by Casey Woodcock

I keep hearing, “What is that Rainbow thing you post about?” so I suppose it’s about time to do one of my periodic public service announcements 

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG, or Rainbow) is a Masonic (i.e. Freemasons) youth service organization for girls between the ages of 11-20. It is founded upon the principle of using the Rainbow- a celestial symbol of hope- and its colors to teach key principles to girls as they grow from girlhood to adulthood. The seven colors (ROYGBIV) represent, in order, Love, Religion, Nature, Immortality, Fidelity, Patriotism, and Service. It is run by girls, for girls, and teaches not only life lessons but life skills- public speaking, leadership, planning, organization, poise, and more. I am a proud Rainbow alumnus and work closely with the lovely Rainbow Girls at Richmond Assembly (and across the State!) so they can benefit from Rainbow’s teachings just as I did as a Girl. Our slogan is, “Rainbow Gets Girls Ready For Life!” and every word of it is true.

Want more information?? Check out www.gorainbow.org. Go Rainbow!

The Rainbow Retreat was so much fun. I miss all of the fun and excitement. I loved the girls who I bunked with. I met a couple of new girls. Everyone was so nice and fun. The rain made us change the schedule. Which was perfect. We got to dance in the rain. We played games, went to the pool, and learned new things about everyone. My favorite part was when a few of us went to the lake and took pictures of us and the sunset. I will always remember that. It was so sad to leave. I felt welcomed right when I got out of the car. I wish it could have been longer!

Rainbow Love,

Sydney

Silliness in full swing at Retreat

After attending 5 Retreats, I was a bit hesitant to go this year thinking it would be too much like those in the past. But then I got there, and actually had the BEST time EVER. A massive thunderstorm hit around noon and rained out some of our scheduled activities, so to pass the time (at least until we were in lockdown because the storm was THAT bad) we danced in the rain and squealed while we got soaked. Mary drew on my right hand with Sharpie during our craft activity, and I drew on my left. We got the chance to go to the river to visit with Jeanna, Micaela, and Andi, but then the storm hit. Poor Kathy got a concussion after a mishap when playing in the rain, so she had to visit the hospital for a bit.  :'(  Thankfully she returned just as dinner began and was showered with happy squeals and lots of hugs. We are so glad she is okay.

Mary and I listened to music during down time and bonded with the other girls. We had pool time later that night, where I taught Mary to dive. Now she’s a pro! XD  A drum circle with music therapy was awesome; so was archery and laugh therapy. My sides hurt from laughing so hard! XD  We also had a lot of fun at the bonfire, where we ate s’mores and tried not to be bitten by too many mosquitoes. XD  That was all in one day! The next day, we woke up at around 7 or 7:30 to get ready for breakfast and to pack our things. Then we ate breakfast with the other girls in the meal hall. Fredericksburg and Richmond had their meeting to plan the GV (no spoilers, but it will be pretty awesome!) and all of the Virginia Rainbow Girls took a picture in front of the bell. Fredericksburg took a picture in front of the river on a picnic table. After sweeping and cleaning the cabins and loading our things, we headed off for window shopping with some Grand Executive Board members and Junior Grand Executive Board members. After shopping and eating chocolate strawberries, we went to the Double Tree Hilton in Williamsburg to see where we would be spending next year’s Grand Assembly. (It is SO much better than the hotel we have stayed at the past two years!) Lunch with Rachel, Melanie, Claire, Becca, Mary, Micaela, and Ilana was fun! Then we went for a tour of the hotel’s spaces where we’ll have Grand Assembly 2014.

Finally, we passed out in the car because we were exhausted.

In Rainbow Love & Service,
Rachel
Grand Charity

At the 2013 Virginia DeMolay Conclave, the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, along with Job’s Daughters, received the Supporting Body of the Year Award “for outstanding contributions to the Order of DeMolay”. Love Masonic Youth working together! Thank you, Virginia DeMolay!

Supporting Body of the Year to the Order of DeMolay