Two dedicated leaders from southeast Saskatchewan, Christa Morhart of Estevan and Cheryl Lake of Stoughton, have been honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of their exceptional service to Girl Guides. The prestigious medal is presented to individuals across Canada for their voluntary contributions to their communities, highlighting Morhart and Lake's long-standing commitment to empowering girls and women through the Guiding movement.
A total of 306 individuals across Canada received the medal, with only nine from Saskatchewan, underscoring the significance of their achievement. Morhart and Lake were celebrated at a ceremony in Regina on May 3, where the awards were presented by Provincial Commissioner Megan Clarke.
Morhart has dedicated more than 25 years to the organization, first as a young member in Estevan and later as a leader. She currently serves as co-district commissioner for a reorganized district that includes Estevan and surrounding communities. She is also the contact guider for the local Rangers unit.
“My involvement has always been about the sisterhood, the friendships, and empowering women,” Morhart said. “I’ve spent much of my adult life in male-dominated industries, so it’s important to me to help girls and women believe they can do anything they set their minds to.”
Morhart has seen her own daughter grow through the program, learning everything from fire-starting and money management to teamwork, STEM skills, and leadership. “Guiding offers so many opportunities that people don’t always realize,” she said. “Girls can progress through various levels and even join the LINC program before becoming adult guiders.”
Through Girl Guides of Canada’s international connections via WAGGGS—the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts—there are also travel opportunities to countries like India, Switzerland, and England’s Pax Lodge, as well as scholarships for youth and adult members.
Morhart’s recognition comes after serving as Saskatchewan’s Provincial Commissioner from 2019 to 2022. She took on the role just before the pandemic, which forced a shift from in-person activities to virtual ones. “I expected to be planning camps and conferences, but instead I was finding ways to keep the girls engaged online,” she said. “It was a huge pivot and a lot more responsibility than anyone could’ve predicted.”
Despite the challenges, Morhart remained dedicated to the role. “I was surprised and humbled to receive the award,” she said. “There are so many women in the organization who are equally deserving.”
Locally, Girl Guides in Estevan and surrounding areas have rebounded since the pandemic, thanks in part to the leadership of Cheryl Lake. Lake, based in Stoughton, has held various roles, including district commissioner and provincial membership advisor. Her efforts have been crucial in revitalizing the guiding community.
Among those recognized was Christa’s daughter, Emma Morhart, a third-year Ranger who received her gold Trailblazer award. Also in attendance were Cheryl Lake’s daughters: MacyLynn, a third-year Girl Guide, and Cheyenne, a first-year Ranger. Cheryl serves as the District Commissioner for Black Gold District and a Guider in Stoughton.
“Cheryl has been key in our recovery,” Morhart said. “We lost many members during COVID because guiding is very hands-on and doesn’t translate well virtually. But we’re seeing growth, not just in Estevan, but across the province.”
Currently, there are active Girl Guide units in Estevan, Midale, Stoughton, and Lampman, offering programs for all levels, from Sparks to Rangers. As the guiding year wraps up in May, members will take part in summer camps and provincial or national activities. The new season begins in the fall, and interested families can find more information on the Girl Guides of Canada website.
“There’s a dedicated team of adult members across these communities creating fun and empowering experiences for girls,” Morhart said. “Cheryl and the rest of the team have been outstanding.”
Although Morhart now serves as co-district commissioner, she was quick to credit others for their leadership. “I had my time in the spotlight,” she said. “Now it’s about supporting others and ensuring guiding continues to thrive.”