The Golden Link - March/April 2018

Golden THE

LINK

March/April 2018

The Official Publication of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council | Volume 44 Issue 1

CAMP S’MORES GREAT OUTDOORS

President of the Council and Chair of the Board Jean Janssen Chief Executive Officer Mary Vitek Chief External Affairs Connie Chavez Visual Brand Manager Joanne Pastalaniec

Troop #127016 raised enough cookie money for an overnight camp-in at NASA, which included completing space missions and a private tour of the facilities. See more photos on Facebook and on page 43.

Mission Statement GSSJC: Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

Pluralism Statement Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is a pluralistic movement, committed to understanding our similarities and differences, building relationships and promoting a dialogue of acceptance and respect. Each individual involved must uphold the tenet that Girl Scouting is for all girls Circulation The Golden Link is published five times a year. It has a circulation of more than 44,000. The Golden Link is also available online at www.gssjc.org. The Golden Link reaches 26 Texas counties: Angelina, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller and Wharton. To report address changes or if you have problems receiving The Golden Link call Customer Service at 713-292-0300.

Deadlines Deadline for submitting items is the first of the month two months prior to publication. GSSJC does not accept responsibility for unsolicited materials. Send news and photographs and Scrapbook photos to communications@sjgs.org.

Advertisements Advertising rates are available by calling 713-292-0384. Advertisements are accepted in good faith that all the information is correct.

Acceptance of advertising does not reflect endorsement of services or goods by the Council.

The Golden Link is published five times a year

by Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098 713-292-0300 The Golden Link is also available to read online at www.gssjc.org

Contents March/April 2018

4 4

From the Top Shop News

Special Feature 5

Day/Twilight Camps

Features 11 12 12 13

14 14 15 18

Just Desserts Event Destination Teaches Girls About Cheetahs Upcoming Emerald Circle Events The Many Faces of Girl Scouts: The Risk-Taker Emerald Circle Gives Scholarship 2018 Adult Recognition Event Gold Award Recipients Silver Award Recipients

Activities

19 Special Events 23 Archery 23 Backpacking 23 Camp 24 Canoeing 24 Environmental 26 Fine Arts 27 History 28 Horse Program 29 Sailing 30 Sports 31 STEM 34 Swimming 34 Travel

Get ready for fun this summer at day/twilight camp. See more about it on Pages 5 – 10

Columns

36 Adult Trainings 37 Around Camp 38 Moment in History 39 Philanthropy 40 Troop Program Ideas 41 Service Projects

Council Scrapbook Page 43

Did you know...The Golden Scoop, a monthly Council email to all registered adults, has information you need, fun tips and more. Be sure your correct email is in our system. For help, contact Customer Service at 713-292-0300 or customerservice@sjgs.org.

Copyright Š2018. All rights reserved.

Please recycle this publication.

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Recently, I was focused on camping in our Council when it was brought to my attention there is a difference between camping and the camp experience. When people hear the word camping, they conjure up the image of pitching a tent, cooking over a campfire and living in nature. This is a peaceful, longed-for image to some, and an intimidating, uncomfortable image for others. Some of our volunteers, and consequently our girls, just can’t see Jean Janssen themselves in this picture. The reality is Chair of the Board and that in Girl Scouts we provide so much President of the Council more than just camping - we provide the camp experience.

Let’s talk about that tent. Sure, you can pitch a tent at one of our camps.

You can also sleep in a platform tent above ground, on a bunk and with a porch. You can sleep in a bunk in a teepee, a yurt, a cabin or dormitory. If you are worried about the heat or cold, you can select accommodations that are climate controlled at select camps.

What about the cooking? Yes, you can do it over a fire, but you can also bring meals from home or select a unit that offers a kitchen shelter or even an indoor kitchen. If you are at resident camp, the staff will do the cooking for you.

Where you stay or how you eat is but a small part of the camp experience. Camp is an opportunity for a girl (and her adult leader) to do something she can’t do anywhere else. How about archery, canoeing, riflery, sailing or horseback riding? How about sitting around a campfire telling stories and eating s’mores? How about seeing the sun reflected off the lake or seeing the stars in the sky?

How about being with your friends and just enjoy being outside? I’m ready to go, are you?

In GSSJC, we offer the camp experience through year-round troop camping and resident camping during the summer. For those not ready for an overnight experience, we offer day camps. We offer these experiences at most of our 10 camps, some service centers, and in the case of day camps, even at Program Place for Girls. As the work of the Ten-Year Properties Strategy Task Force continues, we are focused on how our facilities can support the programs that create great camp experiences.

I went to camp as a girl, and as a college student I worked as a swimming instructor at resident camps. I can tell you from personal experience there is nothing like the camp experience! I learned new skills (sailing) and overcame fears (horses). I wish for the joy of those experiences and the fond memories to be part of every girl’s experience in Girl Scouts.

I created new camp memories through my work as the president of our Council and the chair of our board of directors. This is my last From the Top Article. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with each of you. Getting to know so many of our volunteers, working with our terrific staff and, most of all, meeting so many of our Girl Scouts, has brought me great joy. I want to single out the support of our amazing CEO, Mary Vitek, and our assistant, Dee Dee Johnson. Our board of directors, board committee chairs, my Executive Committee, the Volunteer Relations Committe and Operating Committee chairs, our senior leadership team and our former board chairs have all made this success possible. Thank you for making this a life-changing experience I will never forget. I look forward to continuing to volunteer my time in support of GSSJC. You all remain in my heart.

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.

From the

TOP

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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

Heading to camp this summer? Day camp and summer camp packets are available. They include themed water bottles and mascot, plus a backpack and more. The 2018 Camp Packs can be purchased when you register for your camp session, at the Houston Girl Scout Shop, online at girlscoutshop.com/san-jacinto-council or via email at gssjcshop@sjgs.org.

Office Closures: GSSJC offices and shops will be closed Friday, March 30 in observance of Good Friday.

New Leader Must-Knows!

Are you a new Girl Scout leader? Here are four things you need to know for March and April!

1 2 3 4

March 12 is the Girl Scout Birthday, and Girl Scout Week is celebrated March 11-17. You are encouraged to celebrate being a Girl Scout! Have a birthday party at your troop meeting. Pick one school day where everyone wears their troop T-shirt, or simply share with each other why you love being a Girl Scout. There’s no wrong way to celebrate.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program wraps up March 25. Help your troop cookie manager make the end of your sale as successful as the beginning! Turn in money and paperwork on time. By the way, there’s still time to participate!

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and April 22 is Leader’s Day. Celebrate your fellow volunteers and leader’s hard work and accomplishments!

Early bird kicks off Monday, April 2. Renewing your troop now means you can jump right back into the Girl Scout fun next year – no waiting for members to renew! Keep an eye on your inbox and gssjc.org for complete details.

Special Feature

Day/twilight camps occur during the summer months. Girls participate in a variety of activities during the day and return home in the afternoon or evening. Day camps typically start around 9 a.m. and twilight camps around 6:30 p.m.

Each day/twilight camp offers a wide variety of activities for girls to enjoy together. Typical offerings include practicing outdoor skills (fire building, cooking or knot tying), making arts and crafts, singing songs, playing games, as well as stargazing, dancing, hiking and playing sports. Girls may also earn badges.

About Campers

Day camps are designed for girls and young women ages 5-17 living in GSSJC. Participants must be registered Girl Scouts or pay the $25 Girl Scout membership fee when registering for camp. Girl Scout membership is open to all girls ages 5-17 and adults who accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law and pay the annual membership fee. Day camp is open to all girls regardless of their religion, race or socio-economic factors.

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Fees

Each day camp sets its own fees, which are mailed to the individual registrar at each camp. Generally the fee covers craft and program supplies, the day camp patch, site fees, as well as health, housekeeping and office supplies. There may be additional fees for a camp T-shirt, overnight camping, swimming and special projects or activities. Non-registered Girl Scouts must pay the $25 Girl Scout membership fee when registering for camp.

No girl will be denied the opportunity to participate in day camp due to financial reasons. Financial assistance is available to cover the membership fee. To apply for financial assistance a parent or guardian should fill out and sign the financial assistance request section on the registration form. Financial assistance is confidential. Refunds: Refunds are made only up to the final camp registration deadline or if the camp session is canceled.

Each day camp issues refunds, not the Council. Each camp determines the amount of refund issued based on the date the refund is requested.

What to Bring

Campers should wear cool, comfortable clothing, sunscreen and insect repellent. Shirts must have sleeves, and shoes must have an enclosed toe and be worn with ankle-high socks. Bring these items marked with the camper’s name to camp daily: • something to drink and sack lunch • cup with handle • a rain coat or poncho

Camp is usually held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, each camp makes its own provisions and informs parents.

Questions about Day/Twilight Camp?

Contact the camp’s director or registration@sjgs.org

Registration Deadlines

It is very important that registration deadlines are met for the following reasons: • Supplies are purchased based on the number of registrations

received by deadline.

• Some camps require a minimum number of girls to register by

the deadline or the camp may be canceled.

• Some camps charge an additional fee for late registrations.

If you cannot meet the deadline, call the registrar to see if an

exception can be made.

Transportation

Parents are responsible for arranging transportation for their child to and from camp.

Girl, Peewee and Boy Units

Girl campers spend each day in small groups called units led by an adult unit leader. Within the units, girls have the opportunity to practice leadership skills and cooperation as they learn and play together.

Many camps offer a pre-school peewee unit for children of staff volunteers. The peewee units accept girls and boys through kindergarten. Most camps require peewees to be toilet-trained.

Contact the director for details. Boy units are for boys of staff who are 12-years-old or younger.

Health and Safety Measures

Each day camp will have a first aid station staffed by a trained first aider. All medications must be in the original container, be clearly labeled with instructions and given to the first aider who will administer them. Camp personnel will administer no other medication of any kind to campers. Emergencies will be the only exception.

Girl Scout activity insurance is considered secondary coverage for girls attending day camp, and parents will be notified in case of illness or injury.

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Special Feature Northampton Explore Circus Around the World. All campers will spend the week exploring and having fun. Campers will enjoy classic camp activities such as fishing, swimming and archery.

Day Camps Camp Fees include: T-shirt and patch

Bay Area-Camp Happy Five days of outdoor fun! Canoeing, archery, cookouts, crafts and more.

Location: Bay Area Park, Houston Date: June 4 – 8; 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Capacity: 100 Director: Domineque Westall, domwestall@gmail.com Price: $60 Girls

$30 Girl of Volunteer $30 Program/Camp Aide

$10 Boy/Peewee of Volunteer (no patch included) Registration will all be done online. Look for the link on our Facebook page: GS Camp Happy.

Silver Springs II Five days of outdoor fun, canoeing, archery, crafts and more.

We have also extended camp for an additional hour for more fun. Email Tisha if you attended last year before you register.

Location: Camp Silver Springs, Conroe When: June 18 – 22, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Deadline: May 21 Capacity: 125 Director: Tisha Ellis, silversprings2dc@gmail.com Price: $40 Girls

$30 Girl or Boy of Volunteer $25 Peewee of Volunteer

$30 Program/Camp Aide $10 Late Fee Registration: Mail forms to Larry Ellis, 4811 Tealgate Dr., Spring, TX 77373

Location: Northampton Center Park, 6012 Root Rd., Spring When: July 16 – 20 Deadline: April 15 Capacity: 200 Director: Shelley Barreda, shelley.northamptondaycamp@gmail.com $45 Girls Price:

$30 Girl of Volunteer $20 Boy or Peewee of Volunteer

$35 Program/Camp Aide Registration: One day registration in-person at 6012 Root Rd. Campers of adult volunteers starts at 2 p.m. and for all other campers registration starts at 3 p.m.

Twilight Camps Camp Fees include: T-shirt and patch

Lone Stars

Exploring the arts. Join us for three fun-filled days where we will explore the world of visual art, photography and drama. We will enjoy Outdoor Art and Indoor Art. For girls in grades 1-7.

Location: Lake Jackson Service Center, 231 W. Highway 332 Date: May 31 – June 2; Thurs.-Fri. 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.;

Sat. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Deadline: May 7 Capacity: 100 Director: Christina Hurd, lonestarstc@gmail.com Cost: $25 Girls

$20 Girl of Volunteer

$15 Program/Camp Aide Camp Fees also include: Mug Registration: Mail forms to Christina Hurd @ P.O. Box 746, Angleton, TX 77516

Northshore Having fun in Northshore! Join us for songs, games, archery and snacks.

Location: Northshore Rotary Pavilion, 14350 ½ Wallisville Rd. Date: June 4 – 8; 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Deadline: June 1 Capacity: 150 Director: Debbie Gonzales, debbieg_gs@yahoo.com Price: $35 Girls $10 Late Fee

$25 Girl of Volunteer or Boy under 12 of Volunteer

$10 Peewee of Volunteer

(no shirt or patch)

$25 Camp/Program Aide Registration: Mail forms to Andy Rodriguez, 1607 Pugh, Galena Park, TX 77547 6

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Special Feature Riverbend Traditional Girl Scout skills and new adventures!

Location: East Side Free Will Baptist Church Date: June 11–15; 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Deadline: May 31 Capacity: 100 Director: Stacy Lane Price: $35 Girls $10 Late Fee $25 Girl/boy of volunteer or Camp/Program Aide $10 Peewee of volunteer (no shirt or patch)

Camp Colony Creek Girl Scouts have the skills they need everywhere they go – because we’re prepared! Girls will learn new skills and remember old skills – while making new friends and having a ton of fun!

Location: Christ Church - Sugar Land, 3300 Austin Pkwy.

Date: June 26 – 28; 3 – 8 p.m.

Deadline: May 19 Capacity: 330 Director: BJ Bonner, gscampcolonycreek@yahoo.com Price: $40 Girls $10 Late Fee $10 Program/Camp Aide $5 a day Boy/Peewee of volunteer Registration: Email for camp info packet and registration forms. Mail forms to: Erin Bersin, 38 Dorothea Ln., Sugar Land, TX 77479.

Jersey Village Make new friends, make crafts, play games, enjoy snow cones every day, build a float and have a parade on Friday night.

Location: Champion Forest Baptist Church– Jersey Village, 16528 Jersey Dr., Houston Date: July 16 – 20, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Deadline: June 29 Capacity: 150 Director: Judy Harris/Lynda Starbuck Price: $45 Girls $10 Late Fee $35 Girl of Volunteer $35 Program/Camp Aide $45 Boy or Peewee of Volunteer Camp Fees include: T-Shirt and two patches; adult volunteers receive free shirt (min. three days) $6-$8 additional shirt depending on size Registration: Mail forms to: Lynda Starbuck, 11211 Evensong, Cypress, TX 77429, jerseyvillagetwilightcamp@gmail.com

PPTC-Katy Area Take the stage with us this summer for a week filled with fun and adventure. We will have a theatrical approach to traditional Girl Scout camp fun. We hope to see your star shine with us.

Location: TBD When: June 18-22, 6 – 9 p.m.

Deadline: April 1 Capacity: 120 Director: Jennifer Banks- katydaisytroop@yahoo.comCamp Fees include: Mug Price: $40 Girls $15 Late Fee $30 Girl of Volunteer or Program/Camp Aide Registration: Mail forms to: Kathy Sutton 2414 Marquette Trail, Katy, TX 77494. Questions? Email pptcregistrar2017@ gmail.com.

Monument Alice In Wonderland adventures await you this week!

Location: Christ Redeemer Lutheran Church, LaPorte When: June 18 – June 22; 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.

Deadline: May 25 Capacity: 60 girls (no boys or tagalongs) Director: Jay “Allison” Vickery-Fowle Camp Fees include: Mug $50 Girls (Non-Girl Scouts add $25) $25 Late Fee $30 Girl of volunteer or Program/Camp aide Registration: Mail forms to: Allison Vickery-Fowle, 3118 Ashton Ln. La Porte, TX 77571

The Woodlands Join us for a week with friends at camp. We will explore fun activities and learn exciting new things. Option sleepover is for girls going into third grade and above.

Location: Christ Church United Methodist, 6363 Research Forest Dr., The Woodlands When: June 25-29; 5 – 8:30 p.m.

Deadline: May 26 Capacity: 150 Director: Lisa Fenley, lfenley@twumc.org Camp Fees include: waterbottle $65 Girls (Non-Girl Scouts add $25) $10 Late Fee $50 Girl of Volunteer $25 Program/Camp Aide Registration: Mail forms to: Penny Schwartzkopf, 23 Gold Leaf, The Woodlands, TX 77384

Beaumont Fun camp activities.

Location: TBD When: June 26 – 28 Deadline: 5/18 Capacity: 100 Director: Kristin Romero kristin.romero@lamar.edu $45 Girls $10 Late Fee $20 Volunteer $25 Boy of Volunteer $25 Peewee of Volunteer $20 Program/Camp Aide Registration: Lindsey McManus lindsaymcman@gmail.com March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

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Special Feature

All-Day Camps at Program Place for Girls Join us for day camp at Program Place for Girls in Houston for six weeks of fun! Earn badges, do arts and crafts and make new friends. Badge work will focus on art, the outdoors and STEM. Snack will be provided, but a sack lunch is required. There will be field trips during the week and special guest speakers. Times for weeks 1 – 6 are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The cost is $195 per week. Cost includes T-shirt, patch and mug.

Go undercover for a secret mission as you collect clues. Learn how to write in code, make a disguise and solve a mystery while exploring the outdoors and enjoying camp activities.

Daisies: Participation patch Brownies: Senses Juniors: Detective Cadettes: Special Agent

Discover your creativity as you try painting, drawing, jewelry-making and more. At the end of the week, you will bring home your art to show off to family and friends!

Daisies: Outdoor Art Maker Brownies: Potter Juniors: Jeweler Cadettes: Book Artist

Play a variety of sports and compete with different girls throughout the week.

Learn about the importance of stretching before games and cooling down after you play. You don’t have to be an athlete to join this week of fun.

Daisies: Participation patch Brownies: Fair Play Juniors: Practice with Purpose Cadettes: Good Sportsmanship

Get ready to put on your dancing shoes, sing your best and shine! Play theater games with your new friends, learn some dance moves and write a camp song.

At the end of the week, you’ll put on a performance for the whole camp.

Daisies: Participation patch Brownies: Dance Juniors: Musician Cadettes: Public Speaker

Learn to create easy and tasty snacks using a variety of ingredients. You’ll sample some of our staff’s favorite recipes from around the world and create your own recipe booklet to take with you.

Daisies: Participation patch Brownies: Snacks Juniors: Simple Meals Cadettes: New Cuisines

Are you a writer, storyteller or want to experience the magic in storytelling?

Learn storytelling techniques, become expert screenwriters and watch your production come alive by the end of the week.

Daisies: Participation Patch Brownies: My Family Story Juniors: Scribe Cadettes: Screenwriter

All-Day Camp at Camps Casa Mare and Agnes Arnold New this year, sleep over one night at camp!

Finish out your summer with a week of day camp at Camp Casa Mare or Camp Agnes Arnold. Enjoy all the fun of day camp and resident camp in one week. Enjoy arts and crafts, games, swimming, archery (Brownies and up) and working on your Outdoor Journey. Optional sleep-over on Thursday to experience cooking over a fire, nighttime activities and singing around the campfire. Camp is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch and snacks are provided. The cost is $210. Cost includes T-shirt, mug and patch.

Daisies: Brownies: Juniors: Cadettes:

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Outdoor Journey Outdoor Journey Outdoor Journey Outdoor Journey

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Bus from Program Place will be available to Camp Casa Mare.

Special Feature

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Special Feature Program/Camp Aides Lend Helping Hand and Earn Service and Leadership Hours!

In addition to adult volunteers, some day camps are in need of Cadette and Senior Girl Scout program aides. This position offers older Girl Scouts a leadership role at day camp, which may include assisting with badge work, crafts, games, advanced skills, or overnight camping. Check individual camp listing for more details.

Program aides must be registered Girl Scouts in the sixth grade in the school year of 2017-18 or older and have completed Program Aide Training. They should also have prior day camp experience and a desire to work with children. Girls entering the sixth grade in the fall may participate as a camp aide at some camps, which prepares girls for the program aide position. They will have an opportunity to shadow program aides in addition to the day’s scheduled activities. Please include a Permission Slip.

Camp/Program Aide Application

Camp Experience

Day Camp

Troop Camping

Resident Camp Other

Name________________________________________________

Leadership Training Program Aide trained?  Yes  No Date completed_____ Camp Aide trained?  Yes  No Date completed_____ Attended Day Camp ELITE training?  Yes  No CIT trained?  Yes  No Date completed_____

Detach and mail this form along with your Registration Form, Authorization to Release Form, permission slip and Medical Information/Insurance Form to the registrar of the camp you selected.

Street________________________________________________ City___________________ State____ ZIP__________________

# Camper Yrs ________ ________ ________ ________

# Aide Yrs ________ ________ ________ ________

Birthdate__________Age___Grade in fall___________________ Troop/Group#___________ Phone_________________________ Email Address ______________________________ Level  1st yr Cadette  2nd yr Cadette  3rd yr Cadette  Senior Ambassador

What special talents or skills would you like to share? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ List other significant leadership trainings you have taken that will help you in this position:_________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

Volunteers needed: Please help!

Adult Volunteer Interest Form

Day camps are planned and staffed by caring adults – parents, leaders, grandparents, and friends – willing to volunteer their time and energy to provide enriching programs for young girls. Many volunteers enjoy day camp as an opportunity to spend quality time with their girls away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Some day camps also provide units for younger children of staff volunteers.

At this time, camps are busy recruiting volunteers for many staff positions. Adults interested in volunteering any amount of time should complete the Adult Volunteer Interest Form below and submit it to the appropriate camp registrar. Adults working with campers must be registered with GSUSA and have a criminal background check on file and have completed the child protection test. The day camp director provides training of all day camp staff.

Name________________________________________________ Street________________________________________________ City___________________ State____ ZIP__________________ Birthdate__________Age___Grade in fall___________________ Troop/Group#___________ Phone_________________________ Email Address _____________________T-Shirt Size_______ Do you have prior day camp staff experience?  Yes  No (Training will be offered.)

Are you currently registered with GSSJC?  Yes  No Do you currently hold a Girl Scout volunteer position?  Yes  No If yes, what position____________________________________ Troop # (if applicable) __________ Have you had a Criminal Background Check completed with GSSJC?  Yes  No Mark Age Level Preference  Brownies  Juniors  Cadettes  Seniors/Ambassadors  Peewees (3-5 year olds)  Boys (6-12 year olds)  Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors as program aides 10 March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

Do you prefer placement with your child’s unit? Yes  No If yes, your child’s name_________________________________

What special talents or skills would you like to share? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Will you be bringing non-Girl Scout children to camp? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________  Boy(s):____________________________________________ Name(s) and age(s)_____________________________________  Peewees:Name(s), age(s), gender________________________

________________________________________________ Each child requires a separate medical form & registration form.

Please attach an Adult Emergency Slip.

Certifications  Standard First Aid  Basic Lifeguard  Aquatic Watcher  Canoeing Instructor  Archery Instructor

Expiration Date Authorizing Agency ____________ ________________ ____________ ________________ ____________ ________________ ____________ ________________ ____________ ________________

Features Arte Pizzeria packs powerful punch at Girl Scouts’ superherothemed dessert competition

GSSJC hosted its annual dessert competition, Just Desserts, at the Junior League of Houston in mid-January.

Seven chefs from across Houston went head-to-head to create the most delicious desserts using Girl Scout Cookies, and Arte Pizzeria was selected as the People’s Choice.

This year’s superhero theme recognized the power of the Girl Scout Cookie Program for teaching girls entrepreneurial skills, such as how to become effective Local chefs and their Girl Scout assistants show off their awards at the Girl leaders, manage finances, gain self-sufficiency and Scouts of San Jacinto Council’s (GSSJC’s) Just Desserts event held at the develop confidence in handling money. The program Junior League of Houston January 18. Arte Pizzeria took home this year’s is also the fuel that powers the unique experiences and People’s Choice award, voted on by event guests. adventures girls have as members of the organization.

More than 200 guests enjoyed the event as media judges and their Girl Scout partners deliberated on which dessert would be the best in each of the following categories: Best Table Display, Best Theme Interpretation, Best Use of Girl Scout Cookie, Celebrity Judges Favorite, Most Delicious and Most Creative Recipe. Attendees voted for their favorite to choose the People’s Choice.

This year’s participants included: Arte Pizzeria, Cacao & Cardamom, HTX Nitro Creamery, I’ll Have What She’s Having, Maine-ly Sandwiches, Michael’s Cookie Jar and Smallcakes Houston.

Senior Koral H. shows off this year’s desserts from all our 2018 chefs. Each one created a delicious dessert using a Girl Scout Cookie.

This year’s team of media judges included: Patricia Lopez, formerly of KTRK Ch. 13; Amy Davis of KPRC Ch. 2; Corey Garcia of Houstonia Magazine; Tiffany Craig of KHOU Ch. 11; Ingrid Barrera of Telemundo and Eric Sandler of CultureMap.com.

List of Awards: • Best Dessert Presentation: Cacao & Cardamom • Best Table Display: Michael’s Cookie Jar • Best Theme Interpretation: Smallcakes Houston • Best Use of Cookie: HTX Nitro Creamery • Celebrity Judges Favorite: Maine-ly Sandwiches • Most Creative Recipe: I’ll Have What She’s Having • Most Delicious: Arte Pizzeria • People’s Choice: Arte Pizzeria

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Features

The Voice of the Cheetah: Girl Scout Travels to Namibia to Learn About Conservation

Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate adventure for girls seeking to explore different parts of the world. With new trips every year, there’s something amazing for everyone, including trips designed to help girls explore potential careers and life-long vocations. From caring for giant pandas in China to working with cheetah conservationists on the plains of Namibia, Girl Scout Destinations offer girls a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel while they develop life skills.

Katie H., a Girl Scout Ambassador from Troop #3023, was one of 12 Girl Scouts nationwide and three Girl Guides, to go on a two-part adventure through the Voice of the Cheetah Destination trip.

During this adventure spanning two years, Katie first traveled to Washington, D.C. where she worked with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and learned about the challenges they face to protect and conserve the cats. While in D.C., Katie also met with members of Congress to discuss advocacy for animals and how we can all help.

“From my background volunteering at the Houston Zoo, I’ve always known about conservation, but this trip just showed me how important the decisions we make are,” Katie said.

During the second part of Voice of the Cheetah, a year later, Katie traveled to Namibia to take what she learned in Washington into the field.

In Namibia, Katie explored national parks, saw local wildlife and even worked with the CCF to educate native farmers in ways their livestock could co-exist with cheetahs.

“The Cheetah Conservation Fund works with farmers on how they can guard their livestock from Cheetahs,” Katie said. “A big problem in Namibia is the cheetahs will attack the farmer’s goats and eat them. so the CCF has a program with Anatolian Shepard dogs from Turkey that they raise and give to the farmers to protect their livestock.”

It’s simple, yet innovative, ways such as recycling plastics and finding ways to work with animals, that Katie says can make a huge impact on conservation efforts. Ever since she was a little girl, Katie said she loved to help veterinarians and local rescue groups. When she was 13, she started volunteering at the Houston Zoo and today also volunteers with at the Houston Rodeo to work with livestock.

While Katie says she has always loved animals, she thanks Girl Scouts for inspiring her to follow her interests, which included riding horses in SPURS (Super People Using Riding Skills) that led her to ride beside her Girl Scout friends in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade.

“When I was a Junior, my troop spent the night at the Downtown Aquarium, and we did a program where you could be a zoologist for the day,” Katie said. “I loved earning the animal badges. When I found out I was going on the Destination trip, I was screaming and jumping up and down.”

Katie is now a student at Texas A&M University where she is majoring in animal science. When she graduates, she wants to be a zoo keeper and nurture the bond between animals and humans.

Start your own adventure when you apply for a Destination trip today at girlscouts.org/destinations.

Upcoming Emerald Circle Events On Sunday, April 15, The Emerald Circle will meet at the Girl Scout Center at 2 p.m. to honor the spring 2018 Gold Award Scholarship recipients and the newest Emerald Circle members. The combined ceremony and reception for both new members and the scholarship recipients is an incredible opportunity to meet many of our council’s most accomplished young women and their families and to celebrate their hard work toward high school graduation.

In addition, Emerald Circle members will have the opportunity to socialize as they work together to compile care packages for previous scholarship recipients. These will be sent to remind these young women of the Emerald Circle’s support and encourage them as they continue their studies through their spring final exams.

Prospective members of the Emerald Circle are always welcome to join us in celebrating these hard-working young women. If you would like to become an Emerald Circle member or support the scholarship program, contact EmeraldCircle@sjgs.org or print out, complete, and mail the online membership/donation form at http://resources.gssjc.org/Resources/EmeraldCircle/default.aspx.

Contributors may also visti gssjc.org/donte to make a donation for Gold Award scholarships. On the Donate page, fill in the amount, designate the donation for The Emerald Circle and under Optional Comments type “TEC Scholarship.”

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The Many Faces of Girl Scouts: The

Kelly B. refuses to let any circumstances hold her back.

A risk-taker through and through, she boldly embraces new opportunities and challenges. Kelly has cerebral palsy, which requires her to use a wheelchair, but she does not allow anything to hinder her love of Girl Scouts.

“I do parades, I sell cookies and I do a lot of fun things with the Girl Scouts,” says Kelly. “We’ve gone on trips like Moody Gardens and Medieval Times. We go on trips with cookie money.”

During the 2017 Cookie Program, Kelly, a seventh grader, helped her troop earn a substantial amount of cookie money – about 3,500 packages-worth to be more precise. In Nacogdoches, a city with a population of less than 34,000, that is no small feat. Though charming, the small town also has other limitations, such as easy access to resources those in large cities take for granted.

Kelly has participated in the Texas Angels Pageant and “I Am Beautiful” Pageant, as well as the SFA Homecoming Parade, Veteran’s Day Parade and Nine Flags Christmas Parade. Unafraid of the spotlight, Kelly exudes courage and confidence. Next, Kelly plans to tackle the Girl Scout skill of leadership by mentoring a Daisy troop.

“It’s really fun looking up the crafts. I get to teach them a lot like the Girl Scout songs and the Girl Scout Promise and Law,” says Kelly.

As an underserved community, Nacogdoches provides limited opportunities for Kelly to participate in extracurricular activities with her peers. Girl Scouts has helped Kelly fill that gap, allowing her to have amazing experiences and make long lasting friendships.

“I have a big group of Cadette friends in Girl Scouts and I talk to them, and it just helps me,” says Kelly. “Being in Girl Scouts, I have a whole group of friends I can talk to.”

Kelly’s story is just one way girls can unleash their inner G.I.R.L. in Girl Scouting. To discover other opportunities and meet more of the Many Faces of Girl Scouts, visit www.manyfacesofgirlscouts.com.

Risk-Taker

Kelly B. is a risk-taker through and through. As a Girl Scout, she boldly embraces new opportunities and challenges. She has cerebral palsy, which requires her to use a wheelchair, and Girl Scouts gave her a place to belong. Learn more about her and other faces of Girl Scouting at manyfacesofgirlscouts.com.

Parent Camp Orientation

Summer Camp 2018

Are you ready for camp? Sign up now at gssjc. org/summercamp. Parents of new campers (and even returning campers) are encouraged to attend this brief orientation. Learn what and how to pack, what type of meals are served, how camp staff copes with homesickness (and how parents can help prevent it!), how the Trading Post works, what to expect at check in/check out and more!

Cost: Free!

Register: gssjc.org/activities Dates: April 2 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Webinar

April 30 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Webinar

May 21 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Webinar

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Features The Emerald Circle Announces Fall Scholarship Recipient

The Emerald Circle is pleased to announce that Allie Elkhadem, now a student at Brown University, is the recipient of the 2017 fall Gold Award scholarship.

Although most Emerald Circle scholarships are presented in the spring, the TEC Scholarship Selection Committee awards one scholarship in the fall for Girl Scouts who graduated from high school during the previous spring or summer and obtained final approval of their Gold Award between the months of March and October.

Elkhadem, who is studying neuroscience at Brown, graduated from Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in May 2017 as her class valedictorian. In addition to Girl Scouting, she was involved in Science Olympiad, serving as team captain during her senior year, student council and her school newspaper. She also volunteered weekly with the Houston Public Library (HPL), interned with the Children’s Defense Fund General Health Outreach and served as an HPL Youth Poetry Ambassador in 2016.

A Girl Scout for 10 years, Elkhadem earned her Gold Award with a project entitled “Appreciation for Arab Americans through Art and History.” As an Arab American herself, Elkhadem sought to share information about Arab American culture and the long history of Arabs in America. She wrote and produced a short book distributed to local libraries and community spaces. Elkhadem also made the book available in an electronic format, which was shared more broadly via e-mail and social media. She completed her project in July 2017, and noted that, “I learned that I am capable of sharing a powerful social message when I collaborate with other passionate people.”

You’re invited!

2018 Adult Recognition Event Sat., April 21, 2018 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 April 8.

GSSJC extends 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 of honoring some of GSSJC’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.

Communities, families or groups may want to reserve a Friendship Table for six by completing the GSSJC Recognition Event Table Reservation Form, O-631. 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: 1) mailed to GSSJC, Attn: Porscha Jackson, 3110 Southwest Fwy., Houston, TX 77098; 2) emailed to pjackson@sjgs.org; or 3) faxed to 713-292-0342.

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, please contact Robin Brown at 713-292-0229 or rbrown@sjgs.org.

Recognition event table reservation HOSTESS INFORMATION (Deadline April 8, 2018) Tables will be assigned in date order received.

Hostess Name _________________________________________

2018 Annual Council Meeting is April 21

All members are invited to join us for the 2018 Annual Council Meeting as we elect officers, board members-at-large and Board Development Committee members. In GSSJC tradition, the Annual Meeting will include a recognition of high performing Communities and an update on the state of the Council.

The Annual Meeting is open to all delegates and to any visitors who wish to attend. Ask your Community or Region leadership team members how you can become a voting member as a Community or Region delegate.

The Annual Meeting will follow the Adult Recognition Event. For questions or more information about the 2018 Annual Meeting, contact Robin Brown at rbrown@sjgs.org or 713-292-0229.

Address______________________________________________ Phone _________________Email_________________________ Community/Group Name________________________________ Form ___of_____(A maximum of four tables may be submitted for grouping together.)

Table Guests 1. _________________________________________________ 2

_________________________________________________

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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.

Jacqueline A. developed a program that utilizes reminiscence therapy to help residents of a nursing home reduce their feelings of social isolation and lack of stimulation. With support from over 20 volunteers, Jacqueline used PowerPoint presentations, music, popular activities and historical events to highlight a decade, which provided residents with the opportunity to reflect on their lives during that time.

Jacqueline also created a website to share her project with members of the community.

Lauren L. raised awareness about caring for the environment by creating a YouTube video series. The videos featured informed members of the community, such as an Armand Bayou Nature Center representative, as well as environmentally friendly craft activities for young children.

Also, with the help of 16 volunteers, Lauren printed and passed out brochures to elementary school children from her booth at school carnivals, as well as classrooms, which distributed them to 170 students in her community.

Morgan C. developed an afterschool program at Montgomery High School called Career and Resource Education (C.A.R.E.) to help guide high school students in planning and executing hands-on, experienced-based career days for students in junior high school. Members of the community who volunteered to facilitate discussions about their professions were also asked to provide information on their career paths. Morgan hoped to get junior high students thinking about career paths before they entered high school.

Lily M. launched a program to help end childhood obesity by teaching preschoolers creative ways to eat healthy and stay active using a 100-page manual that she wrote.

Lily visited a preschool in her community where she prepared a healthy snack and played games with the children to get their heart rates up. These activities helped reinforce the importance of making healthy choices. The healthy-living manual she developed was also shared with other preschools in the area.

Megan G. completed a wildscaping project, landscape designed to provide habitat for wildlife, at Jesse Jones Park in Humble.

With an allocated portion of land near the entrance of the Judy Bell trail and help from volunteers, Megan introduced new Texas native plants into the environment and built a bench. Megan also included plant identification markers at every native plant in her wildscape and created a brochure displayed at the Jesse Jones visitor’s center.

Kristina V. led several service projects that united the teens of St. Angela Catholic Church and Harvest Methodist Church.

With assistance from over 350 volunteers, Kristina hosted paracord survival bracelet workshops to benefit the military and provided documents to help high schoolers teach younger students how to make the bracelets. Kristina also coordinated trips to Parks Youth Ranch, a residential facility for Child Protective Services, and to Loaves and Fishes, a Christian organization that was founded to assist refugees. Over 700 people were impacted by Kristina’s project.

Mackenzie H. worked with Pearland Parks and Recreation to establish an interconnected geocaching system called Disney Cache Gold Award. The project was developed to help children ages 9-13 build math skills while enjoying the outdoors. It included strategically hidden caches, containers that stored a small Disney character, a log book and a pencil. Mackenzie promoted the project by designing and distributing a flyer, which was also published in Pearland Magazine. She also posted information about the project online.

Halle H. completed a tree-planting project in the Houston community around Sims Bayou and Meyer Park. She trained more than 30 volunteers in how to plant the trees and built a website for those interested in replicating the project. Halle also gave presentations to other Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and a science class at her school, which included a fact sheet about tree planting and a link to her website.

Akayla W. addressed the challenges some eighth-grade students face when transitioning to high school. By surveying students preparing to enter Manvel High School, Akayla was better able to understand their feelings, awareness and needs. She used the feedback from over 100 students to develop a presentation and brochure that informed incoming freshman about how to transition to high school successfully. Akayla also hosted two informational events for students and their parents at Harby and Fairview Middle School.

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Features

Gold, Silver and Bronze Award Projects Sydney C. and Emma V. of Troop #7188 earned their Bronze Award by installing pollinator garden bee boxes at Exploration Green.

Troop #21052 held a blanket and towel drive for residents of Star of Hope, a local community for homeless families, to earn their Bronze Award.

Troop #118035 earned their Bronze Award by hosting a Trunk-or-Treat event, which provided their community with a safe alternative to trick-or-treating and raised funds for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation.

Sarah H., Rachel M., Claire S. and Darby W. of Troop #9503 earned their Silver Award by hosting a STEM camp for elementary students in Kingwood.

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Troop #19440 sewed 38 pillow covers and held a book drive for patients at Texas Children’s Hospital to earn their Bronze Award.

Ella and Meghan of Troop #26196 earned their Silver Award by designing, building and installing pet waste stations at Galveston Island State Park.

Features

Gold, Silver and Bronze Award Projects Troop #10879 earned their Bronze Award by hosting an event at Camp Silver Springs to teach Magnolia Daisies and Brownies camping skills, songs and make s’mores.

Loren N., Kaci T. and Ann H. of Troop #14456 installed a plastic bag recycling station for dog waste at Kickerillo’s 100 Acre Wood Preserve to earn their Silver Award.

Troop #19056 performed a variety show and made crafts with residents of a senior living facility to earn their Bronze Award.

All members of Girl Scout troop recognized as Gold Award Girl Scouts

Bronwyn W., a senior at Episcopal High School, Caitlin C., a senior at Mirabeau B. Lamar High School, Mary J., a senior at Asheville School in North Carolina and Lily S. Lily, a senior at The Emery Weiner School, of Girl Scout Troop #25122 earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. The award recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable community service projects that require a minimum of 80 hours to complete. Less than five percent of Girl Scouts earn the award.

Bronwyn earned the Gold Award by hosting a splash day at SEARCH Homeless Shelter to educate members of her community about the importance of skin protection. Caitlin earned the Gold Award for her self-love project, which involved creating jewelry with young girls using recyclable materials and encouraging selfempowerment. Mary earned the Gold Award for working with United Against Human Trafficking to educate members of the community about human trafficking in Houston. Lily earned the Gold Award for establishing and coaching a Name That Book (NTB) team at Benavidez Elementary School.

One of their fondest memories was earning the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout in middle school can achieve. “That was definitely one of my favorite Girl Scout activities,” said Lily. The girls met in a kindergarten class at Roberts Elementary and became fast friends when they joined the same Girl Scout troop. Through Girl Scouting, they remained friends, despite attending different middle schools and high schools across the city and even in a different state. “We all became very close friends,” said Bronwyn.

All four girls plan to attend college after graduating from high school this year.

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Features

Gold, Silver and Bronze Award Projects Abby S. of Troop #15950 visited homebound senior citizens and welcomed a victim of Harvey flooding into her home as part of her Silver Award project.

Troop #27574 worked with K-9 Angels to complete a supply drive for shelter animals and educate others on the importance of adoption to earn their Bronze Award.

Congratulations Silver Award Recipients See a full list of girls that earned the Silver Award from August 2017 - December 2017 in the March/April print edition.

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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.

Recipe for Success

Become a Green Angel

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 their culinary skills in a safe environment.

This opportunity is more than a simple cooking class, it’s a chance to prepare and share a meal together to grow the Girl Scout sisterhood, one dish at a time.

This is your opportunity to honor the Girl Scout volunteers and community leaders who graciously give of their time and themselves to improve the Girl Scout experience. We are looking for dedicated girls who are willing to volunteer their time as Green Angels to serve adult volunteers and their families at the annual Adult Recognition Event. If you are interested or know a girl who may be interested in serving as a Green Angel this year, log in to your MyGS account and register under My Activities.

Where: RecipeHouse, Houston Cost: $25 per girl, $23 per adult Min./Max.: Brownies 10/15, Juniors and Cadettes 10/16 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: Badge included! Two adults can register to

participate with the class.

Level Brownie Junior Cadette Cadette

Badge Healthy Snacks Simple Meals Eating for You New Cuisines

Date Time April 7 10 a.m. – noon March 25, April 22 2 – 4 p.m.

April 8 2 – 4 p.m.

March 24, April 21 10 a.m. – noon

Recipe for Success Gardener Badge Creating a bright bouquet of flowers, making a dish with garden-fresh herbs, growing a little green cheer inside with houseplants – these are all the things a gardener gets to do. In this badge workshop, dig your hands into the earth and spend time with soil, water and sunlight to find out how to help life grow from a tiny seed. You can make your own garden, no matter where you live.

Juniors Who: Where: Hope Farms, Houston When: March 17, April 14; 10 a.m. – noon $25/girl ; $23/adult Min./Max.: 10/16 Cost: Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: Girls will earn and receive the Gardener badge. Adults who would like to participate with girls must register. All other adults do not need to register and can wait at farmstand or in parking lot.

GIRLtopia Journey GIRLtopia is your invitation to envision a perfect world- a utopia - for girls. On this journey, you will create an ideal community where girls' values, needs and interests are respected and celebrated–always! Along the way, you might discover that when you can envision a change, you can make it happen! You're invited to create your vision as an art project and earn your Visionary pin (pin not included). This Journey will cover every step but the Take Action project.

Who: Seniors Where: Spring Branch Presbyterian Church When: June 8 – 9 Cost: $55 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, 713-292-0271, kcavenah@sjgs.org

Who: Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors When: Friday, April 20, 6 p.m. – Saturday, April 21, 1 p.m.

Where: Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe Cost: $5, registration opens Jan. 20 Contact: Porscha Jackson at 713-292-0285 or pjackson@sjgs.org.

Note: Remember, to serve as a Green Angel one must: 1. Be an active Cadette, Senior or Ambassador 2. Be able to arrive at Camp Agnes Arnold in Conroe for

practice on Friday evening, April 20, and spend the night to

serve early Saturday morning on April 21 3. Be in uniform and willing to serve food and assist with

clean-up after the event 4. Have a positive attitude and willingness to give back to

Girl Scout volunteers

Cadette Weekend Lights, camera, action! Walk down the Beverly Hills Rodeo Dr., navigate the red-carpet obstacle course and have your Hollywood dreams come to life at the Chinese Theatre. This is the event you’ve been waiting for! Cadette Weekend is for girls and planned by girls. We can’t wait to see you there!

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

Cadettes and adults Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe April 27 - 29; Friday 7 p.m. – Sunday 11 a.m., $38 per person, primitive camping spots only Ashley Reinhardt, cadetteweekend@sjgs.org

Breathe Journey Fresh air has always been integral to Girl Scouting. It was something Girl Scouts founder, Juliette Gordon Low loved. A drive in the open air in her "motor", as she liked to say, was something she thought indispensable to health and well-being. She knew that air, and all that helps keep it pure, had to be protected.

The city of Houston and the Health Museum have the same ambition. The Air Alliance of Houston built a state-the-art air pollution monitor at the Health Museum and you get to explore it firsthand! Complete your Breathe Journey in this two-Saturday series. Girls must attend both Saturdays to complete the Journey.

Who: Cadettes Where: The Health Museum, Houston When: March 24 and 31, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: $38/girl, $10/adult chaperone Min./Max.: 10/30 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

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Activities Ambassador On My Own Badge Workshop

Service Opportunity: Gravestone Cleaning

Knowing how to create and stick to a budget is a skill that will help you throughout every stage of your life. By earning this badge, you’ll know how to avoid financial pitfalls while also helping you be independent and live your dreams.

Join Region 12 as we bust out some elbow grease to show our respect. A grave cleaning expert will show us the proper techniques to properly clean a gravestone in a way that preserves it for years to come. Hear from a girl who was so inspired by this, she made it her Silver Award project. This session earns service hours.

Who: Ambassadors Where: Lone Star College-Cy-Fair Library, Houston When: March 25, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $13/girl, no cost for adults Min./Max.: 10/20-girls; 2/4-adults Contact: Melissa Hardy, 713-292-0376, mhardy@sjgs.org

Cadette Science of Happiness Badge Workshop In this badge you are the test subject and your life is your laboratory. You’ll find out how scientists measure happiness, and you’ll put their results into action. Learn all this with a goal of making your world a happier place.

Who: Cadettes Lone Star College- Cy Fair Library, Houston Where: March 17, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.

When: Cost: $10/girl, no cost for adults Min./Max.: 10/20-girls; 2/4-adults Contact: Melissa Hardy, 713-292-0376, mhardy@sjgs.org

Cadette Finding Common Ground Workshop Earn the Legacy Citizen badge for Cadettes. Join Cy-Fair Region 4 for a fun afternoon while completing the requirements for the Cadette Finding Common Ground badge.

Who: Cadettes Where: Lone Star College-Cy Fair Library, Houston When: March 17, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $6/girl, no cost for adults Min./Max.: 10/30-girls; 2/5-adults Contact: Melissa Hardy, 713-292-0376, mhardy@sjgs.org

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors Fairview Cemetery, League City April 7, 9 – 11 a.m. $5/girl Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269

Business Savvy 101 Do you have what it takes to make it in the world of business?

Join us for a fun-filled day at Program Place to learn how to make great first impressions, dress for success, articulate your skills with confidence and navigate your way through financial decisions. Girls will also learn proper manners to rock a business lunch with flair! Activities will fulfill the Senior Business Etiquette badge and the Ambassador On My Own badge. Adult volunteers will be needed the day of this event.

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

Seniors and Ambassadors Program Place for Girls, Houston May 19, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. $20/girl, $10 for adults who help (lunch included) Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269

Older Girl Journey Weekend/Campout Girls will work on their respective Outdoor Journeys while participating in traditional camping activities like swimming, archery and more. Adults will be needed to help chaperone and lead some session pieces. Please note that any adult who signs up will be asked to take an active role in assisting with the weekend.

Contact Liz Atton before signing up if you have questions.

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada June 1 – 3 $45/girl, $18/adult, includes meals and patches Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269

Crafting New Skills Discover the world of textiles in this hands on exploration of the fabric arts. You will learn how to use a sewing machine to create a pillowcase you have measured, cut and prepared. During this session, you will also learn about different types of fabric, how to choose what tools to construct your creation and more! All materials including a light lunch and the Textile Artist badge will be provided. Seniors only need to register and attend to have a great time. Register early to secure a spot, the class is limited to 15 girls to ensure enough time to complete the badge.

Who: Seniors When: April 8, 1 – 5 p.m.

Where: Girl Scout Center, Beaumont Cost: $25 Min./Max.: 10/15 Deadline: One week prior to event Contact: Amanda Graham agraham@sjgs.org,

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Clover Petal Workshop Earn your Clover petal with the Houston Food Bank! Daisies will read Clover’s story together, learn how to be resourceful and practice turning simple ingredients into something delicious.

Daisies will also learn about the mission of the Houston Food Bank and how they serve those in need every day.

Who: Daisies Where: Houston Food Bank When: March 16 and April 14, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $18/girl, no cost for adults Min./Max.: 10/30 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, 713-292-0338, areinhardt@sjgs.org Note: This is not a drop-off event. No tagalongs allowed. Clover petal not included as petals are sold as a set.

Activities

Medical-based activities Dr. Girl Scout Calling all Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies to play doctor for a day with 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 their My Best Self badge.

Daisies and Brownies Who: Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston April 14, May 12 and June 16; 10 a.m. – noon When: Cost: $17/girl Min./Max.: 10/20 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: This is not a drop-off event. Daisy petals are not included as they are sold in a set. Daisies will receive a fun patch instead. Brownies will receive the My Best Self badge.

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 animal’s body language, sleeping habits, feeding schedules and more! Brownies will complete their Pets badge with the Little Veterinarian School!

Who: Brownies Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston When: May 12, 1 – 3 p.m.

Cost: $17/girl Min./Max.: 10/20 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: This is not a drop-off event. Pets badge included. Bring your own stuffed animal!

Eating for You Earn the Eating for You badge through fun activities Cost includes lunch, materials, badge and beauty take home bag.

Will also have an ettiquette class before eating lunch.

Who: Cadettes Where: Lone Star College Library – Cy-Fair Library, Houston April 7, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

When: Cost: $25/girl, $10/adult Min./Max.: 20/40 girls, 0/5 adults Contact: Melissa Hardy, 713-292-0376, mhardy@sjgs.org

Event chair: Sheila Kutach, 832-722-0019, sheilakutach@yahoo.com

Health and Safety Weekend 2018 Health and Safety Weekend is your one stop shop for all things Health and Safety. Choose from a variety of workshops including first aid/CPR/AED, babysitting, swim strokes workshop, archery instructor school, canoeing training and more. There is something for everyone Daisies and up. Come for the day, or add overnight accommodations and meals for a fun-filled weekend. Please check the next issue of The Golden Link for more information.

Who: Where: When: Contact:

First Aid Badge Workshops As Girl Scouts, we’re always prepared. Join us for a first aid badge workshop to learn new skills or work on existing skills.

Each girl will complete the First Aid badge for their level, and the badge is included in the price of the workshop.

Cost: $15/girl, $2/adult Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 Lifesavers ER - Tomball Brownies and Juniors: April 13, May 11; 4:45 – 6 p.m.

Signature Care - Montrose Brownies and Juniors: April 21, May 19; 10 a.m. – noon Look at gssjc.org/activities as more dates are added.

Health Museum Career Workshops Where: The Health Museum, Houston Min./Max.: 10/30, three adults per class Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Cosmetic Engineer Did you know that there was a science behind cosmetics? Learn how to develop and test different skin care products, fragrances and much more. Seniors will earn their Science of Style badge!

Who: Seniors When: April 14, 1 – 4 p.m.

Cost: $25/girl, $10/adult Epidemiologist for a Day Do you think you have what it takes to be an epidemiologist?

Investigate different diseases as you identify risk factors and preventive healthcare. Explore the ins and outs of epidemiology.

Who: Ambassadors When: May 5, 1 – 4 p.m.

Cost: $23/girl, $10/adult

Night at the Health Museum What happens in a museum after hours? Find out at this fun overnight experience at the Health Museum! Play a Life-Health trivia game show and explore the museum exhibits at night.

Brownies earn their First Aid and My Best Self badge and Juniors earn their First Aid and Staying Fit badge.

Who: Brownies and Juniors, adults Where: The Health Museum, Houston When: April 20 and May 11, Friday 5:30 p.m. – Saturday 8 a.m.

Cost: $50/girl, $20/adult Min./Max.: 20/100 girls, 10/30 adults Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: Only female chaperones allowed. This is not a drop off event so a guardian or leader must register as well. You may bring your own dinner or select the dinner option for $10 during registration.

Girl Scouts of all levels Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe Aug. 3 – 5 Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

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Activities Babysitting Training GSSJC presents a Red Cross babysitting training. This training covers everything from the business of babysitting (advertising, interviewing, charging, budgeting) to proper activities while on the job (developmental stages for kids of all ages, activities to do with the kids, etc.). It also covers how to handle behavioral problems and what to do in an emergency. This is not a first aid/CPR/AED course though some basic information on what to do will be included.

Who: Cost: Where: When: Contact:

Girls 11 and older (per Red Cross rules) $45/girl Girl Scout Center, Houston TBA Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269

Holocaust Museum Take an in-depth dive into the past and let it help you build a better tomorrow. Tour the museum space to understand the history behind the Holocaust and become empowered to be a positive force for change. Girls will explore historical leadership, prejudices and experiences with the Holocaust Museum Houston.

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact: Note:

Seniors and Ambassadors Holocaust Museum Houston March 24 $20/girl Min./Max.: 10/30 Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 This is a drop-off event. Facilitators will provide adult ratio.

Pizza lunch provided. Girls will work on Social Innovator badge, partial Girltopia Journey, Public Policy badge, partial Bliss Journey

Program Aide

Program Aide is a teen mentoring award for Girl Scout 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: Cost: Contact: Note:

Cadettes $10/girl Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 Girls are encouraged to bring a snack and water bottle

Where: When:

Girl Scout Center, Houston April 7, May 12, June 23, 1 – 5 p.m. Visit gssjc.org/ activities for more dates

Where: When:

Tree of Life Lutheran Church, Conroe April 21, 1 – 5pm

Gold Award Orientation All girls who plan to earn their Gold Award must attend Gold Award Orientation to get started on the process. Adult Gold Award Orientation is offered on the same dates, at the same times and same locations as the girl orientations. Register the same way you would register for the girl session. No drop-ins! Please be prompt. Girls are encouraged to complete one Senior or Ambassador Journey before attending orientation.

Who: Seniors and Ambassadors or girls in grades

9 – 12 and adults Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston When: March 24, 10 a.m. – noon; April 22 , 2 – 4 p.m;

May 5, 10 a.m. – noon.

Cost: $5/person Deadline: One week prior Min./Max.: 15/45 girls, 10/30 adults Contact: goldaward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0300 Important reminder: The Gold Award has gone paperless.

Remember that submissions should be sent directly to Gold Award advisors via email by downloading our online forms. This applies for all highest awards. 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.

Babysitting Badge Workshop Calling all Cadettes, earn your Babysitting badge! Girls will learn everything they need to know to be a successful babysitting. This class differs from the Red Cross certification course in time and price, but the general information will be the same. Girls will walk away with their babysitting badge in hand.

Who: Cadettes When: March 17, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: New Life Lutheran Church, Pearland Cost: $25/girl, includes badge Bring: Lunch and a babydoll to practice diapering on

Girl Scout Investment Management Day – Wall Street 101

$

Did you know that you have the power to fund your future? Someday you will want to make a big purchase, take out a loan or own a credit card. At this event, you will learn from female finance executives who have the experience to guide you, trade stocks in the finance center simulator and make decisions that matter!

Girls will work on elements of their financial literacy badges: Financing My Future, Buying Power and Good Credit.

Who: Seniors and Ambassadors Where: Rice University, Houston When: May 5, 9 – 11:30 a.m.

Min./Max.: 10/30 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, 713-292-0338, areinhardt@sjgs.org Note: This is a drop-off event. Registered adults will be chaperones for the whole group.

22 March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

Activities

Archery Carousel

Archery at camp If you have tried archery and liked it, this is the way to strengthen and improve your skills. All instruction takes place on the archery range, so dress for the outdoors. No prerequisites. Troops that are camping or are willing to take a day trip should consider taking part in this exciting activity. Be at the range at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. Arriving late will result in less time to participate.

Instruction is based upon individual skill level and prior experience.

Due to limited space, adults may not register for these sessions.

Who: Brownies through Ambassadors Min./Max.: 5/12 per session Deadline: Two weeks prior Cost: $8 per participant Contact: Laura Arrington, larrington@sjgs.org, 713-292-0324 Time: Pick one of these sessions: hour-long sessions start

at 9 a.m., last session starts at 5 p.m.

Arnold Casa Misty SS WAM WP April 7 May 5 May 19 WP=Whispering Pines, SS=Silver Springs, WAM=Wind-A-Mere

P

P P P

P P P P P

Archers in Motion (AIM): JOAD Program Archers In Motion (JOAD Club) is a special interest group for archery. The group meets once a month. Members shoot 30 arrows to achieve JOAD Level 1. Must be age 8 or older. In order to qualify for Advanced JOAD, a girl must complete all JOAD levels.

Who: Any registered Girl Scout 8 years and older Where: Camp Robinwood, Willis When: March 18, April 15 Cost: $6/girl Contact: Laura Arrington, larrington@sjgs.org, 713-292-0324

Backpacking

Backpacking Weekend Trips Are you itching to get outside and hike through our wonderful national forests and state parks?

Join the Backpacking special interest group to explore nature and sleep under the stars.

We offer multiple trips a month that include transportation and provide low cost gear rentals for everything from backpacks to sleeping bags. To get started all you have to do is attend Backpacking Orientation. If you have already attended orientation, be sure to contact us for a copy of our trip calendar. Time to #OptOutside! For questions email gssjc.bp@gmail.com. Please note that both individually registered girls and troops are welcome.

Backpacking Orientations Required training to attend backpacking weekend trips.

Who: Where: When: Cost: Deadline: Contact:

Camp

Cadettes through adults Meet near ranger station at Camp Arnold entrance April 14 – 15, Sat. 10 a.m. to noon on Sun. $20 per person Min./Max.: 20/70 Two weeks prior to orientation date Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org Backpacking SIG Coordinators, gssjc.bp@gmail.com

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!

Girl Scout troops and Girl Scout ratio of adults only; Who:

GSSJC reserves the right to refund adults that exceed this ratio because space is limited. Priority is given to

the girls.

Troops are responsible for providing a Camp Bring:

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

Registrars, 713-292-0370 and registration@sjgs.org Theme When Where April 6 – 8 Camp Robinwood TBA April 20 – 22 Camp Robinwood TBA May 18 – 20 Camp Robinwood TBA 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.

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 making 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.

Guided Hikes at Camp Join us for a guided hike of Camps Agnes Arnold or Misty Meadows. Volunteer hike leaders will guide our groups on an informative and interesting hike of our Girl Scout properties to identify all of the beautiful and fascinating nature we have on site. Adults/leaders attending the hike must register as well.

When: Most Saturdays September to May; 10 a.m. – noon

hike at Camp Agnes Arnold; 1 – 3 p.m. hike at

Camp Misty Meadows Who: All ages; Girl Scout ratio of adults Cost: $5/person; includes patch Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

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Activities 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, contact Liz Atton at 713-292-0269.

Challenge Course A challenge course, also called a ropes course, is a wildernesstype experience in a fixed setting. A challenge course is a fun and exciting outdoor challenge that is typically used for personal development or team building. This is a two-session activity for troops and is offered on Saturdays only. The first session is spent working on the low elements and team building. The second session is once troops have completed the low elements they may progress to the high elements.

Girl Scouts, ages 12 – 18 Who: Where: Camp Silver Springs, Conroe When: Saturdays only, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. $25 per girl per session Min./Max.: 6/12 Cost: Deadline: Six weeks prior to requested date Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org Note: We are taking request for the winter. 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.

I'd Rather Be Camping—A Journey in the Outdoors What better way to spend your weekend than at camp with friends! Region 5 is calling all Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors to join them for a weekend of fun while working toward earning the new Outdoor Journeys! Girls will complete the three badges for the Journey as well as design their Take Action projects to be completed on their own. Cadettes will earn the Night Owl, Primitive Camper and Trailblazing badges. Seniors will earn the Adventurer, Adventure Camper and First Aid badges.

Ambassadors will earn Outdoor Art Master, Survival Camper and Water badges.

Cadette, Seniors and Ambassadors Who: Where: Camp Silver Springs, Conroe When: March 23 – 25, 7 – 1 p.m.

Cost: $40 per girl; $15 per adults Min./Max.: 30/80-girls; 4/10-adults Contact: Melissa Hardy, 713-292-0376, mhardy@sjgs.org

Get ready to camp!

Sign up for a summer of fun. Join your friends and meet new ones at camp! Look for more information at gssjc.org/summercamp 24 March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

Geocaching Join the fun with this high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. GSSJC has units available for rental. The cost is $10 per week with a $25 deposit per unit.

Use the units locally, in some state parks or even in some of our camps. Currently geocaches are set up at Camps Myra S. Pryor, Misty Meadows, Silver Springs and Agnes Arnold. If your troop is interested in setting up new geocaches at any of our camps, you can use our GPS units at no cost! For information or to reserve units contact Liz Atton at 713-292-0269.

Canoeing Taste of Canoeing Come learn how to canoe! This is an introductory course for Brownies through Ambassadors with no previous training required. Canoe instructors and older girl canoe aides will teach girls waterfront safety, basic canoe strokes, how to swamp a canoe and race on the water.

Who: Brownies – Ambassadors Where: Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe When: March 17

Choose from Session 1: 9 – 11 a.m.,

Session 2: noon – 2 p.m., Session 3: 2 – 4 p.m. $20 Cost: Min./Max.: 6/12 Deadline: Two weeks prior to event date.

Contact: Carrie Seals, 713-292-1312, cseals@sjgs.org Note: Adults must register if they are canoeing. Bring a full change of clothes in case of getting wet, towel, full water bottle and snack. Special note for Brownies: there needs to be one adult per three Brownies. Adults will be canoeing with the Brownies.

Environmental Wild About Wolves Welcome to the wolf pack. Seniors can complete their Voice for Animals badge and Juniors can complete their Animal Habitats badge 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/When: Seniors - April 7, May 5

Juniors - March 31, April 21, May 19 All sessions 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Time: Where: Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary, Montgomery Cost: $22/girl, $11/adult Contact: Liz Atton, 713-292-0269, latton@sjgs.org

Wacky for Wildlife Jumping Juniors are invited to this amazing session at TWRC Wildlife Center. Girls will learn about opossums, screech owls, grey squirrels and garter snakes and their habitats as well as some of the threats they face. This session is complete with presentations, discussions, crafts and hands-on activities to inspire our girls to stand up for animals and protect the places they call home. Girls will complete all requirements for the Junior Animal Habitats badge while visiting with the amazing creatures that call this Center home.

Who: Juniors When: April 21 Time: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where: TWRC Wildlife Center, Houston Cost: $22/girl Contact: Liz Atton, 713-292-0269, latton@sjgs.org

Agnes Arnold Nature Center Workshops Who: All levels Where: Camp Agnes Arnold Nature Center, Conroe Cost: $10/girl Contact: Liz Atton, 713-292-0269, latton@sjgs.org

Bee Smart Did you know that one out of every three bites of food we take is due to the work of bees? Join us for this fun session on bees. These little pollinators are what help produce much of the world's food supply.

They were recently added to the endangered species list for the first time ever. Learn more about bees and what you can do to help.

When:

March 24, April 14; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Batty for Bats Are you batty for bats? Join us for this session and learn about how these animals sometimes get a bad rap. A Houston bat enthusiast group will present on this topic and share tons of interesting facts and information. Did you know Houston has a large colony of bats?

Come learn more.

When:

May 19; 10 a.m. – noon. or 2 – 4 p.m.

Birds and Bayou Houston Audubon’s Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center is a picturesque sanctuary located in historic Park Place on the original channel of Sims Bayou. The center contains a log cabin, barn, gazebo, gardens and 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 learn about everything our local bayou has to offer such as wildlife, flora, fauna and more.

Who: Brownies and Juniors Where: Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center, Houston When: April 21, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $15/girl Min./Max.: 10/20 Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 Notes: Workshops will be held whether rain or shine, so girls should dress appropriately for outdoor activities. There is a nature gift shop on site with a variety of low-cost items.

Activities Grants available for environmental projects

GSSJC offers troops and individuals a chance to apply for a minigrant to complete environmental project. This could be a service project, Take Action project associated with a Journey or even a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award project. Amounts awarded depend on the number of girls involved and the nature of the project. If interested, contact Liz Atton at latton@sjgs.org or 713-292-0269 for more information or to receive an application. Projects must not be completed yet. This is not a reimbursement fund.

Brownie Outdoor Art Creator Workshop Houston Audubon’s Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center is a picturesque sanctuary located in historic Park Place on the original channel of Sims Bayou. The center contains a log cabin, barn, gazebo, gardens and 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 their Outdoor Art Creator badge at the completion of the workshop.

Who: Brownies Where: Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center, Houston April 7, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

When: Cost: $18/girl Min./Max.: 10/20 Contact: Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 Notes: Workshops will be held whether rain or shine, so girls should dress appropriately for outdoor activities. There is a nature gift shop on site with a variety of low-cost items.

Armand Bayou Nature Center Badge and Journey Workshops Where: Armand Bayou Nature Center, Pasadena Daisy/Brownie activities: $17/girl; Cost:

Junior activities: $22/girl Contact: Liz Atton, 713-292-0269, latton@sjgs.org Note: Girl Scout ratio of adults only, please. Leaders are free - all other adults will need to pay the vendor entrance fee directly to the vendor.

Badge workshops will complete all the steps for that badge, but badges are not included in the fee. Journey sessions will complete only those sessions noted. Numbers for Journeys correspond to the session as listed in the adult guide for each.

Level Program Daisy Daisy Flower Garden- 4 Daisy Flower Garden -1 Daisy Daisy Daisy Flower Garden-4 Daisy Earth & Sky - Nature Walks Brownie Outdoor Adventure Brownie Bugs Brownie Outdoor Art Creator Brownie WOW 1,2,3 Junior Flowers Animal Habitats Junior Junior Outdoor Art Explorer Junior Flowers Junior Outdoor Art Explorer Animal Habitats Junior Junior Flowers

Date March 17 April 7 May 12 May 19 March 24 March 31 April 28 May 5 March 24 March 31 April 7 April 28 May 5 May 12 May 19

Time 1 – 2:30 p.m.

1 – 2:30 p.m.

1 – 2:30 p.m.

1 – 2:30 p.m.

1 – 3 p.m.

1 – 3 p.m.

1 – 3 p.m.

1 – 3 p.m.

9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon

March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

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Activities Trash Bash 2018 Every year, thousands of volunteers gather along Texas waterways to do their part in cleaning up the environment by participating in the largest, single-day water way cleanup in the state of Texas! The 25th anniversary of the Rivers, Lakes, Bays ‘n Bayous Trash Bash is this year, and we’re looking to show how Girl Scouts give back. This is a great opportunity for girls to help clean up our Texas coast, lakes and rivers.

When: March 24; most sites are half days, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Participants can pick from several sites Cost: Free (participants also receive free lunch,

entertainment, T-shirt and more!)

Search Trash Bash 2018 at gssjc.org/activities to find the link to register on the trash bash website. Individuals, families and troops are welcome!

Houston Arboretum Badge and Journey Workshops

Where: Houston Arboretum Daisy activities or Brownie badges: $17/girl Cost:

Brownie Journey or Junior and Cadette activities: $22/ girl

Contact: Liz Atton, 713-292-0269, latton@sjgs.org Note: Girl Scout ratio of adults only. Leaders are free - all other adults will need to pay the vendor entrance fee directly to the vendor.

Badge workshops will complete all the steps for that badge, but badges are not included in the fee. 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 Brownie Brownie Brownie Brownie Brownie Brownie Junior Junior Junior Junior

Program Bugs Bugs Hiker Outdoor Adventurer Wow: 1, 2, 3 Bugs Geocacher Flowers Flowers Flowers

Date Time March 17 9 – 11 a.m.

March 17 1 – 3 p.m.

April 14 9 – 11 a.m.

April 14 1 – 3 p.m.

May 19 9 – 11:30 a.m.

May 19 1 – 3 p.m.

March17 9 a.m. – noon April 14 9 a.m. – noon April 14 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

May 19 9 a.m. – noon

Fine Arts Textile Art Workshop Have you dreamed of being a famous fashion/costume designer? Or maybe you would like to learn how to sew to up-cycle used clothing. The Creativity Shell offers a range of sewing/textile art projects such as sewing, fabric dyeing, quilting and screen printing that are designed to be creative, fun and educational. Seniors will work on their Textile Artist badge.

Who: Juniors – Seniors Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: April 14, May12; 10 a.m. – noon Cost: $22/girl Min./Max.: 10/20 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 26 March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

Izzie's Jewels Create art in a fun and inspiring environment or practice a new skill like public speaking. you can do anything you put your mind to.

Who: Brownies – Seniors Where: PP (Program Place for Girls, Houston)

IJ (Izzie's Jewels Studio, Spring) Time: 10 a.m. – noon Cost: $24/girl Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: These are not drop-off events. Badge workshops include the badge.

Date March 10 March 17 April 14 April 21 May 5 May 12 May 19 June 16 June 9

Level Brownie Junior Cadette Junior Brownie Cadette Junior Cadette Senior

Title

Painting Scribe Comic Artist Drawing Potter Public Speaking Scribe Screenwriter Collage Artist

Where PP IJ IJ PP IJ PP PP IJ PP

Brownie Painting – Learn as we look at a different artist works and styles of painting and discuss cubism, abstraction, aboriginal art or different elements. We will use tempera paint, acrylic paint, pens, inks, paper and/or canvas depending on what we are creating.

Brownie Potter - Have fun sampling different types of clay and learning the various techniques you can use for pottery design. This will help you better understand and appreciate the art. This is a DIY workshop where you will create your own clay pieces. Use acrylic paint and glaze to finish ceramic pieces that you will get to take home!

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.

Junior Drawing - Learn different styles and types of drawing techniques including comic drawing, cartoon characters, and an introduction to hand drawn animation. Take a look at the history of drawing, animation, as well as contemporary narratives such as Disney and Pixar.

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 Public Speaking – Girls have a voice and need to be heard.

Girls will learn the different forms of public speaking both verbal and non-verbal communication. It is important to know that you are speaking even when you aren't saying a word. Girls will perform monologues, work in groups to perform in front of their peers, along with working on getting into character for various performances.

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 work and what it took for them to be successful.

Senior Collage Artist Badge – Learn how to use different materials, color schemes, patterns and designs to create your very own collages.

Collages are a way to use your thoughts and creativity to create one of kind pieces of art. It’s time to learn what DIY really means and bringing your inner artist out.

Activities Theater Workshop: “James and the Giant Peach Musical”

History

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) presents "James and the Giant Peach Musical". Learn exciting songs and fun dances in a pre-show workshop, and discover theater history and drama techniques. Then perform what you have learned on stage for your leaders and guests at the end of the workshop. After having lunch with your troop, come back and attend the matinee show performed by the amazing CYT cast. After the show, you will have the opportunity to meet the cast and get autographs and pictures.

Juliette’s Treasure Chests

Who: First grade Daisies – Ambassadors Where: The Crighton Theater, Conroe When: May 19 - workshop is 9 a.m. – noon, lunch on your own noon – 1:30 p.m., matinee show starts

at 2 p.m.

Cost: $30/girl (includes show ticket), $12/adult or tagalong Min./Max: 30/100 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

CYT - Cyndie Phillips, cyndie@cythouston.org, 281-787-2115 Note: Girl registration includes a light snack, matinee ticket for the same day and a fun patch. Chaperones, parents and guests must purchase a ticket to attend the matinee performance.

Tagalongs will not participate in the workshop.

Who: All Girl Scouts Cost: $12 + $25 deposit for Treasure Chests; $1 + $10

deposit for DVDs Reserve: Use reservation form (which includes information

on the reservation process) at gssjc.org, Our Council,

Goodykoontz Museum of Girl Scout History.

Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, history@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Art School for Children University of Houston – Clear Lake's Art School for Children offers programs for youth in the Bay Area and encourages an exploration of the visual arts. Learn new skills and fulfill all five steps in these complete badge workshops.

Who: Daisy – Senior Where: University of Houston Clear Lake Cost: $22 per girl Min./Max.: 8/18 – 20 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: This is not a drop- off event. Badge included.

Program Title Daisy Outdoor Maker Senior Outdoor Expert Brownie Painting Brownie Potter Junior Drawing Junior Digital Photographer Cadette Book Artist Cadette Comic Artist

Date Time April 7 10 a.m. – noon April 7 1 – 3 p.m.

April 21 10 a.m. – noon April 21 1 – 3 p.m.

May 12 10 a.m. – noon May 12 1 – 3 p.m.

May 19 10 a.m. – noon May 19 1 – 3 p.m.

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 their digital photographer badge and Ambassadors will earn their photographer badge.

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. Or, check out the Golden Eaglet, a silent film on DVD about the beginning of the Girl Scout movement.

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!

Daisies, Brownies, Juniors Who: Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: April 19, May 17; 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Cost: $15/girl (includes patch and tea cup) Min./Max.: 10/16 Deadline: Two weeks before each date, or when full Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, 713-292-0338, areinhardt@sjgs.org Note: This is not a parent-n-me opportunity, but parents are welcome to wait in another room during the event.

Tour the Goodykoontz Museum of Girl Scout History The museum is fun and educational for girls/troops and adults. It features timeline panels and interactive displays from the start of the Council in the 1920s until today.

Where: 3000 Southwest Frwy, Houston Museum Hours: Guided tours available by appointment: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon-Fri or 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., noon on Saturday. Museum open for self-guided tours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Mon. – Fri. and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday (closed Sunday) Booking Tours: Email museumtour@sjgs.org with troop number, troop leader name/phone/email, preferred tour date/ time, girl program level and number of girls/adults.

Deadline: For guided tours, please request at least four weeks in advance.

Who: Junior and Ambassadors Where: Houston Center for Photography When: Juniors - April 22 and May 20, Ambassadors - May 6;

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $35/girl, includes badge Min./Max.: 6/8 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, 713-292-0338, areinhardt@sjgs.org March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

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Activities Program Place for Girls has a new geocache!

Use these coordinates (29°43'52.2"N 95°25'26.6"W) to find the worksheet needed to solve this puzzle cache. To solve the puzzle, use our wonderful Goodykoontz Museum of Girl Scout History to find the answers to the questions and decode the cipher to find the location and combination of the cache within the museum. Bring some swaps to trade, mark your name in the log and replace the cache in the same location when you’re finished.

This activity is recommended for Juniors and up or Brownies with adult assistance. The estimated time to complete the puzzle is 3045 minutes. This cache is not publicly posted and only available when Program Place for Girls is open. Hope you have fun!

Horseback Riding Horse Program We have two locations and many opportunities for girls to experience horse activities and for older girls and adults to serve girls while working with horses.

General information for all horse programs Deadline: Three weeks prior to the event Contact: Linda Pau, 713-292-0218, lpau@sjgs.org Safety first! All equine programs are staffed with volunteer adults and older girls who have had Council training in safe handling of horses and riders. Our program is based on the skills and safety guidelines of ACA, American Camp Association, and CHA, Certified Horsemanship Association. There is a weight limit of 200 pounds for all participants in troop riding and riding badge workshops. Please be advised all girls wishing to ride will be weighed prior to riding.

Adults: The appropriate ratio of troop adults as specified in Safety Activity Checkpoints, including the troop’s certified first-aider, must accompany all participants and remain in the area during activities.

What to wear: Long pants and socks, shirt with sleeves covering the shoulders. Helmets and boots are available. Girls bringing their own helmets must show a SEI certification label; boots must be smoothsoled with at least a half inch heel. Lug soles are not allowed.

Volunteer! Want to help with the program? Any adult who wishes to become involved in the equitation program must have a completed volunteer application, have an approved criminal background check on file and be a registered Girl Scout in good standing prior to attending the equitation training for adults.

Deadline: This deadline is to ensure that there are sufficient volunteers to present the program. If you attempt to register after the deadline, your registration will not be accepted. The girls and adults who deliver the program are all dedicated volunteers, and we ask that you respect their time.

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STARS at Camp Myra S. Pryor For Levels 1-3 Where: Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada Arrive Fri. at 6:30 p.m. and leave Sun. at 12:30 p.m.

When: Bring: Personal equipment and troop camping list $75 per girl, $25 per adult Cost: Min/Max.: 30/80 girls and adults Contact: Linda Pau, 713-292-0218, lpau@sjgs.org Pool is available for free time if weather allows.

Note:

Includes patch for that level. Bring SWAPS!

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. Please note that adults must register to attend with a troop or a parent must attend with an individual girl for these programs.

Who: When:

5th grade or older April 20 – 22 or May 4 – 6

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 6 – 8 or April 27 – 29 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 13 –15 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 23 – 25 Cost: $60/girl and $20/adult: includes program aide patch Min./Max. 20/60 girls and adults Prerequisite: Must have completed Saddlehorns, Rustlers

and Wranglers

Activities

Sailing

Horse Programs at Camp Misty Meadows McNair Equestrian Center – 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. Girls must be supervised by troop leader or parent during lunch break.

Who: When: Cost: Min./Max.:

Juniors and their chaperone April 28 $30 per participant (includes badge) 12/24 girls Bring: Sack lunch

Love, Hug and Groom This program is offered to individual girls or troops in GSSJC. All girl program levels may participate. Girls receive a barn tour, introduction to horse care and hands-on grooming opportunity with camp horses during one hour periods. Either a Saturday (all day) or Sunday (morning only) time may be requested. Troops and individuals should arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled time.

Who: When: Cost:

Daisies through Ambassadors Most weekends Sept. through May Min./Max.: 4/25 $6 per girl

Horseback riding Troops/groups (Juniors and older) camping at Camps Misty Meadows, Agnes Arnold, Silver Springs or Robinwood who wish to ride during their camping weekend should register online.

These are one hour ride periods, either in an arena or on a trail, depending on the skill level of the riders (determined by the volunteer head instructor in charge during the ride) and weather conditions. Either a Saturday or Sunday (morning only) ride time may be requested. Even though you may not be camping at one of the camps nearby Camp Misty Meadows, Girl Scouts can still go horseback riding. Troops and individuals should arrive at the barn 30 minutes before their scheduled ride time.

Who: When: Cost:

Juniors through Ambassadors Most weekends Sept. through May $25 per participant Min./Max.: 2/12 riders per session

Mariner Weekends Mariners can participate in Mariner-only weekends. They have the opportunity to practice their sailing skills in a relaxed setting while having fun. These weekends are typically themed. A Mariner is a girl who has completed Basic Sailing (Red Cross Basic Sailing or Small Craft Safety Sailing.) Mariners spend the weekend at Casa Mare and eat, sleep and sail. Four to eight dorm chaperones are also required for these weekends.

When:

Cost:

Mariner 1 – April 13 – 15 Mariner 2 – May 18 – 20 Friday check in is 7 p.m. and Sunday check out is 2 p.m. $30 per girl, all meals are included

Sailing Activities at Camp Casa Mare To get sailing information: Volunteer Sailing Coordinator: sailing.coordinator@gmail.com Volunteer Sailing Instructor Coordinator: instructor.coordinator@gmail.com GSSJC Staff Contact: Linda Pau, 713-292-0218, lpau@sjgs.org Registration: 713-292-0370 To register for sailing events, go to www.gssjc.org/activities and search for sailing. Please include a current email address, as all confirmation are sent electronically.

Note: All sailing is weather permitting – refunds are not issued for weekends were we cannot sail due to weather.

Note for Mariners: Did you know you can get service hours by attending Introduction to Sailing weekends? Did you know that these service hours can be used in increasing your ratings and counted as tiller time for your mate rating?

Did you know that you can use these service hours in school and in your troop? On these weekends, you will work with girls that are trying out sailing. Tell them about the program and what you love about it, show off our Sailing Center and make new friends. When registering online, be sure to register as a Mariner.

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 lpau@sjgs.org. Girls without cards will not be allowed to remain in camp.

April 27 – 29 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.

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Activities Instruction Weekends

Some courses are over two weekends, and you must attend both. Four to eight volunteers are needed to hold the events.

Basic Sailing is a two-weekend class. Attendance at both weekends is mandatory. This is a mentally and physically demanding course. Girls are encouraged, but not required, to attend an Introduction to Sailing weekend before taking Basic Sailing.

Sunfish Mate is a two-weekend course for girls who have completed Basic Sailing and followed through with additional practice to solidify their skills. It is required that girls have a minimum of six sailing sessions, equivalent to 20 hours of tiller time, between Basic Sailing and Sunfish Mate. Hours will be verified. GSSJC also offers classes for Mariners who wish to take advanced ratings courses.

Sloop Skipper, Sloop Captain and Big Boat classes should email instructor.coordinator@gmail.com to see if you qualify to attend.

Who:

Date:

Bring: When:

Cost:

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 or lpau@sjgs.org. Girls without cards will not be allowed to remain in camp.

Instruction Weekend 1 – April 20 – 22 Mariner Basic Sailing, Mate, Sloop Skipper Instruction Weekend 2 – May 4 – 6 Mariner Basic Sailing, Mate, Sloop Crew, Sunfish Skipper Adult Instruction Weekend – May 11 – 13, Adult Sloop, Adult Mate You will receive an email with a packing list.

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. $88 for Basic Sailing and Sunfish Mate (two-weekend courses); $48 for all other courses

Tall Ship Elissa Programs Overnight on the Elissa 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.

Who: Brownies (at least 8 years old) - Ambassadors When: May 12, May 26

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, 713-292-0312 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:

Brownies (least 8 years old) to Ambassadors May 19; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $30/person Min./Max.: 10/30

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Sports Laughter Yoga Laughter is the best medicine! We invite Brownies to experience a new way to exercise. Laughter yoga is an activity that lets girls have fun while learning ways to live stress-free. Brownies will complete their My Best Self badge!

Who: Brownies Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: April 14 and May 19, 10 – 11:30 a.m. $15 per girl Cost: Min./Max.: 10/20 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: This is not a drop-off event. No tagalongs. Best Self badge is included.

Girl Scout Night with the Skeeters Take me out to the ball game! The Sugar Land Skeeters baseball team hosts the annual Girl Scout Night! Enjoy pregame festivities, a sleepover on the field, and a movie on the Texas sized scoreboard! All Girl Scouts that participate in the sleepover will receive a special Skeeters patch post-game! Registration includes a midnight snack and breakfast in the morning. Game only tickets are available upon request.

Who: All Levels and Adults (Registered members with

background checks) Where: Constellation Field, Sugar Land When: May 18, game time 7:05 p.m.; Overnight is until

8 a.m. Saturday, May 19 Bring: If spending the night, a detailed list will be sent to participants Max Participants: Overnight- 1,000, Game Only- 1,500 Cost: $26 per person Register: Registration will be handled by Skeeters.

Contact Tyler Stamm to purchase tickets.

Deadline: May 11 or until sold out. All tickets will be based on availability.

Contact: Tyler Stamm, Senior Sales Manager, 281-207-9127 or tstamm@sugarlandskeeters.com Note: This event will sellout. This is not a drop-off event. See Girl Scout adult and tagalong policies and more event information on the GSSJC website under Activities.

Cadette Entrepreneur Workshop Say it loud – I’m an entrepreneur! What is your idea of an entrepreneur? We will explore ideas, creativity and the determination it takes to be an entrepreneur. Let’s brainstorm, create a business idea/plan, and share your thoughts and ideas with a panel of local entrepreneurs we will bring in. You could have the next great business idea so let’s figure out how to make it happen! Girls will earn their Entrepreneur badge at this event.

Who: Cadettes Where: Program Place for Girls When: April 1, 1 – 3 p.m. $15 per girl Cost: Min./Max.: 10/25 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, 713-292-0338, areinhardt@sjgs.org Note: Badge included!

Activities Super Stretchers Whether you have tried yoga or not, these workshops will stretch your idea of what exercise can be. The practice of yoga provides a wonderful opportunity for the mind and body to come together in search of balance. Whether you are trying to stay fit, be your best self or practice with a purpose, these classes will deliver a truly refreshing experience. Workshops will be Girl Scout only and tailored to each badge topic. Adults may wait in the studio or drop-off.

Where: SyntheCore Studio, Spring Branch When: 1 – 2 p.m.

Cost: $16 per person Min./Max.: 5/20 Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, 713-292-0338, areinhardt@sjgs.org Badge Date Level Staying Fit April 1 Juniors Activities My Best Self April 28 Brownies Practice with Purpose May 12 Juniors

First Tee Golf Workshop The First Tee uses golf to teach girls life lessons and leadership skills. Sessions include a fun, group setting for Girl Scouts ages 7 to 15 regardless of background or previous experience. Teaming up with experts in positive youth development, the First Tee helps girls become good golfers and even better people.

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact: Note:

STEM

Riflery Program General information for all three activities listed below Girl Scouts 12 – 18 years old Who: Where: Camp Robinwood, Willis April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, When:

Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8 Cost: $8/session Deadline: Two weeks prior to event Contact: Carrie Seals, cseals@sjgs.org, 713-292-0312

Introduction to Rifle Program Trained instructors will guide you as you first learn basic firearm safety and the proper way to handle a rifle. You will receive your own pair of safety glasses and learn to shoot at the bench rest position. A completed Rifle Program Permission Slip (F-601) is required for participation. This form is only needed once. It will be held on file for future rifle sessions.

Time:

noon – 1:30 p.m. Min./Max:

4/12

Rifle Marksmanship After you have attended your Introduction to Rifle Program session, you may register for any Rifle Marksmanship session. At these sessions you will learn more shooting positions and how to improve your shooting skills in each.

Remember to bring your safety glasses.

Time:

1:30 – 3 p.m.

Min./Max:

4/12

G.R.I.T.: Girls, Rifles, Instruction and Training Rifle Program Interest Group If after attending any Rifle Marksmanship session you decide you would like more from your rifle program experience, then the Rifle Program 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

Brownies - Seniors F.M. Law Park, Houston April 7, 9 – 11 a.m. $15/girl Min./Max.: 10/20 Ashley Reinhardt, areinhardt@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 This is not a drop-off event. No experience or equipment needed.

Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271

Marathon Petroleum STEM Day Spend the day with Marathon employees learning everything you need to know for a career in STEM! Join Region 12 for this unique opportunity. The day will be filled with hands-on activities that show girls how STEM is an important part of the real world.

Girls will hear and learn from women who perform a variety of technical jobs with an emphasis on the refining industry. Whether you're looking to go into a STEM career or you're just curious, this event is for you.

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors Marathon Petroleum, Texas City April 7, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. $10/girl; free for adults Liz Atton, latton@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269

Think Like a Programmer Jump in and try one of the new STEM Journeys! Discover how creativity can help you solve a difficult problem. During this workshop, you will find out how to persist and think about things in a new way; you'll even discover what coding and algorithms are. Find out how every-day problems are resolved by programmers, and try it out yourself. Girls complete all Journey requirements except the Take Action Project.

Who: Where: When: Cost:

Daisies Idea Lab, Spring Branch April 14, 9 a.m. – noon $23

Girl Scouts ‘n’ Science Calling all future astronauts, app inventors and Nobel prize winners: have you ever wondered what it means to have a Ph.D.?

Have you ever wanted to see what it is like to work in STEM research? If so, then join the army of Rice graduate students for a fun day of adventure, exploration, and of course, Science! Girls will participate in hands-on activities, see demonstrations and, in small groups with a graduate student mentor, get an in-depth tour of a research lab on the Rice campus.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

Cadettes - Ambassadors April 28, 9:30 a.m. – 2:20 p.m.

Rice University, Houston $30/girl, $17/adult March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

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vities

Activities The Science of Music Making music is just as fun listening to it. During this Cinco de Mayo-themed event, Juniors will learn to understand music and the science behind it all while thinking about acoustics and how important science can be to the art of music. And they’ll earn the Musician badge as well.

Who: Where: When: Cost:

Juniors Idea Lab, Spring Branch May 5, 9 a.m. – noon $23

Computer Expert Workshops Brownies who sign up for this workshop will be able to learn about the basics of using a computer - including how to make art, share information and find incredible facts .

Who: Brownies Where: Microsoft Stores at Galleria and The Woodlands When/Location: May 26, 2 – 4 p.m.; Galleria

June 10, 1 – 3 p.m.; Galleria

June 23, 10 a.m. – noon; The Woodlands

July 15, 2 – 4 p.m.; The Woodlands

July 28, 10 a.m. – noon; The Woodlands

August 5, 1 – 3 p.m.; Galleria Cost: $10, cost covers Girl Scout program fees

Digital Movie Maker Workshops Movies tell stories, and this workshop will help you tell your own tale! This is your chance to show others how you see the world while you utilize fun and innovative software and your own videos.

Who: Cadettes Where: Microsoft Stores at Galleria and The Woodlands When/Location: May 27, 2 – 4 p.m.; The Woodlands Activities

June 9, 2 – 4 p.m.; Galleria

June 24, 1 – 3 p.m.; Galleria

July 14, 10 a.m. – noon; The Woodlands

July 29, 1 – 3 p.m.; Galleria

August 4,10 a.m. – noon; The Woodlands $10, cost covers Girl Scout program fees Cost:

Entertainment Technology Badge Workshop

Roller Coaster Workshop Put engineering in motion with the new Roller Coaster Design Challenge badge. In this workshop, Daisies delve into engineering and motion by building and testing a roller coaster. Girls will explore how roller coasters work and how to design, build, and test a new construction as well! Daisies will earn their Roller Coaster Design Challenge badge through this workshop.

Who: Where: When: Cost:

Activities Daisies Program Place for Girls, Houston July 21, 10 a.m. – noon $23

Robotics Badge Workshops Robots can do so much! They can aid in anything from helping you with your chores to exploring the ocean or Mars. Every day, they are used for amazing things and in these workshops, you will find out how. Robots are built and programmed in different ways to meet a goal. Explore these topics in workshops hosted by the Robotics Special Interest Group.

Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $10 or $15 Level Badge Date/Time What Robots Do June 2, 2 – 4 p.m.

Daisy Daisy How Robots Move June 9, 2 – 4 p.m.

Daisy Design a Robot June 23, 2 – 4 p.m.

Brownie Programming Robots June 30, 2 – 4 p.m.

Brownie Designing/Showcasing Robots July 14, 2 – 5 p.m.

Junior Programming Robots July 21, 2 – 4 p.m.

Junior Designing/Showcasing Robots July 28, 2 – 5 p.m.

Make Me a Movement Have you heard of the maker movement? It’s a fun initiative where you get back to the basics of building. Join Idea Lab where you can “rock your gray matter” and discover how much fun building can be.

Who: Daisies When: July 14, 10 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab, Energy Corridor Cost: $23

Leap Bot Workshop

Connect to your favorite entertainment through exploring the technology behind it. Technology isn’t always computers and screens – it is also how things are made and tested. Discover a hands-on approach to technology through constructing an animation, experimenting with centrifugal course and making 3D glasses.

Discover engineering, gravity, and force by building and testing a leap bot. Brownies will learn to think critically about how designs are put together and how they can be improved. Brownies will earn their Leap Bot Design Challenge badge through this workshop.

Who: Juniors Where: Children’s Museum Houston When: June 16, July 8; noon – 2:15 p.m.

Cost: $15

Who: Brownies When: July 8, 9 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab, Spring Branch Cost: $23

Model Car Workshop Designing and testing is the name of the game in this workshop where Daisies earn the Model Car Design Challenge badge through this workshop. Girls explore engineering, friction and more when they build and test a model car.

Who: Daisies When: June 30, 10 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab, Energy Corridor Cost: $23 32 March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

Fling Flyer Workshop Brownies will learn about the forces that affect flight as they design, build and test a fling flyer. Through this workshop, girls learn how to design, investigate, and revise after each assessment. Brownies will earn their Fling Flyer Design Challenge badge through this workshop.

Who: Brownies When: August 11, 9 am. – noon Where: Idea Lab, Energy Corridor Cost: $23

Activities Inventor Overnight This overnight is exclusively for Brownies where they’ll have a stellar experience with out-of-this-world hands-on activities.

Walk through the Skylab, rebuild an airlock and explore new horizons through designing a custom payload compartment.

Girls will feel like they earned their Astronaut wings after this adventure.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

Brownies, Girl Scout ratio of adults July 13-14 Space Center Houston $65/girl, $55/adult

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:

Cadettes Children’s Museum of Houston July 14, July 22, noon – 2:15 p.m. $15

Catching Flight This exciting new event will take Seniors and Ambassadors on an adventure while they explore aeronautics and astronautics.

Girls will get the chance to learn from experts in the field, discover the science behind flight and build (and keep) their own drone!

Who: Seniors and Ambassadors July 22 When: Where: Creativity Shell Makerspace, Kingwood Cost: $40

Product Designer Badge Workshop Explore and create innovations in the Children’s Museum Maker Annex. You will get the chance to investigate what makes products great, how to improve products already on the market and more. The best part is that you will be able to be an innovator yourself and troubleshoot your solution.

Who: Where: When: Cost:

Juniors Children’s Museum of Houston Aug. 4, noon – 2:15 p.m. $15

Space Out – Save the Date!

Get ready to have some fun at camp while doing hands-on activities to explore the universe. Let's have an out-of-this-world time with scavenger hunts, games, cookies and the planetarium. GSSJC is hosting a journey though space that girls are sure not to forget.

Registration will be open June 1 – August 31.

Brownies and Juniors Who: When: September 15, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Camp Misty Meadows, Conroe Cost: $20

Astronomy Special Interest Group This group is for girls who want to have fun, learn and teach.

Girls plan their activities for the year and organize events that other Girl Scouts attend. The group also take trips to discover the world around them– and beyond! This great group helps girls develop leadership skills and learn about themselves while becoming more acquainted with science and the field of astronomy.

Who: Juniors in 5th grade – Ambassadors When: First Sunday of every month; 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $15 Deadline: Registration open year-around, but subject to

available spots.

Think Like a Citizen Scientist Earn the new Outdoor STEM badge, Think Like a Citizen Scientist. Girls will practice the scientific method by undertaking a citizen science project. They will make observations, collect data and work with scientists who provide feedback on research and findings. Brownies will work alongside Cadettes who will be facilitating to earn their LiA Award.

Who: Brownies April 14, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

When: Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston

(and Levy Park, weather permitting) Cost: $15

Forensics Weekend Girl Planning Board Would you like to help plan GSSJC’s annual Forensics Weekend event? Girls can plan this weekend at camp that explores forensics science through a theme based around the game of Clue! Girls will need to attend planning/work meetings as well as be present the for the event.

Who: Where:

When: Apply:

Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors Girl Scout Center, Houston or Camp Casa Mare, Seabrook Various planning dates; event is Nov 30 – Dec 2 Go to gssjc.org/forms and search for Forensics Weekend to download the application.

Join the STEM Squad!

Do you love STEM? Join the STEM Squad where you can test out science activities, go on field trips, and facilitate programs for younger girls. Girls on the STEM Squad will get a special t-shirt and patch as well as earn a patch for each program they facilitate.

Who: Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: Various meetings on TBD dates (appointment is June-May) Cost: $10 Apply: Go to the gssjc.org/forms and search STEM Squad to

download the application.

Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271

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Activities Robotics Competition GSSJC’s robotics teams compete through the international FIRST organization where girls build and code models and robots that compete against other teams in the area. Competition typically runs September – December/January, but it may extend through February depending on the level/success of the team. Please review the online signup page for detailed information about what girls do during the competition season.

Who: Daisies - Ambassadors Cost: $40/girl Note: Separate sign-ups will be available for the informational sessions, the expo and the teams.

Important Dates: May 19 and August 4: Parents of interested girls should attend one of informational sessions.

May 19: An expo will be held for girls to explore what competitive models and robots look like. They will also have the chance to meet and talk to girls who have competed. Attending the expo for girls is not required, but is highly recommended if they have not previously competed in competitive robotics.

May 21 – August 12: Team signup period. Preference is given to returning teams to stay together. Teams are formed as registrations come in (spots are first-come, first-serve). Signing up at the end of the sign-up period leaves placement subject to available team spots which may not be in your geographic area.

May – August: Teams, once full, may begin meeting on a TBD-by-team schedule over the summer. Once a team is full and coaches are in place, they will be contacted to confirm a full roster. At that time, communication will take place about acquiring supplies and beginning meetings. Location, day of week and time of meetings are set by coaches and will vary by team.

August – December/January: Competition season. Teams meet weekly; location, day of week and time of meetings are set by coaches and will vary by team. The season may be longer based on the league and/or team success. Girls and parents should expect that teams will meet at least once a week (typically on a weekend) for 2-4 hours depending on the level.

Create Your Reality Discover how force and direction can impact how object move in virtual reality. Girls will utilize Osmo kits to guide a ball through digital space and onto a target. They will also have the chance to race cars digitally by controlling the physics and motions behind the cars.

Who: Brownies Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: July 29, 1 – 3 p.m.

Cost: $15

Swimming Swim Level and Safe Boating Card testing sessions These sessions test swim level skills in order for girls to go canoeing (Red Cross Level 3), sailing (Red Cross Level 4) or participate in other aquatic activities that may require certification. Girls will also be tested to receive their Safe Boating Cards. This card combined with a swim level card is required for canoeing and sailing. For this test, girls will be required to be in the water, wearing pants, T-shirt and shoes. Each session is two hours.

Note: Girls must be able to swim the length of the pool. For swim level and safeboating requirements, visit gssjc.org/forms.

Bring: Swim suit, towel, T-shirt, long pants, shirt, shoes Min./Max.: 5/20 Cost: $20 Contact: Carrie Seals, cseals@sjgs.org, 713-292-0312 Dates: Pearland Rec. Center and Natatorium

(4141 Bailey Road) March 24, April 28

Travel Destinations

A Destination is your chance to go somewhere new, do something different and meet people from everywhere you can imagine. A Destination is any experience, regardless of distance or length of time, which provides a girl 11-18 with an opportunity to expand her personal experience beyond her everyday scope.

Events typically range in length from 3-10 days. There’s something for everyone: you may choose to write and direct your own film, climb mountains, dive undersea or protect fragile ecosystems. Some Destinations sites include: Hollywood, Alaska, San Diego, Nevada, Yosemite National Park, Peru, Ireland and more.

Girls traveling on Destinations are eligible to receive a grant from GSSJC to assist with the cost of the trip. In order to qualify as a recipient, you must participate in the Girl Scout Fall Product and Cookie Programs. You also agree to remain active in Girl Scouting for the next registration year and share your Destinations experience at Council when requested. For more information, visit http://forgirls.girlscouts.org/travel/take-a-trip/destinations/.

Who: Girls ages 11 – 18 Deadline: ASAP, Limited spots available Contact: Liz Atton, 713-292-0269, latton@sjgs.org Note: Only girls may travel on Destinations. Trips are staffed by qualified adults from the sponsoring organizations.

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Activities Council Trip to New York Join GSSJC as we take a trip to New York City. Girls will get a chance to explore New York right in the middle of Times Square.

All travelers will get the opportunity to experience and explore everything New York has to offer by visiting some the most popular sightseeing attractions like the Empire State Building, the United Nations and GSUSA headquarters. Girls will experience activities such as Broadway shows, city bus tours and many more activities.

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors New York City, NY June 6 – 12 $1,350/girl, $1,350/adult Liz Atton, 713-292-0269, latton@sjgs.org

Council Trip to London and Paris In London and Paris, the list of memorable sights is endless, from the Mona Lisa and the Eiffel Tower to Big Ben and Parliament.

Discover two of Europe’s most popular cities as you marvel at the Arc de Triomphe, experience the luxury of Versailles and pose for a troop photo in Trafalgar Square. Girls will get the opportunity to bring awareness of global prospective, expand their knowledge about culture and history, develop interpersonal skills and leadership opportunities.

Who: When: Contact: Note:

Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors June 24 – July 2, 2019 Liz Atton, 713-292-0269, latton@sjgs.org All girls must have completed eighth grade by the time of trip to complete an application.

Jeweler Badge 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 get the chance to become part of the Maker Movement by creating pieces themselves.

Who: Juniors Where: Children’s Museum Houston When: July 24, noon – 2:15 p.m.

Cost: $15

Room Makeover Workshop In this workshop, you’ll discover design concepts and fix-it tactics needed to turn a simple space into a creative statement!

You’ll develop some serious DIY flair by combining color, texture, glue and paint while getting hands on and engineering great pieces for your room. You will get the chance to paint a small wooden piece you’ll bring with you, sew or glue a fabric accent, build something and make an old item new again!

Badge is provided to girl attendees.

Who: Seniors Where: Children’s Museum Houston When: July 21, noon – 2:15 p.m.

Cost: $15

Sow What Journey Get down to the roots of your food network to see how complex food can really be! You’ll be able to connect with locals who work with food every day as well as explore your own “food print”. This Journey will complete all requirements except the Take Action Project.

Who: Seniors Where: TBD in the Katy Area May 12 When: Cost: $40 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271

Babysitter Workshop Whether you’re getting ready to babysit in the future or have already started, this workshop will help you become the best babysitter you can be! Over the course of this workshop, you will learn how kids develop, how important play can be and more.

Who: Seniors Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Katy April 7 When: Cost: $25 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271

Brownie “World of Girls’ Journey Enjoy the day with Cadettes as they earn their Leadership in Action Award (LiA) by helping girls work towards their World of Girls Journey. Cost includes World of Girls Journey badge per girls and one World of Girls Journey book per troop.

Who: Brownies Where: Champion Forest Baptist Church- Jersey Village When: March 24, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $15 per girl; $3 per adults Cost: Min./Max.: 60/120-girls; 15/35- adults Contact: Melissa Hardy, 713-292-0376, mhardy@sjgs.org

Girl Scout Law Day Interested in law? At this event you will learn about how laws affect you today, what areas of law exist and explore career ideas and opportunities the field has to offer. You will also get to meet a panel of attorneys who will be there to share their experiences and answer questions. Join us at the University of Houston Law School for an exciting day about law!

Who: Where: When: Deadline: Cost: Contact:

Seniors and Ambassadors University of Houston Law School April 8, 1 – 4 p.m.

Two weeks prior $10/person Min./Max.: 10/100 Kara Powers, 713-292-0300, kpowers@sjgs.org

Dentistry Career Workshop Dentists do more than check for cavities. They diagnose, prevent and treat diseases and conditions in your mouth. There are many different types of dentists as well! Find out more about this healthcare career, ask questions to dentistry students during a Q&A and practice some techniques in hands-on activities!

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

Seniors - Ambassadors The Health Museum Houston March 31, 1 – 4 p.m. $23/girl, $10/adult Min./Max.: 10/30 Ashley Reinhardt, 713-292-0338, areinhardt@sjgs.org March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

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Columns How to Get to an Adult Training ATC or AA: Adult Training Center, Camp Agnes Arnold and Misty Meadows – Conroe: 8832 North Frazier St., 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.

BCS: Beaumont Service Center – 700 North Street, Suite F, take exit 855 A for US-90 toward downtown, turn left at North Street, building is on the left.

Camp Casa Mare – Seabrook: 4810 Toddville Rd., I-45 South to NASA Road 1 exit. Turn east onto NASA Road 1, continue eight miles, crossing Highway 146 in Seabrook, onto Second Street. Continue east to the end of Second Street at Toddville Road. Turn left on Toddville Road and go approximately three mile to camp (on your right).

GSC: Girl Scout Center and Program Place for Girls – 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.

UW Ft Bend: United Way Fort Bend Center – Stafford: 12300 Parc Crest Dr., From Houston, take 59/69 East/South to exit toward W Airport Blvd/Kirkwood Rd. Merge onto U.S. 59 Frontage Rd Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto W Airport Blvd. Turn left onto Parc Crest Dr. WAM: Camp Wind-A-Mere – Alvin: 3102 McFarland Rd, I-45 South, exit FM 517. Turn right on McFarland Road.

Adult Trainings

Camp Certification Training Schedule 2018 Date March 27 OR March 27 April 7 April 16 OR April 17 April 28 April 23 OR April 24 May 5

Day Tues

Course Name Camp Cert In Town (AC 4/7)

Location GSC

Time 7 – 10 p.m.

Cost $25

Tues Sat Mon

Camp Cert In Town (AC 4/7) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 3/27) Camp Cert In Town (AC 4/28)

BSC ATC GSC

7 – 10 p.m.

8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

7 – 10 p.m.

$25 none $25

Tues Sat Mon

Camp Cert In Town (AC 4/28) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 4/16&17) Camp Cert In Town (AC 5/5)

UW Ft Bend WAM ATC

7 – 10 p.m.

8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

$25 none $25

Tues Sat

Camp Cert In Town (AC 5/5) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 4/23&24)

GSC ATC

7 – 10 p.m.

8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

$25 none

Training Calendar March Date Day 3 Saturday Wednesday 21

Course Name Outdoor Magic First Aid/CPR/AED-Blended

Location ATC GSC

Time 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Cost $12 $55

Day Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday

Course Name Getting Started with the Girl’s Guide and Journeys Partnering with Parents Partnering with Juniors Partnering Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors Facilitator Essentials Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training First Aid/CPR/AED-Blended Partnering with Parents

Location GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC

Time Cost 8:30 – 10 a.m.

Free 10:30 a.m. – noon $6 1 – 3 p.m. $6 1 – 3 p.m. $6 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. $12 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $6 9 a.m. – noon $55 1 – 2:30 p.m. $6

Day Saturday Saturday Saturday Friday-Sunday

Course Name Event Basics Weekend Event Planning First Aid/CPR/AED-Standard Camp Kitchen Certification

Location GSC GSC GSC Casa Mare

Time 9 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m.

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

8 p.m. Fri. – noon Sun.

April Date 7 7 7 7 14 28 28 28

May Date 5 5 19 18-20

Cost $6 $6 $55 $20

Questions about training registration? Contact 713-292-2900 or registration@sjgs.org.

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Around Camp

Tree and wildlife reforestation project completed at Camp Misty Meadows

Last November, 20 Girl Scouts planted more than 300 trees along the berm and adjacent League Line Road at Camp Misty Meadows. Yes, that’s right, 300 trees! They did have some help from adult volunteers and Entergy employees. Henry Steitz, our Girl Scout Forester, provided an information session about the Eastern Red Cedar trees they were planting as well as some history about the camp.

Eastern Red Cedar trees are native to the area and were chosen for their resistance to extremes of drought, heat and cold.

Planting included adding microbial starter and watering in with molasses, seaweed and fish emulsion. Mature trees are usually 3040 feet tall.

Girls learned that as the trees grow, we hope birds, insects and other native animals will call this grove home. Girls were each given a tree to plant that they could call their own in hopes that they’ll continue to return to Misty Meadows and follow the growth of their trees. The rest of the trees were planted by the group as a whole. Animal feeders are stationed surrounding the berm. It didn’t take long for birds, squirrels and deer to start visiting and enjoying this area.

Planting all these trees helps beautify the camp, restore wildlife to this area and gives our horses an awesome view. Thank you, Entergy, for the donation and to all who made this happen!

Reserve rangers needed

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is looking for adult men and women age 21 years and older to serve as Reserve Rangers in our camps on weekends. If you enjoy the outdoors and the camping experience, we need you.

We started the Reserve Ranger Corps in 1989 to extend staff/volunteer partnerships to the camp environment.

Qualified, trained adult volunteers spend a weekend at a What happened to the camp of their choice, assisting the staff ranger on duty with troop/event check-in, routine requests for services, answering Texas horned toad? campers’ questions, check-out and acting as the steward of the

The Texas Horned Toad (or Lizard) is still council’s camp property. No experience is needed; however, common in the Panhandle and West Texas each applicant must be current Girl Scout member, pass a and there are some in South Texas, but they criminal background check and have completed GSSJC Camp are down 50% or less in their historic range.

Certification to be considered for this high-profile camp This reptile is listed as a threatened species in position. We provide a weekend orientation which includes Texas. Loss of habitat, imported fire ants and an overview of the duties and on-the-job training from an pesticides seem to be the main causes why experienced Reserve Ranger. we don’t see many of these reptiles.

We are recruiting individuals with a friendly and caring Nature Trivia

Their main food source are ants. No ants attitude! Our Reserve Rangers serve as role models for the equals no Texas horned toads. adults and girls using our camp facilities. The attitude and

Over the last 4-5 demeanor of a Reserve Ranger can have a lasting impact on years small numbers a person’s camping experience. Our Reserve Rangers are of mature horned personally committed to ensuring the safety of adults and girls lizards were released using the camp facilities. at remote sites in

Reserve Rangers stay in separate, private quarters at each Texas to establish new camp. Each facility is climate controlled. Reserve Rangers populations. Many are volunteers and do not receive a salary, however, we offer of the lizards carried a stipend of $65 to offset personal out-of-pocket expenses radio transmitters and incurred when on duty for a weekend. To sign-up or for more were eaten by predators including raccoons and snakes. Few survived information call Ranger Phil Olsommer at 936-672-1821 or long enough to reproduce. email him at polsommer@sjgs.org.

Now, the plan is to release a much larger number of young lizards, so even if several are eaten many will still survive and increase their numbers. The San Antonio Zoo plans to establish a lizard factory to generate large numbers of babies. Their goal is to produce 400-500 babies and release them in the wild. They already have 28 tiny newborns and hope to have a captive breeding population of 50 adults.

Here’s a question for next time: What is the state dog of Texas?

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Columns

Columns

Girl Scouts serve their country

by Marlene Edwards

Moment in History

Every Girl Scout and Girl Guide takes a pledge to be of service when she recites the Promise. No matter where in the world she lives, no matter what language she speaks, no matter how old she is, she promises to help.

There are many ways to serve. Members can take part in national service projects. Councils also offer similar opportunities. Service projects are part of troop programs.

Members can also undertake projects of service as an individual. Let’s take a look at some projects from the past.

Soon after Juliette Low began Girl Scouts in the United States, the U.S. became involved in World War I. Girl Scouts everywhere volunteered their services. They worked in hospitals, staffed railroad station canteens for traveling service men, grew vegetables, sold war bonds and collected peach pits for use in gas masks. Girl Scouts became firmly established on the national scene as a result of these services. A sudden expansion in membership is also credited to the record of service by Girl Scouts.

An early service project in this council was in 1925, just three years after Houston Girl Scouts became a council. A photograph appeared in the American Girl Magazine which showed a Hispanic troop in Houston clearing an alleyway so they could plant flowers as their part in serving the community.

This photo is found in the GSSJC archives.

Nationally a special Liberty Loan Medal was struck by the United States Treasury department to recognize Girl Scouts who were successful selling war bonds.

During the Great Depression of the early 1930s, Girl Scouts responded to a request by the organization’s honorary president, First Lady Lou Henry Hoover, to participate in relief activities. During this time, Girl Scouts worked in hospitals again, and they helped provide food for those in need. Some girls held events and charged admission of an article of clothing which was then donated to those in need.

Before the United States joined World War II, American Girl Scouts presented the Girl Guides of Great Britain with an ambulance, two mobile kitchens, air raid shelter equipment and $500 of knitting wool. They pledged to give service to the national defense effort. Wing Scouting was developed for Senior Girl Scouts who wanted to learn aviation and serve the country.

Senior Aide projects were introduced in the booklet “Senior Girl Scouting in War Time”. Toward the end of the war, professional Girl Scouts from the national staff were loaned to the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration which was conducting relief work abroad.

Sugar rationing during the war cause diminished production of Girl Scout Cookies, and calendars were produced by GSUSA for council and troop fundraising.

Soon after the war, a Friendship Bag project was launched. Girl Scouts made brightly colored bags and filled them with pins, needles, threads, buttons, tooth brushes, combs and other small essentials for distribution by relief agencies working overseas. Then the three-year project, Clothes for 38 March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

Friendship, began. Girl Scouts promised to prepare 100,000 kits of clothes for children in European countries who were recovering from the war. This was followed by the Schoolmates Overseas project. Girl Scouts filled school bags with pencils, rulers, crayons, notebooks and other supplies for children in other countries.

Girl Scouts raised the attention of President Eisenhower when they created the Kits for Korea project during the Korean conflict. In the 1950s, thousands of Girl Scouts responded to the Outdoor Good Turns conservation project.

Anniversaries often bring special programs. On the occasion of the 200th birthday of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Girl Scouts pledged service to the nation.

Another great service project was with a Gift of Water service project on our national 70th birthday. Activities ranged from studying coastal areas to highlighting the history and heritage of waterfronts, as well as teaching water safety. To celebrate the 80th birthday, Girl Scouts launched an environmental project nationwide called Girl Scouts Care for the Earth. The Right to Read national literacy service project was introduced by then honorary National President and First Lady, Barbara Bush, and again Girl Scouts participated in the project.

What will Girl Scouts create next in giving service to our nation, city or town for the benefit of their community or nation? After all, giving service is a way of life for a Girl Scout!

Columns

Philanthropy

8th Annual Success to Significance Luncheon “Women in Leadership” LEAD LIKE A G.I.R.L. Thursday, May 3, 2018

GSSJC is developing tomorrow’s generation of women leaders while honoring those who exemplify its values today at our annual fundraising luncheon, Success to Significance. In 2018, we will be joined by top leaders as they explore what it takes to be a trailblazer for women, lessons they’ve learned and the power and promise within female leaders.

This year we will celebrate National Young Woman of Distinction honoree and member of GSSJC Angela Shipman. For her Gold Award Shipman launched Rewire Society, a movement to help eliminate stereotypes and embrace diversity. Additionally, we will be joined by Andrea Bastiani Archibald, PhD, developmental psychologist and chief girl and family engagement officer for Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA). Dr. Bastiani Archibald serves as an authority on girls’ and women’s leadership development, parenting and family dynamics and cultural influences on girls, among other topics. For full details visit gssjc.org/s2s, or contact Emily Kelley at ekelley@sjgs.org or 713-292-0358.

Thank you to our current sponsors (as of Dec. 15, 2017)

Bonner C. Barnes, Julia Boushka, Delores J. Hinkle, Jean T. Janssen, Sandy Judson, Candice Koederitz, KPMG, Tejas Office Products, Jamie Vazquez and Kelly Von Gonten & Rachel Von Gonten

Thank You GSSJC Donors!

Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2017. To make a gift today, visit donate.gssjc.org. $25,000+ - Ambassador M. D. Anderson Foundation Entergy Texas, Inc. The George Foundation Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Margaret S. Sheriff Toyota Financial Services United Way of Greater Houston Valero Energy Corporation $10,000-$24,999 - Senior Comerica Bank Francisco Diaz Girl Scouts of the USA H-E-B John P. McGovern Foundation Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church TLL Temple Foundation Kelly L. Von Gonten $5,000-$9,999 - Cadette AIG American General Amegy Bank of Texas The Boeing Company Capital One Bank Kay K. Craig Ellen R. DeSanctis The Dow Chemical Company Enterprise Products Company Fort Bend Junior Service League Dorothy M. Goodykoontz Houston Texans Foundation Jean T. Janssen and Stephen P. Pate Patty and Randy Keys Candice E. Koederitz Stacy and Dee Methvin Les and Mary Puckett Children's Foundation Alice Kleberg Reynolds Meyer Foundation Stephen M. Seay Foundation Shell Oil Company Catherine B. Smith

$250-$999 - Brownie Jill Almaguer Altamura Energy Resources Roberto J. Bayardo Louise H. Bethea $1,000-$4,999 - Junior Joan Bitar Craig B. Allen Stephanie Bossert Bonner C. Barnes Anna B. Charlton Sylvia K. Barnes Tracy E. Christopher Julie and Richard Boushka Jim and Diana Collins Margaret Britton Anissa Cordova Connie Chavez Chevron Phillips Chemical Dejah D. Covick Gail Cox Company Charles E. Craig Debbie Clark Culhane Meadows PLLC Julie M. Deeter Cy-Fair Women's Club Heidi and David Doll Karen K. Davidson Darcie Durham Randy Davis Constance C. Eicher Kathleen Denton Emerson Valve Automation Christopher Doherty Marguerite Ference Dawn D. Donaldson Nancy and Robert Flatt Nancy Ebanks Alisa Fraga-Kautzmann Linda P. Foreman Vicki Freeman Steven F. and Joan F. Sandy A. Judson Gilliland Harris and Eliza Kempner Susanne M. Glasscock Fund Corrie J. Glinski Kinder Morgan Foundation Kevin C. and Monica Maby Calvin Gorriaran GSSN Service Unit 604 King Guy Hancock Joan Korpal C.S. Hardy Elena and Scott McCreery D'Anne Hawk Cassandra McZeal Craig Haynie Palmer Foundation Claudia W. Hayslip Nancy Lee G. Peterson Beth Hearn Andrew Roff Elizabeth G. Henzler Louise Rugaard Jim Hiatt Mary K. Ryder Carol A. Hodges Kathryn Sanders Valerie Jalufka Helene R. Sheena Hillary Jeffries Aimée R. Sproles Corrie B. Jenkins Katherine M. Tamer Imelda G. Johnson Linda Thomas Kroger Company Gail M. Tompkins Julia Little Jamie L. Vazquez Patti L. Massaro Mary and Mike Vitek Genevieve and John M. Walls Leigh Anne and Jon Weingarten Realty Investors Maxwell Marilyn B. Mayer-Taylor Elizabeth and Harold Aurora Melendez Williams Foundation Kristina E. Meyer WIND Women's Club of Sweetgrass April and Jason Moncrieff Gina L. Murphy Donald R. Nino St. Anne Catholic Church Strake Foundation Texas Aromatics, LP

Jennifer Nitschmann Becky M. Normand Linda Pau Cheri A. Post Michelle L. Raab Julie Ramzel Cynthia M. Ravari Rolf Rehquate Shelbie Rider Ronald M. Rodriguez Patricia Rodriguez Linda M. Ross Deanene S. Rowland Ellis Rudy Safeway, Inc. Darleen M. Schauer Beth Shea Laura Sheehan Anita M. Shorosky Barbara S. Story Sharon W. Timmons Troop #17 Troop #622 Troop #8467 United Way of Metropolitan Chicago United Way of Midland County UnitedHealth Group Keary Vaughn Amanda S. Vavilala West University Wellness Kenneth Wiesehuegel Mary Wiley Ashlie Yarborough Richard Zembek

Memorials In Memory of Lindsay A. Bowker Margaret Bowker In Memory of Monolia House Goodman Sharon D. Jones In Memory of Penny Harp Barbara S. Story In Memory of Stephanie Schulze Tanya Ehret

In Memory of Mary Nell Cates Valerius Marguerite Ference

Honorariums

In Honor of Elizabeth Barnes Lauren Lindsay In Honor of Jean Chapin Jay B. Chapin In Honor of Harvey Helper Kay Craig Deanene S. Rowland In Honor of Jean Janssen Donna Collins In Honor of Averi Knight Jeramia Garcia Ramadan In Honor of of Yvonne Macik-Hill Harriet Pittman In Honor of Rusty McCrory Purple People Eater Patrol In Honor of Harvey Helper Laurie Mitchell Deanene S. Rowland In Honor of Harvey Helper Nina Rach Deanene S. Rowland In Honor of Dorothy Shoaf Carolyn S. Panebianco In Honor of Brownie Troop #2003 of Clintonville WI Tricia Rose In Honor of Harvey Helper Troop #12760 Deanene S. Rowland In Honor of Troop #18963: Sophia Anna Charlton, Fiona Charlton and Charlotte Charlton from Anna Charlton Roberto J. Bayardo

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Columns Make a Pair of Binoculars

Troop Program Ideas Dates to Remember March National Craft Month Women's History Month March 2 Dr. Seuss Day March 3 Cereal Day March 12 Girl Scout Birthday!

March 26 Purple Day (Supporting Epilepsy) April National Poetry Month Straw Hat Month April 1 National Fun Day April 10 National Library Day April 22 Earth Day April 22 Leader's Day

I haiku, can you?

In honor of national poetry month and leader's day, how about writing your leader a Girl Scout poem. Haiku's are fun and don't need to rhyme. Just write three lines, the first and third with five syllables and the second with seven: Here is one former GSUSA Anna M. Chávez wrote: Make the World Better Girl Scouts Earn, Save and Give Back We Are the Future

Elephants stand out far above the crowd, and safaris are all about catching a better look! Get up-close with this year's Cookie Program mascot by making your very own pair of safari binoculars! You won’t miss a minute of action with this crucial safari tool.

SAFARI ESSENTIALS:

Two Empty Cardboard Toilet Paper Rolls, Hot Glue Gun, Duct Tape (in animal print, if possible), Black Spray Paint, String, Scissors BRING IT TO LIFE: 1. Using an adult’s help, make a long ways line of hot glue on one of the rolls, starting from the 2. base and moving across to the other end of the roll.

3. Press the second roll to the strip of hot glue for about ten seconds until the glue dries.

4. Thoroughly spray a few coats of paint onto the rolls until there is no more cardboard showing.

5. Once dry, tape a measured piece of string on one side of the roll so that the binoculars hang comfortably around your neck.

6. Wrap the tape around the two rolls together, then tuck and tape the remaining end of string onto the other side. from ABCbakery.

Camp Songs Every Girl Scout Should Know

Camp season is approaching! While many are loading up their overnight bags, preparing their favorite fireside snacks, and picking out their favorite swimsuits, we’re all about the camp songs that’ll be ringing in the air very soon.

To prepare our campers for the ultimate sing-along session, GSUSA asked their Facebook audience for the best Girl Scout camp songs. Here are the Top 5. Need to know the words or the music? Check them out at blog.girlscouts.org/2015/07/5-campsongs-every-girl-scout-should.html.

And while you're singing along, don't forget to sign up for camp at gssjc.org/

summercamp. Happy singing!

• Kookaburra • Brownie Smile Song • Linger • Princess Pat • Make New Friends

Is your troop bridging this year?

Bridging ceremonies mark a girl's transition from one leadership level to the next and is an important transition in a Girl Scout’s life. It’s the moment when a girl celebrates her incredible achievements from the past year and accepts the exciting new challenges that await her. Bridging ceremonies can take place at the beginning or end of the Girl Scout year–and at the heart of the celebration should be fun, memorable and, of course, girlled experiences. GSUSA asked volunteers: “What advice or ideas would you give to a volunteer planning their first bridging ceremony?”

1. For Brownies: make wings! It's the only time they ‘fly up!’

2. Have each girl stop in the middle of the bridge to talk about their favorite Girl Scout memory! Photo op for parents!

3. Crossing the bridge, our Daisies handed off their daisy bouquet and received a wrapped brownie. Brownies handed off their brownie and received a box of Junior Mints.

4. Take lots of pictures because when those Daisies are graduating high school, you're going to wish you had.

5. Let each girl tell what she enjoyed the most or what she learned during the year from her Girl Scout experiences. Be sure and repeat the Promise together. Focus on girl accomplishments.

6. If you were a Girl Scout, encourage the girls to try one of your old bridging traditions.

7. Include a moment of thanks to parents to respect and honor their efforts. It will help you later when you need parent involvement.

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Service Projects from around the Council

Troop #114088 partnered with the Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County Youth Program to build and donate a dog house.

Troop #14584 volunteered with members of the Cypress Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter at the Houston Food Bank.

Troop #125009 prepared a festive treat of “snowman soup� for Houston Police Department Northwest Substation first responders.

Troop #18534 hosted over 40 mothers and daughters at a Holiday Tea and Cookie Rally, where participants enjoyed festivities and assembled bags of donated goods for the Westside Homeless Partnership.

Troop #129115 collected 373 books to donate to an elementary school in Rockport.

Troops #127016 and #127048 joined together to fill 32 backpacks for Creech Elementary School after Harvey.

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Columns

Service Projects from around the Council Troop #466 purchased school supplies and backpacks to support Fort Bend YMCA’s Harvey relief efforts.

Troop #125076 completed a community service project called the Teal Pumpkin Project, in which they planted seeds and assembled compost containers.

Daisy Troop #134127, Junior Troop #134018 and Girl Scouts from Region 11 collected and donated items for the elderly at there annual SongFest campout!

Troops #125076 and #149037 volunteered their time and efforts together at the Houston Food Bank.

Daisy Troop #134127 made cards for hospitalized children to earn their Considerate and Caring Daisy Petal.

Girl Scouts from Region 11 partnered with Wreath Across America to honor our veterans by placing holiday wreaths on the veterans graves.

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Service Projects from around the Council Maelynn of Troop #19290 gathered school supplies for local kids affected by Harvey.

Troop #466 purchased school supplies and backpacks for children affected by Harvey at the Fort Bend YMCA.

Troop #136219 used cookie money to assemble care packages for those affected by Harvey. While distributing, the girls ran into Congressman Beto O’Rourke who told them how proud he was of their efforts.

Members of Troops #19384 and #19290 hosted a kids’ day out event at Mission West Elementary to provide crafts, snacks and cheer to families affected by Harvey.

Troop #157008 offered cold drinks and snacks to families and volunteers cleaning homes after Harvey on Labor Day.

Girl Scouts from Magnolia participated in their school’s Veteran’s Day flag ceremony.

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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.

GSSJC Scrapbook See your pictures on Facebook! Find your photos in a monthly scrapbook album on our page: facebook.com/gssjc

Girl Scouts from across Council traveled to Columbus, Ohio to represent Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council at G.I.R.L. 2017.

Troop #142001 enjoyed refreshments at The Drink Station in Pearland while working on their Snacks and Simple Meals badges and petals.

Troop #111016 enjoyed earning their Simple Meals badge at H-E-B.

Troop #4670 traveled to Paris and London, visited The Louvre and Eifel Tower and stayed at the Pax Lodge.

Troop #106005 had some outdoor fun on their camping adventure 44 March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

Troop #114071 celebrated Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday with a Halloween party.

Scrapbook Troop #127007 celebrated bridging from Cadettes to Seniors.

Troop #21052 worked on their aMUSE Journey by busting negative stereotypes.

Troop #127048 visited the Katy Police Department to learn about safety.

Girl Scouts from across council participated in the Green Starlettes dance camp at Camp Agnes Arnold.

Troop #114071 visited the Museum of Fine Arts Houston to view “Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism” and Pipilotti Rist’s “Pixel Forest” and “Worry Will Vanish.”

Troop #13455 traveled to San Antonio to see the sights including the river walk, Natural Bridge Caverns and the Alamo.

Troop #111034 had a fun time at Dr. Girl Scout.

Troop #154064 from Heart of the Brazos Community participated in the Fort Bend County Parade.

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Scrapbook

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Scrapbook 46 March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

Scrapbook

Troop #132292 went on their first outing to the Baytown Nature Center.

Troop #152033 enjoyed the great outdoors while camping at Camp Silver Springs.

Troop #129153 voted for and threw a pizza party

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Scrapbook Troop #127048 took their first field trip to Katy Fire Department and learned about fire safety.

Troop #129085 enjoyed learning how to code at the Apple Store.

Troop #140135 took a trip to Froberg’s Farm in Alvin.

Girl Scouts from the Wildflowers Community won Best Youth Float in the Tomball Holiday Parade.

Troops #120006 and #120024 learned about wolves at the Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary in Montgomery.

Troop #126118 had a blast at the Astronomy Carousel at Camp Robinwood.

Troop #149027 enjoyed their first day camp experience at Camp Misty Meadows by working on badges and doing archery.

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GSSJC’s Hispanic Program launched the “In Girl Scout each volunteer is a superhero” 2018 campaign to help parents to discover their own power and guide their daughter to be the leaders of the future.

Troop #153098 learned how to make pizza at Malawi’s Pizza in Missouri City and about their Pizza with a Purpose program that supplies meals to children in Malawi, Africa.

Scrapbook

Join your friends at Camp Misty Meadows, Agnes Arnold and Casa Mare this summer! There are sessions for everyone!

See the catalog and sign up at gssjc.org/summercamp.

March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

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We are in the final stretch of the cookie program. Have you reached your goal? You can do it!

The program ends March 25.

50 March/April 2018 l The Golden Link

Summer

Camp 2018

Jump into camp!

Find out more about summer camp and day camp at gssjc.org/summercamp gssjc.org/daycamp.

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Raising Awesome Girls

Bring Her Indoor Passions to Life Outdoors!

Not every girl has a natural love of hiking, climbing and camping.

Maybe your girl is more the indoor type, preferring to explore her interests with all the comforts of home. That’s great! She’s interested, she’s engaged and she’s learning and growing.

But because girls can benefit so much by getting outside and exploring nature, wouldn’t it be great if she took her indoor interests outdoors?

That way, she can enjoy her favorite activities with the added benefit of getting outside to broaden and enrich her experiences.

Inspire her! Try one of these suggestions, suited for every type of girl, to infuse the natural world into her traditionally inside pursuits: STEM-y girl? So, she’s really into science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)? Perfect. Help her get out of the lab and into nature to explore the animal world. Or show her how she can test the purity of local water supplies. How about observing and recording the movement of the sun, moon, and stars? Science and nature are all around us, all the time!

Avid reader? Instead of curling up on the couch with a book, she can stretch out under a tree on a blanket in the park. There’s something about being outside in that big, welcoming, and unrestricted space that lets her experience whatever she’s reading in a fuller, more inspiring way.

Sporty type? Get her away from the indoor track and into nature! How about trail running? A family hike? Mixing up exercises challenges the body and muscle memory, as well as benefits the mind.

Animal lover? She already can’t get enough of dogs and cats. So consider shaking things up, and have her study ants, butterflies, frogs, birds, whatever! Show her how to observe animals’ behavior and enjoy their worlds. But don’t forget to respect the habitats of our animal friends.

Show-stopper? If all the world’s a stage, why not set up makeshift shows in the backyard or schoolyard? Does she love dance? Puppets?

Skits? Magic? Let her imagination–and energy–run loose! You’ll see what inspiration (and applause) can come from taking performing arts outside. Brava!

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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.

Social butterfly? Play dates and hangouts don’t need to be indoors at a friend’s home or at the pizza place. Help her organize a potluck picnic with friends or for her class! Take it up a notch: add an environmental theme, and use decorations from, or inspired by, nature.

Do you recognize your girl in this list? Excellent! Inspiring her to explore in new and different ways is as simple as saying, “Let’s try doing this outside!”.

“We know from research that spending time outdoors helps girls thrive,” says Liz Williams, Outdoor Initiative Lead with Girl Scouts of the USA. “Start with activities she already loves—no matter what they are—and just take them outside. Before you know it, she’ll be developing new skills that help her in school, help her socially, and help her gain confidence. There’s really no reason not to get out there and give it a try.”

Your girl’s outdoor experiences don’t need to be elaborate or time-consuming—a simple, daily dose of nature will make a real difference in her life.

Get ready. Get set. Get outside!

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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