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|  1ST NATIONAL CAMP
DOMINION JUBILEE CAMP - 1927
VICTORIA, B.C.
81 years ago the very first National camp for Girl Guides across Canada came to life. Named the Dominion Jubilee Camp, held in Victoria, B.C., July 14-21 1927 it was to mark the 60th anniversary of the Confederation. There were 316 attendees from 8 provinces and Newfoundland along with V.I.P.'s attending from England and South Wales.
The idea of a Dominion Camp was first propounded by Miss Aline Williams, Miss Amy Leigh and Miss Nan Willis who had all been to the first World Camp, ‘Foxlease' in 1924 in England. Because the spark came from B. C., this province was given the privilege of hosting. The campsite chosen was at the University School in Mount Tolmie.
Army bell tents were used and out of 316 attendees, 270 slept under canvas. There were also girls and women in the 2 school houses, these were mostly V.I.P's or those that were allergic to sleeping on the ground. The camp Commandant, and B.C. Provincial Commissioner Miss E.F. Mara and V.I.P. Miss Alice Behrens, of London, English Chief Trainer had their own tents.
From the moment of arrival to the moment of departure the days were filled with things - spiritual, intellectual, social and physical. The social side of the week was filled with charming hostesses who arranged delightful tea parties, garden parties and drives to points of interest.
On the last evening of camp a special campfire was held where the Chief Commissioner, Mrs. H.D. Warren presented the Guides of B.C. with the Girl Guide flag that had been flying in the centre of the Jubilee Camp. This flag was brought back from France, where it was flown on a Canadian Girl Guide Rest Hut in the Great War. Singing of the Foxlease Vesper, Canada and the National Anthem closed the last evening of camp.
From the Log-Book of the Jubilee Camp Tour Party,
"As the month of July draws near all those who spent happy days together at the Dominion Jubilee Camp in Victoria, and on the Camp Tour, will recall glad Guide memories of July, 1927, when hands were joined 3,000 miles across the Dominion in a living chain of comradeship and understanding. May these memories help, each in our own corner of Guiding, to build for strength and harmony, so that the banner of Guiding may be carried with unity and purpose along the path of sisterhood, loyalty and service to the world."
E. M. Ruttle.
Sources used: Canadian Guide, 1927
Canadian Girl Guide, June 1928
"Now we are" 75 compiled by Girl Guides of Canada~Guides du Canada, British Columbia Council
a 1984 revised edition of Sixty Years and More, first published in 1971 -
GGC Archives Box 51
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