Guider Desiderata
De·sid·er·a·ta (-tuh). Something needed and desired. (Latin)
Author unknown

Thanks to Wendy Baker, who posted this reading to the Guiding Mailing List.

Go placidly amid the noise and excitement of your meeting,
And remember that this is one sign of good Guiding.

As far as possible without surrender
Be on good terms with all your fellow leaders.
Plan your programs carefully and cheerfully;
And listen to others,
Even the youngest Spark;
She will give you many moments of Joy.
Avoid loud and aggressive gatherings of Guiders,
Except when you're part of one.

If you compare your pack with others,
Do not become vain or bitter;
For success can only be judged by the smiles on their faces.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep in mind the Aim of the movement,
However hard to understand at times,
It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution with your unit funds;
For a Guide works hard for her dues.

But let this not blind you to what Guiding is all about..
Baden-Powell wrote it himself; Camping and the Outdoors.

Be yourself.

Especially, have fun.

Neither burn out too soon;
For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
Those girls are depending on you.

Take kindly the counsel of your District team,
They will help you all that they can.

Nurture strength of spirit in case of a failure
But do not blame yourself... you have done your best,
And what you think of as failure may be super fun to your Brownies.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
Be gentle with yourself.

You are the most important person in Guiding;
We need more adults like yourself
To help the youth of this world.

And whether or not it is clear to you,
You are moulding the future of this country.

Therefore, be at peace with God,
Whatever you conceive Him to be,
And whatever your labours and aspirations,
In the noisy confusion of your meeting
Keep peace with yourself.

With all its hard work and sometimes frustration,
It is still a wonderful movement.

Be cheerful and strive for good Guiding ...

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