LINK
The Official Publication of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council | Volume 47 Issue 3
May/June 2021
The Golden
On target for a great summer!
Renew now for the 2021-2022 Girl Scout year! May/June 2021 l The Golden Link 1
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 ©2020. All rights reserved. 2
May/June 2021 l The Golden Link
After the snow damaged some of the crops at the Blodgett Urban Gardens Troop #146119 helped clear the damaged beds. The girls also completed their Tree Promise Badge by planting a lemon tree to replace one that died in the freeze.
Contents
May/June 2021 3 3
From the Top Shop News
Special Feature 4
Why Girl Scouts is Important
Features
Service Team 7 Ways Summer Camp Brings Out Her Best Trainings June 5 Adventure Park Opening Soon and Aug. 28! Page 31 Be an Early Bird, Renew your Girl Scout Membership Join the Summer Camp Team Summer Camp Sessions We Need Your Feedback Join the Alumnae Group Celebrate Gold Award Girl Scouts at Activities Virtual Ceremony. 14 General Activities Page 23 18 Environmental 18 Fine Arts 21 Health 22 Highest Awards 23 Horseback Riding 23 STEM 29 Travel 29 Watersports 6 6 9 9 10 13 13
Columns 30 Adult Trainings 36 Philanthropy 39 Scrapbook 42 Gold Award
Sign Up For Robotics Competition Teams. Page 26
Since I started writing to you in The Golden Link, does it feel that every article has been about a novel or transformative experience that the council is undergoing? It sure feels that way to me and this article will be no different. Membership Year 2021 is another experience that we will likely never forget. While we knew our volunteers were resourceful and beyond resilient from previous years, we saw them innovate on a whole new level this past year. Drive thru recruitment events, virtual and socially distanced bridging events, Marguerite Woungand even creative Community contests Chapman from baking to building a Juliette Gordon Low Junkyard Goody Launcher for safe Chair of the Board and Trick or Treating are just a sample of new President of the Council experiences introduced this year and I am here for it! Communities found fun ways to deliver Summit meetings and even saw attendance rise. Troops found that camping in your backyard while virtually being with your friends helped weather this time of isolation. There were virtual badge workshops and service projects. One thing we weren’t short on were new ideas. All of this creativity and support would not have been made possible without the tireless effort of our AMAZING Community Leadership Team members. These volunteers have figured out how to make it work in a virtual world. They have provided volunteers new resources, ensured the girls had a year they would never forget, have reworked plans and have continued to innovate. We are kicking off Membership Year 2022, which for GSSJC is extra special as we will be celebrating 100 years in Southeast Texas! It’s time to renew your membership and declare your volunteer roles. Early Bird started April 1 and runs until June 1. Go to gssjc.org/renew and join us for our centennial celebration. Although recruitment looked very different for Membership Year 2021, we rose to the challenge. We are currently serving over 32,000 girls and 13,000 adults – and counting. And, with a menu of delivery options, our Outreach team continued to serve 41 sites during the pandemic. We are also incredibly proud of the many girls who have continued to earn highest awards. Since the start of our fiscal year on September 1, 466 girls have earned the Bronze Award, 284 girls earned the Silver Award and 78 girls earned the Gold award. Congratulations, girls! Troops continued meeting in all kinds of formats – over Zoom, in backyards, at parks, at camp, and on and on. I am pleased to say that over 43,100 badges have been purchased from the Girl Scout shop so far this year. Congratulations to our troop leaders for continuing to deliver quality programming, even during a pandemic. The 2021 local cookie season is a wrap. In our first-ever contactless cookie program, troops sold over 231,000 cases of Girl Scout cookies, with over 3,000 of those cases donated to local heroes. We are so proud of all the girls, parents and volunteers for their perseverance and commitment to keeping those cookies rolling to folks who really needed that “happiness in a box” in this tough year. Looking to the summer, we are so excited to be holding resident camp, day camp, family camp, and back by popular demand virtual camp. Go to gssjc.org/summercamp and I am sure that you will find the perfect fit for your summer Girl Scout experience. If you attended our recent Annual Meeting (hopefully the last virtual one in a while), you may recall my closing wish which bears repeating here: Thinking back on everything lived, loved, endured and mourned this past year, I am reminded of a quote by Charles Dickens that I have modified for myself: reflect upon your present blessings – of which everyone has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all have some. Of our present blessings, we recognize our amazing volunteers without which there may not have been any Girl Scouting this past year. Thank you, thank you.
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. Most locations are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays* and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. These locations are open on Friday from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Cypress is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 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 281-282-6077 1300 A Bay Area Blvd., Ste. 106 Houston, TX 77058
Lufkin 936-634-4688 1202 College Dr 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.
1
Early Bird runs through June 1! Renewing your troop early helps ensure a smooth start to the next membership year. See gssjc.org/renew for details.
2
Resident camp sessions begin July 4. There is plenty of time to sign up your Girl Scout for a week of adventures to jump into summer 2021! Go to gssjc.org/summercamp for details.
3
Day camp sessions begin June 21. Day camps will be held at Program Place for Girls in Houston as well as in Cypress and Katy. Find more information at gssjc.org/daycamp.
4
Summer is a great time to take a training. Look for information at gssjc.org/events for this summer’s Train-Ins taking place June 26 and July 17. May/June 2021 l The Golden Link 3
Special Feature
Why Girl Scouts Is Important Strength, resilience, togetherness, and the support of community—that’s what Girl Scouts is all about. So in this uncertain world, you can count on one thing for sure: today, tomorrow, together, we are on your team. When you stick with Girl Scouts, you’re not just giving your girl something to do—you’re giving her someone to be. The bravest, boldest, best version of herself. The version of herself that walks with her head a bit higher and acts with confidence. And as she grows, we’ll grow with her, guiding her through life’s ups and downs, supporting her strengths, and showing her new and exciting paths to take. Stick with us—the best is yet to come.
Girl Scouts have an edge compared to other girls. Girl Scouts are more likely to • • • • • • •
Have an entrepreneurial mindset and are more likely to want to be an entrepreneur. Be digital leaders than boys and non-Girl Scout girls. Be interested in tech careers and maintain this interest through adolescence while other girls show a drop in interest. Exhibit stronger leadership skills and take an active role in decision making Earn better grades and have higher academic aspirations Desire a career in STEM, law or business; industries in which women are underrepresented. Participate in fun and challenging activities that shape their character and open up new worlds to them.
Our Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a one-of-a-kind leadership development program for girls, with proven results. It is based on time-tested methods and research-backed programming that help girls take the lead—in their own lives and in the world. Research shows that girls learn best in an all-girl, girl-led, and girl-friendly environment. Girl Scouts is a place where she’ll practice different skills, explore her potential, take on leadership positions—and even feel allowed to fail, dust herself off, get up, and try again.
Girl Scouts experiences impact girls: • • •
Just one Girl Scout outdoor badge hones girl’s outdoor leadership and outdoor competence grows with each badge earned! Girl Scouts gives girls access to outdoor activities that they wouldn’t otherwise have Girls who participate in Girl Scout STEM programs become more confident in their math and science abilities.
84%
parents believe their daughter benefited from her experience in Girl Scouts. 4
May/June 2021 l The Golden Link
Special Feature
What is Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts isn’t just a moment in her life, it’s a movement dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Why do families love us? Girl Scouts is a way of life that brings out the best in your girl, even in the most challenging of times. While she’s learning about STEM, the outdoors, entrepreneurship, and important life skills, she’s discovering new ways to make your family and community stronger, kinder, and better for everyone. How does it work? Groups of Girl Scouts, called troops, typically meet weekly or biweekly for an hour or two. Guided by adult volunteers—often parents and caregivers—girls select exciting hands-on activities and projects, try new things, and cheer each other on. Together, they earn badges to reflect their successes and show the world what they’re made of. What’s the goal? Making sure girls see and have opportunities to reach their potential isn’t just about helping them earn better grades, make better decisions, and lead happier lives (though it helps with those things too!). It’s about creating a more fair, equal, and compassionate world where every girl has a seat at the table and can make her dreams come true. Check out our values in the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Girls thrive when they have an adult in their life who cares about and supports them. Girl Scouts fosters supportive relationshipsby creating a welcoming, inclusive environment; making girls feel valued and important; providing an emotionally and physically safe space; and helping girls pursue goals and think about their futures.
What parents say about their girl’s experience Girl Scouts has helped my girl... Build friendships with other girls Become more confident Develop communication skills Develop a sense of responsibility or independence Outdoor and nature skills Entrepreneurship or financial literacy skills Civic engagement skills Make a difference in her community Develop leadership skills STEM skills Take healthy risks Prepare for future careers (Cad-Amb)
% Yes 82% 64% 59% 57% 49% 47% 47% 46% 46% 36% 27% 24%
At Girl Scouts, “Can I?” quickly turns into “I will!” as girls transform their ideas into action, turn their questions into adventure, and grow their confidence through practice. And with more than 50 million other girls to cheer them on every step of the way, there’s no limit to what she can accomplish.
Whether she’s building a robotic arm, coding her first app, building a shelter in the backcountry, or packing for her first hike, a Girl Scout has an exciting array of choices to suit her interests at every age. Girl Scouts works. It’s the best leadership experience for girls in the world for one very good reason: because it’s girl-led!
May/June 2021 l The Golden Link 5
Features
7 Ways Summer Camp Brings Out Her Best
COMING SOON! Adventure Park
Summer is when some of the most fun childhood memories are made, but did you know that it’s also an awesome opportunity for your girl to grow, learn, and become her best self? Here are seven amazing benefits your girl will get from her summer camp experience.
One of the things we’ve heard from our girls is that they love adventure… and we love bringing it to them! We are in the early stages of planning and building the new Adventure Park at Camp Agnes Arnold, and we expect the challenge course to be complete in time for summer camp 2021. A pavilion, restrooms and more will be added in the long-term when funds are available. While these have undoubtedly been challenging times for our council, we have been so fortunate to have the support of amazing volunteers and donors who believe in our mission and the important role the great outdoors plays in the positive development of girls. The Adventure Park is being made possible by a generous donation from former GSSJC president and chair of the board of directors Stacy Methvin and her husband Dee. We are so thankful for their gift and how it will impact girls’ camp experiences. The Adventure Park will be located between Shadow Lake and Steitz Road. The hub and spoke design will feature 29 challenge elements and two zip lines. A self-belay course, the new challenge course will allow girls to choose their own adventure through elements of varying difficulty, and will also have some TAS accessible elements. See the artist drawing of the new adventure park on the next page!
1. She’ll make new friends. There’s nothing quite like giggling over games in the bunk or singing songs with new besties around a campfire. That’s why it’s actually good to send her to camp where she might not know many (or any) other girls! Having a diverse group of friends, not just kids she knows from school, will broaden her horizons and help her see her own worth, too. 2. She’ll see all she can be. In an all-girl environment like Girl Scout summer camp, girls are more comfortable trying new outdoor activities, and they get to take the lead every single time—meaning there’s plenty of room at the top for your girl to take charge and flex her muscle, both when it comes to outdoor adventure and crucial leadership skills that will last her a lifetime. 3. She’ll turn off her phone and tune in to nature. Getting out in nature, soaking up the sun, or dashing inside during a sudden downpour is way more exciting than any app she might have on her phone and is all part of the adventure of camp. Unplugging for a while will keep her more present and truly enjoying every moment instead of simply watching it from a screen. 4. She’ll grow her grit. The truth is, she might scrape a knee or elbow while she’s away—and that’s a good thing! When she learns to get back up after minor setbacks, like scrapes and bumps, she’s building her resilience and learning that she’s a lot tougher than she thinks. 5. She’ll meet new mentors. Having a variety of awesome role models will help your girl see the many ways to be successful and happy in life. And the incredibly supportive staff and counselors at your girl’s summer camp are ready to step up to the plate and inspire! 6. She’ll gain independence Being away from home–especially if that’s a new thing for her–might be a bit intimidating to both your daughter and you. But having that time away to explore and try activities on her own will make her more self-reliant and able to discover new things to share and teach you when she returns home. 7. She’ll have tons of time for play. Playtime is anything but a waste of time. In fact, studies show that play allows the neurons in a child’s brain to form new connections–and that this rewiring helps boost emotional intelligence, decision-making skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. The truth is, sending your girl off to camp is one of the best gifts you can give her. The fun, outdoor adventure, and friends will enrich her life and– perhaps without her even noticing–give her the courage, people skills, and leadership chops to succeed at whatever she sets her mind to.
6
May/June 2021 l The Golden Link
VTK Finance Tab Opens May 1!
Troop leaders and treasurers, it’s that time of year! The VTK Finance Tab will open on May 1 to allow troop leaders and treasurers to file the required annual F-31 financial reports on-line. Filing the report on-line is fast and easy. Information and a helpful training video can be found at the Volunteer Hub at gssjc.org or by clicking here. Troop leaders and treasurers can reach out to their Community Financial Specialists if there are questions or email troopfinances@sjgs.org.
Features
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. May/June 2021 l The Golden Link 7
Features
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
Available
Arnold 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.
8
May/June 2021 l The Golden Link
Features
Features
Be an Early Bird Renew your Girl Scout Membership To say the past year has been a challenge would be an understatement. All of us have had to adapt quickly, try new things and exercise confidence even in those moments we might feel our most confident. In other words, we have all used our inner Girl Scout to navigate this year. Being a Girl Scout provides girls with a sense of normalcy and a safe place to make friends, have fun and gain critical life skills. In addition to being a touch point with other girls during an uncertain time, our one-of-a-kind leadership development program for girls has proven results. Every activity we offer is based on time-tested methods and research-backed programming that help girls take the lead – in their own lives and in the world. Renew today at gssjc.org/renew.
GSSJC Summer Camp Virtual Job Fair
Are you at least 18 years old? (or a 17-year-old high school senior who has completed CIT training) Are you looking for a fun and incredibly rewarding job this summer? Do you LOVE working with Girl Scouts? Are you available this summer in June and July either Monday through Friday or on weekends? Or would you like to live at camp all summer long? For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts has helped girls develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in every area of life through outdoor education and leadership programs. Camp programs allow girls to learn life skills, make friends and develop what it takes to be a leader in a safe, all-girl environment. Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is seeking summer camp staff who can passionately deliver Girl Scout programs through our youth leadership development model. Positions available include day camp, resident camp (week-long, overnight), virtual camp and weekend family camp staff. Join us at our first annual virtual summer job fair! Learn about employment opportunities with the Girl Scouts and take the first step on an amazing summer adventure.
Incentives In May, any member who renews their membership by the dates below will be included in our weekly drawings. For troop incentives, the troop must have renewed 80% of its membership and at least two leaders. Week 1 (must renew by May 5) Troop: One camping kit Individual: K-Swiss Girl Scout Athletic Shoes Week 2 (must renew by May 12) Troop: Private movie screening Individual: Family themed movie night Week 3 (must be renewed by May 19) Troop: STEM kit Individual: STEM kit Week 4 (must be renewed by May 26) Troop: Fold up wagon Individual: Fold up wagon Week 5 (must be renewed by June 1) Troop: First aid kit
Who: Graduating Seniors and adults age 18+ interested in summer employment When: Monday, May 10, 6 – 8 p.m. Cost: Free Where: Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJEucumtrD8pE9zSTCp9wJxKoOkEZv6NxjG7 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Ready to apply right now? Text: Camp21 to 713-322-4224 More Information: Visit gssjc.org/careers Contact: Kathy Elliott, 713-292-0257, kelliott@sjgs.org
May/June 2021 l The Golden Link 9
Features
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)
JUNIOR(grades 4-5)
CADETTE/SENIOR/AMBASSADOR(grades 6-12)
AIDE
July 4-10
Pony Tails-$625
Giddy Up-$650 Junior Pioneer-$650
Horse Sense-$650 Horse Whisperer-$650 Campin' Cowgirls-$675
Equestrian Aide-$350
July 11-17
Little Bits (Sun-Wed)-$375 Little Bits (Wed-Sat) -$375
Blazing Bullseye-$600 Saddle Up-$650
Campin' Cowgirls-$675 Horse Sense-$650
Equestrian Aide-$350
July 18-24
Pony Tails-$625
Giddy Up-$650 Junior Pioneer-$650
Horse Whisperer-$650 SPURS Training-$675
Equestrian Aide-$350
July 25-31
Little Bits (Sun-Wed)-$375 Little Bits (Wed-Sat) -$375
Blazing Bullseye-$600 Saddle Up-$650
Campin' Cowgirls-$675 Horse Sense-$650
Equestrian Aide-$350
Little Bits (Sun-Wed)-$375 Little Bits (Wed-Sat) -$375
Giddy Up-$650 Saddle Up-$650
Horse Whisperer-$650
Equestrian Aide-$350
Pony Tails-$625
Pony Tails-$625 Aug. 1-7
Pony Tails-$625
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) July 4-10
July 11-17
July 18-24
10
Potters and Potions-$600
JUNIOR (grades 4-5)
CADETTE (grades 6-8)
SENIOR/AMBASSADOR AIDE (grades 9-12)
Junior Chef-$600 Harriet Potter-$625
Culinary Cadette-$625
Casa CSI-$625 Basic Sailing-$675
Sail Aide-$350
Art by the BayArtful Antics-$600 $600 E. Holmes: Girl Detective-$600 InSPAration-$600 There's an App for That -$600 Taste of Sailing-$650 Open Sail-$700 Defense Against the Dark Arts -$625
It's Alive!-$625 Taste of Sailing-$650 Open Sail-$700
Sail Aide-$350
Junior Chef-$600 Harriet Potter-$625
Casa CSI-$625 Basic Sailing-$675 Seafarers-$725
Sail Aide-$350
Lights, Camera, Action-$600
Basic Sailing-$675
Culinary Cadette-$625
Lights, Camera, Action-$600
Basic Sailing-$675 Seafarers-$725
July 25-31
Art by the BayArtful Antics-$600 $600 E. Holmes: Girl Detective-$600 InSPAration-$600 There's an App for That -$600 Taste of Sailing-$650 Open Sail-$700 Defense Against the Dark Arts -$625
It's Alive!-$625 Taste of Sailing-$650 Open Sail-$700
Sail Aide-$350
Aug. 1-7
Junior Chef-$600 Harriet Potter-$625
Sail to the Finish-$675 Open Sail-$700
Sail Aide-$350
May/June 2021 l The Golden Link
Culinary Cadettes-$625 Sail to the Finish-$675 Open Sail-$700 Defense Against the Dark Arts -$625
Features Located near Conroe, Camp Agnes Arnold offers a wide variety of classic camp activities, including archery, nature hikes, arts and crafts, 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.
DAISY (grades BROWNIE K-1) (grades 2-3)
JUNIOR (grades 4-5)
CADETTE (grades 6-8)
SENIOR/AMBASSADOR (grades 9-12)
AIDE
Flower Power (S-W)-$360 Daisy Day-$50
Camptastic (WS)-$360 Firelight & Fairytales-$550
Wayfinders-$575 Tree Trek-$600
Night Owl$575
CIT I (wk 1) -$700 CIT II (wk 1)-$700
Canoe Aide-$350 Archery Aide-$350
July 11-17 Flower Power (S-W)-$360 Daisy Day-$50
Camptastic (W-S)-$360 Little Mermaid -$550
Auradon & the Isle -$550
Z.A.P.-$600 Tree Trek-$600
CIT I (week 2) Continued CIT II (week 2) Continued
Canoe Aide-$350 Archery Aide-$350
July 18-24 Flower Power (S-W)-$360 Daisy Day-$50
Camptastic (WS)-$360 Firelight & Fairytales-$550
Wayfinders-$575 Tree Trek-$600
Night Owl-$575 CIT I (wk 1) -$700 Girl vs Wild -$600
Canoe Aide-$350 Archery Aide-$350
July 25-31 Flower Power (S-W)-$360 Daisy Day-$50
Camptastic (WS)-$360 Little Mermaid -$550
Auradon & the Isle -$550
Z.A.P.-$600 Tree Trek-$600
CIT I (wk 2) Continued Girl vs. Wild-$600
Canoe Aide-$350 Archery Aide-$350
Aug. 1-7
Camptastic (WS)-$360 Firelight & Fairytales-$550
Wayfinders $575 Tree Trek $600
Night Owl$575
Girl vs. Wild-$600
Canoe Aide-$350 Archery Aide-$350
July 4-10
Flower Power (S-W)-$360 Daisy Day-$50
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
June 21-25
Party in the USA $250
Program Aide
$75
June 28-July 2
Space/Star Was $250
Program Aide
$75
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
May/June 2021 l The Golden Link 11
Features
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) Ambass (grades AIDE 11-12)
June 14-18
GS Ways-$60
GS Ways-$60
GS Ways-$60
Program Aide Training -$60
June 21-25
Between Earth and Sky-$60
Wonders of Water-$60
Get Moving!-$60
Virtual Aide Training -$60
Virtual Aide Training-$60
June 28- TLA Engineer-$60 July 2
TLA Engineer-$60
TLA Engineer-$60
TLA Engineer-$60
TLA Engineer-$60
No Cost
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
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: May 28-30 or June 4-6 or July 2-4 or July 9-11 or 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 12
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Virtual Aide Training-$60
No Cost
Features
We Need Your Feedback
Tell us what you loved (and what you didn’t) about the past year. We believe that feedback is a gift and we want and need to hear from you! Do you love seeing girls grow and do amazing things and have stories to share? As you get back out to camp, what do you think about the improvements we’ve made? Have you loved some of the new programs and support we’ve offered in the last year and want to make sure they stick around? Are there others that haven’t been as helpful? Then here is your chance to help us determine what to stop, start and continue to support your Girl Scout experience! Whatever hat you wear, we are asking for your feedback this spring to help volunteers and staff at the Council level evaluate our programs and plan for next year and beyond. We need input from all of the Girl Scout family across our area. That includes YOU! We want to hear from:
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Girls – Girl Scouts of all ages – yes, K-12 – about how we can offer the most interesting programs and exciting outdoor experiences that they would enjoy! And… what have they learned or experienced so far in Girl Scouts? Parents and Caring Adults – help us understand what you’re looking for in the Girl Scout experience for your daughters and your family. Volunteers – volunteers in various roles will be asked to provide feedback so we know how to improve the support and training for you to be most successful – whether your role is as a troop leader, program volunteer, troop cookie manager, CLT, recruitment volunteer and more.
Your feedback helps us improve our services, tell our story to the community and even makes a difference to our donors and supporting foundations. What’s that mean for you? Be on the lookout for links to surveys and invitations to provide feedback. If you are active in multiple ways, you may be asked to share in multiple surveys so we can get your feedback directly to the volunteer and staff teams that are working on improvements and incorporating your ideas! And please, please, please – be sure to ask your girls to share their ideas with us in the girl survey! Want to hear more? Save the date now for our 2021-2022 Membership Kickoff on August 14 and hear the ways your feedback will come to life and help make Girl Scouting even more impactful in the next year!
Membership Kickoff 2021 – August 14 We’re going to party online!
We will be Zooming to Membership Kickoff once again. We have a full day of Girl Scout fun, information, learning, and virtual networking for troop volunteers, Community and Region service teams, and Community and Region leadership teams. The day will begin with a member meeting providing a comprehensive council update. In short 45 minutes to 1 hour workshops, we’re offering the latest in girl program, product sales, outdoors, highest awards, and volunteer support, perfect for both troop leaders and administrative volunteers. And you will hear first about the latest learning and training for volunteers available in gsLearn. Some of last year’s topics will return by popular demand and several new topics for membership year 2022 are being developed. And of course, it’s not a Girl Scout volunteer event unless there are door prizes!
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We are 100!
Did you know that Girl Scouts of San Jacinto is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2022? It will be a year of exciting activities and adventures for everyone. Girls and adults, we need your help! Join our volunteer planning committees and girl planning boards for our various events. More info will be on the way but please email customerservice@sjgs.org to show your interest in helping us plan some awesome celebrations!
Once a Girl Scout, Always a Girl Scout
No matter how you were involved with Girl Scouts – Brownie for a year, Gold Award Girl Scout, first-time troop leader, adult member – we are a sisterhood forever. Our Alumnae Association brings together women who want to reconnect with old friends and make new ones through fun groups and events. We are building a culture of philanthropy and engagement through volunteer opportunities, both within Girl Scouting and in our broader community. Continue your Girl Scout journey and join the GSSJC Alumnae Association today. Join now at gssjc.org/alumnae.
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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.
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.
Activity Search Tip! In the new system, you now have to use a ZIP code to find your activity. You can only search out 50 miles, which is far short of our council boundaries, So if you don't see something in your area, try searching on 77098 which is GSSJC's ZIP code and in central Houston.
Day-only outdoor activities at camp
Council-facilitated camp activities are opening with limited availability for groups who have reservations at camp. Visit our GSSJC COVID-19 Updates page to see steps for reserving camp properties, then add to your girls’ adventure by registering for these activities on the events page! All council-facilitated programs will follow strict guidance from council, local and state officials as well as American Camp Association, the Centers for Disease Control and when available, recommendations from each program’s certifying organization. All program participants and adult volunteers must adhere to GSSJC Safety Precautions for In-Person Gatherings. May 1 May 8 Camp Agnes Arnold
A, H, C, S
Misty Meadows Ranch Camp Pryor
May 15
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A, H, C, S
Archery (A) Price: $8/girl Archery is available for Brownies and older. Up to 8 girls per 45-minute session can learn archery basics and practice their aim. These archery sessions are instructor-led (meaning an instructor will be provided for your group.) Session Times: Sat. at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. If you have your own USAA Instructor, submit a Program Registration form (F-449) and appropriate certifications two or more weeks prior to your camp date to registration@sjgs.org, and a separate time will be reserved for your troop to do archery if available. Taste of Canoeing (C) Price: $20/girl Canoeing is a great team-building activity and an enjoyable and relaxing way to experience the outdoors. This is an introductory course for Brownies through Ambassadors, with no previous training required. Council-provided canoe instructors will teach girls waterfront safety and basic canoe strokes. Limit of 8 girls per session. Session Times: Saturday at 9:30, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. If you have your own adult FOC or American Canoe Association instructor, submit a Program Registration form (F-449) and appropriate certifications two or more weeks prior to your camp date to registration@ sjgs.org, and a separate time will be reserved for your troop to canoe if available.
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Love, Hug and Groom (L) Price: $6/girl Love, Hug and Groom is a non-riding activity to introduce girls of all ages to horse care. Girls will receive a barn tour, introduction to horse care, and a hands-on grooming opportunity with camp horses. Girls must arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled time. Sessions are for 30 minutes and are available on Saturdays. Limit of 8 girls per session. Session Times: 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. Hikes with Henry and Friends (H) Price: $5/girl If you want a fun way to introduce your girls to camp during the day, consider taking a guided hike. Foresters Henry Steitz, John Ross, and a group of dedicated volunteers conduct hikes that are both fun and informative. You haven’t really seen camp until you have toured it with these guys! These sessions are approximately 1 hours each and are for all ages. Cost includes a patch, and adults must register for the session. Limit to 8 girls per session and 2 adults. Session Times: 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Swimming (S) Price: $5/girl Need to cool off? Take a dip in the camp pool! Swimming time slots are available for one hour on Saturday only, for girls of all ages. Note, these sessions are pool fun time and free swim. These swimming sessions are lifeguard-provided (meaning a lifeguard will be provided for your group.) It is not necessary to provide your own lifeguard for these sessions. Session Times: 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. If you have your own lifeguard, submit a Program Registration form (F-449) and appropriate certifications two or more weeks prior to your camp date to registration@sjgs.org, and a separate time will be reserved for your troop to swim if available.
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
General Activities Cadette Animal Helpers
Animals have always provided humans with food, clothing, and transportation, but today they’re also trained to help people with disabilities, find people who are lost and even discover tumors. In this workshop, look how animal help humans! Who: ⓒ When: May 8, May 22 June 27; 10 a.m.– noon, June. 7, June 21; 5 – 7p.m. Where: Online Cost: $13 Contact: Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jkshank@sjgs.org
Brownie Pets Badge
Find out what care different pets need, how to keep them comfy, how to keep them healthy and safe and make them feel loved! Who: ⓑ When: May 2, May 16; 10 a.m. – noon Where: Online Cost: $13 Contact: Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jkshank@sjgs.org
Girl Planning Board Seniors and Ambassadors … We need YOU to help plan an event for … YOU!
Do you have awesome ideas for FUN activities? Have you ever wanted to help plan an amazingly FANTABULOUS event for other Girl Scouts your own age? Are YOU ready to work hard and stretch your leadership muscles? Would you like to be a part of a GIRL PLANNING BOARD? That’s right! We will be hosting an event just for Seniors and Ambassadors in 2022 … but we don’t have any idea yet what that event will be! That’s where you come in! Join the Girl Planning Board, earn Leadership Hours, and help us make this event SPECTACULAR! Who: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓢⓐ
Monthly Zoom Meetings, starting June 6, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Free (Pre-register to get the link) Kathy Elliott, kelliott@sjgs.org, 713-292-0257
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Outdoor Adventure Club
Are you a Senior or Ambassador looking for new ways to get outside, meet new friends, and make new memories? If so, the Outdoor Adventure Club is for you! This program offers exciting opportunities to meet your need for adventure and exploration through activities led by professionals in their fields. Registration includes all equipment and gear needed for activities, adult supervision and a patch. What: Intro to Scuba Diving (Sugar Land Dive Center) Where: Sugarland When: Saturday, May 15 Who: ⓢⓐ Cost: $50 What: Introduction to Surfing (Ohana Surf and Skate) Where: Galveston When: Saturday, May 22 Who: ⓢⓐ Cost: $70 What: High Ropes Course (Texas Treeventures) Where: The Woodlands When: Saturday, June 12 Who: ⓢⓐ Cost: $55 What: Indoor Rock Climbing (Texas Rock Gym) Where: Houston When: Saturday, June 26 Who: ⓢⓐ Cost: $35 Contact: Monique Stitts, mstitts@sjgs.org, 713-292-0233
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 May/June 2021 l The Golden Link 15
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 Date and Time GS Level Price Location Brownie Philanthropist Badge Workshop May 14-16 ⓑ $10 Virtual Daisy Money Counts Badge Worksho May 14-16 ⓓ $5 Virtual Cadette Comparison Shopping Badge Workshop May 14-16 ⓒ $10 Virtual Junior Savvy Shopper Badge Workshop May 14-16 ⓙ $10 Virtual Brownie Money Manager Badge Workshop May 21-23 ⓢ $10 Virtual Daisy Making Choices Leaf Workshop May 21-23 ⓐ $10 Virtual Junior Business Owner Badge Workshop May 21-23 ⓙ $13 Virtual Senior Buying Power Badge Workshop May 21-23 ⓒ $13 Virtual Ambassador On My own Badge Workshop May 21-23 ⓒ $13 Virtual 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. 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? In this workshop, we will find out all about money. Come earn your Daisy "Money Count's" leaf. 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. 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.
Daisy Making Choices: There are things we need and there are things we want. Both cost money! Lets find out the difference. 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, youll 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, youll 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 Cooking Workshops with Amore Kitchen
Join Amore Kitchen’s Chef Angela for these fun virtual workshops. Learn to cook these fabulous meals for your whole family as you learn from one of the top chefs in the business. Workshops will be virtual and will require parental help depending on age. Search Amore Kitchen at gssjc.org/activities. Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org May 7: 4:30 p.m. – Mother-Daughter Tea Mother’s Day is around the corner, so spend some quality time cooking together. (D-A) Menu: Finger sandwiches, mini maple scones, hot tea Cost: $32 May 18: 4 p.m. – “Beauty and the Beast” Cooking Class Be Our Guest as we have fun making two dishes from the movie. Don't forget to wear your tiara. (D-A) Menu: Grey stuff and cheese souffle Cost: $34
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June 8: 4:30 p.m. – Senior Locavore Cooking Class Earn your Seniors Locavore badge with this fun cooking challenge using mystery ingredients! Cost: $32 June 24: 4 p.m. – “Princess and the Frog” Cooking Class Don’t forget to wear your tiara. (D-A) Menu: Princess Tiana’s beignets (French donuts) and gumbo Cost: $34
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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 Cadette Business Creator Brownie Budding Entrepreneur Daisy Toy Business Designer Junior Business Jumpstart Senior Business Startup Ambassador Entrepreneur Accelerator
Date and Time June 4 June 4 June 4 June 4 June 4 June 4
GS Level ⓒ ⓑ ⓓ ⓙ ⓢ ⓐ
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. Brownie Budding Entrepreneur Badge Workshop: An entrepreneur is someone who finds ways to help people and solve problems. They are curious about how things work and see each setback as a chance to make things better. After completing all course requirements girls will earn the Brownie Budding Entrepreneur Badge. Junior Business Jumpstart Badge Workshop: Every entrepreneur starts with an idea! Ideas can come from observing your surroundings and being curious how things work. After completing all course requirements, girls will earn the Junior Business Jumpstart Badge. 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.
Price Location $13 Virtual $13 Virtual $10 Virtual $13 Virtual $13 Virtual $13 Virtual
Ambassador Entrepreneur Accelerator Badge Workshop: What makes an entrepreneur successful? Vision, passion, flexibility and a willingness to rake risks. Perhaps every entrepreneur sees every setback as an opportunity for improvement. In this badge, girls will think and act like an entrepreneur as they bring their business vision to life, learn to work as part of a team and motivate people to take a chance on you. After completing all the badge steps, girls will earn the Entrepreneur Accelerator Badge Senior Business Startup: Do you have an idea for a product, service, or technology that you can turn into a business? Even if you don’t, you can learn the skills to find and develop an idea. Entrepreneurs start with a process that explores the possibilities of their idea. They often fail before they succeed and use failure as an important tool to learn and improve.
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 Volunteer in Training: For girls who would like to mentor a Daisy, Brownie, Jr or Cd group outside of the camp experience. When: June 13, 1 – 4 p.m. Cost: $7 Where: Virtual Who: 10th grade and up ⓢⓐ Senior GIRLtopia Journey Workshop: Envision the world in which you would like to live. Participants will then create and set a plan in motion to achieve it. When: June 19, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Cost: $20/girl, $3/adult Who: ⓢ Where: Virtual Empowerment and Self Defense Class for Cadettes: Girls will become equipped with skills to help protect themselves if certain situations arise. When: May 28, 6 – 7 p.m. Where: All Star Martial Arts, Cypress Cost: $6/girl; free for adults Who: ⓒ
aMAZE Journey Workshop: Explore the twists and turns of getting along, healthy relationships, cliques and stereotypes. You will have a fun filled day of examining what it takes to be a good friend. When: June 12, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Cost: $20/girl, $3/adult Where: Virtual Who: ⓒ Ambassador Your Voice, Your World: Power of Advocacy Journey: Learn how to advocate for issues that are important to you. Explore ways to define your issue, formulate solutions and take steps to create change in the Your Voice, Your World: The Power of Advocacy Leadership Journey. When: June 26, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Cost: $20/girl, $3/adult Who: ⓐ Where: Virtual
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Cadette Financing My Dreams Badge Workshop: Find out how to research and brainstorm dream jobs. Then use what you learned to present your planning for a dream future. Plus thinking about potential donations to philanthropic groups.. When: June 15, 6 – 8 p.m. Cost: $5/girl Where: Virtual Who: ⓒ Senior Financing My Future Badge Workshop: Find out how to research and brainstorm personal goals and dreams. Then use what you learned to present your planning for a dream continued educational experience. Plus, place all your ideas and findings into a timeline. When: June 16, 6 – 8 p.m. Cost: $5 Where: Virtual Who: ⓢ
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Activities
Volunteer-In-Training (VIT)
Nature Center Workshops
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: Cost:
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.
GSSJC Gay Straight Alliance Interest Group
GSSJC's Gay Straight Alliance serves to empower and educate Girl Scouts surrounding LGBTQ+ issues. We will lead inclusive, engaging and educational programming to create a space for 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 and Gold Award Girl Scout Liv Rubenstein has a wonderful vision for this new interest group. If you are interested, 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.
Environmental Virtually Wild Programs
Let’s get wild and virtually learn about all the outdoors with different naturalist across the Houston Area. Team up with Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Jesse Jones Nature Center, Galveston Island, Trinity Bay Discovery Center or Lone Star College – Kingwood. Visit gssjc.org/activities to see detail description. Cost: $4 Contact: Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jshank@sjgs.org Workshop Drones/Forest Management Career Exploration/Internships Animal Habitats Take a Hike Be Eco-Friendly Out There Be Eco-Friendly Out There Coral Reef Tour
Date May 4 May 6 June 1 June 15 June 29 July 13 July 27
Time Level 4 – 5 p.m. C, S, A 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. C, S, A 4 – 5 p.m. J 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. D, B, J 4 – 5 p.m. C, S, A 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. D, B, J 4 – 5 p.m. D, B, J
Spend some time learning about nature. Our Nature Specialist have create a fun interactive virtual programs on great nature topics! A GSSJC Nature Center fun patch will be sent out as well. There’s one for each program, so you can collect them all!
Birds R Us: Learn about birds in your area and what you can do to increase the bird population in your backyard. When: June 26, 3 – 4 p.m. Going Buggy: Bugs help us in lots of cool ways. Explore the world of bugs and learn more about these little creatures that do so much! When: July 31, 3 – 4 p.m. Nature Rocks!: Learn about the rock cycle how rocks are made in fun, delicious way! When: May 22, 3 – 4 p.m. Trees are Tremendous: Find out how awesome trees are! What native trees are hanging out in your back yard, what trees are used for, and what you can do to protect them. When: May 15, 3 – 4 p.m. Going Buggy: Learn all about bugs and insects, create and eat a fun snack, and do a buggy craft! When: May 29, 3 – 4 p.m.
Fine Arts Snap Happy Juniors
The Houston Center of Photography is offering online photography workshops to fulfill the Digital Photographer badge. The workshops will take place in the afternoons on select Saturdays via the online platform of Zoom. Each session will consist of three weeks with one hour of instruction taking place each week. For these workshops, an HCP instructor will guide the students through the various steps needed to achieve the badge, and the instructor will provide assignments for the Girl Scouts to practice photography skills in between sessions. When: Where: Cost:
May/June 2021 l The Golden Link
Session I: May 8, 15, 22; 11 a.m. – noon Session II: June 12, 19, 26; 11 a.m. – noon Online, Zoom $40 each session (each session consists of three Saturday classes)
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:
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ⓑ ⓙ and their chaperones Virtually, Hosted by GSSJC Nature Specialist $10/girl, free to adults
June 27 or July 25; 1 – 4 pm $56 each session
ⓓ-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. Date June 5 June 5 June 5 June 5 June 5 June 5 June 19 June 19 June 19 June 19 June 19 June 19 July 17 July 17 July 17 July 17 July 17 July 17 July 24 July 24 July 24 July 24 July 24 July 24 Aug. 7 Aug. 7 Aug. 7 Aug. 7 Aug. 7 Aug. 7 Aug. 21 Aug. 21 Aug. 21 Aug. 21 Aug. 21 Aug. 21
Workshop Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Fabric Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop Aerial Hammock Workshop Aerial Hoop Workshop Aerial Trapeze Workshop Aerial Hoop Workshop Aerial Trapeze Workshop Aerial Hoop Workshop Aerial Trapeze Workshop Aerial Trapeze Workshop Aerial Hoop Workshop Aerial Trapeze Workshop Aerial Hoop Workshop Aerial Trapeze Workshop Aerial Hoop Workshop
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. 4:3 – 5:30 p.m. 2 – 3 p.m. 2 – 3 p.m. 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. 3:15 – 4:1 5p.m. 4:30 – 5:3 0p.m. 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Age Group Daisies Brownies Juniors Cadettes Seniors Ambassadors Daisies Brownies Juniors Cadettes Seniors Ambassadors Daisies Brownies Juniors Cadettes Seniors Ambassadors Daisies Brownies Juniors Cadettes Seniors Ambassadors Daisies Brownies Juniors Cadettes Seniors Ambassadors Daisies Brownies Juniors Cadettes Seniors Ambassadors
Cost $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29 $29
Number of Spots 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Bring your friends to camp! Sign up at gssjc.org/summercamp.
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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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 Brownie Dancer (Broadway) May 1 Brownie Painting May 1 Junior Photographer Self–Paced May 1 Ambassador Photographer Self–Paced May 1 Brownie My Family Story May 3 Daisy Outdoor Art May 6 Brownie and Junior Crafts May 8 Daisy Arts and Crafts May 8 Junior Outdoor Art May 8 Junior Scribe May 9 Cadette Public Speaker May 10 Junior Drawing May 11 Brownie Outdoor Art May 12 Cadette Comic Artist May 13 Senior Troupe Performer May 15 Cadette Comic Artist May 15 Brownie My Family Story May 17 Daisy Outdoor Art May 20 Cadette Public Speaker May 22 Cadette Screenwriter May 22 Junior Scribe May 23 Senior Room Makeover May 24 Junior Drawing May 25 Brownie Outdoor Art May 26 Brownie Painting May 29 Brownie Dancer (TikTok) May 29 Cadette Comic Artist May 29 Cadette Public Speaker May 31 Daisy Outdoor Art June 3 Junior Outdoor Art June 5 Cadette Comic Artist June 5 Junior Drawing June 8 Brownie Outdoor Art June 9 Cadette Comic Artist June 10 Daisy Outdoor Art June 17 Cadette Comic Artist June 19 Junior Drawing June 22 Brownie Outdoor Art June 23 Junior Outdoor Art June 26 Cadette Public Speaker June 28
Time Level 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. B 2 – 4 p.m. B Anytime J Anytime A 5 – 7 p.m. B 4 – 6 p.m. D 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. B 2 – 4 p.m. D 11 – 1 p.m. J 10 a.m. – noon J 5 – 7 p.m. C 4 – 6 p.m. J 4 – 6 p.m. B 1 – 3 p.m. C 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. S 2 – 4 p.m. C 5 – 7 p.m. B 4 – 6 p.m. D 11 a.m. – 1p.m. C 2 – 4 p.m. C 10 a.m. – noon J 5 – 7 p.m. S 5 – 7 p.m. J 4 – 6 p.m. B 11 a.m. –1 p.m. B 2 – 4 p.m. B 1 – 3 p.m. C 5 – 7 p.m. C 4 – 6 p.m. D 11 – 1 p.m. J 1 – 3 p.m. C 5 – 7 p.m. C 4 – 6 p.m. B 1 – 3 p.m. C 4 – 6 p.m. D 1 – 3 p.m. C 5 – 7 p.m. J 4 – 6 p.m. B 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. J 5 – 7 p.m. C
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! 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. 20
May/June 2021 l The Golden Link
Hosted by Brennan Blankenship Brennan Blankenship VINE VINE Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Brennan Blankenship Brennan Blankenship Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Brennan Blankenship Brennan Blankenship Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Brennan Blankenship Brennan Blankenship Julia Noble Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Brennan Blankenship Brennan Blankenship Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Julia Noble
Price/girl $13 $13 $18 $18 $15 $21 $13 $13 $21 $15 $15 $21 $21 $21 $13 $13 $15 $21 $13 $13 $15 $15 $21 $21 $13 $13 $21 $15 $21 $21 $21 $21 $21 $21 $21 $21 $21 $21 $21 $15
Location Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual
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 Collage Badge Workshop- Create a collage using textile art and make a project of your very own! Senior Room Makeover Badge Workshop- Bring out your inner interior designer in this fun makeover workshop. 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
Activities
Health Dr. Girl Scout
Calling all Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies to play doctor for a day with the Little Medical School. During this activity, girls will learn the ins-and-outs of what it takes to care for their bodies. Daisies will earn their Gloria petal while Brownies earn their My Best Self badge. Who: ⓓⓑ When: May 8, June 5, July 10; 10 – 11 a.m. Cost: $13 Contact: Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jshank@sjgs.org
Pet Vet Workshop
Whether they are cute and cuddly or slimy and scaly, pets are so much fun. If you hope to have a pet someday, this badge workshop will help you make sure it stays happy and healthy. Learn all about an animals’ body language, sleeping habits, feeding schedules and more. Brownies will earn the Pets badge with the Little Veterinarian School. Who: ⓓⓑ When: May 8, June 5, July 10; 11 a.m. – noon Where: Online Cost: $13 Contact: Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jshank@sjgs.org
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: All sessions 10 – 11:30 a.m. Brownies: May 8, July 10 Juniors: March 28, June 5 Cadettes: April 17, June 12, August 21 Seniors: May 22, July 31 Where: Virtual, hosted by Rice University EMS Cost: $10 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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: June 5, July 24; 9 a.m. – noon Cost: $40 Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org
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: May 29 and June 26, 10 a.m. – noon Cost: $15 Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org
Okay to Say Mental Health Patch 3-Day Mini camp
The Okay to Say Mental Health Patch-3-Day Mini Camp is a health themed camp designed to help girls develop greater social and emotional confidence. Through hands-on learning and experimentation, such as learning about brain anatomy; completing exciting hands-on STEM activities and exploring ways to manage stress through the use of mindfulness, girls will increase their social awareness and interpersonal skills in a fun and intuitive way. Who: When: Where:
ⓑⓙ
July 12 – 14, 10 a.m. – noon The Health Museum
Pack your bags and head to camp this summer! More information at gssjc.org/summercamp
May/June 2021 l The Golden Link 21
Activities
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: Online 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
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: June 6 or Oct. 3; 2 – 3 p.m. Cost: $5/girl Contact: Megan Dodd, goldaward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209
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Activities
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
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
Junior Take Action Workshop
Curious about how to start a Bronze Award project or complete a Girl Scout Journey? Join us for a take-action workshop where we’ll cover the differences between community service and Take Action projects and how to best plan a Take Action project. We’ll also learn from each other by sharing examples and ideas. Come ready to brainstorm! Who: ⓙ Where: Online When: June 5; 10 – 11:30 a.m. Cost: $5/girl Max.: 50 Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Horseback Riding
Gold Award Virtual Ceremony You are invited to help celebrate the new Gold Award Girl Scouts The Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Senior and Ambassador can achieve, and we are so excited to honor each of these girls who earned their Gold Award between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021! Join us as we support and honor our Gold Award Girl Scouts as they take the reins of leadership and create meaningful and lasting change in the world. Join us in a virtual ceremony as we award, recognize and honor our Gold Award Girl Scouts. Family, friends, Girl Scouts leaders, Gold Award project advisors and Girl Scouts are invited to join virtually to witness and celebrate our Gold Award Girl Scouts! Who: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Adults Where: GSSJC’s YouTube Channel and social media When: May 23 at 2 p.m. Cost: Free Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209 Notes: Registration is not required.
Older Girl Take Action Workshop
Curious about how to start a Silver or Gold Award project or complete a Girl Scout Journey? Join us for a take-action workshop where we’ll cover the differences between community service and Take Action projects and how to best plan a Take Action project. We’ll also learn from each other by sharing examples and ideas. Come ready to brainstorm. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Where: Online When: June 26; 10 – 11:30 a.m. Cost: $5/girl Max.: 50 Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Private Horseback Riding Lessons
Are you interested in learning to ride a horse or improving your current riding skills? We’d love to help! Private horseback riding lessons will be offered to Juniors – Ambassadors of all riding abilities, whether you are a seasoned rider, have only ridden with your troop a time or two or are a complete beginner. Lessons will be led by our experienced barn staff at Misty Meadows Ranch and will focus on your personal riding goals. Lessons will be open to one girl at a time and will be 60 minutes long including check-in and practice preparation. Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ Dates: April 12 – June 10 Times: 3 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5:30 p.m. Where: Misty Meadows Ranch, Conroe Cost: $50/lesson Contact: Monique Stitts, mstitts@sjgs.org, 713-292-0233
STEM For all STEM activities, contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Designing Robots Badge Workshops
Hosted by Children’s Museum of Houston All levels: These workshops are hosted through the museum’s Maker Annex, which is dedicated to high-tech and “Maker Movement”-focused activities, designed exclusively for grades 5-12. 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.
ⓒ June 26, Aug. 7 ⓢ May 1, June 10 ⓐ June 5 or Aug. 14
10 a.m. – noon Virtual 10 a.m. – noon Virtual 10 a.m. – noon Virtual
$15 $15 $15
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Activities
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.
ⓓ May 2 ⓓ July 17 ⓑ June 12 ⓑ Aug. 1 ⓙ May 22 ⓙ July 10
10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 9 – 11 a.m. 9:30 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon
Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual
$18 $18 $18 $18 $18 $18
In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.*
Automotive Engineering Badge Workshops
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!
ⓓ May 16 ⓓ July 24 ⓑ June 26 ⓑ Aug. 15 ⓙ May 29 ⓙ May 29 ⓙ July 17
10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon. 10 a.m. – noon 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 9 a.m. – noon 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 9:30 a.m. – noon
Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual
$18 $18 $18 $18 $18 $18 $18
In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.* 24
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Cybersecurity Basics Badge Workshops
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.
ⓓ May 1 ⓓ July 18 ⓑ May 1 ⓑ July 31 ⓙ June 5 ⓙ Aug. 9
10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Virtual $18 9 – 11 a.m. Virtual $18 9:30 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 9 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 In-person options may be available for troops on an asrequested basis for $23/girl.*
Coding Basics Badge Workshops
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!
ⓓ June 5 ⓓ Aug. 1 ⓑ May 16 ⓑ July 17
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 10 a.m. – noon noon – 2 p.m. 10 a.m. – noon
Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual
$5 $5 $5 $5
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
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.
ⓓ May 15 ⓓ July 17 ⓑ May 29 ⓑ July 24 ⓙ June 6 ⓙ Aug. 14
9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Virtual $18 9 – 11 a.m. Virtual $18 10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 9:30 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 9 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 In-person options may be available for troops on an asrequested basis for $23/girl.*
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.
ⓓ June 26 ⓓ Aug. 8 ⓑ May 22 ⓑ July 11 ⓙ May 2 ⓙ July 24
10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 10 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Virtual $18 9 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 9:30 a.m. – noon Virtual $18 In-person options may be available for troops on an asrequested basis for $23/girl.* ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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.
ⓓ May 2 ⓓ July 31 ⓑ June 26 ⓑ Aug. 8
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Virtual $5 10 a.m. – noon.
Virtual $5
10 a.m. – noon
Virtual $5
10 a.m. – noon
Virtual $5
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:
ⓓ
June 13, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; August 14, 10 a.m. – noon; Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab $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: Where: Cost:
ⓓ
May 22; 9 – 11 a.m.; July 25, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab $18
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: June 5; 10 a.m. – noon; August 21, 10 a.m.-noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab Cost: $18
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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: August 11, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Where: Virtual, Lunar & Planetary Institute Cost: $5
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: June 12 or August 15; 10 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Microsoft Cost: $5
Race Car Badge Workshop
Picture Yourself behind the wheel while you test a car of your own construction. You will be challenged to design a car that can speed past the others. Brownies will earn their Race Car Design Challenge badge through this workshop. In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.* Who: When: Where: Cost:
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June 27, 9:30-11:30 a.m.; August 7, 9-11 a.m. Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab $18
Fling Flyer Badge Workshop
Brownies will learn about the forces that affect flight as they design, build, and test a fling flyer. Through this workshop, girls learn how to design, investigate, and revise after each assessment. Brownies will earn their Fling Flyer Design Challenge badge through this workshop. Who: When: Where: Cost:
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May 29, July 10; 10 a.m. – noon Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab $18
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: June 6, August 14; 10 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab Cost: $18 26
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Home Scientist Badge Workshop
You’re a scientist every time you do an experiment. In this workshop, you’ll find out where science has been hiding in your home through density, static electricity and more. Be a kitchen chemist and play with home science at Mad Science. Who: ⓑ When: May 22, July 17; 10 – 11 a.m. Where: Virtual, hosted by Mad Science Cost: $18
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: ⓑ When: June 5, 9 – 11 a.m.; Idea Lab-Woodlands August 21, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.; Idea Lab-Pearland Where: Virtual Cost: $18
Senses Badge Workshop
You have five senses that work together to let you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the world around you. At this workshop, you will get to try out all five senses by looking around, listening to the world, putting your nose to work, taking a taste test and feeling different textures. In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.* Who: ⓑ When: June 13 or August 7; 10 – 11 a.m. Where: Virtual, Hosted by Mad Science Cost: $18
Space Science Adventurer 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. Who: ⓑ When: June 9; 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Where: Virtual, Lunar & Planetary Institute Cost: $5
Day camp available at three locations this summer! Join us at Program Place, Cypress Resource Center or Katy Mills area for summer sessions from June 21 to August 6. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Balloon Car Badge Workshop
Get blown away by this new Junior badge. Energy surrounds you every day. In this workshop, learn to harness potential and kinetic energy. Also, learn how air interacts with objects and how you can use it to your advantage. After designing a power source for a car, you will get to test it out. In-person options may be available for troops on an as-requested basis for $23/girl.* Who: ⓙ When: June 26, 9 a.m. – noon; Idea Lab-Woodlands August 14, 9:30 – noon; Idea Lab-Pearland Where: Virtual Cost: $18
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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May 15, July 24; 10 a.m. – noon Virtual, Hosted by Children’s Museum of Houston $15
Crane Design Badge Workshop
Construct some fun with this new Junior badge! Explore simple machines and then use your knowledge to build a crane prototype that you will test with household items like batteries, pennies, marbles, and more. Then expand your design and make it even better! In-person options may be available for troops on an asrequested basis for $23/girl Who: When: Where: Cost:
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May 1, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. July 31, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m Virtuall, hosted by Idea Lab $18
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:
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June 26 or August 15; 10 a.m. – noon Virtual, hosted by Mad Science $18
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: August 7,, noon – 2 p.m. Where: Virtual, Hosted by Microsoft 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: ⓙ When: June 12, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. August 21, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Where: Virtual, hosted by Idea Lab Cost: $18
Product Designer Badge Workshop
Explore and create innovations in the Children’s Museum Maker Annex! You will get the chance to investigate what makes products great, how to improve products already on the market, and more. The best part is that you will be able to be an innovator yourself and troubleshoot your solution. Who: ⓙ When: June 12 or August 21; 10 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Children’s Museum of Houston Cost: $15
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 and fun way to complete editing processes where girls edit footage to create a movie. Who: ⓒ When: May 29, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; July 11, 10 a.m. – noon Cost: $5 Where: Virtual, Hosted by Microsoft
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. For more information go to gssjc.org/virtualcamp. ⓓ-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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May 15, 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 in-person should follow all local health official recommendations as COVID-19 circumstances evolve. Who: Daisies – Ambassadors 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: • June 5 or July 17: Informational Meeting for Adults • June 26: Expo for Girls and 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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*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 LabSpring Branch, Idea Lab-Pearland, Mad Science-Houston
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! June 5 or July 17, 1 – 3 p.m. Free (must register to attend) Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Robotics Competition Team Expo
This expo is for girls and adults to explore what competitive models and robots look like at the level they would complete in. They will also have the chance to meet and talk to girls and coaches who have competed. Attending the expo for girls is not required but is highly recommended if they have not previously competed in competitive robotics. This expo is NOT to be attended in place of the informational meeting, but as an optional supplement. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
Daisies – Ambassadors + Adults The expo is virtual so girls from across our 26 counties can attend, as all are welcome to consider being on a team! June 26, 1 – 3 p.m. Free (participants must register online to attend) Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
ⓓ-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
Watersports Swim Level Card and Safe Boat Card Testing
We are currently working on providing opportunities for your Girl Scout to get Swim Tested. Please look out for updates for opportunities in the future. In the meantime, we have provided information on what the levels entail and what is needed for each activity. •
Girl Scout Destinations
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.
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GSUSA Proficient Swimmer: needed for any off council flat water activities, and Class 3 and below moving water activities. On council property flat water activities do not require swim cards Level 4-Any Sailing activities both on and off council, closed cockpit Kayaking, Scuba, Snorkeling, Class 4 and above moving water activities. For Sailing within council property Proficient Swimmer in combination with additional requirements. GSSJC Safe Boating Test-Needed for sailing, small craft activities off council on moving water in class 4 and above, scuba, and snorkeling.
Council does not keep copies of Safe Boating Card. Replacement cards will be a $1 charge at the Program Place. A form will be provided upon request It is suggested that you purchase your card, prior to taking the test, so that the Swim professional can fill out the card as soon as the test is completed. Vendors that are American Red Cross affiliated will enter your card in the system. You can go to https://www.redcross.org/ take-a-class/digital-certificate to obtain your swim level cards. Please allow at least 48 hours for the cards to be put into the system. Check out our website for more opportunities around the Houston area to take the swim test. If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact Stephanie Moore, smoore@sjgs.org.
We are ready for you at camp this summer! Join us at: Casa Mare Misty Meadows Ranch Camp Agnes Arnold Virtual Day Camp In-Person Day Camps at: Program Place Cypress Resource Center Katy Mills All information at gssjc.org/summercamp. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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Adult Trainings
Coming November 2021… Fall Volunteer Conference Returns
Join us as we welcome our adults back to camp at our annual Fall Volunteer Conference. This adult-only event will give you ideas and tools for your volunteer role. Whether you are new to Girl Scouts or a seasoned volunteer, you will leave the weekend energized! There will be workshops, activities, networking and fun. You can camp for the weekend or just come for the day Saturday. Registration will open in the summer. Check the July/August issue of The Golden Link for more information. Contact Cassie Robinson at crobinson@sjgs.org with any questions.
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. May Date Day Course Name Location Time Cost 2 Sunday Mentoring Day Zoom 1 – 5 p.m. $10 8 Saturday Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training Zoom 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $6 8 Saturday Partnering with Juniors Zoom 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. $6 8 Saturday First Aid/CPR/AED–Blended PP 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $55 15 Saturday Volunteer Camper Certification ATC 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. $30
Event if applicable
June 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 16 17 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26
Saturday Event Basics Saturday Waitlist–IRG Specialist Saturday Community/Region Treasurer Saturday The Many Faces of Mentoring Saturday School Liaison Team Lead Saturday Community Renewal Specialist Saturday Community Financial Specialist Saturday Thanks a Million Saturday Community Roster Specialist Wednesday Certified Camp Refresher (already certified only) Thursday First Aid/CPR/AED Certification Blended Saturday Partnering with Parents Saturday Leadership Essentials – The GSLE Saturday Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training Saturday Money Management for Troops Saturday Make the World a Better Place Saturday Journeys at the Speed of Girls Saturday GS Traditions in the 21st Century Saturday Volunteer Toolkit – Daisy Saturday Volunteer Toolkit – Brownie
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom PP Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom
8:30 – 11:30 a.m. 9 – 10 a.m. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. 2 – 3:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. – noon 10:30 a.m. – noon 10:30 a.m. – noon 1 – 2:30 p.m. 1 – 2:30 p.m. 1 – 2 p.m. 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
July 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 24
Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday
Leadership Essentials – The GSLE Volunteer Toolkit – Multilevel Partnering with Juniors Mean Chicks, Cliques & Dirty Tricks – Revisited Beyond Journeys and Badges for Older Girls Partnering with Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors Girl Progression in Finances Take Action Projects – Making a Difference First Aid/CPR/AED Certification Blended
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom PP
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. 10 a.m. – noon 10:30 a.m. – noon 10:30 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m. 1 – 2:30 p.m. 1 – 2:30 p.m. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $20 $55 No Cost No Cost $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6
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
No Cost $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $55
Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In
Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In Summer Train–In
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Sunday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday
Certified Camp Refresher (already certified only) 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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Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom
1 – 5 p.m. $20 8:30 – 10 a.m. $6 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. No Cost 9 – 11 a.m. $6 9 – 10 a.m. $6 10:30 a.m. – noon $6 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $6 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. $6 noon – 4 p.m. $6 1 – 4 p.m. $6 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. $6
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
Columns
Service Team Training Day Saturday, June 5 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, May 30 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. 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. 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 Event Basics (8:30 – 11:30 a.m.) LUNCH Break Community Renewal Specialist (12:30 – 1:30 p.m.) Community Roster Specialist (2 – 3:30 p.m.) Courses - Track 2 Community/Region Treasurer (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.) LUNCH Break Community Financial Specialist (12:30 – 2:30 p.m.) Courses - Track 3 The Many Faces of Mentoring (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.) LUNCH Break Thanks a Million (12:30 – 2:30 p.m.) Courses - Track 4 Waitlist-IRG Specialist (9 – 10 a.m.) School Liaison Team Lead (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.)
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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
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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.)
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Summer Train-In Day Daisy/Brownie Program Level Saturday, June 26 Cost: $6 per course unless otherwise noted 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. Deadlines: Sunday, June 20 TRACK ONE Daisy Brownie Program Level Training –This training is an interactive classroom course designed for leaders who are NEW to the troop leadership role working with girls in grades K-3. Leaders will learn how to work with girls in a girl-led, learning by doing environment that will incorporate Girl Scout program from two levels – Daisy and Brownie. Participants can see the progression in characteristics of each age group and learn about earned awards, troop government, field trip and service project readiness, ceremonies and more with the use of available program resources. Journeys at the Speed of Girls – Journeys are the key component of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and a pre-requisite for higher awards. With endless possibilities for field trips, badges, and other stops along the way, each journey should not only develop girl leadership but should also be enjoyable. This workshop focuses on getting the girls involved in planning the troop year. TRACK TWO Partnering with Parents – Do you have very little or no parent/ caregiver participation in the troop? Learn how to nurture the right type of parent involvement and truly engage the parents/caregivers within your troop. Topics will include communication, recruiting the troop committee; and exploring the benefits to both the girls, parents/ caregivers and yourself when more volunteers are involved. Money Management for Troops – Are troop finances a mystery to you? Do you understand what all the paperwork is for? This course will provide basic information to help you and the girls manage the troop account. Information included will cover how to apply for a money earning activity; donations and volunteer involvement grants guidelines; and how to stay in ‘good standing’ with the Council as a troop leader. For troop leaders and treasurers! GS Traditions in the 21st Century – Do you know the Girl Scout Handshake, Motto, Promise and Law and how to teach it to the girls? Learn about traditions in Girl Scouting (to include investiture and rededication; Girl Scout holidays and more); not only what they are but what gave birth to them. It promises to be lots of fun. TRACK THREE 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! Make the World a Better Place – How can service become more than parents picking up canned goods to donate? Learn to inspire girls to plan meaningful service projects, guide them to discover the root cause of an issue and how to elevate simple service to a take action project. Walk away with a better understanding of the difference between a service project and a take action project and ideas for service for all Girl Scout levels.
Volunteer Toolkit – Daisy – 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 Scout Daisies. 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. Volunteer Toolkit – Brownie – 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 Scout Brownies. 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. 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 Daisy/Brownie Program Leadership Training (8:30 a.m. – noon) LUNCH Break Journeys at the Speed of Girls (1 – 2:30 p.m.) Track Two Partnering with Parents (GA) (8:30 – 9:30 a.m.) BREAK Money Management for Troops (10:30 a.m. – noon) LUNCH Break GS Traditions in the 21st Century (1 – 2:30 p.m.) Track Three Leadership Essentials - The GSLE (GA) (8:30 – 9:30 a.m.) BREAK Make the World a Better Place (10:30 a.m. – noon) LUNCH Volunteer Toolkit - Daisy (1 – 2 p.m.) Volunteer Toolkit - Brownie (2:30 – 3:30 p.m.) Track Four Mi Primera clase de Girl Scouts Trabajemos con Journeys (10:30 a.m. – noon) May/June 2021 l The Golden Link 33
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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. 34
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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: 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) 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) 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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Support GSSJC’s Babysitting Certification Training GSSJC is proud to offer Babysitting Certification Training for Girl Scout Cadettes in partnership with the American Red Cross. In this training, budding entrepreneurs learn the ins and outs of what it takes to start a babysitting business as well as the skills they need while babysitting. It helps girls gain the confidence they need to hold, feed and care for infants and toddlers, work with children safely and deal with emergencies. As part of this training, girls use a specialized doll (for infant handling practice). With these dolls, girls practice diapering, feeding, correct burping methods and more. The dolls serve as a hands-on teaching tool to aid in the girls’ training. GSSJC is in needs of 50 dolls to facilitate this training. If you’re looking for the perfect opportunity to help provide a Girl Scout with skills that will serve her for the rest of her life, these dolls can be purchased with a $50 donation per doll. For more information, please contact Nancy Hall at 713-292-0282 or nhall@sjgs.org.
Philanthropy
Success to Significance 2021: A Conversation with Changemakers Thursday, October 28, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Moderator: Mary Bass, Spencer Stuart & Associates, Partner
Location: The Post Oak Hotel 1600 W Loop S. Houston, TX 77027
Panelists: Janet Gurwitch, Advent International, Operating Partner Michelle Riley-Brown, Texas Children’s Hospital, EVP The Honorable Vanessa D. Gilmore, United States District Judge
For more information contact Princess Zambrano at pzambrano@sjgs.org
Thank You, GSSJC Donors! January 1 - February 28, 2021 $50,000-$99,999 - Bronze Lynn L. Elsenhans The Hamill Foundation $25,000-$49,999 - Ambassador H-E-B $10,000-$24,999 - Senior Leah Bennett Comerica Bank Kathy Sanders $5,000-$9,999 - Cadette EOG Resources Girl Scouts of the USA Michelle and Joseph Raab The Boeing Company $1,000-$4,999 - Junior Craig B. Allen BASF Corporation BP Energy Company Connie Chavez Deborah L. Clark Crum & Forster Insurance Julie M. Deeter James Forde Fort Bend Junior Service League 36
Nancy Hall Hess Corporation Honeywell Foundation Diane Likeness Sewell Automotive Companies Aimée R. Sproles Texas Rural Communities, Inc. $250-$999 - Brownie Amanda Ardoin Amazon Smile Foundation Bank of America Matthew Briggs Jane M. Brownlee Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Hilary G. Cooper Dejah D. Covick Karen K. Davidson Ruth Delaunay Kathy Elliott Miranda Enzor Melissa Hardy D'Anne Hawk Claudia W. Hayslip Janet M. Heppard Valerie Jalufka Hillary Jefferis
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For any questions about the donor list, contact Diane Likeness at dlikeness@sjgs.org. Honorariums listed are $25 and above.
McKesson Gina L. Murphy Doris Odell Lauren Ostrowski PepsiCo Foundation Michael Rambo Dawn Raphael Carol Redmond Monique Stitts Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board The HCA Foundation United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey Ashlie Yarborough Memorials In Memory of Carolyn Busch Saundra Kuykendall In Memory of Lynn Flournoy Sonia Beasley Jill Davis Molly Gallagher Saundra Kuykendall Carole Lowenkron Elena M. McCreery
Carol Victory Joanne M. Williams Sherry R. Williams In Memory of Dorothy Goodykoontz Saundra Kuykendall In Memory of Marion Hazen Saundra Kuykendall Andrew Whitten In Memory of Aimee Carr Hurst Doris Odell In Memory of Paul Roberts Saundra Kuykendall In Memory of Margaret Sheriff Saundra Kuykendall Honorariums In Honor of the History Committee Saundra Kuykendall
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Entergy Makes Misty Meadows Ranch Even Greener Entergy invested $46,000 in converting Misty Meadows Ranch to environmentally-friendly LED light bulbs and fixtures. Misty Meadows Ranch is a true treasure, and this grant will replace 1,420 lights and 773 fixtures resulting in reduction to our environmental footprint, reduced waste and increased fixture/bulb life. Not only will this system be unique in our area, but we believe it will be a national model for advancing Girl Scout camps towards better energy efficiency. LED bulbs emit a bright, vibrant light that uses 80 percent less energy than conventional fluorescent lights. They are also longer lasting and stay cooler than traditional bulbs because they do not have a filament. The brilliance of their color makes LED lights suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Light bulbs that use LED technology not only reduce energy bills but are also more environmentally friendly when compared to traditional incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent lights. Both the manufacture and use of LED bulbs causes less damage to the environment than the other two alternatives. LED bulbs consume less power per unit (lumen) of light emitted. This reduces greenhouse emissions from power plants. Carbon dioxide emissions for LEDs are also low. Roughly, one LED bulb will minimize greenhouse gas emissions by almost half a ton. At present, the biggest hindrance to the adoption of this green lighting technology is the initial installation cost. LED bulbs are more expensive than other alternatives, but an LED lamp that lasts for 10 years repays its cost in five years. LED lights reflect a commitment to sustainability, and what better place to show that commitment than at Girl Scout
camp? Instilling a respect for nature and a commitment to bettering their communities are foundational principles of Girl Scouting. Through environmental awareness programs such as this one, girls focus on the care and conservation of our planet. This project plays an important role in ensuring the well-being of our earth and camp for future generations. Funding from Entergy for this project will help girls discover the connection between their everyday actions and the long-term effects, and how to make those effects positive. The grant is part of Entergy’s longtime commitment to environmental stewardship and education. ”Entergy Texas is proud to continue our partnership with Misty Meadows Ranch to help them meet their sustainability goals and protect our natural environment for generations to come,” said Stuart Barrett, Entergy Texas vice president of customer service. GSSJC anticipates a significant environmental impact from transitioning to LED lighting because the annual energy consumption for an LED bulb is approximately 30 times lower than for a corresponding incandescent bulb. Improved efficiency of LED bulbs means less energy goes into to lighting camp facilities, meaning less energy must be produced and less carbon emissions are emitted into the atmosphere. This helps to reduce the impact of global warming on our environments and leads to improved air quality, which can directly impact our health. “We believe that it is the duty of every person to contribute to the preservation of our planet, which in turn, provides future generations with a habitable environment,” said Mary Vitek, GSSJC CEO. “We are delighted to partner with Entergy to decrease energy consumption, reduce universal waste, and increase youth environmental education. Together, with Entergy, we will make the world a better place.”
Girl Scouting in the Great Outdoors Builds Female Leaders Celebrating the great outdoors has been a part of Girl Scouts since the very beginning. For nearly 100 years, GSSJC’s camps have brought girls unmatched outdoor adventure full of learning, challenges and, of course, a whole lot of friendship and fun. Girls who attend a Girl Scout camp have rewarding, character-building experiences that help shape their future. Girls gain confidence in their ability to take on new challenges while they explore the great outdoors and develop a deep appreciation for nature. Girl Scout camp alums say that camp helped them develop the skills they needed to become successful adults, including the development of a strong sense of self and leadership skills (GSRI and ACA, 2018). You can help every girl have access to the joy and the benefits that resident or day camp provides by supporting our Campership program for Girl Scout camp 2021. A gift of any amount can help a girl attend camp, but a gift of $650 can cover an entire week of camp for one girl or $250 for a week at day camp. In 2019 we were able to send 292 girls to our summer resident camps thanks to donors like you, through Campership awards. This award provides financial assistance to girls who wish to attend summer resident camp, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. We anticipate that requests for Camperships will increase this summer due to the devastating effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our economy. Whether they are learning how to hike, horseback ride or collaborate through team building, camp gives girls the support and opportunity to take a break from their daily routine – and screen time! – while providing them access to positive mentors and role models to help them succeed along the way. The benefits of this investment extend far beyond the one-week camp experience. This transformative week of summer camp will ignite a lifetime of interest in exploring nature in this future generation of leaders. Your gift will provide access to essential leadership development skills for girls who need it the most, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, please contact Nancy Hall at nhall@sjgs.org or 713-292-0282, or visit gssjc.org/donate. May/June 2021 l The Golden Link 37
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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.
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
$100, 4 x 8” Clay brick
Breezeway
$25,000
Front Porch
SOLD
$250, 4 x 8” Granite brick
Program Kit Locker Room
$10,000
Re ection Station
SOLD
Porch Rocking Chairs
SOLD
Namings may be pledged and paid as multi-year commitments.
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Commemorative Pavers
Welcome Center
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$500, 8 x 12” Granite brick $1,000, 8 x 12” Granite brick $2,000, 16 x 16” Granite brick Please contact Nancy Hall at nhall@sjgs.org or 713-292-0282 for information.
Scrapbook
Send your photos to ions@ communicat ude cl In sjgs.org. the in # p oo tr your e. lin t ec subj
Scrapbook
GSSJC Scrapbook Scrapbook
Sending in your photos does not guarantee placement in Golden Link.
New Daisy Troop #143194 delivered cookies to Pearland Orthodontics. Every year Pearland Orthodontics purchases cookies by the case from several Girl Scout troops in the Pearland area and then they donate those cookies to local first responders. Their troop was happy to be a part of this opportunity and Dr. K loved having the girls there!
The week after the big winter storm, one of the Benavidez Elementary School area Girl Scouts found out that multiple families in the Gulfton community were hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning when they lost heat & power in their apartments and didn't have enough blankets or clothing to keep warm and some of their students' families were in extreme need of basic necessities. The Willow Rock community shared that call for help with its members and troop leaders collected their girls’ donations at a "porch" drop and the girls who participated in this activity will be earning a patch, as well as their troop leaders.
Allison S. and Anna . from Troop #157004 partnered with Second Mile Mission in Missouri City for a food drive and received over 1000 items in donations! They created a recipe booklet with minimal ingredients for quick preparation and healthy eating. A pdf version is on Second Mile Mission's website. They also printed out 150 copies of the recipe booklets and 1.200 handouts that they handed out to families as they drove up to pick up their food boxes. Kaitlyn R. from Troop #157117 completed Silver Award. She develop a course that would enrich the kids from ages 8-13 in the basics of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Research, Security and fun programming. Nery's Promise provided the computers, Internet and a socially distanced space to conduct an in-person training. Ava B. of Troop #4189 earned her Silver Award. She created a box were worn flags could be deposited for a proper retirement. It will be placed at Freedom Park in Lumberton. City officials including Lumberton Mayor Don Surratt honored her at a city meeting.
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Scrapbook Alysa A., Seren O., Alyssa O. earned their Silver Awards. The girls worked with TWRC to address helping opossums. Alysa organized the making of enrichment toys for baby opossums that teaches them survival skills necessary when they are released into the wild. Alyssa organized the making of hide boxes that juvenile opossums use for shelter in the last stage of rehabilitation before being released into the wild. Seren was in charge of education to help clear up misunderstandings people have about opossums, and educate them on how beneficial they really are.
Troop #136001 cleaned up their local 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. Girls also made cards at home, and leaders delivered cards and donated cookies to a local senior living facility for Valentine's Day.
Troop #115219 delivered cookies to Tomball Police and Tomball Fire departments.
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Troop #9020 delivered cookies to Kingwood Senior Village and Kingwood Pine Hospital.
Troop #115167 completed their Junior Agent of Change journey with a Take Action Project that created a mask recycling program at their two local elementary schools. The girls collaborated on Zoom to create a virtual presentation. They worked with a company called Terracyle that takes disposable masks and turns them into plastic products. The troop used cookie money to purchase the first two boxes and will send them back to Terracycle when full. Troop #140117 delivered cookies to Pasadena Fire Station 10. Troop 140117 also stopped by the Coast Guard Air Station to deliver cookies to the pilots, rescue swimmers, flight medics and support personnel. The girls jumped at the chance to see everything inside one of the helicopters.
Scrapbook
Troop #24033 delivered cookies to the Kingwood Park High School staff.
Brownie Troop #115164 delivered cookies to Klein VFD - station 8 and Klein VFD - station 3.
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Troop #117132 delivering cookie share cookies to fire and police stations in Kingwood. Troop #39126 donated cookies to UTMB league city Hospital.
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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.
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Sanjna Anand created an educational space for youth at a local temple. She worked with instructors to develop a cultural curriculum to teach Indian-American children about Indian culture in hopes of creating a program that would be accessible to all. Additionally, Sanjna led a series of virtual workshops that centered around Indian culture and creating a sense of unity during a time of physical disconnect.
Frieda Borden taught ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance to 25 students at the Nehemiah Center. Students received donated dance shoes from Frieda and learned about different cultural dance styles from around the world. Frieda’s goal was to create access to dance for children who would otherwise not have the opportunity for classes. Her classes will continue to be taught every fall by the Episcopal Repertory dance group.
Giselle Arellano reinvigorated a Creekbend Gardens with her Gold Award Project focused on making the outdoor area more accessible to senior citizens. She installed various resting benches along the outdoor walking area, as well as multiple potted plants and flowers. In addition, Giselle created exercise videos that were distributed by the Creekbend Gardens team.
Bethany Bradley partnered with Tahirih Justice Center’s Houston location to help address the issue of food insecurity in their clients. Bethany helped create the “Food Kit List” that consisted of food items that would be able to provide healthy meals for women. She also created two cabinets where the food could be placed and even ran a food drive to help stock the pantry.
Karina Benson addressed the issue surrounding girls of color who feel insecure because of their hair through a project called “Curly Girl Hair Show.” This series of virtual ZOOM workshops helped girls embrace their natural hair and helped build a community of girls who have struggled with insecurities surrounding their hair.
Narsi Chokshi raised awareness about the resources available to small business owners who were impacted by COVID-19. These federal and state programs are often inhibited by cultural and language barriers, and to help these business owners, Narsi helped create tutorial videos in various different languages. Overall, more than 5,000 people have viewed Narsi’s video online.
Presley Bettis tackled human trafficking awareness by creating a seminar she decided to pair with the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a form of self-defense. Her first seminar was held in February, right before the COVID-19 lockdown. Additionally, Presley created a series of six online videos with additional information about human trafficking and the self-defense moves taught at the first seminar.
Calli Colvin created a mental health advocacy club and publication that focused on using art as a means to self-expression to improve the mental health of youth. Calli aimed to address the increasing amount of stress and anxiety that the younger generation is facing and wanted to create a venue where students could learn about mental health and learn about healthy ways to deal with their stress.
Sophia Black helped at-risk children in pre-k develop the skills necessary to succeed in kindergarten with Loose Parts Exploration Centers. Along with her team of volunteers, she created and Goldfor Award recorded instructional videos teachers in Spanish and English. Parents were also supplied with bilingual brochures that offered similar resources and information.
Sophie Czelusta started the Green Earth Pledge, an educational website that teaches visitors of everyday dangers to our environment. Additionally, visitors of the website could sign up to take a pledge to save the world, a promise to take action the help the environment by: carpooling, reusing disposables, or planting a tree. Sophie also created a presentation that she was able to showcase in her community.
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Gold Award Sarah Elisa Diaz Perdomo highlighted 10 women in history and their contributions in STEM fields in a selfpublished coloring book. The project was shared with fourth-graders at Duchesne Academy and a copy of her coloring book can be found online. Sarah aimed to remind young readers everywhere that women have always been at the forefront of human discovery and that anyone could do anything they set their minds to.
Kamyia Gibbs began a financial literacy campaign called TheFutureGains. This campaign was targeted at teens and young adults to help provide information that is necessary in daily life, such as dealing with money. Kamyia was motivated to take on this project after she noted a large disparity of information and resources in her community. To help break this cycle of poverty and lack of information, Kamyia created videos on financial literacy.
Elizabeth Dolan was able to create, organize, and direct a vacation bible school at her church that was aimed primarily at children in pre-k through 5th grade. Elizabeth provided scholarships to underserved children at Family Point Services. She then designed and donated her own curriculum of resources and activities to churches in the Houston area to use for their own bible studies.
Alexandra Goralski worked with St. Vincent de Paul food pantry in Tomball to create resources for clients of the food pantry. Alexandra created 25 easy recipes that could be made with ingredients commonly found at food pantries. Additionally, she created a flier that contained healthy lifestyle tips. Both the flyer and the recipes were made available in English and Spanish.
Tarali Fincke tackled the barriers and issues that Spanish-speaking students faced during the global pandemic. Tarali noted that Spanish-speaking students were not able to practice their English in a virtual setting as they would in a traditional setting. She created a series of worksheets and YouTube videos aimed at giving teachers additional resources to help with ESL students in a virtual classroom.
Isabella Goytia aimed to empower and educate students in fine and gross motor skills at Small Steps Nurturing Center. Together with her team, Isabella created 2 early childhood woodworking benches, created tutorial videos in English and Spanish, and was able to engage in conversations with students about how important these skills were in fields like STEM.
Erin Fuchs created awareness around animal homelessness and importance of fostering animals through local shelters. Together with Zoo’s Rezcue, Erin created an informational video that shared resources about pet fostering that she shared on social media. Additionally, Erin was able to build a shaded area for pets at Zoo’s Rezcue and installed three murals in their location.
Laura Hanson led 40 volunteers from her school in building a garden at her local school. Laura aimed to create an environment where students could disconnect from their cellphone and encouraged face-to-face communication to help develop interpersonal skills.
Esha Garg created a diverse book club aimed at promoting representation and awareness of diversity in the media and education system through reading books. Esha’s goal was to advocate for a more inclusive community as well as encourage students to read more. The club focused on highlighting books with minorities and youth of color to help students identify with more characters and find their own representation in media.
Samantha Henke used her personal experience of preparing for college as the foundation for her project. Together with her volunteers, Samantha helped create a YouTube video that helped teach self defense moves that women could use to help defend and protect themselves.
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Amariss Hill began a lunch recycling program in Fort Bend ISD. To help educate faculty, staff, and students about the importance of waste reduction and recycling, Amariss helped create a series of informational videos. Once schools learned about the importance of these efforts, Amariss helped implement a lunch recycling and disposable waste program that would help reduce waste across multiple schools.
Olivia LaRochelle created an exhibit at the Houston Zoo Swap Shop that focused on the relatively unknown world of carnivorous plants. These plants are a good for the health of the environment and showcase the importance of biodiversity, a fundamental element to creating lasting environments. Olivia worked with zoo staff and local elementary schools where she presented her work and let them know about her project.
Talia Hirsch created a website called Mental Health Hub that addressed topics including healthy family relationships, coping mechanisms and accessing mental health care. Talia was able to create awareness for her website and project by hosting a series of panel presentations featuring local healthcare and mental health professionals.
Morgan Lipman tackled the issue of pollution affecting wildlife in her neighborhood by creating a virtual trail for her neighbors to learn more about the local wildlife in Houston. Morgan created a website with detailed information about various local fauna and animals, and created a series of QR codes along the hiking trail where locals could scan to find more information about the wildlife.
Hikmah Jamal was motivated by her struggles with mental health to spread awareness, specifically as it relates to selfmedication. Hikmah held workshops and created a website and social media pages. With her volunteers, Hikmah distributed information and resources at virtual webinars, hosting panelists from mental health professions. Hikmah also distributed donated mental health kits to youth centers and women’s health facilities.
Ashleigh Loe noticed upkeep in her neighborhood was not what it used to be, so she worked with her HOA to hold educational seminars on gardening basics, as well as coordinated a Yard of the Month program. She also promoted a Trash Bash to encourage neighbors to clean their yards and gutters. Ashleigh also improved common spaces by pruning neglected trees and installing new planting beds at her local pool.
Nikini Jayasena taught art therapy lessons to several at-risk children’s groups and helped students in many different communities by creating over 1,000 art therapy craft kits with her team. Selfexpression has been important to her own development, specifically as a way to relieve stress. Nikini aimed to share this same passion and access to the arts with other students to help support their emotional and mental health.
Ananya Luthria hosted a week-long virtual Kathak workshop where she was able to teach 15 girls from her local temple and school about Kathak dance. Ananya hosted her project in August and chose Kathak dance as a way to spread awareness about different forms of cultural dance.
Alyson Kubiak was inspired to take action with her Gold Award Project after a personal incident of catfishing. Together with her volunteers, Alyson was able to create, direct, and produce a video she distributed online that provided information and created awareness on the topic of human trafficking. Additionally, Alyson hosted seminars to help inform more than 50 attendees with her information and project.
Fallon Mainwaring helped promote blood donations in her Beaumont community by sponsoring informational sessions to discuss the importance of donating blood. Additionally, Fallon also hosted multiple blood drives in her 127hour project.
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Gold Award Claire Meador created a teen mental health awareness workshop on anxiety and depression. She wanted teens to have the tools necessary to healthily manage stress and give them the resources to combat mental illness. Together with various health professionals, including school counselors, therapists, and yoga instructors, Claire was able to present her workshop to more than 40 attendants.
Jada Pierre created “The Ooosah Project”, an effort directed at teens who are going through different forms of stress and anxiety. These issues can overall affect health negatively, such as having trouble sleeping, diet, feelings of irritability, depression, or even thoughts of suicide. To help combat this, the project provided teens and young adults with the proper resources and tools to manage mental health through stress relief and exercises.
Deena Mir focused on helping inform and educate young teens about the dangers of social media, cyberbullying, peer pressure, and how the media creates unrealistic standards of beauty. Her project consisted of 11 Zoom sessions, a YouTube channel that covers topics like cyberbullying and netiquette, as well as a webpage with additional information.
Madison Riles aimed to educate low income, minority, and first-generation college-bound students about the college experience and readiness through her Project. Together with her volunteers, Madison was able to host a two-day virtual college and readiness fair featuring several colleges and workshops on financial aid, essay writing, and more. Over 140 students registered.
Mariya Moore focused on addressing the need for animal cages at the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition (TWRC) and the lack of resources for girls to learn how to use craftsman tools. Mariya helped lead workshops with girls aged 12-18 to gain hands-on experience working with tools. Additionally, Mariya created an instructional video to continue teaching girls how to use craftsman tools.
Deija Russell wanted to address the issue of homeless animals by providing resources that helped educate her audience on the financial responsibilities of owning a pet. Deija started by creating a website with information on pet owning and plans to study to be a veterinarian due to her love of animals.
Anna Mozisek began her project as a direct response to schools closing due to COVID-19. To help mitigate the loss of educational time and activities children faced during the pandemic, Anna created over 2,000 Lab Packets that contained activities and resources covering subjects like projectile motion, ecology, measurement, and melting points. Anna distributed her Lab Packets through local libraries and other organizations. Emma Olsen helped local senior citizens in her community in Montgomery County by helping paint house numbers outside of houses for clients of Meals on Wheels. Emma noted that seniors in rural and semi-rural areas often experience long wait times for services due to personnel not being able to identify their home. These numbers will make it far easier to locate homes, shortening wait times
Mariana Santos created a social media page that presented information about the climate crisis as well as ways for young adults and teenagers to be civically engaged. In addition, Mariana also hosted a virtual conference with a panel of scientists and environmental activists discussing climate change. Laurel Sullivan created a series of four lesson plans for the Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) that were geared towards teens. The lesson plans covered topics such as the importance of ocean preservation and how plastics affect our waters. These lesson plans included exit slips, worksheets, activities, and even an informational video for Bay Day that garnered 200 views in the first month. MiKayla Wright was able to address college readiness for underserved communities in Fort Bend County through peer-led tutorials. She also included college/career readiness courses for students in high school, coaching for college essay writing, and workshops on financial aid to help students get prepared for successful transitions into careers or higher education after high school. May/June 2021 l The Golden Link 45