Episode 23 - When in Doubt, Paddle Out

We are paddling out and into an adventure this week. Since Taryn is off on a canoe trip, we caught up about some adventures or misadventures she has had over the years on different trips, including an encounter with a bear!

Taryn started paddling in a canoe when she was about 11 or 12 years old, and hasn't stopped since! She has her ORCKA (Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association) certification and has used it and her experiences to bring more girls and guiders into the activity. You will want to listen to this episode to hear about her stories of injuries, as well as an encounter with a bear!

We stay on the water as we talk about our Notable former Girl Scout - Barbara McGann, a former Rear Admiral in the US Navy.

Barbara is a native of Newport, Rhode Island and the daughter of Mr. John H. McGann and Rose McGann, both of whom are veterans of World War II Naval Service. The Navy was close to the family, and it stayed with Barbara as she went on to pursue an education with a Bachelor of Arts and was commissioned through the Officer Candidate School in Newport. She quickly got to work, reporting to the Naval Air Station in Meridian, Mississippi where she was the Public Affairs Officer.

Barbara's career in the Navy saw her traveling all over the United States, and even to Scotland! She often held positions related to recruitment and staff and personnel. In September 1990, McGann became the Executive Assistant to the Commander of Navy Recruiting Area Eight in San Francisco, California. Following this tour, she taught Strategic Studies as a Fellow at the Naval War College in Newport.

In June 1994, McGann assumed the rank of Rear Admiral (lower half) and assumed the duties of Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel for Total Force Programming and Manpower. In July 1997, she was promoted to Rear Admiral (upper half). Barbara retired from the Navy in 2002, and since then has worked closely with various school boards in the New England area. She has served as an Executive Director, Assistant Superintendent, and CEO for many public schools.

We wrap up our wild and wet adventures with a beloved Canoeing song - My Paddle. As you will hear in the video below, it pairs very well with Land of the Sliver Birch (see Episode 17).

They are often sung together in a round, with one group singing My Paddle and the other group singing Land of the Silver Birch. Both songs are also perfect for helping paddlers to keep time with each other's strokes and also to help pass the time.

You can listen to Episode 23 now, and catch up on previous episodes, either right here on our website or on your favourite podcast app (Spotify, Apple, Google, Anchor, etc.).

We would love to know what your opening and closings you use in your units. Leave a comment below, or send us a message on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you'd like to contribute to an episode of Guides' Own, send us your ideas for topics, program, campfire songs, etc. send a message to guidesown@gmail.com.

Happy paddling!

Marissa & Taryn