HUMBOLDT — Difficult, but worth it is how Hannah Mulhern, 14, described her last three years of work towards earning a Canada Cord, the highest honour achievable as a Girl Guides Pathfinder.
Hannah and Lauren Ireland, 13, received the Cord together during their branch advancement ceremony on May 1 at St. Augustine School. They are the first two to earn the cord in Humboldt.
“It is pretty fantastic,” said group leader Allison Ireland. “It’s a huge amount of work for them and they’ve done terrifically. We’re very, very proud of them.”
Earning a Canada Cord involves three community service projects that take more than 15 hours of community service. One project is locally focused, another is internationally focused and the third environmentally focused. Those working towards the cord also have to plan camping trips, learn about Canadian government and complete first aid.
Hannah has been involved with Girl Guides for two years, and Lauren nine. Allison said both are very motivated in within the program.
“They both look at all the badges that they could earn and say, ‘I’d like to try for that one.’ They like to do different things, try a whole bunch of different areas,” she said.
Hannah said she considers Lauren like family. The two have been close since Lauren moved to Humboldt from Edmonton two years ago.
“We work so well together. They say opposites attract and it must be true, because we’re polar opposites from each other. But we have a good time when we work together,” Hannah said.
While she has a great mind for the arts and music herself, Hannah said Lauren is more natural with puzzles and academics. Lauren “is one of the most focused in our group,” said Hannah.
Allison described Hannah as very friendly, open, and especially outgoing.
Both girls are invited to a Girl Guides provincial youth recognition ceremony in Regina this fall. Last year, 15 Pathfinders were awarded the Canada Cord across the province.
“We’re very represented with two from Humboldt,” Allison said.
