GSNETX Events + Activities: Fall 2023

Events + Activities

Fall 2023

Eclipse Day

It’s a ring of fire! The annular eclipse is passing over Texas and we’re celebrating with space-themed activities. Join us for Eclipse Day 2023!

Saturday, October 14

This year, you can choose your own adventure and participate in many ways in different places. Learn about space science, observe the annular eclipse, and earn a special commemorative patch.

These are all ages and Family & Friends events.

Shoot off rockets, make constellation tubes, a DIY greenhouse, and recyclable rovers and space shuttles. Engineer your own egg-drop space rover landing. Get pinhole glasses to be able to safely view this stunning solar event and even a set of Women in STEM trading cards.

Can’t make it to one of our sites?

We’ve got kits available for your troop to commemorate the day. Kits include pinhole glasses, dehydrated food, and instructions and materials for rockets, constellation tubes, recyclable rover/space shuttle, and vortex shooter. Some recyclable supplies will need to be locally sourced.

Reach out to program@gsnetx.org for information.

SOUTHERN SECTOR SERVICE CENTER - $5

CAMP GAMBILL - $5 (DAY USE)

CAMP BETTE PEROT - $5 (DAY USE)

Add archery, ropes and other activities based on availability

THE STEM CENTER AT CAMP WHISPERING CEDARS - $5 (DAY USE)

Check out the Star Lab sponsored by Boeing. Add archery, ropes and other activities based on availability

Want to host a Service Unit event?

Reach out to program@gsnetx.org for information on possible funding.

Exclusive offer for older girls!

Help us prepare for Eclipse Day at our platform build on September 23 and you could get to sleep on top of the Moody Observation Tower on Eclipse Day.

Registrations opens August 7 gsnetx.org/events

A word from the CEO

Our Mission

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Hi, Girl Scouts!

I hope you had a great summer and are excited for another Girl Scout year to begin! We are so glad that we can be a place for you to be you. Flip through this book and see what we have in store. Use the checkboxes to let your caregiver or troop leader know what you want to try. Whether on your own, with your family, or with your troop, Girl Scout activities and events are fun. Not only that, being a Girl Scout helps you grow and learn about the world around you. Each month, we highlight free patch programs—a great way to add patches to the back of your uniform while learning about different cultures and giving back to your community.

When I was a Girl Scout, I loved to go to camp. I hope you’ll plan to join us at one of our troop and family camp weekends. At camp, you can ride a horse, try archery, take a hike, or kayak and canoe. Unplug and get outside this fall! One last thing: Girl Scouting is more fun with friends. This year, I want to challenge you to invite a friend along on the adventure. Have fun!

Jennifer K. Bartkowski, Chief Executive Officer

Learn the Lingo

No matter how long you’ve been a Girl Scout, sometimes it’s hard to remember what’s what. We hope this little glossary helps you navigate the listings in this book.

Badges and Journeys - The building blocks of Girl Scouts. They are leadership units where girls discover, connect, and take action on a variety of topics. They are progressive and grow in-depth and subject matter as your girl grows up in the program.

Event listings - There is always something available for girls and families to do. Programs are added regularly at gsnetx.org/events.

Family & Friend events - As long as one Girl Scout is in the group, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends can join the fun.

Program Grade Level (PGL) - Age groups in Girl Scouts. Daisies are kindergarten and grade 1, Brownies are grades 2 and 3, Juniors are grades 4 and 5, Cadettes are grades 6, 7, and 8; Seniors are grades 9 and 10; and Ambassadors are grades 11 and 12.

Table of Contents

Girl Scout Leadership Institute

Samsung Workshop

Saturday, September 16

Girl Scouts serves you differently as you enter high school.

While you’re earning badges, Journeys, and your Gold Award, our popular Girl Scout Leadership Institute (GSLI) presented by Amazon delivers programming to get you ready for the next chapter of your life.

GSLI events include job shadowing, career exploration, college readiness, and more.

Network and Etiquette

sponsored by Ericsson

Saturday, October 21

Cookie Box Creations

Orientation

Sunday, October 1

Eat, Shop, Share

Saturday, December 2

Register at gsnetx.org/events

(search for GSLI)

Girl Scouts in STEM

A world of STEM programming is at your fingertips!

Jumpstart makes presenting and earning our Girl Scout STEM badges easy. Use your phone, tablet, or computer to plan and lead one of these badges that are fun for any age.

Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) Challenge is live in gsLearn!

Get the exclusive GSNETX VTK Challenge patch by completing this fun challenge that will help you get the most out of the VTK so that you can spend more time adventuring with your Girl Scouts.

Scan the QR code to launch a two-minute tutorial. Login

September

n Girls’ Own Weekend: Woodworking

Senior | Ambassador

Date: September 8-10

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $125

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Seniors and Ambassadors will be dropped off at camp and spend the weekend immersed in the MakeHer Space. Learn basic woodworking skills, including the safety and operation of hand and power tools. Then, take your woodworking project from design to fruition. Price is all-inclusive. See ad on page 19.

n Amazing Animatronics

Daisy

Date: September 9, 9-11am

Location: The STEM Center at Camp Whispering

Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Come explore VEX 123 robotics as we design our very own animal-inspired bot. How will you imagine and program you animatronic creation? Girl Scouts will earn all three Robotics badges.

n Insect Investigation

Brownie

Date: September 9, 1:30-3:30pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Brownies will spend the morning learning all about the world of bugs. They’ll also get to see bugs in action, explore bug homes, and take a bug field trip.

n Garden Guru

Junior

Date: September 9, 9-11am

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Get ready to get your hands dirty and learn about the fruits of the earth. Spend time in our Katherine G. Putrah Connected Botany Space and earn the Gardener Badge.

n Clash of the Robot

Cadette

Date: September 9, 2-5pm

Location: The STEM Center at Camp Whispering

Cedars

Fee: $15

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Nothing matches the thrill of seeing your robot perform the tasks that you have programed. Girl Scouts of all skill levels can give try their hand at this epic robot battle and earn a Robotics badge.

n Snazzy Sphero

Junior

Date: September 10, 9-11am

Location: The STEM Center at Camp Whispering

Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Girl Scouts of all skill levels will be delighted when their coding and programming brings one of our Sphero robots to life.

Color code for program grade levels

Daisy - K & 1st

Brownie - 2nd & 3rd

Junior - 4th & 5th

Cadette - 6th, 7th, & 8th

Senior - 9th & 10th

Ambassador - 11th & 12th

September

n TreECOsystem

Cadette

Date: September 10, 1:30-3:30pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Get out in nature with a hike on our Texas Trees Trail and learn more about how trees benefit the world around them and earn your Trees badge.

n Code Game Designer

Daisy

Date: September 17, 9-11am

Location: The STEM Center at Camp Whispering

Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Have you ever wondered how digital games are created? Join us as we explore the process and components of game design by creating your own maze game. Girl Scouts should have already earned Coding for Good: Coding Basics.

n Water and Sky

Senior | Ambassador

Date: September 17, 9am-12pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $15

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Earn your Ambassador Water or Senior Sky badge in this workshop that takes you deep into nature at camp.

n Girls in Aviation Day

Brownie | Junior | Cadette | Senior | Ambassador Friends & Family

Date: September 23, 8:30am

Location: Abbot Aviation Center, Longview

Fee: FREE

Contact: program@gsnetx.org

This STEM-focused come-and-go learning event shares aviation with girls ages 8-17 along with their families and leaders. Enjoy a career panel, hands-on project-working with sheet metal, flight simulator, and more! Friends and family are welcome.

n Flower Garden

Daisy

Date: September 23, 9am-12pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $15

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Get ready to get your hands dirty! Learn about the Girl Scout law and how you can make the world a better place with every action.

n Solar Eclipse Platform Build

Cadette | Senior | Ambassador

Date: September 23, 9am-1pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $25

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

We’ve got a special engineering project for our older Girl Scouts! Help us build observation stands so the solar eclipse can be viewed by all Girl Scouts on Eclipse Day on October 14. Girls who participate in this workshop will be invited to participate in a special activity on October 14 for the annular eclipse.

n Data Defender

Brownie

Date: September 24, 1:30-3:30pm

Location: The STEM Center at Camp Whispering

Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Defenders: ASSEMBLE! Learn to be a cyber security “white hat” and understand the role that data and technology play in your life.

n Water Warrior

Junior

Date: September 24, 9am-1pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $25

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Warriors: ASSEMBLE! Identify ways to protect and save our water source while you earn a journey and prepare to change the world with your Bronze Award project.

n

Ripley’s

All Ages

Believe it or Not Sleepover

Date: September 29, 7pm

Location: Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Grand Prairie

Fee: $40

Contact: program@gsnetx.org

Believe it or not–you can spend the night at Ripley’s! This lock-in event features a tour of the Ripley’s museum, the wax museum, “7D” theater, mirror maze, laser race, snacks, and gift shop time. Whether you get some sleep or not, there will be breakfast provided for you in the morning!

Save the Date

2023 Fall Product Program

September 25 – October 31

• Help your troop earn proceeds to jump start their next adventure.

• Girl Scouts can earn rewards including a personalized patch.

• Easy program participation, No money handling, all transactions are done online!

• Troops receive products to deliver to customers before the end of the year. Plenty of options for fantastic end of semester or holiday gifts.

• Nuts, candy and magazines as well as new pilot products including BarkBox and Tervis Tumblers.

2024 Cookie Program

• Online program starts in December 2023 through Digital Cookie.

• In person program runs January 12 – February 25.

• Girl Scouts earn rewards and exclusive experience access.

• Troops earn proceeds to fund things like the badges, activities, supplies and adventures.

n Solar Car Family Event

All Ages and Family and Friends

Date: October 7, 10am-4pm

Location: The STEM Center at Camp Whispering

Cedars

Fee: $5

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

A car that is powered by the SUN?! Join us for an electrifying experience! Unleash your inner inventor as we guide you to build your own solar powered device and hop aboard for a ride on an eco-friendly solar powered car.

n The Secret Life of Girls at Dallas

Children’s Theater

Ages 12+

Date: October 7, 1:30pm

Location: Dallas Children’s Theater

Fee: $14*

Contact: program@gsnetx.org

Bullying in every form – from open tactics like gossiping and keeping secrets, to using friendship as a weapon – can become the prelude to dangerous behaviors like depression, cutting, and eating disorders. This show takes an unflinching look into the world of mean girls and exposes the consequences that bullying creates. Because that girl everyone is spreading rumors about… the one who just can’t seem to fit in... chances are, you know who she is. This production by award–winning playwright Linda Daugherty generated massive buzz and launched DCT’s internationally–praised teen issue series. In DCT tradition, teens and those who love them are invited to see a performance, and then stay after for a conversation with local experts. *A special Girl Scout workshop will be offered following the show for and additional $8.

n Traveling Robot

Brownie

Date: October 8, 9-11am

Location: The STEM Center at Camp Whispering

Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

From trucks to trolleys, and cars to scooters, wheeled travel is all around us! Girls will explore

how transportation is possible using VEX GO technology. Girl Scouts will earn Robotics 1 and 2 badges.

n Flower Power

Junior

Date: October 8, 1:30-3:30pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Get hands-on with one of the most beautiful and inspiring pieces of nature – the flower! Learn how flowers help people, make flower art and literally stop and smell the flowers while you earn your Flowers badge.

n Solar Eclipse Day

All Ages and Friends and Family

Date/Time: October 14

Location: Multiple

Fee: Varies by location

Contact: program@gsnetx.org

Solar Eclipse Day is a choose your own adventure across the whole council! The same programming will be available at multiple locations with each location offering something special for your family. Eclipse Day will be celebrated with events across the council. See ad on page 2.

Fall Patch Programs Clubs

Clubs and special interest groups are a great way to enhance your Girl Scout experience outside of the traditional troop. It also builds skills in your selected focus and allows you to meet like-minded Girl Scouts and adult mentors.

We currently offer the following clubs, but if you’re interested in starting something, reach out to program@gsnetx.org.

Supercharge your Girl Scout experience, learn about yourself and the world around you, and make a difference in the world by earning these patches. Learn all about them at gsnetx.org/patches.

Art Club

Art Club East Texas

Culinary Club East Texas

Gutsy Girls Social Skate Club

Miss Media

Outdoor Adventure Interest Group

Product Sales Cookie Entrepreneur Officers (CEO’s)

Retail and Design Club

Saturday Morning Garden Club

Stream Team

Tejas Archers

Tejas Riders

Travel Club East Texas

Learn

Wonders of Polymer Science: Get hands-on and learn about how important plastic is in our everyday lives. Society of Plastics Engineers Foundation.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Girl Scouts of all cultures develop an understanding and appreciation of the richness, diversity and similarities of the Hispanic and Latin culture.

Share the Warmth: Learn about poverty and homelessness, and then donate blankets to help people stay warm. Held in partnership with the Salvation Army and Sleep Experts.

Native American Heritage Month: Celebrate the cultures, histories, and countless contributions that Native American communities have provided to the United States.

Tackle Hunger: Learn about food insecurity and how to make a difference in your community. Girls are encouraged to host a food drive and donate to a local food bank. Sponsored by Waymo.

Pajamas for Seniors: Girls will donate new pajamas and improve the quality of life for residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and adult daycare facilities.

2023-2024 CALENDAR

9/9/23: Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend

9/26 & 9/27: First year leader meetings

9/25/23: Fall Product Program begins

Planned activities – dates and locations TBA

• Zoo Day, multiple locations

• Women in Aviation, Longview

• Nature Cat patch program events

October | Event highlights:

10/7/23: The Secret Life of Girls, Dallas Children’s Theater

10/14/23: Solar Eclipse Day, multiple locations

10/24 & 10/25: First year leader meetings

10/28: First Year Leader Event: New Leader/Girl Scout Day at Camp

10/31/23: Fall Product Program Ends

Planned activities – dates and locations TBA

• Network and Etiquette (GSLI)

• Kidzania event

• Juliette Gordon Low birthday celebrations

November | Event highlights:

11/3/23: Pumpkin Chunkin’ Camping Weekend, Camp Whispering Cedars

11/4/23: SU 405 Girl Scout Grand Prix (open to all)

11/11/23: Native American Heritage Celebration, Old City Park

11/11/23: Tyler Grand Prix

11/14 & 11/15: First year leader meetings

Camp Whispering Cedars

12/2/23: Eat, Shop, Share (GSLI)

12/12 & 12/13: First year leader meetings

January | Event highlights:

1/12: In person Cookie Program begins

1/23 & 1/24: First year leader meetings

Planned activities – dates and locations TBA

• Girl Scout Cookie Program begins

• MLK Day of service

• Polar Plunge, Camp Whispering Cedars

• Nature Cat patch program events

February | Event highlights:

2/20 & 2/21: First year leader meetings

2/24: First Year Leader Event: GSLE + Mental Wellness Training

2/25: Cookie Program ends

Planned activities – dates and locations TBA

• Girl Scout Cookie Program ends

• Black History Month event

• Engineering Week

• World Thinking Day

• College prep workshop

March | Event highlights:

3/26 & 3/24: First year leader meetings

Planned activities – dates and locations TBA

• Girl Scout Birthday celebrations

• Birthday Box events

Late December Online Cookie Program Begins

Great gifts in the shops!

Check out important dates, then add your own troop meetings and activities you can do as a family.

Top 5 Reasons to Camp with Your Troop

by Eisa Alam, Girl Scout Ambassador GSNETX Plano Mayor’s Summer Intern

Troop camping is like regular camp, except the troop organizes everything. The troop gets to choose where and when to go, for how long, and what activities to do.

1. Flexible Dates

If you plan early (about 3-4 months before going to camp), there’s more availability on council properties. You can then send out polls to your troop and see which dates most of your troop is available.

Scout Overnight

4/23 & 4/24: First year leader meetings

Planned activities – dates and locations TBA

• Girl Scout Grand Slam

• Earth Day event

• Kite Festival

May | Event highlights:

5/14 & 5/15: First Year Leader meetings

5/18 & 5/19: Camp S’more

Planned activities – dates and locations TBA

• Girl Scout Grand Prix

• Welcome to Cadettes Event

• Camp S’more, Early Bird renewal member exclusive

June | Event highlights:

6/22: Mall Madness

Planned activities – dates and locations TBA

• Sleepaway Camp

• Day Camp at Camp Whispering Cedars

• Volunteer-led Day and Twilight Camps

• Mall Madness, Early Bird renewal member exclusive

New events are added regularly. For the latest listings and to register, visit gsnetx.org/events

2. Leadership Experience

Older Girls – Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors – can plan the whole campout. Leading a camp teaches Girl Scouts skills like: time management, organization, out-of-thebox thinking, and teamwork. Additionally, planning any event has some challenges, so a Girl Scout can learn to be a resilient problemsolver too.

3. Exploring the Outdoors and Role Models

Camp is always an exciting experience for younger Girl Scouts. Getting to pack your bag, sleep in a cabin, and help with food alongside your Girl Scout sisters isn’t something you get to do all the time. My troop is a multi-level troop and I learned a lot from the older girls that I use today.

4. Builds Punctuality and Responsibility

Because the Girl Scouts run the camp, the volunteers take the backseat on organization and schedule, it’s up to girls to stick to the schedule. Your volunteers will not come every five minutes to remind you that it is time for lunch or the next activity.

5. Make life-long memories

For me, memories are the most valuable part of troop camping; I will never forget the spring camp where it started raining hard; we were all drenched and couldn’t even light our campfire. It wasn’t easy, but everything becomes exciting when you are with your Girl Scout friends.

Book your troop campout through Ultracamp. You can find the link at gsnetx.org/camp

October

n Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters

Daisy | Brownie | Junior

Date/Time: October 14, 1:30pm

Location: Dallas Children’s Theater

Fee: $5*

Contact: program@gsnetx.org

An African villager named Mufaro has two daughters whom everyone agrees are beautiful. But, they have their differences. Manyara possesses a bad temper and is self-centered (but never in front of Mufaro). Nyasha is kind and considerate to people and to animals. When Mufaro learns that the King is in the process of meeting all of the most worthy and beautiful women in order to choose a wife, he decides that both of his daughters should go. Celebrate goodness, generosity, and love with traditional dancing, rhythmic drumming, and glorious African song. Based on the 1988 Caldecott Honor Award book. *A special Girl Scout workshop will be offered following the show for an additional $8.

n Space Explorer

Daisy

Date/Time: October 15, 9-11am

Location: The STEM Center at Camp Whispering

Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

3..2..1.. Lift off! Explore, observe, and venture through the solar system and discover that space is even bigger than you might have imagined! Design, create and build your own robotic craft to explore the surface of other planets.

n Space Adventures

Brownie

Date/Time: October 15, 9-11am

Location: The STEM Center at Camp Whispering

Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

3..2..1.. Lift off! Explore, observe, and venture through the solar system and discover that space is even bigger than you might have imagined! Design, create and build your own robotic craft to explore the surface of other planets.

n PJs and Pets North Dallas

Daisy | Brownie | Junior

Date/Time: October 21, 2pm

Location: JoAnn Fogg Service Center

Fee: $5

Contact: program@gsnetx.org

Pets are an important part of our families, but they are also a lot of work. Put on your PJs and come talk about how to care for the animals you love! Girls will complete the steps to earn their Animal badges including the NEW Daisy Animal Observer, Brownie Pets, and the refreshed Junior Animal Habitats.

n PJs and Pets Tyler

Daisy | Brownie | Junior

Date/Time: October 21, 2pm

Location: East Texas Regional Center

Fee: $5

Contact: program@gsnetx.org

Pets are an important part of our families, but they are also a lot of work. Put on your PJs and come talk about how to care for the animals you love! Girls will complete the steps to earn their Animal badges including the NEW Daisy Animal Observer, Brownie Pets, and the refreshed Junior Animal Habitats.

n PJs and Pets Southern Dallas

Daisy | Brownie | Junior

Date/Time: October 21, 2pm

Location: Southern Sector Service Center

Fee: $5

Contact: program@gsnetx.org

Pets are an important part of our families, but they are also a lot of work. Put on your PJs and come talk about how to care for the animals you love! Girls will complete the steps to earn their Animal badges including the NEW Daisy Animal Observer, Brownie Pets, and the refreshed Junior Animal Habitats.

n Cooler Jeweler

Junior

Date/Time: October 28, 9am-1pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $25

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Design, create, and bake beautiful lightweight earrings with fun shapes and colors out of polymer clay. Don’t forget to add outdoor activities like archery or giant swing to complete your adventure. Register at gsnetx.org/events

Curious about camp?

Come visit our camp properties this fall, meet our staff, enjoy outdoor activities, and ask questions to get your Girl Scout or Troop ready for Summer Camp or Troop Camping.

October

n Cooler Jeweler

Cadette

21

October 28

n Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday Bash

All Ages and Friends & Family

Date/Time: October 29, 10am

Location: Old City Park, Dallas

Fee: $10

Date/Time: October 28, 1:30 – 5:30 pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $25

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Design, create, and bake beautiful lightweight earrings with fun shapes and colors out of polymer clay. Don’t forget to add outdoor activities like archery or giant swing to complete your adventure.

n Bugs and Roses

Brownie

Date/Time: October 29, 9am-1pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $25

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Discover the various ecosystems as a scientist at the STEM Center by observing and recording various plants and animals. Girls earn the Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey.

Contact: program@gsnetx.org

Our founder Juliette Gordon Low grew up during the Victorian Era, so come take a tour with us through the Sullivan House at Dallas Heritage Village and learn how birthdays were celebrated in the late 19th century. It’s still a birthday party after all though; so, we’ll have cupcakes for you to decorate before ending with a tea party and crafts!

November

n Pumpkin Chunkin’ Camping Weekend

All Ages

Date/Time: November 3-5

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $50

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Fall fun flies again at the fan favorite camping weekend. Troops work together to build working trebuchets and launch pumpkins across the sports field.

n Virtual Program Aide Training

Cadette

Date/Time: November 7 & 14, 6pm

Location: Zoom

Fee: $5

Contact: program@gsnetx.org

This workshop is designed to help Cadettes earn their Program Aide award. Girls will engage in activities that allow them to practice their leadership and mentorship skills. This is a two-part workshop. Girls must attend both sessions (11/7 and 11/14) to earn their Program Aide.

n Native American Heritage Celebration

All Ages and Family & Friends

Date/Time: November 11, 10am

Location: Old City Park, Dallas

Fee: $5

Contact: program@gsnetx.org

Earn your Native American Heritage Month patch by joining us at Old City Park. There will be many activities where Girl Scouts and their families can learn about and celebrate the diverse Native American cultures, traditions, and histories.

n The Nutcracker Ballet

All Ages and Family & Friends

Date/Time: November 17, 7pm

Location: LeTourneau University, Longview

Fee: Varies

Contact: groups@NUTCRACKER.com

Don’t miss the enchanting holiday tradition, NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet. Gather

your troop for an unforgettable experience that will leave them mesmerized! Spark the joy of the season and inspire your girls with the timeless tale of Clara, and the Nutcracker Prince. Immerse them in the dazzling sets, breathtaking choreography, and a live orchestra, creating memories that will last a lifetime! Special pricing for groups of 10+ and meet-and-greets with a ballerina for groups of 25+.

Service Unit-hosted events confirmed in Carrollton/Farmers Branch (hosted by SU 405) November 4 and Plano (hosted by SU 151) December 8.

More Grand Prix events are being added! Check gsnetx.org/events for the latest.

Is your Troop or Service Unit interested in hosting your own Grand Prix event? Reach out to program@gsnetx.org for details.

Council-hosted Grand Prix event November 11 in Tyler.

n Girls’ Own Weekend: Woodworking

Senior | Ambassador

Date/Time: December 1-3

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $125

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Seniors and Ambassadors will spend the weekend at camp from Friday to Sunday to have a full MakeHer Space experience as well as two Outdoor Activities. Girl Scouts will learn basic woodworking skills and will then put them to the test by engineering their own woodworking project.

n Eat, Shop, Share

Cadette | Senior | Ambassador

Date/Time: December 2, 11:30am

Location: Allen

Fee: $5

Contact: program@gsnetx.org

Girls in grades 8-12 are invited to join the Girl Scout Leadership Institute as we share the Girl Scout Experience with our sister Girl Scouts by granting their holiday wish list items. We’ll meet at the Village at Allen for lunch and discussion about older girl programming. Then it’s off to shop for the gifts for our Girl Scout families. Location to meet for lunch will be provided in the confirmation email.

n Coding for Good 1, 2, & 3

Daisy

Date/Time: December 2, 9am-12pm

Location: The STEM Center at Camp Whispering

Cedars

Fee: $15

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Have you ever wondered what makes your favorite game or app work? Coding runs the digital world, and you can learn how to do it. Girl Scouts will earn their Coding for Good badge series.

n Eco Camper

Juniors

Date/Time: December 2, 9-11am

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

A Girl Scout leaves a place better than they found it. At this workshop, you’ll learn how to have minimal impact when camping and how to protect the environment every time you go outdoors.

n Ecological Studies

Cadette

Date/Time: December 2, 1:30-5:30pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Using an array of Vernier data probes and the TI-nspire calculators, you will be collecting and reporting data on the ecosystems of camp while learning what it takes to be a citizen scientist.

n Spinning Spirograph

Brownie

Date/Time: December 3, 9-11am

Location: The STEM Center at Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Art and math combine in this hands-on workshop! Girl Scouts will experiment with Spirograph gears of different shapes and sizes to create beautiful repeating patterns and learn about the math behind the art.

n Garden Guru

Junior

Date/Time: December 3, 1:30-3:30pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $12

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Get ready to get your hands dirty and learn about the fruits of the earth. Spend time in our Katherine G. Putrah Connected Botany Space and earn the Gardener Badge.

n Ceramic Pinch Pots

Brownie

Date/Time: December 9, 9am-12pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $15

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Our MakeHer space is ready to fulfil your DIY dreams! Come and learn different pottery skills and create your own project to take home.

n Ceramic Pinch Pots

Juniors

Date/Time: December 9, 2-5pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $15

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Our MakeHer space is ready to fulfil your DIY dreams! Come and learn different pottery skills and create your own project to take home.

n Script Showcasers

Cadette | Senior | Ambassador

Date/Time: December 9, 9am-1pm

Location: The STEM Center at Camp Whispering

Cedars

Fee: $25

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Block code is just the first step in learning coding skills. In this Journey, you will dive head-first into

HTML and JavaScript to code your very own tennis video game. This session is coding intensive, so come prepared to be a go-getter, problem-solver, and trouble-shooter. Girl Scouts will earn the Think Like a Programmer Journey. Girls will NOT earn the Take Action Project.

n Ecosystem Engineer

Brownie

Date/Time: December 10, 1:30-5:30pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $25

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Did you know that ants can make bridges to cross over water? Or that bird nests can keep their eggs safe even if the nest falls from the tree? Try to recreate these natural designs along with other engineering challenges in this journey. Girl Scouts will earn the Think Like an Engineer Journey.

n Ceramic Pinch Pots

Cadette

Date/Time: December 10, 9am-12pm

Location: Camp Whispering Cedars

Fee: $15

Contact: cwc@gsnetx.org

Our MakeHer space is ready to fulfil your DIY dreams! Come and learn different pottery skills and create your own project to take home.

Beginning-of-Year Troop Leader Checklist

Renew Girl Scout members and volunteers for the 2023 membership year.

Renew any remaining members who aren’t yet signed up for the 2024 year. Remember that the 2023 membership expires on October 1, and unregistered girls and volunteers aren’t eligible to participate after that date.

Complete your Troop Update.

Updating your troop information helps new members join Girl Scouts. You can add your troop to the Participation Catalog—our online listing of troops with open spots for girls or volunteers. The Participation Catalog helps families search for troops with open spaces by zip code. It also allows adults to see volunteer opportunities in their area and sign up to help.

gsnetx.org/troopupdate

Make sure all volunteers are renewed, have current eligible background checks for the year, and have completed required training:

• Troop leaders are required to take TR100: New Leader Training.

• All volunteers are required to take TR402: Protecting Our Girls every two years.

• At least one volunteer should be First Aid / CPR / AED certified through an approved vendor.

• If your troop is planning to go camping this year, at least one volunteer should be the appropriate level of Troop Camp Trained.

• Remember, the troop can decide that troop funds can pay for training.

gsnetx.org/training

Ask for help when you need it! Your Troop Support staff is here for you. Find them at gsnetx.org/staff.

Include your Girl Scout fam.

Check in with each of your troop families individually to start off the year. A quick call or text can go a long way. Host a parent/caregiver meeting, even if you’re a returning troop:

• Talk about their hopes for the year for their Girl Scouts.

• Update any paperwork like the annual GSNETX permission slip and health history form (available at gsnetx.org/safety).

• Ask for help and give specific tasks to people.

• Share the current financial status of the troop.

Open your troop up to additional members and help with recruitments.

Welcome each new family with a personal phone call or touch base to introduce yourself, get to know them, and find out what they’re looking to get out of Girl Scouts this year.

Featured Program Providers

We proudly partner with local businesses and organizations who are experts at delivering quality badge and patch earning programming for your Girl Scout or troop in a wide range of interest areas. Here are some highlights.

Old City Park

Various Saturday Workshops, book at gsnetx.org/oldcitypark or their website

Location: 1515 S Harwood St.

Dallas, TX 75215

Daisy - Outdoor Art Maker $10

Brownie - Outdoor Adventurer $10

Junior - Playing the Past $10

Farmer’s Branch Historical Park

Various Workshops, book at gsnetx.org/fbhistorical or their website

Location: 2540 Farmers Branch Ln. Farmers Branch, TX 75234

• Free Dia de Muertos event

November 2 6-9pm

• Historical Flag Program: $15, includes patch and caboose lapel pin

• Private Workshops: $15-$25/girl, includes supplies and badge

• Daisy, Outdoor Art Maker, Good Neighbor

• Brownie, Outdoor Art Creator, Celebrating Community, My Family Story

• Junior, Gardener, Flowers, Outdoor Art Explorer, Playing the Past, Social Butterfly, Inside Government

• Cadettes, Outdoor Art Apprentice

SpeeDe Oil Change and Auto Service

Location: 14014 Montfort Dr., Dallas TX, 25240

Contact: Korynn Barnett at korynnbarnett@ speedeeoilchangeautoservice.com or 469-671-4560

iCode

Various STEM Badge Workshops at different locations

Locations: McKinney, Plano, North Dallas, Frisco

• All PGLs – Coding for Good, Cybersecurity, STEM Career Exploration, Digital Leadership, Robotics, Space Science

• Junior, Digital Photographer, Entertainment Technology

• Cadettes, Digital Movie Maker

• Seniors, Website Designer

• Ambassador, Photographer

Save the Date

Zoo Day

September 16, 10am-2pm

Dallas Zoo

Fort Worth Zoo

Caldwell Zoo, Tyler

Join

Camp Whispering Cedars is going back to her roots!

Girl Scouts have been camping on the property for nearly 100 years. And while our STEM Center of Excellence has been shining bright since 2018, we want to remind everyone that camping is at the heart of this special place. So, don’t be surprised to see us referring to Camp Whispering Cedars for events this year and going forward!

New This Year

Girls’ Own Camping Weekends for Seniors and Ambassadors.

Empowering girls to embrace power tools!

Check in on Friday evening and check out on Sunday afternoon. In between? It’s all Girl Scout time. Pizza party, archery, ziplining, meal prep and making.

It’s a mini resident camp just for our older girls with a focus on building and woodworking.

September 15-18 and December 1-3

$125 all-inclusive

Get familiar with the tools in our MakeHer Space, decide what you want to build, research, design, and make a project to take home. No previous experience necessary. Register at gsnetx.org/events. Questions? Email cwc@gsnetx.org

6001 Summerside Drive | Dallas, TX 75252

972.349.2400 | gsnetx.org

SAVE THE DATE North Texas Giving Day 2023

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Support Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas this September during North Texas Giving Day. You and your network can help us champion the changemakers of tomorrow by:

Making a donation

Early giving begins September 1!

Creating a fundraising page

Support your Service Unit’s Family Partnership Campaign or create your own fundraising campaign to share with your friends, family and co-workers.

Visit www.gsnetx.org/ntgd to learn more and get started.

AmeriCorps Members:

• Serve their community by “Getting Things Done.”

• Deliver educational programs.

• Mentor girls to build skills in four areas: STEM, outdoors, life skills, and entrepreneurship.

• Use your unique skillset to make a difference in girls’ lives.

• Develop professional skills.

• Connect and develop a network in their local community.

Are you ready to serve at GSNETX? Want more information?