LINK
The Official Publication of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council | Volume 47 Issue 4
July/August 2021
The Golden
Get Outdoors This Summer!
Summer camp sessions still available July/August 2021 l The Golden Link
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President of the Council and Chair of the Board Marguerite Woung-Chapman Chief Executive Officer Mary Vitek Chief External Affairs Officer Connie Chavez Communications Director Sara Orsi Visual Brand Manager Joanne Pastalaniec Mission Statement GSSJC: Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. 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 five times a year. It has a circulation of more than 44,000. 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 six times a year 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. 2
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Troop #109011 collected lunch items from friends and family and held community food drives in Fairfield and Cypress Creek Lakes. With everyone's contribution they were able to put together 447 lunches to be donated to Kids' Meals Inc. Each bag contains a drink, sandwich equivalent, fruit and snack. See more troop activities on page 41.
Contents
July/August 2021 3 3
From the Top Shop News
Special Feature 4
Get Outdoors!
Features
Resident, virtual 8 Sign Up For Summer Camp and day camps are 11 Success to Significance available. Page 8 12 Volunteer Appreciation: We Just Want to Say “Thank You”
Activities 14 General Activities 16 Backpakcing 16 Environmental 16 Fine Arts 19 Health 20 Highest Awards 21 Sailing 22 Sports 22 STEM 29 Travel
Columns 30 Adult Trainings 34 Philanthropy 38 Service 40 Scrapbook 41 Gold Award
Service Team Training in August Page 31
Hooray - we made it to my favorite time of the year. It’s summertime! I love Girl Scout summers because it is all about the camping and in GSSJC, we are so fortunate to have multiple camp properties that our girls can visit. Each camp offers something special, like Casa Mare in Seabrook where girls can learn to sail on Marguerite WoungGalveston Bay, or Misty Meadows Chapman Chair of the Board and Ranch in Conroe where girls can President of the Council give horseback riding a try. If they enjoy either, we have special interest groups they can participate in, in addition to or in place of traditional troop activities. Our summer camps (or sleep away camps) are in full swing, and this year we have three options. Girls can attend traditional sleep away camp at Camp Agnes Arnold, Casa Mare or Misty Meadows Ranch. If staying close to home is more their style, check out our day camps at Program Place for Girls in Houston, Katy Mills Mall or our new Cypress Resource Center. And back by popular demand are our virtual day camps! No matter what camp option is best for her this summer, your Girl Scout will get the chance to make new friends from across the council (or even state!), create memories she will cherish for years, and gain confidence and independence. Your Girl Scout still has time to join us before she returns to school. Summer camps run through early August – learn more and claim your spot at gssjc.org/ summercamp. Of course, camp is available year-round to Girl Scouts. We are lucky to have many awesome camp properties that range from traditional wooded sites to Camp Pryor on the Colorado River and even Casa Mare on Galveston Bay. I invite you to take advantage of these during non-summer months too! Take a virtual tour and learn more about what activities are offered at each site at gssjc.org/camp. And finally, the number one reason why I love summer is that it means another Girl Scout year is about to begin! I think I speak for us all that we could use that special feeling brought on by new beginnings. Just like with school, the new year brings opportunities to re-connect with your troop and Girl Scout sisters and set new goals to earn more badges and complete Journeys. Soon we’ll be welcoming girls and volunteers back for new adventures, and girls everywhere will be excited to wear a Girl Scout uniform for the first time. If you haven’t renewed your Girl Scout membership yet, visit gssjc.org/renew to do so before the busy school year gets underway. Without a doubt, Girl Scouts gives girls an opportunity to explore their leadership capacities in fun and unique ways, and I feel so privileged to be a part of this organization and look forward getting back to meeting you in person. I hope you feel the same!
From the
TOP
Shop News
In addition to curbside pick-up for online and phone orders, Girl Scout Shops are now offering in-person shopping. An appointment is no longer required. The number of customers in the shop at once will be limited, however, and limits will be posted on doors. Shoppers may be asked to wait outside if the shop is already at its limit when they arrive. Some shops my have summer hours. Visit girlscoutshop.com/ san-jacinto-council for our most current council shop hours. To place your curbside/lobby order, please download and complete the order form online and email it to shop@sjgs.org with your preferred pick-up time. You may also call your closest shop to place your order and arrange pick-up. *Lufkin is NOT open on Wednesdays or Fridays. Westside is offering curbside pick-ups only on Wednesdays and no in-person shopping. Bay Area Lufkin 281-282-6077 936-634-4688 1300 A Bay Area Blvd., Ste. 106 1202 College Dr Houston, TX 77058 Lufkin, TX 75904 Beaumont 409-832-0556, Ext. 1500 700 North St. Suite F Beaumont, TX 77701
Stafford 281-670-5982 12300 Parc Crest, Ste. 170 Stafford, TX 77477
Imperial Valley 281-447-8870 15800 Imperial Valley Dr. Houston, TX 77060
Westside 281-822-4250
Houston 713-292-0247 3000 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77098
Cypress 346-818-322719708 NW Fwy, Suite 100, Jersey Village, TX 77065
531 FM 359 South Brookshire, TX 77423
New Leader Must-Knows!
Are you a new Girl Scout leader? Here are some things you need to know for the next few months. Keep in touch with your troop through the summer so your girls stay engaged with Girl Scouting. Some troops meet just once a month over the summer or gather for one or two fun activities, like a day of water games or participating in a neighborhood Fourth of July parade.
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Have you renewed your troop for 2021-22? If not, head to gssjc.org, log in to myAccount and renew your members under the Troop tab. The Fall Volunteer Conference is a great way for new and seasoned leaders to get ideas for troop meetings. It is also a fun way for new leaders to see what camp is like and to network with troop leaders for across the council. This event takes place in early November – watch gssjc.org/activities for a registration link. Fall Product Program is an easy way to earn money for your troop. Troop Fall Product Sales manager trainings start in August. Keep an eye on gssjc.org/fallproduct for complete program details soon.
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Special Feature
Get Outdoors!
Girl Scouts helps girls become outdoor leaders -particularly the ones who need it most.
In Girl Scouts, girls develop their leadership potential by discovering their values, skills, and the world around them; connecting with others in a multicultural environment; and taking action to make a difference in their world. Girl Scouts Soar in the Outdoors, a 2019 report from the Girl Scout Research Institute shows that when girls participate in Girl Scout outdoor programming, they become more interested in the outdoors, feel more confident of their abilities in the outdoors, are more committed to environmental stewardship, and develop stronger outdoor competence. Girl Scout national outdoor badges are an especially important way for girls to explore the outdoors and nature, try new things, and improve their skills. For each additional badge earned, girls become more competent in their outdoor skills. When badges are coupled with other outdoor activities, like hiking, camping, and adventure activities, girls are more satisfied with their Girl Scout experience and more likely to want to return. Finally, the findings show that Girl Scouts provides girls access to new and challenging outdoor experiences, helping them to move outside of their comfort zones and preparing them to be outdoor and nature enthusiasts who take the lead in caring for the environment.
The more girls go outdoors with their troops, the happier they are with their Girl Scout experience.
Spending time outdoors is worth the effort—80% of girls say they love doing outdoor activities with their troop! Importantly, how often girls do outdoor activities matters. Girls whose troops do three or more outdoor activities a year get more enjoyment out of the outdoor activities they do and are more excited about being a Girl Scout than girls whose troops do two or less outdoor activities a year.
Just one Girl Scout badge hones girls’ outdoor leadership—and outdoor competence grows more with each badge earned! Findings show that just one badge is enough to make a difference! Across all four outcomes, girls who earned at least one badge increased their outdoor leadership outcomes by the end of the study. While additional badges did not significantly affect girls’ confidence, interest, or stewardship, each additional badge earned did increase girls’ outdoor competence. Given that the outdoor badges focus on skill-building, this finding may illustrate the effectiveness of the Girl Scout outdoor curriculum.
Girl Scouts provides access to the outdoors, opens the door to new outdoor experiences, and helps girls move out of their comfort zone. Eight in ten girls say Girl Scouting allows them to do outdoor activities they have never done before and wouldn’t have done otherwise—suggesting Girl Scouts opens the door to novel outdoor experiences. These experiences go beyond just providing fun. Girls also say that doing outdoor activities through Girl Scouts helps them learn about the outdoors and nature, teaches them how to take care of the environment, and helps them overcome a fear in the outdoors!
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Get Outdoors with Outdoor Games Barnyard Bedlam • Divide group into several teams of five – six girls, each team having a captain. Each team represents an animal. On signal teams hunt for objects (such as pine cones, peanuts, etc.) which have previously been hidden in a nearby area by the leader. The team captain is the only team member who can pick up the object. • When teammates locate an object, they make the noise of the animal they represent, and the captain comes to pick it up. The team with the largest number of objects wins. Nature Stunts • See who can throw a leaf the farthest without breaking it. • See who can hop like a grasshopper (bird, rabbit, or frog) If you don’t know how find one and watch it. • See who can make the best nature speech. (Specify length) • See who can stand on one leg the longest, naming birds as she does it. Nature Drawing Game • Teams send one representative equipped with pencil and paper to leader who assigns in a whisper the name of some object (squirrel, daisy, robin, frog, etc.) to be drawn. • Representative runs back to team and draws the object. • First team to guess object correctly wins point. Then teams send up another representative for assignment. • Have as many assignments as girls on each team. Trail and Map Signs • Divide into two teams. One team lays a trail and the other team maps a trail. Then the teams switch and see if • they can follow one another’s trail/map.
Girl Scouts gets girls outdoors and engages them in a variety of outdoor activities.
In addition to earning badges, girls can participate in a variety of outdoor activities through Girl Scouts. Indeed, almost 8 in 10 troops do at least two different outdoor activities per year, and 59% participate in three or more! While overnight camping and hiking are the most common outdoor activities, troops also did environmental community service or Take Action projects, highadventure activities (such as ropes courses, zip lines, and rock climbing), or aquatic activities (like swimming, canoeing, and paddleboarding), among others.
Cat’s Tails • Cut 30 pieces of string of the same length. Hide all but three or four pieces. • Divide girls into three or four teams of equal size. • Each team chooses a “cat” who is given one of the extra pieces of string. At a given signal, all players except the “cats” scatter to hunt for the hidden strings. • As a girl finds one, she takes it back to her “cat”, and uses a square knot (or a knot of your choice) to tie it to the sting tail the “Cat” is holding. • The team with the longest cat’s tail wins.
Craft for That Rainy Day: Rain-Spattered Painting Here is a project that will make you wish for a rainy day. All you do is spread paint on a sheet of paper and let the rain create the painting for you. This project can be done by the front door or by an open window. Things You Need: poster paints, paintbrush, white drawing paper, rain Let’s Begin 1. Paint different colored shapes on a sheet of white drawing paper. 2. When it rains, put the painting outside for just a moment. 3. Take the painting inside. Hold the paper flat so that the drops on the paint won’t run. 4. Place the paper on a flat surface, such as a table or the floor. 5. Let the rain dry and see the different patterns it has created! July/August 2021 l The Golden Link
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Features
Go Take a Hike
Rainbow Hike • Give each girl a crayon or paint chip. Take a short walk and have them match their color to something in nature. • Once they have found at least one item that matches the color, ask them to identify the item. • If the area is rich with plants, discuss why the plants are different colors (certain birds, bees, butterflies and other insects are attracted to a particular color. They assist with pollination. Keep a record of items found.) • For younger girls, divide them into groups and use a box of eight crayons. For older girls, use a variety of shades of one color. • Take this hike several times a year to see the changes in the colors around them. “Stop, Look & Listen” Hike for five minutes or a designated number of steps (5-10). Stop for one minute and write down all the objects you see or all the sounds you hear. Incher Hike Collect as many objects as possible that are one inch high, wide, around, long, etc. Measure treasures on returning and see who noticed the little interesting things, usually overlooked. Noah’s Ark Hike Animal crackers are hidden a short time before hike. Girls try to find as many animals as possible while following the trail. The animals to be kept until the end of the hike to determine the best hunter. Progressive Supper Hike A three stop hike with different food and recreation at each stop, ending with a campfire, songs, stunts and a popcorn feast. Human Notebook On a hike without pencil and paper, each girl is one page of a notebook- she is responsible for remembering one thing that happened on the hike. Upon returning, or at a rest stop, read the “notebook”. Map Treasure Hunt Each group draws a sketch map to show where they have hidden a treasure. Exchange maps with another group and look for their treasure. Sharing Walk You will need a number of blindfolds. Divide girls into pairs. One person will wear the blindfold, the other will be the guide. Discuss safety rules. In silence, the guides take their partner on a local hike, hearing, smelling, feeling nature. After five minutes, switch. Have girls share after all have had a turn.
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Observation Games to Play Outdoors Spider Eyes (nighttime activity) Have girls hold a flashlight at their temple; right next to their eyes. Then have them direct the flashlight (and their eyes) at the ground, moving very slowly. Spider eyes glow! It looks like a tiny dewdrop. You will see them in the grass, bushes and tree trunks. Girls might have to practice a bit with this one until they realize what they are looking for. Stake a Claim Each group is given a rope of equal length and are told to “stake a claim” with it, that is, lay it in a circle on the ground wherever they wish. Then, they are to identify everything in or over the circle or beneath it (if you’re in an area they can dig up). The point is to list as many things as possible. Lasso an Ant Make a circle out of a piece of rope, throw it on the ground and see how many ants you have “lassoed”. What do they spend their time doing? Watch them carry food. How do they handle large pieces? Do they communicate with each other? How? How do they get around an obstacle in their path? Using a magnifying glass- Can you find an ant’s eyes? Mouth? Antennae? Find out how fast an ant travels. Cloud Pictures Have girls lie quietly on their backs and watch the clouds go by. How do they look? What color are they? How does the sky make you feel? Describe what you see in the clouds. What do they look like? Find pictures in the clouds to show each other.
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Ideas for Outdoor Scavenger Hunts Hunt #1 1. Find something wet 2. Look for something that is moving fast. 3. Find something green. 4. Find something that has branches but no leaves. 5. Find something hard. 6. Find something brown. 7. Look for something orange. 8. Find something that floats. 9. Find something pointy. 10. Look for something with cracks. 11. Listen for something noisy. 12. Find something with a strong smell. 13. Find something a deer could eat. 14. Look for something a bird could eat. 15. Find something with thorns. 16. Find something slippery. 17. Look for something soft. 18. Find a something new. 19. Find a plant with leaves. 20. Find something put here by people. 21. Find something cold. 22. Find something tall. 23. Find something short. 24. Find something hot. Draw a picture of each item you find. How many items did you discover? Did some things you find fit into more than one category? What was your favorite thing you found? Why? Hunt #2 Can You Find?... 1. Bird in a nest? 2. Buds on a tree? 3. Cloud shaped like an animal? 4. Flower in bloom? 5. Hole where an animal might live or hide? 6. Leaf shaped like a star or circle? 7. Puddle of water? 8. Rock that fits in your hand? 9. Roly Poly Pill bug? 10. Track that an animal left behind? 11. Tree that is as tall as you? 12. Twig that is as long as your arm? 13. Worm or Centipede?
Kick the Can Ice Cream • • • • • • • • • •
1 pound coffee can 3 pound coffee can 1 ½ cup salt or rock salt 7 ½ pound crushed ice Mix together the following: 1 cup heavy cream ½ cup sugar 1 cup whole milk 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ cup chocolate chips, peaches or strawberries
Pour mixture into smaller can and cover securely with lid. Set in center of larger can, layer half the ice alternately with half the salt in the empty space in between the cans. Repeat until full. Cover the larger can with lid. Roll can on hard surface for about 10 minutes. Mixture will freeze when the salt water lowers the temperature of the mixture. Open outer can; empty old ice and water. Lift out small can and wipe lid dry. If salt water gets into mixture it will be spoiled. With a table knife or spatula, scrape ice cream from can side so it falls into center. Stir and recover. Return small can to large can. Repack with ice and salt. Cover and roll for five more minutes. This makes about three cups
Dirt in a Bag-Sand in A Bag What you will need: Large Plastic Bags Small Paper Drink Cups Chocolate or Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix Milk Chocolate Cookies (cream type) Gummy Worms, Spiders, Centipedes, etc.
Place pudding and milk in the plastic bag. Remove air and work pudding and milk until well mixed and it starts to set. Have girls crush cookies in paper cups. Add vanilla or chocolate pudding on top of cookie. Add a gummy worm or etc. to top of cup. Mix and eat.
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Sign Up Today for Summer Camp!
Chase your adventure at GSSJC Summer Camp! Whether you’re interested in family camp, virtual camp, day camp, or resident overnight camp, we’ve got you covered with fun activities all summer long! Registration information is available at www.gssjc.org/summercamp Located in Conroe as part of the Treelake Complex, Misty Meadows Ranch welcomes girls of all skill levels and expertise. At Misty Meadows Ranch, we offer a quality horseback riding and ranch program in a summer camp setting. Our program features various levels of horseback riding skill and instruction. Emphasis in all program levels is on skill development, progression and expanding knowledge of horses and horse care. Campers will have a riding test the first night of camp. Campers unable to meet requirements of their program will be placed in an alternate program or may not be able to ride. Classes are kept small with a ratio of at least one instructor to six campers. Accommodations – Sleeping accommodations include climate-controlled cabins and dormitories. Sessions are designed for the grade girls are entering in the Fall of 2021. Detailed descriptions available online and in the registration portal.
BROWNIE (grades 2-3) July 4-10
JUNIOR(grades 4-5)
CADETTE/SENIOR/AMBASSADOR(grades 6-12)
Junior Pioneer-$650
Horse Whisperer-$650 Campin' Cowgirls-$675
AIDE Equestrian Aide-$350
July 11-17
Little Bits (Sun-Wed)-$375
Blazing Bullseye-$600
Equestrian Aide-$350
July 18-24
Pony Tails-$625
Giddy Up-$650
Equestrian Aide-$350
July 25-31
Pony Tails-$625
Blazing Bullseye-$600
Equestrian Aide-$350
Aug. 1-7
Little Bits (Sun-Wed)-$375 Little Bits (Wed-Sat) -$375
Giddy Up-$650 Saddle Up-$650
Pony Tails-$625
Horse Whisperer-$650
Equestrian Aide-$350
Nestled on Galveston Bay, Casa Mare’s bayside paradise offers a wide variety of camp activities for ocean lovers and science explorers alike. For older campers, sailing is the main attraction! Girls can learn beginning sailing skills or advance their skills even further. Campers of all ages can focus on STEM activities as well as learning outdoor skills. Whether you love the bay and want to sail, unleash your creativity with STEM or cook up a storm, Casa Mare has the session for you. Accommodations - Sleeping accommodations are climate-controlled dormitories. Sessions are designed for the grade girls are entering in the Fall of 2021. Detailed descriptions available online and in the registration portal. BROWNIE (grades 2-3)
JUNIOR (grades 4-5)
CADETTE (grades 6-8)
SENIOR/AMBASSADOR AIDE (grades 9-12)
July 4-10
Potters and Potions-$600 Harriet Potter-$625
Basic Sailing-$675 Seafarers-$725
Seafarers-$725
Sail Aide-$350
July 11-17
FrankenBrownie-$625
E. Holmes: Girl Detective-$600 There's an App for That -$600
It's Alive!-$625 Open Sail-$700
Sail Aide-$350
Basic Sailing-$675
Casa CSI-$625
Sail Aide-$350
Art by the Bay-$600 InSPAration-$600
Artful Antics-$600
Sail Aide-$350
Taste of Sailing-$650 Open Sail-$700
Taste of Sailing-$650 Open Sail-$700 Defense Against Dark Arts-$625
It's Alive!-$625 Taste of Sailing-$650 Open Sail-$700
Sail to the Finish-$675 Open Sail-$700
Sail Aide-$350
InSPAration-$600 There's an App for That -$600 Taste of Sailing-$650 Open Sail-$700
July 18-24 July 25-31
FrankenBrownie-$625
There's an App for That -$600
Aug. 1-7
FrankenBrownie-$625
Sail to the Finish-$675 Open Sail-$700
Taste of Sailing-$650 Open Sail-$700 Defense Against Dark Arts-$625
E. Holmes: Girl Detective-$600 There's an App for That -$600
Sail to the Finish-$675 Open Sail-$700 Defense Against Dark Arts-$625
Located near Conroe, Camp Agnes Arnold offers a wide variety of classic camp activities, including archery, nature hikes, arts and crafts, 8
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Features and much more! At Shadow Lake, with its 35 acres of cool, refreshing fun—girls can canoe, fish, swim, use the mega slide and explore nature around the lake. Campers can focus on climbing at our challenge course, canoeing, or camping skills during their sessions. Whether you love the lake, want an introductory session to the great outdoors, or are a seasoned camper looking for more, Arnold has the perfect session for you! Accommodations - Sleeping accommodations include open-air cabins (regular cabins and treehouses) and platform tents. Sessions are designed for the grade girls are entering in the Fall of 2021. Detailed descriptions available online and in the registration portal.
July 4-10
DAISY (grades BROWNIE K-1) (grades 2-3)
JUNIOR (grades 4-5)
Flower Power (S-W)-$360 Daisy Day-$50
Tree Trek-$600
July 11-17 Flower Power (S-W)-$360 Daisy Day-$50
Camptastic (W-S)-$360
Auradon & the Isle -$550
July 18-24 Daisy Day-$50
Camptastic (W-S)-$360
Tree Trek-$600
July 25-31 Flower Power (S-W)-$360 Daisy Day-$50
Camptastic (W-S)-$360 Little Mermaid -$550
Aug. 1-7
Camptastic (WS)-$360 Firelight & Fairytales-$550
Flower Power (S-W)-$360 Daisy Day-$50
CADETTE (grades 6-8)
SENIOR/AMBASSADOR (grades 9-12)
AIDE Canoe Aide-$350 Archery Aide-$350
Tree Trek-$600
Wayfinders $575 Tree Trek $600
CIT I (week 2) Continued CIT II (week 2) Continued
Archery Aide-$350
CIT I (wk 1) -$700
Canoe Aide-$350 Archery Aide-$350
CIT I (wk 2) Continued Girl vs. Wild-$600
Canoe Aide-$350 Archery Aide-$350
Girl vs. Wild-$600
Canoe Aide-$350 Archery Aide-$350
Day Camp Join us for full-day, staff-led day camp at the Program Place for Girls in Houston or at our new locations in Cypress and Katy! Work on badges, sing new songs, and make new friends. Camp sessions will focus on the arts, the outdoors, STEAM, and crafts. Snacks are provided daily, but a sack lunch and drink are required. Camp is from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Day camp sessions are weekly themes for the all levels attending camp. Girls will be in session with other girls attending the same grade level in Fall 2021. Detailed descriptions available online and in the registration portal. Note: Cypress is Daisy-Junior others are Daisy-Cadette. Daisy - Cadette (grades K-8)
AIDE
July 5-9
Potterverse $250
Program Aide
$75
July 12-16
WaterWorld $250
Program Aide
$75
July 19-23
Fantasy $250
Program Aide
$75
July 26-30
Mystery $250
Program Aide
$75
Aug. 2-6 (no Katy Camp)
Winter Wonderland $250
Program Aide
$75
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Virtual Camp Join us online for Virtual Camp 2021! Virtual Camps provide an all-girl online camp setting staffed with camp counselors ready to help girls explore a new journey or badge this summer. Join girls from across the council and across the country in these live sessions for every level. Earn journeys and badges as you make new friends. Morning sessions are from 10 a.m. – noon and afternoon sessions are from 2 – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. All sessions include a camp patch and T-shirt and daily interactive live programs. All sessions cost $60 a week, per girl. Daisy (grades K-1) Brs (grades2-3)
Jrs (grades 4-5)
Cdts (grades 6-8)
Sr (grades 9-10) AIDE
July 5-9
Between Earth & Sky-$60
Wonders of Water-$60
Get Moving!-$60
Breathe!-$60
Sow What?-$60 No Cost
July 12-16
5 Flowers, 4 Stories-$60
A World of Girls-$60
aMUSE-$60
MEdia-$60
Mission: Sisterhood-$60
No Cost
July 19-23
Flower Garden-$60
Brownie Quest-$60
Agent of Change-$60
aMAZE-$60
GIRLtopia-$60
No Cost
July 26-30
TLA Engineer-$60
TLA Engineer-$60
TLA Engineer-$60
TLA Engineer-$60
TLA Engineer-$60
No Cost
Summer Family Camp Take a break with your family at beautiful Camp Pryor! Your family will enjoy staying in one of our air-conditioned cabins, and participating in activities such as archery, canoeing, swimming, hiking, crafts and more! Bring your own easy-to-make meals for breakfast and lunch, and we'll take care of dinner and s'mores! When: July 30- Aug. 1 Cost: $60 for tent or $80 for cabin
We can't wait to see you at camp this summer. For information go to gssjc.org/summercamp 10
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Save the Date
Success to Significance 2021 Thursday, October 28, 2021 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The Post Oak Hotel 1600 W. Loop South Houston, TX 77027
Moderator:
Panelists:
Mary Bass
Janet Gurwitch
Partner, Spencer Stuart & Associates
Founder, Laura Mercier Cosmetics and Operating Partner, Advent International
Michelle Riley-Brown
Executive Vice President, Texas Children’s Hospital
The Honorable Vanessa D. Gilmore United States District Judge
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Volunteer Appreciation: We Just Want to Say “Thank You” Let’s have a virtual round of applause for our council volunteers after two challenging years of delivering programs to girls. Since we have been unable to personally celebrate local volunteerism because of the pandemic, please know that you are ALL appreciated members of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. Join us in recognizing and thanking national and council award recipients as well as high numeral recognitions submitted by Communities or council committees on behalf of volunteers for the 2020 and 2021 membership years. While these highlighted volunteers are only the tip of the iceberg in our vast and valued volunteer pool, they represent the commitment and dedication to the Girl Scout movement for our whole council and the local community where they serve. Thank you for being a Girl Scout.
2020 National and Council Award Recipients Community Awards American Legion Hall, David McNerney Post 658 Awty International School Central Church of Christ Greater Pearland Archery Club Harris County Precinct II St. Mark's United Methodist Church The Church Without Walls William B. Travis Elementary School The Woodlands Family YMCA at Shadowbend 2020 Cypress Fairbanks ISD Kona Printing Pilgrim Academy Texas City Church of the Nazarene
Volunteer of Excellence Pin Shinny Anand Jessica Antel Les Denham Judy Harris Leslie Haydel Megan Hickel Lisa Nowicaewski Sandra O'Guynn Melanie Pace Sharon Roetzer Susan Sides Kama Williams Courtney Zadik
President’s Award Eastern Thicket Community
Thanks Badge Delores Hinkle Continuing Service Pin Stacy Methvin Genevieve Walls
Ervan Chew Alice Bohlae
Thank you volunteer s!
Thanks Badge II Rosie Haffemann Nancy Lee Peterson
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Appreciation Pin Jamie Arlt Farah Couch Jennifer Cronin Amanda Focke Alysha Grant Kayley Green Rachelle Hinman Ruth Johnson Samantha King Lauren Lindsey Melissa McBride Diana Metyko Mary Richards Helene Sheena Heather Solomon Pam Ugalde Danysha Woods Virginia Zizelman
2020 High Numeral and Years of Service Awards Kaphne Harris 25 Years of Membership Debra Morrow 25 Years of Membership Doris Hill 25 Years of Membership and 25 Years of Service Donna Sisak 25 Years of Membership and 25 Years of Service Doris Wilcox 30 Years of Membership Laura Pemberton 30 Years of Service Joslin Rush 30 Years of Service Hattie Saulsberry 30 Years of Service Renota Shepherd 30 Years of Membership and 30 Years of Service Terrie Bean-Minero 30 Years of Membership Diana Murray 35 Years of Service Marianna Olivares 35 Years of Service Mary Rose Smith 35 Years of Service Wilma Lee 35 Years of Service and 35 Years of Membership Susanne Bartsch 40 Years of Membership and 30 Years of Service Linda Craft 40 Years of Membership and 35 Years of Service Cindy Costales 40 Years of Membership Jennifer Flournoy 40 Years of Membership Sheree Horton 40 Years of Membership Ann Jones 40 Years of Membership Lynn Flournoy 40 Years of Service Christi Jones 45 Years of Membership and 35 Years of Service Jean Ann Bryant 45 Years of Membership Michele Kinser 45 Years of Membership Tia McCrory 45 Years of Membership Jayne Roberts 50 Years of Membership Margaret Vaughn 50 Years of Membership Nylda Comeaux 50 Years of Service Leda Kliesing 55 Years of Membership Fran Manwaring (McCrory) 55 Years of Membership Ida Pearl McDonald 55 Years of Membership Kim Evans 60 Years of Membership Claudia Hayslip 60 Years of Membership Kathleen McCrory 60 Years of Membership Rusty McCrory 70 Years of Membership and 60 Years of Service
2021 National and Council Award Recipients Appreciation Pin Kathy Armstrong Magna Cayll Lee Ann Hendrick Michelle Kirkland Tracy Lisewsky Shelley Roselius Nicole Shanahan Vanessa Skrabenek Volunteer of Excellence Pin Maribeth Cremer Wally Davis Sarah Fornea Suzie Hyde Tamara Patino Sarah Roberts Tamra Wilkerson Key Award Jamie Arlt Heather Cataldo Gena Drawhorn Leda Kliesing Julie Mayer Michelle McCormick Elena McCreery Sheri Mitchell Debbie Morrow Patti Stefek Brenda Zimmerman
Continuing Service Pin Janet Heppard Community Awards Christ Church United Methodist Church Friends of Woodland Park Lakewood United Methodist Church Mitchell Library Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church The Woodlands Family YMCA Branch Crossing
Thank you volunteers!
President’s Award Lone Star Treasures High Numeral and Years of Service Awards Nicole Shanahan 25 Years of Membership Debbie Morrow 25 Years of Service Portia Cook 25 Years of Service Sherol Moore Adkins 30 Years of Membership and 30 Years of Service Linda Simmons 30 Years of Membership Sara Brown 30 Years of Membership Becky Perry 30 Years of Service Emily Saldana 35 Years of Membership and 35 Years of Service Terry Modgling 35 Years of Membership and 35 Years of Service Marcelline Lamb 35 Years of Service Lavinia Brown 40 Years of Membership and 30 Years of Service Saundra Kuykendall 50 Years of Service Beth Watkins 60 Years of Membership Marlene Edwards 60 Years of Membership
Troop Camping Updates
As we wrap up the 2020-2021 membership year and look ahead to 2021-2022 membership year, we wanted to let you know about some changes coming to the troop camp request process. Starting on June 21, troops may reserve camp units from September 1, 2021 through February 28, 2022. And on December 1, troops may reserve camp units from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022. This placement will be first-come, first-served and troops may request a unit at any time until two weeks before their desired camp weekend. Troops may only have two future reservations booked at any given time. How do I reserve a camp unit? Complete a F-127 Troop/Group Camp Request and email it to campreservations@sjgs.org, along with a copy of your troop first aider’s certifications. List your troop’s camp-trained volunteer on the form. Remember, your camp-trained volunteer must have taken Outdoor Training (both In-Town and At-Camp) OR have taken Camping and Overnight Basics (and possibly Volunteer Camper Certification.) Keep in mind, troops whose volunteer has only taken Camping and Overnight Basics will not be able to have a campfire and should plan alternatives for their meals. Submit your form at least two weeks before your desired camp weekend. Allow at least five business days for a response and confirmation of your group’s placement. (Allow longer if you are submitting four weeks or more before your desired camp weekend.) How will I know what units are available? We are evaluating options for sharing camp availability and will send an email to everyone currently on the Camp Corner list once that has been finalized. Keep in mind that Camp Whispering Pines and Camp Wind-A-Mere will be available from October 1, 2021 through November 21, 2021. All other camps will be open every weekend, except holiday weekends. Are there coronavirus restrictions? GSSJC will continue to monitor health and safety guidance into 2022. Please make camp reservations based on your group’s best-case scenario, knowing that we will communicate any changes in protocols that might impact your camp reservation as soon as possible. July/August 2021 l The Golden Link 13
Activities
Girl and Troop Activities Register for events under the My Events tab in myAccount. Go to www.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.
General Activities Ask the Experts: Law
Interested in law? At this event you will learn what areas of law exist and explore career ideas and opportunities the field has to offer. You will also get to meet a panel of attorneys and law enforcement who will be there to share their experiences and answer questions. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Where: Virtual When: Aug. 7, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209 Cost: $5
Ask the Experts: Health
Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) offers a variety of services from patient care, education and research for both children and women. Join us as we meet with a panel of TCH Executives to explore a variety of career opportunities in the health industry from an administrator or researcher to a medical professional. These successful leaders are looking forward to sharing their experiences and answering all your questions! Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Where: Virtual When: July 27, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209 Cost: $5
College 101 with the University of St. Thomas - Houston
14
Attention Daisy Leaders! Look for the Daisy in this section for activities that Daisies can attend. Look for this symbol in indicate a virtual program offering.
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.
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
Volunteer-In-Training (VIT)
This award is for girls who would like to mentor a Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, Junior or Cadette group outside of the camp experience. If you’ve completed ninth grade, you’re eligible to earn this award. This leadership course completes one of the requirements of this award.
Let’s go to college! Join us virtually with the University of St. Thomas - Houston to discuss how to navigate preparing for college. In this virtual workshop, Girl Scouts will be able to explore college options, learn about ways to pay for college and apply for scholarships, determine what a good fit college would be and more. Girls will be able to ask university staff about the admissions process and gain a better understanding on how to accomplish this next chapter in their life.
Who: ⓢⓐ, grades 10 - 12 Where: Virtual When: Aug. 1, 1 – 5 p.m. Cost: $7/girl Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209
Who: ⓢⓐ Where: Virtual When: July 31, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209 Cost: $5/girl
Program Aide is a teen mentoring award for Cadettes, and Program Aides are in high demand. Program Aides work with younger girls in a variety of settings from day camps to Community or council events.
July/August 2021 l The Golden Link
Program Aide Training
Who: ⓒ Where: Virtual When: July 10, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Cost: $17 Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org ⓓ-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 Junior Savvy Shopper 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 July 9 – 11, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. July 9 – 11, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. July 9 – 11, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. July 9 – 11, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. July 23 – 25, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. July 23 – 25, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. July 23 – 25, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. July 23 – 25, 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. 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. 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 that they buy.
GS Level ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓢ ⓐ
Price Location $5 Virtual $10 Virtual $10 Virtual $10 Virtual $5 Virtual $10 Virtual $10 Virtual $10 Virtual $10 Virtual
Senior Financing My Future Badge Workshop: High School graduation may seem a long way off, but this is actually the perfect time to start thinking about what kind of further education you want. Why? Because whether you want to go to a university, community college, or vocational school, your education will cost money. 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! 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.
Virtual Region Facilitated Events
Regions are the foundation for locally delivered Girl Scout programs that support and serve Cadette, Senior and Ambassador girls, both those currently engaged as well as new girls looking for an opportunity to connect into the amazing experiences Girl Scouts has to offer. Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org Senior Business Etiquette Badge Workshop Join us and discuss with a Guest Speaker from the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) the different topics surrounding business etiquette practices.
Cadette Entrepreneur Badge Workshop Join and discuss with a Guest Speaker from the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) the different topics surrounding business entrepreneurship practices.
When: July 6, 6 – 8 p.m. Cost: $5 Who: ⓢ
When: July 22, 6 – 8 p.m. Cost: $5/girl Who: ⓒ
Ambassador Entrepreneur Accelerator Badge Workshop Join and discuss with a Guest Speaker from the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) the different topics surrounding business entrepreneurship practices.
Senior Business Startup Badge Workshop Join and discuss with a Guest Speaker from the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) the different topics surrounding business entrepreneurship practices.
When: July 22, 6 – 8 p.m. Cost: $5 Who:
ⓐ
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
When: July 22, 6 – 8 p.m. Cost: $5 Who: ⓢ July/August 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
Date and Time Aug. 6 – 8, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Aug. 6 – 8, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Aug. 6 – 8, 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Aug. 6 – 8, 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.
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 Olivia Rubenstein at orubenstein22@sjs.org or GSLE Manager Heather Vandivort at hvandivort@sjgs.org. We hope to see you at our next meeting.
Backbacking 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, 2021 and April 30, 2022 Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $10 16
July/August 2021 l The Golden Link
GS Level ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ
Price Location $10 Virtual $13 Virtual $13 Virtual $13 Virtual
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. 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.
Environmental SURVIVOR: Turtle Edition
Do you have what it takes to thrive despite the odds being stacked against you? Follow the actual journey of 35 threatened Texas alligator snapping turtles that were illegally captured for sale on the black market as they make their way back home. Adopt one of these “dinosaurs of the turtle world” and become a part of this historic conservation success story. Work as a team to compete in physical challenges and use brainpower to solve puzzles for food and transportation to its natural habitat. Reproduce successfully and avoid predators and poachers. Be a SURVIVOR. Don’t get left behind! Supplies and a patch included. Who: ⓒ (Rising 6th graders included) When: July 31; 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost: $20 per girl/$5 per adult Where: Virtual
Fine Arts Snap Happy-in person
The Houston Center of Photography is offering photography workshops back at their space to help girls earn the Junior Photographer badge. For these workshops, an HCP instructor will guide the students through the various steps needed to achieve the badge, and work along side the girls to teach them professional photography skills. When: Cost: Contact:
July 25 or Aug. 8; 1 – 4 pm $56 each session Heather Vandivort; hvandivort@sjgs.org
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Aerial Workshops
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 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 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 Aerial Hammock Workshop When: July 17 or July 24 or Oct. 2 or Oct. 16 Who/Time: ⓓ 2 – 3 p.m. ⓑ 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 Hoop Workshop When: Aug. 7 Who/Time: ⓓ 2 – 3 p.m. ⓙ 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. ⓢ 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. When: Aug. 21 Who/Time: ⓑ 2 – 3 p.m. ⓒ 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. ⓐ 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Aerial Trapeze Workshop When: Aug. 7 Who/Time: ⓑ 2 – 3 p.m. ⓒ 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. ⓐ 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. When: Aug. 21 Who/Time: ⓓ 2 – 3 p.m. ⓙ 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. ⓢ 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Aerial Fabric Workshop When: Sept. 18 or Sept. 25 Who/Time: ⓓ 2 – 3 p.m. ⓑ 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. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
In- Person Jewelry Making Workshops Join the Jewelry Instructor inc, as they work through the steps to making your very own jewelry. Classes are 2 hours and include all of the materials needed. Learn from the best in these fun, hands on, creative jewelry making workshops. Cost: $26 Location: 1824 Spring Street Studio #105, Houston, 77007 Contact: Heather Vandivort, Hvandivort@sjgs.org Junior Jeweler badge workshop (workshop includes badge) Attention Juniors!! Join the Jewelry Instructor and learn the basic tools of the jewelry trade. Make a bracelet, with colorful beads, and metal charms. Dates: Time: Who:
July 13, July 27, Aug. 10, Aug. 24, Sept. 7, Sept. 21 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
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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. Dates: Time: Who:
July 1, July 15, July 29, Aug. 12, Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Sept. 23 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Friendship Bracelet workshop- Japanese braiding technique 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. Dates: Time: Who:
July 10, July 24, Aug. 14, Aug. 28, Sept. 11, Sept. 25 10 a.m. – noon
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
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. Dates: Time: Who:
July 3, July 17, Aug. 7, Aug. 21, Sept. 4, Sept. 18 10 am- noon
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
July/August 2021 l The Golden Link 17
Activities
Fine Arts 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
Time
Brownie My Family Story
July 5
10 a.m. – noon
Junior Social Butterfly
July 7
Daisy Outdoor Art
July 8
Cadette Comic Art
July 10
Brownie Making Friends
July 12
Brownie My Family Story
July 14
Brownie Outdoor Art
July 14
Junior Outdoor Art
July 17
Junior Social Butterfly
July 19
Junior Drawing
July 20
Brownie Making Friends
July 21
Daisy outdoor Art
July 22
Cadette Comic Art
July 24
Brownie Outdoor Art
July 28
Junior Scribe
Aug. 1
Daisy Outdoor Art
Aug. 5
Junior Outdoor Art
Aug. 7
Brownie My Family Story
Aug. 7
Junior Social Butterfly
Aug. 8
Junior Drawing
Aug. 10
Brownie Outdoor Art
Aug. 11
Cadette Comic Art
Aug. 12
Junior Scribe
Aug. 15
Daisy Outdoor Art
Aug. 19
Brownie Making Friends
Aug. 21
Junior Social Butterfly
Aug. 22
Junior Scribe
Aug. 29
Junior Drawing
Aug. 24
Brownie Outdoor Art
Aug. 25
Cadette Comic Art
Aug. 28
Self Paced photography workshop
July
Self Paced photography workshop
Aug
Level
ⓑ 10 a.m. – noon ⓙ 4 – 6 p.m. ⓓ 1 – 3 p.m. ⓒ 10 a.m. – noon ⓑ 10 a.m. – noon ⓑ 4 – 6 p.m. ⓑ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ⓙ 10 a.m. – noon ⓙ 5 – 7 p.m. ⓙ 10 a.m. – noon ⓑ 4 – 6 p.m. ⓓ 1 – 3 p.m. ⓒ 4 – 6 p.m. ⓑ 10 a.m. – noon ⓙ 4 – 6 p.m. ⓓ 11a.m. – 1 p.m. ⓙ 10 a.m. – noon ⓑ 10 a.m. – noon ⓙ 4 – 6 p.m. ⓙ 4 – 6 p.m. ⓑ 1 – 3 p.m. ⓒ 10 a.m. – noon ⓙ 4 – 6 p.m. ⓓ 10 a.m. – noon ⓑ 10 a.m. – noon ⓙ 10 a.m. – noon ⓙ 5 – 7 p.m. ⓙ 4 – 6 p.m. ⓑ 1 – 3 p.m. ⓒ Any Time ⓙⓐ Any Time ⓙⓐ
Hosted by
Price/girl Location
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Julia Noble
$15
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Young Rembrandts
$21
Virtual
Vine Images
$18
Virtual
Vine Images
$18
Virtual
Fine Art Workshop Descriptions next page
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July/August 2021 l The Golden Link
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
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. 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. 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. Brownie Dancer Badge Workshop- Want to learn a dance featured on TikTok or Broadway!? Here’s your chance! 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! 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. Junior Drawing Badge Workshop- Experiment with different materials and learn techniques to make your own drawings even better! 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. 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! 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 – 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. Self-Paced photographer workshops- work through your photography badge at your own pace with fun videos and activities to help you earn the badge.
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
In- Person Cadette Comic Artist Workshops
Young Rembrandts is here to guide you all areas of the visual arts in these fun, interactive, hands-on workshops! Get ready to explore the world of art and make different kinds of art projects to show your family and friends. All badge steps are completed during the workshop. Badges are included in the price. Who: ⓒ Cost: $25 Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org Cartoon Drawing - Comic Artist July 12, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Eldridge Park, 2511 Eldridge Rd., Sugar Land, 77478 Cartoon Drawing - Comic Artist July 13, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Grand Mission Clubhouse, 7302 Grand Mission Blvd. Richmond, 77407 Cartoon Drawing - Comic Artist Club at New Territory July 15, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 1200 Walker School Rd., Sugar Land, 77479 Cartoon Drawing - Comic Artist Eldridge Park July 26, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 2511 Eldridge Rd., Sugar Land, 77478 Cartoon Drawing - Comic Artist July 27, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Grand Mission Clubhouse, 7302 Grand Mission Blvd. Richmond, 77407 Cartoon Drawing - Comic Artist Club at New Territory July 29, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 1200 Walker School Rd., Sugar Land, 77479
Health Cadette Babysitter Badge Workshop
Cadettes, do you enjoy spending time with and taking care of younger kids? Are you an older sibling? Do you want to start earning a little cash of your own in the near future? Join us for this workshop to learn how to be babysitter! Who: ⓒ Where: Virtual When: July 31, Aug. 14, Aug. 28; 10 a.m. – noon Cost: $15 Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org
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Activities
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. When/Level:
ⓑ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓒ ⓢ
July 10
Virtual
Sept 18
Virtual
Oct 16
In-Person
Aug 21
Virtual
Oct 23
In-Person
July 31 Virtual Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m. Where: Hosted by Rice University EMS Cost: $10 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Babysitting Training
You might not yet be ready for a career, but you may want to start your own business, get a part time job, apply for a leadership position, college interviews or summer job in the near future, Its important that you promote yourself in the best possible light. One way to do that is to be prepared. Who: ⓒ Where: Virtual When: July 24; 9 a.m. – noon Cost: $40 Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org
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
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: July 10, 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 andActivities adults Where/When: Online Cost: $5/person Contact: Megan Dodd, goldaward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209
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ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
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
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: June 27 or 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 a Red Cross Swim Level 4 or swimming test or equivalent. Must pass a Safe Boating Test through GSSJC. Copies of the card are required at the time of check-in. Cards can be submitted to sailing.coordinator@gmail. com. Girls without cards will not be allowed to remain at camp When: September 10 – 12 and October 8 –10 Where: Casa Mare, Seabrook Cost: $60
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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 will 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. Must be an American Red Cross Level 4 or equivalent swimmer. A GSSJC Safe Boating and Level 4 or equivalent swim card is required. Cards must be presented at the time of check-in. Adult Basic Sailing is during the August Session. Adults will be required to take the swim test at the time of the event. When: August 27 – 29 and September 17 – 19 or October 1 – 3 and October 15 – 17 Cost: $120 Where: Casa Mare, Seabrook
Mariner 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
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! Enjoy a stress and worry free, 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!
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Activities
STEM
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 theme, 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:
Aug. 20 – 22, Sept. 24 –26 or Oct. 22-24 (Only one weekend) $50 (meals included) Casa Mare, Seabrook
Sports Dash Soccer Game- Family Game Night Show your Girl Scout spirit and get the full Dash soccer experience when they take on Washington Spirit. Come out to Family Game Girl Scout Night at the Dash BBVA Compass Stadium! Who: ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Where: BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston When: Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m. Contact: Julia Shank, Jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
For all STEM activities, contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Automotive Design Badge Workshops
Hosted by Idea Lab Daises: 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.
ⓓ July 17 ⓓ Sept. 11 ⓑ Aug. 1 ⓑ Oct 2 ⓙ July 10 ⓙ Sep 12
10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 9 – 11 a.m. Virtual $18 9 – 11 a.m. Virtual $18 9:30 –11:30 am In-Person $23 9 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 9 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.*
Green Starlettes Drill Team 2021-2022 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. visit www.greenstarlettes.com for more information. Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ Cost: $38 per girl Contact: Heather Vandivort at hvandivort@sjgs.org, Theresa Alexander at green_starlettes@yahoo.com
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Digital Game Design Badge Workshops Hosted by Microsoft Daises: 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.
ⓓ July 31 or Sept. 4 ⓑ Aug. 8
10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon
Virtual $5 Virtual $5
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
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! . Juniors: Robots are make of many different parts, each with its own important job. Sometimes they are designed using biomimicry or to learn about the environment. Explore artificial intelligence and technology. Then plan, build, and share your own prototype that solves a global problem! 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. Mad Science ⓑ Sept. 12 10 a.m. – noon ⓙ Sept. 11 10 a.m. – noon
Virtual, Virtual
Children’s Museum of Houston ⓒ Aug. 7 10 a.m. – noon Virtual ⓒ Oct. 16 10 a.m. – noon In-Person ⓢ July 10 10 a.m. – noon Virtual ⓢ Nov. 6 10 a.m. – noon In-Person ⓐ Aug. 14 10 a.m. – noon Virtual ⓐ Oct. 23 10 a.m. – noon In-Person
$18 $18
$15 $20 $15 $20 $15 $20
Hosted by Microsoft Daises: 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! 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon
Hosted by Idea Lab Daises: 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!
ⓓ July 24 ⓓ Sept. 18 ⓑ Aug. 15 ⓑ Oct. 9 ⓙ July 17
10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Virtual $18 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Virtual $18 10 a.m. – noon In-Person $23 9:30 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 In-person options may be available for troops on an asrequested basis for $23/girl.*
Cybersecurity Basics Badge Workshops
Coding Basics Badge Workshops
ⓓ Aug. 1 ⓓ Oct. 23 ⓑ July 17 ⓑ Sept. 19
Automotive Engineering Badge Workshops
Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual
$5 $5 $5 $5
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Hosted by Idea Lab Daises: 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.
ⓓ July 18 ⓓ Sept. 12 ⓑ July 31 ⓙ Aug. 9 ⓙ Oct. 9
10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 9 – 11 a.m. Virtual $18 9 – 11 a.m. Virtual $18 9 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 9:30 a.m. – noon In-Person $23 In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.*
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Activities
Think Like an Engineer Journeys
Hosted by Idea Lab All levels: To complete the Journey, girls will complete the Take Action Project component on their own after this workshop. Daises: 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. Juniors: Join other Juniors and learn how to utilize your construction skills as you work to solve engineering challenges like a building that can withstand an earthquake, a structure made entirely of paper, or an emergency shelter.
ⓓ Aug. 8 10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 ⓓ Oct. 17 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. In-Person $23 ⓑ July 11 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Virtual $18 ⓑ Sept. 25 10 a.m. - noon Virtual $18 ⓙ July 24 9:30 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 ⓙ Nov. 6 Fri - Sun Camp Weekend – see listing in Jr section $55 In-person options may be available for troops on an asrequested basis for $23/girl.*
Think Like a Programmer Journeys
Hosted by Idea Lab All levels: To complete the Journey, girls will complete the Take Action Project component on their own after this workshop. Daises: 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.
ⓓ July 17 ⓓ Sept. 19 ⓑ July 24 ⓑ Sept. 4 ⓙ Aug. 14 ⓙ Oct. 2
9 – 11 a.m. Virtual $18 10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 9 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. In-Person, Idea Lab-Bellaire $23 In-person options may be available for troops on an asrequested basis for $23/girl.* 24
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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. In-person, 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: Sept. 4, 10 – 11 a.m. Where: Virtual, Hosted by Mad Science Cost: $18
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: July 25, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.; Sept. 25, 9 – 11 a.m. Where: Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab Cost: $18 In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.*
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: Aug. 21, 10 a.m.-noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab Cost: $18 When: Oct. 10, 10 a.m. – noon Where: In Person; Idea Lab-Spring Branch Activities Cost: $23
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Space Science Explorer Badge Workshop
Get ready to blast off on an adventure. This badge is out of this world and while earning it, Daisies explore the sun, observe the moon and meet the stars. Girls will participate in hands-on activities at home while being guided by experts. Who: ⓓ When: Aug. 11, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Where: Virtual, Lunar & Planetary Institute Cost: $5
What Robots Do & How Robots Move Workshop
Robots do things humans can’t, or don’t, like to do and come in all different sizes. Learn about the many things they do and work like an engineer to design a robot that solves an everyday problem. Next, explore algorithms that tell robots how to move, understand, and act. Who: ⓓ When: Oct. 30, 10 a.m. – noon Where: In-Person, Mad Science 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: Aug. 15 or Oct. 16; 10 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Microsoft Cost: $5
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: July 10; 10 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab Cost: $18 In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.*
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: Aug. 14; 10 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab Cost: $18 When: Oct. 23, 10 a.m. – noon Where: In-person hosted by Idea Lab-Bellaire Cost: $23
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. In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.* Who:
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. In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.* Who:
ⓑ
When: Where: Cost:
Aug. 7, 9-11 a.m. Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab $18
ⓑ
ⓑ
When: Aug. 21, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.; Idea Lab-Pearland Where: Virtual Cost: $18 When: Oct. 30, 10 a.m. – noon Where: In-person hosted by Idea Lab-Spring Branch Cost: $23
When: Oct. 17, 10 a.m. – noon; Where: In-person hosted by Idea Lab-Bellaire Cost: $23
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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Activities
Senses Badge Workshop
Crane Design Badge Workshop
Who: ⓑ When: Aug. 7 or Oct. 10; 10 – 11 a.m. Where: Virtual, Hosted by Mad Science Cost: $18
Who: When: Where: Cost:
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. In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.*
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. In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.* Who: ⓑ When: July 17 or Sept. 18; 10 – 11 a.m. Where: Virtual, Hosted by Mad Science Cost: $18
Space Science Adventurer Camp Day Celebrate Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors with this fun day at camp, hosted by the Astronomy Special Interest Group. 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.
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! In-person options may be available for troops on an asrequested basis for $23/girl
ⓙ
July 31, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m Virtual, hosted by Idea Lab $18
Space Science Investigator Badge Workshop
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. UPDATE – 2-session workshop 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
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. In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.* Who:
ⓙ
Who: ⓑ When: Sept. 11 Where: Misty Meadows Ranch, Conroe Cost: $20
When: Aug. 21, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Where: Virtual, hosted by Idea Lab Cost: $18
Balloon Car Badge Workshop
When: Where: Cost:
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. In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.* Who:
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When: Aug. 14, 9:30 – noon; Idea Lab-Pearland Where: Virtual Cost: $18 When: Where: Cost:
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Oct. 3, 9 a.m. – noon In-person hosted by Idea Lab-Woodlands $23
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Oct 17, 9 a.m. – noon In-person hosted by Idea Lab-Woodlands $23
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:
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When: Aug. 21; 10 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Children’s Museum of Houston Cost: $15 When: Where: Cost:
Oct. 30; 10 a.m. – noon; In-person hosted by Children’s Museum of Houston; $20
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
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. In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl Who:
ⓙ
When: Where: Cost:
Aug. 15; 10 a.m. – noon Virtual, hosted by Mad Science $18
When: Oct. 23, 10 a.m. – noon Where: In-person hosted by Mad Science Cost: $23
Entertainment Technology 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:
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July 24 or Sept. 25; 10 a.m. – noon Virtual, Hosted by Children’s Museum of Houston $15
Digital Photographer Badge Workshop
It seems like almost every gadget can take a digital photograph – from phones to laptops, to (of course) digital cameras. But do you know how to get the most out of your digital device and what it takes to capture an amazing photo? Learn all that and more in this Digital Photographer workshop! Who: ⓙ When: Aug. 7, noon – 2 p.m. Where: Virtual, Hosted by Microsoft Cost: $5
From 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.
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:
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Nov. 5 – 8 Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe $60/girl; $35/adult
SFA Cadette Robotics Weekend
Combine a peaceful weekend at Camp Whispering Pines in the Pineywoods with a challenging visit to Stephen F. Austin State University to complete the three Cadette Robotics badges. Design, build, and operate a robot in their state-of-the-art STEM laboratory under the guidance of faculty and staff. Plus enjoy a campus tour! When: Where: Cost: Who:
Oct. 8 – Oct. 10 Camp Whispering Pines/Stephen F. Austin State University STEM Bldg $55 per girl/$25 per adult
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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: July 11 or Sept. 25; noon-2 p.m. Where: Virtual, Hosted by Microsoft Cost: $5
Forensics Camp Weekend Save the Date
Cadettes will use clues to try and solve a mystery at this exciting annual event! Girls will discover forensic techniques such as DNA analysis, chemical identification, fingerprint analysis, and more. Get ready to put on your sleuthing shoes and work as a team to unravel whodunit. Who: ⓒ When: Dec. 3 – 5 Where: Casa Mare, Seabrook Cost: $55 Registration Opens: October 1
Who: ⓙ When: Oct. 15-17 Where: Camp Whispering Pines, Garrison Cost: $60/girl; $35/adult Registration Opens: August 1
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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Activities
Special Agent Badge
Special agents wear many hats – detective, scientist, psychologist, enforcer of the law. No wonder novels and shows about their work are so popular. In this badge, grab your magnifying glass and your microscope to uncover your skills in one of the most exciting and demanding jobs for investigative minds. In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.* Who: When: Where: Cost:
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July 24; 10 a.m. – noon Virtual, Mad Science $18
Robotics Competition
GSSJC’s robotics teams compete through the international FIRST organization where girls build and code models and robots that compete against other teams in the area. Competition begins in August/September and will end between December and March, depending on the level and success of the team. Please review the online signup page for detailed information about what girls do during the competition season (the season officially begins August 1). Teams meeting inperson should follow all local health official recommendations as COVID-19 circumstances evolve. Who: ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Cost: Price varies by level Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 Note: Separate sign-ups will be available for the informational sessions and the teams Important Dates: • July 17: Informational Meeting for Adults • June 1 – August 8: Team signup period. Signing up toward the end of the sign-up period leaves placement subject to available team spots which may not be in your geographic area. • June 1 – July 31: Teams, once full, may begin meeting on a TBD-by-team schedule over the summer. Location, day of week, and time of meetings are set by coaches and will vary by team. • August 1 – August 15: Team registration will be wrapping up (registration ends August 8) and teams will be finalized through the first 2 weeks in August. • August 14: Training for new-to-robotics coaches or coaches of teams advancing a level • Team formation – end of season: Teams meet weekly; location, day of week, and time of meetings are set by coaches and will vary by team. Teams may meet less often over the summer if the team is formed early. Girls and parents should expect that teams will meet at least once a week (typically on a weekend) for 2-4 hours depending on the level.
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Robotics Competition Team Informational Meeting for Adults
This informational meeting is for adults and troop leaders of girls who have not completed in a Girl Scout robotics competition team before, or who are progressing a level. Competing on a robotics team is a fantastic way for girls to explore collaboration and fun science topics while honing their engineering and coding skills. Although we will form teams from girls whose parents don’t attend this meeting, it is recommended and highly encouraged that parents or leaders attend this meeting to understand the commitment and content of the program. This meeting will go over timing, commitment, content, what girls do, what a typical season looks like, and more! We ask that no girls attend, as this is strictly informational. If girls are interested, there is an expo for girls to see the teams in action in June. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
Adults/Leaders of all levels This informational is virtual so adults from across our 26 counties can attend, as all are welcome to consider a team! July 17, 1 – 3 p.m. Free (must register to attend) Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Robotics Special Interest Group
Work with other girls your age to learn and expand your knowledge of how robots are built and how they work. This is a yearround, non-competitive opportunity where girls get the chance to build robots, discover how to code them, and have leadership opportunities, such as facilitating robotics badge classes to their peers. Girls will work with differing equipment based on their grade; younger girls explore WeDo Lego kits and older girls investigate Mindstorms Lego kits. Who: ⓓⓑⓙⓒ When/Cost: monthly meetings; $20 annually Where: Virtually or in-person at the Program Place for Girls as conditions allow Note: Membership in the Special Interest Group is independent from the competition teams. Girls can do both but are highly encouraged to look at their commitments and availability before signing up for this group and a competition team.
*Select troop-only in-person bookings:
Certain facilitator partners may be willing to schedule programs upon request. In these situations, we can consider an in-person offering for only a singular troop. These bookings will still need to adhere to current Covid guidelines. Requests should be sent at least three weeks in advance to kcavenah@ sjgs.org with the total number of girls and adults who will be present, three dates in preference order, desired badge, and desired location. If the facilitating partner can accommodate the request, the troop will be notified when their registration listing is available. After this time, the event process will run normally. Locations that may potentially be able to offer STEM programs upon request: Idea Lab-Bellaire, Idea Lab-The Woodlands, Idea Lab-Spring Branch, Idea Lab-Pearland, Mad Science-Houston
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Travel Savannah Council Trip moved to 2022
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 Down payment: $100 Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org
Girl Scout Destinations
Calling all Reserve Rangers! We would love to hear from our weekend warriors, whether you’ve been around for years or are interested in getting trained to become a Reserve Ranger at one of our camp properties. Reserve Rangers are volunteers who welcome troops and groups into camp, provide support during the weekends for events and act as a point of contact while groups are enjoying the property. If you love camp and can’t wait to get back, reach out to Dejah Covick at dcovick@sjgs.org or 713-292-0312.
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Do you have the travel bug? Want to spend the summer roaming in Rome or backpacking through Germany’s historic castles? Maybe you prefer something closer to home like horseback riding in Montana or an astronomy adventure in Oregon. Destinations has you covered. Destinations are trips approved by GSUSA and run by trusted program partners to provide girls the opportunity to travel solo, meet with other Girl Scouts from all over the country and have a once in a lifetime experience. These are scheduled to resume in summer 2022. Check out the amazing trips at http://forgirls.girlscouts.org/ travel/take-a-trip/destinations/ Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Cost: Cost depends on the trip Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org
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.
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 Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org
Creative Design Workroom 6221 Edloe, Ste. 202, Houston, Tx 77005 www.creativedesignworkroom.com 832.819.4150
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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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.
Training Calender Courses will be offered in a virtual format via Zoom or Webinar (GoToMeeting) so that we can provide training through the uncertainties we are experiencing with COVID-19.
July Date Day Course Name Location Time Cost Event 17 Saturday Leadership Essentials - The GSLE Zoom 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. No Cost Summer Train-In 17 Saturday Volunteer Toolkit - Multilevel Zoom 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. $6 Summer Train-In 17 Saturday Partnering with Juniors Zoom 10 a.m. – noon $6 Summer Train-In 17 Saturday Mean Chicks, Cliques & Dirty Tricks - Revisited Zoom 10:30 a.m. – noon $6 Summer Train-In 17 Saturday Beyond Journeys and Badges for Older Girls Zoom 10:30 a.m. – noon $6 Summer Train-In 17 Saturday Partnering w/Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors Zoom 1 – 3 p.m. $6 Summer Train-In 17 Saturday Girl Progression in Finances Zoom 1 – 2:30 p.m. $6 Summer Train-In 17 Saturday Take Action Projects - Making a Difference Zoom 1 – 2:30 p.m. $6 Summer Train-In 17 Saturday Mi Primera clase de Girl Scouts/Trabajemos Journeys Zoom 10:30 a.m. – noon No Cost Summer Train-In 24 Saturday First Aid/CPR/AED-Blended Program Place 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $55
AUG Date Day 28 Saturday 28 Saturday 28 Saturday 28 Saturday 28 Saturday 28 Saturday 28 Saturday 28 Saturday 28 Saturday 28 Saturday 30
Course Name Community Roster Specialist Girl Panels and Girl Planning Boards Thanks a Million School Liaison Team Lead Conflict Resolution Community/Region Treasurer Waitlist-IRG Specialist Mentoring Day Event Basics Community Financial Specialist
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Location Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom
Time 8:30 – 10 a.m. 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. 9 – 11 a.m. 9 – 10 a.m. 10:30 a.m. – noon 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 10:30 – 11:30 am noon – 4 p.m. 1 – 4 p.m. 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Cost $6 No Cost $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6
Event Service Team Day Service Team Day Service Team Day Service Team Day Service Team Day Service Team Day Service Team Day Service Team Day Service Team Day Service Team Day
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Service Team Training Day Saturday, August 28 You have accepted the challenge of delivering on our promise to girls, that we will ensure Girl Scouting continues to thrive and grow stronger in the next century of the Girl Scout movement. This day has been planned to prepare you for your new role in your Community or Region service team. The trainings, resources and information will assist you with your mission: building a team of passionate volunteers who support one another and are confident leading girls into the future. This training day event will be conducted virtually. Each course is offered as a standalone. Refer to the schedule below to ensure you do not register for conflicting courses in the same time period. Cost: $6 per course unless otherwise noted Place: Online Deadlines: Sunday, August 22 Register: The courses require that you register through EVENTS at gssjc.org/events When registration closes, you will receive an email the Zoom link, instructions and appropriate resources for the course selected.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Community Financial Specialist – Required training for the role of Community financial specialist. Topics include educating volunteers in council financial guidelines; and submission of the required registration of Girl Scout bank accounts (manual or through Online Community) and annual troop/group financial reporting (manual or via Volunteer Toolkit – VTK). Community/Region Treasurer – Are you the Community or Region Treasurer? This is the course for you. Topics include budgeting, financial reporting, and management of the Community or Region finances. This course is NOT suitable for volunteers in the role of troop treasurer. Community Renewal Specialist – Your role as renewal specialist is all about keeping your volunteers and girls engaged in troop program. Developing a strategy for your community to make Early Bird and On-Time renewal registration meet the needs of the families and members is a key component of this role. Community Roster Specialist – This course is designed for the Community roster specialist role. Topics include supporting the Community leadership team and service team members with accurate information provided by the Looker platform and how the role interacts with the duties of other Service Team members. Girl Panels and Planning Boards – Community and Region events are offered to enhance the girl’s experience in Girl Scouting. Offering this type of event is more successful when planned by the girl. Explore ways to get Girl Panels and Planning Boards started; help them (the girls) make decisions, identify the right adult to lead them in their discussion and planning; and incorporate their ideas into your calendar with their leading whenever possible. Event Basics – Learn to prepare yourself in the planning and implementation of successful events that are NOT camping or overnight. Required for any volunteer serving in the event chair or series/event advisor role. This course is a pre-requisite to Weekend Event Planning. Mentoring Day – Supporting troop leaders is an essential role of Community service teams. Mentoring Day is ideal for mentor team leads, troop mentors, Cafe team and anyone else who will be involved in providing ongoing training and support to both new and seasoned leaders. This day includes two courses: The Many Faces of Mentoring (see course description) and C.A.F.E. – Care and Feeding of Every Leader (explore ways to use Cafés to educate, motivate and retain adult volunteers). Cost $10
School Liaison Team Lead –Harness the power of volunteers already associated with individual schools to benefit both organizations. School liaisons can collect important dates, smooth the way for a positive relationship, and provide opportunities for Girl Scouts to shine at their school. Team leads will receive a school liaison meeting guide for positive preparation for working with the team. Thanks a Million – This course will provide you with information on the council and national recognitions and responsibilities of the Community and Region adult recognitions committee. Designed for volunteers in the Community or Region recognition team roles. The Many Faces of Mentoring – This course guides you through exploring the different mentoring programs and assessing which one will be the most effective in your Community. Required for the role of mentor team lead. Waitlist-IRG Specialist – Your role is to offer opportunities for girls on the waitlist and individually registered girls to participate in Girl Scout program. Learn how to access templates and resources for waitlist meetings, “Need a troop leader” meetings, and build a team to deliver successful waitlist meetings to girls. Courses - Track 1 Roster Specialist (8:30 – 10 a.m.) Conflict Resolution (10:30 a.m. – noon) LUNCH Break Event Basics (1 – 4 p.m.) Courses - Track 2 Girl Panels and Girl Planning Boards (GA) (8:30 – 9:30 a.m.) Community/Region Treasurer (10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) LUNCH Break Community Financial Specialist (1:30 – 3:30 p.m.) Courses - Track 3 Thanks a Million (9 – 11a.m.) LUNCH Break Mentoring Day (Includes Many Faces of Mentoring and C.A.F.E. - Care and Feeding of Every Leader) (noon – 4 p.m.) Courses - Track 4 School Liaison Team Lead (9 – 10 a.m.) Waitlist-IRG Specialist (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.) July/August 2021 l The Golden Link 31
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Summer Train-In Day Junior and Older Girl Program Saturday, July 17 Cost: $6 per course unless noted otherwise Place: Online Register: The courses require that you register through EVENTS on the council website. https://mygs.girlscouts.org/search;type=EVENTS Once registered, you will receive an email containing the Zoom link, instructions and appropriate resources for the course you have selected. Deadline: Sunday, July 11 TRACK ONE Partnering with Juniors – Adults new to the Junior leadership role are encouraged to attend this course. This course designated to provide specifics on working with girls in grades 4-5. It includes various forms of troop government, characteristics of the girls, the girl/adult partnership, tips on girl planning and more. Partnering with Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors – This training is highly recommended for NEW leaders working with Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors program levels or leaders moving to Cadette leadership. Gain insight on how girls this age think, guide them in girl planning and when to step back so girls can develop leadership skills. Discover ways to become teen savvy, how to talk to girls about the 3T’s (Touchy Teen Topics) and the importance of maintaining confidentiality with troop members. TRACK TWO Leadership Essentials: The GSLE – Girl Scouting offers girls a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure in a safe, no-limits place designed for and by girls! Girls who engage in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) discover themselves, connect with others and take action to make the world a better place through ageappropriate activities that are girl-led, cooperative and hands-on. This course will help you understand the GSLE and deliver fun with a purpose! Mean Chicks, Cliques and Dirty Tricks Revisited – Let’s face it, the girl world is tough. Cliques, snobs, Facebook stalkers, Twitter twits, Instagram photos/videos, gossip, name-calling, showing off and cyberbullying are issues girls face today. Learn real world tips and strategies to deal with these mean girls and bullies. This course is designed for you as the adult to learn strategies to take back to train your girls to take action. Girl Progression in Finances – As girls progress in the program levels, finances is no exception. Discover ways to guide girls in the everyday workings of their troop finances, budget for activities and their annual goals. Learn strategies for stepping back and letting the girls take the lead! Cost $6 TRACK THREE Volunteer Toolkit – Multilevel – This course will feature a demonstration of the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) including creating a year plan, accessing the Journey and badge resources, adding to the calendar through activities, planning meetings for Girl Scouts at any level. A discussion of how troops are using VTK will finish out the time. If you are able, bring an electronic device so you can access your toolkit during the demo. Beyond Journeys and Badges for Older Girls – Higher awards, leadership awards, and special interest groups are some of what makes Girl Scouting in middle and high school unique and life changing. Explore what is available to Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors that will keep them coming back. Round out the course with valuable discussion among leaders and volunteers working with girls of this level. 32
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Take Action Projects – Making a Difference – Are you having trouble understanding the difference between Community Service and Take Action Projects? This course will provide information to help you guide the girls in fully understanding the elements that distinguish take action projects from service projects and ways to identify root causes and possible solutions. TRACK FOUR Mi Primera clase de Girl Scouts: Esta clase EN ESPANOL es únicamente para voluntarios nuevos en una tropa de Girl Scouts. Juntas vamos a aprender como planear las reuniones con las ninas, que actividades podemos hacer, dónde buscar ayuda, o encontrar ideas. Recibirás un set de materiales y libros que te ayudarán a preparar a las niñas para que ellas ganen sus insignias en su primer año. Todo lo que necesitas saber para ser una voluntaria lo encontrarás en esta clase. Trabajemos con Journeys: Si ya tomaste tu primera clase y aprendiste cómo manejar una reunión con las niñas, cuáles son las ceremonias del primer año y has participado en algunos eventos del Concilio ahora vas a aprender cómo involucrar a las niñas en la planeación de varias reuniones de la tropa y algunas veces hasta puedes involucrar a más personas o a toda la familia. Los journeys pueden ser muy divertidos y ayudan a las niñas a desarrollar su propio liderazgo.
Track One Partnering with Juniors (10 a.m. – noon) LUNCH Break Partnering with Cadettes/Seniors/Ambassadors (1 – 3 p.m.) Track Two Leadership Essentials - The GSLE (GA) (8:30 – 9:30 a.m.) BREAK Mean Chicks, Cliques, and Dirty Tricks Revisited (10:30 a.m. – noon) LUNCH Break Girl Progression in Finances (1 – 2:30 p.m.) Track Three Volunteer Toolkit - Multilevel (8:30 – 9:30 a.m.) BREAK Beyond Journeys and Badges for Older Girls (10:30 a.m. – noon) LUNCH Take Action Projects -Making a Difference (1 – 2:30 p.m.) Track Four Mi Primera clase de Girl Scouts Trabajemos con Journeys (10:30 a.m. – noon)
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Safety & Training Weekend for Adults Join us for our revised Health & Safety Weekend! We are re-envisioning our classic event to be adults-only and to encompass some our most popular sessions. (Don’t worry, we made sure all the girl sessions were offered through other activities throughout the year!) Our newly-designed program will offer adults a convenient way for all adults in a troop to get training on various topics over the same weekend. To align with COVID-19 safety, adults will choose from a specific training track for the weekend that will give them a holistic experience but staying with the same group the entire time. See the training options below! Each track includes lunch, patch, and water bottle; multi-day tracks also include overnight accommodations and additional meals. Who: Adult When: Aug. 27 – 29 Cost: $50-120 (varies by session) Where: Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271; Registration, registration@sjgs.org, 713-292-0370
New Leader Track ($70) New leaders can earn their First Aid/ CPR/AED Certification, have guided camp exploration time, learn what Safety Activity Checkpoints are and how to use them, discover your inner whittler with knife skills, and get ideas for fun outdoor activities. This is perfect for leaders that are new to the position or new to outdoor activities. Duration: online prerequisite course + Full Day (Saturday) First Aid Track, Full Day ($65) This adult and pediatric first aid/CPR/ AED course helps you recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, head, neck, back injuries, heat and cold emergencies and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies to help victims of any age. Certifications are good for 2 years. Duration: Full Day (Saturday) First Aid Track, Half Day ($55) This adult and pediatric first aid/CPR/ AED course helps you recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, head, neck, back injuries, heat and cold emergencies and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies to help victims of any age. Certifications are good for 2 years. Duration: online prerequisite course + Half Day (Sunday)
Archery Instructor Track ($90) (Waitlist Only) Following archery instructor certification, you will be able to facilitate archery for your troop, Community, Region or council event. Earn USA Archery Level 1 certification and be ready to facilitate girls to have fun safely on the archery ranges at GSSJC. Duration: Full Day (Saturday) or Full Day (Sunday) Range Safety Officer Training Track ($120) Conducted by a chief range safety officer, this course content consists of range safety officer roles and responsibilities, range standard operating procedures, range inspection and range rules, firearm stoppages and malfunctions, and range safety briefings which include procedures to follow in the case of an emergency. Our training also includes training for facilitating Girl Scout programs on the rifle range, including Introduction to Rifle and Rifle Marksmanship. Duration: online prerequisite course + Full Day (Saturday) Kayak Training Track ($80) This training will give you the skills needed to take girls kayaking so you can expand your troop’s outdoor expeditions! Adults taking this course will need to take the Safe Boating Swim test Friday night. Duration: Friday evening, full day Saturday, Sunday morning
Volunteer Camp Certification Track ($50) (Waitlist Only) This training is geared toward getting your girls outdoors with helpful tips and tricks from experienced leaders. Participate in four different outdoor cooking methods, outdoor ceremonies, campfire basics and more. This workshop gives you the confidence to teach your Girl Scouts how to build wood fires and prepares you for cooking in a safe, efficient way – as well as acquiring other basic outdoor skills. Duration: online prerequisite course + Full Day (Saturday) Lifeguard Certification Track ($115) This is a great option for troops or Communities who have girls that love to swim! Participants learn skills that will allow them to fulfill the lifeguard requirement for girls’ water adventures. On Friday, preliminary swim testing is done through a front crawl, breaststroke, treading water, and underwater item retrieval. Duration: online prerequisite course + Friday evening, full day Saturday, full day Sunday
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Making the most of your Support of Girl Scouts!
There are so many ways to help support girls’ success! These two easy-to-use tools can maximize the benefit of your gift to girls in our community. Be sure to share this with friends and colleagues!
Philanthropy
Amazon When you shop at Amazon, you are helping us fulfill a mission to help girls become women of confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Through the AmazonSmile program 0.5% of all the purchases you make can go towards making an impact in the life of a girl at our council. Make sure when you shop on Amazon you use the smile. Amazon.com link and search for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, or go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/74-6001254 and link your Amazon account to us. Double the Donation Employee matching gift programs are corporate giving programs in which the company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. This means you can double your impact at no extra cost to you. Requesting a matching gift is normally a five-minute process which must be initiated by the donor. You can do this by filling out and submitting a paper match form provided by your employer or through an electronic submission process. Now, you can initiate a match when you donate on our website! Visit gssjj.org/donate, enter your employer’s name, and you’ll then be able to access guidelines, matching forms and more! Thank you for helping us leverage your gift even further!
Thank You, GSSJC Donors! March 1- April 30, 2021
$50,000-$99,999 - Bronze United Way of Greater Houston $25,000-$49,999 - Ambassador Girl Scouts of the USA $10,000-$24,999 - Senior Harry E. Bovay Jr. Foundation $5,000-$9,999 - Cadette Baker Hughes Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Harriet and Joe Foster Foundation Michelle and Joseph Raab Mary Ryder Shell Oil Company Aimée R. Sproles Cathy Wining-Thomas and Jim Thomas $1,000-$4,999 - Junior Erin Abbey ConocoPhillips Company Mary J. Godinich Ana M. Kopf . 34
$250-$999 - Brownie Bank of America Rena Bozak Donna Carvalho Deborah L. Clark Constellation Energy Group Foundation, Inc. Yvette Drummond Thea M. Fabio Dolores R. Goble Claudia W. Hayslip Corrie B. Jenkins Terry E. Kite Kroger Company Katherine P. Lavery Marathon Petroleum Company Nicole McCay Anita M. Shorosky Jennifer Stringer Woodland Trails Community
Memorials
In Memory of Lynn Flournoy Terrie Bean-Minero Marj D. Bernhardt Frances Browning Linda D. Burnett
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For any questions about the donor list, contact Diane Likeness at dlikeness@sjgs.org. Honorariums listed are $25 and above.
Anne-Marie Comeaux Portia S. Cook Linda Craft Carmen Delgado Deborah Dunbar Chris Dunning Marlene M. Edwards Constance Eicher Renita J. Ferguson Nancy C. Flatt Hope Fletcher James Gosney Rosemary Haffemann Carolyn Hightower Ann E. Jones Marie C. Jones Sandy A. Judson Michele Kinser Nancy McGuire Linda M. Ross Louise Rugaard Karen P. Saenz Donna S. Sisak Cathy Wining-Thomas
In Memory of Colette and Olivia Nguyen Colony Creek Community Connie Chavez Troop #157004 Troop #157035 Troop #157121 Troop #157122 Troop #157134 Troop #19056 Troop #19218 Troop #19247 Troop #19253 Mary M. Vitek In Memory of Penny Vieau Elizabeth Abrahams Lane Hammond
Honorariums
In Honor of Margot Bacon Jocelyn Bacon In Honor of Erin Sanchez Nicole McCay
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Adventure Park
at Camp Agnes Arnold in Conroe Naming Opportunities
*Not exact illustration, but example
The Adventure Park features two 300-foot ziplines with a challenge course comprised of 29 adventurous elements. The challenge course will be two thrilling levels and include elements such as a swinging bridge, horse ride, catwalk, loop crossing, barrel bridge, DNA bridge, skyak, tube crawl, taco net and more! This should be completed by mid-June 2021.
Adventure Park
SOLD
Camp Road
$100,000
Zip Line (2 available)
$25,000 each
Challenge Course Elements (29 available)
$5,000 each
Example Challenge Elements Skyak Tube Crawl
Namings may be pledged and paid as multi-year commitments. "Be a girl with adventure, a lady with confidence and a woman with bravery." -Aly Aubrey
Taco Net
Please contact Nancy Hall at nhall@sjgs.org or 713-292-0282 for information.
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Columns
Adventure Park
at Camp Agnes Arnold in Conroe Naming Opportunities Available Elements Hanging Zig Zags
Available
Burma Loops
SOLD
Slalom
Available
Multivine
Available
Taco Net
Available
Lily Pad Bridge
SOLD
Charlie Chaplin
Available
Pogo Crossing
Available
Train Track Bridge
Available
Postmen's Walk
S OL D
Raiders Bridge
Available
DNA Bridge
Available
Terminator
Available
Oobie Doobie
Available
High X
Available
Trolley
Available
Tube Crawl
Available
Pipe Dream
Available
Log Ladder with Hand Cable
Available
Loop Crossing
Available
Tire Bridge
Available
Catwalk
Available
Swinging Fours
Available
Barrel Bridge
Available
Vertical Net
Available
Burma Bridge
Available
Paddling Skyak
SOLD
Zip Line 1
Available
Pirates Crossing
Available
Zip Line 2
Available
Broken Bridge
Available
Please contact Nancy Hall at nhall@sjgs.org or 713-292-0282 for information. 36
July/August 2021 l The Golden Link
Columns
Hamill Welcome Center Naming Opportunities
The new Hamill Welcome Center will serve as a vital resource both to campers and area membership. In addition to welcoming guests at the check-in area, it will provide critical camp information and educational program resources. The Hamill Welcome Center will have a 670 square foot shop to provide Girl Scout supplies for campers and regional members, as well as space for troop meetings. It will also accommodate the reserve rangers’ quarters and equip the space to warmly invite visitors to camp.
Welcome Center
SOLD
Scenic Camp Entry Road
$200,000
Walking Path
$25,000
Meeting Room
$25,000
Reserve Ranger Common Area
$25,000
Reserve Ranger Bedroom 1
$25,000
Reserve Ranger Bedroom 2
$25,000
Parking Lot
$25,000
Breezeway
$25,000
Front Porch
SOLD
Program Kit Locker Room
$10,000
Re ection Station
SOLD
Porch Rocking Chairs
SOLD
Namings may be pledged and paid as multi-year commitments.
Commemorative Pavers
$100, 4 x 8” Clay brick (2 lines) $250, 4 x 8” Clay brick (3 lines) $500, 8 x 8” Paver (6 lines) $1,000, 8 x 16” Paver (6 lines) $2,000, 16 x 16” Paver (12 lines)
Please contact Nancy Hall at nhall@sjgs.org or 713-292-0282 for information.
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Columns Brownies Olivia C., Ryan S. and Sydney L. from Troop #303101 delivered 26 cases of cookies to Cy-Fair Fire Station #4. The firefighters were so surprised when they learned the cookies were already paid for and they were receiving them as a thank you from Girl Scouts. The firefighters built two thrones out of the boxes of cookies for the girls to sit on for the photos and then gave them a tour of the station and showed off their new tanker truck that allows them to protect homes in parts of their area that don’t have fire hydrants.
Service Around the Council
Troop #9020, delivered Cookies4 Heroes to The Village Learning Center.
Troop #125089 delivered cookies to The Spring Valley Village Police Department.
Samantha U. of Brownie Troop #139135 made 30 crafts bags for Texas Children's Hospital Pulmonary Clinic to finish her World of Girls Journey.
Troop #9828 donated cookies to the VAP pet adoption at Pet Ranch in Kingwood
Troop #153093 delivered cookies to Missouri City Fire Station. 38
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Troop #114113 donated cookies to Klein ISD Police Department.
Troop #147151 created a wildflower garden for their Bronze Award project. The garden is located along the bayou trail near Oasis Dr. and contains mostly native wildflowers.
Troop #106234 delivered to station 11-3 South Montgomery County Fire Department. The girls got to look around their vehicles and ask a lot of questions about how to become firefighters. The troop also gave cookies to other fire departments.
Ella G. of Troop #11550 sewed more than 30 small pillows for the VFW 12024 of the Woodlands to be given to veterans while being treated at the VA.
Troop #153042 delivered cookies to several departments at Houston Methodist Hospital.
In observance of Earth Day, Troop #136001 along with Motiva Enterprises LLC assisted with planting 25 River Birch trees from the Trees of Houston Organization at Northside High School. Some Girl Scouts from the troop also cleaned up the Garden Villas park along Sim's Bayou in conjunction with the annual "Rivers, Lakes, Bays 'n Bayous Trash Bash" event, which went virtual this year. Troop #11550 visits Spring Fire Station #76 monthly. They have adopted this fire station and bring them dinner, dessert, snacks, drinks and cards each month as a thank you for their service. They also delivered some Girl Scout Cookies to them as well.
Troop #117132 delivered cookies to the staff at Foster Elementary in Kingwood. July/August 2021 l The Golden Link 39
Scrapbook
Scrapbook
GSSJC Scrapbook Scrapbook
Troop #150237 visited HCESD48 Fire Station 3 to earn their respect authority petal. Clarke D. had fun during this cookie program and made her goal!
Sparky (SPURS/STARS SIGs and resident camp Equestrian Aide) recently recreated this photo - riding her first Girl Scout horse. Sparky rode Baby Girl at Camp Pryor in May 2017 as part of the STARS’ program, Saddlehorns session. Baby Girl is still a favorite choice to ride four years later (May 2021). She lives at the Misty Meadows Ranch barn with the 38 others horses in our Girl Scout herd. Troop #142147 got together for a fun nature walk and try some yoga.
Troop #142142 finally had the opportunity to be awarded their Bronze Award (due to Covid).
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Gold Award
Congratulations 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.
Sara Davidson created Safe Life Line, a non-emergency services application for the residents of Harris County. Sara noted that residents in her community needed more access to information and resources for non-emergency 911 calls. Together with her team of 11 volunteers, Sara helped lead the coding, graphic design, and beta testing for the app. To date, the app has been downloaded over 200 times by local users.
Miranda Santovena created a podcast series aimed at discussing and providing information on modern day racism. The monthly series discusses hard-hitting topics like racism in the entertainment industry, systematic racism, social media, and microaggressions. With her project, Miranda hopes to teach and inspire others to take action in their communities against racism.
Shritha Kolla realized that children around the world, were not receiving the fundamental resources or experiences that are critical in academic foundations. To help prevent loss of learning, Shritha began an online organization where she led and recruited volunteers to help teach and provide lessons to students online. Shritha wanted the attendees to know and feel that learning was critical during COVID-19, and that online coursework could be just as fun and engaging.
Marin Tzannis was inspired to teach youth in her community about the importance of gun safety. As an avid recreational shooter with her father at the gun range, Marin understood the importance of teaching others about how to use guns properly and safely. Additionally, Marin also created a YouTube series with further resources and information, and presented her project to her Wildlife Management class at school and at GAM 2019.
Emma Lambert and her team of volunteers, partnered with Brazos Bend State Park to help deliver “Be One With Nature”, a project focused on teaching children about the local wildlife, the environment, and how to respect it. As a long-time Girl Scout, Emma understood the importance of learning about the outdoors and was motivated by her passion for the environment to teach others how to enjoy and care for the outdoors.
Sejal Thakur focused on bringing awareness to the Autistic community and the issues they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sejal and her volunteers partnered with Best Buddies and ASL, school clubs that helped bring information and knowledge to Houston communities about individuals living with disabilities. Additionally, Sejal made special masks with clear mouthpieces that were donated to the Monarch School and Institution.
New Highest Awards Specialists
GSSJC is excited to introduce the 2021-2022 Highest Awards Specialists - an official team of Gold Award Girl Scouts dedicated to assisting with workshops, speaking engagements, materials development, and promotion of Girl Scouts' Highest Awards. To qualify as a member of this team, girls have earned their Gold Award within the last two years and have been selected through an application process. We are proud of the example these young women will set in representing GSSJC during the next year. July/August 2021 l The Golden Link 41
