The Canadian Girls in Training organization-or simply CGIT as it is more commonly known-is often told it is outdated and needs to change with the times. But Gail Dolson, executive secretary of the Ontario CGIT Association, cites activities marking the 90th anniversary of that venerable group last year to refute those critics.

The Ontario group hosted Jamboree 2005, a camping weekend based at Lambton United Church Centre, where the girls and adult alumnae both enjoyed the drum group, Tribal Thunder (the latest rage and a new twist on an ancient art), as well as the evening campfires which have been a fixture of CGIT gatherings since its founding in 1915. Dolson said the program "showed us once again that the old and the new can combine in easy and comfortable juxtaposition."

The Jamboree, which drew girls, leaders and alumnae from Saskatchewan and the Maritimes as well as Ontario, was just one of scores of special events held across the country to mark the anniversary.

But just what is this group and what are these Canadian girls in training for? CGIT was started in 1915 by a forward-thinking group of adults who recognized the need for young women, like the young men of the day, to be a part of the war effort. As years went by, CGIT became a group for teen girls to be themselves, to be able to share their gifts in a safe and secure environment and to build on the basic faith that served so many women so well for so long.

The Purpose is the foundation on which CGIT was built and maintained: "As a Canadian Girl in Training, under the leadership of Jesus, it is my purpose to cherish health, seek truth, know God and serve others; and thus with His help become the girl God would have me be."

Dolson, who lives in Norwich, Ontario, said that judging by letters and e-mails received in the Ontario CGIT office, many women not only remember reciting that "Life With a Purpose" credo at their meetings but have based their lives on it.

Over the years, cherish health has moved from promotion of good hygiene to discussion of the evils of drugs; seeking truth encompasses the realities of life both here today and in the Third World; the process of learning about God has changed from simply reading Bible passages to seeing them portrayed on DVDs; and serving others involves both singing for seniors in a nursing home and sponsoring a foster child in Africa.

One woman said the best part of the jamboree was "seeing everyone having a good time being part of an intentional Christian community." The presence of people from across Canada demonstrated the national scope of CGIT and this connection was paramount to others assessing the strengths of the gathering.

The 90th anniversary year also featured a national Camp Council in Alberta, offering a leadership training program for senior girls across Canada, as well as weekend celebrations in Saskatchewan and the eastern provinces. The Saskatchewan CGIT members sang a new Linnea Good song, Steps to Tomorrow, written especially for the occasion.

Pointing out that the national CGIT vesper service held in December marked its 65th year and that another Camp Council is slated for this August in Ontario, Dolson concluded "CGIT is indeed alive, and the leaders continue to help the women of tomorrow learn to live 'life with a purpose.'".