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Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I find out about/register for events?
How much do events cost? What if I am unable to afford the event cost? What happens if I am unable to make it to an event I signed up for? What type of gear do I need? How do I get to and from the events? How do I find out about / register for events?Information about upcoming events will be provided via e-mail. Usually, events will happen during the last week or weekend of the month. You can check our calendar to see the approximate event dates for the coming year. If you do not see any events that interest you, or if there's a specific event you would like to try, feel free to send us suggestions via e-mail! Our main goal is to cater to the interests of our girls.
Once an event date has been confirmed, we will send out an e-mail with all of the necessary information for that event. In order to register for an event, you must respond to the e-mail. We are a large unit, and there may be a limit on the number of girls who can come. Additionally, if we do not have enough people interested in an event, we will be forced to cancel it. To ensure that you get a spot in an event, and that the event is able to happen, let us know you're coming as soon as possible!! Events that do not have enough interest from Trex girls will also be advertised in the West Coast Whisper, which is a weekly Guiding newsletter. We will publish events one week after e-mailing Trex girls, so you have a head start on everyone else! How much do events cost, and how do I pay?
Girls are required to pay for the events they wish to participate in. Event costs may vary depending on the nature of the event, whether we are able to get a group discount, and the number of chaperone Guiders legally required by the Girl Guides of Canada Safe Guide program. Extra Guiders (not required for ratio) will pay their own way, while the cost of chaperone Guiders will be included in the event cost to the girls.
When you sign up for an event, you will receive a confirmation e-mail telling you how and when to pay for the event. Fees and permission forms will need to be mailed to the address provided before the date indicated in the e-mail. What if I am unable to afford the event cost?
Cost should not be an obstacle to participating in Trex activities. If you are unable to pay for an event, other options are available:
What happens if I am unable to make it to an event I signed up for?The best thing you can do is make sure you have no scheduling conflicts before signing up for an event! If something does come up, refunds may be made on a case by case basis. Usually, if we are able to cancel your spot without penalty, or if we are able to find another girl to take your place, we will refund the event cost to your account unless you specifically ask to have a refund cheque mailed to you. If we are unable to cancel your spot without penalty - that is, if we are required to pay for you even though you are not there - we will charge you as little as possible (ie. the amount we were required to pay for you). Any difference will go into your account. If you have to cancel due to illness or another emergency, please do let us know. We will do our best to ensure that the funds you paid can be put toward another Trex activity. We will cancel an event if we determine that the weather will make it unsafe. Most activites can be done in the rain, so that is not an excuse! It sounds incredible, but we have a lot of fun in the pouring rain! We may also cancel an event due to lack of interest. If we cancel the event on our end, any money you have paid will be credited to your account, or a refund cheque can be mailed to you. What type of gear do I need?
Basic gear: every girl should have a good set of rain gear (waterproof jacket and pants), at least a 3-season sleeping bag for camping events (preferably not down-filled, as this gets cold when wet), and appropriate footwear for a given activity (eg. close-toed and -heel shoes for water activites, hiking boots or runners with good grip for hiking, rain boots). Winter gear: parka/ski jacket, snowpants, polypropylene long underwear, fleece / wool / puff jacket, waterproof winter boots that are appropriate for walking in snow. Thrift shops, such as Sports Junkies on Broadway, often have decent cheap gear! We will also send out invites to the Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) club nights for Girl Guides and Scouts in the fall and spring, where a 10% discount is available for most gear. The only requirement to participate in club night is a $5.00 Lifetime Membership with MEC. The Trex unit does have access to camp gear such as backpacks, tents and stoves. For activities like snowshoeing, kayaking, canoeing, etc. we will rent the necessary equipment. This cost will be included in the overall event cost. If you have not been able to beg, borrow or buy an item on the event kit list, contact the leader of the event. We can usually figure out a way to get you the gear if we know you need it in advance. Unless an item is listed as 'optional' on the kit list, it is important for you to have it for your own safety! How do I get to and from the events?
Parents are responsible for getting their daughters to and from Trex events. We encourage carpooling, and are willing to assist in facilitating these arrangements between parents. If you do not object, we will share your information with other parents involved in the trip so that connections can be made. Some events are accessible by transit if girls are comfortable travelling this way. Rides with Guiders are usually a last resort. Often, we will be carrying gear, food, equipment, and other Guiders, so we may not have room for girls in our vehicles. Not all Guiders have consistent access to vehicles. If you have exhausted all other options, please do ask us and we will try to work something out. Note that, if a Guider does give your girl a ride, it is considered a private arrangement between the Guider and the parents of the girl. Girl Guides is not responsible for automobile insurance on personal vehicles, and the registered owner is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle has adequate insurance. Any physical damage to the driver's vehicle, a third party vehicle, or injury to persons resulting from its use during participation in, or travel to and from a sanctioned activity is the responsibility of the vehicle owner. In the event that Girl Guides does organize transportation to or from an event, any notifications of alternate transportation arrangements made by parents must be provided in writing to the Responsible Guider ahead of time. |