. It was such a privilege to attend as Junior Delegate and to be part of such an amazing event and to have met so many wonderful people. Many memories have been made and great friendships gained. I can’t wait to see everyone again in Wales in 2014!

Letter from Emila re world Council 2011

12^th August, 2011

Dear

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every member of your Diocese for all the support and encouragement that they gave towards the successful Council held recently.

As you are all aware the Opening Service in St. Patricks Cathedral, Armagh and the Closing Service in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin were both very well attended by members past and present.  The Diocesan and World Banners being paraded up the knave of the cathedral was surely a spectacular view for everyone there to see.  A special word of thanks must go to all those who helped with entertaining the delegates in branches within Armagh Diocese before the service.  The pieces that the GFS Choir sang in Armagh enriched the service beautifully.

One of the tours provided took members to Glendalough and Powerscourt.  There was a  stopover in Donoughmore Parish Hall for refreshments  and entertainment which was talked about for days afterwards!!

We were honoured to have Mrs. Rosemary Kempsell M.U. World President, Mrs Ruth Mercer All Ireland President, Mrs. Marjory McElhinney G.B. National President and Mr Philip Daley, BB Director who all addressed the meeting during the conference.

The highlight of the Council must surely have been the interaction between the delegates/observers from the 14 countries represented and members of GFS Ireland.  This was not only when they met members in their branches but on International Day when a thousand members travelled from all over Ireland.  Members got to witness how important and varied GFS is around the world and to bring home a little keepsake of the day when they visited each country stand.

None of this would have been possible without the tremendous fundraising that took place in every branch and parish over the last 6 years.  In total over €80,000 was raised (and spent!!) to help offset expenses.  Grants were also received from the Church of Ireland Priorities Fund, Failte Ireland and various Church of Ireland Diocesan Councils and we thank them for their generous support.

We were delighted to be told that it was the most successful World Council held in many years and this was surely portrayed through the standing ovation the committee received at the closing meeting.

At the Closing Service Mrs Glenys Payne from Wales was commissioned as World President and we wish her and her team every success as she starts the planning for World Council 2014.

___________________

Emila Corrigan

The Girls Friendly Society in Ireland Report on the World Council Conference

The 20^th triennial World Council meeting was held at The King’s Hospital, Palmerstown, Co. Dublin, from 24^th June –4^th July 2011,attended by 250 members. The venue proved excellent, with helpful staff, good food and facilities. It has been exactly 30 years, since Ireland last hosted this International event, so it gave us great joy to extend a welcome to delegates and observers from fourteen countries. In these countries the Society is active with its specialised ministry, supporting young girls and women in their personal journey of faith, providing recreation and encouraging those who work alongside them to play a valuable role in guiding and helping them face the daily challenges that are along life’s path.

There were so many memorable events, activities and workshops during the conference which I would love to share, but unfortunately space would not permit- I do hope you will grasp from this report, a glimpse of the wonderful experiences and the fellowship that was shared with our world-wide members. How blessed we are to be part of such an organisation. The G.F.S. is alive and vibrant!

The G.F.S. World President Mrs Emila Corrigan chaired the meetings. In her opening address, she welcomed all present and thanked all those who had helped with the planning and preparations over the past three years, especially the members of the G.F.S. World Executive Committee.The business sessions were well time-tabled; all delegates were encouraged to participate in the discussions, thus providing a bigger picture of the work carried out by the Society in many countries around the world.

On Saturday morning 25^th June, a fleet of buses were waiting to transport us to the opening service in St.Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. What a welcome we received on our arrival! The branches from the diocese of Armagh hosted wonderful receptions at four different venues, a large number of young members were present to entertain us with singing and drama. The service in St Patrick’s Cathedral was a most inspiring and memorable event. The parade of banners was truly magnificent and, to add to the colour display, each country wore their G.F.S. uniform or traditional costume. The singing was greatly enhanced by a specially formed choir of G.F.S. members. The special preacher was the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Most Revd Alan Harper.Following the service; we were entertained to a beautiful banquet in the Armagh City Hotel.

On Sunday morning, we had a choice of attending morning worship in the city of Dublin, at a church of our choice.

I choose St Patrick’s Cathedral; others joined the congregations at St Bartholomew’s, St George & St Thomas and C.O.R.E. (St Catherine)

The week commenced with a varied programme, providing wonderful opportunities for participants both to talk and listen to one another. Morning & evening worship; keynote speakers, guest speakers and so much more!

The theme for the conference “ Challenges and Change- A Time for New Thinking “ In her address our keynote speaker, Mrs Rosemary Kingston M.U. used the theme to remind us of the words in Romans 12:v2 “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rosemary urged us to think positively –success will always depend on what you think- what you tell yourself. Other guest speakers included; Right Rev Michael Burrows, Bishop of Cashel & Ossary, Scott Evans, Diocesan Youth Officer from Cashel & Ossary & representatives from the Girls & Boys Brigade.

We were privileged to have in attendance Mrs Rosemary Kempsell, World-wide President of the Mother’s Union, & Mrs Ruth Mercer, All Ireland President of Mothers Union.

These two Christian organisations hold so much in common!

An application to join GFS World Council was received from G.F.S. in the Solomon Islands.It is very encouraging to hear of the spread of the work of the Society. In relation to their admission, it was agreed that the G.F.S. World Project 2011-2013 would give financial aid and prayerful support to their project, which is to equip women and girls with the necessary skills to carry out activities in leadership for community development.

Ample leisure time away from business matters was allocated.

A visit to the ancient monastic site at Glendalough and the beautiful gardens at Powerscourt was thoroughly enjoyable. Our outing was greatly enhanced by the hospitality of Dublin & Glendalough G.F.S. members, the Rector and Parishioners of Donoughmore Parish, and to add to their hospitality, the children from the nearby primary school came and entertained us to song and traditional dancing.  Our next outing was sight seeing around the city of Dublin from an open top bus.

Our visitors were introduced to many areas of Irish culture, Irish dancing demonstration, and a traditional ceili. The workshops and handcraft sessions provided opportunities to be creative. The demonstrators had planned and prepared well in advance, hence the sessions were pleasurable and enjoyable.

The highlight for the branch members was on Saturday 2^nd July- International Day. In the region of 1000 girls attended. This was their day! They had an opportunity to visit the country stalls which were set out with displays of photos and cultural goods, sample some craft ideas from around the world and partake in a variety of entertainment activities. The proceedings drew to a close at 4-30p.m.as the girls boarded their buses for the long journey home. Later that evening, it was time for “skits night ” good old fashioned-light hearted entertainment performed by each member country.

The closing service and commissioning of the new G.F.S. World President in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, on Sunday 3^rd July was a memorable occasion. The cathedral was full to capacity, the music and singing was beautiful, and the parade of banners and the national costumes brought a spectrum of colour to this site of unique heritage. Most Revd Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin, conducted the service. Right Revd Kay Goldsworthy, Assistant Bishop of Perth Diocese, Australia gave the address. During the service, the new G.F.S. World President Mrs Glenys Payne from Wales was commissioned by Right Revd Michael Mayes.Following the service; the M.U. very kindly organised and served refreshments in the Cathedral crypt.

The closing banquet was held at Springfield Hotel, Leixlip.This was a delightful occasion.

In concluding, I thank all those who contributed so much of their time and work in making the event so enjoyable and memorable.

Florence Higgins

G.F.S. Central President