Golden THE
LINK
Sept./Oct. 2018
The Official Publication of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council | Volume 44 Issue 4
Cookies 4 Heroes
Year in a life of a Girl Scout troop
President of the Council and Chair of the Board Jean Janssen Chief Executive Officer Mary Vitek Chief External Affairs Connie Chavez Visual Brand Manager Joanne Pastalaniec
Members of Troop #10879 traveled to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to participate in the bridging ceremony with 7,000 other Girl Scouts. See more Scrapbook photos on page 42
Mission Statement GSSJC: Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Pluralism Statement Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is a pluralistic movement, committed to understanding our similarities and differences, building relationships and promoting a dialogue of acceptance and respect. Each individual involved must uphold the tenet that Girl Scouting is for all girls 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 713-292-0384. 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 five times a year by Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098 713-292-0300 The Golden Link is also available to read online at www.gssjc.org Copyright Š2018. All rights reserved. Please recycle this publication.
Contents
September/October 2018 4 4
From the Top Shop News
Special Feature 5
A Year in Girl Scouting
Features 12 14 20 21 22 24
Celebrate your volunteers! See page 12 to learn how.
Nominate Your Volunteers Cookies 4 Heroes Many Faces of Girl Scouts Fall Product Sales Thank You Cookie Volunteers Gold Award Girl Scouts
Activities
26 Weekend Camp Activities 27 Archery 27 Backpacking 27 Canoeing 28 Environmental 30 Fine Arts 31 General Activities 34 Health 35 High Adventure 36 Highest Awards 36 History 37 Horseback Riding 38 Sports 40 STEM 42 Travel
New Girl Scout tin for Fall Product Program. Page 21
Columns
44 Adult Trainings 51 Around Camp 52 Philanthropy 53 Service Projects
Council Scrapbook Page 54
Did you know...The Golden Scoop, a monthly Council email to all registered adults, has information you need, fun tips and more. Be sure your correct email is in our system. For help, contact Customer Service at 713-292-0300 or customerservice@sjgs.org.
On the cover: Troop #140164 delivered cookies to the HPD Helicopter Patrol, who returned their appreciation by giving the girls a tour. September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
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There is no doubt about it, the summer of 2018 was HOT in Southeast Texas. That is, unless you are a Girl Scout in the San Jacinto Council. If you are, it is likely that your summer was waaaaay COOL. More than 2,000 of our members, more than any year in the recent past, spent the summer cooling off at resident camp. Our members learned to sail in the waters of Galveston Dee Hinkle Bay at Camp Casa Mare, felt the Chair of the Board and President of the Council breeze riding horses at Camp Misty Meadows and played all sorts of cool games in Shadow Lake on our new corcls, the hot new round boat, at Camp Agnes Arnold. In addition to a successful resident camp season, more than 2,000 girls spent part of their summer at day or twilight camp. Activities at those camps were as varied as our members. Day and twilight campers completed cool pottery and jewelry projects, played team sports, moved and grooved to cool sounds and learned it was cool to eat healthy. For the first time this year, our members had the option to attend day camp at either Camp Casa Mare or Camp Agnes Arnold, then spend the last night of the week at the camp, where they enjoyed cooking and singing around the campfire. How cool is that? Our special interest groups were also off on cool adventures. The backpackers traveled to Banff, Canada where they hiked in the cool Canadian Rockies. The astronomy group also traveled north, just not quite as far. They visited NASA’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas where they learned about the unmanned high-altitude balloon program and rode the steam locomotive through the Piney Woods. Through this year’s council-led trip, 16 girls and adults traveled to New York City where they soaked up all the cool sights of the city. The highlight of the trip was the Graffiti Walking Tour of Brooklyn where our girls got to experience cool street art off the normal tourist routes. Last but not least, many of our troops participated in a wide variety of summer activities: some close to home while some involved travel; some were educational while some were just for fun, many involved service to others. Whatever the activity, the cool experiences of our members provided fun activities that supported the Girl Scout mission to develop girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. What could be cooler? But now summer break is over, and it’s time to get back to school. New troops are forming and all these cool summer activities should serve as a great springboard to recruit new members to fill those troops. As existing troops plan their activities for the upcoming year, sharing the cool summer experiences should be a great way to encourage girls to join your troop and participate in the fun. Let’s all spread the word about how cool it is to be a Girl Scout and invite everyone to join in on the fun!
From the
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Girl Scout Shop News SHOP CONTACT & CLOSINGS For shop locations and hours, please visit girlscoutshop.com/san-jacinto-council
Shop hours can change due to emergencies, weather or other factors. Please call before driving long distances. Bay Area 281-282-6077
Lake Jackson 979-297-5556
Beaumont 409-832-0556
Lufkin 936-634-4688
Houston 713-292-0247
Stafford 281-670-5982
Imperial Valley 281-447-8870
Westside 281-822-4250
Office Closures: GSSJC offices and shops will be closed Sept. 3. Check out hours online or call before you go.
New Leader Must-Knows!
Are you a new Girl Scout leader? Here are five things you need to know for September and October!
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Join the new online community! Looking for an easy place to connect with other new troop leaders across the council, get resources and find the latest news? Visit gssjc.org and click on Online Community. Use your MyGS login to access groups. As a troop leader, you will automatically be added to the group relevant to your troop’s program level. Our Fall Product Program is a great way for troops and groups to earn start-up funds for their year! This money can help pay for workshops, camping trips and more. The Fall Product Program starts Sept. 21 - join us! For more details, visit gssjc.org/fallproduct. Have you renewed your troop for 2018-2019? If not, head to gssjc.org and log in to MyGS to get started. Hurry – your membership ends September 30! Celebrate Founder’s Day! October 31 is Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday. Many troops choose to celebrate with a birthday party. Some also complete service projects related to breast cancer awareness, the disease Juliette passed away from. Be sure to share photos of your activities with us. Post on social media or email them to communications@sjgs.org to be featured in The Golden Link. The Fall Volunteer Conference is a great way for new and seasoned leaders to get ideas for troop meetings. It is also a fun way for new leaders to see what camp is like and to network with troop leaders from across the Council. This year’s event takes place Nov. 9 – 11 – see more information in this issue and register to attend by visiting gssjc.org/activities and searching Fall Volunteer Conference.
Special Feature
A Year in Girl Scouting
“What do Girl Scouts do?” It might seem a bit silly, but it’s a question we get asked a lot when we’re out at events during the fall. Most people know Girl Scouts go camping, earn badges and sell cookies once a year…but what do they do the rest of time? LOTS! And in this issue of The Golden Link, seven troops are giving us a peek inside their Girl Scout year – that’s one troop for each level of Girl Scouting, plus a multi-level troop that serves more than one level of Girl Scouts. Use these as a blueprint for your own year and as a way to get ideas for fun activities your girls can do. Find your level and read on to see what a year of Girl Scouting looks like, borrow their ideas and plan the best year ever with your girls.
Daisy
Troop #152027 Lone Star Treasures Community Meeting Frequency: Twice per month Number of Members: 13 A year in Daisies at a glance: October Earned the center of the Daisy Worked toward Daisy Flower Garden Journey Attended a community Halloween potluck and raised gift cards for victims of Hurricane Harvey Investiture ceremony Made troop shirts November Earned the Mari petal Completed the Take Action project for our Journey by painting garden stones to add to the girls' school flowerbeds December Christmas Hayride Cookie Kickoff earning the Cookie Pin Earned the Count It Up financial leaf January Earned the Money Counts financial leaf Had a garden party to celebrate the completion of the Daisy Flower Garden Journey Earned the Rosie petal during an outing to the Houston Arboretum February Went on a hiking adventure and completed the requirements of the World Thinking Day patch Earned the Zinni petal March Met with a Brownie troop that taught the girls all about SWAPs Attended community campout and earned the Outdoor Art Maker and Buddy Camper patches May Earned the Model Car Design Challenge badge Participated in the Community Pinewood Derby Attended a Community Me & My Guy Sock Hop June Celebrated a successful year and all of the cookie sales with a splash party Delivered Cookies4Heroes to Gallery Furniture in Richmond, Faith United Methodist Church, the National Guard in Rosenberg and the Rosenberg Police Station Attended a robotic badge workshop
What was your troop’s favorite activity this year? Most of the girls loved their first camping experience. What was the most challenging activity for your troop – the one that helped them grow and learn new skills? Many of them had so much fun nothing really seemed like a challenge, but during meeting/activities I would strategically place them into groups that would put them outside their comfort zone. For example, not in the same group as their mom or the girls they wanted to be with. A few girls also said it was hard to sell cookies because they were so shy. I would say trying new things with new people and overcoming the anxieties of not always staying in their comfort zone helps them grow. Why does the troop participate in product sales? Our girls started with just participating in the cookie program this year. The girls were motivated to sell cookies by the council incentives and getting to choose a fun troop outing. I encouraged participation because it was the start of developing financial responsibilities. Why is Girl Scouting important? Girl Scouting creates a safe environment of exploration, excitement and experience. It is an opportunity for girls to test their limits with support and encouragement. The girls are exposed to so many experiences and so much content they may not have had the opportunity to experience without Girl Scouts.
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Special Feature What was your troop’s favorite activity this year? Our girls really enjoyed a mother daughter tea party. They prepared all the decorations and served light lunch, dessert and tea to their moms. Both mother and daughter enjoyed the experience. The girls voted to make this an annual tradition. What was the most challenging activity for your troop – the one that helped them grow and learn new skills? We all felt the Brownie Quest Journey was at first challenging, but once they started working on it they started to enjoy it. The troop loved the treasurer hunt/quest inherent in this book. We connected it to the letter boxer badge and as our Take Action project we are placing a letter box in our area to help other Brownies learn about it and enjoy letterboxing. Additionally, they each chose a part of the Girl Scout Law and recorded a short video of why they chose it and how they use it in their daily lives to make the world a better place. What would you recommend other Brownie troops try this year? I feel our troop could have done more service projects, and our advice is to do more good for the community and your environment. Why does the troop participate in product sales? Participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, especially cookie booths, is a big plus. Girls learn to set goals and meet deadlines, and it helps them learn to work well with others. It also helps them converse with all kind of people, and they are able to handle money and, ultimately, make decisions on how to use it. Why is Girl Scouting important? Girl Scouting teaches them sense of self, courage, confidence, character and community service. Girl Scouts is not only about camping and selling cookies. Girl Scout’s programs has embraced modern day technology and science, media and social issues. It teaches them their voices counts, they must stand up for what they believe in and have the strength to take the lead. What one thing are you excited to do in the 2018-2019 membership year? I regret the girls were not able to camp this year, but we are excited to do it next year. It will really help the girls grow. The girls enjoyed Girl Scout night at Skeeters and are ready to transition to Girl Scout camps and build everlasting friendships.
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Brownie
Troop #151017 Brazos Valley Community Meeting Frequency: Once a month and some special events Number of Members: 13 A year in Brownies at a glance: September Collected can goods, toiletries and other wish lists items for Common Threads, Lamar CISD's assistance program Girls voted on the badges for the year October Celebrated Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday and hosted their annual Halloween party with pumpkin decorating and bingo and earned Painting badge. November Girls earned the Fair Play badge December Girls attended the Clara's Tea and went on a hay ride singing Christmas Carols around the neighborhood and had gift exchange and party Girls brought presents for the Giving Tree January Girl Scout Cookie Program began Girls started Brownie Quest- It's Your World Change It Journey Girls earned the Snacks badge February We had a valentine's party and participated in cookie booths Girls earned the Family Story badge and made stress balls March We made sock bunnies and participated in Easter egg hunt Earned the Money Manager badge and closed out participation in Cookie Program April Celebrated Earth Day by making seed paper which was also a mother's day present. Decorated mugs, made tissue paper decorations and worked on our Journey May Celebrated our first mother-daughter tea party, girls made slap bracelets and worked on their Journey June Celebrated the end of the year with a pool party and earned our Bridge to Junior award by helping a Daisy troop bridge to Brownies
Special Feature
Junior
Troop #113035 Copper Creek Meadows Community Meeting Frequency: Twice a month Number of Members: 6 A year in Juniors at a glance: September Flower badge (Arboretum), Geocacher (Arboretum), Simple Meals (HEB), Drawing badge (Lone Star Library) October Animal Habitats (Arboretum), Jeweler badge, Community PJ Movie night November Savvy Shopper badge December Community mother/daughter ugly sweater breakfast event, Playing the Past badge January First Aid badge, started planning Bronze Award February World Thinking Day, cookie booths and continued Bronze Award March Lots of cookie booths and continued Bronze Award April Community mother/daughter camping trip, Gardner badge (Recipe for Success), Entertainment Technology (Children’s Museum) May Science of Music (Idea Lab), earned camping badge while camping at Agnes Arnold (also went canoeing and learned archery) Bronze award project – restored the Lowery Elementary School butterfly garden and added an educational component to educate the students) Bridged from Juniors to Cadettes. June Participated in the Cookies4Heroes program delivering cookies to Cypress United Methodist Church and North Cypress Hospital in Cypress
What was your troop’s favorite activity this year? Hands down, horseback riding! What was the most challenging activity for your troop – the one that helped them grow and learn new skills? It was a tie between the Entertainment Technology badge at the Children’s Museum and earning the Bronze Award. What would you recommend other Junior troops try this year? We recommend outdoor activities – it was a tie between horseback riding, geocaching and camping. Why does the troop participate in product sales? The troop financial plan has always been save 1/3 for future years, spend 1/3 on the current years badge work and donate 1/3 to the community via service projects (this year being used for the Bronze Award). Why is Girl Scouting important? The girls all agree that it gives them the opportunity to experience things not offered elsewhere, make friends both new and old and give back to the community. What one thing are you excited to do in the 2018-2019 membership year? It was a tie between the new badges being released and camping again. They’re already signed up for the primitive camping badge in the fall!
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Special Feature
Cadette Troop #16468 Copper Creek Meadows Community Meeting Frequency: Twice a month Number of Members: 12
A year in Cadettes at a glance: August Three of us continued Silver Award Project planning meetings Two of us Completed Community Service Bar Award Our troop started preparations for hosting the "Girl Scout Junior Booth" at GSSJC CFISD Girl Scout Expo Troop hotel sleepover for fun! Some of us helped in recruitment during Meet the Teacher and at rallies September We helped friends and family affected Hurricane Harvey community efforts October Two of us completed our Silver Award project Two went to Cadette Basic Sailing at Camp Casa Mare and became Mariners We earned Public Speaking badge Girl Scout Dog Wash Day was a community service project Three of us helped our Copper Creek Meadows Community with service hours during Pajama Movie Night November We did our Silver Award project sharing with another Community (Firefly Trails Community) We helped with Copper Creek Meadows Community Rally December We started our Field Day badge preparation work and studied knots again Some of us were able to participate Copper Creek Meadows Community Cookie Kick-off with service hours Some of us participated in Wreaths Across America January We earned the 2018 Cookie Activity Pin We talked and prepared for World Thinking Day - Country of Fiji (SWAPs and display) February We continued with our Field Day Badge planning Participated in our Community's World Thinking Day (Fiji) Two attended and earned Region 14 Cadette Outdoor Journey March We finished with our Field Day planning and had our Event Day 1 - Pac Mac Tag & Glow-in-the-Dark Scavenger Hunt Three attended and earned Region 4 Babysitting badge April We finished the Field Day badge with our Event Day 2 activities - Obstacle Course, Construction Challenge, and Mental Puzzles Two of us attended Copper Creek Meadows Leader/ Daughter Weekend Campout and helped with the Flag ceremony Two went to a Region 16 Cadette Coding Workshop Two from our troop were part of Region 4 girl planning board May Celebrated completing the year with a troop end-of-year party Two of us offered girl service hours to Copper Creek Meadows during our last Community Summit Meeting July Two of us attended summer Camp at Camp Agnes Arnold (Cadette Amazing Race Week 4) Two of us served as Program Aides to Region 4 Summer Jersey Village Twilight Camp Attended the Region 4 Financial Literacy badge Workshop Participate in Region 4's Outdoor Art badge Workshop August Attended Region 4's Public 8
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Special Feature
What was your troop’s favorite activity this year? We earned the Cadette Field Day badge, and it was a lot of fun because we got to plan and do a glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunt, make a Pac Man maze and run it, obstacle course, word puzzles, cup-stacking, etc - different things meant different kinds of fun. Going to World Thinking Day is always one of our favorites to participate in (Country of Fiji BULA!) and learning how to sail was also great. What was the most challenging activity for your troop – the one that helped them grow and learn new skills? Some of us went camping in the outdoors for the first time and had a rough time - not expecting so many spiders, bugs and rain! Some of us are still very shy in speaking with other adults regarding the Silver Award project, but we're slowly overcoming it. What would you recommend other Cadette troops try this year? We did a lot of things that we think should be done as a Cadette: Silver Award project - it teaches us to plan and make goals, go learn how to sail; and become a Girl Scout Mariner - who doesn't like water, and have fun working on the Field Day badge! Why does the troop participate in product sales? Being a part of product sales this past year was a little different because of Hurricane Harvey. We could only do online sales, but, we do it because it helps with troop funding to be able to do more activities. Why is Girl Scouting important? Girl Scouts is important to us because we get to do things that help us bond together with girls our age. We get chances to do things that normally wouldn't be able to do, like go camping with girls only, cook in Dutch and box ovens, watch movies with our friends in our pajamas while not in our house, learn how to sail, learn how to do things and give back to our community and to Girl Scouts. What one thing are you excited to do in the 2018-2019 membership year? We're excited to go camping again since our last one had to be canceled due to Hurricane Harvey!
Special Feature
Senior Troop #11864 Woodland Trails Community Meeting Frequency: 17 times Number of Members: 5
A year in Seniors at a glance: September Escape The Room - Troop kickoff activity October Met three times and completed Car Care Badge November Community Event - Juliette Low Birthday Bash - Worked the event Community Event - Ice Skating - Worked to check in troop then enjoyed the event Participated in Community Angel Reach Service Project December Completed Financing My Future Badge Region Event - Planning for My Future - followed by our troop Christmas Dinner party January Two troop meetings Worked on badges during meetings February One troop meeting Community Event - World Thinking Day Began participating in cookie program March Completed My Portfolio badge Held three cookie booths April Completed four badges: Adventurer, Traveler, Adventure Camper and Outdoor Art Expert Supported Ava Hale's Gold award project Flood Mitigation to benefit her school Troop camping at Lost Maples
What one activity would you/your troop recommend other girls at your program level complete? Adventure Camping. Also, our first year as a Seniors we participated in a region event that completed the journey over a weekend camping event and completed Gold Award training. My girls are in various stages of working to earn their Gold Award. But getting this done early will give them plenty of time to complete their Gold Award. Why does the troop participate in product sales? We do not collect dues, the girls' proceeds from sales covers the expenses for the year and allow for special events such as our escape the room activity. Why is Girl Scouting important? Girl Scouts not only gives the girls the skills to lead but allows the girls the opportunity drive their leadership by offering leadership activities at the troop, Community and Region levels. What are you most excited to do in the 2018-2019 membership year? Work on fun activities and service projects that can be geared around badges. The girls are all ready to go for the Gold, so now at the troop level we can just have some fun!
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Special Feature
Ambassadors Troop #6392 Eastender community Meeting Frequency: Weekly Number of Members: 5
What was your troop’s favorite activity this year? Service projects are always a favorite for our girls. They say that their all-time favorite is working the water station at the Jail Break Run Marathon held each year to benefit our local police department. This year the most exciting service project we were able to participate in was the “Bring a Book for our Re-imagined Library!” service project at the Julitte Gordon Low Birthplace. Their library celebrates books, poems, stories, and songs by, for and about women and girls all over the world. What was the most challenging activity for your troop – the one that helped them grow and learn new skills? One of the most heartfelt service projects has to be when they worked with the United Way of Greater Baytown and Chamber County during the Hurricane Harvey recovery effort. Three families were directly impacted by Harvey. The events over the past two years have just added to our girls growing process because they were able to be a big part the younger troops to grow as well.
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A year in Ambassadors at a glance: September Participated in Hurricane Harvey Recovery with the United Way of Greater Baytown and Chamber County Began participation in Fall Product Program October Held troop meeting to schedule, plan and decide on big trip to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Created gift items to sell at local monthly farmers market to reach money goal for trip November Troop members lead the girl planning board to plan Christmas Tree Parade Made plans for upcoming Savannah, GA trip December Participated in the Christmas Tree Parade January Began participation in Cookie Program February Earned Girl Scout Way badge Helped at the water station at the Jail Break Run Marathon for service project March Held cookie booths and completed participation in Cookie Program Earned Financing My Future badge and Promise and Law badge April Finalized the itinerary for Savannah and reached the budget total of $5,000 to cover all of the cost. June Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Living Library
Special Feature
Multi-Level Troop #120009 Heritage Trace Community Meeting Frequency: Weekly, except during holidays Number of Members: 30 September Parent meeting to learn about the year and fall October We held our first meeting and had a tea party. Girls introduced to each other and learned about manners and Girl Scouts. Earned badges: Daisies–Promise Center, Brownies–Make New Friends, Juniors– Social Butterfly and Cadette – Girl Scout Way. November We participated in the Tomball holiday parade, Started plans for their holiday giving back project. December Participated in Wreaths Across America and completed their giving back project benefiting Houston Northwest Christian Ministries January Very busy month! We volunteered at The Houston Food Bank. Went camping for the first time at Misty Meadows where the girls completed their Journey. Walked in the MLK day parade. February The girls visited a local woman owned business to learn about being a business owner. Visited a local nursery to learn about bugs, composting and the anatomy of a flower. Attended our communities World Thinking Day to learn about Girl Scouts around the world. March Participated in the Black Woman's March and March for Your Life. Volunteered at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. Earned our Robots badge by constructing and demonstrating what our robots would do to benefit the everyday life. April The older girls volunteered at the Children's Festival and taught prospective Girl Scouts about what it means to them to be a Girl Scout. Collected blankets and made dog toys to donate to the BARC Shelter. Led the flag ceremony for the annual meeting. May The older girls completed their Bronze Award by building a rainbow bridge for our Community. Walked in the Cinco de Mayo Parade and learned about the battle of Puebla. Attended the Sugar Land Skeeters game Finished our year off at our Communities bridging event.
What was your troop’s favorite activity this year? The girls would say camping and volunteering, leaders would say the parades and marches. We like to keep our girls as active as possible with troop meetings and weekend activities. What one activity would you/your troop recommend other girls at your program level complete? The nursery visit. It got the girls out of their comfort zones. It was a tad bit messy but a lot of fun. Plus, who doesn't want to play with and release a couple hundred ladybugs? My advice for multilevel troops is plan everything in advance and don't be afraid to ask for help. My leaders and I get together multiple times a year and plan every meeting Why does the troop participate in product sales? We participate in product sales to teach our girls financial responsibility. Most of their activities are strictly paid for with troop proceeds earned through sales and not by parents. Why is Girl Scouting important? Girl Scouting is important to us because we get to help people. We love volunteering. The girls love being independent. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing these girls' faces as they learn something new. They are always looking for new ways to help our community. What one thing are you excited to do in the 2018-2019 membership year? We are most definitely looking forward to kicking off the year with camp, and we also want to do more community service projects. What was the most challenging activity for your troop – the one that helped them grow and learn new skills? I would say the most difficult part about running a multilevel troop is making sure the Legacy badges line up with each other.
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Features
Nominate Volunteers for National and Council Awards Girl Scout volunteers participate in many ways. Celebrate them! Even though our volunteers believe passionately in the mission to empower girls, they appreciate being recognized for their hard work. Say thank you. GSSJC offers formal awards for volunteers who go above and beyond the expectations for their role and make significant contributions to our Girl Scout programs and council. Demonstrate your appreciation through one of the many opportunities below. Information about each award, the criteria, nomination and application forms and procedures for nominating your deserving volunteers are provided in the next few pages and online in the Adult Recognitions Guide F-183 on the Forms Tab.
How to nominate a volunteer
Do you know an outstanding adult or community partner who is deserving of recognition? Use these easy steps below to get started.
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Fill out form completely and accurately.
Make sure you include how long the nominee has given service to GSSJC, and highlight specific contributions. Incomplete forms will delay processing. F-122 from nominee is required.
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Obtain three letters of endorsement.
Write a letter of endorsement and identify two additional registered adults who are in good standing (one may be a staff member) who know the nominee and will agree to write a letter of endorsement. Hint: Make sure to include volunteers and staff whose endorsements will reflect each of the aspects of the nominee’s service (i.e. trainers, community volunteer, Council committee, etc.). The nominee’s volunteer supervisor is a great resource.
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Obtain the appropriate application form.
A complete nomination packet includes: • Nomination Application Form (F-54, F-57, F-76 or F-116) • Three letters of endorsement, one from you and two from other current members in good standing. (F-54a) • Volunteer Service Record (F-122), one for each nominated adult. These forms may be found in Community files or in Volunteer Records at the Council office if submitted • Community Award Nomination Form (F-116) Find these forms at www.gssjc.org. See helpful tips in our Adult Recognition Guide 2018, F-183.
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Submit a complete nomination packet.
1. Mail: GSSJC, Adult Recognition Committee, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098 2. Fax: 713-292-0340; if faxing, call volunteer development manager at 713-292-0254 to verify receipt of nomination packet 3. Email: tswanson@sjgs.org if you have any questions, contact volunteer development manager at 713-292-0254 4. NEW! Online nomination form. More information coming soon. 12 September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
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Helpful hints for completing award forms
Nominations are evaluated by what is written in the letters of endorsement and the candidate’s Volunteer Service Record, Form F-122. The nomination should clearly state why the person’s work is noteworthy and above that expected for the position. Include accomplishments, specifying whenever possible the impact on the audience receiving the service. Provide details of accomplishments, not a list of the number of committees that person is involved with. Provide specific examples. Broad examples do not provide a clear picture of the person’s work. You may submit more than three letters of endorsement for one candidate, especially for the more prestigious awards. You may want to ask more than three people for endorsements to ensure you get three back in time for submittal. Nominations cannot be considered if candidates have not completed training for positions requiring training. Attend Thanks a Millon offered at Focus annually. Refer to Adult Recognition Guide F-183 for more tips.
Deadlines for Awards:
Deadline Award Presentation Aug. 15 – Dec. 15 President’s Award GSSJC Rec. Event February 15 Council/national awards GSSJC Rec. Event February 15 Council/national awards Community Event 12 weeks prior Council/national awards Other events
Membership and Years of Service pins
Membership Numerals – Recognizes the years an adult has been a Girl Scout member (girl plus volunteer adult years). There is a nominal fee for these pins. (F-56) Years of Service – Recognizes the years an adult has been a registered, active member of Girl Scouts. Given in increments of 5 years. (F-61)
If you are eligible for a Membership Numeral or Years of Service pin, let the Community administrators or their designee know. Communities will submit orders for the Membership Numeral and Years of Service pins to be presented at a Community/Region event or meeting. Any pin of 25 years and higher may be received at the Adult Recognition Event with advanced notice, see deadlines.
Submitting F-122s for Adult Recognitions:
The Adult Volunteer Record (F-122) is a REQUIRED document for any adult recognition award nomination. Ideally, volunteer records are collected and compiled by your Girl Scout Community service team. They may also be obtained from any council committee on which that volunteer sits (see the staff partner or chair for that committee), from a fellow volunteer or if necessary, from the volunteer directly.
Features
National and Council Awards Appreciation Pin – This award is for the candidate that has provided outstanding service to a geographic area or program delivery audience in a way that furthers the Council’s goals. The service goes beyond the expectations for the position. (F-54) Volunteer of Excellence – This award recognizes those volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) through use of the National Program Portfolio or who have contributed outstanding service in support of the Council’s mission delivery to girl and adult members. (F-54) Honor Pin – This award is for the candidate who has provided outstanding service in two or more geographic areas or program delivery audiences in a way that furthers the Council’s goals. Candidate may have already received the Appreciation Pin, but it is not a criteria. The service goes beyond the expectations of the position. (F-54) Thanks Badge – This award is for the candidate who has provided outstanding service that benefits the total Council or entire Girl Scout Movement. Candidate may have already received the Honor Pin or Appreciation Pin, but it is not a criteria. The service goes beyond the expectations of the position. (F-54) Thanks Badge II – This recognition is for the candidate who has already received the Thanks Badge and has continued to perform at the same high level for an extended period of time, increased their sphere of influence or used their skills to move into another field of endeavor. The outstanding service benefits the total Council or entire Girl Scout Movement. (F-54) Outstanding Leadership Team Pin This Community award recognizes the outstanding efforts of any troop, special interest group or pathway leadership team who meets the specific criteria listed on the GSSJC application form, F-335. Outstanding Volunteer Pin The Outstanding Volunteer Pin is intended to recognize contributions above and beyond expectations in Community or Region or special interest group volunteer roles outside of troop leadership. This one-time award is reviewed by your local service team and fulfilled by our Council Volunteer Experience Department. President’s Award – Recognizes the Community who meets criteria points as outlined in the President’s Award Application form (F-76) within a geographic area or program delivery team. It demonstrates achievement of Council goals during a membership year. Documentation and materials supporting the nomination must be included. Dec. 15 deadline. Ervan Chew Award – Recognizes individuals who demonstrate the values of the GSSJC Pluralism Statement within our community. For adult volunteer or community member or an 11-12 grade girl-member of Girl Scouts. (Not affiliated with the Ervan Chew Scholarship) (Deadline Feb. 15)
The Key Award – This is GSSJC’s own recognition instituted in 2006 upon the merger with Girl Scouts of South Texas. This award is for the candidate that has given distinguished service to girls and adults in GSSJC. The service goes beyond the expectations of the position in one membership year. (F-54) Continuing Service – This is GSSJC’s own recognition instituted in 1978. It is given to an outstanding volunteer who has already received the Thanks Badge and has continued to serve our Council above and beyond the position(s) they hold. (F-54) Lifetime Achievement – This recognition is Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council’s own. It is for the candidate who has received the Thanks Badge II and has continued to perform at the same high level for an extended period of time. This candidate has given outstanding service to our Council above and beyond the position(s) held for many years. Portraits of the recipients may be seen on the first floor of the Girl Scout Center. (F-54) Family Award – This recognition is GSSJC’s own. It recognizes adult family members who have contributed above and beyond the expectations of the positions they hold. For example: wife and husband, mother and adult daughter(s), grandparent and adult daughter(s), sisters (adults). (F-57) Community Awards (F-116) Certificate of Appreciation – This recognition is for a community building, business, church or non-registered adult who has given service to the Council/community for several years. (First level of Community Awards) Walnut Plaque – This recognition is for a community building, business or non-registered adult who has given service to the Council/ community for many years. The candidate may have received the Certificate of Appreciation, but it is not a requirement. (Second level of Community Awards.) Laser Plaque – This recognition is for a community building, business or non-registered adult who has given service to the Council/ community for many years. The candidate may have received the Certificate of Appreciation and Walnut Plaque, but it is not a requirement. (Third level of Community Awards.)
The Adult Recognition Event is April 6 at Camp Agnes Arnold. Start your nomination process now to make sure you meet the deadlines!
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Cookies 4 Heroes
Troops #39642 and #9661 delivered smiles and cookies to Harvey first responders.
Troop #118022 gave their thanks and Cookies4Heroes to the Summerwood Firehouse.
Troop #20281 showed their appreciation to Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 4 by delivering cookies.
Troop #117046 got a tour of and safety talk from Fire Station 101 in Kingwood after delivering cookies.
Troop# 117117 delivered cookies to Deputy Ford and Investigator Arnold from the Montgomery County Sherriff’s Office.
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Troop #118006 delivered cookies to the Humble Fire Department and Porter First Baptist Church.
Troop #140164 delivered cookies to the HPD Helicopter Patrol, who returned their appreciation by giving the girls a tour.
Features Troop #118002 proudly honored Harvey first responders by delivering Cookies4Heroes.
Members of Region 6 delivered 30 cases of cookies to first responders from the Humble Police Department. Elizabeth R. of Troop #21151 delivered cookies to the Houston Police Westside Division and the Missouri City Fire Department.
Troop #146013 gave a big thank you and loads of cookies to the West University Fire Department.
Troop #143114 made their first Cookies4Heroes delivery to Samaritan’s Purse at Crosspoint Church in Pearland.
Troop #27131 gave a big thanks and cookies to members of the Pearland Fire Department.
Troop #10797 visited Wood Forest Fire Station 34, Lake Conroe Fire Department and The Woodlands Fire Department Station 6 to deliver Cookies4Heroes.
Troop #7565 honored Houston Fire Department Station 94 with Cookies4Heroes. September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
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Features Troop #20209 delivered Cookies4Heroes to the Katy Police Department for their efforts during Harvey.
Troop #122016 gave cookies and thanks to members of the South Central Police Station. Members of Troop #118038 gave thanks and cookies to police officers from the City of Wood Branch Village.
Troop #27081 delivered cookies to Harvey first responders at Mount Olive Baptist Church, League City Volunteer Fire Dept. & EMS Station 2 and League City Volunteer Fire Dept. 5.
Troop #15420 showed appreciation to Houston Fire Station #4 with Cookies4Heroes.
Morgan C. of Troop #8499 snapped a photo with a Pasadena Fire Marshall after delivering Cookies4Heroes.
Troops #8499 and #8337 delivered cookies and thanks to the Pasadena Salvation Army. 16 September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
Troop #130053 delivered 25 cases of Cookies4Heroes in Groves to police officers and firefighters.
Features Troop #114179 delivered cookies to the Harvey first responders at Woodlands Fire Station 8.
Troop #114181 delivered cookies to the Lord of Life Church and the Klein ISD Police.
Troop #147003 stopped by the Bellaire Police and Fire Departments and Covenant House to deliver Cookies4Heroes.
Troop #125076 braved the rain to deliver 19 cases of cookies to the Village Fire Department.
Troop #26342 dropped off Cookies4Heroes to the Dickinson Police Department and the League City Volunteer Fire Department.
Troop #113035 delivered cookies to Harvey first responders at North Cypress Hospital. September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
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Features Troop #19254 delivered Cookies4Heroes to Fort Bend Family Promise and Sugar Land Fire Station #5.
Troop #129028 proudly made a cookie delivery to Harvey first responders.
Troop #106234 enjoyed learning from Fire Department #71 after delivering Cookies4Heroes. Troop #21052 brought 180 packages of cookies to Fire Station 82 for their heroic efforts during Harvey. Troop #14403 showed appreciation to Harris County Precinct 4 and Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department #11 with Cookies4Heroes. Troop #152012 delivered cookies to the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management.
Troop #21061 proudly delivered cookies to Killen’s Burgers, Killen’s BBQ and Claws & Paws for their effort to help the Pearland community during Harvey. Troop #25435 showed their appreciation with cookies to staff at the Friends for Life animal shelter for taking in animals during Harvey. 18 September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
Features Troop #17363 stopped by Willowfork Fire Station #2 in Katy to deliver cookies.
Troop #122016 gave cookies and thanks to members of the South Central Police Station. Troop #139005 delivered Cookies4Heroes to the Seabrook Police Department and toured the vehicle of an officer who was a former Girl Scout.
Troop #111105 showed gratitude with cookies to Cypress ACE Hardware for their efforts during Harvey. Troop #139111 honored staff at the UTMB League City campus for supporting their community during Harvey.
Troop #152042 delivered Cookies4Heroes to Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and got to check out the Life Flight helicopter.
Troop #143039 dropped off Cookies4Heroes to the Clear Lake Regional Medical Center and the Friendswood Fire Department.
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The Many Faces of Girl Scouts: Guadalupe Cocon With a knot in her throat, Guadalupe Cocon tries to hold back tears when reminded of the wonderful letter her young daughter, Isabel Herrera, wrote to San Jacinto Council. Isabel, a Girl Scout Brownie, wanted to boast about how integral her mother was to her Girl Scout experience. I think without my mom, I could not do it, Isabel’s letter read. She is my leader and my guide…someday I’ll be a leader like my mom. Guadalupe beams with pride when describing how Girl Scouts has impacted her family. In a society where screen time can hinder a girl’s interpersonal skills, she has found a way to engage her family and become her daughter Isabel’s personal hero. “Isabel is looking at me not only as her mom, she’s looking at me as her leader,” Guadalupe said. “I need to be careful. I’m responsible for what I’m saying, what I’m doing because somebody else is looking at me and wants to be like me.” Through Girl Scouts, Guadalupe does not feel like she needs to ask her daughters what their interests are or how they are feeling. She prefers to learn about their interests through volunteering Guadalupe Cocon started as just a troop leader, but today? She’s her with their Girl Scout troop. According to her, spending time with them and observing their daughters’ personal hero. Guadalupe interactions is the best way for her to stay connected with her girls.“I can know more about my spends time with her daughter, Isabel, daughters being in Girl Scouts,” Guadalupe said. “When you do something together you don’t in Girl Scouting and Isabel says she need to ask them. Just watch them, listen to them, [look at] what they are doing.” now sees her mom as the leader she A leader through and through, Guadalupe boldly embraces new opportunities and challenges. wants to be someday. She did not let her inexperience with Girl Scouts hinder her desire to get involved. She began as a shy volunteer and has blossomed into a passionate Girl Scout advocate. Even her husband sports a “Man Enough to be a Girl Scout” T-shirt when he’s volunteering at parades. “I invite a person to come join us and discover what Girl Scouts offer to young girls,” Guadalupe said. “They are going to be surprised what a young Girl Scout can learn in this program.” Guadalupe is now a facilitator in the Hispanic community and helps train new Spanish speaking families to volunteer with their daughter’s troops. According to her, the lessons Girl Scouts teaches the volunteers can be implemented outside of the organization and help change their lives.“I start working with my family but now I am working with my community…because my life changed for the better,” Guadalupe said. “I want this life for this community…to be better.” To meet more of the Many Faces of Girl Scouts, visit www.manyfacesofgirlscouts.com.
Introducing the GSSJC Online Community We know outside of The Golden Link, sometimes finding the information you need online can be difficult. You forget the URL someone gave you for cookie information, or search results don’t bring up exactly what you need.We hear you – and we’ve redesigned the Resources site with this in mind. Allow us to introduce you to the new GSSJC Online Community! This is a digital community where you’ll find the latest news just for our members, key dates, upcoming trainings and more. Oh, and there are groups specific to volunteer roles that you can join to find all the resources you need and connect with other volunteers across the council! Join now at community.gssjc.org. Need a little more information? Here are some frequently asked questions about the new GSSJC Online Community: What is it? The GSSJC Online Community is a site just for you, our members. On the homepage, you’ll find the latest news members need to know, like key Fall Product dates, upcoming council-wide trainings and more. Then click over to the Community side to find groups just for you! Here you can connect with other volunteers in your role. Groups available this fall are just the beginning – we will be adding more groups, including some for parents, during the 2018-2019 membership year. You will automatically gain access to the groups relevant to your volunteer roles, such as Brownie troop leader or troop cookie manager. Why was this created? The GSSJC Online Community replaces our Resources site, which volunteers and parents could previously access for information relevant to current members. This was created before digital tools like the Volunteer Toolkit were introduced. We want to continue offering you digital tools to make Girl Scouting easier while also giving you a place to connect with other volunteers and parents across the council. Where can I find it? Go to community.gssjc.org or visit gssjc.org and click on Online Community at the top right of the homepage. To access your groups, you will need to log in using your MyGS account. Need help getting into your account? Send an email to customerservice@sjgs.org or call 713-292-0300 for assistance. There’s not a group for me – help! We will continue adding groups to the Online Community this membership year, so keep an eye on the site, your email and our social media as we add more groups and features to the platform. We hope you’ll find the Online Community useful, and we look forward to growing it during the 2018-2019 membership year! 20 September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
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Fall Product Program begins September 21! Don’t be left out of the best kept secret in our council. Earn start-up money for troop activities! Troops retain 25% of the retail price on nuts and candy items and $2 per magazine subscription. It’s easy to get started – volunteer to be the troop fall product manager, then take a simple online training. The Product Sales Department will guide you through the next steps with just-in-time emails and text messages. Girls take orders from friends and family members with an order card or through their online storefront. Not only is setting up their storefront a learning experience for girls, but it’s great fun! Girls can create their Me2TM avatar. They can choose from four different backgrounds for their customized patch and a ton of accessories. Girls can record a message and upload a picture or video. Statistics show girls who take those steps have an increase in their sales. Girls can also earn patches featuring the adorable moose mascot and the Soar Above, and Go Beyond theme. New Product! Looking for something new? Ashdon Farms will be offering Almond Butter Cups. These are a delicious boxed chocolate filled with a creamy almond butter. Check out the girls’ online storefront for additional items available only online. Want to add a touch of nostalgia to your Girl Scout tin collection? Check out this new vintage camera tin filled with Mint Treasures. Upcoming Dates: Girls begin taking orders September 21 Girl delivered portion ends on October 19 Digital sale ends on December 2
Family letter for Fall Product
On September 21, your daughter can begin to participate in the Fall Product Program. By participating in this program with your encouragement and support, she will learn and practice five valuable skills that will help her now and in the future. Those five skills are: goal-setting, decision-making, money management, people skills and business ethics. Help your Girl Scout be successful at reaching her personal goal and help her work with girls in her troop to reach their goal. It’s a great way to earn funds for the troop. Troops typically earn an average of about $800. The troop will be selling nuts and candy from Ashdon Farms and magazine subscriptions from M2 Media. Contact the troop’s fall product manager to get an order card and get started. If your Girl Scout can’t begin on September 21, she can continue to join the program at a time convenient for your family before December 2. There is another way to participate through using the M2 Ordering System (M2OS). This online system will allow your Girl Scout to ask for nut, candy and magazine orders from friends and family by sending an email that include links to both the online magazine catalog and an expanded selection of nut/candy products. Help her send 12 or more valid emails and get six magazine orders before December 2, 2018 to qualify for the personalized patch with her name and avatar. Help her send 12 or more emails and sell 250 packages in the 2019 Cookie Program to qualify for the special Cookie Crossover patch. On September 21, go to www.gsnutsandmags.com/gssjc or click on the link from the council website. Follow the instructions in the 2018 Fall Product Family Guide to get your Girl Scout set up on the system. Selling online is easy and no money is collected by the Girl Scout. Encourage and support your Girl Scout and troop to reach their goals!
Thank Your Local Cupboard Manager
Many believe that all Girl Scout Cookies are stored in some magical room filled to the ceiling with all varieties available for pick up anywhere at any time. The truth is that quite a bit of logistics and planning by the cupboard managers, the cupboard coordinator, the Product Sales Operations Team, ABC Bakers and Wald Relocation takes place to get the right cookies to the right place at the right time. Yearly, GSSJC turns to a dedicated corps of volunteers to operate cookie cupboards. Throughout the cookie season volunteer cupboard managers and their families help a steady stream of troops with picking up additional cases of cookies. Each cupboard stores approximately 500 to over 5,000 cases of Girl Scout Cookies. These volunteer cupboards are strategically placed throughout the 26 county council boundaries. Most operate out of volunteer cupboard manager’s homes, but this year GSSJC added four temporary buildings sites. Four cupboards are held at Girl Scout service centers in Houston, Lake Jackson, Beaumont and Lufkin. Many cupboard managers return to serve GSSJC year after year, some for more than 11 years. If you haven’t already, be sure and thank your local cupboard manager. GSSJC is very grateful to this dedicated team of volunteers! Christa and Derrick Fuselier, Stephanie Cassey, Kristen Hargrave, Michelle Becker, Jenn Montgomery, Cay Cannon Nash, Donna Margiolos, Lisa Nunn, Susan Mehner, Lea Ann Hendrick, Pam and Jim Lippert, Stephanie Contreras, George and Stella Aselin, Susie Hyde, Beth Gandy, Brandi Nixon, Kertrina Henderson, Jo Blackburn, Rene Crosbie, Debbie Gonzalez, Gena Drawhorn and Susannah Swindoll Have you thought about being a cupboard manager? GSSJC needs more cupboard volunteers. If you enjoy meeting new people, helping girls reach their cookie goals, and have extra time, contact Judy Syring at 713-292-0230 or email jsyring@sjgs.org to discuss your future as a possible cupboard manager. September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
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Congratulations to GSSJC’s 2018 Cookie program top achievers GSSJC is tremendously proud of the 298 girls who worked so hard to become part of the Cookie Entrepreneur Officer (CEO) club. This elite group of girls each planned the work and worked the plan to attain the goal of selling 1,000 or more packages of cookies. And many of the girls far exceeded that number! These 298 girls sold a total of 376,048 packages of cookies. Remarkable! These girls, along with every Girl Scout involved in the Cookie Program, learn many skills to make the Cookie Program a success: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. Even the adults who help the girls be successful learn new skills! These are a few examples of how participating in the Cookie Program teaches Girl Scouts skills that will help them grow into leaders in their own lives, leaders in business and leaders in the world. Each Girl Scout: • sets cookie sales goals individually and, with her team, creates a plan to reach them. She develops cooperation and team building skills all along the way! • helps decide how her team will spend their cookie money, furthering her critical thinking and problem solving skills that will help her in many aspects of her life. • takes cookies orders, handles customers’ money and gains valuable and practical life skills around financial literacy. • learns how to talk to, listen to and work with all kinds of people while selling cookies. These experiences help her develop healthy relationship and conflict resolution skills she can use throughout her life. • is honest and responsible at every step of the Cookie program. Her business ethics reinforce the positive values she is developing as a Girl Scout. See a list of all the girls in the hard copy of The Golden Link.
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Our Hats are off to the 2018 Cookie Booth Liaisons Did your troop hold a cookie booth during the 2018 Cookie Program? If so, then you need to thank these hard-working cookie booth liaisons! Without their dedication in securing cookie booths for all troops, GSSJC would not have been able to offer more than 669 different locations, resulting in 903,129 packages of cookies sold. Interested in finding out how you can help confirm more opportunities for troops holding cookie booth? Contact Judy Syring at 713-2920230 or email jsyring@sjgs.org to find out how you can become a member of this amazing group of volunteers. Region 4 Debbie Lewis Lara Randall Lisa Wojtawszczyk
Region 1 Farah Couch Melanie Enger Kimberly Hastings Kimberly McElhany Donnise Park April Williston Region 2 Rachel Durst-Strecker Kim Grove Catherine Lake Shelly Murski Susan Prokosch Regan Vasquez
Region 5 Carrie Callahan Robin Vela Region 6 Susan Beane Robbie Durham Toni Gosney Cindy Kollias Karen Rexer Region 7 Kertrina Henderson
Region 3 Sue Aldrich
Region 12 Lynn Buck Terry Griffin
Region 9 Ursula Sharp Region 10 Hope Berry Margaret Blitch Stephanie Cassey Katie Doubt January Duck Leslie Ellis Daisy Evans Gloria Mason Gail Prettyman Lindsay Schaller
Region 13 Trish Doherty Simone Hildalgo Catherine Hood Nilda Muguerza Amber Savoy Region 14 Diane Ragan Region 15 Jodi Estimbo Sophia Stewart
Region 11 Gloria Bejarano Julie Dey Melinda Porter Christina Toler
Region 16 Erin Freund
THANK YOU to the 2018 Community Cookie Managers
On behalf of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, the Product Sales Operations Team would like to thank everyone who had a part in the 2018 Stand Up, Stand Out! Cookie Program. We could not have had the successful Cookie Program we enjoyed without the efforts of parents/guardians, troop cookie managers and Community cookie managers (CCM). Special thanks to the following CCMs who made it possible for troops to participate in the Cookie Program: Community
Bay Pals Bending Bayou Blossom Creek Braes Oaks Brazos Valley Brazos Valley Buffalo Trail Clear Creek Clear Creek Colony Creek Copper Creek Meadows Crystal Cove Cypress Bend Dogwood Wonders East Enders Eastern Thicket Emerald Oaks Emerald Oaks Emerald Pines Firefly Trails Golden Coast Golden Coast Gulf Coast Stars Gulf Meadows Harmony Creek Heart of Texas Heart of Texas
CCM
Christa Fuselier Dean Eicher Charlotte Bennett Alva Allen Suzanne Krusleski Tammy Blackburn Susan Skipton Erin Abby Julie Hairgrove Susie Hyde Michelle Baxmann Marceline Lamb Jena Krauss Michelle Tucker Debbie Gonzalez Brandi Morgan Leslie Haydel Themetta Turner Beth Ebersbaker Autumn Jones Lindsay Schaller Patricia Walther Brandi Nixon Amy Earle Andrea Hyde Joy Franz Katy Cox
Community
CCM
Heart of the Brazos Erin Freund Heritage Trace Laura Haese Island Creek Mellisa Hill Island Creek Maribeth Negri Klein Trails Nicki Forester Klein Trails Christa Stranathan Lone Star Trails Kristen Holland Lone Star Treasures Jennifer Gallagher Lone Stars Parrish Gayle Magic Blossom Trails Kim Fajardo Magic Blossom Trails Elva Perez Magic Blossom Trails Isabel Martinez Magnolia Blossom Hills Tammela Folk Monument Lenora Rose Pine Forest Kim McElhaney Pine Village Pamela Temple Rainbow Trails Ulrika Barton Rainbow's End Mary Murphy Shooting Stars Amber Savoy Skyline Junction Selma Reyna South Bridge Kaphne Harris Spring Creek Trails Staci Black Spring Creek Trails Elizabeth Stevens Stargazers Stephanie Presley Sunshine Stars Vanessa Washington
Community
CCM
Sunshine Stars Samantha Bragg Sunshine Stars Julie Thyne Sunshine Stars Phyllis Woliver Sunshine Stars Mary Biczynski Tall Pines Hill Vanessa Skrabanek Tannybo Melody Thornton Tannybo Tonya Curry Tonkawa Trailblazers Diana Norstrom TopFlowing Trails Karen Rexer Trinity Treasures Tara Jones Way Out West "WOW" Jocelyn Schroeder Way Out West "WOW" Sheri Chapp Western Horizon Dixie Gandee Westmoreland Michelle Turner Wharton County Ashley Gonzalez Wildflowers Avie Ditch Willow Rock Sandy Judson Willow Rock Eloise Starr Willow Rock Cheryl Parma Willow Rock Donna Sisak Willow Rock Charmaine Carabello Wind Catchers Ashley Kantazar-Fuller Woodland Trails Debbie Davenport Woodland Trails Susanne Bartsch Yellow Rose Jennifer McCullough
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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. Deborah B. launched an awareness campaign to educate doctors and other medical professionals about Youth Rally and Pull-Thru Network, organizations that provide resources teens use to connect with other teens who struggle with bladder and bowel issues. Deborah made more than five presentations to medical professionals, including four pediatricians, a family practice physician and a urologist, during which she shared personal testimonies and provided promotional pamphlets for organizations to answer any questions physicians or their patients might have. Jackera D. led a team of 13 volunteers to help create a “Love of Literacy” reading corner in the Rosenberg Railroad Museum. For her project, Jackera purchased a book shelf, made cushions for children to sit on, decorated the container for the cushions and created a poster to explain the color coding system of the books. Jackera hosted two ice cream socials to collect books, some of which were donated to a local agency that provides goods to those in need. Tessa D. designed a youth-appropriate hurricane checklist that provided simple, organized steps to help young people prepare for a hurricane as well as steps on what to do during and after. She assembled two youth focus groups to help determine content and design. Tessa demonstrated and presented the checklist to four city emergency managers and one school district. The checklist was added to their city and school district hurricane plans. More than 40,000 youths were impacted by her project. Georgia E. partnered with the fifth-grade classes at Annunciation Orthodox School, nearly 100 volunteers, to make heart-shaped necklaces for Camp Victory Texas, a camp for sexual abuse survivors to heal and grow. Campers received the necklaces at the end of a three-day retreat and took them home as a reminder that they are not alone in their situation. Georgia also created a scrapbook containing physical examples and directions for different heart necklaces to be made in the future. Angela H. partnered with 30 volunteers to help at-risk children who had little to no access to sports training. Angela taught 35 students at Clear Creek Intermediate School, who were enrolled in a special after-school program, foundational skills in soccer, tennis and basketball. She gave lessons on four key principles of sportsmanship each day to help students compete with their peers later in high school and develop valuable life skills to succeed in their future endeavors. 24 September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
Lindsey H. created a curriculum to educate children with Autism about proper social behavior and life skills. With the help of the teachers at Avondale House, Lindsey taught students about sharing, introducing themselves when meeting new people, hygiene and expressing feelings. She also wrote puppet shows for the students to help them better understand the social behavior and life skills lessons. Lindsey assembled a puppet theater outfitted with curtains and puppets and donated it to Avondale House. Gabrielle L. led nearly 25 volunteers in installing an automated irrigation system for a grove of 16 citrus trees at Johnson Space Center. She and her team worked to dig trenches, glue 200 feet of PVC and lay 400 feet of drip irrigation hosing. Gabrielle also designed and fundraised the money needed to purchase all of the supplies for the irrigation system. Caitlin O. helped restore a sense of normalcy to the Kingwood Mighty Mustang Military Marching Band after Hurricane Harvey. With the help of more than 35 community volunteers, Caitlin replaced the majority of the sheet music lost during the storm. She also recreated the band program’s solo and ensemble procedure manual. Caitlin’s love for the band program drove her to focus efforts on ensuring the marching band could return home after Harvey. Tatiana P. raised awareness about literacy and the lack of children and teen books in homeless shelters to help them with their reading and communication skills. With the help of nearly 12 volunteers, Tatiana organized two book drives and donated books and book bags collected to The Salvation Army. She also distributed brochures to teachers and students at Lamar High School to educate them on the need to continue having book drives and making donations to homeless shelters in the community. Madison R. created world cultures and geography classes for the Down Syndrome Academy, a local school for adults with Down syndrome, that were previously not offered due to lack of funding. With a team of nearly 20 volunteers, Madison led 50 students in hands-on cultural experiences, such as playing traditional folk games and tasting homemade Australian fairy-bread. She also wrote to her national, state and local representatives about the lack of resources provided to education programs serving adults with Down syndrome.
Features Abby S. addressed the limited storage space available at her local food pantry. Abby researched different types of shelving options to best fit the pantry’s needs and redesigned the space to accommodate the new shelving units. She then successfully petitioned the food pantry board of directors, who approved the project and donated the shelving units. Abby led a team of 13 volunteers to help install the shelves. She also created a survey to help the food pantry manager better accommodate customer’s food preferences.
Dannielle W. created a theater camp for 61 children to help disadvantaged youth engage in meaningful activities and help them grow as individuals. The goal of Dannielle’s project was to teach participants ways to relieve their anger, frustration and express emotions in a positive way. Danielle and a team of 12 volunteers delivered the program to students at Ridgegate Elementary in Fort Bend Independent School District. Ridgegate Elementary adopted the program so that future students would have the opportunity to participate.
Annabel S. created Fish Tank, a mentorship program that pairs graduating seniors with incoming freshmen to help prevent drop-outs. Annabel held weekly Fish Tank meetings focusing on ways to cope with stress, how to succeed in classes and other topics to help the freshmen survive their first year of high school. With a team of nearly 30 volunteers, Annabel also hosted weekly homework help sessions and paired freshmen with members of the senior class who had similar interests and character traits.
Makayla W. taught 46 students the importance of healthy eating by developing the curriculum for a health class. Students learned to make fruit kabobs, trail mix and fruit smoothies. Makayla led 10 volunteers in working with the fitness club of Lantern Lane Elementary School, children’s church at St. Agnes March of Faith Ministries and a youth chapter of the Lambda Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. She also provided each student with a cookbook that included heathy snack recipes.
Caitlyn S. helped students and teachers in Little Cypress – Mauriceville Consolidated Independent School District (LCMCISD) better understand food allergies. Caitlyn led 104 volunteers in hosting Trunk-or-Treat, an event where volunteers handed out non-food items from the trunks of their cars. Caitlyn also participated in booths at health walks and other events where she demonstrated how to use an Epi-Pen. Additionally, Caitlyn created a video in which high school students pretended to live with an allergy for a week.
Alexandra W. raised awareness about how wildlife preservations, like the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition, help animals unable to survive in the wild, rehabilitate them and then safely release them. Alexandra created a video depicting the plight of the animals that may have been displaced or injured, which educated viewers about wildlife preservation. With a team of 20 volunteers, she printed coloring books about local animals that were passed out to schools and organizations. Nearly 500 people were impacted by Alexandra’s project.
Bronze and Silver Awards from around the Council Troop #21173 created and donated book activity play sets for children in the Star of Hope daycare to earn their Bronze Award. Troop #7136 earned their Bronze Award for wetlands planting, which provides wildlife protection and storm water filtration, at Exploration Green in Clear Lake.
Troop #28031 earned their Bronze Award by using actual race ribbons to create a mural for patients at Texas Children’s Hospital.
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Activities
Girl and Troop Activities Register for activities under the Activities tab in MyGS. Go to www.gssjc.org and select MyGS, log in to“Member Profile," then select Activities. 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.
Weekend Camp Activity Registration Improved!
We have a NEW way to find expert-led and troop self-led activity availability at council camps! See the schedule of available activities listed below, and learn how to register at bit.ly/wkndcamp. Come out for the day or ask your camp certified adult to reserve a camp unit for your troop. Don’t see facilitated activities for the camp date you reserved? There are great ideas for girl-led outdoor programs in Camp Certification training materials as well as your camp reservation confirmation. Does your troop have its own USAA certified instructor for archery or lifeguard for swimming? Email your registration form and certifications to registration@sjgs.org, and we’ll let you know if the facility is available. Registration closes 13 days before event. Weekend Camp Activities
Sept. 8
Sept. 15
Sept. 22
Sept. 29
Oct. 6
Oct. 13
Oct. 20
Camp Agnes Arnold
H
H
A, C, S, H
H
H
C, S, H
A, S, C, H
S
S
Camp Casa Mare
S
S
S
A, S
S
Camp Misty Meadows
H, S
H, S
H, S
A, S, H, R, L
R*, L*, A, S, H, S, H, S, H R, L R, L
Camp Robinwood
S, C
Camp Myra S. Pryor Camp Silver Springs
S
S, C
S, C
A, C, S
C, S
A, C, S
C, S
C, S
A, S
S
S
A, S
Z
S
Camp Wind-a-Mere Camp Whispering Pines
C
C
Nov. 17
C, H
H
H A A, R*, L*, H
C, H C, S
C
H, R, L C
A, C Z
A C
Lake Jackson Service Center
KEY: Archery–A Canoe–C Swimming–S Hikes–H Z–See page 37 for climbing wall and zip line options. Archery: ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ (must be at least second grade) Sessions are for one hour and on Saturday only. Up to 12 girls per session can learn archery basics and spend some time practicing their aim. These archery sessions are instructor-led meaning an instructor will be provided for your group. Session times: Saturday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. If you have your own USAA instructor, submit a program registration form and appropriate certifications to registration@sjgs.org, and a separate time will be reserved for your troop to do archery if available. Canoeing: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Spend some time paddling around the camp lake! Sessions are for one hour on Saturday only and for all ages. Canoing sessions are not instructor led. Groups are required to provide their own ACA-certified or FOC-certified adult for these sessions. Copies of certifications must be received at registration@sjgs.org at least two weeks before the scheduled session. Groups without a certified adult will be cancelled and refunded. Session times: Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Hikes with Henry and Friends: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ If you want a fun way to introduce your girls to camp during the day, consider taking a guided hike. Foresters Henry Steitz and 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 two hours each and are for all ages. Cost includes a patch, and adults must register for the session. Session times: August through October–10 a.m. at Arnold and Misty; November through February–10 a.m. at Arnold and 2 p.m. at Misty; March through May–10 a.m. at Arnold and Misty. 26 September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
Nov. 3 Nov. 10
R*, L*,
S, C
A C
Oct. 27
A, C
C
C
C
A, C
A
Horseback Riding–R
Love, Hug and Groom–L *Limited availability
Horseback Riding: ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Horseback riding is available on Saturdays and Sundays for Juniors through Ambassadors. Rides are for one hour and take place in either the arena or on a trail, depending on the skill of the riders. Girls must arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled ride time. Appropriate attire includes long pants and boots with a smooth sole and 1/2 inch heels. Boots are available for ride time. Helmets are provided. There is a weight limit of 200 pounds for all horse riding sessions. Session times: Saturday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Love, Hug and Groom: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ 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. Sessions are for one hour and are available on Saturday and Sunday. Session times: Saturday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Swimming: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ 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.) Council Lifeguard session times: Saturday at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. If you have your own lifeguard, submit a program registration form and appropriate certifications 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
Archery Archers in Motion (AIM): JOAD Program Archers in Motion (JOAD Club) is a special interest group for archery. The group meets once a month. Members shoot 30 arrows to achieve JOAD Level 1. Much be age 8 or older. In order to qualify for Advanced JOAD, a girl must complete all JOAD Levels. ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ; Must be over 8-years-old.
Who: Where: When: Contact:
Camp Robinwood, Willis Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, April 14, May 12 Carrie Seals, 713-292-0324, cseals@sjgs.org
Join in on the archery carousel, see page 34 for details.
Backpacking
Day Hikes with the Backpackers
Step out and enjoy a day in nature, and get away from the city! Join and meet fellow Girl Scouts, and explore a nearby forest or park. You will take a leisurely hike and start to learn some backpacking skills and tips along the way. Come on one hike, or come on them all. Lunch and a day pack will be provided to all attendees. This is a great way to get a taste for the Girl Scout backpacking program. Who: Where: When: Cost: Deadline: Contact: Note:
Backpacking Orientation
Backpacking Orientation covers all the basic knowledge required for troops and individuals wishing to go backpacking. Don’t worry if you might be the only girl in your troop or an individually registered girl who might be interested in backpacking. You won’t be the only one! You will be in a group of new friends for the weekend. You will learn how to back a backpack, care for a tent, and cook on your own personal stove. You will transfer your camping gear to your backpack, hike two miles to the campsite and set up your tent, where you will be spending the evening for a real mini backpacking adventure! Enjoy the campfire, savor dinner on your own stove, and settle in for the night in your tent on the ground under the stars. After packing up your gear the next morning, your will hike two miles back to the main part of camp, say goodbye to your new friends and count down the days until your first weekend backpacking trip! After successfully completing orientation, participants will earn the GSSJC Backpacking Certification and can accompany any of the existing Council backpacking groups on weekend trips. Who: Where: When: Cost: Deadline: Contact: Note:
ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ; must be 11-years-old, adults
Treelake Camp Complex, Podville (Conroe) 10:30 a.m. on Saturday through noon on Sunday, Oct. 13 – 14, Dec. 1– 2, Feb. 23 – 24 $20 per person, food and packing information will be provided in confirmation letter Two weeks before orientation date Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org You will be provided with a backpack, tent and stove to use during orientation.
ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ and adults
Oct. 6 – Lake Houston Wilderness Park, Houston Nov. 3 – Herman Brown Park, Houston Jan. 26 – Armand Bayou, Pasadena April 6 – Brazos Bend State Park, Needville 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $15 per person Two weeks before orientation date Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org Individually registered girls and troops are welcome. Lunch, backpacks and water bottles will be provided.
Canoeing Taste of Canoeing
Learn how to canoe at this introductory course for Brownies thru Ambassadors with no previous training required. Canoe instructors and older girl canoe aides will teach girls waterfront safety and basic canoe strokes. Canoeing is a great team-building activity and a relaxing and enjoyable way to enjoy the great outdoors. Who:
ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
When: Where:
Sept. 15, Nov. 3, Jan. 26, March 23 Camp Robinwood, Willis
When: Where:
Feb. 9 and April 6 Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada
Canoe Certification
Adults, interested in taking your girls canoe? This training is needed to take girls canoeing on council camp properties and is for adults only. This certification will cover Level I training from the American Canoe Association. Who: Adults When: Oct. 12 – 14 Where: Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada
Geocaching
Join the fun with this high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. GSSJC has units available for rental. The cost is $10 per week with a $25 deposit per unit. Use the units locally, in some state parks or even in some of our camps. Currently geocaches are set up at Camps Myra S. Pryor, Misty Meadows, Silver Springs and Agnes Arnold. If your troop is interested in setting up new geocaches at any of our camps, you can use our GPS units at no cost! Who: Contact:
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Julia Shank, JShank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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Activities
Environmental Grants available for environmental projects
GSSJC offers troops and individuals a chance to apply for a mini-grant to complete environmental project. This could be a service project, Take Action project associated with a Journey or even a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award project. Amounts awarded depend on the number of girls involved and the nature of the project. If interested, contact Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338 for more information or to receive an application. Projects must not be completed yet. This is not a reimbursement fund.
Armand Bayou Workshops
Girl Scouts are invited to earn a badge or complete a Journey step at Armand Bayou Nature Center. Visit this astonishingly beautiful part of the Texas Gulf Coast and become aware of how Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC), nestled in the Clear Lake Area, is working to preserve the wetlands prairie, forest and marsh habitats. Visitors can learn about our plant and animal inhabitants, bird-watch, hike or view our live animal displays of snakes, alligators, turtles, hawks and bison. Girls will learn about our wildlife, flora and fauna and much more. Join us and experience everything nature! Who: Where: Wear: Contact:
ⓓⓑⓙ
Armand Bayou Nature Center- 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena Closed toed shoes- no sandals or flip flops. Dress appropriately for weather- rain or shine. Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
Workshop Between Earth and Sky Daisy Flower- Session 1 Daisy Flower- Session 4 Between Earth and Sky Hiker Outdoor Art Creator Outdoor Art Adventurer Bugs WOW- Sessions 1, 2, 3 Outdoor Art Adventurer WOW- Sessions 1, 2, 3 Animal Habitats Flowers Outdoor Art Explorer Flowers Animal Habitats Flowers Outdoor Art Explorer Animal Habitats Flowers Outdoor Art Explorer Animal Habitats
Date Sept. 22 Oct. 13 Nov. 17 Dec. 8 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 20 Nov. 3 Dec. 1 Sept. 8 Sept .15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Nov. 3 Nov. 17 Dec. 1 Dec. 8
Time Level Price 1-2:30 p.m. Daisy $17 1-2:30 p.m. Daisy $17 1-2:30 p.m. Daisy $17 1-2:30 p.m. Daisy $17 1-3 p.m. Brownie $17 1-3 p.m. Brownie $17 1-3 p.m. Brownie $17 1-3 p.m. Brownie $17 1-3:30 p.m. Brownie $22 1-3 p.m. Brownie $17 1-3:30 p.m. Brownie $22 9 a.m.- noon Junior $22 9 a.m.- noon Junior $22 9 a.m.- noon Junior $22 9 a.m.- noon Junior $22 9 a.m.- noon Junior $22 9 a.m.- noon Junior $22 9 a.m.- noon Junior $22 9 a.m.- noon Junior $22 9 a.m.- noon Junior $22 9 a.m.- noon Junior $22 9 a.m.- noon Junior $22
Junior Gardener Badge Workshop
Join the Fort Bend Master Gardeners for this fun and exciting Junior badge workshop. Girl Scout Juniors will have the opportunity to complete their Gardener badge while learning about gardens and garden planning, taking a tour of an amazing garden, learning how to work with seeds and planting their own garden! Who: ⓙ and their chaperones When: Nov. 3; 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Where: Bud O’Shieles Community Center, Rosenberg Cost: $18/girl Min./Max.: 25/50 Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
Wild About Wolves
Welcome to the wolf pack! Juniors can complete the Animal Habitats badge and Seniors can complete the Voice for Animals at the St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary! This facility is a volunteerrun nonprofit that cares for non-releasable wolves and wolfhybrids in a safe, loving environment. The sanctuary is also committed to educating the public on conservation efforts and the downside to owning exotic pets. This session includes a facility tour to meet the animals that call this place home as well as the badge workshop with a unique twist and focus on these majestic creatures. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
Wacky for Wildlife
Juniors are invited to this amazing session at TWRC Wildlife Center. Girls will learn about opossums, screech owls, grey squirrels and garter snakes and their habitats as well as some of the threats they face. This session is complete with presentations, discussions, crafts and hands-on activities to inspire our girls to stand up for animals and protect the places they call home. Girls will complete all requirements for the Junior Animal Habitats badge while visiting with the amazing creatures that call this center home. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓙ and their chaperones TWRC Wildlife Center, Houston Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 or Dec. 15 $22/girl, free for adults badges included for girls Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
AA Nature Center Workshops
Join us at the Agnes Arnold Nature center for an exciting badge workshop featuring these new Eco Badges! Daises will earn their Eco Learner Badge focusing on how to protect the many gifts nature gives us. Brownies will earn their Eco Friend Badge while learning how to treat the environment with love and respect. Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:
28 September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
ⓙ ⓢ and their chaperones St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary, Montgomery Juniors- Sept. 8, Sept. 29, Oct. 20, Nov. 10, Dec. 8 Seniors- Sept. 1, Sept. 22, Nov. 3, Dec. 1 $22/girl, $11/adult, badges included for girls Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
ⓓⓑ
Oct. 27, 10 – 11:30 a.m. for Daises; 1 – 2:30 p.m. for Brownies Camp Agnes Arnold Nature Center $15/girl includes the new badges Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Houston Arboretum Badge and Journey Workshops Who: ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ
Where: Houston Arboretum, Memorial area Cost: Brownie Badges: $20/girl Brownie Journey or Junior and Cadette activities: $23/girl Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338 Note: Girl Scout ratio of adults only. Leaders are free - all other adults will need to pay the entrance fee directly to the vendor. Badge workshops will complete all the steps for that badge, but badges are not included. Journey sessions will complete only those sessions noted. Numbers for Journeys correspond to the session as listed in the adult guide for each session. Level/ Program Date Junior Flowers Sept. 15 Brownie Bugs Sept. 15 Junior Flowers Sept. 15 Brownie Outdoor Adventurer Sept. 15 Brownie Hiker Oct. 13 Cadette Trees Oct. 13 Junior Geocacher Oct. 13 Brownie Outdoor Adventurer Oct. 13 Brownie Bugs Nov. 10 Junior Flowers Nov. 10 Junior Geocacher Nov. 10 Brownie WOW: Sessions 1, 2, 3 Dec. 8 Brownie Outdoor Adventurer Dec. 8 Junior Geocacher Dec. 8
Time 9 a.m. – noon 9 – 11 a.m. 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. 1 – 3 p.m. 9 – 11 a.m. 9 a.m. – noon 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. 1 – 3 p.m. 9 – 11 a.m. 9 a.m. – noon 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. 9 – 11:30 a.m. 1 – 3 p.m. 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Nature Center Workshops
Spend some time enjoying nature and visiting camp! Camp Agnes Arnold Nature Center has an ongoing workshop series featuring some amazing programs. A GSSJC Nature Center patch will be given out as well. There’s one for each program, collect them all! Who: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ and their chaperones Where: Camp Agnes Arnold Nature Center, Conroe Wear: Closed-toed shoes and dress appropriately for weather, rain or shine Cost: $10/girl Back to the Bone There are more than 65,000 species of animals classified as vertebrates! Join us for this Nature Center workshop all about animals with back bones. This session includes specimens and live animals-such as a rabbit or a snake. When: Sept. 22 10 a.m. – noon or 1 – 3 p.m. Bee Smart Thanks to pollinators like bees, we have a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants. Without them, our plates and gardens would be dull and boring. Come find out about bees and why they’re so great! When: Oct. 6 or Dec. 8; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Batty for Bats Did you know that a huge bat colony calls Houston home? When: Oct. 20, 1 – 3 p.m. Trees are Tremendous Make leaf rubbings and leaf mounts to identify the trees of our environment. Take a tree hike around the camp to learn the many different and interesting things in nature! When: Nov. 17, 10 – 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 – 3 p.m. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Project WILD
Adult volunteers are welcome to a Project WILD workshop at Stephen F. Austin University! Project WILD is a conservation and environmental education program that teaches school-aged children the importance of being responsible stewards of our natural resources and wildlife. After this training workshop, volunteers will be able to provide fun and educational programming to their girls, teaching them about our natural world and its preservation. Who: Adults Where: Stephen F. Austin University Pineywoods Native Plant Center, Nacogdoches When: Dec. 8, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Bring: Packed lunch Cost: $35/adult Min/Max: 5/24 Contact: Alexandra Reilman, 936-634-5813,
Sims Bayou Workshops
Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center is a picturesque 1.1 acre sanctuary located in historic Park Place on the original channels of Sims Bayou. The center contains a log cabin, barn, gazebo, gardens and a pond with native plants, boat dock and seasonal wetland trails that afford a unique opportunity to experience nature in a dense, urban setting. Girls will receive a patch at the completion of the workshop. Where: Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center, Houston Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338 Brownie Outdoor Art Creator As an artist, you can walk outside and see colors, shapes and ideas for things you want to create. Find out how you can make your own art outdoors and have fun doing it! Who: When: Cost:
ⓑ and their chaperones Nov. 3 or March 2, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $18/girl, free for adults
Birds and Bayou Join the Houston Audubon Society in this informative workshop on local birds in our area, learn about different species nature to Texas, their habitats and more! Who: When: Cost:
ⓑ ⓙand their chaperones Jan. 12 or April 6, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $15/girl, free for adults
Wonders of Wetlands
Learn more about Galveston Bay wetlands in this interactive program. Participants will have the opportunity to identify local organisms, examine their habitats, and learn how to become Bay stewards. Be prepared to get wet and dirty as you immerse yourself in the local nature of the Bay! Who: Where: When: Cost: Wear: Contact:
ⓑ ⓙ, and their chaperones
Trinity Bay Discovery Center, Baytown Nov. 3; 9 – 11 a.m. $13/girl; free for adults; free Wonders of Wetland fun patch for girls Closed-toed shoes and dress appropriately for weather Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338 September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
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Activities
Activities
Daisy Outdoor Art Maker– Explore the outdoors and use what you see and hear to make different kinds of art projects.
Fine Arts Fine Arts Workshops
Do you have a zest for art? Do you enjoy played 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: ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Bring: Smock or apron for art classes Cost: See below, free for adults Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 Badge Workshop Date Time Place Cost per girl Daisy Outdoor ArtMaker Sept. 1 10 a.m. – noon UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Brownie Potter Sept. 1 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Br. Outdoor ArtCreater Sept. 8 10 a.m. – noon UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Brownie Painter Sept. 8 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Jr Digital Photography Sept. 8 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Brownie Potter Sept. 15 10 a.m. – noon Izzie’s Jewels $25 Interior Design Sept. 15 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Creativity Shell $22 Cadette Screen Writer Sept. 22 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 Brownie Painter Sept. 29 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 Junior Scribe Oct. 6 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 Brownie Potter Oct. 13 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 FA: Fabric Dyeing Oct. 13 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Creativity Shell $22 Cadette Comic Artist Oct. 20 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 Brownie Painter Oct. 27 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 Br. Painter Oct. 27 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 Junior Scribe Oct. 29 2 – 4 p.m. Program Place/Deboroh Fronitera $15 Sr. Collage Artist Nov. 3 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 Cadette Public Speaking Nov. 10 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 FA: Embroidery Nov. 10 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Creativity Shell $22 Cadette Book Artist Nov. 10 10 a.m. – noon UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Senior Textile Artist Nov. 10 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Junior Drawing Nov. 10 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Cadette Screenwriter Nov. 12 2 – 4 p.m. Program Place/Deboroh Fronitera $15 Brownie Potter Nov. 17 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 Brownie Potter Dec. 1 10 a.m. – noon UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Brownie Painter Dec. 1 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Cadette Public Speaking Dec. 1 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 Br/Jr. Holiday Jeweler Dec. 8 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 FA: Pajama Shorts Dec. 8 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Creativity Shell $22 Junior Drawing Dec. 8 10 a.m. – noon UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Cadette Book Artist Dec. 8 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Brownie Painter Dec. 8 10 a.m. – noon UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Brownie Potter Dec. 8 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL: Art School for Children $23 Br/Jr. Holiday Jeweler Dec. 15 10 a.m. – noon Program Place/Izzie’s Jewels $25 Junior Scribe Jan. 13 2 – 4 p.m. Program Place/Deboroh Fronitera $15 Senior Novelist Feb. 3 2 – 4 p.m. Program Place/Deboroh Fronitera $15 Br/Jr Holiday Jeweler – Not a badge workshop, but come for the fun! Girls will make select pieces. Brownie Outdoor Art Creator – Find out how you can make your own art outdoors and have fun doing it. Brownie Potter Badge – Crafts made with clay have been around for thousands of years. People who study history have found ancient clay art and everyday objects when they dig for artifacts. Work your way through this badge to become a clay artist yourself. Brownie Painting Badge – Artists take what they see and make it beautiful. Learn to paint and color your world in super strokes and see what your imagination can do.
Cadette Book Artist – Learn book artistry! Focus on style and art as you learn about book binding, illustration and what goes into making a book. Cadette Public Speaking – Work on your stage presence and develop your onstage skills. Focus on your solo, body language and finding your voice! Cadette Screenwriter – Are you ready for the big screen? Let’s explore what makes great scripts and how you can create your very own. Build your own plot, create characters and pick your script category – mystery, science fiction, fiction or true story. Look at local producer’s works and what it took for them to be successful. You have what it takes to be a great screenwriter, so let’s get started!
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Fashion Academy (FA)– For Juniors, Cadettes and Seniors only-Have you dreamed of being a famous fashion or costume designer? Or maybe you would just like to learn how to sew to upcycle used clothing. Interior Design – Could your room use a little sprucing up? Do you dare to make a space all your own? Join us for this interior design session where girls will learn tips and tricks to freshen up any room. Girls will participate in a hands on activity to make an item they can place in their room. Junior Digital Photographer – Find out how to capture a winning photo with your digital device, whether you're using a phone, tablet, laptop or digital camera. Junior Drawing Badge In this badge, you’ll learn techniques to make your drawings even better – which will make seeing what your imagination can do even more fun. Junior Scribe – 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. Senior Textile Artist– When you see all the colors and textures of fabrics and yarns, do you dream up a million things to do with them? Get ready to turn those visions into reality as you meet with artists, learn about the world of textile arts and make two projects in the craft that most inspires you to pick up your needles (or loom or spinning wheel). Senior Novelist – Experience the fun of a novelist's career and learn the steps involved in writing a novel. Then, write your own work of fiction.
Cadette Comic Artist Badge Workshop
Get your creativity flowing while having some fun getting your Comic Artist badge! Who: ⓒ and adults Where: Phase 1 Comics and Games, Tomball When: Nov. 4, 1 – 3 p.m. Cost: $6/girl, Min./Max: 5/12 Free for adults, Min./Max: 2/4 Contact: Taylor Franklin, tfranklin@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Theater Workshop: High School Musical
Christian Youth Theater presents Disney’s "High School Musical." Learn exciting songs and fun dances in a pre-show workshop and discover theater history and drama techniques. Then perform what you have learned on stage for your leaders and guests at noon, at the end of the workshop. After having lunch with your troop, come back and attend the matinee show performed by the amazing CYT cast. After the show, you will have the opportunity to meet the cast and get autographs and pictures. Who: ⓓ (first grade) ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Where: Charles Bender Performing Arts Center, Humble When: Oct. 20 - workshop is 9 a.m. – noon, lunch on your own noon – 1:30 p.m., matinee show starts at 2 p.m. Cost: $30/girl (includes show ticket for girls) Min./Max: 30/100 Deadline: Oct 12 Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 CYT - Cyndie Phillips, cyndie@cythouston.org, 281-787-2115 Note: Girl registration includes a light snack, matinee ticket for the same day and a fun patch. Chaperones, parents and guests may attend the matinee for a discounted group rate of $12 but tickets MUST be purchased by the workshop deadline - Oct 12.
Theater Workshop: Elf Jr., the Musical Christian Youth Theater presents "Elf Jr., the Musical." Learn exciting songs and fun dances in a pre-show workshop and discover theater history and drama techniques. Then perform what you have learned on stage for your leaders and guests at noon, at the end of the workshop. After having lunch with your troop, come back and attend the matinee show performed by the amazing CYT cast. After the show, you will have the opportunity to meet the cast and get autographs and pictures.
Who: ⓓ (first grade) ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Where: The Crighton Theater, Conroe When: Nov. 10 - workshop is 9 a.m. - noon, lunch on your own noon - 1:30 p.m., matinee show starts at 2 p.m. Cost: $30/girl (includes show ticket for girls) Min./Max: 30/100 Deadline: Nov. 2 Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 CYT - Cyndie Phillips, cyndie@cythouston.org, 281-787-2115 Note: Girl registration includes a light snack, matinee ticket for the same day and a fun patch. Chaperones, parents and guests may attend the matinee for a discounted group rate of $12 but tickets MUST be purchased by the workshop deadline - Nov 2.
Snap Happy
Take a look through the lens and explore what it means to take a winning photo. Your photos show others how you see the world so hone in on your artist skills with any type of camera. Juniors will earn and receive their Digital Photographer badge. Ambassadors will earn and receive their Photographer badge. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓙ ⓐ and their chaperones Houston Center for Photography Junior: Sept. 9, Oct. 14 or Dec. 9; 3:30 – 6 p.m. Ambassador: Nov. 11; 3:30 – 6 p.m. $45/girl; free for adults Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Sing! Dance! Act! and Discover! with Theatre Under the Stars!
"The Wiz" Girl Scout workshop encourages discovery and inspires creativity: scouts will explore music and themes from the show, challenging them make connections between the classic tale and their own world. Complete with drama workshop and choreography-session with professional TUTS Teaching Artists, this fast-paced, imaginative, and fun experience will give your scouts a glimpse into the exciting world of Musical Theatre. Want to see The Wiz? This workshop is designed to fit right before our Oct. 28, 2 p.m. matinee of "The Wiz" at Theatre Under The Stars. For information about tickets, show content, and other TUTS’ Education and Community Engagement programs, please visit: www.tuts.com For any questions about the workshop please contact TUTS’ Education at 713-558-8801 or education@tuts.com. Who: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ and their chaperones When: Oct. 28, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Location: Theatre Under The Stars, Houston Cost: $20/girl
Houston Ballet- Nutcracker Performance and Workshop
The holiday season reignites with Stanton Welch’s spectacular new production of The Nutcracker. Enjoy the timeless classic ballet featuring Clara, Sugar Plumb Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince in this magic adventure. Before the performance, Girl Scouts will earn the GSSJC Nutcracker patch. After completing the patch, Girl Scouts, siblings and parents are invited to the amazing performance of the Nutcracker ballet. Tickets are limited, so don’t delay! Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact: Note:
ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ, siblings and guardian Houston Ballet- 601 Preston Street, Houston Sunday, Dec. 2; 2 p.m. Balcony ticket $30 or grand tier ticket $60 Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org 713-292-0269 Only Girl Scouts will participate in patch program. Siblings and adults will observe.
General Activities GAM 2019 - In need of Girl Planning Board Members Who: ⓒⓢⓐ
GSSJC is seeking Cadettes-Ambassadors who wish to serve on a girl planning board for GAM 2019. GAM is a Saturday event where Juniors through Ambassadors attend for a day of fun and exciting activities designed to both challenge and entertain you. GAM 2019 is April 13, 2019, and we’re filling our team now! For more information or an application to join the girl planning board, please contact Liz Atton at latton@sjgs.org. Girls who serve on the board could also earn their Service to
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Activities
All Behaviors Count
Build a vision of a better world! Take an in-depth tour of the museum to truly understand the history behind the Holocaust and become empowered to be a positive force for change! Girls will explore historical leadership, prejudices and experiences with the Holocaust Museum Houston. Cadettes will complete steps for the aMaze Journey Interact patch and Science of Happiness badge, all components of the Social Innovator badge, session two of the Visionary award in the Girltopia Journey, all components of the Public Policy badge, session one and two of the Dream Maker award in the Bliss Journey. Who/When: Girls and their chaperones ⓒ: Sept. 8, Jan. 12; ⓢⓐ: Nov. 3 Where: Holocaust Museum Houston Cost: $20/girl Min./Max.: 10/30 Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Inside Government Junior Badge Workshop Take a look into the past and dive inside government at the Holocaust Museum Houston. Juniors will complete the Inside Government badge. Who: ⓙ and their chaperones When: Oct. 13, Feb. 2 Where: Holocaust Museum Houston Cost: $20/girl Min/Max: 10/30 Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Pet Vet
Whether they’re 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 and receive the Pets badge with the Little Veterinarian School. Who: ⓑ and their chaperones When: Sept. 15, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8 Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $18/girl Min/Max: 10/20 Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Carousel
Camp with your Girl Scout troop at these fun-filled weekends! Program is provided; you just prepare your girls for the camping experience and bring your own meals and camping supplies. Carousel is a perfect introduction to camping for your troop’s first time and a great event to attend more than once as each Carousel is unique. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime! Who: Bring: Cost: Contact:
ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Girl Scout troops and Girl Scout ratio of adults only; GSSJC reserves the right to refund
adults that exceed this ratio because space is limited. Priority is given to the girls. Troops are responsible for providing a camp certified adult, current CPR/first aider, first aid kit, simple meals, personal camping equipment and SWAPS. $28/participant (girl or adult) includes patch Deadline: Two weeks before event Carrie Seals, cseals@sjgs.org, 713-292-0324
Upcoming dates, theme TBD: Oct. 19 – 21, Jan. 25 – 27, Feb. 22 – 24, March 15 – 17, April 12 – 14, May 17 – 19, June 14 – 16, July 19 – 21 Registration for Sunday AIM/JOAD activities is separate from the archery Carousel weekend. Girls wanting to participate in both must register for these program separately. Note: Carousel program is designed to serve troops. *Submit a copy of Camp Training Certification and first aid/CPR to campreservations@sjgs.org, fax to 713-292-0340, mail to GSSJC attn: Carousel Registrar, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098.
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Wanted: Carousel Host Troops!
Calling all interested older girl troops! Want to host a carousel? Want to earn extra money? Consider hosting a carousel for a leadership and money earning opportunity for your older girls. This is a fun way for troops to earn extra money towards their troop programs while serving other girls. Carousel is an exciting twist to traditional troop camping where a host troops serves as camp counselors to coordinate the Saturday camp activities. Carousel host troops provide great program for our camp carousel weekends. Eligible host troops can earn $3 per girl attending the carousel session. Pick a weekend and a theme, and the girls and adult volunteers in your troop prepare a fun day of activities for other troops at camp. Contact: Carrie Seals, cseals@sjgs.org, 713-292-0312 for available dates.
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Brownie Magic
Calling all Brownie troops! Have you ever been to a Girl Scout camp? If not, we have a magical experience that you won’t want to miss. Does learning new songs, dances and games sound fun? How about exploring the great outdoors and creating new experiences while meeting new friends? Bring your leaders and your troop and join us at Brownie Magic! Who: ⓑ and adult chaperones* Contact: Taylor Franklin, tfranklin@sjgs.org, 713-292- 0353 Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338 Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: Camp Casa Mare, Seabrook Cost: $16/girl; $8/adult When: Nov. 3 Min./Max: 100/300 girls; 50/100 adults Where: Camp Whispering Pines, Cost: $13/girl; $8/adult When: Nov. 17 Min./Max: 30/60 girls; 10/20 adults Where: Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada Cost: $16/girl; $8/adult When: Nov. 17 Min./Max: 60/90 girls; 20/30 adults Where: Camp Agnes Arnold Cost: $16/girl; $8/adult When: Dec. 1 Min./Max: 100/400 girls; 35/100 adults *Space is limited to the minimum ration of adults (see Volunteer essentials) for each troop to ensure space for more Brownies to attend. Extra adults may be canceled with full refund to ensure ratios are met for all troops. Registration opens Sept. 4 at 8 a.m.
Rock Out with ROCO
The River Oaks Chamber Orchestra is here to guide you through the Musician badge! Explore how music is made, learn about composers, interview professional musicians and listen to different instruments. Who: ⓙ and their chaperones Where: St. John the Divine, Houston When: Nov. 15, 5 – 6:30 p.m. Cost: $8/girl Min./Max.: 10/30 Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 Note: Registration includes the workshop and Musician badge. This is not a drop-off event. Tickets to the upcoming Queen of Hearts as well as their MATCH Concert and Conversation are available. Visit roco.org for more details
President’s Volunteer Service Awards
The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is the premier volunteer awards program, encouraging citizens to live a life of service through presidential gratitude and national recognition. GSSJC is a certifying organization with the PSVA and accepts applications from girls and adults to receive this award. GSSJC members can submit the application (Form F-123B) by Dec. 31 of each year recognizing hours they completed the previous membership year (Oct. 1- Sept. 30). Once processed, recipients will receive a pin, letter and certificate package. GSSJC provides this award at no cost to you as a way of thanking you for your service. You may count any hours where GSSJC was the recipient of the service. Examples include: serving on a girl planning board for Cadette Weekend, volunteering to load cookies at a mega drop, serving a leadership role for your Community or Region or completing a service project or camp clean up at one of our camps. Please note that just because your troop completed service hours for another organization. Example: your troop sorted food at the Houston Food Bank- these hours would not count as GSSJC did not receive the service. Age Bronze Silver Gold Kids (5-10) 26-49 50-74 75+ Teens (11-15) 50-74 75-99 100+ Young Adults (16-25) 100-174 175-249 250+ Adults (26 an older) 100-249 250-499 500+ President’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Issued to those who complete 4,000 ore more hours in their lifetime. More information available at www.gssjc.org/forms. Please see F-123A for FAQs and submit the application F-123B. Girl awards are handled by Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0236. Adult Awards are handled by Tracy Swanson, tswanson@sjgs.org, 713-292-0254
Cadette Budgeting Badge Workshop
There are many ways to spend your money. Should you save up for things like a fun weekend with friends or to buy things you need/want? There’s a simple way to decide: Make a budget – plan for spending and saving money. Come find ways to save money, budget and explore different ways to give while earning your budgeting badge. This badge will teach you how to create a budget that’s just right for you. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓒ and adults Program Place for Girls, Houston Oct. 6, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. $15/girl Min./Max: 15/25 $5/adult Min./Max: 5/10 Taylor Franklin, tfranklin@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353
Own My Own Senior/Ambassador Badge Workshop
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 retirement years. Going off to college you will need to learn how to budget for clothes, places of living, meals and entertainment. By earning this badge, you’ll know how to avoid financial pitfalls while also helping you be independent and live your dreams. Who: Where: When: Cost:
ⓢ ⓐ and adults
Contact: Taylor Franklin, tfranklin@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353
Girl Scout Center, Houston Oct. 27, 10 a.m. – noon $15/girl Min./Max: 15/25 $5/adult Min./Max: 5/10
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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Activities
Junior Business Owner Badge Workshop
Calling all Juniors! Do you have a passion for fashion? Are you kooky about cooking? Or maybe you’re just wild about animals? Earning this business owner badge will help you find out that it’s possible to turn something you absolutely love into a successful business! Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓙ and adults
Program Place for Girls, Houston Nov. 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. $15/girl Min./Max: 15/25 $5/adult Min./Max: 5/10 Taylor Franklin, tfranklin@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353
Health Houston Food Bank Workshops
Eating For You Cadette Badge Workshop Nutrition isn't just about maintaining a healthy weight; eating well helps you inside and out. Choosing the right foods can help you sleep better and stress less. The Houston Food Bank's mission is to get the right foods into the hands of Houstonians everywhere. Badge requirements will be met and the badge will be provided at the event. Clover Daisy Petal Workshop Learn how to use your resources wisely in this Clover petal workshop. Talk about Clovers Story, make a collage of ideas, and practice being resourceful, just like Clover. Who knows more about being resourceful than the Houston Food Bank! Hear about the organization's mission and what they do to serve families in Houston every day. Clover petal will be earned but not provided as Daisy petals are sold as a set. Petal not included in the price of the event. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓓ ⓒ and their chaperones Houston Food Bank Daises – Nov. 17, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Cadette – Sept. 15, 10 – 11:30 a.m. $18/girl, free for adults Liz Atton, latton@sjg.org, 713-292-0269
Super Stretchers- Brownie Dancer or Junior Staying Fit
Whether you have tried yoga or not, these workshops will stretch your idea of what exercise can be. The practice of yoga provides a wonderful environment for the mind and body to come together in search of balance. Where you are trying to stay fit, be your best self or practice with a purpose, these classes will deliver a truly refreshing experience. Workshops will be Girl Scout only and tailored to each badge topic. Majority or all of the badge requirements will be earned. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓑ ⓙ and their chaperones
SyntheCore Studio, Houston Brownies – Sept. 22 or Dec. 8; 2 – 3 p.m. Juniors – Nov. 3; 2 – 3 p.m. $16/girl, free for adults Liz Atton, latton@sjg.org, 713-292-0269
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Science of Happiness Badge Workshop
Laughter is the best medicine! We invite Cadettes to experience a new way to exercise. Laughter yoga is an activity that lets girls have fun while learning ways to live stress-free. Cadettes will earn and receive their Science of Happiness badge. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓒ and their chaperones Program Place for Girls, Houston Sept. 15 or Nov. 17; 10 – 11:30 a.m. $16/girl; free for adults Liz Atton, latton@sjg.org, 713-292-0269
Night at the Health Museum
Brownies and Juniors will work through their First Aid and Healthy Living badge during a fun overnight experience at The Health Museum! Play a life-health trivia game show and explore the museum at night. Dinner is optional, and breakfast is included in the registration price. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓑ ⓙ and their chaperones The Health Museum, Houston Sept. 14-15, Oct. 19-20, Feb. 15-16, March 22-23, April 12-13, May 17-18; 5:30 p.m.-8 a.m. $50/girl; $20/adults Liz Atton, latton@sjg.org, 713-292-0269
Texas Heart Institute Project Heart
Join us in American Heart Month as Girl Scouts celebrate with the Texas Heart Institute for the 4th year! Girls will learn the importance of staying fit for heart health with robot "Cool-E" of Project Heart fame while exploring heart anatomy, the cardiovascular system, healthy eating and exercise. While the girls are having fun with games and activities, the adults will be able to learn the Project Heart curriculum that can be implemented with the girls! Juniors will work towards their Staying Fit badge. Brownies will work on their Best Self badge. Who: When: Time: Cost: Contact:
ⓑ ⓙ and their chaperones
Saturday, Feb. 23 8 – 10 a.m. for Brownies 11 a.m.– 1p.m for Juniors $10/girl; free for adults Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Babysitting Training
Want to be a rocking great babysitting? Join us for this Red Cross Babysitting Training. Girls will learn everything there is to know about babysitting including the business side (resumes, rates, advertising), what to do on the job (appropriate activities by age, diapering and feeding a child), and what to do in an emergency (how to keep safe, basic first aid and how to dial 9-1-1). This is a Red Cross certification class in babysitting and girls will receive a certification card for the class. This is NOT a full first aid/CPR class though, we just go over basics. Who: ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ must be at least 11-years-old Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston When: Sept. 29, Oct. 20, Dec. 1 (more dates available online as we confirm instructors) Cost: $45/girl Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjg.org, 713-292-0269 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
First Aid Badge Workshops
Brownies and Juniors are invited to complete their First Aid badges. Participants will tour the full medical facility, make a small first aid kit and speak with doctors and nurses on staff. They will also get to see a real working ambulance (subject to availability - when not out on a call) Come meet your neighborhood medical team and earn a badge while you’re at it! Girls will earn their respective First Aid badges. If your troop is interested in an offering on October 13 at one of the Med Express locations and the time showing does not work for you, please contact Liz Atton to schedule an additional workshop! Med Express is open for hour long sessions 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at all six of their locations. Who:
ⓑⓙ
Location/Date(s) Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room, Tomball Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 14 All Sessions 4:45 – 6 p.m. Signature Care Emergency Center, Montrose Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8 All Sessions 10 a.m. – noon
Med Express, Beaumont Oct. 13, 1 – 2 p.m.
Med Express, Houston Oct. 13, 4 – 5 p.m.
Med Express, Pearland Oct. 13, 2 – 3 p.m.
Med Express, Copperfield Oct. 13, 5 – 6 p.m.
Med Express, Katy Oct. 13, 3 – 4 p.m.
Med Express, Rosenberg Oct. 13, 6 – 7 p.m.
Recipe for Success Workshops
Recipe for Success is on a mission to show you how to make healthy food fun and delicious! Culinary professionals offer girls a hands-on cooking class where they can practice culinary skills in a safe environment. Badge is provided for all except Holiday Snacks. Who: Time: Cost: Contact: Times:
Girls and their Chaperones 10 a.m.- noon $25/girl, $23 per adult Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org , 713-292-0269 Saturdays, 10 a.m. – noon ; Sundays 2 – 4 p.m.
Healthy Snacks- Make great snacks for yourself and your friends. When you eat them, they’ll give you the energy to think, hike, run around, dress up–and do all the other activities you love to do. Who:
ⓑ
When: Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 3
Simple Meals - There’s steam and bubbles, interesting tools, and amazing smells . . . and lots of room for experiments. Use these steps to make amazing meals and learn to create a whole meal of your own. Who: ⓙ
When: Sept. 23, Oct. 27, Dec. 1
New Cuisine - Culinary possibilities are as diverse as the glove of people who cook them. In this badge, cook up dishes from across time and distance, and find out where your taste buds want to travel! Who: ⓒ When: Sept. 22, Oct. 28, Dec. 2 Eating for You- Nutrition isn’t just about maintaining a healthy weight: Eating well helps you inside and out. Choosing the right foods can help you sleep better, stress less, and get smooth skin, shiny hair, and strong nails. Who: ⓒ When: Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 4 Holiday Snacks- Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to this session to make gingerbread muffins, berry oat cobbler, chocolate bar and host spiced cider. Who: ⓓ
Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjg.org, 713-292-0269
Cost: $18/girl; free for adults, badges included for girls
ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ
When: Dec. 15, Dec. 16
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Dr. Girl Scout
Pretend you are a 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 the Gloria petal while Brownies earn the My Best Self badge. Daisy petals are not included as they are sold in a set. Daisies will receive a fun patch instead. Brownie will receive their My Best Self badge. Who: ⓓ ⓑ and their chaperones When: Sept. 15, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. - noon Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $18/girl Min/Max: 10/20 Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org 713-292-0269
High Adventure Climbing Wall and Zipline
Girls will have the opportunity to be fearless and try something new at Camp Silver Springs this fall! Trained facilitators will guide Cadettes through Ambassadors on the wall and zipline for a memorable outing. Whether troop camping or just coming out for the day, the climbing wall and zipline are open to any Girl Scout group, troop or individual. Who: ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ (must be at least 12 years old) Where: Camp Silver Springs, Conroe When: Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, April 13 9 – 11 a.m., noon – 2 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m. Cost: $30/girl per session Min./Max.: 6/12 Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org Note: Participants must climb the wall in order to get to zipline. The climbing wall and zipline is for girls only. Spectators cannot be accommodated. September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
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Activities
Troop Challenge Course
Build troop support, improve communication and develop resourcefulness in your girls by participating in a fun and challenging low and high ropes course. In this interactive activity, girls are faced with decision making situations that can be mentally and physically challenging as they navigate obstacles on the ground and in trees. Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org Who: ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ; must be at least 12-years-old Note: Indicate your preferred date to use the course on your Where: Camp Silver Springs, Conroe registration form. Due to facilitator scheduling, registration is not When: Saturdays only, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m guaranteed until confirmation letter is received. The Challenge Cost: $50/girl per session Min./Max.: 6/12 Course is for girls only. Spectators cannot be accommodated. Deadline: Program registration form must be received six weeks prior to requested date.
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
Gold Award Orientation
All girls who plan to earn their Gold Award must attend Gold Award Orientation to get started on the process. Adult Gold Award Orientation is offered on the same dates, at the same times and same locations as the girl orientations. Register the same way you would register for the girl session. No drop-ins! Please be prompt. Girls are encouraged to complete one Senior or Ambassador Journey before attending orientation. Who: ⓢ ⓐor girls in grades 9 – 12 and adults Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston When: Sept. 15, 10 a.m. – noon; Oct. 21, 2 – 4 p.m., Nov. 3 10 a.m – noon Cost: $5/person Deadline: One week prior Min./Max.: 15/45 girls, 10/30 adults Contact: goldaward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0300 Important reminder: Submissions should be sent directly to Gold Award advisors via email by downloading our online forms. The deadlines for submitting Gold Award Initial Applications and Final Reports are the first and fifteenth of each month. This ensures that your project will be reviewed at that month’s meeting. If you wish to present at that meeting, please contact your Gold Award advisor. Visit www.gssjc.org /goldaward.
History Juliette’s Treasure Chests
These kits hold a variety of items – from girl or adult GSUSA uniforms through the decades to international girl uniforms! There is also a treasure chest filled with materials to transport girls back to the time of Juliette “Daisy” Low. Who: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Cost: $12 + $25 deposit for Treasure Chests; Reserve: Use reservation form (which includes information on the reservation process) at gssjc.org/musuem Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
Juliette’s Tea Party
Want a fun way to spend the afternoon? Council History Committee volunteers host an old-fashioned tea party, and they invite you to attend! Learn etiquette from the Victorian Era (1800s), enjoy tea and sweets, make something special to take home and play games typical of Juliette Low’s era. Girls may wear a Girl Scout uniform or fancy party dress! Who: ⓓⓑⓙ Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Dec. 6; 4:45 – 6 p.m. Cost: $15/girl (includes patch and tea cup) Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338 Note: This is not a parent-n-me opportunity, but parents are welcome to wait in another room during the event.
Juliette Low’s Birthday
October 31 marks the birth in 1860 of Girl Scouts of the USA founder Juliette Gordon Low. Juniors are invited to celebrate Juliette’s birthday and earn the “Playing the Past” badge as they play games, make candles and enjoy the museum. And no birthday party is complete without cake! Girls may wear a costume from their favorite time period. Who: ⓙ and Girl Scout ratio of adults Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: Nov. 3, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost: $16 Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
Vintage Girl Scout Uniforms for Check-out: There are uniforms for all levels, for adults as well as for girls. Usually they include the hat, the tie or scarf, the belt and the vest or sash that go with the uniform. You can request the size(s) and year(s) you are interested in. The older uniforms are not all marked with sizes, but you can try them on to find ones that fit. There is a $12 per uniform checkout fee, as well as a refundable $25 deposit per transaction. Otherwise the checkout conditions for checkout boxes apply. To try on and pick up any of these uniforms, come to the Program Place for Girls in Houston on a Monday or a Thursday between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to meet with a Council History Committee member. 36 September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Horseback Riding Horse Program
GSSJC is gearing up for another excellent year in equitation. We have two locations and many opportunities for girls to experience horse activities and for older girls and adults to serve girls while working with horses. General information for all horse programs Deadline: Two weeks prior to the event Register: Register online www.gssjc.org Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org Safety first! All equine programs are staffed with volunteer adults and older girls who have had Council training in safe handling of horses and riders. Our program is based on the skills and safety guidelines of ACA, American Camp Association, and CHA, Certified Horsemanship Association. There is a weight limit of 200 pounds for all participants in troop riding and riding badge workshops. Please be advised all girls wishing to ride will be weighed prior to riding. Adults: The appropriate ratio of troop adults as specified in Safety Activity Checkpoints, including the troop’s certified firstaider, must accompany all participants and remain in the area during activities. What to wear: Long pants and socks, shirt with sleeves covering the shoulders. Helmets and boots are available. Girls bringing their own helmets must show a SEI certification label; boots must be smooth-soled with at least a half inch heel. Lug soles are not allowed. Volunteer! Want to help with the program? Every potential adult who wishes to become involved in the equitation program must have a completed volunteer application, have an approved criminal background check on file and be a registered Girl Scout in good standing prior to attending the equitation training for adults. Deadline: This deadline is to ensure that there are sufficient volunteers to present the program. If you attempt to register after the deadline, your registration will not be accepted. The girls and adults who deliver the program are all dedicated volunteers and we ask that you respect their time. Bring us your boots! Do you have boots at your house that no longer fit your feet, your needs or your sense of style? Camps Misty Meadows and Myra S. Pryor would love to have them to use for girls who come to camp to ride. The boots need to have at least a ½ inch heel and smooth sole and all sizes are welcome. Large sizes are needed as well so if a dad or brother or uncle might want to donate, those boots would be appreciated as well. There is a boot donation box at camp just waiting to be filled. If you have questions, contact Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org
STARS at Camp Myra S. Pryor
For Levels 1-3 Where: Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada Time: Arrive Fri. at 6:30 p.m. and leave Sun. at 12:30 p.m. Min/Max.: 30/80 girls and adults Cost: $75 per girl, $25 per adult (includes patch for that level) Bring: Personal equipment and troop camping list Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org Note: Pool is available for free time if weather allows. Saddlehorns (Level 1) This is the beginner program for girls interested in learning about horseback riding. Girls will learn about grooming, leading, equine nutrition, horse colors, basic horse safety and riding skills at a walk. Girls will have the opportunity to work with horses at four of the six stations. Who: When:
ⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Sept. 28 – 30; Nov. 2 – 4
Rustlers (Level II) Intermediate program that continues the skills started in Saddlehorns. Girls will learn to saddle a horse, how to clean and maintain tack and the basics of horse anatomy. Riding skills and horse safety will be reviewed and performed at a walk and a trot. Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ When: Oct. 19 – 21 Prerequisite: Must have attended Saddlehorns Wranglers (Level III) This program builds upon the riding skills and knowledge gained in the earlier sessions. Girls will learn to bridle a horse and equine health and conformation. Horse safety will be reviewed and riding skills will be performed at a walk, trot and canter. The Sunday schedule includes a trail ride for all participants. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ When: Oct. 12 –14 Prerequisite: Must have attended Saddlehorns and Rustlers STARS Training (Level IV) Girls who are interested in teaching horse skills to younger girls should attend this course. STARS are asked to work at least one fall and one spring weekend session per year. This training weekend will focus on improving horse handling skills, teaching techniques, professionalism and team work. All food is catered for girls and adults. Who: ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ13 year olds When: Sept. 21 – 23 Time: Arrive Fri. at 6:30 p.m. and leave Sun. at 12:30 p.m. Cost: $65/girl and $20/adult (includes program aide patch) Min./Max.: 20/60 girls and adults Prerequisite: Must have completed Saddlehorns, Rustlers and Wranglers
See page 26 for dates for Love, Hug, Groom and weekend horseback riding.
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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Activities
Sailing
SPURS at Camp Misty Meadows
Adult Trainings Adults are needed to make equitation activities a success. Whether or not you have horse experience, we need adults to help the girls develop their leadership and horse skills. Adults wishing to volunteer with the SPURS program can attend any of these trainings. When: Where: Time: Cost: Bring:
Oct. 20 – 22, Nov. 17 – 19, Dec. 8 – 10 Camp Misty Meadows, Conroe Friday 8 p.m. – Sunday 2 p.m. $20 Min/Max: 2/6 Bedding, meals (refrigerators and microwaves available)
SPURS training information SPURS (Super People Using Riding Skills) training is offered to Cadettes through Ambassadors who are interested in learning more about horses and helping with the equitation program at Camp Misty Meadows. Attending one weekend training is required for participation in the SPURS program. Core Program Aide training will be included. Since the training is an all weekend workshop, all trainees should bring clothing, bedding and food clearly labeled with the attendee’s name. Refrigerator and microwave will be available. Registration is on an individual basis; use a separate registration form for each girl registering for the training. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Where: Camp Misty Meadows, Conroe When: Dec. 1 – 3, Feb. 2 – 4, 8 p.m. Friday – 2 p.m. Sunday Cost: $40 per person (includes Level 1 scarf) Min./Max.: 12/35
Horse Programs at Camp Misty Meadows Horseback Riding Badge Workshop Juniors (troops or individuals) who wish to earn the Horseback Riding badge may attend a badge workshop on select Saturdays. Girls will learn the basics about taking care of and riding horses along with understanding horse behavior. Who: ⓙ and their chaperone Where: Camp Misty Meadows, Conroe When: Oct. 6, Nov. 10, Dec. 15, Jan. 26, March 2, April 6 Cost: $45 per participant (includes badge) Min./Max.: 12/24 girls Bring: Sack lunch
Letterboxing at Camps
Letterboxing is a super cool cross between a treasure hunt, art, navigation and exploring interesting, scenic places as you follow clues to a hidden box containing a stamp and a logbook. It’s like hiking with a prize at the end! There are letterboxes hiding at Girl Scout camps waiting for you the next time you go camping. Many of our camps have letterboxes, and new ones are being added regularly. We always need new troops or groups to place new letterboxes at camps too. We have to set up new boxes as weather and curious critters make the boxes disappear. For a complete list of clues or information on how to set up new letterboxes, Who: Contact:
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Julia Shank, JShank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
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General sailing at Camp Casa Mare information
Volunteer Sailing Coordinator: sailing.coordinator@gmail.com Volunteer Sailing Instructor Coordinator: instructor.coordinator@gmail.com GSSJC Staff: Carrie Seals, 713-292-0324, cseals@sjgs.org Registration: 713-292-0370
Sailing Activities at Camp Casa Mare Note: All sailing is weather permitting–refunds are not issued for weekends when we cannot sail due to weather.
Note for Mariners: Did you know you can get service hours by attending Introduction to Sailing weekends? Did you know that these service hours can be used to increase your ratings and counted as tiller time for your mate rating? Did you know that you can use these service hours in school and in your troop? On these weekends, you will work with girls that are trying out sailing. Tell them about the program and what you love about it, show off our Sailing Center and make new friends. When registering online, be sure to register as a Mariner. Cost for Mariner: $30 (all meals are included)
Introduction to Sailing
Did you ever want to know what it was like to sail but did not know if you would like it? Do you want to feel the wind on your face and hear the water splashing around you? You will work alongside Mariners (girls that have successfully completed Basic Sailing) as they ready the boats to sail, sail (weather permitting) and put away the equipment. You must attend the entire weekend. Who: ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ; must be 11 and older Requirements: Must have a Red Cross Level IV swim card or equivalent, and a GSSJC Safe Boating Test card. Copies of cards should be turned in with registration to sailing.coordinator@gmail.com Girls without cards will not be allowed to remain in camp. When: Sept. 14 – 16; Oct. 12 – 14 Friday check in is 7 p.m. and Sunday check out is 2 p.m. Cost: $50 per girl, all meals are included Note: Attention parents! Four to eight dorm chaperones are needed to hold the event. Please contact sailing.coordinator@gmail.com to volunteer.
Mariner Weekends
Mariners can participate in Mariner-only weekends. They have the opportunity to practice their sailing skills in a relaxed setting while having fun. These weekends are typically themed. A Mariner is a girl who has completed Basic Sailing (Red Cross Basic Sailing or Small Craft Safety Sailing.) Mariners spend the weekend at Casa Mare and eat, sleep and sail. Four to eight dorm chaperones are also required for these weekends. When: Cost:
Mariner 2 – Sept. 28 – 30 Mariner 3 – Oct. 26 – 28 Friday check in is 7 p.m. and Sunday check out is 2 p.m. $45 per girl, all meals are included
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Instruction Weekends
Some courses are over two weekends, and you must attend both. Four to eight volunteers are needed to hold the events. Basic Sailing is a two-weekend class. Attendance at both weekends is mandatory. This is a mentally and physically demanding course. Girls are encouraged, but not required, to attend an Introduction to Sailing weekend before taking Basic Sailing. Sunfish Mate is a two-weekend course for girls who have completed Basic Sailing and followed through with additional practice to solidify their skills. It is required that girls have a minimum of six sailing sessions, equivalent to 20 hours of tiller time, between Basic Sailing and Sunfish Mate. Hours will be verified. GSSJC also offers classes for Mariners who wish to take advanced ratings courses. Sloop Skipper, Sloop Captain and Big Boat classes should email instructor.coordinator@gmail.com to see if you qualify to attend. Who: ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ; must be 11-years-old; adults must have a Red Cross Level IV swim card or equivalent, and a GSSJC Safe Boating Test card. Copies of cards should be turned in with registration to sailing.coordinator@gmail.com. Girls without cards will not be allowed to remain in camp. Date: Instruction Weekend 1 – Sept. 7 – 9, Sloop Crew, Sunfish Mate (1–A), Mariner Basic Sailing (MBS)-(1-A), Adult Mariner Basic (AMBS) (1-A) Instruction Weekend 2 – Sept. 21 – 23, Sunfish Mate (1-B), Mariner Basic Saling (MBS)-(1-B), Adult Mariner Basic (AMBS)(1-B) Instruction Weekend 3 – Oct. 5 – 7, Sunfish Skipper, Mariner Basic Sailing (MBS)-(2-A), Sloop Skipper, Sloop Captain. Instruction Weekend 4 – Oct. 19 – 20, Mariner Basic Sailing (MBS)-(2-B) Bring: You will receive an email with a packing list. When: All girls must attend the entire weekend. Check in is at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, and check out is at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Cost: $110 for Basic Sailing and Sunfish Mate (two-weekend courses); $48 for all other courses
Sports General information for all three activities listed below
ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ; must be 12-years-old Who: Where: Camp Robinwood, Willis When: Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, May 11 Cost: $8/session Deadline: Two weeks prior to event Contact: Carrie Seals, 713-292-0324, cseals@sjgs.org Introduction to Rifle Program
Trained instructors will guide you as you first learn basic firearm safety and the proper way to handle a rifle. You will receive your own pair of safety glasses and learn to shoot at the bench rest position. A completed Rifle Program Permission Slip (F-601) is required for participation. This form is only needed once. It will be held on file for future rifle sessions. noon – 1:30 p.m.
Overnights
A night outside sleeping under the stars. Girl Scouts can experience a sailor’s life from the days of old in a special overnight adventure aboard the Tall Ship Elissa. After a tour of the Elissa and a video presentation, the overnight Girl Scout crew learns some hands-on sailor skills. Girls will help set one huge staysail, work on master rope craft and knot making. During the night, the girls will follow one of the oldest traditions of the sea, keeping watch over the Elissa and Galveston Harbor.
ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ(must be at least 8 years old) Who: Where: Tallship Elissa, Galveston When: Sept. 29, Nov. 17, Dec. 8 Check in: 6:30 p.m. Check out: 9 a.m. next day Bring: Sleeping bag (air mattresses, if desired), pillow, change of clothes Cost: $45/person Min./Max.: 30/40; 1 adult/5 girls Deadline: Register and submit payment at least five weeks prior to event date. (Event fills fast!) You must cancel at least 30 days before planned date. Contact: Carrie Seals, cseals@sjgs.org Note: Eat dinner before arrival. Breakfast will be served aboard Elissa, and snacks will be provided. It's a Sailor's Life Day Program
This three-hour program includes a tour of the Elissa, set a sail dockside, personalize a flag to fly on the Elissa and learn some hands on traditional seamanship. Who: When: Cost:
ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ(must be at least 8-years-old) May 18; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $30/person Min./Max.: 10/30
Rifle Marksmanship
Rifle Program
Time:
Tall Ship Elissa Programs
Min./Max: 4/12
After you have attended your Introduction to Rifle Program session, you may register for any Rifle Marksmanship session. At these sessions you will learn more shooting positions and how to improve your shooting skills in each. Remember to bring your safety glasses. Time:
G.R.I.T.: Girls, Rifles, Instruction and Training Rifle Program Special Interest Group
If after attending any Rifle Marksmanship session you decide you would like more from your rifle program experience, then the Rifle Program Special Interest Group could be for you! At these sessions you will learn more about how to use the rifle, how to improve your accuracy through shooting position form and how to work within a team. Inter group and individual competitions could be part of your session. The group at each session will help decide on the day’s activities. Remember to bring your safety glasses. Time:
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Min./Max: 4/12
1:30 – 3 p.m.
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Min./Max: 5/18
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Activities
First Tee Golf Workshop
The First Tee uses golf to teach youth life lessons and leadership skills. Sessions include a fun, group setting for Girl Scouts ages 7 to 15 regardless of background or previous experience. Teaming up with experts in positive youth development, the First Tee helps girls become good golfers and even better people. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ and their chaperones
F.M. Law Park, Houston Oct. 20; 9 – 11 a.m. $15/girl Liz Atton, latton@sjg.org, 713-292-0269
Laughter Yoga
Laughter is the best medicine! We invite Brownies to experience a new way to exercise. Laughter yoga is an activity that lets girls have fun while learning ways to live stress-free. Brownies will earn and receive their My Best Self badge. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓑ and their chaperones Program Place for Girls, Houston Oct. 13, Nov. 10 or Dec. 1; 10 – 11:30 a.m. $16/girl; free for adults Liz Atton latton@sjg.org, 713-292-0269
STEM Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Robotics Special Interest Group
Learn and expand your knowledge of how robots are built and how they work. In this special interest group, you’ll get the chance to build robots, discover how to code them, and have leadership opportunities. Girls in the group meet with other scouts in a non-competitive, fun atmosphere. Who: ⓓⓑⓙⓒ Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: One Saturday morning each month Cost: $18
Roller Coaster Badge Workshop
Put engineering in motion with the new Roller Coaster Design Challenge badge. In this workshop, Daisies delve 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! Daisies will earn their Roller Coaster Design Challenge badge through this workshop. Who: ⓓ When: Oct. 27, 10 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab - Pearland Cost: $23
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Think Like a Programmer Journey
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. Girls complete all Journey requirements except the Take Action Project. Who: ⓓ Where: Idea Lab – Spring Branch When: Nov. 10, 9 a.m. – noon Cost: $23
Model Car 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. A badge is provided in the cost of this workshop. Who: ⓓ When: Dec. 1, 10 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab – Energy Corridor Cost: $23
Home Scientist
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 science at Idea Lab! A badge is provided in the cost of this workshop. Who: ⓑ Where: Idea Lab – Energy Corridor When: Oct. 20, 10 a.m. - noon Cost: $23
Race Care 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! After completing this session, girls earn the Race Car Design Challenge badge. Who: ⓑ Where: Idea Lab – Energy Corridor When: Nov. 3, 9 a.m. - noon Cost: $23
Wonders of Water Journey Workshop Enjoy the amazing wonders of water! Girls will learn about the water cycle, make their own rainbows, and explore how precious our water resources are. Participants will also work as teams to understand the how communities rely with water. At this workshop, girls will complete all Journey requirements up to the Take Action Project. Who: ⓑ When: Dec. 1, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: Idea Lab – Spring Branch Cost: $33
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
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: Dec. 15, 9 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab – Pearland Cost: $23
Astronomy Special Interest Group
This group is for girls who want to have fun, learn, and teach! Girls plan their activities for the year and organize events that other Girl Scouts attend. The group also takes trips to discover the world around them – and beyond! This great group helps girls develop leadership skills and learn about themselves while becoming more acquainted with science and the field of astronomy. Who: ⓙ in 5th grade ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: One Sunday afternoon each month Cost: $18
Crane Design 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. Expand your design and make it even better with adjustments after brainstorming with fellow Juniors. A badge is provided in the cost of this workshop. Who: ⓙ When: Sept. 22, 9 a.m. - noon Where: Idea Lab - Spring Branch Cost: $23
Detective Badge Workshop
Utilize your detective skills on this sleuthing adventure! Girls will discover the power of observation, code communications, fingerprinting and more! Join the fun at this workshop where you’ll explore interesting topics and meet new friends. Who: ⓙ Where: Idea Lab – Bellaire When: Oct. 27, 9 a.m. – noon Cost: $23
Space Science Investigator Badge Workshop
Get ready to blast off on an adventure! This new badge is out of this world. Juniors will discover the stars, explore the universe, learn what equals a year, and make a solar system model. Participants can expect hands-on activities and they will receive the badge at the end of the workshop. The best part – parents are invited back at the end for a space show! Who: ⓙ When: Nov. 17, 9 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab – Central Houston, Bellaire Cost: $23 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey
Girls will practice the scientific method by undertaking a citizen science project. They will make observations, collect data and work with scientists who provide feedback on research and findings. This activity will cover the observation skills, making field notes and citizen science project activities within the Journey. Take Action project ideas will be discussed but not completed. The Think Like a Citizen Scientist badge will be provided. Who: ⓙ Where: Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe When: Nov. 2 – 4 Cost: $45
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: Where: When: Cost:
ⓙ
Children’s Museum of Houston Dec. 8; noon – 2:15 p.m. $15
Engineering Technology Workshop
Connect to your favorite entertainment through 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: ⓙ Where: Children’s Museum of Houston When: Jan. 15 Cost: $15
Woodworker Badge Workshop
Make stylish or useful things for yourself and others in this fun woodworker workshop. Develop and refine your do-it-yourself skills with a hammer, saw, level and creating a fantastic and unique piece of your own design. Girl Scouts have been learning about woodworking for more than 100 years, and now you can too. Who: Where: When: Cost:
ⓒ
Children’s Museum of Houston Nov. 3; noon – 2:15 p.m. $15
Forensics Weekend
Come solve a "whodunit" mystery at camp in an exciting annual event! Girls will discover forensic techniques such as DNA analysis, suspect identification, fingerprint analysis and more. Teams of Cadettes will scope out clues to solve a mystery during a weekend at camp. Who: Where: When: Cost: Note:
ⓒ
Camp Casa Mare, Seabrook Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 $40/girl; $15/dorm chaperone (must be female) Registration will be available Oct. 1 September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
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Activities
Room Makeover Workshop
In this workshop, you’ll discover design concepts and fix-it tactics needed to turn a simple space into a creative statement. You’ll develop some serious DIY flair by combining color, texture, glue and paint while getting hands on and engineering great pieces for your room. You will get the chance to paint a small wooden piece you’ll bring with you, sew or glue a fabric accent, build something and make an old item new again. Badge is provided to girl attendees. Who: ⓢ Where: Children’s Museum Houston When: Oct. 6, noon – 2:15 p.m. Cost: $15 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Swimming Swim Level and Safe Boating Card testing sessions
These sessions test swim level skills in order for girls to canoeing off council property, sailing (Red Cross Level 4), or participate in other aquatic activities that may require certification. Girls will also be tested to receive their Safe Boating Card. The Safe Boat Card is required for canoeing off council property and sailing. For the Safe Boat test girls will be required to be in the water, fully clothed, and have shoes on. Each session is 1 1/2 hours long. Note: Girls must be able to swim the length of the pool. For swim level and safe boating requirements, visit gssjc.org/forms or email Carrie Seals at cseals@sjgs.org Dates: Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Dec. 1 Bring: Swim suit, towel, extra clothes Cost: $20 Min./Max: 5/20 Contact: Carrie Seals, 713-292-0312, cseals@sjgs.org
Lifeguards Wanted! Are you an American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard age 18 or older? Would you like to earn extra money on the weekends? GSSJC is in need of year round Lifeguards. Contact Carrie Seals at cseals@sjgs.org
Travel
Activities
Council Trip to New Orleans- Interest Meeting Beignets at Café Du Monde. The epicenter of jazz and blues music on Bourbon Street. Some retail therapy at the French Market. Juniors and up are invited to join us on this council trip to the Big Easy. Trip will take place in June 2019. Exact dates to be determined - expected to be a 4-5 day trip. Cost estimate to be in the $500 range per person. Girls can attend the trip with a parent or as a troop. Girls will have the opportunity to make some decisions about the events and sites. There will be free time on this trip for you to add a stop or two on your own. Who: When: Where: Cost:
Council Trip to San Francisco Interest Meeting
Want to see the Golden Gate Bridge, the painted ladies or some huge redwood trees at Muir Woods? Perhaps trying to escape Alcatraz is more your pace or are you just California dreaming? Join us for this exciting trip to San Francisco! Trip will take place in June 2019- exact dates to be determined - expected to be a 4-5 day trip. Cost estimate to be about $1,400 per person. Girls can attend the trip with a parent or as a troop. Please plan to attend this meeting if you’d like to join us on the trip. Girls will be making some decisions on activities and sites on this trip. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓒⓢⓐRising 7th graders (girls finishing 6th grade by June 2019) and their chaperones Sept. 23; noon – 2 p.m. Girl Scout Center, Houston Free for girls and adults, but must register
Destinations Orientation
What are you doing for Summer 2019? It could include spending a week looking at the stars at the Pine Mountain Observatory in Oregon, sailing a tall ship on Lake Erie, catching waves in Costa Rica, hiking through the Swiss Alps, playing with pandas in China or counting cheetah spots on a South African Safari! These are actual destinations girls are invited to attend! Join us for this informative session to learn more about these and 40 other amazing destinations around the globe. Girls travel on their own and there is financial aid available.(Be sure to participate in council product sales programs (Fall Products and Cookies) to be eligible for council financial aid. Did you know? GSSJC gives thousands of dollars in scholarships to girls going on Destinations - don’t let financials be the reason to miss out on a once in a lifetime experience! Important deadlines to keep in mind Dec. 1: Round 1- completed applications (with references) due to GSUSA via online submission Feb. 15: Round 2- completed applications (with references) due to GSUSA via online submission Jan. 15: Round 1 of GSSJC Scholarship Applications due March 15: Round 2 of GSSJC Scholarship Applications due ***Some destinations will fill in the first round- we encourage you to apply in Round 1 if you’d like priority placement in high ticket destinations and/or if you foresee needing significant financial assistance. *** Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ must be a least 11-years old
(each destination has a minimum age) and their parents Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 4 or Dec. 9; 2 – 4 p.m. Girl Scout Center, Houston $5 per person
ⓙⓒⓢⓐRising 5th graders (girls finishing 4th grade by June 2019) and their chaperone Sept. 23; 2 – 4 p.m. Girl Scout Center, Houston Free for girls and adults, but must register
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ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Troop Trips - Paperwork Required!
Popular events for troops include overnight trips off council property. Whether it’s one night in the backyard, a two-week trip through the Swiss Alps or anywhere between, council should be kept informed of your plans! This helps us to know where are girls are going and to help leaders ease the burden of risk. Short Troop Trip (F-413) 1 to 4 nights and in the state of Texas. No later than 2 weeks before your trip Extended Troop Trip Forms (F-453, O-883, O-884) 5+ nights- any destination or any trip outside of Texas F-453 starts 12-24 months out O-883 8-16 months out O-884 2-3 months out Forms are available online at www.gssjc.org/forms and should be emailed or sent in along with supporting documents as noted on the forms.
Council Trip to Savannah- Interest Meeting
Does your troop have the travel bug? Want to visit the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace? Join us on a journey to the place where Girl Scouting began. All travelers will participate in a Heritage visit at the Birthplace and see the First Headquarters. You’ll also discover Savannah via trolley, hang out in the Savannah squares and more. Trip will take place in June 2019 - exact dates to be determined - expected to be a 4-5 Day trip. Cost estimate to be in the $800 range per person. Girls can attend the trip with a parent or as a troop. Please plan to attend this meeting if you’d like to join us on the trip. There will be free time on this trip for you to add a stop or two on your own. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓙⓒⓢⓐRising 5th graders (girls finishing 4th grade by June 2019) and their chaperone Sept. 23; 10:30 a.m. – noon Girl Scout Center, Houston Free for girls and adults, but must register
Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Citizenship Badge Workshop
Calling all Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors! Do you care to lead positive change through civic action? If so, come be encouraged and learn while earning your citizenship badge and get knowledge of the government and how to be involved! Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓒ and adults Lone Star College-Cy-Fair Library, Harris County Public Library, 9191 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress Room 131 Nov. 4, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. $10/girl Min./Max: 4/25 Free for adults Min./Max: 2/4 Taylor Franklin, tfranklin@sjgs.org, 713-292- 0353
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Last Call for London and Paris Interest Meeting
*UPDATED! 7th graders welcome, adult chaperones allowed too!* Did the royal wedding peak your interest in England? Want to don a pair of Mickey ears at Disney Paris? What are you waiting for? Join us on this amazing nine-day adventure in June 2019 to London and Paris. This EF Tour includes some amazing sites like the Eye of London, Buckingham Palace, The Louvre, Pax Lodge and Euro Disney. Current price per person is $4,350 (subject to change any time) and includes flights, trains/transportation, breakfasts, dinners and all entry fees to historical sites, museums and more! Who: When: Time: Where: Cost: Contact:
ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ must complete 7th grade by 2019 and their chaperones. Girls completing 7th grade must have an adult chaperone them on this trip, girls who have finished 8th grade by June 2019 may travel with or without a chaperone. Sept. 22 noon – 1:30 p.m. Girl Scout Center, Houston Free, but must register Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Leader In Action: Outdoor Journey
Are you a Go-Getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker or Leader? If so, this session is for you! Cadettes will earn their LiA Awards by assisting Brownies in completing their Outdoor Journey! If you have an interest in First Aid, Cabin Camping or Hiking and you want to share this knowledge with younger girls, this series is for you! Who: Date/time: Cost: Contact:
ⓒ and adults MUST ATTEND ALL Oct. 8 and 16: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Training and Prep Days Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Friendswood Oct. 19 – 21 7 p.m. – noon, Set up and LiA Day Camp Misty Meadows, Conroe $30/girl; $15/adult Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org 713-292-0269
Outdoor Journey for Brownies
Girl Scout Brownies are invited to earn their Outdoor Journey in an amazing, older girl-lead day at Camp Misty Meadows! Girls will learn about first aid, cabin camping and hiking and spend the day with Cadettes who are earning their Leader in Action Awards! Come be a part of this awesome experience! Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓑ and their chaperones Sat., Oct. 20 Camp Misty Meadows TBD, please check online
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ADMINISTRATIVE COURSES
Community Financial Specialist This workshop will give you the tools needed to support your Community troop/group treasurers through Leader Cafés as well as provide tips and requirements for receiving and reviewing troop/group annual financial reports and bank account records. This workshop is designed for volunteers wanting to serve in the Community financial specialist role and is NOT intended for troop leaders/treasurers.
Adult Trainings
Day Saturday
Date October 13
Location Time GSC noon – 2 p.m.
Fee $6
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP COURSES
Daisy Brownie Program Leadership 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. This course includes information about the National Program Portfolio presented in “Getting Started with the Girl’s Guide and Journeys.” Day Saturday Sunday Saturday Sunday
Date Location September 29 GSC October 7 GSC October 20 Huntsville November 4 GSC
Time Fee 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $6 1 – 5 p.m. $6 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. $6 1 – 5 p.m. $6
Community and Region Treasurer Are you the Community or Region treasurer? This is the course for you. Learn how to manage money including development of a proposed budget and management of income and expenditures related to the Community or Region finances. Explore ways to setup an appropriate Girl Scout bank account and use GSSJC forms relating to finance. This training is for volunteers in the Community or Region treasurer role who have not previously taken treasurer training. This training is not suitable for volunteers in the role of troop treasurer.
Getting Started with the Girl’s Guide and Journeys Are you overwhelmed with where to start when using the program resources with girls? Join us in this workshop to understand how the National Program Portfolio materials are the tools that help you support the Girl Scout Mission and Program. Learn about the earned awards – badges, Journeys awards and other recognitions. These materials help make Girl Scouting unique and provide progression in developing skills and leadership in girls. This information is duplicated in the Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training.
Day Saturday
Day Saturday Saturday Saturday
Date October 13
Location Time GSC 9 – 11 a.m.
Fee $6
Event Basics This course will prepare you in the planning and implementation of successful events that are NOT camping or overnights. Review the nine steps to planning an event including developing the theme, recruiting committee members, creating a budget, reviewing safety guidelines, developing time lines and a schedule, promotion, evaluating and more. This course is required for all event chairs and strongly recommended for all committee members. Day Saturday Saturday
Date Location Time October 20 GSC 9 a.m. – noon December 8 GSC 9 a.m. – noon
Fee $6 $6
Extended Troop Travel and Finance Is your troop ready for a trip of three nights or more? Learn how to guide older girls in planning their grand adventure. Progression, paperwork, troop contracts, financing and more will be the focus of this workshop. *For leaders of older Juniors through Ambassadors. Day Sunday
Date October 14
Location Time GSC 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Fee $6
Weekend Event Planning This course is a requirement for Community and Region event chairs planning for overnight events and encouraged for committee members. Participants will learn about the additional planning required for overnight events on or off GSSJC property. Topics include reserving a GSSJC campsite, using Safety Activity Checkpoints, recruiting additional committee members, additional step to registration and promotion of the event and more. Event Basics is the prerequisite to this course. Day Saturday Saturday
Date Location Time October 20 GSC 1 – 3 p.m. December 8 GSC 1 – 3 p.m.
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Fee $6 $6
Date October 6 October 14 November 3
Location GSC GSC GSC
Time 8:30 – 10 a.m. 1 – 2:30 p.m. 8:30 – 10 a.m.
Fee $0 $0 $0
Partnering with Girl Scout Juniors Adults NEW to the troop leadership role or who are moving from the Brownie level are encouraged to attend this course. This interactive classroom course designated for the Junior leader will provide specifics on working with girls in grades 4 – 5 and includes various forms of troop government, characteristics of the girls, the girl/adult partnership, tips on girl planning and more. Information on the National Program Portfolio is presented in the course “Getting Started with the Girl’s Guide and Journeys" and is NOT included. Day Saturday Sunday Saturday
Date October 6 October 14 November 3
Location GSC GSC GSC
Time Fee 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $6 3 – 5 p.m. $6 10:30a.m.–12:30 p.m. $6
Partnering with Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors In this interactive classroom course, leaders will learn their role as an advisor to girls who are in grades 6 – 12. 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 3 T’s (Touchy Teen Topics) and the importance of maintaining confidentiality with troop members. Note: Information on the National Program Portfolio is presented in the course “Getting Started with the Girl’s Guide and Journeys. Information on earning the Silver Award is now in a separate course and is NOT included. Day Saturday Sunday Saturday
Date October 6 October 14 November 3
Location GSC GSC GSC
Time Fee 10:30a.m.–12:30 p.m. $6 3 – 5 p.m. $6 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $6
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Get ready to Bloom Big at the 2018 Fall Volunteer Conference!
Share stories, learn from other troop leaders and create lasting connections. Whether you are a new or experienced volunteer, you’re sure to find new and creative ways to enhance your skills. Grow in the areas of troop programming, behavior management, the outdoors, technology, STEM and Girl Scout fundamentals. Continue to deliver wow-worthy experiences to girls by introducing them to new adventures at our Girl Scout camps and encouraging them to explore every dream through enriching activities. Be sure to sign up for one of the shuttled camp tours if you want to see more of Camps Agnes Arnold and Misty Meadows. If you come alone, plan to make new friends!
Check In and Check Out:
Friday Check in: 4 – 10 p.m. (Gates lock at 10 p.m.) Saturday Check in: 8 a.m. (camp gates open at 8 a.m.) Saturday breakfast for Friday night guests only 7 – 7:45 a.m. Saturday Check out: 6 p.m. (after workshops) or 9 p.m. (after campfire) Sunday Check out: 11:30 a.m.
When: Nov. 9 – 11 Where: Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe Deadline: Oct. 28 Cost: $40 for completed registrations received before Sept. 30, $50 beginning Oct. 1. Cost includes Friday and Saturday night accommodations, Friday dessert, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast. Conference T-shirt: You may also order your conference T-shirt (at an additional cost) along with your completed registration. The last day to order T-shirts is Oct. 21. Contact: Porscha Jackson, pjackson@sjgs.org or 713-292-0285 Note: Please, no children at this event as childcare is not offered. Also, camping certification is not required to attend. Course designations: ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Friday, November 9
Get settled in! When you arrive, take this time to settle into your tent/cabin. Bring a sack dinner (sodas will be available for purchase) or enjoy dinner in Conroe with your friends. Then join us in the lodge starting at 7 p.m. for a fun night of activities, a lighted labyrinth, dessert and more. Indicate your plans to spend Friday night at camp by selecting this course offering. Check in will be 4 – 10 p.m. where you will get kaper and bed assignments. Then from 7 – 10 p.m., join in on the fun night of activities, featuring stations of fun and learning.
7 p.m.
Lighted Labyrinth Take the time out and find your inner strength through the Lighted Labyrinth. Labyrinths are used world-wide to quiet the mind, recover a balance in life, and encourage meditation, insight, self-reflection, stress reduction, and to discover innovation and celebration. The serenity of this nature-infused activity is the perfect close to the day.
8:30 p.m. Introduction to Guitar Do you long to sing around the campfire with other Girl Scouts? Do you have the willingness to sing with an instrument in front of a small group? If you do, then we have an opportunity for you. No guitar or previous musical experience is required. Feel free to bring your own instrument or you can borrow one for this session. 9 p.m.
Adventure at Night You never know what amazing things you’ll discover when exploring camp at night! Experience the beauty of nature by relying on your senses and a flashlight. This adventure is sure to give you great ideas on all the fun your girls can have exploring camp in the dark. Flashlights and closed-toe shoes are a MUST! ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Saturday, November 10 SESSION 1 – 9-10:30 a.m. OUTDOORS Shuttled Camp Tour Camp life is the best life, BUT do you know what is available for your use at our camps? Join in on the fun of our Shuttled Camp Tour of Agnes Arnold and Misty Meadows. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Things to Do on the Waterfront There are many exciting things to do on the waterfront. Get a taste of what it is like to take your troop canoeing and explore other available water activities, such as kayaks and corcls. These activities are great for team-building and an enjoyable and relaxing way to experience the outdoors. Before you let your imagination go wild as you canoe around Snake Island on Shadow Lake, learn about prerequisites, waterfront safety, basic canoe strokes, gear, preparing for, on the day of, and canoeing jargon. In addition, how a girl may become a Canoe Aid or you a Canoe Instructor. (Types of shoes to bring: boat shoes, closedtoe, and nonslip hiking/sport sandals with heel strap, or water socks or shoes - no flip-flops or plastic shoes) ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ How to make a Box Oven With your own supplies, make a box oven for cooking. Each participant needs to bring a cardboard box with top and bottom flaps still on, a large roll of aluminum foil, a rack (cooling rack), that will fit in your box. Heavy cardboard boxes from liquor stores are great for box ovens. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Cabin Hop Tour Camp Arnold on a bicycle and visit various types of units. See the difference between cabins, treehouses, and tent units, including the restrooms. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
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Columns TROOP PROGRAM and CRAFTS Journey in a Weekend - Older Girls Learn how to complete a Journey in a weekend with your older girls. This class will give you tools to teach your girls to use examples of weekend schedules and adapted curriculum to plan their weekend of Journey fun. ⓙⓒⓢⓐ Pocketful of Program #4 This updated reboot of Pocketful #4 is full of quick and easy food recipes, games with beach balls and keeping cool activities to pull from your “pocket” when an idea is needed fast. A kit of program cards is provided. This course will fill your pockets with useful troop program ideas in a pinch. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Team Building Learn some tips and tricks for encouraging leadership and cooperation between your girls. Experience team building activities similar to low ropes, including the portable spider web activity. Facilitated by Camp Silver Springs Ropes Course facilitators. ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Girl Progression in Finance As girls progress in the program levels, finances are no exception. Discover ways to guide girls in the everyday workings of their troop finances, budgeting for activities and their annual goals. Learn strategies for stepping back and letting the girls take the lead. ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Building Awesome Daisy and Brownie Meetings Daisies and Brownies are ready to take on the world and you can help them get there with well-organized fun-filled meetings. This hands-on class will help you develop meetings that calm the chaos by harnessing the tools of games, crafts, songs and also tapping into your prime resource - parents! Look forward to a happier you and more fun for the girls. ⓓⓑ STEM Robotics for Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors Join us for a hands-on exploration of the new robotics badges, including where to find the requirements. ⓒⓢⓐ
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
TROOP MANAGEMENT and PERSONAL INTEREST Group Behavior Management in Youth/Children Managing groups of any age can be a challenge. With the various issues in our society, understanding youth behavior can be more difficult. Learn behavior management techniques and develop strategies to better manage the behavior of girls in your troop. This class is taught by staff members of DePelchin Children’s Center. Note: This class is two hours. ⓙⓒⓢⓐ
SESSION 2 – 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. OUTDOORS Shuttled Camp Tour: See description in Session 1.
Things to Do on the Waterfront: See description in Session 1. Girl Led Camp Cooking Are you tired of hotdogs at your camp-outs? Need some direction for a varied menu when you go camping? This course will focus on progression in cooking as well as getting your girls involved in the menu planning and preparation of camp meals. ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
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Taste of Archery Leaders! Ever wonder why your girls cannot hit the bulls-eye? It’s a lot harder than you think! Take part in the same learning opportunity your troop has at “Bull’s Eye for Girls”. Learn what archery opportunities are available to your troop; Bull’s Eye, JOAD, Community and troop. Participants will learn how to: hold a bow, nock an arrow properly, use safety equipment properly, fire an arrow and learn more about the GSSJC Archery program. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Nature Hikes Ever wonder what you could do with girls on a hike to make it special? This workshop will give you hiking themes, songs to sing and games to play while you hike. You’ll learn to recognize trees and plants along the way. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Don’t let the Rain Ruin your Camp Fun What kind of activities can you do when it rains? Learn fun things to do with your girls and what to pack when soggy weather is in the forecast or is a surprise. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ TROOP PROGRAM and CRAFTS Journey in a Day - Younger Girls Would you like to learn how to complete a Journey in a day with your Daisies, Brownies or Juniors? This class will assist your efforts to complete a Journey in a day or sleepover. We will cover how you can personalize your Journey based on what products and resources you have on hand or that you can find in your area as well as your girls’ core interests, logistics, etc. ⓓⓑⓙ Troop T-shirts & IDs Girls love wearing troop T-shirts while at camp, selling cookies and going on field trips. Discover some easy techniques to have your troop looking fabulous and unified. Learn what a troop ID is and see some great samples of troop banners. Create a T-shirt of your very own. You will need to bring a plain, pre-washed, white T-shirt to complete this class. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Fairy Garden Fun Fairy houses make such a cute decoration for your garden. Learn how to use natural and recycled materials to make a fairy house that you can share with your girls. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Traditional Songs Singing is a special tradition in Girl Scouting and many songs have been passed down through the ages. Come and enjoy singing in harmony with other Girl Scouts. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ STEM Ecology Badges for Daisies and Brownies Join us for a hands-on exploration of the new ecology badges, including where to find the requirements.ⓓⓑ TROOP MANAGEMENT and PERSONAL INTEREST What to Do Instead of Banning Cell Phones This course is about strategies for getting Juniors Ambassadors to own the expectations, behaviors and discipline in their troop. Adults tend to get frustrated when girls miss planning meetings and come only to the fun, when girls appear to be texting during meetings instead of contributing and other older girl behavior. Discuss ideas to guide girls to create the behavior contract they want for full ownership of their troop as well as how to begin letting go as a troop leader. ⓙⓒⓢⓐ
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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GENERAL SESSION 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Blooming opportunities During our extended lunch time, plan to visit a wide variety of vendors from around our council. Representatives from nature centers, parks and outdoor-related groups will showcase the different resources and programs they have available. Explore fun new ways to bring outdoor programing to your Girl Scouts.
SESSION 3 – 2:45 – 4:15 p.m.
OUTDOORS Shuttled Camp Tour: See description in Session 1. Things to Do on the Waterfront: See description in Session 1. Girl Led Camp Cooking: See description in Session 2. Tie It All Up Does teaching knots to girls intimidate you? Use games, stories and relays to make knots fun for girls and adults. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Orienteering Games Where in the world are we? Use a compass, and nature's clues to find out. ⓙⓒⓢⓐ TROOP PROGRAM and CRAFTS Journey in a Weekend - Older Girls: See description in Session 1. Beyond Badges and Journeys - 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. ⓙⓒⓢⓐ Games The games that millions of kids played back in "the good old days" are quickly becoming a forgotten way of life, swallowed up by video games and computers. This course focuses on ways for the girls to entertain themselves without screens. Some games may be new to you and some may bring back memories. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
STEM Space Science and Cyber Security for Younger Girls Join us for a hands-on exploration of the new space science and cyber security badges, including where to find the requirements. ⓓⓑⓙ STEM Crafts for Daisies, Brownies, & Juniors Crafting with a STEM focus. Gain some hands-on experience creating exciting projects that will spark girls' interest and give you some ideas for completing new badge steps. ⓓⓑⓙ
SESSION 4 – 4:30 – 6 p.m.
OUTDOORS Shuttled Camp Tour: See description in Session 1. Things to Do on the Waterfront: See description in Session 1. Vagabond Stoves Do you remember cooking on a tin can stove? In this class you will make a stove from a large #10 can and a heat source made with wax and a tuna can. We will cook and sample a few simple foods prepared on these stoves and you will go home with one. ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Plants are Cool The plants that you walk by as you hike through our camps have a rich history. Learn about their importance past and present. Explore uses, lore, art and medicine with plants. ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
TROOP PROGRAM and CRAFTS Journey in a Day - Younger Girls: See description in session 2. Easy Apps and Technology Rotate through several stations trying out easy apps and technology your girls can use during your meetings. Take back ways to let the girls create animated meeting reminders, virtual reality experiences of their camping trips, or use technology with their take action projects, just to name a few. Bring an electronic device and a few digital pictures of your troop. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Teaching Knife Skills Learn the basics of knife skills at camp and how to progress girls from safely handling a knife to creative uses. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ STEM Ecology Badges for Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors Join us for a hands-on exploration of new ecology badges including where to find the requirements. ⓒⓢⓐ STEM Crafts for Daisies, Brownies, & Juniors: see description in session 3. TROOP MANAGEMENT and PERSONAL INTEREST Intermediate Guitar In this class you will learn to play a song AND perform with the group at Saturday night’s campfire program. Reading music is not required and you will learn how to utilize chord charts to learn chord progressions to play songs. Feel free to bring your own instrument or you can borrow one for this session. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
TROOP MANAGEMENT and PERSONAL INTEREST Volunteer Support - Spanx for Leaders Explore the supporting resources for Girl Scout Volunteers including VTK, web-based, print, and local, and learn tips for navigating to find what you need when you need it. Also included is a discussion on best practices for communicating with parents and girls. If you are able, bring an electronic device so you can navigate right along with the class. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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4:30-6:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 11, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Creating Inspirational Ceremonies Create memorable moments with ceremonies. Get hands-on experience planning and executing the weekend's ceremonies.
It’s not over! After breakfast, end the weekend with your choice of one last activity. Be sure to select one of the three offerings, they will fill up fast.
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Camp Service Project: Camp Agnes Arnold is our most utilized camp and what better way to give back than to participate in a service project to enhance the appearance of the camp. Details of the project will be given later.
Suicide Prevention According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention suicide is the 10th leading cause in the United States and attempted at twice the rate in girls than boys. Suicide is a serious issue for every demographic in this country and this course, taught by trained professionals, offers a suicide prevention certification by helping you to learn the tactics of question, persuade, and refer. ⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Bike Tour: Uncover the mysteries of Camp Agnes Arnold with a guided bike tour exposing you to the coveted areas of the camp’s grounds. Shuttled Camp Tour: Did you miss the tour on Saturday? Then sign up for the last camp tour of the weekend.
Saturday Evening, November 10 6:15-10 p.m.
After a fulfilling day of training, enjoy a delicious dinner and take your pick from a variety of options to complete the day. You can choose to: reflect at the labyrinth, explore with friends on a hike, enjoy the campfire, learn songs or play games. Indicate your plans to spend Saturday night at camp by selecting this course offering. Bring: camping gear, toiletries, clothes and a mug for drinks.
F r i d ay
7 - 10 p.m. 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Dessert Introduction to Guitar
9 – 10 p.m.
Adventures at Night
8 – 9 p.m.
MORNING
7- 7:45 a.m. Breakfast
S u n d ay
Check-In, Kaper & Bed Station Lighted Labyrinth, Activities in Lodge
4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday, November 10th
8:30/910:30 a.m.
Session TWO 10:45a.m. -12:15 p.m.
12:30 2:30 p.m. Session THREE 2:45 – 4:15 p.m.
Session FOUR 4:306/6:30 p.m.
EVENING
Breakfast
10 - 11:30 a.m.
• Camp Service Project • Bike Tour • Shuttled Camp Tour of Camp Agnes Arnold and Camp Misty Meadows
8-8:45 a.m. Check-In OUTDOORS
Session ONE
9 - 10 a.m.
Shuttled Camp Tour
Things to Do on the Waterfront
How to Make a Box Oven
dbjcsa
dbjcsa
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Shuttled Camp Tour
Things to Do on the Waterfront
Girl Led Camp Cooking
Taste of Archery
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dbjcsa
bjcsa
dbjcs a
TROOP PROGRAM and CRAFTS
STEM
TROOP MGMT & PERSONAL INTEREST
Team Building
Girl Progressio n in Finance
Build Awesom e Daisy & Brownie Meetings
Robotics for Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors
Group Behavior Management in Youth/Children (8:30-10:30am)
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Journey in a Day Younger Girls
Troop T-shirts and IDs
Fairy Garden Fun
Traditional Songs
Ecology Badges for Daisies and Brownies
What to Do Instead of Banning Cell Phones
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dbjcsa
dbjcsa
dbjcsa
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Beyond Badges and JourneysOlder Girls
Cabin Hop
dbjcsa
Nature Hikes
Don’t let the Rain Ruin your Camp Fun
Journey in a Weekend – Older Girls
Pocketful of Program #4
jcsa
Blooming Opportunities General Session and Lunch
Shuttled Camp Tour
Things to Do on the Waterfront
Girl Led Camp Cooking
Tie It All Up
Orienteering Games
Journey in a Weekend Older Girls
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Shuttled Camp Tour
Things to Do on the Waterfront
Vagabond Stoves
Plants are Cool
Journey in a Day – Younger Girls
Easy Apps & Technology
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Games
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Teaching Knife Skills
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Space Science & cyber Security for Younger Girls
STEM Crafts for Daisies, Brownies, & Juniors
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Ecology Badges for Cadettes, Seniors &
Ambassadors
STEM Crafts for Daisies, Brownies & Juniors
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Volunteer Support Spanx for Leaders
dbjcsa
Intermediate Guitar
Creating Inspirational Ceremonies (4:306:30pm)
dbjcsa
Suicide Prevention for Grades 5-12 (4:30-6:30pm) jcsa
6:15- 7:45 p.m. Dinner, 8– 9 p.m. Campfire, 8 – 10 p.m. Lighted Labyrinth, Self-directed night hike, Games, and More
Chart Legend: d=Daisy; b=Brownie; j=Juniors; c=Cadette; s=Senior; a=Ambassador
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Camp Certification Training Schedule 2018-2019 Camp Certification and Camp Certification with Extra Experience Date Sept. 11 or Sept 11 Sept. 22
Day Tues. Tues Sat.
Course Name Camp Cert In Town (AC 9/22) Camp Cert In Town (AC 9/22) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 9/11)
Sept. 18 Sept. 29
Tues. Sat.
Camp Cert In Town (AC 9/29) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 9/18)
or Sept. 24 Sept. 25 Oct. 6
Mon. Tues. Sat.
Camp Cert In Town (AC 10/6) Camp Cert In Town (AC 10/6) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 9/24&25)
GSC WAM WAM
Tues. Tues. Sat.
Camp Cert In Town (AC 10/20) Camp Cert In Town (AC 10/20) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 10/9)
GSC BSC ATC
7 – 10 p.m. $25 7 –10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none
Mon. Tues. Sat.
Camp Cert In Town (AC 11/17) Camp Cert In Town (AC 11/17) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 11/5&6)
GSC LJSC WAM
7 – 10 p.m. $25 7 – 10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none
or Jan. 7 Jan. 8 Jan. 19
Mon. Tues. Sat.
Camp Cert In Town (AC 1/19) Camp Cert In Town (AC 1/19) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 1/7&8)
TOM CYP ATC
7 – 10 p.m. $25 7 – 10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none
or Feb. 5 Feb. 5 Feb. 16
Tues. Tues. Sat.
Camp Cert In Town(AC 2/16) Camp Cert In Town (AC 2/16) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 2/5)
GSC UWFtB WAM
7 – 10 p.m. $25 7 – 10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none
Feb. 18 Mar. 2
Mon. Sat.
Camp Cert In Town (AC 3/2) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 2/18)
GSC ATC
7 –10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. $25
Camp Cert In Town (IT 3/23) Camp Cert In Town (IT 3/23) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 3/11&12)
GSC BSC ATC
or Oct. 9 Oct. 9 Oct. 20 or Nov. 5 Nov. 6 Nov. 17
or March 11 March 12 March 23
or
Mon. Tues. Sat.
Location ATC GSC ATC
GSC ATC
Time Cost 7 – 10 p.m. $25 7 – 10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none 7 –10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none 7 – 10 p.m. $25 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none
7 –10 p.m. $25 7 – 10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none
Apr. 15 Apr. 27
Mon. Sat.
Camp Cert In Town (AC 4/28) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 4/15)
GSC WAM
7 – 10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none
Apr. 30 Apr. 30 May 11
Tues. Tues. Sat.
Camp Cert In Town (AC 5/11) Camp Cert In Town (AC 5/11) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 4/30)
GSC LUF ATC
7 – 10 p.m. $25 7 – 10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none
Camp Certification with Extra Experience (Overnight)
Date Day Oct. 2 Tues. Oct.13&14 Sat./Sun.
Course Name Camp Cert w/Extra Exp In Town (AC 10/13&14) Camp Cert w/Extra Exp At Camp (10/2)
Location GSC ATC
Jan. 15 Jan. 26&27
Camp Cert w/Extra Exp In Town (1/26&27) Camp Cert w/Extra Exp At Camp (IT 2/23)
GSC ATC
Tues. Sat./Sun.
Time Cost 7 – 10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. none 7 – 10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. none
Outdoor Refresher (Must hold GSSJC Camp Certification already) Time: Cost: Place:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. $20 Adult Training Center– Sept. 22, Sept. 29, Oct. 20, Jan. 19, March 2, March 23, May 11 Camp Wind-A-Mere– Oct. 6, Nov. 17, Feb. 16, April 27
Any questions regarding Camp Certification registrations may be directed to registrar, at registration@sjgs.org or 713 292–0370. For location codes and directions, see next page.
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Columns
Training Calendar
September Date Day 9 Sunday 22 Saturday 29 Saturday
Course Name Mentoring Days First Aid/CPR/AED Level I Blended (part of Region I Weekend) Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training
Location GSC WP GSC
Time 1–5 p.m 9 a.m. – noon 8:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
October Date Day 6 Saturday 6 Saturday 6 Saturday 6 Saturday 7 Sunday 13 Saturday 13 Saturday 14 Sunday 14 Sunday 14 Sunday 14 Sunday 20 Saturday 20 Saturday 20 Saturday 27 Saturday
Course Name Getting Started with the Girl’s Guide and Journeys Partnering with GS Juniors Partnering with GS Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors First Aid/CPR/AED Level I Blended Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training Community and Region Treasurer Community Financial Specialist Extended Troop Travel and Finance Getting Started with the Girl’s Guide and Journeys Partnering with GS Juniors Partnering with GS Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training Event Basics Weekend Event Planning Piñata (Spanish/Espanol)
Location GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC Huntsville GSC GSC GSC
Time Cost 8:30 – 10 a.m. $0 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $6 10:30 a.m – 12:30 p.m. $6 9 a.m. – noon $55 1 – 5 p.m. $6 9 – 11 a.m. $6 noon – 2 p.m. $6 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. $6 1 – 2:30 p.m. $0 3 – 5 p.m. $6 3 – 5 p.m. $6 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. $6 9 a.m. – noon $6 1 – 3 p.m. $6 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. $15
November Date Day Course Name 3 Saturday Getting Started with the Girl’s Guide and Journeys 3 Saturday Partnering with GS Juniors 3 Saturday Partnering with GS Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors 4 Sunday Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training 9–11 Friday–Sunday Fall Volunteer Conference 17 Saturday First Aid/CPR/AED Level I Standard
Location Time GSC 8:30 – 10 a.m. GSC 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. GSC 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. GSC 1 – 5 p.m. Camp Agnes Arnold GSC 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost $10 $55 $6
Cost $0 $6 $6 $6 $50 $55
Silver Award Training Do you speak Spanish and want to help with trainings? Contact Tina Ruiz – Volunteer Development Manager aruiz@sjgs.org Para entrenamientos en ESPANOL Contactar Tina Ruiz aruiz@sjgs.org – 713 876 4134
This training is designed to equip troop leaders, advisors, and parents who are looking to support Cadettes through the Silver Award process. Topics include project guidelines, submission deadlines, coaching tips, and so on. Join us! Who: Adults Where: Girl Scout Center When: Sept. 22, Nov. 17; Jan. 19, March 30, May 11, Sept. 28 Cost: $5/person Max.: 25 Contact: silveraward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0300
Location Legend/How to Get to an Adult Training
AA: Camp Agnes Arnold – Conroe: I-45 North, exit League Line Road. Go east to Hwy 75 and turn left. Camp is on the right. ATC: Adult Training Center, Camp Agnes Arnold and Misty Meadows – Conroe: Exit I-45 at League Line Road. Go east to Hwy 75 and turn left. Camp is on the right (Camp Agnes Arnold). Follow the signs in camp to Camp Misty Meadows. Adult Training center is on the right before arriving at Camp Misty Meadows. ATA: Ann Temple Allen Girl Scout Center – Lufkin: 1202 College Drive: US 59 North, turn at FM 819 (at Angelina College) and go two miles. Turn left at the Lufkin Center. BSC: Beaumont Service Center (Foundation of Southeast Texas) – Beaumont: 700 North Street, Suite F: I-10 East, take exit 855A for US-90 toward downtown, turn left at North Street, building is on the left. CASA: Camp Casa Mare – Seabrook: I-45 South to Nasa Road 1 exit. Turn east onto Nasa Road 1, continue 8 miles, crossing Highway 146 in Seabrook, onto Second Street. Continue east to the end of Second Street at Todville Road. Turn left on Todville Road and go approximately 3 miles to camp (on your right). CYP: Cypress, TX (TBD) GSC: Girl Scout Center – Houston: 3110 Southwest Freeway: Hwy 59 (south of downtown) Located on freeway feeder road (north side) between Kirby Drive and Buffalo Speedway. Exit Kirby Drive both ways. Imperial Valley Service Center – Houston: 15800 Imperial Valley Drive: I-45 North to Dallas, exit 60A toward Fallbrook Rd/Aldine Bender/ FM-525, merge onto North Freeway, right at Aldine Bender Road, right at Imperial Valley Drive. Service Center is one block on right. 50 September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
KATY: Katy, TX (Location will be posted on registration site) Klein United Methodist Church – Spring: 5920 FM 2920: Located on FM 2920 (north side) between Kuykendall and Gosling Road. LUF: Lufkin Service Center LJSC: Lake Jackson Service Center – Lake Jackson: 231 W. Highway 332: From TX-288 South, take the FM 2004 exit toward Richwood. Turn right onto FM 2004 South. Turn right on to TX-332. The service center is the first building on the left. (on stilts) St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – Katy: 5373 Franz Rd. From I-10, turn North on Katy Fort Bend Rd., turn West on Franz Rd., the church is on the left (across from Hutsell Elementary School). TOM: Tomball, TX (TBD) Camp Whispering Pines-Garrison: 5 miles from Garrison or 12 miles from Nacogdoches. From Highway 59 North, continue around the city of Nacogdoches on Loop 224 until it turns into Highway 59 North. Turn east (right) on FM 2476 and proceed about 1 and 2/10 mile, turn left at green Camp Whispering Pines just past the water tower. Turn left at camp gate (3/10 of a mile). First United Methodist Church of Huntsville-Huntsville: 1016 Sam Houston Ave. 59 North, Follow I-45 N to N Fwy Service Rd in Huntsville. Take exit 116 from I-45 N. Turn right onto 11th St. Building is located on the corner of Sam Houston Ave and 10th street. Training in Community Life Center, Room 202/203. UWFTB: United Way-Fort Bend, Stafford, TX: 12300 Parc Crest Dr. 59 South, exit toward W Airport Blvd/Kirkwood Rd, use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto W Airport Blvd, turn left onto Parc Crest Drive.
Columns
Around Camp
“Be prepared” for a hurricane or a severe storm
The Girl Scout motto is "Be prepared." In the 1947 Girl Scout Handbook, the motto was explained this way: "A Girl Scout is ready to help out wherever she is needed. Willingness to serve is not enough; you must know how to do the job well, even in an emergency." The same holds true today while we are still in hurricane season. Hurricane season started on June 1 and ends November 30. To prepare for a hurricane, you need to know what they are. Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the seawater increases their power. Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around an "eye." Hurricanes have winds of at least 74 miles per hour. When hurricanes come onto land, their heavy rain, strong winds and large waves can damage buildings, trees and cars. Hurricane Harvey was the last large storm to hit our area causing major flooding and loss of electrical services in our area. Now that you know what a hurricane is and what damage it can cause, go to your county's website for information on what to do before, during and after a storm.
Building an emergency kit can be fun An emergency kit has all of the things that you and your family may need during an emergency in which you may have to stay inside for longer than usual or the electricity could go out. Collect these items and keep them together in a safe place that you can find easily. Make sure you have enough supplies to last for at least three days.
q Three-day supply of non-perishable food (dried fruit, canned tuna fish, peanut butter, etc.) q Can opener q First aid kit q Sleeping bag or warm blanket for everyone in your family. q Change of clothes to last 3 days, including sturdy shoes; consider the weather where you live q Matches in a waterproof container (let a grown up handle these) q Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap q Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils, paper towels q Water-at least a gallon per person, per day q Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio with extra batteries q Flashlights with extra batteries q Cell phone with charger, extra battery and solar charger/ vehicle charger q Whistle to call for help q Local maps q Pet supplies q Baby supplies q Books, games or puzzles q A favorite stuffed animal or blanket Create a scavenger hunt. Making a family emergency kit can be fun for the family to do together.
Nature Trivia
Going camping? Get ready for cooler weather!
Fall is a great time to enjoy our Girl Scout camps. The average low temperatures between September and November range from the mid-60s to the low 50s. You need to have the right gear to help keep you warm, especially at night. Planning and preparation are key. We’ll share a few tips with you. Pack a cold-weather sleeping bag that protects against temperatures lower than you expect. Remember temperatures at our Girl Scout camps are lower than those in Houston. Be sure to test your zipper as well. Bring a mix of clothing for layering. Layering is the key to staying comfortable and warm. Pack layers of breathable, waterresistant clothing. Wool, fleece and synthetic materials will keep you warm and dry. Avoid cotton clothing. Clothing that works well includes: q Thermal underwear as a base layer. q Light jacket, wool shirt/sweater, wind and water-resistant jacket. q Wool cap for sleeping and cooler windy days. q Gloves/mittens to keep your hands warm. Mittens tend to keep hands warmer because they give your fingers a chance to keep each other warm. q Sturdy boots with waterproof membrane, extra shoes and wool socks to keep your feet dry. q Rain poncho and plenty of changes of clothing to avoid wearing damp clothing. q Bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Be sure to apply it as needed. Follow these simple tips to stay warm and dry. We’re sure you’ll ‘fall’ in love with camping!
What is the state fish? The Guadalupe bass (Micropterus treculii) is the official state fish and is a rare, near threatened species. It is restricted to creeks and rivers (including the Guadalupe River, thus the name Guadalupe bass). This fish is often difficult to distinguish from the smallmouth bass or spotted bass. So far the record is 3 lbs 11.360 oz. caught by Dr. Bryan Townsend of Austin in 2014. The fish is only found in Edward's Plateau in central Texas. Its main habitats are the San Marcos, Colorado, Llano, and Guadalupe rivers. They can also be found in run-off creeks such as Barton Creek, Onion Creek, San Gabriel River and The Comal River. The Guadalupe bass prefer flowing waters of streams within native variety, and use covers like large rocks, cypress trees or stumps for refuge. The fish (especially juveniles and very old fish), unlike other bass, have an inclination towards insects. Guadalupe bass at their predatory peak prefer larger bait fish such as shad and small bass or bluegill. Here’s a question for next time: Since we’ve just learned about the state fish, what is the state fruit?
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Columns
We Invite you to Join the 1912 Club!
Philanthropy
Honoring the legacy of Juliette Gordon Low, the 1912 Club is a monthly giving program where you can set up a donation that will be automatically charged each month. By making a monthly recurring gift of $19.12 to Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, you honor the past and shape the future for local Girl Scouts today and tomorrow. Recurring gifts are an opportunity to make a bigger impact by allowing you to give more than you may through a one-time gift. Please join 1912 Club today by visiting gssjc.org/1912club. For more information, contact Connie Chavez at cchavez@sjgs.org.
Thank you for supporting GSSJC while back to school shopping Before you head out to do your back to school shopping this year, check out these simple and easy ways to financially support GSSJC. Share these opportunities with your friends and colleagues! Amazon: Make sure you shop via smile.amazon.com and search for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council or go to https://smile.amazon. com/ch/74-6001254 and link your Amazon account to us. A portion of eligible purchases will be donated back to GSSJC. Kroger: Visit krogercommunityrewards.com to link your Kroger Plus Card to Girl Scouts, and a portion of your purchase will be donated to GSSJC. Search for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council by name or by the organizational number 83762. This must be done yearly.
Thank You GSSJC Donors! May 1 – June 30, 2018.
$25,000+ - Ambassador United Way of Greater Baytown Area & Chambers County $10,000-$24,999 - Senior ExxonMobil Harriet and Joe Foster Foundation Reliant, an NRG Company The Simmons Foundation Wells Fargo $5,000-$9,999 - Cadette BBVA Compass Dr. Leon Bromberg Charitable Trust Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund Lowrey Community Service Grant The Lubrizol Corporation OCuSOFT Inc $1,000-$4,999 - Junior Bank of Texas BP Energy Company Entergy Texas Inc Mary Estimbo
Foundation for Southeast Texas Debbie Gonzalez Lynne Hackedorn Patty and Randy Keys Mary K. Ryder Smart Financial Foundation Troop #16983 United Way of Brazoria County United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County $250-$999 - Brownie Apache Corporation Bank of America Jo Blackburn Julie and Richard Boushka Susana Byron Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Sally A. Clark Kim K. Denney Ellen Elam Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois S. Pilar Grantham Michelle Green Claudia W. Hayslip
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The HCA Foundation Michelle S. Hendry Doris E. Hill Gwendolyn Husley Denna K. Johnson Sandra A. Judson Kroger Company Marathon Oil Corporation Janine McArdle Cassandra McZeal Margaret C. Montana Tricia Moody Amy G. Pierce Rotary Club of Livingston Safeway Inc. Brenda Schroeder Dianna Singh Carol Singleton Slade State Farm Companies Foundation The Sugar Land Skeeters Katherine M. Tamer Joyce Victory Memorials In Memory of Julie Luman Susana Byron In Memory of Kimberly Vaughan Susan E. Hetherington Jo Anne Miller
Honorariums In Honor of Craig Allen GSSJC
In Honor of Laura Liang GSSJC
In Honor of Mary Bass Mary K. Ryder
In Honor of Mary McIntire Mary K. Ryder
In Honor of Julie Goetschius Troop #1491 / CHS Class of 1972 Michelle Green In Honor of Dee Hinkle Mary K. Ryder In Honor of Jean Janssen Kim K. Denney GSSJC Monica King Catherine B. Smith In Honor of Corrie Jenkins GSSJC Katherine M. Tamer In Honor of Sue Kean Brenda Schroeder In Honor of Monica King GSSJC
In Honor of Troop #3097 Jo Blackburn In Honor of Troop #11022 Jo Blackburn In Honor of Jamie Vazquez GSSJC In Honor of Mary Vitek Sally A. Clark Harold McCollum In Honor of Dr. Barbara Willhouse Mary K. Ryder In Honor of Marguerite Woung-Chapman Mary K. Ryder
Columns
Service Projects From Around the Council Troop #157115 showed their appreciation to the Sugar Land Police Department by donating Girl Scout cookies.
Troop #136005 honored their community fire fighters by donating Girl Scout cookies.
Members of Troops #134007 and #134126 planted flowers for a community butterfly garden to celebrate Earth Day.
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Troops #120006 and #120024 joined forces to clean the community at Trash Bash.
arts & education abbreviated performance Tickets: $12
Patches: $3 at the show
December 7, 7-8:15pm THS Theatre 30330 Quinn Rd, Tomball, TX 77375
Troop #123072 participated in Trees for Houston, a local nonprofit that grows, plants and maintains thousands of trees across greater Houston.
earn the nutcracker patch, learn theatre etiquette, and meet the dancers! full-length performances offered Dec 8 & 9
call for info: 281.940.4721 www.hrbdance.org
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Scrapbook
GSSJC Scrapbook
Send your photos to ations@ communic clude sjgs.org. In in the # p oo your tr e. lin t subjec
Sending in your photos does not guarantee placement in Golden Link.
See your pictures on Facebook! Find your photos in a monthly scrapbook album on our page: facebook.com/gssjc
Troop #25360 planned, shopped and cooked meals for a weekend together in Galveston.
Troop #129115 participated in the Keep Fulshear Beautiful event by planting seeds and making bird feeders to earn their Make the World a Better Place petal.
Christina and Serena of Troop #13406 met the GSSJC CEO, incoming president and outgoing president while serving as voting delegates at the Annual Meeting. Elizabeth E. and Audrey E. of Troop #13601 earned their Animals badge by learning about wolves and making wolf treats. Troop #147045 had fun learning how to rough it in the rain during a camping trip.
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Troop #113035 learned basic first-aid methods, had a Q&A with paramedics and went on a n ambulance tour to earn their First Aid badge.
Scrapbook Members from Troops #134127, #134008, #134117 and #134007 enjoyed Disney on Ice at the NRG Stadium Girl Scout Night.
Troop #153002 went on a special behind-the-scenes tour of NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab. Troop #157003 had lots of laughs while earning their Clowning Around badge with the help of Fluffy the Clown.
Troop #21160 planned and enjoyed a trip to New York City after learning how to buy airfare, find hotels, plan activities, ride the subway and pack for a trip.
The Green Starlettes performed in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade and scored a photo with former GSSJC President, Jean Janssen.
Troop #129085 spent the day at Bayou Bend learning about the founding fathers of America.
Troop #11034 enjoyed the outdoors while hiking to the Colorado River during their first trip at Camp Myra S. Pryor.
Troop #21721 visited Galveston Island State Park for the Edible Plant Hike and Zombie Apocalypse Survival Hike. Members of Troops #18963 and #24291 enjoyed themselves at Cadette Weekend 2018: A Taste of Hollywood.
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YOUR NEXT FUN ADVENTURE IS AT MAIN EVENT!
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GIRL SCOUTS
ALL ACCESS
PASS
INCLUDES: Bowling, Billiards, Laser Tag, $10 in arcade game play, 2 slices of pizza & a medium soft drink.
PATCH INCLUDED! Private Room UPGRADES available for bridging ceremonies. This self-serve package requires advance booking and a 50% deposit. Price does not include tax. Laser Tag has a height requirement of 48� to play. Final headcounts are due no later than 5 days in advance. Activities vary by location. Contact your local center for additional details.
56 September/October 2018 l The Golden Link
ONLY
20
$
95
PER PERSON
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Let us help you earn this patch!
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JOURNEY
TO THE STARS AT THE GEORGE OBSERVATORY Join us for an adventure into space or explore the night on your Girl Scout Journeys! BROWNIES Passport to the Universe 2018: November 3 2019: February 2, April 6 and May 4
JUNIORS Journey to the Stars Overnight 2018: October 5-6, November 2-3, and December 7-8 2019: January 18-19, March 1-2, and May 17-18
CADETTE Night Owls Overnight 2018: September 21-22 2019: February 1-2, April 5-6 and May 3-4
Contact Barbara Brown at bbrown@hmns.org or call 281 242-3055 to register!
GEORGE OBSERVATORY Located inside Brazos Bend State Park
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Great way for troops to earn money for the year
Fall Product Program begins Sept. 21 Girl delivered order-taking for nuts and candy ends on Oct. 19. Girls set up their online storefront and take orders for direct shipped magazines, nuts and candy until Dec. 2.
Sell 50 items and ea rn me!
Start anytime! Online training available in early September.
Sell 75 item and ea s the co rn mpa neckla ss ce
Look online for even more items than what’s available on the order card. Plus...cyber week specials (available Nov. 26 – Dec. 2) include unique items that will be great for holiday gifts.
Troops, check the GSSJC Online Community on how you can earn a cookie booth kit this fall!
Raising Awesome Girls 5 Things She Needs for Back to School (That You Can’t Buy at Think back to your own school days. Whether you felt excited or nervous or just couldn’t wait to show your friends the new moves you learned at basketball camp— you wanted to be sure you were prepared for that first day back in the classroom. And while today’s back-toschool shopping lists might be more tech-focused than they were in your youth, much remains the same. Pocket folders are still adorned with kittens, unicorns, and super heroes (no shame in picking up one for yourself while you’re hitting the school supply aisles—they can hold grown up stuff like tax documents, too…) and that fresh crayon smell is just as you’ve always remembered it. Ah, nostalgia. But beyond pencils, paper, and glue sticks, there are a few back-to-school essentials you won’t find at your local big-box store, and that you can’t even order online. Girl Scouts’ Developmental Psychologist, Dr. Andrea Bastiani Archibald recommends adding these vital things to your girl’s back-to-school checklist: 1. A Bold Streak Raising your hand to ask for help, or to answer a question you’re not totally sure you have the right answer to, can take courage. So can trying out for the basketball team or running for student council. Help your girl get comfortable taking these kinds of risks by talking with her about the value of trying—and yes, of failing! The most successful leaders in our world take risks all the time. Many of them don’t work out, but the ones that do make it all worthwhile. 2. Team Spirit While it’s vital for your girl to feel confident completing tasks on her own, it’s just as crucial that she knows how to work collaboratively as part of a team. Talk with her about the importance of listening to others’ opinions (even if she doesn’t agree with them) and how everyone has something unique
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We want every girl to succeed. That’s why GSSJC is happy to bring you Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.’s Raising Awesome Girls, an online publication to help you and your Girl Scout answer questions, face challenges and find solutions to daily life. For more articles like this, visit www. girlscouts.org and find Raising Awesome Girls under the “For Adults” tab.
and valuable to add to the team effort. Oftentimes, the most innovative and creative ideas and solutions are reached when a group of diverse people put their minds together! 3. Social Smarts Making friends is easier for some kids than others. Give your girl some strategies to get to know her classmates. For instance, being observant and noticing characters, animals, or even music groups on other kids’ clothing, backpacks, or school supplies can help her start a conversation about things they have in common. Asking if they want to join in a game at recess or asking about the books they get at the school library can be good openers, too! 4. Energy to Learn Did you know that the National Sleep Foundation recommends that children aged 5 to 12 get between 10 and 11 hours of sleep each night? It’s true—and following their advice could raise your child’s test scores. A well-rested brain is better at retaining new information and at remembering what it’s already learned. And once your little learner is out of bed and getting ready for her school day, ensure that she gets a good breakfast—preferably one with protein and whole grains that will help her feel fuller longer and give her lasting energy. Many studies show a link between having a balanced breakfast and good school performance, so make sure to start her day off right! 5. A Supportive Adult—that’s YOU! Your girl needs you more than you may know. Get engaged by asking specific questions about her school day and showing interest in the things she’s learning. She’s growing into an independent girl but knowing you’re on her side will make her far more likely to discuss any academic or social challenges with you if they do arise. Plus, knowing you’re on her team and that you’re cheering her on in all that she does will help her confidence grow.
Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council 3110 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77098-4508
SCOUTS SAVE $5 on Tickets! FREE Commemorative Patch With Purchase of Each Scout Ticket Groups of 10 or more. Restrictions and exclusions may apply. No double discounts. Subject to availability.
NRG STADIUM NOV 7 – 11
1804203
For more information and to purchase group tickets, call 281-367-9717 or email Christina@TexasGroupTickets.com.
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