Golden THE
LINK
The Official Publication of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council | Volume 45 Issue 1
Jan./Feb. 2019
It’s Girl Scout Cookie Time!
Troop #111016 braved the waters of Shadow Lake while canoeing at Camp Agnes Arnold. See more Scrapbook photos on page 42
President of the Council and Chair of the Board Dee Hinkle Chief Executive Officer Mary Vitek Chief External Affairs Officer Connie Chavez Visual Brand Manager Joanne Pastalaniec 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 713-292-0314. Advertisements are accepted in good faith that all the information is correct. Acceptance of advertising does not reflect endorsement of services or goods by the Council. The Golden Link is published six times a year by Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098 713-292-0300 The Golden Link is also available to read online at www.gssjc.org/publications Copyright Š2019. All rights reserved. Please recycle this publication.
Contents
January/February 2019 4 4
From the Top Shop News
Special Feature 5
What You Need to Know
Features 13 13 13 14 15 16 17
Adult Recognition Event 2019 Join Us at Just Desserts Celebrate World Thinking Day The Many Faces of Girl Scouts Celebrate Girl Scout Week Girl Scout Partners and Affiliates Congratulations Gold Award Recipients
Activities
18 Weekend Camp Activities 19 Archery 19 Backpacking 19 Canoeing 19 Environmental 20 Fine Arts 22 General Activities 25 Health 27 High Adventure 27 Highest Awards 28 History 28 Horseback Riding 29 Sailing 30 Sports 31 STEM 33 Swimming 33 Travel
Page 5
Columns
34 Adult Trainings 36 Around Camp 37 Philanthropy 38 Moment in History 39 Service Projects
Council Scrapbook Page 40
Did you know...The Golden Scoop, a monthly Council email to all parents, 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: Members of Troop #118035 get ready for a great Cookie Program. January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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What a wonderful fall it has been for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC). The weather has (finally) cooled off and everyone is back to school and settled into a routine. We made it through the hurricane season without a repeat of Harvey and his destruction and disruption. Weather has also been kind in that none of our activities Dee Hinkle have been limited due to drought. Chair of the Board and For so many reasons, I sense that President of the Council the mood in the council is positive and upbeat. It was during this period of positivity that I was asked to join Sylvia Acevedo, the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), for dinner. Sylvia is an energetic, creative, articulate leader. Our organization is lucky to have her at the helm. One of the many insightful things she shared during dinner was that she sees “the success of our organization depending on the 3M’s: membership, money and the Movement”. As I reflected on the evening during the drive home, I kept returning to the 3M’s and resolved to evaluate how GSSJC is doing relative to them. Being an engineer, I started to dig into the numbers, but before I could finish my analysis, I participated in the quarterly board chair teleconference. Sylvia again spoke about the 3M’s, focusing specifically on membership. She related that GSUSA recently conducted a voice of the customer survey. One of the very informative bits of information obtained was that many families with daughters eligible to join Girl Scouts didn’t join because they were not asked. Most stated that they would have joined if anyone had asked them. Sylvia closed by saying that her experience with Girl Scouts had such a meaningful impact on her life and that she would never be content as long as there was a single girl who wanted to be a Girl Scout who had not been asked to join. In Sylvia’s words, I had my answer about GSSJC’s membership performance. I didn’t need a graph. The answer is simple. As long as there is a single girl who would benefit from the programs offered by Girl Scouts, we have not met our membership goal. Cookie season is a great time to capitalize on our visibility by seeking out girls who would like to participate and ask them to join. Our goal is to find a troop for every girl, so let Customer Service help you solve logistical challenges. From Brownies who are too shy to look you in the eye or speak in front of their peers who go on to become rocket scientist to Susan Soh, our National Gold Award Girl Scout who changed the life of young children in Guatemala by helping them learn to read, you never know the impact Girl Scouts might have. Let’s all resolve that we will ask those who are not members to join us to develop young women of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
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 January 14. View our shop hours online or call before you go.
New Leader Must-Knows!
Are you a new Girl Scout leader? Here are some things you need to know for the next few months.
1 2 3 4
Girl Scout Cookie Program is officially underway and runs through March 24. Get your troop involved! Select a troop cookie manager, take online training and you’re ready to go! For more info, visit gssjc.org/cookies. GSUSA’s Cookie Pro contest returns! Join the nationwide celebration by entering Jan. 2 – April 30 by creating your own superhero comic. Twenty-four girls will win an all-expenses paid trip to a VIP experience at Warner Bros. Studios in southern California. Visit girlscouts.org/cookiepro for details. World Thinking Day is Feb. 22. On this day, we celebrate the sisterhood of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world. Visit girlscouts.org/worldthinkingday for activities for your troop level. Get ready for: Girl Scout Week March 10-16! This week celebrates the founding of Girl Scouts on March 12, 1912 and troops are encouraged to celebrate Girl Scouting in the community.
Special Feature
2019 Cookie Program Why you absolutely should participate in the 2019 Cookie Program Want to know a Girl Scout secret? Cookie season never really ends – at least, not at the Girl Scout Center. GSSJC staff is always thinking about how to make our Cookie Program even better – how to improve trainings, how to improve the girl experience and how to make it easy for you to participate. It’s that secret that helped GSSJC become one of the top selling councils in the past four years! And with your help, you can help us repeat that success. How does a successful Cookie Program impact you? Lots of ways! Girls earn funds that help them do amazing things. They might choose to use their funds for a service project and feed hungry kids in their neighborhood. Maybe they’ll go to a STEM workshop, become inspired and grow up to be the scientist that discovers the cure to cancer. Or those cookie funds could send a girl to camp where she breaks out of her shell, gains confidence and wows everyone with her leadership. The possibilities are endless, really. In addition to the many benefits to girls – which you’ll read more about shortly – the Cookie Program also helps the council do things like feed horses at Camp Misty Meadows, add kayaks and corcls at Camp Agnes Arnold and maintain all our camp properties so girls have a place to experience the outdoors. When your daughter participates in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, she isn’t just selling grandma a couple packages of Thin Mints. She has the opportunity to change the world, to make Girl Scouting better for future Girl Scouts and, most importantly, transform herself, step by step, into a young woman of courage, confidence and character.
Cookies4Heroes Returns
Earn a patch for supporting our heroes. Through our virtual cookie share or Cookeis4Heroes program, girls earn a patch when customers show their support by donating their purchases to support first responders and organizations that support the military. Girls earn the patch when customers donate 12+ packages to Cookies4Heroes. Qualifying troops will have the opportunity to help distribute to local first responders and organizations that support our military. Cookies4Heroes cookies can be ordered and paid for online through the ABC Smart Cookie Direct. The customer can order as few as one package or as many as they want and pay by credit card. There will be a $1.25 processing fee for each transaction. Girls can collect at time of order if no additional cookies are ordered.
NEW THIS YEAR! Girls can now accept credit card payments on any data-enabled smart phone or tablet when they deliver cookies! No card reader device is required. Simply use the OCR feature in the Clover Go application. Talk with your troop cookie manager to see if your troop is participating.
Give the Gift of Girl Scout Cookies
Your customers can now order keepsake gift boxes filled with up to five packages of any variety. Great idea to celebrate any special occasions. Send to your friends, family or work colleagues. Add a personal touch with the ability to include a personalized note.
Girls in our 2018 pilot program sold an average of 100 packages more than the previous year using credit cards at delivery and at booths.
Customers buy from the girls' online cookie page, and ABC sends the box of treats directly to the recipient.
Ships when ordered. Only available during Cookie Program. January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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Special Feature
How the 5 Skills of the Girl Scout Cookie Program benefit your daughter
Whether you’re brand new to Girl Scouts or a seasoned veteran, there’s no doubt that by now you’ve heard something about the 5 Skills girls learn by participating in the Cookie Program. But what are those skills and what does their impact actually look like? Here’s your guide to the 5 Skills:
The 5 Skills
By practicing their pitch, deciding how to run their cookie booth and managing payments for a box of Thin Mints, girls are learning valuable skills that could lead to owning their own business or becoming a Fortune 500 CEO someday. Yes, really! Learn more about the 5 Skills and, more importantly, why they matter: 1. Goal Setting: Girls set cookie sales goals and, with their troop, create a plan to reach them. This matters because girls need to know how to set and reach goals to succeed in school, on the job and in life. 2. Decision Making: Girls decide where and when to sell cookies, how to market their sale and what to do with their earnings. This matters because girls must make many decisions, big and small, in their lives. Learning this skill helps them make good ones. 3. Money Management: Girls develop a budget, take cookie orders and handle customers’ money. This matters because girls need to know how to handle money—from their lunch money to their allowance to (someday) their paycheck. 4. People Skills: Girls learn how to talk (and listen!) to their customers, as well as learn how to work as a team with other girls. This matters because it helps them do better in school (on group projects, on sports teams, and on the playground) and, later, at work. 5. Business Ethics: Girls act honestly and responsibly during every step of the Cookie Program. This matters because employers want to hire ethical employees–and the world needs ethical leaders in every field.
How the 5 Skills impacts her now
Those are all big-picture ways the Girl Scout Cookie Program can have a lasting impact on a girl, but what about right now? You may not notice it all at once, but participation in the Cookie Program can lead to small changes that will eventually have a big impact. When girls sell Girl Scout Cookies: • They learn to set goals and meet deadlines. That means your daughter won’t tell you last minute that her science fair project is due tomorrow. • They learn to work well with others. That means your daughter will do better on school projects or as a member of a sports team. • They learn to talk and listen to all kinds of people. That means your daughter will be able to ask a teacher for help or navigate the school cafeteria more easily. • They learn how to handle money and make decisions about how to use it. That means your daughter will learn about spending, saving and giving to those in need. • They learn to act honestly and fairly. That means your daughter’s friends, classmates and teachers will count on her and think of her as trustworthy.
Why the 5 Skills matter
When your Girl Scout has learned these skills, she’ll be poised for success in her career. Think about it: when employers interview job candidates, they all look for the same things. This is true whether the employer is a bank, high-tech company, university, hospital or publishing house. They all want: • Someone who can set goals and meet deadlines. Blowing a deadline can mean blowing a deal! • Someone who works well with others. Who wants to deal with strife and complaining in the workplace? Not the boss! • Someone who understands customers. It doesn’t matter whether the customers are hospital patients, TV viewers or other companies–every business has to know its customers and what they want. • Someone who can influence others. This doesn’t just mean selling a product. Employers want people who can sell ideas, pitch projects and make deals. • Someone who is honest, trustworthy and reliable. This kind of goes without saying–or it should! • Sound like anyone you know? That’s your Girl Scout, using the 5 Skills she learned in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. 6
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Special Feature
How to help your Girl Scout succeed
Now that you know more about the 5 Skills and what they can do for your Girl Scout, here are a few simple ways you can help her get ready for the Cookie Program right now:
Special Feature
• • • • • • •
Listen to her practice her sales pitch. Review cookie materials together and visit girlscoutcookies.com or abcsmartcookies.com with her to help her learn more about her product. Ask her questions–maybe even pretend to be a potential customer. Guide her to set practical and useful goals about what she wants to learn and earn. Listen to her describe what her goals are for the money earned through the sale. Be a role model for business ethics and safety rules. Have fun with her!
Remember that the Girl Scout Cookie Program is a part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which is girl-driven. Let your Girl Scout take the lead in selling cookies and reaching goals. Your encouragement, coaching and guidance will be key ingredients to a successful Cookie Program experience for her.
Financial Empowerment
Money management is a vital piece of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Girls will be keeping track of payments, totaling orders, managing their cookie inventory and more. Learning financial literacy is something researchers and educators agree needs to happen at a young age. In addition, GSUSA research shows girls are interested in entrepreneurship. Girl Scouting addresses the need for both financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. How? Girls learn the 5 Skills by selling cookie with guidance from adults. If they want to further their business skills, they can earn the Cookie Business badges.
Girl Scouts’ Financial Literacy badges offer K-12 curriculum.
For girls who want to go even further by creating their own business, they can do all of the above plus the Innovation badges, which adds to the entrepreneurship program. All “learning by doing” curriculum can be found in The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting. Here’s how it all comes together: Badge Category
Daisy (K-1)
Innovation
Brownie (2-3)
Junior (4-5) Cadette (6-8)
Senior (9-10)
Inventor
Product Designer
Social Innovator
Entrepreneur
Ambassador (11-12)
Cookie Business I
Count It Up
Meet My Customers
Cookie CEO Business Plan
My Portfolio
Research & Development
Cookie Business II
Talk It Up
Give Back
Customer Insights
Customer Loyalty
P&L
On My Own
Cookie Business III
Marketing Think Big
Financial Literacy I
Money Counts
Money Manager
Business Owner
Budgeting
Financing My Future
Financial Literacy II
Making Choices
Philanthropist
Savvy Shopper
Comparison Shopping
Buying Power Good Credit
Financial Literacy III
Financing My Dreams
Enter a Cookie Program Contest! Why Girl Scout Cookie lovers DON’T buy cookies
Do you know the number one reason why Girl Scout Cookie lovers don’t buy a box of cookies? It’s very simple: because a girl never asks them. There are a lot of savvy cookie customers out there who know about the 5 Skills, know the Girl Scout Cookie Program is a girl-led business and probably have participated in the program themselves at some point in their lives. They don’t need a perfect cookie pitch – they just want to hear the girl ask them, “Would you like to buy Girl Scout Cookies?” and hear a little bit about what she’ll do with the funds she earns from the program. Plain and simple. You never know if asking that simple, magical question is all that’s standing between you and an order for 20 packages of Thin Mints. January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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Special Feature Special Feature
Cookie Contests! When you’re running the world’s largest girl-led business and selling cookies, you’ve got to have a little fun! To make the 2019 Cookie Program the best ever, girls can participate in these upcoming contests to make their cookie booth stand out.
GSUSA’s Cookie Pro – For girls
What’s your barrier-breaking, goal-crushing, worldchanging superpower? Join the nationwide celebration by entering the Cookie Pro™ contest from January 2 through April 30, 2019, and let us know! Girl Scouts and the bold and brave DC Super Hero Girls™ are teaming up to help young cookie entrepreneurs across the country unleash that unstoppable G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™, shine, share their unique cookie stories of skill and strength with the world like a super hero, and enter for a chance to win an epic adventure they’ll never forget. Our incredible Cookie Program participants will have the chance to win the Cookie Entrepreneur Experience of a lifetime featuring the similarly self-starting, passionate, and creative DC Super Hero Girls. They'll also get to meet prominent entrepreneurs, tour Warner Bros. Studios, and best of all, put their I-can-do-anything capes in motion to accomplish amazing things! Grand Prize! Twenty-four girls nationwide—four per Girl Scout grade level—will be selected for the epic opportunity to: • Travel to sunny southern California for an all-expenses paid Cookie Entrepreneur Experience • Go on an incredible behind-the-scenes VIP adventure at Warner Bros. Studios • Take part in super-cool activities featuring the inspiring and visionary DC Super Hero Girls™ • Meet successful entrepreneurs and business leaders • Attend a very special Girl Scout Cookie Pro recognition event • And more! Sounds pretty amazing, right? So get ready to unleash your very own superpowers this cookie season for your ultimate chance to SHINE! Learn more and enter at girlscouts.org/cookiepro.
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Bling Your Booth Contest – For girls
Are you ready for a Cookie Booth challenge? From Feb. 22 – March 24, host and “bling” your cookie booth for a chance to win your photo on the cover of the Nov/Dec 2019 Golden Link! Here’s how it works: • Hold a cookie booth anytime between Feb. 22 and March 24 • Decorate your cookie booth emphasizing the 5 Skills, your troop goal and what you plan to do with your proceeds • Submit your photo at gssjc.org/blingyourbooth. - form opens on Friday, Feb. 22 One entry per troop. All activities featured must abide by Safety Activity Checkpoints and all other guidelines to qualify. Deadline to submit entries is March 28. • Be sure to have the correct number of girls/adults at the booth These items are REQUIRED to qualify for Bling Your Booth prizes: • Display your troop’s sales goal • Show what the troop will do with the proceeds earned • Display the 5 Skills girls learn in the Cookie Program (goal setting, decision making, money management, business ethics and people skills) Photos without these three required items clearly displayed will not be considered. What you could win: • ONE troop will be selected to appear on the cover of the Nov/Dec 2019 Golden Link • 10 troops meeting requirements will be selected at random to receive a Bling Your Booth patch for every member • All photos will be considered for inclusion in upcoming council publications and marketing materials. Winning troops will be notified via email by Friday, April 12. Due to the number of entries received annually, only winning troops will be notified. Enter online at gssjc.org/blingyourbooth.
Walkabout – For girls
Who can resist our esteemed sweet treats when a Girl Scout is at their front door with their favorite cookies?! Not us! Door-to-door sales remains one of the most effective ways to sell cookies. In a recent national study, 78% of those customers who were not approached during a cookie sale stated they would have purchased 2–4 packages if asked. Go door-to-door in your neighborhood and visit cookie customers you may have missed or who might want to restock their favorites! Follow all safety guidelines. When you participate in our 2019 Walkabout March 8 – 10, you will receive a special Walkabout patch. Here’s how to claim your patch: 1. Visit gssjc.org/walkabout 2. Complete and submit the form on this page 3. Email your photo to communications@sjgs.org Entries are due no later than Tuesday, March 12 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Entries submitted after this time will not be accepted.
Special Feature
Boost Your Cookie Booth
Looking for some ideas to get you started for the Bling Your Booth contests? Encourage girls to take ownership of their Girl Scout cookie booth sale by teaching good booth etiquette and basic merchandising strategy. There are lots of fun ways to attract customers to your booth. Use the suggestions below for even more ideas for creative booths! 6 Tips to FUN Up Your Booth Sale 1. Come up with a special dance that everyone does if someone buys four or more packages. 2. Make a special section of your booth a “Donate cookies to Cookies4Heroes” section. That way if people say they don’t want to eat the cookies they can still support your troop. 3. If your host allows it, play fun music at your booth to keep the energy high. 4. Set up a screen behind the booth and project photos that show people what your troop is all about. 5. Share recipe cards with your customers. Have a sample of the finished product available to see at the booth sale. 6. Every hour, on the hour, have everyone do the wave. You’ll teach the girls that running a business can also be fun! Get The Word Out: • Sign up for a booth through ABC Smart Cookies. This is the official – and only – way to sign up for a cookie booth in GSSJC. Once you sign up, your cookie booth will be added into the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app. Keep in mind, it’s important to keep your cookie booth dates. Customers are utilizing the Cookie Finder app more and more to find cookies or buy one more package, and your booth might be the date they find! • Decorate your booth. Use materials that communicate your group's goal, and don't forget to display the Girl Scout logo prominently. Research shows that girls sell more when the Girl Scout logo is visible. You can download the logo and more at abcsmartcookies.com by clicking on the Resources Tab. • Promote your group's goal. Display your goal poster and decorate with pictures of where you plan to travel or a social issue your group wants to address, for example. Customers love to help Girl Scouts reach their goals! • Feature your favorite cookie with a clever poster.
Finishing Touches • Stack 'em high and watch 'em fly! Get creative with eye-catching package arrangements. • Offer samples to prospective customers. • Share cookie recipes with each purchase. • Create a theme to promote any leftover cookies. Good Booth Etiquette • Dress neatly and for the weather. • Wear something that identifies you as a Girl Scout. • Be polite. • Follow any rules the store requires. • Approach customers only once. The best practice is to ask on their way out of the store. • Stay out of people’s walkway. • It's her time to shine - make sure girls are the ones sharing information. • Help girls develop and practice their "elevator speech" before the sale. • Prepare for questions like, "What is your favorite cookie?" or "Which cookies contain nuts?" • Keep an order card handy for quick access to nutritional information and ingredient lists. • Smile and thank all customers, whether they buy or not.
Important Dates
Cookie Program Starts – Saturday, Jan. 5 Initial Order Ends – Sunday, Jan. 20 Cookie Delivery – Feb. 9 – 16 Cupboards Open – Wednesday, Feb. 20 Booth Sales Begin – Friday, Feb. 22 National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend – Feb. 23 – 24 Cookie Program Ends – Sunday, March 24
Get rewarded for your awesome initial order!
All girls who sell at least 180 packages on their initial order will receive the Inspire, Imagine, Innovate! Drawstring backpack with their initial cookie delivery.
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Special Feature
Celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend Feb. 22- 24
Keep the fun going all Cookie Season and celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend Feb. 22 – 24! This weekend Girl Scouts around the country will celebrate the Girl Scout Cookie Program, the largest girl-led business in the world. Here are some simple ways you can celebrate with your Girl Scout, your troop or your family and friends. Talk about Girl Scout Cookies! Talk to eight new customers about the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Tell them what goal you’ve set for yourself and how you or your troop will use the proceeds you receive from the sale. Decorate your yard! With a parent’s permission, make a sign for your yard encouraging neighbors to buy Girl Scout Cookies and put it out Feb. 22 – 24. (Follow your HOA’s rules for yard signs!)
Earn a pin! Work on earning the Girl Scout Cookie Program Activity Pin! Find the requirements at: girlscouts.org/program/ gs_cookies/cookie_activity.asp Prep for booth sales! Work with your troop to plan some extra special decor this year by decorating posters, making up a song, coming up with an outrageous theme for your booth or planning what to wear from cookie costumes to your Girl Scout vest.
Wear it! Wear your Girl Scout cookie T-shirt, Girl Scout pin or Girl Scout vest to school on Feb. 22 to let your friends and teachers know you’re proud to be a Girl Scout. (Follow your school’s rules for attire!)
Download the app! Tech savvy? Show 10 customers with smartphones how to download the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app so they can locate cookie booths near them!
Decorate a car! With a parent’s permission, decorate car windows with cookie messaging, snap a picture and email it to communications@sjgs.org - we’ll share it on social media!
Go Smart Cookie crazy! Using Smart Cookies to up your cookie game? Set a goal to send 10 additional e-cards to new customers, encouraging them to get their order in during National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend.
Think about including: Mention of National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend Dates: Feb. 22 – 24 “Find cookies near you at girlscoutcookies.org” Make the original! Take the Internet Safety Pledge on girlscouts.org. With a parent, research online, or in Girl Scout books, to find the original Girl Scout cookie recipe. Then make a batch!
Throw a party! Host a National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend party to celebrate Girl Scout Cookies! Invite your troop, fellow Girl Scouts or family and friends to celebrate. Add some flair to your party with balloons, streamers, party poppers and more! Snap a picture, and email it to communications@sjgs.org - we’ll share it on social media.
Top 5 reasons your daughter should absolutely participate in the 2019 Cookie Program
1. Life skills: The Cookie Program helps girls develop unparalleled leadership skills that will stay with them for life, including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. 2. It’s easy to participate: Your designated troop cookie manager can access training online at a date and time that’s most convenient. And digital resources, like Smart Cookies, will offer girls web- and mobile-based resources to track and manage their business. 3. Financial benefits: Troops will earn money to help offset the cost of activities, outings, program supplies and so much more. Individually, girls can even use their Cookie Dough to spend a week at resident camp! 4. Earn rewards: There’s a special theme for the Cookie Program every year, and girls can work towards earning special rewards which helps with goal setting! 5. Girls will thank you for it: Nearly 80 percent of all women business owners were Girl Scouts, and many successful business women say they got their start selling Girl Scout Cookies. Thanks to caring volunteers and parents, like you, girls who participate in the Cookie Program gain courage, confidence and character to pursue their dreams.
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Join the Cookie Program today!
It’s never too late to join the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Maybe you’re excited about your daughter learning the 5 Skills, or maybe your girls have a fantastic idea for a creative cookie booth you just know will win GSUSA’s Bling Your Booth. The program might be about to kick off, but getting involved has never been easier. Here are the steps you need to take to join the Cookie Program today: Step one: request your role 1. Go to www.gssjc.org and click on the sign in link in the upper right portion of the main landing page. 2. If this is your first time logging in, you will be asked to allow the Volunteer Toolkit to access certain information. We would encourage you to take full advantage of the Volunteer Toolkit and allow access. You can revoke access at any time by visiting your Settings page. 3. Click on Member Profile. 4. Select Membership from the menu bar. 5. Here you will find any role that is available for renewal. You have several options, you can decide later, renew or do not renew. Once you have made your selections click Continue. It’s as easy at that! 6. You have several search options, fill in the Troop/Group number and/or the zip code you want to volunteer. Then click on Search. All of the available volunteer roles will show in the Search Results section. 7. Click in the box to the left of the position(s) you are volunteering. The selection will move from the Search Results section to the Your Selections section directly above the Search Results. After reviewing your elections, Click Next. It is as simple as that! 8. Follow any directions that you receive after clicking the Next button. Each volunteer’s experience will be slightly different based on their previous volunteer involvement and where they are in the volunteer process. If you would like to review the roles you have selected after completing this process, simply click on Family Renewal from the menu bar. Remember you can return to this site by clicking on MyGS option from the council’s website. If you have any difficulties declaring your role, please contact Customer Service at gssjc.org/contactus, customerservice@sjgs.org or 713-292-0300. Step two: take training online at any time! You can find online training listings on www.gssjc.org. Click on Activities and search for “troop cookie manager” in the search box. Scroll down until you see the Troop Cookie Manager Training 2018-2019 and click on Register Now. The next landing page will ask you to log in, if you haven’t. On the next landing page click on Find an Online Training. Click on Register at the end of the Training Course table on the course and then click on Confirm Registration on the next landing page. You will be sent an email with your link to log into the online training site. The Cookie Program goes through March 24, so there's still more than two months to participate! Best practice tip: Log out of your MyGS account before going to your email inbox to open the email with the link to enter the online training site.
Cookie price increases to $5 for all varieties in 2019
As you may have heard previously via email, starting in 2019 all varieties of Girl Scout Cookies will be priced at $5 per box. This includes the new gluten free Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie that will be available online and in the booth portion of the sale. For more than a year, the council has been exploring increasing the price of a package of Girl Scout Cookies. After conducting a financial analysis and receiving feedback from volunteers, a recommendation to increase the price per package was approved by the council board. As of 2019, more than 50 of the 112 Girl Scout councils will be selling at this price point. Over the past six years, GSSJC has absorbed cost increases from the baker while maintaining our price point. Much like the changing price of milk or gas, a price increase is necessary to maintain the quality of our product. Most importantly, this change will result in an increase in funds earned by troops, groups and Communities. Girl rewards have also been updated. Proceeds from the Cookie Program will still be used to: bring our members high-quality programs and experiences; maintain and enhance camp properties and Girl Scout facilities to help the council continue to provide a premier camp experience to girls; and keep the cost of programs and trainings nominal for girls and volunteers. Here is a look at the revised proceeds and rewards plan: We are happy to share that troops will earn 75 cents per package sold in 2019, a 15-cent increase over last year. As in the past, older girl troops will have the option to forgo recognition items and earn 83 cents per package sold in 2019, also a 15-cent increase over last year. In addition, troops can earn more per package if the council, as a whole, reaches two goals: • If 389,500 cases of cookies are sold in 2019, troops will earn an additional 4 cents per package.(The total would be 79 cents or if you choose the older girl option, the total would be 87 cents per package.) • If 408,000 cases of cookies are sold in 2019, troops will earn an additional 4 cents per package. (The total would be 83 cents or if you choose the older girl option, the total would be 91 cents per package.)
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Special Feature
Troop #122286 uses Cookie Program proceeds to give back to community
For Troop #122286, participating in the Cookie Program means their troop could do more – more service projects and more fun! Troop leader Lauren Lindsay says participating in the Cookie Program is also a chance to teach her troop important skills about money management, customer relations and responsibility. It also teaches the girls decision making since they’re the ones deciding how to use the proceeds they earn. “[In the 2018 Cookie Program] they each had to bring in a charity and explain why they thought the others should vote for it, what it did for the community, etc.,” said Lauren. “The one with the most votes won. We did secret ballots so there was no undue influencing. This helps them to make decisions and to learn how to give persuasive arguments.” Once the decision of how to use their proceeds was set, the troop agreed on their goal of how many packages each girl needs to sell. “We say if we sell [a certain number of] packages, we can donate this much to charity,” said Lauren. “If we hit that goal, we vote on something fun they get to do. By showing them how many packages equals how much money for our troop, we are doing money math and goal-setting. I am a goals-based financial planner, so this is a good skill to learn early!” So what did Troop #122286 do with their proceeds in 2018? The girls met – and exceeded – their troop goal and used their funds to visit Friends for Life and donate supplies to the pet shelter. (Playing with cats was a bonus!) “We also delivered the actual packages we donated to the food pantry, as it is next to our school, and we got to meet the recipients,” said Lauren. “I think having the girls see the beneficiaries of the funds helps and motivates them to sell more, so we can donate more.” The troop will decide this January what to do with the funds they earn from the 2019 Cookie Program, and we can’t wait to see what they do next. To learn more about the Cookie Program and how to get started, visit gssjc.org/cookies.
Troop #17051 saves cookie proceeds for European adventure
With a bit of patience, goal-setting and business savvy, the Cadettes in Troop #17051 are saving up for a European adventure during cookie season. Based on their budget, the troop hopes to take their trip in the summer of 2022 and visit England, France and Germany. And participation in the Cookie Program will make it possible without parents having to shell out big bucks to send their Girl Scouts abroad. “Selling cookies enables our troop to do everything we want to do without parents having to pay for girl or leader activities,” said Troop Leader Rhonda Murray. “Many in our troop could not participate if the troop was not self-supporting.” Many older girl troops across the council join the Cookie Program with a goal like a trip abroad in mind. Rhonda says she sees the girls in her troop understanding that Girl Scouting can offer more than just friendship and badges – it also offers adventure. The girls also understand that to make those adventures possible, they must put in the work – a skill that will benefit them throughout their lives. “The Cookie Program [also] teaches our girls perseverance as we work slow booths, kindness as we speak to each passerby, persistence as we get no’s in door to door sales, and it pushes them to be and do more than they ever thought they could,” said Rhonda. In addition to saving for their European adventure, Troop #17051 also sets aside funds for a service project near and dear to their hearts for the past seven years: Operation Christmas Child. Each year, the troop uses some of their cookie proceeds to purchase items like toothbrushes, clothing, small toys and crafts, then packs them in shoeboxes for the organization. Rhonda estimates the troop has sent more than 1,000 shoeboxes. “Supporting Operation Christmas Child is important to the troop because we are thinking about a child opening a shoebox and having a whole bunch of new things that are their very own which they can keep for themselves or share,” said Rhonda. “Receiving school supplies and being able to go to school can change a child’s life.” Visiting GSSJC’s camp properties is another major use of the troop’s cookie proceeds. A portion of each package of cookies sold in our council supports the maintenance of our camps. “Cookie profits make our camps amazing, and we use them as often as possible,” said Rhonda. Troop #17051 also says participation in the Cookie Program is key for every troop for several reasons: girls will blossom as they learn new skills; cookies are easy to sell and the proceeds make so much of the Girl Scout experience possible; and girls see the rewards of their hard work. Most important of all though: the impact it has on parents. “When your parents see how their time during cookie season is rewarded with all the benefits for their girls, they will see it is all worth it,” said Rhonda.
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Join us for a delicious trip around the world!
Just Desserts is an evening full of sweet treats made from Girl Scout Cookies. This event, which started as a donor appreciation event and is now open to the public due to overwhelming demand, is one you won’t want to miss! Join GSSJC as local chefs serve up a delicious dessert created from Girl Scout Cookies. This year we’re taking a trip Around the World, with stops along the way at all of the Girl Scout World Centers. Join us for a taste of Mexico, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Africa and India on this culinary adventure. Guests will spend the evening indulging their sweet tooth amidst themed décor- and it’s all for a good cause! Proceeds from the event’s ticket purchases benefit Girl Scouting locally. Just Desserts 2019 Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 1811 Briar Oaks Ln., Houston, TX 77027 Tickets are available for $35 each through Jan. 11. (Adults only) Visit gssjc.org/justdesserts for more details or to get your tickets today!
Celebrate World Thinking Day on Feb. 22
Take the lead on February 22 to celebrate World Thinking Day with Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from 150 countries! (That’s one big celebration!) World Thinking Day originated in 1926. That’s when delegates from around the globe met at Camp Edith Macy–now called Edith Macy Conference Center–in New York State and agreed that February 22 would henceforth be known as a special day for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide. Every year since, World Thinking Day has called for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides to join together and take part in activities that promote changing the world for the better. This year’s World Thinking Day theme is Leadership; check out our activity guides at the website below to explore many different ways girls can be leaders and create the change they want to see in the world–and celebrate being part of the global sisterhood that is Girl Scouts and Girl Guides! World Thinking Day 2019 is all about time-travel adventure. Learn more, download activity guides for girls and find resources for taking action on behalf of girls around the world at girlscouts.org/worldthinkingday.
You’re invited!
2019 Adult Recognition Event Sat., April 6, 2019 Ann Temple Allen Lodge at Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe $20 per ticket Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served. Register online only. Deadline March 31. GSSJC wishes to extend a personal invitation to members and friends of the Girl Scout family to attend the annual Adult Recognition Event. Join us for a memorable day honoring some of San Jacinto Council’s most distinguished volunteers and community leaders who have made significant contributions to the Girl Scout Movement. Any individual, group or family wanting to show support for the honoring of Girl Scout volunteers and community partners is encouraged to attend. Registration is available online at gssjc.org/ activities – search for Adult Recognition Event. Communities, families or groups may want to reserve a Friendship Table for six by completing the 2019 GSSJC Recognition Event Table Reservation Form GSSJC O-631 below or online. Table placements will be made according to the date the form is received. The table form is ONLY necessary to reserve table placement for persons wanting to sit together; all tickets must be purchased online. Table forms can be mailed to Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Attn: Porscha Jackson, 3110 Southwest Fwy., Houston, Texas 77098 or emailed to pjackson@sjgs.org. For additional assistance or questions about Adult Recognition Event, contact Porscha Jackson at 713-292-0285 or pjackson@sjgs.org. For inquiries regarding the Annual Meeting, which follows the Adult Recognition Event, contact Karyn Smith at 713-292-0305 or ksmith@sjgs.org.
Recognition event table reservation
HOSTESS INFORMATION (Deadline March 31, 2019) Tables will be assigned in date order received. Hostess Name _________________________________________ Address______________________________________________ Phone _________________Email_________________________ Community/Group Name________________________________ Form ___of_____(A maximum of four tables may be submitted for grouping together.) Table Guests 1. _________________________________________________ 2
_________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________ 4. _________________________________________________ 5. _________________________________________________ 6. _________________________________________________ January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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The Many Faces of Girl Scouts: Robert Rice When asked why he first started volunteering with Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Robert Rice pointed to his daughter. Rice’s daughter joined the Mariners program, GSSJC’s sailing special interest group, at age 11. When her interest grew from a hobby to a passion, Rice felt compelled to follow her. “I figured if she was coming all the time, I needed to do my part to support the effort,” Rice said. “I quickly discovered [that] there’s a great group of adults here, so I stayed involved and kept doing new things.” Rice went above and beyond in his volunteering role with the Mariners program, graduating from dish duty to sailing instructor and instruction coordinator. “The quality of what we do in terms of teaching, instructing and testing is really high level,” said Rice. “We do a lot of work on instructor development for the adults and for older girls as well, so older girls can qualify as sailing instructors.” In addition to teaching sailing courses, Rice spearheaded new experiences for the Mariners, like getting them invited to Sea Star Base Galveston, a historical first for Girl Scouts. “This was the first time they had a crew that was only girls, and definitely the first time they had a group of Girl Scouts,” said Rice. “I think the staff of Sea Star Base Galveston was universally surprised at the quality of [their] sailing skill. They didn’t have much expectation that these girls actually know what they’re doing.” Rice worked for six months to get the Mariners invited to Sea Star Base Galveston, championing the girls’ knowledge and “seaworthiness” to participate. This determination to prove that women can do anything shines in all of Rice’s actions, especially his fostering of the relationship between the Mariners and the U.S. Coast Guard. In addition to his volunteering roles with Girl Scouts, Rice is also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, a uniformed volunteer component of the Coast Guard. Through his connections, Rice facilitated events for the Mariners such as tours of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station and helicopter rescue demonstrations at Camp Casa Mare.“I want the girls to see that there is this whole world of public service opportunities; that the Coast Guard does offer an opportunity for women to do exciting, adventurous, challenging things; that women do have leadership roles in the Coast Guard,” said Rice. It came as no surprise that when asked for his opinion on the value of Girl Scouting, Rice gushed. “People are surprised that there are these great adventurous things going on in Girl Scouts,” said Rice. “It’s an opportunity for girls to dare to do challenging, difficult things, and a safe place for things to not
Mariners volunteer Robert Rice loves teaching girls how to sail. He says it a great opportunity for girls to try challenging, difficult things in a safe space.
go well. The opportunity to try and to fail softly is incredibly important.” Rice also harped on the importance of other adults, especially dads, to volunteer.“You only have so much time with your kids at home before they move on,” said Rice. “You have this opportunity to watch her grow and develop in a way that you would not otherwise. It’s a worthwhile investment as an adult – as a family.” GSSJC provides many volunteering opportunities in unique capacities, and we bet you know a friend or two who might be interested in lending their talents. Encourage them to visit makeadifference.gssjc.org to begin the volunteer process!
Robert began volunteering with Mariners when his daughter joined the sailing program. He started in the kitchen, washing dishes and feeding girls on Mariners weekends. Now he is a sailing instructor.
To meet more of the Many Faces of Girl Scouts, visit www.manyfacesofgirlscouts.com. 14 January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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Celebrate Girl Scout week with these service ideas: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Girl Scout Sunday and Girl Scout Sabbath give girls an opportunity to attend their place of worship and be recognized as a Girl Scout. Host a recruitment table at a local faith community. Address the congregation and recognize all the current and former Girl Scouts. Recognize girls or troops in the bulletin or service program. Girl Scouts’ birthday, March 12, commemorates the day in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low officially registered the organization's first 18 girl members in Savannah, Georgia. Learn more about Girl Scouts history and founder, Juliette Gordon Low. Bring a new born gift basket to local hospital for a baby girl born on March 12th. Put together a birthday in a box kit for local food pantry or shelters. Service to family and friends is a time when Girl Scouts can demonstrate the Promise and Law in their everyday lives with those closest to them. Make a meal for an elderly neighbor or someone who is ill. Thank school support staff for their service; cafeteria workers, crossing guards, secretaries, librarian, etc. Write a note to a friend letting them know how awesome they are! Service to community is an opportunity for girls and troops to be visible doing good works to improve their community by giving back. Continue to help families and communities affected by Hurricane Harvey. Maintain or refresh school grounds, garden or flower beds. Volunteer at a local nursing home or children’s hospital. Service to the environment allows Girl Scouts to show their commitment to the planet and ensuring we “leave a place better than you found it” for generations to come. Participate in a local park, beach, river or highway clean up. Join GSSJC’s Trash Bash on March 24. Host a recycling day. Replace incandescent light bulbs in your home with energy efficient ones. Outdoors day is a great time to experience all the fun to be had outdoors! Have a Mother Nature scavenger hunt. Play traditional outdoor games like hop-scotch, jump rope or team sports. Have a picnic lunch or dinner in the backyard or local park.
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Celebrating Girl Scout Partners and Affiliates Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church
The Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Parish has supported Girl Scouts for five years to ensure all girls within Woodland Trails Community have a chance to embed their faith into their Girl Scout journey. Father Pat Garrett is a longtime supporter of Girl Scouts, helping connect and educate other Catholic churches on the importance of the collaboration between faith and Girl Scouting as well as support girls in earning the My Promise, My Faith pin. For many years, Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church has hosted Catholic-based twilight camps. Thank you Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church for allowing girls to grow in their faith and connect through Girl Scouts.
Regina Howell Elementary
Sherman Elementary
Sherman Elementary is in the Houston Independent School District in the Emerald Oaks Community. Richard Peña is the principal at Sherman. Principal Peña and staff gave Girl Scouts the opportunity to form a troop at Sherman and also allowed Girl Scouts to offer a soccer program at Tijerina Elementary. He is supportive of making sure girls have everything they need to be successful. Sherman Elementary now has a Daisy and Brownie troop at the school, and Principal Peña is giving them the space to meet with no charge. Thank Sherman Elementary for continuing to wow our girls to greatness.
Regina Howell Elementary is in Beaumont ISD in the Golden Coast Community. This elementary school is a long-time supporter of Girl Scouts. Principal Kimberly Janeaux and Assistant Principal Barbara Levy have maintained a strong presence with active troops in the school as well as those in middle and high school. Howell Elementary has six active troops which represent approximately 70 girls. Additionally, they have provided Girl Scouts with access to the school, free of charge, for troop meetings and service projects. Howell Elementary also allows girls to wear their uniforms on special occasions and attend proclamation events. On the International Day of the Girl, the school’s principals took a picture with all the Girl Scouts to commemorate this important day and recognizing girl leadership. Thank you Regina Howell Elementary for continuing to shine bright in the Beaumont community.
ExxonMobil
For the past 3-4 years, ExxonMobil supported the council in various ways. Wayne Wilkerson is the ExxonMobil representative who has helped to orchestrate these collaborations. In October 2018, the ExxonMobil volunteers at Camp Robinwood and Treelake (Camp Arnold, Camp Misty Meadows and Silver Springs) completed several high impact projects including the rebuilding of the Stargazing/Nature platform and extensive work at the ‘Lil Cabin. Volunteers pressure washed and painted the exteriors of the ‘Lil Cabin latrine, boat house and Lone Pine shower, and beds now have stencil painted numbers on them. They helped complete many more projects, but these are just a few. Volunteers were from two ExxonMobil divisions: Data, Analytics and Systems - Business Transformation Cultures and Behaviors and the EM Upstream Research Company Advanced Reservoir Simulation. In addition, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council will be eligible to receive a grant from ExxonMobil as in past years. Approximately 2,100 volunteer hours were worked over a couple of days. Thank you ExxonMobil for continuing to help maintain Girl Scout camps, where girls can explore and develop a love for the outdoors.
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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. Allie G. created a cookbook with recipes that used ingredients commonly donated to food pantries. As donations must be non-perishable and are often unhealthy, Allie hoped her project would help families prepare healthier meals. The cookbook also included pages on how to read a nutrition label and proper nutrition. She distributed 100 copies to the Emergency Aid Coalition, an interfaith organization that provides temporary assistance to struggling families. Allie also led a cooking demonstration, where attendees could take home pre-measured ingredient bags. Haley G. built two Little Free Libraries and hosted book drives for the libraries to help provide free and easily accessible literature to children in need. Additionally, Haley created a summer reading program to promote literacy amongst youths in her community by providing fun reading activities. She led 30 volunteers in hosting the 10-week reading program, which was bookended by two large events where she raised awareness about the importance of literacy amongst children and collected 1,000 books for her libraries.
GSSJC’s The Emerald Circle is proud to award scholarships to high school seniors who’ve earned the Gold Award. Full details on eligibility, deadlines and more can be found at gssjc.org/scholarship. Don’t wait, 2019 graduates are eligible to apply between January 1, 2019 and February 15, 2019.
Alyssa M. hosted a color run at her school to show support for a classmate who was fighting leukemia as well as to promote the importance of donating blood. Alyssa led 40 volunteers in organizing the color run and also teamed up with the Klein Cain Cancer Strikers, a school club focused on cancer awareness. More than 500 people attended the “Color for a Cure Color Run” event, which the Klein Cain Caner Strikers will continue to host every year. Komal P. organized two workshop events to educate parents and students about the importance of career diversity. The first event highlighted careers in the arts. The second event featured, a male elementary school teacher, a female engineer and a beauty pageant contestant. Komal also created a blog and a Facebook page to further promote her message of career individualism. She hopes that by providing perspective on nontraditional jobs, more people will consider choosing a career out of interest rather than convention. ––– Alexandra R. remodeled an activity room and kitchen at T.H. Rogers School, an alternative public school in Houston Independent School District that serves impaired, gifted and talented students. With the help of nearly 20 volunteers, Alexandra restored the original T.H. Rogers lockers, reframed the original school layout plans and partnered with a local construction and remodeling shop to renovate the school’s kitchen. Through her project, Alexandra helped the teachers accomplish their daily activities and restored the school’s lost history.
Add Girls to Your Troop
New troops are continuing to form in GSSJC, and existing troops are accepting new girls too! Did you know you can add girls to your troop yourself? Check out this short tutorial on how to do so yourself, https://youtube/IF4N76ECTz0. Troop Openings: Four Easy Steps • Log into MyGS from gssjc.org • Select View/Edit Troop Information • In this section, you can update the total number of girls you desire for your troop • Update your troop meeting information and the program grade level for the troop Want to add girls or adults directly to your troop? No problem! • Log into MyGS from gssjc.org • At the bottom of the Troop tab, select ADD a member If you have any questions, you can reach the Placement department by sending an email to customerservice@sjgs.org. January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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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. Registration open dates vary. Email registration@sjgs.org to subscribe to Camp Corner emails for weekly updates. Weekend Camp Activities
Jan. 19
Jan. 26 Feb. 2 Feb. 9
Camp Agnes Arnold
A, C, H
C, H
Feb. 16
Feb. 23 March 2 March 9 March 16 H
Camp Casa Mare
A
Camp Misty Meadows
R, L, H
R*, L*, H
R, L
Camp Robinwood
C
C
C
Camp Myra S. Pryor
A, C
C
C
R, L
H
H
A R*, L*, H
R, L, H
C
R, L, H
March 23 March 30 H
H
A
A
R, L, H
R, L, H
A C
A, C
Camp Silver Springs
A
Camp Wind-a-Mere
A
Camp Whispering Pines
C
A C
C
C
C
C
KEY: Archery–A Troop Led Canoe–C Council Lifeguard Swimming–S Horseback Riding–R *Limited availability
A, C
Hikes with Henry–H
Love, Hug and Groom–L
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.
Horseback Riding: ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Horseback riding is available on Saturdays and Sundays for Juniors through Ambassadors. Session last one hour (including instructional time) 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. 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.
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.
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.
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. 18 January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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. Pool water temperature must be at or above 75 degrees.
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Archery Archers in Motion (AIM): JOAD Program JOAD Program is a special interest group for archery. The group meets once a month. No prerequisites needed. No previous experience needed. All equipment is provided. Join this special interest group to work on scoring points to earn your award pins! ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ; Must be over 8-years-old
Who: Where: When: Contact:
Camp Robinwood, Willis Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, April 14, May 12 Carrie Seals, 713-292-0324, cseals@sjgs.org
Backpacking 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 12-years-old, adults Treelake Camp Complex, Podville (Conroe) 10:30 a.m. on Saturday through 11;15 a.m on Sunday, 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.
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: ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ and adults Where: Jan. 26 – Armand Bayou, Pasadena April 6 – Brazos Bend State Park, Needville When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost: $15/person Deadline: Two weeks before orientation date Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org Note: Individually registered girls and troops are welcome. Lunch, backpacks and water bottles will be provided. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Canoeing Taste of Canoeing
Learn how to canoe at this introductory course for Brownies through 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: ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Cost: $20/participant (girl and adult) Bring: Change of clothes, towel, full water bottle, snack and portable bag chair if desired. Min./Max.: 6/10 Contact: Carrie Seals, cseals@sjgs.org, 713-292-0312 Registrars, registration@sjgs.org, 713-292-0370 When: Where:
Jan. 26, March 23 Camp Robinwood, Willis
When: Where:
Feb. 9 and April 6 Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada
Environmental 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 Brownie WOW Cadette Trees Brownie Outdoor Adventurer Brownie Bugs Junior Geocacher Brownie Bugs Cadette Night Owl Brownie Hiker Junior Flowers Brownie Outdoor Adventurer Junior Flowers Brownie WOW Brownie Bugs
Date Feb. 16 Feb. 16 Feb. 16 March 9 March 9 March 9 April 6 April 13 April 13 April 13 April 13 May 11 May 11
Time 9 – 11:30 a.m. 9 – 12 p.m. 1 – 3 p.m. 9 – 11 a.m. 9 a.m. – noon 9 – 11 a.m. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. 9 – 11 a.m. 9 a.m. – noon 1 - 3 p.m. 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. 9 – 11:30 a.m. 1 – 3 p.m.
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Activities
Matagorda Bay Nature Park Workshops The water’s calling. Girl Scouts are invited to earn a badge at Matagorda Bay Nature Park. This 1,333-acre park and nature preserve is located at the mouth of the Colorado River on the Matagorda Bay peninsula. Girls will enjoy two miles of Gulf of Mexico beachfront, birdwatching in coastal marshes and wetland paddling. Where: Matagorda Bay Nature Park, Matagorda Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Cost: $18, includes badge Eco-Learner Learn how to prepare for a nature hike and what to bring along. Walk the beach with the park guide and learn about the plants and animals that live there and the things we might see along the way that may or may not “belong” in nature. We’ll gather things we see along the way to make a picture in the sand. Who: When:
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Jan. 26 and Feb. 23, 9-11 a.m.; March 9, 1 – 3 p.m.
Night Owl Join the park guide on a nighttime beach hike. Learn about a special nocturnal animal that lives on the beach and use your senses to notice what’s different after dark! We’ll return to the nature center to look through telescopes to discover the night sky and tell legends of the constellations. Who: When:
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Feb. 16, 6 – 8 p.m.
Animal Habitats We’ll start this badge in the nature center as we observe our fish and hermit crabs in the touch tank and discuss what we see. Next, we’ll journey to the beach and explore the different habitats that many animals make their homes and take some time to clean up trash on a portion of the beach. Finally, we’ll return to the nature center to build our own animal habitat and discuss what we learned about the habitats we encountered at the Gulf of Mexico. Who: When:
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Feb. 23 and March 23, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Geocacher Come learn about geocaching in Matagorda. We’ll make a trade item, learn how to use a GPS and go on a hunt for three different coordinates to leave our items. Bring your travel bug to attach to your trade item and keep tracking it after your adventure in Matagorda. Who: When:
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Jan. 26, 1-3 p.m.; March 23, 9 – 11 a.m.
Explore the Outdoors Camp Weekend Have a fun, relaxing weekend at camp to explore outdoor beauty! Seniors can earn the Collage Artist and Sky badges and Ambassadors can earn the Outdoor Art Master badge. Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:
ⓢⓐ
Feb. 22 – 24 Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe $35/girl, $20/adult Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
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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 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 March 30, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $15/girl, free for adults
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 Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Back to the Bone There are more then 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: Feb. 23; 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 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: March 3; 10 – noon or 1 – 3:30 p.m. Batty for Bats Did you know that bats are the only mammals able to fly and that they can catch around 1,200 insects like mosquitoes in one hour? Join us to learn more interesting bat facts. When: March 23; 10 – noon ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
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: Armand Bayou Nature Center, Pasadena Cost: $17 Wear: Closed-toed shoes - no sandals or flip flops. Dress appropriately for weather - rain or shine. Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Workshop Date Time Brownie Hiker Jan. 19 1 – 3 p.m. Junior Animal Habitats Jan. 19 9 a.m. – noon Junior Outdoor Art Explorer Feb. 2 9 a.m. – noon Outdoor Art Creator Feb. 2 1 – 3 p.m. Daisy Between Earth /Sky Feb. 16 1 – 2:30 p.m. Junior Flowers Feb. 16 9 a.m. – noon Junior Animal Habitats March 2 9 a.m. – noon Brownie WOW 1,2,3 March 2 1 – 3:30 p.m. Daisy Flower Garden-1 March 16 1 – 2:30 p.m. Junior Outdoor Art Explorer March 16 9 a.m. – noon Brownie Outdoor Adventure March 30 1 – 3 p.m. Junior Flowers March 30 9 a.m. – noon Brownie Bugs April 13 1 – 3 p.m. Junior Animal Habitats April 13 9 a.m. - noon Junior Outdoor Art Explorer April 27 9 a.m. - noon Daisy Flower Garden 4 April 27 1 – 2:30 p.m. Junior Flowers May 11 9 a.m. - noon Junior Animal Habitats May 25 9 a.m. - noon Dasiy Between Earth/Sky May 25 1 – 2:30 p.m.
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 volunteer-run nonprofit that cares for non-releasable wolves and wolf-hybrids 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:
ⓙ ⓢ and their chaperones St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary, Montgomery Juniors - Jan. 19, Feb. 9, March 2, March 30, May 4, May 25 Seniors - Feb. 2, Feb. 23, March 23, April 6, May 11 $22/girl, $11/adult, badges included for girls Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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 Daisies and Brownies: March 3 and May 11, 9:30 a.m. – noon Juniors: March 3 and May 11, 1 - 3:30 p.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
Fine Arts 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. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓙⓐ and their chaperones Houston Center for Photography Juniors: Feb. 10, March 31, May 12; 3:30 – 6 p.m. Ambassadors: Jan. 13, April 14; 3:30 – 6 p.m. $45/girl; free for adults Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Jeweler Workshop
Juniors can jump into jewelry with this exciting workshop. During this session, girls will explore production techniques for some treasures they will take home with them. Through this workshop, girls not only learn how jewelry is made but will also get the chance to become part of the maker movement by creating pieces themselves. Who: ⓙ Where: Children’s Museum of Houston When: April 13, noon – 2:15 p.m. Cost: $15 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
GAM 2019: Girl Scouts go Retro
GAM is a day full of fun and excitement where girls spend the day doing a variety of activities. The day is set up carnival style so girls can come and go as they please. Each booth is an activity designed to challenge girls. Some may be physical activities, challenging puzzles or races with other Girl Scouts! Don’t miss out on this favorite- it happens once every two years! Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓙⓒⓢⓐ and their chaperones
Camp Casa Mare - Seabrook April 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. $24/girl; $15/adult; includes all activities and a special event souvenir! Liz Atton, 713-292-0269, latton@sjgs.org
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Fine Arts Workshops
Do you have a zest for art? Do you enjoy playing with clay, making your own jewelry, painting, drawing or fancy some photography? Explore the world of visual arts in these workshops. Create original artwork and earn badges!
ⓑⓙⓒⓢ Who: 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 Brownie My Family Story Jan. 19 10 a.m. – noon Program Place Brownie Painter Jan. 19 10 a.m. – noon UHCL Br Outdoor Art Creator Jan. 19 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL Junior Scribe Jan. 26 10 a.m. – noon Program Place Cadette Book Artist Jan. 26 10 a.m. – noon UHCL Cadette Comic Artist Jan. 26 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL Cadette Comic Artist Feb. 2 10 a.m. – noon Izzie’s Jewels Jr Digital Photography Feb. 2 10 a.m. – noon UHCL Junior Drawing Feb. 2 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL Cadette Comic Artist Feb. 2 10 a.m. – noon Izzie’s Jewels Senior Novelist Feb. 3 2 – 4 p.m. Program Place FA: Valentine’s Sweets Feb. 9 10 a.m. – noon Program Place Brownie Potter Feb. 9 10 a.m. – noon Program Place Cadette Woodworker Feb. 16 10 a.m. – noon Program Place Cadette Screenwriter Feb. 23 10 a.m. – noon Izzie’s Jewels Junior Scribe March 2 10 a.m. – noon Izzie’s Jewels Cadette Comic Artist March 9 10 a.m. – noon Program Place FA: Spring Skirt March 9 10 a.m. – noon Program Place Brownie Painter March 16 10 a.m. – noon Program Place Brownie Family Story – Families are rich in tradition and have a story of their own. In this workshop, share and discuss family stories and traditions. Girls must bring one item from home that is part of their family story such as a recipe, family photo, or something that is meaningful and unique to their family to create a family time capsule. Girls will create a family tree and family crest.
Cost/girl $25 $23 $23 $25 $23 $23 $25 $23 $23 $25 $15 $22 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $22 $25
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.
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. 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 Comic Artist – Delve into the world of comics! Learn the history of comic books and why this type of storytelling is so effective. Tell your own story by creating a comic, talk about story progression and put your thoughts on paper! 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! Cadette Woodworker Badge- Swing a Hammer, use a level and making something for yourself! Girls will learn how to use some basic tools to create a take home piece! 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. 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 up-cycle used clothing.
General Activities My Dream Life
Earn a Journey at Camp!
Where: When:
Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Where: Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe When: Feb. 15 – 17 Cost: $45/girl, $25/ adult Contact: Taylor Franklin, 713-292-0353, tfranklin@sjgs.org Min../Max.: 30/60 girls, 5/10 adults
In this interactive adventure inspired by the game of Life, the girls will rotate through simulations of the DMV, a bank, a career fair and a vacation. At the DMV the girls will create their own driver license complete with their photo. Then, at the bank, the girls will open a bank account. Next, the girls will have the opportunity to explore several different professions at the career fair. Finally, they will celebrate with a well-earned vacation that will include food, drinks and games! A fun patch and swag are included. Program Place for Girls, Houston Feb. 16
Who/Time: ⓓ ⓑ 9 a.m. – noon.; ⓙ ⓒ 1 – 4 p.m. Cost: $15/girl; $5/adult Min./Max.: 60/100 Contact: Taylor Franklin, 713-292-0353, tfranklin@sjgs.org; Megan Dodd, 713-292-0209, mdodd@sjgs.org 22 January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
Come complete all steps for the Cadette MEdia Journey, Senior GirlTopia Journey or Ambassador Bliss: Live It, Give It Journey, except the take action project, while making new friends and enjoying a weekend at camp! Award will be given at end of event. The Journey book is not provided but bring your copy if you have one. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday will be provided.
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Cookie Bowl
Want to be a cookie season champion? Celebrate the season with a crazy relay race, Bling Your Booth planning and Girl Scout Cookie-inspired recipes. Girls will hear tips and tricks from last year's Cookie Entrepreneur Officers in a discussion panel. We can’t wait to see you at the Cookie Bowl! Who: ⓓⓑⓙⓒ and adults Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: Feb. 2, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost: $10/girl; $5/adult Min./Max.: 60/125 Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Camp Maverick
Are you an adrenaline junkie with a love of hand-on activities? This event will mix STEM experiments, badge work and an aerospace flight simulator! There will also be plenty of time to relax and hang out with friends for this exciting weekend. Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:
ⓒⓢⓐ and adults
Jan. 25-27 Camp Casa Mare, Seabrook $35/girl; $15 per adult Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Senior Locavore Badge Workshop Family Camp Weekend at Camp Robinwood
Coming Memorial Weekend 2019: a new family program with facilitated program for families with at least one registered member of Girl Scouts. More information to come in the March/April issue of The Golden Link. Save the date for this exciting new family camping opportunity! Contact: Nancy Lee Peterson, 713-292-0218, registration@sjgs.org
Act Your Wage
Be the first to yell “I’m debt free!” as you earn your Cadette Budgeting badge in this life-size rendition of the board game Act Your Wage. You will spend, save and give while working through the income and expenses of everyday life. Instead of moving a piece around a board game, you’ll enter a life size adventure to carry out the game and learn how to budget. Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:
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March 22, 6 - 9:30 p.m. Living Word Lutheran Church, Katy $12/girl, $5/adult Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Defend and Protect
Learn how to defend yourself against the 10 most common assaults women face. We will teach you valuable personal protection skills that may change a life by focusing on awareness, avoidance and escape. Cost includes fun patch and bottled water. Sensitive issues permission slip required. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Where: Beaumont Taekwondo Academy When: Jan. 26, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $5/ girl Min./Max.: 15/40 Contact: Amanda Graham, agraham@sjgs.org, 409-832-0556, ext. 1504
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Dive into food! Find out how the efforts of locavores (people who are committed to eating locally grown, seasonal foods) can be an important and delicious part of healthful eating. Steps include: exploring the benefits and challenges of going local; finding your local food sources; cooking a simple dish showcasing local ingredients; making a recipe with local ingredients; and trying a local cooking challenge. Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:
ⓢ and adults Feb 2; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or Feb. 3, 3 - 5 p.m. Rice Epicurean, Houston $30/girl; $5/adult (adults will sample but do not participate in the cooking) Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
SFA 2-A-Day
Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches is presenting an older girl badge program that includes two badges at each level and a community service project – all led by university professors and students. The girls will complete their Trees, Sky or Water badges, respectively, and their Outdoor Art badge. For their community service project, girls will make pollinator hotels. Badges and a patch will be provided. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ adults Where: Stephen F. Austin University, Nacogdoches When: Jan. 26, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost: $35/girl, $15/adult Min./Max.: 21/65 Contact: Alexandra Reilman, 936-634-5813, alex.reilman@sjgs.org; Janis Rizzo, jrizz512@sbcglobal.net
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: Feb. 2 Where: Holocaust Museum Houston Cost: $20/girl Min/Max: 10/30 Contact: Julia Shank, JShank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
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World Thinking Day 2019
What if you could go back in time to when Girl Scouting started? What if you could visit any World Center? What if you could talk to your future self? Join Region 13 in celebrating World Thinking Day and earn your Global Action Award. This World Thinking Day will be an inspiring adventure through time. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ When: Feb. 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: Builders without Boarders, Alvin Cost: $10/person Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Painting with a Twitter: Cadette MEdia Journey
Cadettes are invited to explore the influence that media has on their lives. Girls will work on their MEdia Journey. Girls will spend some time learning about how National Brands made it to the top and how they created their own brand. Your brand will help you stand out in a word of influence and media. An artist will also join us to help the girls incorporate their talents and characteristics to create an art piece showcasing their brand. Who: When: Location: Cost: Contact:
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April 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Girl Scout Center, Houston $25/girl; $5/adult Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
StrengthsFinder Workshop
Seek your strengths! Maximizing what makes you unique will help you in your education and beyond. This workshop will lead you and other Girl Scouts through various activities to help you understand your individual personality talents and strengths. You’ll take the CliftonStrengths assessment before arriving to learn your top five strengths, which you will dive into during the workshop. Who: ⓢⓐ When: Feb. 9, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $45 Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
Celebrate Black History Month
Visit The Gregory School and participate in this workshop to celebrate Black History Month. Girls will complete badge work and see how important figures in black history relate to topics they see in their day-to-day life and how they have helped influence history. Who: Where: When: Contact:
Brownies and Juniors The Gregory School TBD date in February Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
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Sow What? Journey
Spend the day exploring our food network and problem solving fundamental issues plaguing our current food system in this interactive workshop on a local farm. Also includes: Locavore badge requirements and a cooking class with a local chef. Who: ⓢ Where: Blackwood Educational Land Institute, Hempstead When: Feb. 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $40/girl, $10/adult Min./Max.: 10/25 Note: Some pre/post work may be required Contact: Karyn J. Smith, 713-292-0305, ksmith@sjgs.org; Tanya Justice, tlj66@live.com
Program Aide Training
Program Aide is a teen mentoring award for Cadettes, and Program Aides are in high demand. Program Aides work with younger girls in a variety of settings from day or twilight camps to one-time events. If you are interested in a leadership experience specifically designed for working with younger Girl Scouts, this is for you. The training covers leadership skills and shares a variety of techniques for working with younger girls including program, craft and game ideas. All Cadettes who have finished one Leader-in-Action (LIA) awards are eligible to register for this training. If you plan to be a Program Aide at any of the day or twilight camps, you must complete Program Aide training prior to the camp date. Who: When: Location: Cost: Contact:
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March 3, 1 - 5 p.m.; April 28, noon – 4 p.m. Girl Scout Center, Houston $10/girl Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
You Do You II Campout
Back by popular demand: do camp the way you want – and earn some badges along the way! Activities include archery, canoeing, hiking, biking, skits, fishing, jump roping, crayon art, glow-in-the-dark bandanas, cooking, horseback riding, zip lining and more. Badges that may be offered include: Archery, Field Day, Public Speaker, Netiquette, Trees, Outdoor Art Apprentice, Expert, and Master, Sky, Senior First Aid, Game Visionary and Ambassador Ultimate Recreation Challenge. Join the fun – sign up now to save your spot in your favorite sessions! Badges are included. Horseback riding and zip lining are each an additional $25. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ adults Where: Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe When: March 8, 7 p.m. – March 10, 11 a.m. Cost: $45/girl; $25/adult Min/Max: 48/100 Contact: Alexandra Reilman, 936-634-5813, alex.reilman@sjgs.org; Mary Gedelian, gedelian@sbcglobal.net
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Health
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: ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ 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. Bring: Troops are responsible for providing a camp certified adult, current CPR/first aider, first aid kit, simple meals, personal camping equipment and SWAPS. Cost: $28/participant (girl or adult) includes patch Deadline: Two weeks before event Contact: Carrie Seals, cseals@sjgs.org, 713-292-0312 Min./Max.: 50/150 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. When Where Theme Feb. 22-24 Camp Whispering Pines Stranger Things Feb. 22-24 Camp Robinwood Astronomy March 15-17 Camp Robinwood TBA April 12-14 Camp Robinwood Camp Rainbow Nature May 17-19 Camp Robinwood Circus Fun with Dumbo and Friends June 14-16 Camp Robinwood Pollinator Pals July 19-21 Camp Robinwood TBA Note: Carousel programs are designed to serve troops. Submit a copy of camp training certification and first aid/CPR certification to campreservations@sjgs.org or mail to Attn: Carousel Registrar, 3110 Southwest Fwy., Houston, TX, 77098.
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
First Aid/CPR/AED Certification for Girls Region 13 invites all girls to come earn their American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certification. Girls will learn all the skills they need to become first aid certified. Topic include burns, cuts, head and neck injury, controlling bleeding, CPR and AED use. At the end of the class, girls will earn a certification card that is good for two years. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ When: Jan. 21, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: New Life Lutheran Church, Pearland (tentative) Cost: $50/girl Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
First Aid Badge Workshop for Brownies and Juniors
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. Additional dates with a new vendor coming in Spring 2019. Check out those dates online. Who: When: Location: Cost: Contact:
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Feb. 8, March 8, April 12, May 10; 4:45 - 6 p.m. Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room, Tomball $18/girl; free for adults. Badges included for girls. Liz Atton, latton@sjg.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: Jan. 19, Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 15, July 13, Aug. 10 Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $18/girl Min/Max: 10/20 Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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Activities
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: Jan 19, March 30, April 27, May 11; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (look for more dates online) Cost: $45/girl Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjg.org, 713-292-0269
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 Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Saturdays, 10 a.m. – noon ; Sundays 2 – 4 p.m.
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: Jan. 27, Feb. 24
New Cuisine - Culinary possibilities are as diverse as the glove of people who cook them. In this workshop, cook up dishes from across time and distance, and find out where your taste buds want to travel!
Who: ⓒ When: Jan. 26, Feb. 23 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: Feb. 9 Eating for You – 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: Jan. 13, Feb. 10
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 Feb. 2, March 9; 10 – 11:30 a.m. $16/girl; free for adults Julia Shank, JShank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
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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 Feb. 15-16, March 22-23, April 12-13, May 17-18; 5:30 p.m.-8 a.m. $50/girl; $20/adults Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
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 Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: Jan. 19, Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 15, July 13, Aug. 10; 10 a.m. - noon Cost: $18/girl Min/Max: 10/20 Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
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. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓒ and their chaperones
Houston Food Bank Cadette – Feb. 23, 10 – 11:30 a.m. $18/girl, free for adults Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
Cadette Babysitting Badge Workshop
Earn all requirements of the Babysitter badge in this hands-on workshop. You will learn the business of babysitting, how to feed and change a baby, developmental milestones and more! All steps of the badge will be completed. Who: When: Location: Cost: Contact:
ⓒ
Feb. 16, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Lone Star College–Cy-Fair $15 per girl Taylor Franklin, tfranklin@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353
Babysitting Badge Workshop
Learn how to be a rocking great babysitting with business skills and kid-minding savvy. Girls will learn about how to book jobs, what to do in an emergency, developmental milestones for children and earn their badge in the process. Who: When: Location: Cost: Contact:
ⓒ
Feb. 16, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. New Life Lutheran Church, Pearland (tentative) $25 per girl Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Texas Heart Institute Project Heart
Join us in American Heart Month as Girl Scouts celebrate with the Texas Heart Institute for the fourth 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 the My Best Self badge. Who: Where: When: Time: Cost: Contact:
ⓑ ⓙ and their chaperones
Texas Heart Institute, Houston Saturday, Feb. 23 8 – 10 a.m. for Brownies 11 a.m. – 1 p.m for Juniors $10/girl; free for adults Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
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
High Adventure Climbing Wall and Zipline
Girls will have the opportunity to be fearless and try something new at Camp Silver Springs this year! 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: 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.
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.
ⓒⓢⓐ must be at least 12-years-old Who: Where: Camp Silver Springs, Conroe When: Saturdays only, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m Cost: $50/girl per session Min./Max.: 6/12 Deadline: Program registration form must be received six weeks prior to requested date. Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org Note: Indicate your preferred date to use the course on your registration form. Due to facilitator scheduling, registration is not guaranteed until confirmation letter is received. The Challenge Course is for girls only. Spectators cannot be accommodated. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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: Where/When:
ⓢⓐor girls in grades 9 – 12 and adults
Girl Scout Center, Houston Jan. 12, 10 a.m. – noon; Feb. 17, 2 – 4 p.m. March 23, 10 a.m. – noon Min./Max.: 15/45 girls, 10/30 adults
Beaumont Girl Scout Center Feb. 23, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Min./Max.: 15/45 girls Cost: prior
Camp Casa Mare, Seabrook Feb. 26 1 – 3 p.m. Min./Max.: 15/30 girls $5/person Deadline: One week
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.
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Activities
Silver Award Training
Join us for this training designed to equip troop leaders, advisors and parents who are looking to support Cadettes through the process of earning the Silver Award. Topics include project guidelines, submission deadlines, coaching tips and so on. Who: Adults Contact: silveraward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0300 Cost: $5/person Where: When:
Girl Scout Center, Houston Jan. 19, March 30 Max.: 25
Where: When:
Saint Paul Episcopal Church, Katy Jan. 31, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Max.: 50
Where: When:
Beaumont Girl Scout Center Feb. 23, 10 a.m. - noon Max: 20
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: Jan. 17, Feb. 21, March 21; 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 and me opportunity, but parents are welcome to wait in another room during the event.
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. 28 January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
Horseback Riding Horse Program
GSSJC has two locations and many opportunities for girls to experience horse activities and for older girls and adults to serve girls while working with horses. Girls must be accompanied by troop leaders (if attending as a troop) or a parent/guardian. Girls should bring a bandana to wear beneath the helmet. Tag-alongs are strongly discouraged as they cannot participate. General information for all horse programs Deadline: Two weeks prior to the event Register: Register online www.gssjc.org/activites Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org
SPURS at Camp Misty Meadows 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: When: Cost:
ⓒⓢⓐ
Camp Misty Meadows, Conroe Feb. 2 – 4, 8 p.m. Friday – 2 p.m. Sunday $40 per person (includes Level 1 scarf)
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: Jan. 26, March 2, April 6; 8 a.m. –noon Cost: $45 per participant (includes badge) Bring: Boots with smooth sole and 1/2-inch heel (optional), bandana
See page 15 for dates for Love, Hug, Groom and weekend horseback riding.
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Sailing
STARS at Camp Myra S. Pryor
For Levels 1-3 Where: Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada When: Arrive Fri. at 6:30 p.m. and leave Sun. at 12:30 p.m. Bring: Personal equipment and troop camping list Cost: $75 per girl, $25 per adult Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org Note: Pool is available for free time if weather allows. Includes patch for that level. Bring SWAPS! Please note that adults must register to attend with a troop or a parent must attend with an individual girl for these programs.
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:
5th grade or older April 5 – 7
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: 5th grade or older When: April 26 – 28 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: 6th grade and up When: April 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 and above and in 7th grade or higher Date: March 29 – 31 Cost: $65/girl and $20/adult: includes program aide patch Prerequisite: Must have completed Saddlehorns, Rustlers and Wranglers
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Sailing Activities at Camp Casa Mare
For more information on all sailing at Camp Casa Mare, please contact the volunteer sailing coordinator at sailing.coordinator@ gmail.com and/or the volunteer sailing instructor at instructor. coordinator@gmail.com. Look for our exciting sailing programs this spring! Introduction to Sailing, Mariner Weekends, Instruction Weekends, Basic Sailing and more. Unsure if you will like sailing? Brand new to sailing? Resister for a spring Introduction to Sailing session and find out! The sea adventure awaits you.
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: When: Cost: Note:
Girls 11 and older, 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 or cseals@sjgs.org. Girls without cards will not be allowed to remain in camp. May 3-5 Friday check in is 7 p.m. and Sunday check out is 2 p.m. $48 per girl, all meals are included Attention parents! Four to eight dorm chaperones are needed to hold the event. Please contact sailing.coordinator@gmail.com to volunteer.
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: Girls 11 and older and 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: April 26-28: Sunfish Mate, Sloop Crew, Basic Sailing May 10-12: Sunfish Skipper, Sloop Captain, Sloop Skipper: Bring: You will receive an email with a packing list. When: All girls must attend the entire weekend. Check in at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, and check out at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Cost: $88 for Basic Sailing and Sunfish Mate (two-weekend courses); $48 for all other courses January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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Activities
Sports
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: April 5-7 and May 17-19 Friday check in is 7 p.m. and Sunday check out is 2 p.m. Cost: $30 per girl, all meals are included
Tall Ship Elissa Programs 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: Feb.16, March 9, May 25 and June 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
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:
Rifle Program General information for all three activities listed below
ⓒⓢⓐ must be 12-years-old Who: Where: Camp Robinwood, Willis When: Feb. 9, March 9, May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 10 Cost: $8/session Deadline: Two weeks prior to event Contact: Carrie Seals, 713-292-0324, cseals@sjgs.org Step 1: Introduction to Rifle Program
Trained instructors will guide you as you first learn basic firearm safety and the proper way to handle a rifle. You will receive your own pair of safety glasses and learn to shoot at the bench rest position. A completed Rifle Program Permission Slip (F-601) is required for participation. This form is only needed once. It will be held on file for future rifle sessions. Time:
Min./Max: 4/12
noon – 1:30 p.m.
Step 2: Rifle Marksmanship
After you have attended your Introduction to Rifle Program session, you may register for any Rifle Marksmanship session. At these sessions you will learn more shooting positions and how to improve your shooting skills in each. Remember to bring your safety glasses. Time:
Min./Max: 4/12
1:30 – 3 p.m.
Step 3: G.R.I.T.: Girls, Rifles, Instruction and Training Rifle Special Interest Group
If after attending any Rifle Marksmanship session you decide you would like more from your rifle program experience, then the Rifle Program Special Interest Group could be for you! At these sessions you will learn more about how to use the rifle, how to improve your accuracy through shooting position form and how to work within a team. Inter group and individual competitions could be part of your session. The group at each session will help decide on the day’s activities. Remember to bring your safety glasses. Time:
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Min./Max: 5/18
Falling in Love with Golf
Team up with an experience on Valentine’s Day weekend and learn how to become a better golfer and even a better Girl Scout. This session includes a fun, group setting regardless of you background or previous experience in golf. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓑⓙⓒⓢ
F.M. Law Park, Houston Feb. 16, 9-11 a.m. $15/girl Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
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ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
My Best Self Workshop
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 Jan. 19, Feb. 9; March 24, 10 – 11:30 a.m. $16/girl; free for adults Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
Houston Rockets Clinic
Work on your basketball skills like a Houston Rocket! Power up while you do drills and learn basketball techniques like lay ups, free throws and more on the Rockets basketball court at the Toyota Center. All Girl Scouts will work on steps from their Athlete Legacy badge as well as receive a Rockets patch. You can attend the Rockets game of your choice with your troop or family. Adults and tagalongs will not participate in the skills workshop but can attend the game. Who: ⓑⓙⓒ Where: Toyota Center, Houston When: Clinic: Jan. 19, 1 - 3 p.m. Game of your choice: Jan. 16, 7 p.m. vs Brooklyn Nets Jan. 29, 7 p.m. vs New Orleans Pelicans Cost: Clinic upper level ticket $40 Adults/tagalongs upper level ticket $35 Clinic lower level ticket $78 Adults/tagalongs upper level ticket $72 Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
STEM Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
GEMS@HMNS
Attend the annual Girls Exploring Math and Science (GEMS) event. The museum will be filled with hands-on science and math for everyone to experience. Visit with local professionals about their careers in STEM fields. Juniors through Ambassadors can present a project at a booth for the chance to win prizes, and Daisies through Cadettes can participate in an overnight at the museum. Detailed information for each option will be featured online. Who: Where: When: Cost:
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Houston Museum of Natural Science Feb. 16 Varies based on participation
Clover Petal Workshop
Make a collage and assemble other projects from recycled materials to discover how to use resources wisely. You will also listen to Clover’s story, and discuss how you can make the world a better place. Who: Where: When: Cost:
ⓓ
Idea Lab – Energy Corridor, Houston Feb. 2, 9 – 11 a.m. $23
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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: March 23, 9 - 11 a.m. Where: Idea Lab – Energy Corridor Cost: $23
Roller Coaster Badge Workshop
Put engineering in motion! In this workshop hosted by Challenge Island, 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. Who: ⓓ When: March 30, 1-4 p.m. Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $25
Cybersecurity Basics Badge Workshop Find out how computers work and what it means to be connected to other people. Girls will add "layers of security" when they wrap a treasure box that they will take home with them and discover how safety relates to using a computer. At the end of this workshop, girls will have earned the Cybersecurity Basics badge; badge is provided to attendees. Who: ⓓ When: April 20, 10 a.m. - noon Where: Idea Lab – Spring Branch Cost: $23
Computer Expert Badge Workshop
Computers help you do so much. Brownies who sign up for this workshop will be able to learn about the basics of using a computer - including how to make art, share information and find incredible facts. Badge is provided to attendees. Who: ⓑ Where: Idea Lab - Bellaire When: Feb. 23, 9 – 11 a.m. Cost: $23
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 everyday problems are resolved by programmers and try it out yourself. Girls complete all Journey requirements except the Take Action project. Who: ⓑ When: March 16, 9 - 11:30 a.m. Where: Idea Lab – Bellaire Cost: $23 January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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Activities
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 – Spring Branch When: March 30, 9 a.m. - noon Cost: $23
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: March 17, 9 a.m. – noon Cost: $23
Fling Flyer Badge Workshop
Brownies will learn about the forces that affect flight as they design, build, and test a fling flyer. Through this workshop hosted by Challenge Island, girls learn how to design, investigate, and revise after each assessment. Brownies will earn their Fling Flyer Design Challenge badge through this workshop. Badge is provided to attendees. Who: ⓑ When: April 7, 1-4 p.m. Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $25
Celebrate Earth Day at Rice University
Join real-life scientists and graduate students in STEM fields at Rice University at this fun event that will celebrate Earth Day! Participants will earn the first half of their Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey by making observations, collecting data, and providing their findings for a real research project. Girls will also get to talk to professionals and complete hands-on work in addition to the Journey so they can learn more about biology and other exciting careers. Who: Where: When:
Think Like an Engineer Journey
Learn how engineers use the Design Thinking Process to solve problems in this hands-on workshop. Some of the activities include building a water collection tool and a device that will launch a small ball toward a target. Girls complete all Journey requirements except the Take Action Project and receive the Think Like an Engineer Award.
ⓙ
Rice University, Houston April 20, 8:30 a.m – 3 p.m.
Coogineers
Interested in math and science? Have you ever considered a future in engineering? Join the Phi Sigma Rho engineering sorority at the U of H for a one-day event and become an engineer for a day. You will get a chance to do hands-on activities to explore what engineering is and how much fun it can be.
Who: ⓑ When: April 27, 9 a.m. - noon Where: Idea Lab – Energy Corridor Cost: $23
Crane Design Workshop
Detective Badge Workshop
Who: ⓙ Where: University of Houston When: Feb. 23, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $20
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: March 23, 9 a.m. - noon Where: Idea Lab - Pearland Cost: $23
Space Science Overnight
Get ready to blast off on an adventure. During the event, girls will see the sky in a new way – like a space scientist does! They will investigate the moon, explore the solar system, discover how they can look at space, and learn more about stars. Girls will receive their Space Science badge at the end of the workshop. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓑⓙand Girl Scout ratio of adults May 10 – 11 or June 14 – 15 Space Center Houston $65/girl, $55/adult
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Animal Helper/Think Like an Engineer
Engineers work with a variety of topics – some even work exclusively with products for animals, which you'll explore at this event. Work with you team to build a doggie life vest, an elephant prosthetic and more. Girls will complete Journey requirements as well as explore how their inventions help animals – and how animals can help humans through the Animal Helpers badge. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓒ
June 9, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. Citizens for Animal Protection, Houston $20/girl, $5/adult
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
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 March 2; noon – 2:15 p.m. $15
Swimming
Lifeguards Wanted! Are you an American Red Cross certified lifeguard age 18 or older? Would you like to earn extra money on the weekends? You pick when and where! GSSJC is in need of year round lifeguards. Contact Carrie Seals at cseals@sjgs.org.
Travel
Think Like an Engineer
Join us for a hands-on engineering journey. Girls will have the opportunity to meet and speak with a female engineer to learn about her job and how it impacts the local community. The Think like an Engineer badge will be earned and provided, leaving only the Take Action project to be completed by the girl. Lunch will be provided. Cadettes and Seniors will meet separately: Cadettes will use their creative thinking in groups to complete the engineering design challenges like creating a life vest for dogs using only the materials provided. Seniors will use their creative thinking in groups to complete engineering design challenges like creating an animal safe drink holder using only the materials provided.
ⓒ ⓢ, levels will meet separately Who: Where: Girl Scout Center, Beaumont When: Jan. 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $25 per girl Min/Max: 20/40, per level Contact: Amanda Graham, agraham@sjgs.org, 409-832-0556, ext. 1504 Note: A nacho bar, pizza and bottled water will be provided for lunch. Cost also includes the Think Like an Engineer badge. Room Makeover Workshop
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.
Council Trip to San Francisco
Join the council trip to San Francisco. Girls will give input on the final trip for this amazing adventure. See Golden Gate Bridge, visit Alcatraz, recreate the opening of Full House outside the Painted Ladies, visit the HUGE redwood trees in Muir Woods and more. Girls will plan this entire trip, so be sure to join us for the planning meetings. Who: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓒⓢⓐ(with or without a chaperone)
June 13-17 $1,450 per person, inclusive of overnight accommodations, flight activities and meals Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Council Trip to New Orleans
NOLA or bust. Join us for this amazing trip to New Orleans. Will you enjoy beignets at Café Du Monde, the epicenter of jazz and blues music on Bourbon Street or some retail therapy at the French Market? Who: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓙⓒⓢⓐ and their chaperones June 18-22 $550 per person, includes train, hotel, activities and meals Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Destinations Orientation
Website Designer
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. This is the last orientation for the year.
Who: ⓢ When: March 9, 1 – 4 p.m. Where: eHub Kids, Katy Cost: $20
Who: Trips for girls 11 and older (at time of travel) When: Feb. 2, 2 – 4 p.m. Location: Girl Scout Center, Houston Cost: $5/person Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Who: ⓢ Where: Children’s Museum Houston When: Feb. 2, noon – 2:15 p.m. Cost: $15 View the world through a web journalist's eyes! Build a space online where you can show what moves you and share stories and causes with friends. You will create a blog with must-see content that you build from a blueprint you create.
Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
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Columns
Camp Certification Training Schedule 2018-2019
Adult Trainings
Outdoor Refresher (Must hold GSSJC Camp Certification already) Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost: $20 Place: Adult Training Center – Jan. 19, March 2, March 23, May 11 Camp Wind-A-Mere – Feb. 16, April 27 Any questions regarding Camp Certification registrations may be directed to registrar, at
Camp Certification with Extra Experience (Overnight) Camp Cert w/Extra Exp In Town (At camp on 1/26&27) When: Jan. 15, 7 – 10 p.m. Where: GSC Cost: $25
Camp Cert w/Extra Exp At Camp (In Town on Feb. 23) When: Jan. 26&27, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: ATC
Camp Certification and Camp Certification with Extra Experience Date Jan. 7 or Jan. 8 Jan. 19
or
or
Day Mon. Tues. Sat.
Course Name Camp Cert In Town (AC 1/19) Camp Cert In Town (AC 1/19) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 1/7&8)
Location TOM CYP ATC
Jan. 15 Jan. 26-27
Tues. Sat./Sun.
Camp Cert In Town (AC 1/26&27) Camp Cert ExE At Camp (IT 1/15)
GSC ATC
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 Feb. 18 Mar. 2
Mon. Mon. Sat.
Camp Cert In Town (AC 3/2) Camp Cert In Town (AC 3/2) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 2/18)
TOM GSC ATC
7 –10 p.m. $25 7 –10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
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 March 11 March 12 March 23
Mon. Tues. Sat.
Time 7 – 10 p.m. 7 – 10 p.m. 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost $25 $25 none
7 – 10 p.m. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$25
7 –10 p.m. $25 7 – 10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none
April 15 April 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
or April 30 April 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
Silver Award Training
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, Houston When: Jan. 19, March 30, May 11, Sept. 28 Cost: $5/person Max.: 25 Contact: silveraward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0300
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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
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Training Calendar January Date 12 12 12
Day Saturday Saturday Saturday
Course Name Event Basics Weekend Event Planning First Aid/CPR/AED Blended
Location Trinity Trinity GSC
Time Cost 9 a.m. – noon $6 1 – 3 p.m. $6 9 a.m. – noon $55
Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Partnering with Juniors Partnering with Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors Getting Started with the Girl’s Guide and Journeys Primeros Auxililos First Aid/CPR/AED Standard
GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 1 – 3 p.m. 1 – 3 p.m. 3:30 – 5 p.m. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$6 $6 $6 $0 $55 $55
Saturday Event Basics Saturday Weekend Event Planning Friday/Saturday Camp Kitchen Certification Wednesday First Aid/CPR/AED Blended
GSC GSC CASA GSC
9 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m. 8 p.m. Fri.-9 p.m. Sat. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
$6 $6 $20 $55
Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Sunday
First Aid/CPR/AED Blended Getting Started with the Girl’s Guide and Journeys Partnering with Juniors Partnering with Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training
GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 8:30 – 10 a.m. 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. 1 – 5 p.m.
$55 $0 $6 $6 $6
Saturday Wednesday
Recruitment and Placement Training Kickoff First Aid/CPR/AED Blended
GSC GSC
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
$12 $55
February 2 3 3 3 9 16
March 2 2 8 & 9 13
April 20 27 27 27 28
May 4 8
Saturday Sunday Sunday Sunday Saturday Saturday
Location Legend/Directions 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: Good Shepard UMC, 20155 Cypresswood, Dr. Cypress; US-290 W. to Hempstead Rd./US-290 Frontage in Cypress. Exit from US-290-W. Trun right onto Fairfield Creek. Turn left onto Cypresswood. Dr.
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. KLEIN: Klein UMC, 1520 FM2920, Spring; From I-45 N, take exit 70A toward FM 2920/Tomball. Take FM2920 West to your destination. LUF: 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.
Trinity: Trinity Baptist Church, 10000 Spring Green Blvd., Katy 77494; I-10W, Exit 743B, Merge onto TX-99 S, Take Fry Rd Exit, Turn Right onto S Fry Rd, Turn Right onto Spring Green Blvd, Turn Right 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). 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. WAM: Camp Wind-A-Mere – Alvin: I-45 South, exit FM 517. Turn right on McFarland Road. January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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Around Camp
Galveston Boat Club receives a makeover
Has your troop had the chance to visit the Galveston Boat Club lately? It’s a great place to stay overnight and is one of the council’s best kept secrets on Galveston Island’s west end. The Galveston Boat Club received a much-needed remodel both inside and out. We removed the old and aging floor tile replacing it with new vinyl plank flooring, added wall paneling and a fresh coat of paint giving the inside of the building a true bay house feel. Outside, we removed the wood siding and installed new Tyvek wrap to help extend the building life and improve energy efficiency. This material resists moisture and air and reduces the risk of condensation damage, wood rot or mold growth. Instead of using wood siding again, we installed fiber cement siding on the outside of the building which is one of the most durable siding materials on the market. The outside also received a fresh coat of paint to make it even look nicer for you. The Galveston Boat Club is located within an established residential community right on Galveston Bay. The house includes a downstairs kitchen and bath/shower facilities. The upstairs has mattresses for girls to sleep on and can also be used as an activity room or troop cabin. Popular activities near the Galveston Boat Club and surrounding area include beach activities, bird watching, nearby Galveston Island State Park, Moody Gardens, 1859 Ashton Villa, 1892 Bishop's Palace, 1895 Moody Mansion, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Texas Seaport Museum and 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, Railroad Museum, the year-round Schlitterbahn waterpark and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Come on down and enjoy your stay at the Galveston Boat Club.
Fire circles and camp fires
Fire circles come in different shapes and sizes depending on the camp location. We want you and your Girl Scout friends to have fun and be safe around fires. Our camp units have a fire circle and surrounding benches for seating. Here are a few basic procedures we’d like you to follow while at camp: • Campers may gather dead wood found on the ground or low hanging dead tree branches. This is called tinder. • Rake/clear the area around the fire circle before setting up a new fire. There’s no magic distance to rake back the leaves and tinder, but it’s best to remove them from the area of the fire circle seating. • You may find some unburned wood or charcoal left in the fire circle from previous campers and if it can be used please do so. If you plan to make a wood fire, you can throw away any unused charcoal in the trashcan. If you plan to make a charcoal fire, set the unused wood aside for another time. The reason for throwing away unused charcoal is that it may have been rained on or too moist to burn effectively. • If using charcoal, instant lighting charcoal products are not recommended on council property. Using standard quality charcoal briquettes with fire starters as trained in Camp Certification is preferred. Liquid fuels are prohibited on council property. • Camp fires serve two purposes in our camps–for fellowship and for cooking. • A good campfire is NOT a bonfire. Large fires are never appropriate in a campsite and may get out of control too easily no matter how experienced the camper may be in building them. • NEVER leave a fire unattended in a fire circle. If the fire is still going and it’s bedtime, make sure to drown it out with plenty of water so that it no longer glows or radiates any heat at all. • Fire circles that have free-standing iron grates (grill on four legs) can be placed on the fire circle bench, before going home, with the legs pointing skyward. This keeps the legs off the ground and keeps them dry, thus prolonging their useful life. If the grate can be placed on the bench with the legs down but not touching the ground that’s fine as well. 36 January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
•
When the camp experience is over and you’re preparing to go home, be sure to leave all partially burned charcoal or wood in the center of the fire circle. DO NOT throw any of it in the woods, garbage cans or dumpsters with other trash. The next troop that comes into the unit will sort out what is useful to them. If the fire is warm–drown it with buckets of water. • If a fire ban is in effect, only propane stoves will be allowed for outdoor cooking. No ground fires or charcoal grills may be used. In some severe fire bans, even propane stoves will not be allowed. Check with the camp registrar or on our council’s website for the fire ban status so your troop can plan meals accordingly. We have many fine camps and set ups for camp fires. A ranger or reserve ranger can answer any questions you have about fire circles and camp fires. Be safe and have fun! What is the state vegetable? The sweet Texas onion 1015 is our state vegetable and was developed by Dr. Leonard Pike, a horticulture professor at Texas A&M University. After 10 years of research and development, the Texas 1015 was released in 1983. The name references their suggested planting date: October 15. Onions are Texas' leading vegetable crop Nature Trivia and sales bring the state between $70 and $100 million per year. The onion industry has an overall impact of about $350 million per year on the Texas economy. The sweet onions from Texas started when the Bermuda onion was introduced into south Texas in 1898 when a packet of onion seed was planted near Cotulla, so they have been around for over 120 years. Here’s a question for next time: Which of these land animals moves most slowly? Is it a snail, turtle or a three-toed sloth? Have you ever seen a three-toed sloth?
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How can we best ensure the future of Girl Scouts?
You can help. Consider making a very special and deeply personal gift by remembering GSSJC in your will to ensure girls have a safe place to learn and grow today and tomorrow. It’s easy. Sample language to include in your will: Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is to receive (the sum of (specific amount) or (percentage) percent of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate). This bequest is unrestricted, and the board or other governing body may use and expend the bequest in any manner it deems appropriate. And remember, you don’t have to be rich to leave a bequest. You can choose in your will to leave GSSJC a specific amount, a percentage or even the leftover after your designations to your family and loved ones. If you have already included or plan to include GSSJC in your will, please let us know by noting this and returning the following form which also enrolls you in the Juliette Gordon Low Society. Every legacy gift counts. Name:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Philanthropy
Street_____________________________________ City:____________________________ST:_____ZIP:________________________ Phone:_____________________________Email:_____________________________________________________________________ q I plan to include GSSJC in my estate plans through my OR q I have already included GSSJC in my estate plans through my: q willq life insurance policy qtrust q Other_ ___________________________________________ Join the Juliette Gordon Low Society by submitting this form if you have already included or plan to include GSSJC in your estate plans. Please mail completed card to: GSSJC, Diane Pavey, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77098.
Raffle items needed for Success to Significance
Our 9th annual Success to Significance luncheon is quickly approaching and there’s a way you can help! This signature event helps ensure that Girl Scouting is available to all girls across our 26-county jurisdiction in southeast Texas. The event raffle is popular among guests and is responsible for bringing in more than $20,000 towards the event proceeds. You can help ensure the raffles' success through an in-kind donation. Versatile goodies and gift certificates from businesses in your community are the most common way to support the raffle. For full details head to gssjc.org/s2s and click on raffle. While you’re there, you can learn more about this wonderful event and how to join us.
Thank You GSSJC Donors! Sept. 1-Oct. 31, 2018
$25,000+ - Ambassador The John M. O'Quinn Foundation $10,000-$24,999 - Senior Francisco Diaz H-E-B H. H. and Edna Houseman Charitable Trust Insperity Services LP John P. McGovern Foundation Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church United Way of Beaumont and North Jefferson County W.D. Von Gonten & Co. $5,000-$9,999 - Cadette Julie and Richard Boushka Emerson Automation Solutions Fairmount Santrol The Hildebrand Foundation Sandra A. Judson
Alice Kleberg Reynolds Meyer Foundation Port Houston Michelle L. Raab Melanie Rippentrop B.A. and Elinor Steinhagen Benevolent Trust The Iris & Lloyd Webre Foundation Whalley Foundation $1,000-$4,999 - Junior Connie Chavez Debbie Clark Julie M. Deeter Cynthia Gaddis Jane K. Gasdaska Calvin Gorriaran K. Daniel and Delores James Hinkle Kinder Morgan Foundation Angela Martin- Worthington Nancy Lee G. Peterson Nancy and E.C. Simpson Aimée R. Sproles Gail M. Tompkins Troop #11695
Union Pacific Foundation United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County Mary and Mike Vitek Genevieve and John M. Walls Willis High School $250-$999 - Brownie Barbara and Bill Barnes Sara Blackburn-Ortiz Suzanne Boak Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Randy Davis Dawn D. Donaldson Nancy Ebanks Miranda Enzor D'Anne Hawk Claudia W. Hayslip Dianna D. Henley Hillary Jefferis Kroger Company Byrd Larberg Mary H. Lee Laura Liang Diane Likeness Leigh Anne and Jon Maxwell
Aurora Melendez April and Jason Moncrieff Gina L. Murphy Nacogdoches County United Way Dorothy and Malcolm Paterson Ronald M. Rodriguez Safeway Inc. Ellen Stickney Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Sharon W. Timmons Mona Tolbert Troop #115021 Amanda S. Vavilala Nancy R. Walker Walmart #522 Princess Zambrano Memorials In Memory of Lynne Behrle Jane K. Gasdaska In Memory of Eleanor Gasdaska Jane K. Gasdaska
In Memory of Margaret Winkler Amie Bond Michelle Granden Gordon Kelly Honorariums In Honor of Barbara Day Terrylin G. Neale In Honor of Dorothy Goodykoontz Barbara S. Barnes In Honor of Liz Brown Howell Janet M. Brown In Honor of Jean Janssen Deborah E. Rank In Honor of Barbara Matthys Dane Brinsko In Honor of Marianita Paddock Snodgrass Fariba Mehdizadeh
January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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Moment in History
Heroes of Camp Robinwood by Nancy McGuire
In the 1940s segregation was a common practice in our country. Most Caucasian and AfricanAmerican people lived in separate neighborhoods and attended separate schools and churches and even attended separate camps. Girl Scouts membership was growing and Houston had more than 650 African-American Girl Scouts active in troops. Four African-American business men, Clarence Dupree, Hobart T. Taylor, Carter Wesley and James Hudson Jemison, wanted to ensure that all girls could have the opportunity to go to camp. They donated half of the funds necessary to purchase 206 acres of farmland in Willis for a new camp. Dupree headed up a fundraising committee of prominent African-American citizens and worked for more than a year to raise the rest of the $8,240 needed for the property. In June of 1949, the president of the Girl Scouts, H.O. Johnson, received a deed covering the property. The first campers attended later that same summer, and there were two camping sessions. A contest was announced to name the new camp, and the girl who won the contest was Vangie McDonald Singletary. It is said that she loved the wooded land and the flock of beautiful red-breasted birds that she observed – hence the name Robinwood. Camp Robinwood became the first camp in the state of Texas that African-American girls could attend, and it is relevant to note that the donors made this camp available to all girls by spelling out in the deed that "no Girl Scout affiliated with the grantee shall ever be denied such use of said property because of her race, color or creed." The names of the men that made this possible are listed on a memorial at Camp Robinwood, and their pictures are on the wall of the theater at the Program Place for Girls inside the museum. But who were these heroes? Carter Walker Wesley was born in 1892 in Houston in the city’s first and most successful black neighborhood, Freedmen’s Town. Shortly after completing high school, Wesley moved to Nashville, Tennessee and graduated magna cum laude from Fisk University. During World War I he served as an officer in the army. In 1919 he enrolled at Northwestern University’s law school in Illinois. After a very successful career as a civil rights attorney, he took a job with the Houston Informer, a newspaper for African Americans and became the editor of the paper in 1929, believing that he could do more to fight discrimination with the power of the press. He was instrumental in desegregating the University of Texas Law School. Hobart T. Taylor was born in Wharton, Texas. After finishing high school in Wharton in 1913, he furthered his education at Paul Quinn College and Prairie View A&M. Upon graduation he worked for Standard Life Insurance Company of Atlanta and was the first salesman to write one million dollars’ worth 38 January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
of business in a single year. The Great Depression drove the company out of business. Following advice from his father, Taylor sought business opportunities in Houston where he obtained a taxicab franchise in 1932. Segregation laws required Caucasians and African-Americans to ride in separate cabs, so Taylor’s taxi business restricted itself to African-American neighborhoods. With his investments, Taylor became a wealthy man and was active in political and civic work. He personally financed a United States Supreme Court case that affirmed the right of African-Americans to vote in Texas Democratic party primaries. He was a delegate to the 1944 Democratic National Convention and was close friends with Lyndon B. Johnson and mayors of Houston. He also worked with the United Negro College Fund for more than 20 years and was one of its largest contributors. James Hudson Jemison was born in 1906 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He was one of seven children and lost his father by age 10. His mother sent him to live with relatives in Chicago where he attended Wendell Phillips High School and met his future wife, Abbie Franklin, the daughter of Madame Nobia Franklin, who founded the Franklin Beauty School, Inc. Jemison attended Crane College. He married Abbie in 1928. In 1934 Nobia died leaving the beauty school business to her daughter and son-in-law. The couple decided to close the beauty school in Chicago and relocate their family and the beauty school to Houston in 1935. The Franklin School of Beauty was successful in Houston and trained many African-American students in the cosmetology field. Jemison was a tireless supporter of civil rights and initiated a lawsuit against the city of Houston for the practice of not allowing African-Americans in city parks or golf courses. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in his favor in 1954 allowing desegregation of city parks and golf courses. Clarence A. Dupree was born in 1893 in Palquemine, Louisiana to a single mom who left him with relatives to raise him. Dupree found himself orphaned at the age of 7 and moved to Beaumont with an uncle where he worked as a bellhop at the Crosby Hotel. He later moved to Galveston where he met his future wife Anna Johnson. He continued to work as a bellhop at the Tremont Hotel in Galveston but was drafted into the army in World War I. He worked as a cook, and the native Louisianan’s ability to speak and read French served him well as he often worked as an interpreter as well as a barber. Dupree was quite an entrepreneur who returned to Houston after the war with $1,000 in his pocket. He invested his money in a number of small ventures but continued to work as a porter while his wife, Anna, opened a beauty salon in her home. In 1939, they built the Eldorado Business Center across from Emancipation Park at Elgin and Dowling Streets. The Eldorado Ballroom on Elgin Street hosted concerts, parties, dances, school fundraisers and social events for the African-American community for decades. In the 1940s the Duprees opened the Negro Child Center, a first-class orphanage for African-American children, as well as the Eliza Johnson Home for Aged Negroes on Cullen Boulevard, named for Anna's late mother. We hope that these four special men know how much Girl Scouts have enjoyed camping at this lovely camp for all these years.
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Service Projects From Around the Council Troop #127048 worked for nearly a month with parents, community volunteers and donations from local businesses to build a butterfly garden at Lindsey Elementary.
Troop #114181 collected enough school supplies to fill 18 backpacks and provide additional supplies to teachers at Sammons Elementary School. Troop #127113 brought cookies and smiles to the Katy ISD Police Department for Cookies4Heroes.
YOUR NEXT FUN ADVENTURE IS AT MAIN EVENT!
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.
ONLY
20
$
95
PER PERSON
January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
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Scrapbook
GSSJC Scrapbook
Send your photos to ations@ communic clude In sjgs.org. in the # p oo tr your e. lin t ec subj
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
More than 100 members of the Lone Star Treasures Community held an Early Bird paint party to kick off the new Girl Scout year. Members of Troop #106328 had a blast playing laser tag at Main Event in celebration of being top cookie sellers.
Troop #883 worked on their Woodworking badge by building bird houses, which were donated to the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Troop #111016 enjoyed doing archery, canoeing and reverse trick-or-treating while camping at the Tanglewood treehouses at Camp Agnes Arnold.
Troop #114169 took in the waterfront views while camping out at the Galveston Boat Club. Troop #114036 tried out STEM by using Goldieblox, learned new things and had tons of fun. 40 January/February 2019 l The Golden Link
Scrapbook
Troop #120024 visited the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and had a chance to learn how to turn everyday items into art.
Sara D. of Troop #305151 stopped by the Girl Scout Central store during her trip to New York City.
Troop #127914 sported pink outfits while attending the Sugar Land Skeeters Pink Out game in support of breast cancer awareness.
The Mariners had a great time visiting the TAMUG Sailing Team and checking out their waterfront campus in Galveston while learning about different opportunities.
Troop #149027 gained some outdoor cooking skills by preparing chicken alfredo, garlic bread and desserts at Camp Silver Springs. Troop #140135 showed their appreciation to Clear Lake Presbyterian Church for their efforts during Harvey with cases of cookies. Troop #129115 proudly showed off their hard work after building and designing cars for their Model Car Design Challenge badge.
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Scrapbook Troops #111133 and #111016 got a chance to tour the Julia Ideson Building while learning about the history of the Houston Public Library.
Troops #111034 and #111019 had an out-of-this-world time at the Astronomy Special Interest Group’s Space Out event at Camp Misty Meadows.
Troops #156078 and #156084 attended the Sugar Land Skeeters baseball game and pitched tents overnight on the field. Troop #127014 attended Island Creek Community’s Early Bird bingo night filled with friends, food and fun.
Troop #21052 worked on their Cadette Girl Scout Way badge by learning from Lifetime Girl Scout Leda K., member of the second Girl Scout troop formed in New Haven, CT. Troop #127001 delivered Cookies4Heroes to fire stations in the cities of Katy, Fulshear and Richmond.
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2019 Camp Packs
Camp packs will be available for purchase starting January 15, 2019 Camp packs will be delivered to you at camp check in.
Camp Pack
Camp Packs $ 35 each
Includes: • Bear • Post Card • Water Bottle • Backpack • Pen • Bandana
om
Hello fr
re!
asa Ma
Camp C
Camp-specific items in each pack will be customized for the camp you select at check out.
Hello from
Camp Misty Meadows! Hello from
Camp Agnes Arnold!
om
Hello fr
re!
asa Ma
Camp C
Day Camp Pack
p m a C y a D 20 $ k Pac ch ea
Includes: • Bear • Water Bottle • Backpack
Hello from
Camp Misty Meadows!
Raising Awesome Girls Help Your Family Get Healthy in 2019 It’s pretty common around this time of year: You had big hopes of turning a new leaf and really getting healthy in the new year, but now, a few months in, you’re realizing nothing has changed. The great news? Every single day is a new opportunity to make the (Small! Easy!) changes necessary to have a much healthier, happier 2018. And the truth is, it really is the small easy changes that eventually become lifelong healthy habits. These tips from Girl Scouts’ Developmental Psychologist, Andrea Bastiani Archibald, will make it painless and even fun. Resist the Urge to Dive In Remember your grand intentions about suddenly going to the gym every day? There’s a reason why that probably didn’t go so well. When you try to go from zero to 100, it’s overwhelming—not just physically (ouch!) but also mentally. If you think what you’re doing is going to be incredibly difficult, you might start feeling defeated before you even begin. That’s why it’s important to start small and work your way up to the bigger stuff. Bundle up and go for a walk as a family every Sunday morning. After a few weeks, try increasing it to a jog or even a full-blown run around the neighborhood. Get Her Cooking The amazing thing about fruits and vegetables (what we should be eating most of) is that there are so many varieties to choose from. Bring your daughter grocery shopping with you and help her pick out a vegetable that interests her each week. Look up ways to prepare it together, and then—if your daughter is old enough—have her help you cook a dish with
it. When you serve the finished product as a side-dish to a family-favorite main course, she’ll feel proud of her involvement and be far more excited to try it. Over the months, you’ll discover all kinds of new, healthy foods you and your family love—and your daughter will become a little chef! Go from A to Zzzzzzs The saying goes that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but almost nothing is as important to your family’s healthy new start as getting a good night’s sleep. When you’re overtired, you’re more likely to overeat, and to specifically gravitate toward unhealthy choices. You’re also less likely to feel up for physical activity. So make sure your daughter’s bedtime (and yours, for that matter!) is early enough for her to get the recommended 9 to 11 hours of sleep recommended by the National Sleep Foundation.
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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.
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 6743
Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council 3110 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77098-4508
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