Link The Golden
The official publication of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. | Volume 47 Issue 5| Fall 2021
Adventure Park opens!
Now is the time to renew and get ready for an adventurous year
Raising Awesome Girls Kindness is her superpower Kids have heard that bullying isn’t OK, but what about flipping that message and making sure they’re specifically being kind? “Young people sometimes think they have to be popular–at any cost–to have power, but it’s important that we teach our kids about the power of kindness,” says Girl Scouts’ developmental psychologist Dr. Andrea Bastiani Archibald. “When you’re kind, not only do you get a boost of the brain chemical serotonin, which makes you feel happy and calm, but so does the person you’re being kind do and all the people who witnessed that act of kindness get that same rush of feelgood hormones. So by taking the effort to do the thoughtful or compassionate thing, your girl can influence the mindset of a whole group of people.” But it’s not enough to simply encourage our kids to be kind– we need to show them how. According to kids aged 9-11, the top reason they gave for not extending kindness to a kid who’s being picked on or left out is that they didn’t know what to do or say. So how can you be a kindness role model? Follow these three steps! 1. Give her the words There’s no doubt that your girl wants to be kind to others, but her mind might be at a loss when kind words are needed most. Talk her through some scenarios that might happen at school or in her social groups, and ask what she might say. If she’s having trouble coming up with something to say to someone who’s being bullied or who might feel lonely, practice these ice breakers that can be used in many different situations: • What they said wasn’t right. Are you OK? • Calling out bullying and checking in with people is a great way to show you care. • Come sit with us! • A simple invitation can do a world of good. • Hey, I really liked your [drawing/poem/science project– something specific to that kid]. • Showing people that you pay attention and value their talents or something different or special about them will make them (and you) feel good.
2. Set the bar Practice random acts of kindness, especially in front of your girl! Whether that’s getting a drive-through meal for a homeless person in your community, regularly checking in with a friend who’s going through a tough time, or offering to drive an elderly neighbor to the library, tell your girl about it and let her know why you’re taking action. Brightening someone else’s day isn’t just nice–it’s the right thing to do. 3. Call out kindness When someone does something nice for you or your family in front of your girl, identify it as an act of kindness by saying something like, “That was so kind. Thank you!” By pointing out kindness when it happens, you’ll let people know how much you appreciate their caring ways and show your girl a wide variety of ways she could be kind in the future. Above all else, remember that kindness–using compassionate words, being inclusive, and showing care through action–can and should start at home. Kids who are unkind at school are often treated unkindly by siblings at home, or are taught that some forms of unkindness are simply “teasing” which they should never be. By creating a loving, supportive, and kind home base for her, you’re already giving her a head start in being a super kind kid!
{
We want every girl to succeed. That’s why GSSJC is happy to bring you Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.’s Raising Awesome Girls, an online publication to help you and your Girl Scout answer questions, face challenges and find solutions to daily life. For more articles like this, visit www.girlscouts.org and find Raising Awesome Girls under the “For Adults” tab.
{
Introducing new tools designed with your feedback! Earning new badges is now more streamlined than ever. You spoke, and we listened. This year, volunteers, girls, and families shared their thoughts on the process for earning Girl Scout badges—and we made a few important changes that you’ll see in the new badges rolling out this summer.
Volunteer’s Guide to the My Cookie Customers Badge*
rs My Cookie Custome
Find tips and ideas
to help guide your
troop through this
Step 1: Learn about Girl Scout Cookies® 30–40 minutes • Ask: What do you already know about Girl Scout Cookies? Share: It’s much easier to sell when you know your product well! First, do some research on the different kinds of cookies, how much they cost, and what rewards you can earn. Look at Digital Cookie®/Smart Cookies® with an adult to learn about online selling.
business is Part of your cookie Find out how to meeting customers. and keep them get new customers
Choices—do one: ● Make flash cards. Instruct Brownies to use cookie packages or Digital Cookie/Smart Cookies to make their flash cards. Brownies then pair up, read the description card, and ask their partner to guess the cookie. Brownies take turns going through the cards. For a challenge, them show the cookie have name and ask their partner to describe it!
coming back!
Steps
● New badge booklets include a volunteer guide to help troop leaders plan and share badges with the troop.
Scout 1. Learn about Girl Cookies® your 2. Decide how to use
Materials: order cards, index cards, pencils, cookie packages ● Be a detective. Break Brownies into small teams. Have each group draw questions out of a hat to investigate. How many kinds of Girl Scout Cookies are there? Which are the most popular? How does Digital Cookie/Sma Cookies work? What rt are some of the cookie rewards? How can customers donate cookies? Have each group share what they uncovered. Try this: Play classic detective music!
cookie money 3. Find customers and make 4. Handle money change ers 5. Connect with custom
Materials: order cards, prepared questions, cookie packages; computers, smartphones, or tablets ● Make a notebook. Create a sample notebook using plain paper, a binder clip, and the front and back side of an empty cookie box (or any cardboard). Show Brownies how you put it together. Provide materials for them to make their own. Next, Brownies write the cookie and descriptions on names the pages. Materials: order cards, cookie boxes or any cardboard, plain paper, binder clips, scissors, writing and coloring supplies
Purpose
this badge, I will When I’ve earned new customers know how to find my cookie and talk to them about business.
Brownie *Detailed choice activities,
● Badge booklets include pages for Girl Scouts to print and use during activities.
meeting tools, and
additional resources
badge.
Step 2: Decide how to use money • 30–40 minutes your cookie
Ask: How would you like to use your earned cookie money? Share: Let’s brainstorm ideas for ways to use the troop’s cookie money and then vote on your favorite choice. Next, you’ll set a troop goal so that you can stay on track! Choices—do one: ● Draw a target. Model how to draw a target using a protractor (or cups, plates, and pot lids). Ask, “Which goal is the biggest? That one goes in the middle. Smaller goals can go in the outer rings.” Decide how many cookie packages Brownies will sell to help reach each goal. The outer ring should require fewer packages, and the center ring will need the most. Encourage Brownies to display their target at their cookie booth or have an adult share it online. Materials: protractors, plain paper or poster paper, writing and coloring supplies ● Come up with a cheer. Create two Brownie teams and give each the task of creating a cheer. One team can create a “Sales Update” cheer. The other can create a “Goal Reached!” cheer. Have the teams share their cheer and teach the other group. Try this: Encourage Brownies to record a video and share online with help from an adult! Materials: paper, pencils ● Make a personal goals stick. Brownies can draw pictures of their goals on one side of wooden paint stirrers, while the other side indicates the number of packages needed to reach that goal. A rubber band or thin ribbon tied into a tight bow can be used to track their goals. Materials: wooden paint stirrers, black marker, rubber bands or thin ribbons
Step 3: Find custome
rs • 20–30 minutes
Ask: Who are your customers? Share: People often say they didn’t buy Girl Scout Cookies because they were never and materials can
be found within the
Volunteer Toolkit
on my.girlscouts.org.
BROWNIE • My Cookie
● The enhanced Volunteer Toolkit now includes full badge overviews, new communication tools, and activities that are easier to follow and lead.
Customers | 1
Get to know each new badge in a fiveminute gsLearn introduction. Simply log in to myGS, click the gsLearn button, and search for “badge.”
What are the new badges and awards?
Cookie Business badges for each year of Girl Scouting
Math in Nature badges for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors
Digital Leadership badges for each level
2022 Global Action and World Thinking Day Awards
Test drive the new badges at girlscouts.org/newbadges
President of the Council and Chair of the Board Marguerite Woung-Chapman Chief Executive Officer Mary Vitek Chief External Affairs Officer Connie Chavez Visual Brand Manager Joanne Pastalaniec Mission Statement
Troop #134144 placing flags for Memorial Day. See more Scrapbook photos on page 32.
GSSJC: Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
Contents
DEIB Statement Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council fosters belonging and respect for all girls. We empower all girls, volunteers and staff to fulfill their potential and make the world a better place. Our Girl Scout Promise drives us to provide diverse, equitable and inclusive experiences where all girls, volunteers and staff are confident they belong. We stand firm in these commitments and united by these ideals.
Circulation The Golden Link is published four times a year. It has a circulation of more than 25,000. The Golden Link is also available online at www.gssjc.org. The Golden Link reaches 26 Texas counties: Angelina, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller and Wharton. To report address changes or if you have problems receiving The Golden Link call Customer Service at 713-292-0300.
Deadlines Deadline for submitting items is the first of the month two months prior to publication. GSSJC does not accept responsibility for unsolicited materials. Send news and photographs and Scrapbook photos to communications@sjgs.org.
Advertisements Advertising rates are available by calling 713-292-0314. Advertisements are accepted in good faith that all the information is correct. Acceptance of advertising does not reflect endorsement of services or goods by the Council.
The Golden Link is published by Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098 The Golden Link is also available to read online at www.gssjc.org/publications Copyright ©2021. All rights reserved.
Fall 2021
3 3
From the Top Shop News
Special Feature 4
Get Back to Girl Scouts!
Features 9
10 10 11 12
A conversation with Girl Scout great Stacy Methvin Success to Significance Thank you for standing with our girls! Fall Product Program Gold Award Girl Scouts
Fall Product Program page 11
Activities 13 General Activities 16 Backpacking 17 Fine Arts 20 Health 20 Highest Awards 21 Sailing 22 Sports 22 STEM 27 Target Sports 27 Travel
New! Visit gssjc.org/ fall for quick links to register for any activity featured in this issue of The Golden Link.
Columns 28 Adult Trainings 30 Philanthropy 32 Scrapbook 33 Girls Earn Highest Awards
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 3
Girl Scouts and summer camping – has there been a better pairing since mint and chocolate came together for Thin Mints??! This summer looked a little different at camp, but we were thrilled to see you back at Camp Agnes Arnold, Casa Mare and Misty Meadows Ranch. Girls enjoyed all the traditional summer camp activities, like swimming, archery, canoeing, Marguerite Wounghorseback riding and sailing. Chapman Others joined us in-person at day Chair of the Board and camps in the greater Houston area, President of the Council and still more attended our virtual camp sessions. No matter how you camped this summer, we hope you had a blast with us! As we go into August, our minds are on back-to-school season and on a new Girl Scout membership year. We are excited to see all of you get back to the Girl Scout activities you love, like camping, badge workshops and more. The Girl Scout experience wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers and Girl Scout donors who will kick off the year by making Girl Scouting a reality for all girls in our community. Your investment of time, talent and treasure will change the lives of girls and help them succeed at home, at school and in our communities. Much like this time last year, girls’ need for a sense of community is profound. And we know that Girl Scouts is uniquely positioned to offer that sense of community. We will be shifting safely back to more in-person opportunities while continuing to offer virtual ones to make activities accessible to everyone. And we can quickly pivot to local blended opportunities where members are ready to get outdoors, travel and more. We also know that our volunteers, most importantly our Community and troop volunteers, continue to need additional resources to be successful. And those resources need to be tailored to the wide spectrum of volunteers we serve, from the first year leader to the experienced/comfortable leader to the experienced/ overwhelmed leader. I can tell you that we are continuing to work on building and perfecting the resources you need. Right now as we welcome members back, the most important thing our volunteers can be for their girls is an anchor to community – to friendships, to a caring adult and to a place where their girls are always welcome when everything else in the world may be changing. As a reminder, the start of the membership year is also a good time to draw your parents in. Ask parents to assist with meetings or activities. We will provide the resources to help them and their invaluable assistance will help leaders focus on other things equally important to the Girl Scout experience. Girl Scouting will always be here for you and them. Finally, we are excited about the Fall Product Program that will start on Sept. 18. This program helps troops earn money that they can use all year. Plus, it helps girls earn entrepreneurship skills. Have you seen the new tin for this year?! Learn more at gssjc.org/fallproduct. I hope you are looking forward to a year full of fun and achievements for our girl members as much as I am. None of it could happen without dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers. Thank you for all you do to make it happen!
From the
TOP
4
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
Fall Shop Hours Program Place for Girls 3000 Southwest Freeway, Houston 713-292-0247 Sun. & Mon. Close Tue. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. TH. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Imperial Valley 15800 Imperial Valley Dr., Houston 281- 447-8870 Sat., Sun., Mon. Close Tue. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. TH. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Lufkin 1202 College Drive, Lufkin 936-634-4688 Sat., Sun., Mon. Close Tue. & Th. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Beaumont 700 North Street, Suite F, Beaumont 409-832-0556 Ext. 1500 Sat., Sun., Mon. Close Tue. Wed., Th. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Westside (curbside pickup only) 531 FM 359 South, Brookshire 281- 822-4250 Wed. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Stafford 12300 Parc Crest, Ste 170, Stafford 281-670-5982 Sun. & Mon. Close Tue. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wed. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. TH. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bay Area 1300 A Bay Area Blvd., Ste. 106, Houston 281-282-6077 Sun. & Mon. Close Tue. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wed. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. TH. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cypress/Jersey Village 19708 Northwest Freeway, Suite 100, Jersey Village 346-818-3227 Sun. & Mon. Close Tue. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. TH. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Shop online at gssjc.org.
Hours may alter due to weather. Call before traveling long distances.
New Leader Must-Knows!
Are you a new Girl Scout leader? Here are some things you need to know for the next few months.
1
Join the GSSJC Online Community! Looking for an easy place to connect with other new troop leaders across the council, get resources and find the latest news? Visit gssjc. org and click on Online Community. Use your MyGS login to access groups. As a troop leader, you will automatically be added to the group relevant to your troop’s program level.
2
Our Fall Product Program is a great way for troops and groups to earn start-up funds for their year! This money can help pay for workshops, camping trips and more. The Fall Product Program starts Sept. 18 - join us! For more details, visit gssjc.org/fallproduct.
3
Celebrate Founder’s Day! October 31 is Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday. Many troops choose to celebrate with a birthday party. Some also complete service projects related to breast cancer awareness, the disease that ultimately took Juliette's life.
4
See you at the Fall Volunteer Conference. This annual event is a great way for new and seasoned leaders to get ideas for troop meetings. This year’s event takes place Nov. 12 -14 – see more information in this issue and register to attend by visiting gssjc.org/events and searching Fall Volunteer Conference.
Back to Girl Scouting A new membership year is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited to get back to Girl Scouting with you. In this issue of The Golden Link, we’ll share some of the things that make Girl Scouts…Girl Scouts! From traditions we’ve practiced for more than a century and ceremonies your Girl Scout might take part to a quick look at how to use the Volunteer Toolkit to manage troop meetings, you’ll find everything you need to get to know Girl Scouts.
Our History: The Vision of Juliette Gordon Low Juliette Gordon Low envisioned an organization that would prepare girls to meet their world with courage, confidence, and character. In 1912, in the midst of the Progressive Era—and at a time when women in the United States couldn’t yet vote—this nearly deaf 51-year-old sparked a worldwide movement inspiring girls to discover their individuality, strength and intellect together with other girls. Juliette, affectionately known as “Daisy” by her family and close friends, gathered 18 girls in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia, to share what she had learned abroad about a new outdoor and educational program for youth, and with this, the Girl Scout Movement was born. Along with Juliette, these first Girl Scouts blazed trails and redefined what was possible for themselves and for girls everywhere. They played basketball. They hiked, swam, and camped. They learned to read the world around them—for instance, by studying a foreign language and telling time by the stars. They shared a sense of curiosity and a belief that they could do anything. But most importantly, just like Girl Scouts across the country and around the globe today, they offered a helping hand to those in need and worked together to improve their corner of the world. That small gathering of girls Juliette Gordon Low hosted over a century ago has grown into a global movement in which all girls can see themselves reflected—and that today includes 2.5 million Girl Scouts (1.7 million girls and 750,000 adults) and 50 million alums in the United States and 10 million girls and adults in 152 countries united across distance and decades by lifelong friendships, shared adventures, and the desire to do big things to make the world a better place. Want to know more? Head to girlscouts.org/history.
Girl Scout Days Special Days in Girl Scouting— All Year Long! Throughout the year, girls and adults celebrate some very special days in Girl Scouting. •
•
•
•
October 31: Juliette Gordon Low's birthday, or Founder's Day, marks the birth in 1860 of Girl Scouts of the USA founder in Savannah, Georgia. February 22: World Thinking Day celebrates the birthdays of Girl Guide/Girl Scout founder Robert, Lord Baden-Powell (1857–1941) and World Chief Guide Olave, Lady Baden-Powell (1889–1977). On this day, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides all over the world celebrate the diversity of our movement and learn about various countries and cultures as we remember our Girl Scout and Girl Guide sisters worldwide. March 12: Girl Scouts’ birthday commemorates the day in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low officially registered the organization's first 18 girl members in Savannah, Georgia. The week that contains March 12 is called Girl Scout Week. During this week, members also celebrate their faith on Girl Scout Sunday, Girl Scout Jummah, and Girl Scout Sabbath. April 22: Girl Scout Leader's Day honors all the volunteers who work as leaders and mentors in partnership with girls. On this day, girls, their families, and communities find special ways to thank their adult Girl Scout volunteers.
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 5
Special Feature
Girl Scout Ceremonies Ceremonies help Girl Scouts mark special events throughout the year, such as bridging to another level, earning a National Leadership Journey award, or getting a Girl Scout pin. Ceremonies can commemorate accomplishments or add something special to the beginning or end of a group's meeting. Girls can plan a ceremony around a theme, such as friendship or nature, and express themselves in words or song. Whatever its purpose, every Girl Scout ceremony helps girls share in Girl Scout history and traditions—and create their own special memories. Important Ceremonies in Girl Scouting • Bridging ceremonies mark a girl's move from one level of Girl Scouting to another. • Flag ceremonies can be part of any activity that honors the American flag. • A Fly-Up is a bridging ceremony for Girl Scout Brownies bridging to Girl Scout Juniors. Girls receive the Girl Scout pin along with their Brownie wings. • Founder's Day or Juliette Gordon Low's Birthday, October 31, is a time to remember the important role Juliette Low played in the growth of the Girl Scout Movement in the United States. • Girl Scout Birthday ceremonies can be held on or near March 12, the date Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouting in the United States. • A Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award ceremony honors Girl Scouts who have earned these special awards and is usually held at the troop/group level or combined with council recognition. • Girl Scouts' Own is a girl-planned program that lets girls explore their feelings around a topic, such as friendship or the Girl Scout Promise and Law, using spoken word, favorite songs, poetry, or other forms of expression. It is never a religious ceremony. • Investiture welcomes new members—girls and adults— into the Girl Scout family for the first time. Girls receive their Girl Scout, Girl Scout Brownie, or Girl Scout Daisy pin at this time. • Journey ceremonies honor Girl Scouts who have earned the final award along a Journey. The ceremonies are usually held at the troop/group level and invite girls to develop a themed celebration of their Journey, often including friends and family. • Court of Awards is a special ceremony recognizing girls’ accomplishments. Girls are presented with their badges, year pins, and other recognitions earned during the year. Volunteers may also be recognized during the ceremony. The Court of Awards can be held anytime during the year, at any location, and as often as the troop wants. • Opening ceremonies start the Girl Scout meeting. • Pinning ceremonies help celebrate when girls receive grade-level Girl Scout pins. • Rededication ceremonies are an opportunity for girls and adults to renew their commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
6
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
Tips for Holding Ceremonies • • •
• • •
Devote sufficient time for planning the ceremony. Good ceremonies have a clear purpose and enrich the meaning and mood of the event. Use Journey adult guides and The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting to help girls plan their ceremonies. Take safety precautions when using candles or fire, or when the girls construct bridges or platforms. Refer to Volunteer Essentials and the Safety Activity Checkpoints (available at gssjc.org) for specific advice. Add personal elements to traditional ceremonies. Use favorite poems, songs, stories, and sayings, or have the girls write something new. Consider the role of colors and symbols that the girls might use in their ceremony. Observe flag etiquette during flag ceremonies.
Girl Scout Traditions: Bridging Ceremonies Bridging is an important transition in a Girl Scout's life. In simple terms, bridging is when a Girl Scout moves up a level, from Daisies to Brownies or from Brownies to Juniors, for example. Bridging occurs at every level of Girl Scouting and, something you may not know, there isn’t a level where a girl officially becomes a Girl Scout – she is always one. But bridging is about more than just moving up a level in our program. It's a defining moment when a girl becomes aware of her achievements and is ready for new adventures and responsibilities. Many troops or even Communities host bridging ceremonies for their troops moving up a level. Celebrating this change should be fun, personalized and memorable for everyone involved. To signify the act of bridging, some troops or Communities have or find an actual bridge for girls to walk across. No matter what the ceremony looks like, it should be designed by the girls in true partnership with adults. Bridging ceremonies usually take place at the beginning or end of the Girl Scout year and can have three parts: • Opening: Guests are welcomed and the tone is set. • Main section: The ceremony is explained and the girls celebrate moving from one level to the next. • Closing: Girls can participate in friendship circles and thank their guests. • Each of the ceremony's parts offers plenty of room for the girls' creativity and individuality. The ceremony should always focus on paying tribute to Girl Scouts as they move forward. Is your Girl Scout moving up a level this fall? Talk to your troop leader about the troop’s bridging ceremony, including how you might be able to help!
Features
Girl Scout Traditions: Flag Ceremonies A flag ceremony honors the American flag as the symbol of our country and all the hopes, dreams, and people it represents. If your group includes girls from other countries, invite them to honor their flags too, and together conduct an international flag ceremony. Flag ceremonies may be used for: • Opening or closing meetings • Opening or closing special events • Beginning or closing a day • Honoring a special occasion or special person • Retiring a worn flag Flag ceremonies may take place in meeting rooms, outdoor settings, large auditoriums, onstage, or even on horseback. The American flag is carried by a color guard for protection during a flag ceremony. All flag ceremonies share one thing— respect for the flag. Flag Ceremony Guidelines Keep it simple. Emphasis needs to be on respect for the flag rather than on the commands or techniques. Adults can ask girls these questions when planning: • Who will carry the flag? • Who will the color guards be? • Who will give the directions for the ceremony? • What song will you sing? Who will sound the pitch and start the song? • Will a poem or quotation be included? Who will say or read it? • After the Pledge of Allegiance, will the Girl Scout Promise and Law be said? • What order will the ceremony follow? • When will the group practice? • Where will the flags be placed at the end of the ceremony?
Possible Commands for a Flag Ceremony • • • • • • • •
"Girl Scouts, attention." Used to announce that the flag ceremony is to begin. "Color guard, advance." Signals the color guard to advance with the flags or advance to pick up the flags. "Color guard, post the colors." Directs the color guard to place the flag in flag standards or to attach the grommets to a flag pole rope. "Color guard, honor your flag." Signals the color guard to salute the American flag. "Please join us in saying the Pledge of Allegiance." After saying the pledge, include an appropriate song, quotation, or poem, if so desired. "Color guard, retire the colors." Prompts the color guard to remove the flag from standards or to lower the flag, detach it from the rope, and fold it prior to being dismissed. "Color guard, dismissed." Prompts the color guard to leave in formation, with or without the flag. "Girl Scouts, dismissed." Indicates girls may leave in formation or be at ease where they have been standing.
Terms Used in a Flag Ceremony • • •
The color bearer (or flag bearer) is the person who carries the flag. There is one color bearer for each flag used in the ceremony. The color guard is a team that guards the flags. Any even number of guards may be used, but usually four or six girls are sufficient. The Girl Scout in charge (or caller) is a designated Girl Scout who announces or calls each part of the ceremony. Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 7
Girl Scout Traditions We Love: Spotlight on Service
Service is a cornerstone of Girl Scouting. Around Thanksgiving and into December, troops often opt to do an activity that allows them to better their community. It ranges from collecting food for local food banks leading up to Thanksgiving to visiting retirement homes and singing holiday songs for residents. Girl Scouting’s commitment to service is part of our roots and goes much deeper than a one-time activity though. It’s something built into our mission: we teach girls how to make the world a better place. Here are a few key ways that happens in Girl Scouting.
The Volunteer Toolkit is your official source for delivering easy, fun troop meetings year-round! This fully customizable digital planning tool is accessible on any computer, tablet, or mobile device and provides you with Girl Scout program content, award requirements, and other resources. Girls have more fun when they can shape their own experience, do hands-on activities, and work together as teams. With the Volunteer Toolkit, take the guess work out of planning and spend more time exploring topics with girls! To access the Volunteer Toolkit, visit gssjc.org and click on MyGS to log into your Girl Scout account.
Service Projects Service projects are one-time acts that allow a girl to better her community. They’re often planned by the troop, independent of any badgework, as a way to teach girls how to give back from a young age. In addition, Girl Scout Communities (a local network of troops within your geographical area) might plan larger service projects for all troops to join at the holidays. They might also collect donations at weekend campouts. Girl Scouts are always looking for ways to give back!
Through the Volunteer Toolkit, troop leaders can: • Plan the troop’s calendar year. • Email parents with one click. • View the troop roster, renew girls’ membership, and update girls' contact information. • View Daisy through Ambassador Journeys and badges (to plan for troop meetings), including prepopulated tracks for younger and older Multi-Level troop groups (K–5 and 6–12). • Customize meetings by troop year with other badge and Journey options. • Explore individual meeting plans that show a breakdown of every meeting, including a list of materials needed and editable time allotments for each activity within a meeting. • Record girls’ attendance at meetings and their badge and Journey achievements. • Add council or custom troop events to the troop’s calendar. • Enter the troop’s finances. • Easily locate both national and local council resources, such as Safety Activity Checkpoints.
Take Action Projects Take Action projects take the idea of service one step further. They are a chance for girls to partner with others in their community to solve a problem. Girls learn about getting to the root causes of issues, mobilizing and engaging community members and volunteers and striving toward creating lasting change in their world. An important component is to understand and address the cause of a problem. Girls must also make sure each project is sustainable and that the impact is measurable. These are often tied to Journey Awards girls earn as part of demonstrating the new skills they have learned. Highest Awards Girls who enjoy finding sustainable solutions to problems in their community are primed to earn Girl Scouting’s three highest honors: the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Juniors are eligible to earn the Bronze Award, Cadettes the Silver Award and Seniors and Ambassadors the Gold Award. Earning this honor is a type of Take Action project, but rather than working with her entire troop a girl works with a smaller team (Bronze and Silver) or independently (Gold) to solve a problem in her community. Less than five percent of girls who join Girl Scouts will earn the Gold Award, making it the most prestigious honor in our organization. Through each of these service opportunities, today’s girls keep alive Juliette’s dream of girls working together to make the world a better place – and that’s a tradition well worth preserving.
See page 33 for pictures of girls' service projects.
8
Troop Leaders: Get to know the Volunteer Toolkit
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
What about Parents? • Parents can now access the Volunteer Toolkit to see what their girl’s troop or group is doing (e.g, meeting information and which badges and Journeys she is working on). • Parents can also view the troop’s finances.
A conversation with Girl Scout great Stacy Methvin A positive experience as a Girl Scout in elementary school paired with a strong commitment to girl leadership led to many rewarding volunteer experiences and meaningful giving for former Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) president and chair of the board Stacy Methvin. “Volunteering has been more rewarding for me than my impact on the Girl Scouts,” says Methvin. “Besides just feeling good to see girls excel and have so much fun, smiling from ear to ear, it’s a great way to fulfill your life.” When asked what she believes to be the most important skill that Girl Scouting teaches girls Methvin, who is retired from a successful career at Shell, says, “Hands down, confidence. Girls - and women - often struggle with it but in Girl Scouts they get to build that confidence as they’re earning badges, going to camp, talking in front of a big group or standing in front of strangers as they sell cookies, as well as learning to deal with disappointment.” Another benefit, according to Methvin, is that while they build confidence girls are encouraged to explore career paths where females are traditionally under represented like STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). “Life took me into the energy industry where there weren’t many women. To get more women into the industry we must reach them when they’re younger, in elementary or middle school. Girl Scouting is a great way to do that and learn more about what’s going on with today’s girls so we can support them.”
Stacy and Dee take the inaugural zip line from the new Adventure Park at Camp Agnes Arnold.
Methvin, who admits she doesn’t give her volunteer hours easily and is picky about the organizations and projects she chooses, sees Girl Scouts as a great opportunity to develop girls in ways they aren’t always developed in school. “Special qualities and intellect are distributed Stacy and Dee Methvin equally, but opportunities to develop them are not,” says Methvin. “Girl Scouts reaches out across the socioeconomic spectrum and offers that opportunity to girls who are ready for it, regardless of a families’ ability to pay.” The ability to make a difference and pay it forward is also what motivated Methvin to remain involved in Girl Scouting beyond her years as council president and board chair. Methvin has been involved with various projects and initiatives since she finished her term as council president. Her most recent role was as chair of the Ten Year Property Strategy Committee, which is responsible for developing the council’s investment plan for the camps. This strategy led to Methvin Chairing the Master Plan development for the council’s integrated camp property in Conroe, Texas, often referred to as Treelake. It was this work that led to recent developments at Camp Agnes Arnold, including the new Hamill Welcome Center, and a recently unveiled Adventure Park which was made possible thanks to the generosity of Methvin and her husband Dee. The Adventure Park features two 300-foot ziplines with a challenge course comprised of 29 adventurous elements including a swinging bridge, horse ride, catwalk, loop crossing, barrel bridge, DNA bridge, skyak, tube crawl, taco net and more. Complete with two thrilling levels, the challenge course welcomed girls back to in-person resident camp this summer and has already provided girls with lifelong memories and feelings of accomplishment as they overcame fears, reached new heights and cheered on team members to help them finish the course. Methvin is excited about being able to offer girls in San Jacinto Council the opportunity to experience a challenge course of this caliber because it will help get girls outdoors. “When I look back on when I grew most in my life, it was always through outdoor experiences. When I think about where I was shaping my personality and gaining confidence but really just having a great time, it was in the great outdoors. These adventures were so important to my success and my life, that I want to entice girls to get outdoors as well,” says Methvin. "I want to make sure troop leaders and families know about it! A lot of times, people don’t think they can come to Girl Scout camp and get something unique, but they can- sailing, horseback riding, and now this Adventure Park! I want people to see Girl Scouts as relevant and something special, not a thing of the past.” Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 9
Thank you for standing with our girls!
As summer turns to fall, and we reflect on the changes we’ve all been through this past year and a half, we are grateful to you, our friends and supporters, for ensuring our girls have what they need to thrive during tough times. In this extraordinary chapter in history, Girl Scouting is more important than ever. Being a Girl Scout provides girls with a sense of belonging and a safe place to make friends, have fun, and gain critical life skills. In addition to being a touch point with other girls during an uncertain time, our one-of-a-kind leadership development program for girls has proven results. Every activity we offer is based on time-tested methods and research-backed programming that help girls take the lead – in their own lives and in the world. The experiences girls have in Girl Scouting are proven to cultivate values, social conscience, self-esteem, resiliency and much more. Your support makes this possible! We know there are families who continue to face financial uncertainty and that financial aid is needed by many. We believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to be a Girl Scout, and we hope you do too. As you start to consider your year-end giving, we hope you will make a gift to Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. Your investment supports our girls as they develop resilience, perseverance and strength, while living out their commitment to a vow they made when they first put on their Girl Scout Uniform: “…to make the world a better place.” Visit gssjc.org/donate or contact Nancy Hall at nhall@sjgs.org or 713-292-0282.
For ticket and sponsorship information go to gssjc.org/s2s. 10 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
It’s time for the Fall Product Program! September 18 – November 14 Our Fall Product Program is about to start! Don’t miss out on your daughter’s chance to participate in the Fall Product Program. Beginning September 18, go to www.gsnutsandmags.com/gssjc or click on the link from the council website. Follow the instructions in the 2021 Fall Product Family Guide to get your Girl Scout set up on the system. Please make sure to get online and help your Girl Scout create her Me2™ (an avatar customized to resemble herself). Send emails through the site to friends and family inviting them to shop online and bask in our delicious treats. Help your Girl Scout be successful at reaching her personal and troop goals. It’s a fantastic Sell 55+ items to earn me! way to earn funds for the troop. Troops typically earn an average of about $800. Each troop will be selling nuts and candy from Ashdon Farms and magazine subscriptions from M2 Media. To get started, contact the troop’s fall product manager to get an order card. If your Girl Scout cannot begin on September 18, she may participate in the program anytime before November 14. Your Girl Scout’s Me2™ avatar will be part of her troop’s online photo. By sending 18+ emails and selling 3+ magazines and 35+ Nut/chocolate items during the fall program, she will earn a personalized patch with her name and Me2™ on it. She can choose a harbor view or research expedition for the background of her patch. She can also choose to be in a pink or green snowsuit. Plus, when she sells 250+ packages in the 2022 Cookie Program she will qualify for the special Cookie Crossover patch. Don’t miss out on all the fun! This program is easy, fun and a wonderful way to earn startup funds for your troop! Questions? • First contact your troop leadership team to find out how your troop is participating. • Your Community also has a volunteer Community fall product manager than can help you throughout the program, or you can contact GSSJC at fallproduct@sjgs.org. • For more information on how your Girl Scout can participate, go to community.gssjc.org/community. Then select the Fall Product – Troop group. Look at what our girls accomplished last year! • Fall Product Program 2020 • 189,256 total items sold • 5,938 girls participated • $381,854 earned by troops • 25.04 average items sold per girl
Why the Fall Product Program is Important • Girls learn important business and life skills like money management and goal setting. • It’s a great way to earn money for the troop! The average proceeds a troop can earn are between $300 - $800. • If girls can’t begin the sale on Sept. 18, they can continue to join the program at anytime before Nov. 14. What is new this year? • New flavor! Sweet and Salty Mix – Honey roasted peanuts, XL Virginia peanuts, pretzels, honey sesame sticks, honey roasted cashews, cashews and almonds. Yum! • New Girl Scout collectible tin showcases a Girl Scout uniform from Daisy to Brownie to Junior to Cadette with each turn of the tin filled with tasty Mint Treasures. See more information on the back cover of this issue!
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 11
Gold Award Girl Scouts The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting; it recognizes girls in grades 9-12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects. Since 1916, girls have successfully pursued the highest award, an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their communities and the world. Jana Albustami worked with her troop and the Iman Academy Southeast Elementary School to install recycling bins around the Iman Academy school in Webster. Jana also hosted three recycling workshops for elementary students that helped share resources and information about the importance of recycling, and the overall impact it has on global water and air pollution.
Ruthanne Martin observed how poverty in the Dominican Republic was related to lack of trade schools and skills. She approached this problem at the school level by teaching children in the villages how to make bracelets from T shirts. This is a skill that could provide jobs for them in the future. Dominican Republic is a tourist country, so the students could sell the bracelets to tourists to make money.
Nerissa Alvarez started The E-Mavs News Club at YES Prep Southwest to create a digital newsletter for YES Prep Southwest staff and families. Nerissa noted that paper newsletters were always discarded and thrown away, wasting both resources and production time. To streamline the process, Nerissa began a digital newsletter that includes real life issues, news, and even entertaining activities for readers.
Madelyn Szynal noted that there would be a significant shortage of pilots in the upcoming years worldwide due to the pandemic and decided to teach others about aviation. Together with her volunteers and the Lonestar Flight Museum, Madelyn was able to host three separate aviation workshops. Additionally, she hosted an Aviation Education Day to help others explore and learn more about aviation.
Emma Hamilton noted the lack of resources and information on mental health her school supplied to both teachers and students. Emma remodeled and installed new furniture in the teacher’s lounge of her local school and included posters and hand-written notes for teachers to help remind them how much they are appreciated. Additionally, Emma held a guided meditation with almost 100 students to help teach them how to deal with stress and anxiety. Anjali Kadur addressed the root cause of the decline of reading and cultural awareness by starting a book club with children from ages 11-13 to promote 20 min of reading a day. Anjali created passports for nine countries on a website with information on their food, holidays, and flag. In each of the books as well, there was a cultural resemblance to the country of the month. Meetings were held every week during the school year.
12 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
Madeline Vanlandingham worked with several organizations to address air pollution and quality through a community workshop with expert speakers. Additionally, Madeline led volunteers to plant trees near benches and play areas in the Willow Waterhole community area. Madeline was motivated to take on this project by her own passion for reducing carbon footprints and teaching others about the importance of greener living.
Girl and Troop Activities
Register for events under the My Events tab in my Account. Go to gssjc.org and select MyGS, log in at the top right corner, next click My Events in the left-hand menu. If you have a question about your activity, contact 713-292-0370 or 1-800-392-4340. If you have a problem with your login, contact Customer Service at 713-292-0300 or registration@sjgs.org. Bring: For all events, bring Permission Slip F-204 and Medical Form F-185 for each girl and the Adult Emergency Form F-22 for each adult. Attention Daisy Leaders! Look for the Daisy in this section for activities that Daisies can attend.
Visit gssjc.org/ fall for quick links to register for any activity featured in this issue of The Golden Link.
Look for this symbol in indicate a virtual program offering.
Junior Savvy Shopper Badge Workshop
Food and water, clean clothes, a place to live are things everyone needs. A closet full of shoes, a new desk, tickets to a movie are things people want. Girls will investigate why they want what they want, learn to decide what to buy and find out what makes people happy with what they buy. Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:
ⓙ
Sept. 18, 10 a.m. – noon Program Place, Houston $18/girls, free for adults Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org
Cadette Budgeting Badge Workshop
General Activities Older Girls R Expressive
Learn all the extraordinary things offered beyond the troop for older Girl Scouts! This annual event is being taken virtual so we can reach girls from across our 26 counties! Sign up and log on to learn about unique older-girl programming and more. Hear a sneak peek about our Special Interest Groups (astronomy, robotics, horseback riding, sailing, archery, dance, riflery, and backpacking). Later, enter breakout rooms and be led in activities or see awesome demos for specific topics, like an interest group, how to take leadership of your Girl Scout experience, Highest Awards, or other engaging topics and activities. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ When: Sept. 18, 9:30 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual Cost: Free; Plus free swag bags! Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0300
Community Service
Are you and your troop eager to find ways to better your community? Whether you are looking to earn your Community Service Bar or just looking to give back, there are numerous ways to contribute meaningful efforts to your community. While you are at it, community service can also help sharpen your problem-solving skills and expand your definition of philanthropy. If you would like a list of community service opportunities and organizations, please contact gscommserv@sjgs.org. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Cadettes would you like to make your first big purchase? Would you like to plan a trip with your friends but have no idea where to start? Learn how to budget and save to make your wants a reality. Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:
ⓒ
Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – noon Girl Scout Center, Houston $18/girl, free for adults Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org
Adventure Park
Have you explored the new Adventure Park at Camp Agnes Arnold? We can’t wait for you to join us for some highadventure fun! Registration for the Adventure Park will open soon, with spots with spots available for troops who are camping at Camp Agnes Arnold or Misty Meadows Ranch. Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ (must be 9 years old) Where: Camp Agnes Arnold When: Dates TBD, 9 – 11 a.m.; noon – 2 p.m.; 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Cost: $25/girl Contact: Dejah Covick, dcovick@sjgs.org, 713-292-0312 Note: Limited space for adult “watchers” will be available each session. Climbers must be 9 years old to participate.
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 13
Weekend Camp Activities Is your troop camping at one of our GSSJC properties this fall? Are you interested in doing some fun camp activities (or “Camptivities”) while you’re there? Registration for activities at camp through February 2022 will be available only to troops camping at that location. Starting in September, troop/ groups with camp reservations booked will receive an email with guidance on activity availability and activity registration timing. Activity costs are listed below. Please note that not all activities will be available every weekend at every camp. Letterboxing / Geocaching - Free! (Clues are on the Camping Central Online Community: https://community.gssjc.org/ Community/home?tid=20) Service Projects - Free! (Ask the ranger to pull a project from the “Job Jar” at check in! Or, contact the Outdoor Experience Department if you’d like to plan a specific service project.) Archery - $10 / person ($3 / person if your group provides its own archery instructor) Swimming (Pool) - $10 / person ($3 / person if your group provides its own lifeguard) Canoeing / Kayaking / Corcling - $10 / person ($3 / person if your group provides its own small craft instructor) Riflery - $10 / person ($3 / person if your group provides its own riflery instructor) Nature Center Workshops - $10 / person Adventure Course - $25 / person
Spark Events
Is your troop new to camping? Let us Spark your troop’s joy for the outdoors! Bring your troop for a day or overnight at camp and let us plan some of your Saturday activities and meals. Trained staff will facilitate up to three troop-choice events and provide two meals so you can focus on creating a great first troop camping experience for your girls. Price is per person. Lunch and Dinner Saturday are included. Groups must register at least 8 participants. How to get started: • Have one or two troop volunteers complete Camping and Overnight Basics (COB) online training • Register online for your troop’s preferred Spark date and location • Decide with your girls if you want to do day-only or overnight camping • Book your camping with Customer Service (steps provided in COB training) Who: Troops who have little or no camping experience Where: Camp Agnes Arnold, Camp Robinwood Cost: $55/girl, $25/adult Note: Overnight accommodations (campsite) not included with your event registration. At least one Camping and Overnight Basics (COB) trained adult and one First Aider must accompany your troop at this event. Camp Agnes Arnold Dec. 18: Holiday Lights Jan. 15: Wacky Winter Wizards Feb. 19: World Thinking Day Camp Robinwood Dec. 11: Holiday Lights Jan. 22: Wacky Winter Wizards Feb. 26: World Thinking Day
Love, Hug, & Groom - $6 / person Troop Horseback Riding - $25 / person
Songs and Games in the Online Community! https://community.gssjc.org/Community/ home?tid=30&pid=296
Songs and games have been a part of Girl Scouting for over a century. Did you know you can find a collection of some favorite songs and games in the Online Community, including the GSSJC camp songs! Thi ssite includes more than just the lyrics; be sure to click on the song titles to hear the song being sung - or, in some cases, to watch a video with the hand motions! Any Requests? Trying to remember the words to that song you learned at camp a few years ago? Or that game you played at Adult Weekend? If you would like us to add any particular songs or games to this page, or if you (or your troop) are interested in recording songs, drop a note on the discussion page, or email kelliott@sjgs.org!
14 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
Make an Ornament for the GSSJC Christmas Tree
Get in the holiday spirit by participating in GSSJC’s Christmas tree at the Houston Museum of Natural Science! It is free to view the trees, so girls can visit the tree and try to spot their ornament. Ornaments should fit this year’s theme (“Spirit of Girl Scouts”) and full details will be available online by October 1 with more theme information and instructions on submitting. Who: All levels When: Submit Oc.t 1 – Nov. 22, tree display dates TBA Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Financial Literacy Workshops
Are you interested in learning how money works? Do you enjoy learning about what money can be used for, what budgets are and how to make more money? You’re invited to dive into the world of Financial Literacy through completion of these workshops. Create your own budget and earn badges! Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org Workshop Daisy Money Counts Leaf Workshop Brownie Philanthropist Badge Workshop Cadette Comparison Shopping Badge Workshop Daisy Making Choices Leaf Workshop Brownie Money Manager Badge Workshop Junior Business Owner Badge Workshop Senior Buying Power Badge Workshop Ambassador On My own Badge Workshop
Date and Time Sept. 10 – 12, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Sept. 10 – 12, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Sept. 10 – 12, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Sept. 17 – 19, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Sept. 17 – 19, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Sept. 17 – 19, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Sept. 17 – 19, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. July 23 – 25, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
Daisy Making Choices: There are things we need and there are things we want. Both cost money! Lets find out the difference. Daisy Money Counts: Daisies, did you know that you can use money to buy things such as a new toy or new books? Did you also know that you can use money to help people too? Find out all about money. Earn your Daisy "Money Count's" leaf. Brownie Philanthropist Badge Workshop: Girl Scouts make the works a better place. One way to do that is to make sure everyone's basic needs are met. In this badge, girls will explore basic human needs and how they can be philanthropists. Brownie Money Manager: Money helps us buy things we need, like food and clothes. Money also helps us buy things that we want like video games and movie tickers! Learn the difference between wants and needs in this badge. Junior Business Owner: Do you have a passion for fashion? Are you kooky about cooking? Or maybe you’re just wild about animals. With this badge, you'll find out that it’s possible to turn something you love into a successful business!
GSSJC Gay Straight Alliance Interest Group
GSSJC's Gay-Straight Alliance serves to empower and educate scouts surrounding LGBTQ+ issues. We will lead inclusive, engaging, and educational programming in order to create Queer and allied leaders within Girl Scouts. This could include a History of Pride patch, troop leader training and teaching scouts how to confront homophobia. If this group interests you, we would love to have you! Creator, Gold Award Girl Scout Liv Rubenstein, has a wonderful vision for this new interest group and we would love for you to join. If you are interested please contact GSLE Manager Heather Vandivort at hvandivort@sjgs.org. We hope to see you at our next meeting.
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
GS Level ⓓ ⓑ ⓒ ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓢ ⓐ
Price Location $5 Virtual $10 Virtual $10 Virtual $5 Virtual $10 Virtual $10 Virtual $10 Virtual $10 Virtual
Cadette Comparison Shopping Badge Workshop: From cardigans to cars, you can buy just about everything online these days. Although online shopping is convenient, there are certain things to know so you can make sure that you’re paying a fair price and don’t fall victim to fraud. Senior Buying Power: It might be tomorrow, it might be a year from now, someday you will want to make a big purchase that you’ll need up paying for over time. By earning this badge, you'll understand the long-term impact of making a big purchase and how you need to be prepared to keep paying for it long after you’ve started to use it. Ambassador On My Own: Knowing how to create and stick to a budget is a skill that will help you throughout every stage of your life, from graduating high school all the way through your retirement years. Far too many people don’t start thinking about creating a budget until they find themselves deep in debt. This badge will teach you how to avoid future financial pitfalls.
Senior Car Care Badge Workshop:
Girls are invited to participate in this fun and educational workshop. By attending this event, girls will be introduced to current car care tips by engaging in discussions and completing activities with the Christian Brothers Automotive staff as they help them become knowledgeable about automotive care. Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:
ⓢ
Nov 18, 6 – 8 p.m. Christian Brothers Automotive, Cypress $10 /girl Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org
Girl Scouts Got Talent
Girl Scouts Got Talent is back! Show off your skills in a fun competition for a chance to win an all inclusive trip to Universal Studios! Last year over 100 girls submitted videos and three lucky winners received unforgettable prizes. Girl Scouts Got Talent will kick off this fall, so keep an eye out for more details. This virtual event is open to all current Girl Scout members. Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 15
Activities
Entrepreneurship Badge Workshops
Are you interested in Entrepreneurship? Are you thinking of creating your own business in the future? Do you have a creative and exciting business idea that you’d like to bring to life? You’re invited to dive into the world of Entrepreneurship through completion of these workshops. Create your own business plan and get started on your way to Entrepreneurship and earn a badge while you’re at it! Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org Workshop Daisy Toy Business Designer Brownie Budding Entrepreneur Junior Business Jumpstart Cadette Business Creator Senior Business Startup Ambassador Entrepreneur Accelerator
Date and Time Oct. 8 – 10, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Oct. 8 – 10, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Oct. 8 – 10, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Oct. 8 – 10, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Oct. 8 – 10, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Oct. 8 – 10, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
Daisy Toy Designer Badge Workshop: An entrepreneur is someone who comes up with new ways to solve problems and creates a business. They might improve something that already exists or make something new. Girls will learn all about what it takes to be an entrepreneur. After completing all course requirements, girls will earn the Daisy Toy Designer Badge. Brownie Budding Entrepreneur Badge Workshop: An entrepreneur is someone who finds ways to help people and solve problems. They are curious about how things work and see each setback as a chance to make things better. After completing all course requirements girls will earn the Brownie Budding Entrepreneur Badge. Junior Business Jumpstart Badge Workshop: Every entrepreneur starts with an idea! Ideas can come from observing your surroundings and being curious how things work. After completing all course requirements, girls will earn the Junior Business Jumpstart Badge.
Backpacking Backpacking: Trail Adventure Badge Workshop
Are you ready to learn how to tackle a trail and go hiking? Join experienced hikers and backpackers as we explore gear, skills, tips and tricks to plan hikes and safely venture out on the trail. Girls will complete the Trail Adventure badge requirements for their level. Please bring a sack lunch, water, and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Badge will be provided. Girls will complete badge activities at Podville and then hike around camp. Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐAdults Where: Podville at Treelake Complex When: Oct. 30 and April 30 Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $10
16 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
GS Level ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓒ ⓒ
Price Location $10 Virtual $13 Virtual $13 Virtual $13 Virtual $13 Virtual $13 Virtual
Cadette Business Creator badge Workshop: Entrepreneurs are innovative problem solvers. They know how to collaborate and get critical feedback to make their ideas even better. Girls will become business creators and learn the skills they need for success in life. Girls will earn the Cadette Business Creator Badge. Ambassador Entrepreneur Accelerator Badge Workshop: What makes an entrepreneur successful? Vision, passion, flexibility and a willingness to rake risks. Perhaps every entrepreneur sees every setback as an opportunity for improvement. In this badge, girls will think and act like an entrepreneur as they bring their business vision to life, learn to work as part of a team and motivate people to take a chance on you. After completing all the badge steps, girls will earn the Entrepreneur Accelerator Badge Senior Business Startup: Do you have an idea for a product, service, or technology that you can turn into a business? Even if you do not, you can learn the skills to find and develop an idea. Entrepreneurs start with a process that explores the possibilities of their idea. They often fail before they succeed and use failure as an important tool to learn and improve.
Backpacking Orientation
This is a prerequisite to join the Backpacking Special Interest Group. This training covers all the basic knowledge required for troops and individuals wishing to go backpacking. Don’t worry if you might be the only girl in your troop or an individually registered girl who might be interested in backpacking. You won’t be the only one! You will be in a group of new friends for the weekend. You will learn how to pack a backpack, care for a tent, and cook on your own personal stove. You will transfer your camping gear to your backpack, hike two miles to the campsite and set up your tent, where you will spend the evening on a mini backpacking adventure! Enjoy the campfire, savor dinner on your own stove, and settle in for the night in your tent on the ground under the stars. After packing up your gear the next morning, you will hike two miles back to the main part of camp, say goodbye to your new friends and count down the days until your first weekend backpacking trip! Note: Upon arrival, you will meet near the ranger station at the camp entrance. When: Nov. 13 – 14, Dec.11 – 12, or March 5-6 10:30 a.m. Saturday – 11:15 a.m. Sunday Adult Requirements: This is a drop-off event, adults do not need to stay unless they also wish to take the training. Contact: Kathy Elliott, 713-292-0257, kelliott@sjgs.org ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Fine Arts Junior Jeweler Badge Workshop (workshop includes badge) Join the Jewelry Instructor and learn the basic tools of the jewelry trade. Make a bracelet, with colorful beads, and metal charms. Who: When: When:
Jewelry Making Workshops
Join the Jewelry Instructor inc, as they work through the steps to making your very own jewelry. Classes include all of the materials needed. Learn from the best in these fun, hands on, creative jewelry making workshops. Cost: $27 Contact: Heather Vandivort, Hvandivort@sjgs.org Location: 1824 Spring Street Studio #105, Houston, 77007
ⓙ
Sept. 21, Oct. 7, Oct. 21, Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Dec. 9 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16, Oct. 30, Nov. 13, Dec. 4, Dec. 18 10 a.m. – noon
Macrame Friendship Bracelet Workshop Learn the basic techniques of making your very own friendship bracelet. This class is for all ages and works through the steps to create different types of friendship bracelets all on your own. Who: When:
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Sept. 23, Oct. 12, Oct. 26, Nov. 9, Nov. 30, Dec. 14 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Friendship Bracelet Workshop Kumihimo Friendship Bracelet Workshop is where you can learn the art of Japanese braiding. Discover the meaning of Kumihimo and its history, then learn how to make a beautiful friendship bracelet with buttons, and beads. Who: When:
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Sept. 25, 10 a.m. – noon Oct. 5, Oct. 19, Nov. 2, Nov. 16, Dec. 7, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Aerial Workshops
Floral Jewelry Making Workshop Join the Jewelry Instructor to make fun floral arrangements to wear as jewelry. Choose from an array of flowers, learn what their names are, where they come from, and how they make people feel. Then create a floral necklace with your favorite flower and share your creative floral adventure with friends and family. When: Who:
Sept. 18, 10 a.m. – noon
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Collage Art Classes Make fun collage art of your very own. Use your creativity and new ideas to come up with your very own piece of art When: Who:
Oct. 9, Oct. 23, Nov. 6, Nov. 20, Dec. 11 10 a.m. – noon
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Beaded Charm Bracelets Learn the basic techniques of making your very own beaded charm bracelet. This class is for all ages and works through the steps to create different types of charm bracelets all on your own. When: Who:
Come fly with The ARTZ with an aerial workshop taught by our professional aerialist. Have your choice of Fabric, Hammock, Trapeze or Lyra workshops or try all four. These awesome workshops are a great way for Girl Scouts with no experience to learn the world of circus artz. Workshops are focused on both skill development and creative play! These workshops are a great way for Girl Scouts to gain strength, flexibility, confidence, and body awareness. Not to mention have fun! COVID procedures are in effect to assure the safety of the girls and teachers. Cost: $29 Contact: Heather Vandivort; hvandivort@sjgs.org
Oct. 9, Oct. 23, Nov. 6, Nov. 20, Dec. 4, Dec. 18 1 - 3 p.m.
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Photography Workshops
Learn how to capture your vision of the world in photographs. This course is designed to be hands-on while including video instruction that is fun and engaging. Students will watch a short video introducing a new photography technique or skill, watch a demonstration, and then complete a photo challenge using the new skill learned. Once the course starts, you will be given access to learning modules and challenges designed by real photographers! You will have 30 days to complete the modules at your own pace. All badge steps are completed during the workshop, but because this is a virtual activity, a badge will not be provided and may be purchased from the Girl Scout Shop.
Aerial Trapeze Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop When: Oct. 23 or Nov. 6 When: Oct. 2 or Oct. 16 Who/Time: ⓑ 2 – 3 p.m. Who/Time: ⓓ ⓑ 2 – 3 p.m. ⓒ 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. ⓙ ⓒ 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. ⓢ ⓐ 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. ⓐ 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Hoop Workshop Who: When: When: Sept. 18 or Sept. 25 When: Oct. 23 or Nov. 6 Cost: Who/Time: ⓓ ⓑ 2 – 3 p.m. Who/Time: ⓓ 2 – 3 p.m. Contact: ⓙ 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. ⓙ ⓒ 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. ⓢ 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. ⓢ ⓐ 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
ⓙⓐ
Available on your own time $18 per girl Heather Vandivort; hvandivort@sjgs.org
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 17
Activities
Fine Arts Virtual Workshops
Do you have a zest for art? Do you enjoy playing with clay, making your own jewelry, painting, drawing or fancy some photography? Explore the world of visual arts in these workshops. Create original artwork and earn badges! Who: D–A Contact: Heather Vandivort, Hvandivort@sjgs.org Workshop (All Virtual) Date Brownie Outdoor Art Sept. 15 Junior Outdoor Art Sept. 18 Junior Social Butterfly Sept. 20 Junior Drawing Sept. 21 Daisy Outdoor Art Sept. 23 Brownie My Family Story Sept. 25 Cadette Comic Artist Sept. 25 Brownie Making Friends Sept. 26 Junior Scribe Sept. 27 Brownie Outdoor Art Sept. 29 Junior Social Butterfly Oct. 3 Brownie My Family Story Oct. 4 Daisy Outdoor Art Oct. 7 Brownie Making Friends Oct. 9 Junior Outdoor Art Oct. 9 Junior Scribe Oct. 10 Junior Drawing Oct. 12 Brownie Outdoor Art Oct. 13 Cadette Comic Artist Oct. 14 Junior Social Butterfly Oct. 17 Brownie My Family Story Oct. 18 Daisy Outdoor Art Oct. 21 Brownie Making Friends Oct. 23 Junior Scribe Oct 24. Junior Drawing Oct. 26 Brownie Outdoor Art Oct.27 Cadette Comic Artist Oct. 30 Junior Social Butterfly Oct. 31 Brownie My Family Story Nov. 1 Daisy Outdoor Art Nov. 4 Brownie Making Friends Nov. 6 Cadette Comic Artist Nov. 6 Junior Scribe Nov. 7 Brownie Outdoor Art Nov. 10 Junior Outdoor Art Nov. 13 Junior Social Butterfly Nov. 14 Brownie My Family Story Nov. 15 Junior Drawing Nov. 16 Daisy Outdoor Art Nov. 18 Brownie Making Friends Nov. 20 Junior Scribe Nov. 21
Time Level 4 – 6 p.m. B 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. J 5 – 7 p.m. J 5 – 7 p.m. J 4 – 6 p.m. D 10 a.m. – noon B 1 – 3 p.m. C 10 a.m. – noon B 5 – 7 p.m. J 4 – 6 p.m. B 10 a.m. – noon J 5 – 7 p.m. B 4 – 6 p.m. D 10 a.m. – noon B 11 a.m. – 1p.m. J 10 a.m. – noon J 4 – 6 p.m. J 4 – 6 p.m. B 1 – 3 p.m. C 10 a.m. – noon J 5 – 7 p.m. B 4 – 6 p.m. D 10 a.m. – noon B 10 a.m. – noon J 5 – 7 p.m. J 4 – 6 p.m. B 1 – 3 p.m. C 10 a.m. – noon J 5 – 7 p.m. B 4 – 6 p.m. D 10 a.m. – noon B 1 – 3 p.m. C 10 a.m. – noon J 4 – 6 p.m. B 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. J 10 a.m. – noon J 5 – 7 p.m. B 5 – 7 p.m. J 4 – 6 p.m. D 10 a.m. – noon B 10 a.m. – noon J
Hosted by Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Julia Noble
Price/girl $21 $21 $15 $21 $21 $15 $21 $15 $15 $21 $15 $15 $21 $15 $21 $15 $21 $21 $21 $15 $15 $21 $15 $15 $21 $21 $21 $15 $15 $21 $15 $21 $15 $21 $21 $15 $15 $21 $21 $15 $15
Location Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual
Fine Art Workshop Descriptions next page 18 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities Junior Drawing Badge Workshop- Experiment with different materials and learn techniques to make your own drawings even better!
Fine Art Workshop Descriptions
Outdoor Art Badges– (Daisies- Juniors) Explore the outdoors and use what you see and hear to make different kinds of art projects.
Junior Jeweler– create your very own piece of jewelry and learn the basic techniques of jewelry making!
Brownie My Family Story Badge Workshop- Families are rich in traditions and each have a story of their own. In this workshop we will share and discuss family stories and traditions, girls will create a family story tree and family crest.
Junior Scribe Badge Workshop – Your writing is powerful. Create characters, plots and settings for your very own story. Learn about different story techniques and exercise your imagination by putting your thoughts down on paper.
Brownie Painting Badge Workshop– Artists take what they see and make it beautiful. Learn to paint and color your world in super strokes and see what your imagination can do.
Cadette Comic Artist Badge Workshop– Delve into the world of comics! Learn the history of comic books and why this type of storytelling is so effective. Then tell your own story by creating a comic of your own!
Brownie Potter– Learn to create a piece of pottery of your very own! Brownie Dancer Badge Workshop- Want to learn a dance featured on TikTok or Broadway!? Here’s your chance!
Cadette Public Speaker Badge Workshop – Work on your stage presence and develop your onstage skills. Find your inner performer and be unafraid to speak up!
Brownie Making Friends-In this workshop you’ll learn how to make friendly introductions, show friends you care, share favorite activities together, disagree with kindness, and practice being a friend!
Cadette Screenwriter Badge Workshop – Let’s explore what makes great scripts and how you can create your very own. You have what it takes to be a great screenwriter, so let’s get started! Senior Troupe Performer Badge Workshop- Bring out your best performance in this fun acting class.
Junior Social Butterfly- In this workshop we’ll be exploring all the fun, exciting, and potentially nerve-wracking aspects of socializing! We’ll learn how to easily hold a conversation, use proper table manners, be prepared for special occasions, show gratitude and thanks, and practice being at ease.
Self-Paced photographer workshops- work through your photography badge at your own pace with fun videos and activities to help you earn the badge.
In- Person Workshops at our Girl Scout Locations
Join Izzie’s Jewels at our Girl Scout Locations for these fun, in-person workshops! Badge is included so do not miss out on all the fun. Cost: $25 Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org Workshop Brownie Potter Brownie Painter Cadette Screenwriter Cadette Public Speaking Junior Jeweler Junior Scribe Brownie Potter Brownie Painter Cadette Comic Art Cadette Public Speaking Brownie Cooking Junior Cooking Halloween Arts and Crafts Br. Halloween Arts and Crafts Jr. Senior Collage Art Senior Room Makeover Brownie Potter Brownie Painter Cadette Screenwriter Cadette Public Speaking Junior Jeweler Junior Scribe Brownie Cooking Junior Cooking Holiday Arts and Crafts Br. Holiday Arts and Crafts Jr.
Date Sept. 11 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 16 Oct. 30 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 18
Time 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m.– noon 1 – 3 p.m.
Location Katy Katy Program Place Program Place Katy Katy Program Place Program Place Katy Katy Katy Katy Program Place Program Place Program Place Program Place Katy Katy Program Place Program Place Program Place Program Place Katy Katy Program Place Program Place
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Brownie Painting Badge Workshop– Learn to paint and color your world in super strokes and see what your imagination can do. Brownie Potter Badge Workshop-Crafts made with clay have been around for thousands of years. Work your way through this badge to become a clay artist yourself. Junior Jeweler- Learn all about designing and creating custom-made jewelry and earn your Jeweler badge. Junior Scribe Badge Workshop – Create characters, plots and settings for your very own story. Learn about different story techniques and exercise your imagination by putting your thoughts down on paper. Cadette Comic Artist Badge Workshop– Learn the history of comic books and why this type of storytelling is so effective. Then tell your own story by creating a comic of your own! Cadette Public Speaker Badge Workshop – Work on your stage presence and develop your onstage skills. Find your inner performer and be unafraid to speak up! Cadette Screenwriter Badge Workshop –Explore what makes great scripts and how you can create your very own. You have what it takes to be a great screenwriter, so let’s get started! Senior Collage Badge Workshop- Create a collage using textile art and make a project of your very own! Senior Room Makeover Badge Workshop- Bring out your inner interior designer in this fun makeover workshop. Arts and Crafts Workshops- Learn how to make fun fall and winter crafts around the holidays! Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 19
Activities
Health First Aid Badge Workshops
All Levels: It’s Girl Scout tradition to always be prepared - and earning your first aid badge is an important piece of being prepared for any situation. These workshops will give girls an understanding of what to do in an emergency but are not first aid certifications. Brownies: Make a first aid kit, talk to a health care professional, find out how to use 911, and learn how to treat & prevent minor injuries. Juniors: Make a first aid kit, learn what to do in an emergency, hear from first responders, find out how to handle urgent first aid, and learn how to care for the sick. Cadettes: Make a first aid kit, understand how to care for younger children, find out how to prevent outdoor injuries, understand shock, and learn to prevent weather-related injuries. Seniors: Make a first aid kit, hear about triaging, learn how to aid a head/neck injury, discover how to turn everyday objects into splints, and recognize the signs of a drug/alcohol overdose. Ambassadors: Make a first aid kit, learn how to handle injuries and other urgent medical situations that can happen. When/Level: ⓑ Sept. 18 Virtual ⓙ Oct. 16 In-Person ⓒ Oct. 23 In-Person ⓢ Nov. 6 In-Person ⓐ Nov. 20 In-Person Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m. Where: Rice University EMS Cost: $15 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Highest Awards Earn a Highest Award!
Bronze. Silver. Gold. These represent the highest honors a Girl Scout can earn. All three awards give you the chance to do big things while supporting an issue you care about. You might plant a community garden at your school or inspire others to eat healthy foods for your Bronze, advocate for animal rights for your Silver, or build a career network that encourages girls to become scientists and engineers for your Gold. Whatever you choose, you’ll inspire others (and yourself). As you earn one of Girl Scouts’ highest awards, you’ll change your corner of the world–and beyond. The possibilities are endless. Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ Learn More: Review the GSSJC project guides for more information at gssjc.org/highestawards Contact: bronzeaward@sjgs.org, silveraward@sjgs.org or goldaward@sjgs.org
20 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
Silver Award Training
This virtual webinar training is designed for troop leaders, advisors, and parents who are looking to support Cadettes through the Silver Award process. Topics to be covered include project guidelines, submission deadlines, coaching tips, and how to navigate pursuing the Silver Award despite the impacts of COVID-19. The webinar will include a presentation, service vs. take action activity and Q&A. Who: Adults Where: Virtual When: Sept. 18, or Nov. 13; 10 – 11:30 a.m. Cost: $5/person Max.: 50 Contact: Megan Dodd, silveraward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209
Gold Award Orientation
The self-directed Online Gold Award Orientation provides girls and adults with a comprehensive overview of the Gold Award steps and forms, tools for identifying and developing Gold Award projects that fall within the national guidelines, and GSSJC’s process for Gold Award applicants. Orientation is required for all girls who plan to earn their Gold Award and must be completed prior to submitting their Gold Award Project Proposal. The online orientation is broken into sections, takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, but does not need to be finished in one sitting. Girls may also refer back to it after it’s been completed. Who: ⓢⓐor girls in grades 9 – 12 and adults Where/When: Online Cost: $5/person Activities Contact: Megan Dodd, goldaward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209
Ready, Set, GOLD!
Are you a Senior or Ambassador wondering what it takes to be a Gold Award Girl Scout? If so, this virtual workshop is for you! Learn what makes a Gold Award worthy project, how to navigate the step-by-step process for approval, and meet the supporting team of Mentors. A panel of recent GSSJC Gold Award Girl Scouts will host a question and answer session and share their tips on developing a successful project. Don't miss this opportunity to discover all the benefits of going Gold! NOTE: This workshop is meant as an introduction to the Gold Award process and does NOT replace the required Gold Award Orientation. Who: ⓢⓐor girls in grades 9 – 12 Where: Virtual When: Oct. 3; 2 – 3 p.m. Cost: $5/girl Contact: Megan Dodd, goldaward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities The Next Step: A Workshop on How to Proceed after Gold Award Orientation
Now that you've completed Gold Award Orientation, you might be wondering what to do next. Join GSSJC Gold Award Girl Scouts and mentors to hear about successful projects, brainstorm project ideas, and get all your questions answered so you can take your next step in your Gold Award journey. NOTE: This workshop is optional intended for girls who have already completed the required Gold Award Orientation and does NOT replace it. Who: ⓢⓐor girls in grades 9 – 12 Where: Virtual When: Oct. 24; 2 – 3:30 p.m. Cost: $5/girl Max: 50 Contact: Megan Dodd, goldaward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209
Sailing Intro to Sailing
Are you curious about sailing? Do you want to feel the wind on your face and hear the water splashing around you? You will work alongside our Mariners (Special Interest Group) as they ready the boats to take you on a sailing adventure on the open seas! Sign up to be a “sailor” for the weekend. You must attend the entire weekend. Introduction to Sailing is a general sailing activity and is not a prerequisite to the Mariner program. Who: Girls 11 and older. Must pass the GSSJC Advanced Swimmer test and present the card at check-in. Cards can be submitted to sailing.coordinator@gmail.com. Girls without cards will not be allowed to remain at camp When: October 8 –10 Where: Casa Mare, Seabrook Cost: $60
Instruction and Mariner Weekends
Some courses are over two weekends. Girls must attend both. Due to the commitment and nature of the courses, we cannot make special schedule adjustments or accommodations. If a girl is unable to attend both weekends in their entirety, she will be encouraged to enroll at another time. Please note that the success of sailing is based on the weather. Although we will do our best to ensure girls get as much sailing time as they can, weather simply may not allow it. Because of this, girls may not meet the requirements of completion and will be asked to repeat the course. There are opportunities to enroll in sailing during resident camp, or to try again in the upcoming season.
Basic Sailing
Want to learn how to sail the open seas? Are you interested in being a Mariner? This is the activity for you! Learn how to rig and sail a Sunfish sailboat. You will learn boat safety, injury prevention, knot tying and more. This is a physically and mentally demanding activity. Be prepared to be challenged and have fun. Basic Sailing is a two-weekend course and you must attend both weekends, no exceptions. Girls must have an Advanced Swimmer card and be able to demonstrate the Advanced Swimmer requirements at the beginning of each weekend. Adult Basic Sailing is during the August Session. Adults will be required to take the Advanced Swimmer test at the time of the event. When: October 1 – 3 and October 15 – 17 Cost: $120 Where: Casa Mare, Seabrook
Mariner SIG and Mariner Weekends If you have completed Basic Sailing and you want more sailing with like-minded girls, then the Mariners Special Interest Group is for you! What is the benefit of being a Mariner? You will learn leadership through instructing others, gain the experience to advance your sailing skills, and acquire service hours that can go towards school and troop requirements. Not to mention, it is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and tell them all about how awesome it is to go sailing. Register as a Mariner, today! Mariner Special Interest Group Fee: $10 Where: Casa Mare, Seabrook Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed and passed Basic Sailing.
Mariner Weekends
You have completed Basic Sailing, registered as a Mariner, and now you are officially a Mariner! Part of being in this awesome special interest group is you will have the opportunity to hang out with other girls on weekends just for Mariners. You will have the chance to practice your sailing skills in a relaxed and fun environment. These weekends are typically themed, which adds to the fun! Mariners head to Casa Mare where they eat, sleep, and sail. Must already be a registered Mariner to attend and have successfully completed and passed Basic Sailing. Please reach out to our mariner coordinator at mariners.coordinator@gmail.com for additional information. When: Cost: Where:
Sept. 24 –26 or Oct. 22-24 (Only one weekend) $50 (meals included) Casa Mare, Seabrook
We need Dorm Moms!
To help our program to be fun and safe we need your help! Dorm Moms are an awesome group of women who assist with meals, are watchers during sailing, and ensure the girls are having fun during their weekend stay. Because the Mariners are girl-led, majority of the activities will be led by our older girls. Consider this a small weekend getaway with some supervision! Stay for the weekend by the bay helping girls have their best time sailing! Please contact sailing.coordinator@gmail.com or Stephanie Moore at smoore@sjgs.org for additional details!
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 21
Activities
Sports Green Starlettes Drill Team
If you love to dance, this team is for you! You’ve seen them perform at Rockets’ games, parades and several public events and now it’s your chance to join this award-winning dance team. The Green Starlettes do not require previous dance experience and do not have tryouts. All girls, grades 4-12, who are interested can be a part of the team. The Green Starlettes creates a non-competitive atmosphere for the girls to practice dance techniques, team spirit and valuable leadership skills. We have 11 divisions to choose from, so find one near you! Teams meet once a week to practice for parades and events. Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ Cost: $38 per girl Contact: Heather Vandivort at hvandivort@sjgs.org, OR Theresa Alexander at green_starlettes@yahoo.com visit greenstarlettes.com for more information.
STEM For all STEM activities, contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Automotive Design Badge Workshops Daisies: Imagine riding in a cool new car that can park itself and doesn’t pollute our air! Now, imagine it actually driving on the street—that’s what automotive designers do! Automotive design is thinking of new cars and other vehicles. Explore how automotive designers imagine and make plans for a new vehicle, then design your own! Brownies: What’s the difference between riding on a unicorn and in a car? You can imagine either, but you can only drive one on the road! Find out how automotive designers come up with ideas for new vehicles, then design your own! Juniors: Vehicles, like cars, trucks, and motorcycles, move people and things from place to place. They can be designed to work in all types of conditions, from snow to mud or even in water! Do you want to take a ride in your dream car? Before you can do that, you need to design it! Discover how to create vehicles by sketching and sculpting a model. Cost: $23 Level Date Time Location ⓓ Nov 14 9 – 11 a.m. Idea Lab, The Woodlands ⓑ Oct. 2 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Idea Lab, Pearland ⓙ Sept. 12 9 a.m. – noon Idea Lab, Spring Branch ⓙ Nov 13 9 a.m. – noon Idea Lab, Spring Branch
22 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
Automotive Engineering Badge Workshops Daisies: After automotive designers have an idea for a vehicle, automotive engineers figure out how to make it. They use science and math to choose the best materials and build a model of the vehicle. Then, they test it to see if it works and find ways to make it better. Find out how automotive engineers turn ideas into real cars! Brownies: Once designers have an idea for a new vehicle, it’s up to automotive engineers to figure out how to build it. They make a plan, build a working model, and test it to see if the vehicle works. They look for ways to fix the vehicle until it’s safe to drive and works just the way they want it to. Explore how to engineer your own model of an emergency vehicle! Juniors: If designers imagine it, engineers build it! After designers come up with an idea for a vehicle, automotive engineers use what they know about math and science to build and test a working vehicle. Find out how to turn a list of criteria into your own working model of a vehicle that’s powered by an alternative fuel! Cost: $23 Level Date ⓓ Sept. 18 ⓓ Nov. 21 ⓑ Oct. 9 ⓙ Sept. 19 ⓙ Nov. 20
Time 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 10 a.m – noon. 10 a.m. – noon 9:30 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location Idea Lab, Pearland Idea Lab, Bellaire Idea Lab, Spring Branch Idea Lab, Pearland Idea Lab, Bellaire
Cybersecurity Basics Badge Workshops Daisies: Find out how computers work and what it means to be connected to other people. Girls will add "layers of security" when they wrap a treasure box that they will take home with them and discover how safety relates to using a computer. Brownies: We use digital devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones to work, shop, and play. Technology is such a big part of our lives that we don’t usually stop to think about it. Find out more about how you use technology, what it can do, and how you can keep your technology safe. For instance, girls will learn about layers of security, real-life online safety rules, and how messages travel on the internet. Juniors: We use digital devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones to work, shop, and play. Technology is such a big part of our lives that we don’t usually stop to think about it. Find out more about how you use technology, what it can do, and how you can keep your technology safe - like layers of security, real-life online safety rules, and how messages travel on the internet. Cost: $23 Level Date ⓓ Nov. 21 ⓑ Nov. 13 ⓙ Oct. 9
Time 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 9 – 11 a.m. 9:30 a.m. – noon
Location Idea Lab, Pearland Idea Lab, The Woodlands Idea Lab, Pearland
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Designing Robots Badge Workshops
Brownies: Robots are made of many different parts, each with its own important job. Sometimes they designs are inspired by humans, animals, or nature. Design a robot inspired by a bumblebee and engineer a robotic arm. Then plan, build, and share your own prototype that helps other people or animals! . Cadettes: Robots can do so much. They can aid in anything from helping you with your chores to exploring the ocean or Mars. Robots are built and programmed in different ways to meet a goal. Come up with ideas and a prototype of a robot that helps someone overcome a daily obstacle. Seniors: Researchers often build robot prototypes to test ideas. In this workshop, come up with ideas for a new kind of robot that replaces people who work in difficult or dangerous situations. Design a robot that helps or replaces people who work in difficult situations. Ambassadors: Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a type of computer program used in “social” robots that is designed to act like humans do - to learn new skills. For example, they learn what to say to sound more human with every interaction. Design a social robot to help make like better for others. Cost: $23 Level Date ⓑ Nov. 20 ⓒ Oct. 16 ⓢ Nov. 6 ⓐ Oct. 23
Time 10 – 11 a.m. 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon
Location Mad Science of Houston Children's Museum of Houston Children's Museum of Houston Children's Museum of Houston
Think Like a Programmer Journeys Daisies: Discover how creativity can help you solve a difficult problem. During this workshop, you will find out how to persist and think about things in a new way; you'll even discover what coding and algorithms are. Find out how every-day problems are resolved by programmers - and try it out yourself. Brownies: Computers use codes called programs to do their job; and programmers create those codes. You will see how codes are put together and use those patterns to build a suncatcher. You will also get the chance to come up with your own pattern or code through prototyping, or practicing. Juniors: Find out how programmers solve problems in this hands-on workshop by addressing everyday problems and trying things our yourself. You will discover computational thinking through tangrams, mad libs, and suncatchers while they learn more about algorithms and variables present in cybersecurity. Also, create a personal innovation to discover rapid prototyping. Cost: $23 Level Date ⓓ Sept. 19 ⓓ Nov. 20 ⓑ Nov. 21
Board Game Badge Workshop
Go on an adventure to learn about inventors. You’ll discover who inventors are and what they do. Along the way, you will try your own hand at inventing when you create your own board game! Earn the Board Game Design Challenge badge with this workshop. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓓ
Oct. 9, 9 – 11 a.m. Idea Lab-Woodland $23
Design a Robot Badge Workshop
Plan and build a prototype of your robot that solves an everyday problem. You will also make a “program” for your robot that it will use to “run.” Then test and share your creation for ideas on how to make it event better. Who: ⓓ When: Oct. 30, 10 – 11 a.m. Where: Mad Science Cost: $23
Roller Coaster Badge Workshop
Put engineering in motion with the Roller Coaster Design Challenge badge. In this workshop, Daisies dive into engineering and motion by building and testing a roller coaster. Girls will explore how roller coasters work and how to design, build, and test a new construction as well! Who: ⓓ When: Oct. 10, 10 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab-Spring Branch Cost: $23
Model Car Badge Workshop
Designing and testing is the name of the game in this workshop where Daisies earn the Model Car Design Challenge badge through this workshop. Girls explore engineering, friction and more when they build and test a model car. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓓ
Sept. 25 or Nov. 20, 9 – 11 a.m. Idea Lab-The Woodlands $23
Time Location 10 a.m. – noon Idea Lab-Bellaire 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Idea Lab-Pearland 10 a.m. – noon Idea Lab-Spring Branch
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 23
Activities
Think Like an Engineer Journeys Daisies: Learn what engineers are and what they do. Girls get the chance to build a fairy house, puff mobile and use critical thinking to span a "canyon." Brownies: Learn how engineers use the design thinking process to solve problems in this hands-on workshop. Some of the activities include building a water collection tool and a device that will launch a small ball toward a target. Cost: $23 Level Date Time ⓓ Oct. 17 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. ⓓ Dec. 11 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. ⓑ Sept. 25 10 a.m. - noon ⓑ Nov. 13 10 a.m. - noon
Location Idea Lab-Bellaire Idea Lab-Pearland Idea Lab-Bellaire Idea Lab-Bellaire
Digital Game Design Badge Workshops Daisies: Playing video games is fun. They can also help you learn new things or make the world a better place. Programmers use algorithms and sequences to make games for computers. Once they design a game, they test it and look for ways to make it even better. Explore the world of digital game design and design your own maze game. Brownies: Did you ever wonder how your favorite video game was created? At this workshop, you will create a mazebased game and learn how people create new games while finding out how games can also help people to learn new skills and experience new things Cost: $5 Where: Microsoft Technology Center, Houston Time: 10 a.m. – noon Who/Date: ⓓ Nov. 13; ⓑ Oct. 24
Coding Basics Badge Workshops Daisies: Computers are all around us. They help us every day. When you know how computers work, you can use them to help people. Find out how people tell computers what to do, create your own instructions for a computer, and learn about the first person to ever write directions for a computer. Brownies: Laptops, tablets, and smartphones are all computers. We use computers every day, and they help us in lots of ways. What makes all those computers work? People write instructions telling the computer what to do. By exploring how computer scientists write programs, you’ll learn how computers work, too! Cost: $5
ⓓ Oct. 23 10 a.m. – noon ⓑ Sept. 19 10 a.m. – noon ⓑ Nov. 6 10 a.m. – noon
24 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
Microsoft Tech Center, Houston Microsoft Tech Center, Houston Microsoft Tech Center, Houston
Home Scientist Badge Workshop
You’re a scientist every time you do an experiment. In this workshop, you’ll find out where science has been hiding in your home through density, static electricity, and more. Be a kitchen chemist and play with home science at Mad Science. Who: ⓑ When: Sept. 18 or Nov. 14; 10 – 11 a.m. Where: Mad Science of Houston Cost: $23
Senses Badge Workshop
You have five senses that work together to let you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the world around you. At this workshop, you will get to try out all five senses by looking around, listening to the world, putting your nose to work, taking a taste test and feeling different textures. Who: ⓑ When: Oct. 10 or Dec. 18; 10 – 11 a.m. Where: Mad Science of Houston Cost: $23
Computer Expert Badge
Computers help you do so much. Brownies who sign up for this workshop will be able to learn about the basics of using a computer - including how to make art, share information and find incredible facts. Who: ⓑ When: Oct. 16; 10 a.m. – noon Where: Microsoft Technology Center, Houston Cost: $5
Race Car Badge Workshop
Picture Yourself behind the wheel while you test a car of your own construction. You will be challenged to design a car that can speed past the others. Brownies will earn their Race Car Design Challenge badge through this workshop. Who: ⓑ When: Oct. 17, 10 a.m. – noon; Where: Idea Lab-Bellaire Cost: $23
Inventor Badge Workshop
Do you ever wonder what it takes to come up with a new kind of phone or a new way to power a lightbulb? Would you like an invention that would help you tie your shoes faster or one to make elevators record your singing while you ride? Find out how inventors make stuff – and become an inventor yourself! Who: ⓑ When: Oct. 23, 10 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab-Bellaire Cost: $23
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Leap Bot Badge Workshop
Discover engineering, gravity and force by building and testing a leap bot. Brownies will learn to think critically about how designs are put together and how they can be improved. Who: ⓑ When: Oct. 30, 10 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab-Spring Branch Cost: $23
Fling Flyer Badge Workshop
Brownies will learn about the forces that affect flight as they design, build, and test a fling flyer. Through this workshop, girls learn how to design, investigate, and revise after each assessment. Brownies will earn their Fling Flyer Design Challenge badge through this workshop. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓑ
Nov. 7; 10 a.m. – noon Idea Lab–Spring Branch $23
Balloon Car Badge Workshop
Get blown away by this new Junior badge. Energy surrounds you every day. In this workshop, learn to harness potential and kinetic energy. Also, learn how air interacts with objects and how you can use it to your advantage. After designing a power source for a car, you will get to test it out. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓙ
Oct. 3, 9 a.m. – noon Idea Lab-Woodlands $23
Paddle Boat Badge Workshop
Engineer your way through designing, building, and testing a boat that floats in this workshop. You will also get a chance to explore a way to make your boat move through the water and assess how well it works. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓙ
Oct 17, 9 a.m. – noon Idea Lab-Woodlands $23
Detective Badge Workshop
Utilize your detective skills on this sleuthing adventure. Girls will discover the power of observation, code communications, fingerprinting, and more. Stories, movies, and television are full of amazing detectives solving mysteries. Their jobs are important, exciting, and take serious skills - skills you can try at this workshop. Who: ⓙ When: Oct. 23, 10 a.m. – noon Where: Mad Science of Houston Cost: $23 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Product Designer Badge Workshop
Explore and create innovations in the Children’s Museum Maker Annex! You will get the chance to investigate what makes products great, how to improve products already on the market, and more. The best part is that you will be able to be an innovator yourself and troubleshoot your solution. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓙ
Oct. 30 or Dec. 18; 10 a.m. – noon; Children’s Museum of Houston $20
Crane Design Badge Workshop
Construct some fun with this new Junior badge! Explore simple machines and then use your knowledge to build a crane prototype that you will test with household items like batteries, pennies, marbles, and more. Then expand your design and make it even better Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓙ
Nov. 7, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m Idea Lab, Bellaire $18
Entertainment Tech Badge Workshop
Connect with your favorite entertainment by exploring the technology behind it! Technology isn’t always computers and screens – it is also how things are made and tested. Discover a hands-on approach to technology through constructing an animation, experimenting with centrifugal course, and making 3D glasses. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓙ
Sept. 25, or Nov. 20 10 a.m. – noon Children’s Museum of Houston $20
Pioneer to Engineer Camp Weekend Step into the pioneer era and discover how, even without computers and modern advances, STEM was still used every day! This unique camp weekend will transport you to the past where you can discover the physics of plows, log cabin engineering, and more! Arrive Friday evening. and spend most of Saturday at nearby Millard’s Crossing. Then enjoy historically-themed activities at camp as well. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓙ
Oct. 15 – 17 Camp Whispering Pines, Garrison $60/girl; $35/adult
Think Like an Engineer Camp Weekend
Join us at camp and work in teams like real engineers with other Juniors! Learn how to utilize your construction skills as you work to solve challenges like a building that can withstand an earth’s elements, a structure made entirely of paper, or an emergency shelter. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓙ
Nov. 5, 7 p.m. to Nov. 7, noon Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe $60/girl; $35/adult Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 25
Activities
Space Science Investigator Badge Workshop
Marathon Refining STEM Day Event for Cadettes and Seniors:
Who: ⓙ When: Oct. 6, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. and Oct. 8, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Where: Hosted virtually by the Lunar & Planetary Institute Cost: $5
Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
Whether you’ve searched for shooting stars or found shapes in the clouds, you’ve probably already spent some time looking at the sky. Now’s your chance to see the sky in a new way - like a space scientist does by participating in hands-on activities led by experts in the field to earn this badge. This is a two-session workshop.
The Marathon Refining STEM Day program is a wonderful opportunity for Girl Scouts to explore different energy subjects and to possibly become interested in a STEM path that may develop into a career. Each girl will participate in a full day of hands-on activities lead by women in the industry.
Digital Movie Maker Badge Workshop
Movies tell stories, and this workshop will help you tell your own tale. This is your chance to show others how you see the world while you utilize fun and innovative software and your own videos. This workshop is intended as a unique way to complete editing processes to create a movie. Who: ⓒ When: Sept. 25, 10 a.m. – noon, Virtual Nov. 14, 10 a.m. – noon, Microsoft Technology Center Cost: $5
Forensics Camp Weekend
Uncover your skills at camp with other Cadettes while you unmask a social media influencer. Learn from the Houston Forensics Science Center and then branch out to solve your own mystery and discover how many hats special agents wear – detective, scientist, psychologist, and enforcer of the law. Spend the weekend to discover and unleash your inner sleuth! Who: ⓒ When: Dec. 3, 7 p.m. to Dec. 5, noon Where: Casa Mare, Seabrook Cost: $60/girl; $35/adult Registration opens Oct. 1.
Senior Social Innovator Badge Workshop Technology Edition
Join the team from HP to learn how a Product Manager in the technology field innovates! Usually, product managers have a deep understanding of emerging technology and help discover and direct insights to ensure the best product finds its way to YOU! Professionals in the field will show girls how this position spans many interests and specialties and how innovation is the name of the game. Who: Seniors When: Oct. 9, 9 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, hosted by HP
26 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
ⓒⓢ
Marathon Petroleum, Texas City October 23, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free for girls and adults Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org
Target Sports Advanced Archery
Girls who wish to participate in advanced archery may try our On Target sessions or join the Archers in Motion Special Interest group and register for monthly coaching and challenge sessions. Who: ⓑ ⓙⓒⓢⓐ Where: Camp Robinwood, Willis, 77318 When: Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6 Contact: Dejah Covick, 713-292-0312, dcovick@sjgs.org Note: Girls who have not registered and paid for both Girl Scout Membership and AIM Group Membership may not participate in AIM. Girls are encouraged to try On Target prior to joining the special interest group. On Target Girls ages 8 and up who have tried archery before but are not yet certain they wish to participate as a member of the special interest group may attend On Target. Sessions are held monthly and include instruction. Each session is two hours and includes all necessary equipment. Troops may register for On Target, but this is an individual activity. Adults are not allowed on the range during shooting sports and will be provided direction on waiting areas. Cost: When:
$12 per girl 1 p.m.
Archers in Motion Special Interest Group Archers in Motion (AIM) is a special interest group for girls ages 8 and older. To participate in the monthly AIM program, girls must have shot archery before (preferably by attending an On Target session), be a current Girl Scout Member and pay annual AIM dues. The club meets once per month for practice toward GSSJC shooting levels based on age and distance. Cost: When:
AIM Annual dues, $20 plus monthly $10 session fee 9:30 a.m. – noon
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Rifle Program Who: ⓒⓢⓐ (must be 12 years old)
Where: Misty Meadows Ranch When: Sept. 18, Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 12 Contact: Dejah Covick, dcovick@sjgs.org, 713-292-0312 Step 1: Introduction to Rifle Program Trained instructors will guide you as you first learn basic firearm safety and the proper way to handle a rifle. You will receive your own pair of safety glasses and learn to shoot at the bench rest position. A completed Rifle Program Permission Slip (F-601) is required for participation. This form is only needed once. It will be held on file for future rifle sessions. Time: noon – 1:30 p.m. Cost: $10/girl Step 2: Rifle Marksmanship After you have attended your Introduction to Rifle Program session, you may register for any Rifle Marksmanship session. At these sessions you will learn more shooting positions and how to improve your shooting skills in each. Remember to bring your safety glasses. Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m. Cost: $10/girl Step 3: G.R.I.T.: Girls, Rifles, Instruction and Training (Rifle Special Interest Group) If after attending any Rifle Marksmanship session you decide you would like more from your rifle program experience, then the Rifle Program Special Interest Group could be for you! At these sessions you will learn more about how to use the rifle, how to improve your accuracy through shooting position form and how to work within a team. Inter group and individual competitions could be part of your session. The group at each session will help decide on the day’s activities. Remember to bring your safety glasses. Girls must register and pay the special interest group annual dues as well as the monthly session registration for G.R.I.T. Registration for G.R.I.T. available in MyGS Activities. Time: Cost:
9 – 11:30 a.m. GRIT Annual dues, $20 plus monthly $15 session fee
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Travel
Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org
Savannah Council Trip
Are you interested in traveling to Savannah with girls from our council? Well, you’re in luck. Our trip to Savannah has moved to 2022. We hope you join us as we visit the Juliette Gordon Low birthplace, visit the beach and so much more. Pay your down payment today to reserve your spot on this amazing council trip. Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ adults When: June 14-19, 2022 Down payment: $100
Savannah Interest Meeting
Want to know more about our Savannah Council Trip? Well, here is your chance! Join us virtually to talk about the upcoming council trip and meet our trip leaders! You will learn how council trips work, our plans for Savannah and learn everything you need to know about the trip! Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ When: Sept. 12 3:30-4:30 p.m,, Sept. 21, 7 – 8 p.m.; and Oct. 3, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Where: Online via Zoom Register online under the events tab. Type in your ZIP Code, hit 90 mi radius, and search “Savannah” in quotation marks to sign up. We will send you the Zoom link two days before the meeting.
Council trip to New York City
Are you interested in traveling to New York City with girls from our council? Well, join us as the explore the city that never sleeps! Explore Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Fashion district and so much more! Your trip also includes Broadway shows and a week stay at one of our Girl Scout camps just 35 minutes from Manhattan. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ adults Down payment: $100 Dates: June 12 – 18, 2022
Short Troop Trip forms have gone DIGITAL!
Short Troop Trip Travel is now open! A Short Troop Trip consists of in-state (or surrounding states) and under four days. Please fill out this form at least three weeks before your trip: http://gssjc.me/shorttripform. You must follow the COVID travel guidelines in order to travel with your group. If you have any question please reach out to Heather Vandivort at hvandivort@sjgs.org.
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 27
Adult Trainings Relax, recharge, and refresh at the Fall Volunteer Conference November 12-14, 2021 Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe
Each Girl Scout Volunteer gives of themself to help the girls accomplish their goals. Come to camp and replenish your reserves by sharing stories, learn from other troop leaders and create lasting connections. Whether you are a new or experienced volunteer, you’re sure to find new and creative way to enhance your skills. Revive your enthusiasm in the areas of troop programming, behavior management, the outdoors, technology, STEM, and Girl Scout fundamentals. Refresh your abilities to deliver wow-worthy experiences to girls by introducing them to new adventures at our Girl Scout camps and encouraging them to explore every dream through enrichment activities. Weekend participants will also spend time in sessions designed to deliberately focus on self-care.
Course descriptions for upcoming trainings Daisy Brownie Program Leadership: This is an interactive course designed for leaders who are NEW to the troop leadership role working with girls K-3. Leaders will learn how to work with girls in a girl-led, learning by doing environment that will incorporate Daisy and Brownie levels. Participants can see the progression in characteristics of each age group and learn about earned awards, troop government, field trip and service project readiness, ceremonies and more with the use of available program resources. This course includes information about the National Program Portfolio presented in Getting Started with the Girl Guides and Journeys Partnering with Girl Scout Juniors: Adults NEW to the troop leadership role or who are moving from the Brownie level are encouraged to attend this course. This interactive classroom course designated for the Junior leader will provide specifics on working with girls in grades 4-5 and includes various forms of troop government, characteristics of the girls, the girl/adult partnership, tips on girl planning and more. Information on the National Program Portfolio is presented in the course Getting Started with the Girl's Guides and Journeys and is NOT included in this course. First Aid/CPR/AED Blended: Become a Girl Scout First Aider! This adult-only blended learning First Aid/CPR/ AED is a combination of online study and in person skills demonstration (required) Participants must complete both parts in order to receive their Red Cross certification.
Volunteer Camper Certification: Join us for a fun filled day of hands on learning. Participate in four different outdoor cooking methods, outdoor ceremonies, campfire basics and more. This self-empowering workshop will give you the confidence to teach your Girl Scouts how to build fires efficiently and safely. The training is geared toward getting your girls outdoors and is filled with helpful tips and tricks from experienced Girl Scout leaders. Required for open fires while troop camping. Prerequisite: Completion of the online Camping and Overnight Basics available in gsLearn through your MYGS account. Event Basics – Learn to prepare yourself in the planning and implementation of successful one day events. Review the nine steps to planning an event including developing a theme, recruiting committee members, creating a budget, reviewing safety guidelines, developing timelines and a schedule, promotion, evaluating and more. This course is required for any volunteer serving in the event chair or series/event advisor role. This course is a prerequisite for Weekend Event Planning. Weekend Event Planning – This course is a requirement for Community and Region event chairs planning for overnight events and encouraged for committee members. Participants will learn about the additional planning required for overnight events on or off GSSJC property. Topics include reserving a GSSJC campsite, using Safety Activity Checkpoints, recruiting additional committee members, additional steps to registration, promotion of the event and more. Prerequisite: Event Basics and Camping and Overnight Basics. New Troop Leader Café series – Designed for the new troop leader in mind, participants will receive information on getting their new troop launched, engaging parents, basic troop finances, preparing for a fieldtrip, and how to use the latest electronic resources for troop planning and management. Prerequisite: completion of Volunteer Basics available in gsLearn through your MYGS account.
28 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
Columns
Training calendar
September Date 2 9 13 16 18 23 25 25 25 25 27 29 30
Day Thursday Thursday Monday Thursday Saturday Thursday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Monday Monday Thursday
October 2 2 4 7 9 9 9 11 16 16 16 16 17 18 23 24
Saturday Saturday Monday Thursday Saturday Saturday Saturday Monday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Sunday Monday Saturday Sunday
November 1 6 8 15 20 22 29
Monday Saturday Monday Monday Saturday Monday Monday
December 4 Saturday 6 Monday
January
22 Saturday
February
19 Saturday
Course Name New Troop Leader Café 1 _ Welcome to the Community New Troop Leader Café 2 - Troop Finances 101 New Troop Leader Café 1 _ Welcome to the Community New Troop Leader Café 3 - Recruiting a Troop Committee Volunteer Camper Certification (pre-requisite:Camping/Overnight Basics) New Troop Leader Café 4 - Troop Meetings - Where to Begin Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training First Aid/CPR/AED-Blended Learning Partnering with Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors Partnering with Juniors New Troop Leader Café 3 - Recruiting a Troop Committee New Troop Leader Café 2 - Troop Finances 101 New Troop Leader Café 5 - Online Resources
Location Time Cost Zoom 7 – 8 p.m. Free Zoom 7 – 8 p.m. Free Zoom 7 – 8 p.m. Free Zoom 7 – 8 p.m. Free ATC 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $30 Zoom 7 – 8 p.m. Free Zoom 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $6 GSC 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $55 Zoom 10 a.m. – noon $6 Zoom 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. $6 Zoom 7 – 8 p.m. Free Zoom 7 – 8 p.m. Free Zoom 7 – 8 p.m. Free
Event Basics Weekend Events (pre-requisite: Event Basics&Camping/Overnight Basics) New Troop Leader Café 4 - Troop Meetings - Where to Begin New Troop Leader Café 6 - Adventure Beyond the Meeting Community Financial Specialist Community/Region Treasurer Volunteer Camper Certification (pre-requisite: Camping/Overnight Basics) New Troop Leader Café 5 - Online Resources Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training First Aid/CPR/AED-Blended Learning Partnering with Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors Partnering with Juniors Event Basics New Troop Leader Café 6 - Adventure Beyond the Meeting Volunteer Camper Certification (pre-requisite:Camping/Overnight Basics) Weekend Events (pre-requisite: Event Basics&Camping/Overnight Basics)
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom ATC Zoom Zoom GSC Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom ATC Zoom
9 a.m. – noon $6 12:30 – 2;30 p.m. $6 7 – 8 p.m. Free 7 – 8 p.m. Free 12:30 – 2;30 p.m. $6 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. $6 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $30 7 – 8 p.m. Free 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $6 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $55 10 a.m. – noon $6 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. $6 1 – 4 p.m. $6 7 – 8 p.m. Free 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $5 1 – 3pm $6
New Troop Leader Café 1 _ Welcome to the Community Volunteer Camper Certification (pre-requisite:Camping/Overnight Basics) New Troop Leader Café 2 - Troop Finances 101 New Troop Leader Café 3 - Recruiting a Troop Committee First Aid/CPR/AED-Blended Learning New Troop Leader Café 4 - Troop Meetings - Where to Begin New Troop Leader Café 5 - Online Resources
Zoom ATC Zoom Zoom GSC Zoom Zoom
7 – 8 p.m. Free\ 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $30 7 – 8 p.m. Free 7 – 8 p.m. Free 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $55 7 – 8 p.m. Free 7 – 8 p.m. Free
Volunteer Camper Certification (pre-requisite:Camping/Overnight Basics) ATC New Troop Leader Café 6 - Adventure Beyond the Meeting Zoom
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $55 7 – 8 p.m. Free
Volunteer Camper Certification (pre-requisite:Camping/Overnight Basics) ATC
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $55
Volunteer Camper Certification (pre-requisite:Camping/Overnight Basics) ATC
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $55
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 29
Philanthropy Join the Women’s Leadership Network
Be Part of the Juliette Gordon Low Society
Born Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon on October 31, 1860 in Savannah, Georgia, “Daisy,” as she was affectionately known, descended from a long line of strong and independent women. As we remember her on her birthday, her vision lives on in Girl Scouts across the nation and the globe who carry on her legacy. You can help ensure the future of the Girl Scout movement by becoming a member of the Juliette Gordon Low Society. Making a planned gift can be very simple. You can name Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council as a partial beneficiary in your will. You can opt to leave a flat amount or a percentage of a specific asset, and there is NO minimum requirement. And everyone who makes a planned gift to GSSJC is automatically a member of the Juliette Gordon Low Society. To make your planned gift intention known, contact Nancy Hall at nhall@ sjgs.org or 713-292-0282. You don't need to communicate to us the size of your gift. Every planned gift, no matter the amount, will have a positive impact on our girls, for generations to come.
The Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) is an affinity group for Girl Scout supporters whose commitment reflects their belief that when we invest in girls, they can change the world. These strong, connected women and men are passionate about supporting our future female leaders through the best female leadership program available – today’s Girl Scouts. Through their financial support, WLN members help girls in southeast Texas gain critical leadership and life skills so they can succeed at home, at school and in their communities - and as future female leaders in the workforce. WLN members make personal annual gifts of at least $1,000. In appreciation for their support, WLN members receive special invitations to girl mentoring events, networking opportunities and other special events. What does a donation to GSSJC do for girls? • Provides life-changing programs to more than 14,000 girls in outreach programs throughout our council • Gives Girl Scout training to more than 17,000 volunteers that lead our girls • Maintains our beloved camp properties for girls to explore • Offers research-based curriculum to each girl in our council • Cares for our herd of treasured horses that girls learn from and love And so much more… For information, contact Diane Likeness at dlikeness@sjgs.org or 713-292-0346.
Thank You, GSSJC Donors! May 1 - June 30, 2021
$25,000-$49,999 - Ambassador Bank of America United Way of Greater Baytown Area & Chambers County United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County $10,000-$24,999 - Senior Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation $5,000-$9,999 - Cadette Sue Kean and Grady Walker Catherine B. Smith United Way of Greater Houston Mary and Mike Vitek Cathy Wining-Thomas and Jim Thomas 30 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
$1,000-$4,999 - Junior BKD, LLP Anne V. Blount BXS Insurance Cadence Bank Brian and Mary Gedelian Corrie B. Jenkins Michelle Lewis Mary B. McIntire, Ph.D. Microsoft Page M. Vogelsang Genevieve and John M. Walls $250-$999 - Brownie Amazon Smile Foundation Kelly G. Barnhart Marlene Butcher Jones ConocoPhillips Company
For any questions about the donor list, contact Ruth Delaunay at rdelaunay@sjgs.org. Honorariums listed are $25 and above.
Marisa Costa Shannon Hall Claudia W. Hayslip Valerie Jalufka Terry E. Kite Ana M. Kopf Doreen Lorenz Melissa McDonald Northrop Grumman Thomson Reuters Loretta J. Towles United Way Suncoast Carol and John Warley Melissa White
Memorials
In Memory of Colette and Olivia Nguyen Colony Creek Community Troop #157035 Troop #157121 Troop #19056 Troop #19253
In Memory of Penny Vieau Elizabeth Abrahams Lane Hammond Jeanice Pokorny
Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 31
Columns
Scrapbook Send your photos to communications@sjgs.org.
Troops #114036 and #114185 at the ARTz program.
Troop #134144 at Earth Day event at Camp Pryor. Troop #19190 collected children's clothes for people in Louisiana. JoAnn V. is pictured with just some of the clothes collected.
32 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
Girls earn highest awards Emma M., Lilith D., Alyssa R.z and Danielle B. earned their Silver Award by working with the Snowdrop Foundation which raises funds for pediatric cancer research and scholarships for pediatric cancer survivors. The girls discovered Bling for Bravery when they were in elementary school and worked with them for their Bronze Award. This is a program where runners can donate their medals and the foundation repurposes them to give to pediatric cancer patients. They fell in love with the program and wanted to continue working with them for their Silver Award. They saw a need to make boards to explain what the program is at collection barrels at running stores. They also created a You Tube video explaining the program (the link is on the Snowdrop Foundation webpage). Special thanks goes out to Larry DeSpain for being their sponsor and an incredible role model for them. Thank you also to Trish Kline, one of the founders of Snowdrop Foundation, her support of the girls.
Troop #106196 earned the Bronze Award by creating a lending library in their area.
Columns
Troop #19440 partnered with Family Promise of Lake Houston, a nonprofit organization that helps families recover from homelessness for their Bronze Award. They collected and donated essential hygiene items (such as deodorant, baby wash, diapers, cleaning, and sanitary supplies). Additionally, they spread awareness on struggles with homelessness and created an informational video about the work of the organization and how communities can help the organization to help families recover from homelessness. Troop #131098 worked hard this year to earn their Bronze Award. They wanted to volunteer at an animal shelter, however, due to the pandemic, that was not possible. So they decided to make cat and dog adoption packages for the shelter to give out when the pets find their fur-ever homes. They learned about basic pet care. They worked a booth at the local Magnolia Festival where they talked to people about basic pet care, handed out crayons and pet care coloring books and took in pet supply donations of items to go in the adoption packages. The girls also learned how to make fleece dog blankets, several styles of cat and dog toys and cardboard cat scratchers. The girls then delivered adoption packages to the City of Jasper Animal Shelter. Ms. Dodie at the shelter was very appreciative and after receiving the donations, she took the girls to visit the pups that currently call the shelter their home. Fall 2021 l The Golden Link 33
Columns
Arthi B. completed her Silver Award by building a butterfly garden in a Memory Care center. She planted different varieties of host and nectar plants to attract different types of butterflies and made a flyer with some information about the plants, and what species of butterflies they attract.
Ailin A., Vibha K., Rebecca C., Anagha B., Angel M., Serena N., Lilah G., Advika A. and Amarisa O. of Troop # 157056 planted a memorial pollinator garden at Anne Sullivan Elementary. The garden is dedicated to the health care workers who gave up their lives during the COVID 19 pandemic. The girls worked for hours cleaning up, trimming the plants, adding 10 yards of soil, organic fertilizer and 6 yards of mulch to the plot. The soil and mulch were donated by Sienna Mulch. The girls also worked on a grant proposal and won the “Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas garden grant” which they used to buy 300+ plants. They also grew 200 + plants from seeds and cuttings to finish the project.
Troop #142142 finally had the opportunity to be awarded their Bronze Award (due to Covid).
With only $100 and 200 volunteer hours, these girls from Troop #129104 (Sarah P, Jana E, Isha K and Ashika R) guided the collection and made possible the distribution of almost $7,000 of food! The challenge and brilliance of this Silver Award project was bringing together groups that don’t typically work together, including Family Hope, SLJH, BDJH, Seven Meadows community and Walmart! The success was also attributed to ways in which they made donating very convenient!
Troops #142142 and #27574 finally had the opportunity to be awarded their Silver Award (due to Covid). 34 Fall 2021 l The Golden Link
EARN REWARDS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!
Fall Personalized Patch
with your name and avatar! To Earn: Create your avatar Send 18+ emails Sell 3+ magazines and 35+ nut/chocolate items
Check the back of your nut order card and on your online site to learn more about all of the rewards you can earn.
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 6743
You can choose from two backgrounds! Choose either the ship or research dome for your earned patch. You get to choose from two snowsuit colors too!
Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council 3110 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77098-4508 Girl Scout Cookie Crossover Personalized Patch Earn theme patches
with your name and avatar!
To Earn: Create your avatar in the M2 system and send 18+ emails by November 11, 2021 Sell 250+ packages of cookies during the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program
They fit together!
Fall Product Program
Go to www.gsnutsandmags.com/gssjc
1
LOGIN
2
CREATE
3
SHARE
Visit the website
Create your personalized site
E-mail friends and family
Use the QR Code, URL above or click the link from the council website. Follow the prompts to participate in the online Fall Product Program.
To customize your site, you can create an avatar that looks like you and also record a personalized message for your avatar to deliver to family and friends. Don’t miss all of the ways you can earn virtual rewards when you complete various setup steps for your personalized site.
Your supporters will see your goal and hear your avatar deliver your special message. Friends and family can easily help you reach your goals when they shop online! Don’t forget to share with friends and family on social media or text them with the help of a parent/guardian. Please follow current GSUSA guidelines for online sales and marketing.
Please have your troop number before starting.
MY TROOP #
Scan Me
Why the Fall Product Program is Important • Girls learn and practice the Five Skills: Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills and Business Ethics, as they earn proceeds for their troop and exciting rewards. • All proceeds support our council and troops earn 25% on all nut and candy items sold and $2 per magazine subscription sold. The Fall Product Program is an excellent way to earn start-up proceeds for your troop to use during the Girl Scout year to fund your activities and projects. The average proceeds a troop can earn are $300 – $800. •
How the Fall Product Program Works: Program allows girls to be entrepreneurs by offering family and friends the opportunity to purchase delicious nuts, chocolates and magazines. There are multiple ways to participate: • In-person by taking orders using the nut order card and collecting payments. • Online by inviting friends and family to place an order. Customers can choose to have items shipped directly to them, or they can select girl delivery.
What is new this year? 141-SJC
• New flavor! Sweet and Salty Mix – Honey roasted peanuts, XL Virginia peanuts, pretzels, honey sesame sticks, honey roasted cashews, cashews and almonds. Yum! • New Girl Scout collectible tin showcases a Girl Scout uniform from Daisy to Brownie to Junior to Cadette with each turn of the tin filled with tasty Mint Treasures. Important Dates: • September 18: Program Opens – online ordering begins and girls may take orders in-person • October 17: Last day to take orders • October 18: All in-person orders must be entered into the online system by parents • November 1 – 6: Nut and chocolate items delivered to Community for pick up • November 14: Last day for online orders for magazines and direct-ship nut and chocolate orders
