Issuu

Golden THE

LINK

The Official Publication of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council | Volume 45 Issue 2

Get ready for adventure at day/twilight camp!

March/April 2019

Troop #107016 enjoyed exploring the great outdoors together while riding on horseback. See more Scrapbook photos on page 42.

President of the Council and Chair of the Board Dee Hinkle Chief Executive Officer Mary Vitek Chief External Affairs Officer Connie Chavez Visual Brand Manager Joanne Pastalaniec Mission Statement GSSJC: Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Pluralism Statement Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is a pluralistic movement, committed to understanding our similarities and differences, building relationships and promoting a dialogue of acceptance and respect. Each individual involved must uphold the tenet that Girl Scouting is for all girls. Circulation The Golden Link is published five times a year. It has a circulation of more than 44,000. The Golden Link is also available online at www.gssjc.org. The Golden Link reaches 26 Texas counties: Angelina, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller and Wharton. To report address changes or if you have problems receiving The Golden Link call Customer Service at 713-292-0300. Deadlines Deadline for submitting items is the first of the month two months prior to publication. GSSJC does not accept responsibility for unsolicited materials. Send news and photographs and Scrapbook photos to communications@sjgs.org. Advertisements Advertising rates are available by calling 713-292-0314. Advertisements are accepted in good faith that all the information is correct. Acceptance of advertising does not reflect endorsement of services or goods by the Council. The Golden Link is published six times a year by Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098 713-292-0300 The Golden Link is also available to read online at www.gssjc.org/publications

Contents March/April 2019

4 4

From the Top Shop News

Special Feature 5

Day/Twilight Camp Information

Get ready for summer fun at day/twilight camp! Page 5

Features 11 11 12 13 14

Adult Recognition Event 2019 Annual Meeting The Many Faces of Girl Scouts Girl Scouts Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow Congratulations Gold Award Recipients

Activities

18 Weekend Camp Activities 19 Archery 19 Backpacking 19 Canoeing 19 Environmental 21 Fine Arts 22 General Activities 24 Health 25 High Adventure 26 Highest Awards 26 History 26 Horseback Riding 27 Sailing 29 Sports 29 STEM 31 Swimming 31 Travel

Columns

32 Adult Trainings 33 Around Camp 34 Philanthropy 36 Service Projects

Council Scrapbook Page 38

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

March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 3

Dee Hinkle Chair of the Board and President of the Council

From the

TOP

My favorite time of the year is here: it’s time to sign up for summer camp! I am a fan of all things Girl Scouts, but I have a soft spot for summer camp. As a camper, I loved the comradery, traditions and challenges. I believe time to unplug, explore nature and sing silly songs is time well spent. You should have received the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto (GSSJC) Summer Camp Catalog. If you have not, you can find it online at gssjc.org/ summercamp. It contains everything you need to know about the resident (overnight) camp programs at Camps Agnes Arnold, Misty Meadows and Casa Mare as well as our councilsponsored day camps at Program Place for Girls. Now is the time to sit down with your camper, pop open the camp catalog and decide which camp is right for her!

Returning campers will notice some big changes in our camp catalog. First, we heard our membership loud and clear that registration and activity selection processes were difficult. With funding from the Fall Product and Cookie Programs, GSSJC invested in new software that simplifies the registration process. Next, we revamped the activities offered with a focus on progression. Campers who have mastered activities in prior years will be challenged to advance their skills this summer. Adding progressions gives campers a new adventure and an exciting reason to return to camp once again. GSSJC offers girls day and overnight camping opportunities in the summer to give families choices best suited for their Girl Scout. The choice is personal and depends upon many factors including the camper’s age, maturity level and family logistics. Whether you choose the urban experience of day camp at the Program Place or one of the more rustic resident camps, all of our programs are designed to provide campers with a fun, rewarding experience while developing that courage, confidence and character that is our mission. If your Girl Scout selects resident camp but has never been what should you expect? First, Girl Scout resident camp is not a resort. Our resident camps offer a variety of living quarters. Some are a bit more rustic than others. Rest assured, all of our facilities are compliant with safety standards provided by the American Camp Association. Electronics are not allowed at camp. Your camper may not be in a cabin with people she knows. Many campers find this allows them to develop new, lifelong friendships. Your camper’s day will be filled with a variety of activities that she selects. Finally, all campers are expected to assist with kapers, which is Girl Scout lingo for keeping the place clean. Meals for our campers are provided by a catering crew, but cleaning up is part of the camp experience. One last thing: GSSJC is committed that cost should never be a barrier to members attending camp. We have numerous Camperships (camp scholarships) provided by our generous donors to subsidize the cost for those who need it. Instructions for how to apply are contained in the catalog, or you can visit the Summer Camp group at community.gssjc.org – click on Forms for the application. I can’t wait to see everyone at camp! 4

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Girl Scout Shop News SHOP CONTACT & CLOSINGS For shop locations and hours, please visit girlscoutshop.com/san-jacinto-council Shop hours can change due to emergencies, weather or other factors. Please call before driving long distances. Bay Area 281-282-6077

Lake Jackson 979-297-5556

Beaumont 409-832-0556

Lufkin 936-634-4688

Houston 713-292-0247

Stafford 281-670-5982

Imperial Valley 281-447-8870

Westside 281-822-4250

Office Closures: April 19 and May 27. View our shop hours online or call before you go.

New Leader Must-Knows! Are you a new Girl Scout leader? Here are some things you need to know for the next few months.

1 2 3 4

March 12 is the Girl Scout Birthday, and Girl Scout Week is celebrated March 10-16. 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 24. 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! For more information go to gssjc.org/ cookies 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 is just around the corner. 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 soon!

Special Feature

Volunteer-run Day/Twilight Camps Camp Happy

Five days of outdoor fun. Canoeing, archery, crafts, cookouts and more.

Step 1: Find a camp

Step 2: Fill out forms on page 8-9

Step 3: Look at the end of each camp listing on how to register. Step 4: Register by deadline

Who can attend: 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. Day camp is open to all girls regardless of their religion, race or socioeconomic factors. 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

Bay Area Park, Houston June 3-7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Deadline: April 29 Cost (includes T-shirt, patch): $65 Girls $35 Girl of Volunteer $15 Boy of Volunteer and Peewee of Volunteer (no patch) $35 Program/Camp Aide $10 Late Fee Director: Bethanie Miller, badccamphappy@gmail.com Registration: All registration must be submitted online. Please look for the link for registration on Camp Happy’s Facebook group page: GS Camp Happy.

Huntsville Day Camp Fun, fun, fun...we'll participate in traditional Girl Scout activities like crafts, cooking and a service project. Girls will earn badges and patches (at the appropriate level) including the games badge, swim card, safe boating card and our own jump roping patch led by a Girl Scout working on her Gold Award. 2203 Ave M., Huntsville July 8-12, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Deadline: May 29 Cost (includes T-shirt, patch): $40 Girls $30 Girl, Boy or Peewee of Volunteer $30 Program/Camp Aide $25 Late Fee Director: Mary Gedelian, gedelian@sbcglobal.net Registration: Send all registration forms to: Stephanie Pitts, 3973 SH30W, Huntsville, TX 77320

Northampton Day Camp Explore the world of movies. Girls will have a great time learning all about different movie genres plus there will be swimming, fishing, service projects and so much more. Northcrest Park, 6012 Root Road, Spring July 22 - 26 Deadline: One-day registration April 14 Cost (includes T-shirt, patch and mug): $45 Girls $30 Girl, Boy or Peewee of Volunteer $35 Program/Camp Aide Director: Jenna Knight Registration: All registrations must be done in person April 14 at camp location. Registration for volunteers begins at 2 p.m. Registration for nonvolunteers begins at 3 p.m.

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Special Feature Special Feature

Camp Colony Creek

It’s “The Greatest Girl Scout Show”. Girls will enjoy workshops and activities which will inspire their dreams and increase their skills and confidence. Our campers will discover and appreciate their uniqueness while encouraging others to shine. Come have fun with us at “The Greatest Girl Scout Show” and make some new friends. Christ Church - Sugar Land June 18 – 20 Registration Deadline: May 11 Cost (includes T-shirt, patch): $50 Girls $6/day Boy of Volunteer and Peewee of Volunteer $15 Program/Camp Aide $15 Late Fee Director: BJ Bonner, gscampcolonycreek@gmail.com Registration: Online registration is preferred at campcolonycreek.com; or mail to: Camp Colony Creek 2019, 3522 Amphora Circle, Sugar Land TX 77479

Catholic Twilight Camp Enjoy a three night event that will feed your heart, soul and Faith! Sing songs, play games and earn the My Promise My Faith pin. Sts. Simon and Jude July 30 – Aug. 1; 5:30–8:30 p.m. Registration Deadline: June 1

Cost (includes T-shirt, patch and mug): $45 Girls $30 Program/Camp Aide $15 Late Fee Director: Myrna Frost Registration: Sue Brito suebrito@yahoo.com

Professor Proton Twilight Camp Join Professor Proton at PPTC as we experiment with our theme “Girl Scouts Have Chemistry”! Explore the science theme with fun crafts, games and presentations. We will also be doing traditional camp activities including canoeing, paddle boating and archery. We can’t wait for you to have fun with us at our new location where we will have air conditioning! Adults – we also need you to help us complete our volunteer team. Smith Ranch, Katy, TX 77493 June 17 - 21, 6 - 9 p.m. Registration Deadline: April 1 Cost (includes T-shirt, patch and mug): $60 Girls $50 Girl of Volunteer or Program/Camp Aide $25 Late Fee $15 Adults (work all five days and take training and this will be refunded. Pay separately from girls registration) Director: Jennifer Banks, katydaisytroop@yahoo.com Registration: Kathy Sutton, 2414 Marquette Trail, Katy, 77494. Email for information about using PayPal for payment.Our camp website is: https://sites.google.com/site/peckhamparktwilightcamp. 6

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Jersey Village Twilight Camp Discover nature, make friends, create crafts, play games, enjoy snow cones, build a float and participate in a parade on Friday night. Champion Forest Baptist Church - Jersey Village, Houston July 15 – 19; 6:30–9 p.m. Registration Deadline: June 16 Cost (includes T-shirt, patch and Discover nature patch, group unit picture, Friday night dinner and mug) $45 Girls $35 Girl of Volunteer $45 Boy (under 12) of Volunteer and Peewee of Volunteer $40 Program/Camp Aide $10 Late Fee Director: Judy Harris Registration: Lynda Starbuck, 11211 Evensong, Cypress, TX 77429 Jerseyvillagetwilightcamp@gmail.com. Email for information about using PayPal for payment.

Lone Star Twilight Camp Hogwarts comes to twilight camp. Join us for a few days of Girl Scout wizarding while channeling your inner Harriet Potter. We will make potions, play Quidditch and enjoy some fun camp activities. Location: Lake Jackson Service Center When: May 30 - June 1; Thursday and Friday, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Registration Deadline: May 6 Cost (includes T-shirt, patch and mug): $30 Girls $25 Girl of Volunteer $15 Program/Camp Aide Director: Christina Hurd, lonestarstc@gmail.com Registration: Christina Hurd, PO Box 746, Angleton, TX, 77516

Northshore Twilight camp Northshore Rotary Pavilion, Houston June 3- 7, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Registration Deadline: May 15 Cost (includes T-shirt, patch): $35 Girls $25 Girl, Boy or Peewee of Volunteer or Program/Camp Aide $15 Late Fee Director: Debbie Gonzales Registration: Andy Rodriguez, 1607 Pugh, Galena Park, TX, 77547

Discovering Day Camp Discover new and exciting times in history. Girls will explore ancient Greece where people spoke of powerful Gods and magical creatures in mythical tales. Girls will learn more about ancient Greece and what mythology is made of. TBA, Mont Belvieu June 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration Deadline: June 1 Cost (includes T-shirt, patch and mug): $20 Girls $15 Girl of Volunteer $10 Program/Camp Aide $5 Late Fee Director: Rachel Lee Registration: Please mail all forms and fees to: Rachel Lee, 8800 Linda Ln., Beach City, TX 77523

Special Feature

Day Camp End of Summer Bash at Camp Agnes Arnold or Camp Casa Mare

Camp is from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost is $200 per week. Week 4 will not meet on Thursday, July 4. The cost for that week is $160. Register online at gssjc.org/summercamp. For questions about day camp, contact daycamp@sjgs.org.

Week: July 29-August 2 Price: $210 Not ready to go to resident camp? Enjoy all the fun of day camp and resident camp in one week! Your days will be filled with arts and crafts, games, swimming and archery (Brownies and up). There will be an optional sleepover on Thursday to experience cooking over a fire, nighttime activities and singing around the campfire. Camp is from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch and snacks are provided everyday. For overnight campers, Thursday night dinner and Friday breakfast and lunch are provided. There will be bus service from Spring/Woodlands area to Camp Agnes Arnold. There will be bus service from Program Place to Camp Casa Mare for an additional $80. 25 girl minimum.

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Special Feature

March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

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 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 2018-19 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 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. Name________________________________________________ Street________________________________________________ City___________________ State____ ZIP__________________

Camp Experience Day Camp Troop Camping Resident Camp Other

# Camper Yrs ________ ________ ________ ________

# Aide Yrs ________ ________ ________ ________

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_____

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.)  Yes  No Are you currently registered with GSSJC? 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  Juniors  Brownies  Cadettes  Seniors/Ambassadors  Peewees (3-5 year olds)  Boys (6-12 year olds)  Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors as program aides

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 ____________ ________________ ____________ ________________ ____________ ________________ ____________ ________________ ____________ ________________

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Special Feature

Choose your adventure at summer camp!

Below are a list of sessions available at camp this summer. Go to gssjc.org/summercamp to read descriptions on these sessions and to sign up.

Agnes Arnold Week 1: June 16 – 21 Flower Power Daisies Camptastic Brownies Firelight and Fairytales Brownies Trailblazin'/Creek Stompin' Juniors Water Works Juniors Paddles & Pedals Cadettes Extreme Adventure (2 wk session) Cadettes LiA Cadettes CIT I (2 wk session) Srs/Amb Week 2: June 23 – 28 Flower Power Daisies Camptastic Brownies The Little Mermaid Brownies Animal Adventures Juniors Camp Adventure Juniors Night Owls Cadettes LiA Cadettes Week 3: June 30 – July 3 Camptastic Brownies Firelight and Fairytales Brownies Trailblazin'/Creek Stompin' Juniors Night Owls Cadettes Program Aide Cadettes Me and My Gal Week 4: July 7 – 12 Flower Power Daisies Camptastic Brownies The Little Mermaid Brownies Animal Adventures Juniors Trailblazin'/Creek Stompin' Juniors Just Add Water (2 wk session) Cadettes Paddles & Pedals Cadettes Program Aide Cadettes CIT Interns Srs/Amb Week 5: July 14 – 19 Flower Power Daisies Camptastic Brownies Firelight and Fairytales Brownies Water Works Juniors Camp Adventure Juniors Night Owls Cadettes LiA Cadettes CIT Interns Srs/Amb Week 6: July 21 – 26 Camptastic Brownies Flower Power Daisies The Little Mermaid Brownies Water Works Juniors Camp Adventure Juniors Backpacking (2 wk session) Cadettes Paddles & Pedals Cadettes Program Aide Cadettes CIT Interns Srs/Amb Week 7: July 29 – Aug. 2 Day camp at camp! Canoe Aid for Seniors in weeks 1 – 7

Casa Mare Week 1: June 16 – 21 Masters of Disaster Brownies Dancing Queens Juniors To Infinity and Beyond Juniors Galveston Gallivant Cadettes Space Cadettes Cadettes Seafarers Cad-Ambas Pirates' Plunder Cadettes Week 2: June 23 – 28 Color Splash Brownies InSPAration Juniors Harriet Potter Juniors Artful Antics Cad-Ambas Pirates' Plunder Cadettes Taste of Sailing Cad-Ambas Open Sail Cad-Ambas Week 3: June 30 – July 3 Cookie CEOs Br–Cadettes Taste of Sailing Cad-Ambas Open Sail Cad-Ambas Week 4: July 7 – 12 FrankenBrownie Brownies Dancing Queens Juniors Art by the Bay Juniors Treats and Eats Cadettes Pirates' Plunder Cadettes CIT Interns Seniors Basic Sailing (two weeks) Cadettes Week 5: July 14 – 19 Masters of Disaster Brownies Harriet Potter Juniors InSPAration Juniors Artful Antics Cadettes Pirates' Plunder Cadettes CIT Interns Seniors Week 6: July 21 – 26 Color Splash To Infinity and Beyond Art by the Bay Galveston Gallivant Treats and Eats Taste of Sailing Open Sail CIT Interns

Brownies Juniors Juniors Cadettes Cad-Ambas Cad-Ambas Cad-Ambas Seniors

Week 7: July 29 – Aug. 2 Day camp at camp!

Sail Aid for Seniors in weeks 1 – 7

Misty Meadows Week 1: June 16 – 21 Pony Tales Games and Goalz Giddy Up! Splash 'n Dash Bronze Wrangler Happy Trails Aim High!

Brownies Brownies Juniors Juniors Cadettes Cadettes Cadettes

Week 2: June 23 – 28 Pony Tales Game Master Giddy Up! Ride On! She's Got Game Fantastic Fencers Bronze Wrangler Home on the Range

Brownies Brownies Juniors Juniors Juniors Cadettes Cadettes Cadettes

Week 3: June 30 – July 3 Firecrackers Br–Cadettes SPURS Training Cadettes Me and My Gal Week 4: July 7 – 12 Games and Goalz Brownies Giddy Up! Juniors Ride On! Juniors Splash 'n Dash Juniors Home on the Range Cadettes Silver Wrangler (2 wk session) Cadettes Happy Trails Cadettes Aim High! Cadettes Seniors CIT Interns Week 5: July 14 – 19 Pony Tales Game Master Giddy Up! Ride On! She's Got Game Happy Trails Fantastic Fencers CIT Interns

Brownies Brownies Juniors Juniors Juniors Cadettes Cadettes Seniors

Week 6: July 21 – 26 Pony Tales Games and Goalz Giddy Up! Ride On! Splash 'n Dash Golden Wrangler (2 wk session) Aim High! CIT Interns

Brownies Brownies Juniors Juniors Juniors Cadettes Cadettes Seniors

Week 7: July 29 – Aug. 2 Pony Tales Game Master Giddy Up! Ride On! She's Got Game Fantastic Fencers CIT Interns

Brownies Brownies Juniors Juniors Juniors Cadettes Senior

Equestrian Aides for Seniors in weeks 1 – 7.

For registration information go to gssjc.org/summercamp 10 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Features

2019 Annual Council Meeting is April 6 All members are invited to join us for the 2019 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 Regions and include 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. There will be an announcement and deep dive on the Ten Year Property Strategy at the meeting. For questions or more information about the 2019 Annual Council Meeting, contact Karyn Smith at ksmith@sjgs.org or 713-292-0305.

Become a Green Angel 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, please register via the My Activities tab in MyGS. Who: Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors When: Friday, April 5, 6 p.m. - Saturday, April 6, 1 p.m. Where: Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe Cost: $5 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 5 and spend the night to serve early Saturday morning on April 6. 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. If you have any questions, please contact Porscha Jackson at 713-292-0285 or pjackson@sjgs.org.

Are you going to camp? Sign up at gssjc.org/summercamp

You’re invited!

2019 Adult Recognition Event Sat., April 6, 2019 Ann Temple Allen Lodge at Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe $20 per ticket Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served. Register online only. Deadline March 31. GSSJC wishes to extend a personal invitation to members and friends of the Girl Scout family to attend the annual Adult Recognition Event. Join us for a memorable day honoring some of San Jacinto Council’s most distinguished volunteers and community leaders who have made significant contributions to the Girl Scout Movement. Any individual, group or family wanting to show support for the honoring of Girl Scout volunteers and community partners is encouraged to attend. Registration is available online at gssjc.org/ activities – search for Adult Recognition Event. Communities, families or groups may want to reserve a Friendship Table for six by completing the 2019 GSSJC Recognition Event Table Reservation Form GSSJC O-631 below or online. Table placements will be made according to the date the form is received. The table form is ONLY necessary to reserve table placement for persons wanting to sit together; all tickets must be purchased online. Table forms can be mailed to Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Attn: Porscha Jackson, 3110 Southwest Fwy., Houston, Texas 77098 or emailed to pjackson@sjgs.org. For additional assistance or questions about Adult Recognition Event, contact Porscha Jackson at 713-292-0285 or pjackson@sjgs.org. For inquiries regarding the Annual Meeting, which follows the Adult Recognition Event, contact Karyn Smith at 713-292-0305 or ksmith@sjgs.org.

Recognition event table reservation HOSTESS INFORMATION (Deadline March 31, 2019) Tables will be assigned in date order received. Hostess Name _________________________________________ Address______________________________________________ Phone _________________Email_________________________ Community/Group Name________________________________ Form ___of_____(A maximum of four tables may be submitted for grouping together.) Table Guests 1. _________________________________________________ 2

_________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________ 4. _________________________________________________ 5. _________________________________________________ 6. _________________________________________________ March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 11

Features

The Many Faces of Girl Scouts: Latrice T., the Comeback CIT Latrice T. sat with the breeze in her hair, the ocean to her back and her Girl Scout membership pin proudly displayed on her lanyard. Through a campership, financial aid for summer camp, she was able to enroll in the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. However, while sitting in sunny Camp Casa Mare, Latrice explained that her Girl Scout journey wasn't traditional. “I was in the detention center. I was in a rough situation,” said Latrice. “I thought, I cannot be in here. I need to be doing something productive with my life.” The community outreach program Girl Scouting in Detention Centers provides Girl Scout curriculum to residents of juvenile probation facilities – girls working to overcome the setbacks of their lives through reformation and rehabilitation. Meetings focus on relevant topics such as self-esteem and conflict resolution and traditional Girl Scout activities like learning the values in the Promise and Law. “They believe that even though you've made some bad decisions, you can still be a Girl Scout. You can turn it around and do something good,” said Latrice. Community outreach staff encouraged Latrice to contact them after she returned home, so she could continue her Girl Scout journey. “I thought, well, it'll keep me out of trouble, so I guess that'll be a good start for me to turn my life around,” said Latrice. Our community outreach staff immediately got to work on finding a way for Latrice to go to camp. “We signed up for a campership, and I got it, and I was like – woah! This is really happening,” she shared.

That summer, Latrice got a crash course in Girl Scout camp, visiting all three resident camps and participating in tons of outdoor activities. “I've become more of an outside person. Being outside is really fun. I've been in a canoe. That was my first time being in a canoe. I got a bull’s-eye in archery the first time. I was so excited!” Girl Scouts changed Latrice’s life. She hopes other girls will hear her story and join too.

To meet more of the Many Faces of Girl Scouts, visit www.manyfacesofgirlscouts.com.

Join us at Success to Significance May 10 Join us at our 9th Annual Success to Significance Luncheon celebrating those who exemplify the values of Girl Scouting and help raise tomorrow’s generation of women leaders. Keynote Speaker: Decorated military veteran, Girl Scout alum and First Class recipient (now known as the Gold Award) Admiral Michelle J. Howard Special Guest: Former U.S. Navy Reserve Officer and Texas Land Commissioner, the Honorable George P. Bush

May 10, 2019 11 a.m. Hilton Americas Houston Tables and sponsorships available starting at $2,500. Tickets available at $150 and up. For more details visit gssjc.org/s2s or contact Emily Kelley at ekelley@sjgs.org or 713-292-0358 12 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Features

Girl Scouts Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow When Leda K. arrived at Camp Silver Springs for Troop #21052’s campout, she quickly ducked into a cabin to change into her Girl Scout uniform. She then joined the other Girl Scouts who squealed with delight at the sight of her – not simply because they were excited to see Leda, but because she was wearing her Girl Scout uniform from more than 60 years ago. A former member of Troop #2 in New Haven, CT, Leda participated in Girl Scouts from 1945- 1957, but her Girl Scout journey did not end there. She continued volunteering with Girl Scouts through and after college and is currently the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council Adult Recognition Event Chair. “I believe my Girl Scout experiences encouraged me to take on leadership in high school, college and beyond,” said Leda. “When I was given more leadership responsibilities to assist with the younger girls, I loved it and remained active following high school graduation.” Leda’s granddaughter is a member of Troop #21052. To work on their Girl Scout Way badge, the troop invited Leda to their campout to talk about her time as a Girl Scout and discuss the changes between then and now. “It was fun surprising them by wearing my old uniform and letting them compare the differences of today to my time,” said Leda. “The girls had a delightful skit comparing the differences of the 1950s to 2018.” Girl Scout Cadette Morgan greatly enjoyed Leda’s visit, discovering new things about the past while sharing the contemporary customs of their troop. “I like learning about Girl Scouts because it's really interesting to hear how things were different from how they are now,” said Morgan. “I also like learning new campfire songs. All of the traditions are fun.” Some of the interesting facts the girls learned from Leda included: • The Girl Scout uniform was a dress, and badges would be sewn down the long sleeve. • They used similar outdoor cooking methods to the ones used today, like outdoor oven, open fire and haybox cooking. • We still sing some of the same songs today. • Campfire skits were just as popular then as they are now. For Leda, sharing her Girl Scout knowledge was about so much more than just teaching. It was about bonding, despite decades of differences, through shared experiences. “I was amazed with their growth and developing maturity,” said Leda. “It is passing on the love of these special experiences that span the generations and connect us.”

Early Bird is coming!

Take the next step to discover new badges, new journeys, and new adventures. Renew your membership for 2020- starting May 1 and earn a FREE patch! Please check the website for more details. Girls are a force to be reckoned with, and we can help unleash more of that unstoppable potential- all in a place that’s all about girls, and always will be.

March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 13

Features

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. Grace B. increased autism awareness in her community. While leading 40 volunteers, Grace hosted events to educate participants about autism. She also founded the Autism Awareness Club at her high school and hosted caregiver empowerment sessions in partnership with Hope for Three, a local nonprofit. Additionally, Grace worked with the Missouri City Police Department to create the Safe Return Program, which allows families to register loved ones with autism into a database available to first responders in case of emergencies.

Cynthia F. studied the effects of stress in adolescents to help alleviate pressures from school and social media. Using electroencephalography (EEG), Cynthia tested student volunteers’ brain activity while they took tests of different academic levels. After completing the testing and analysis, Cynthia shared her findings with the community and created social media accounts that provide stress tips to help teens manage stress. Cynthia also designed and developed an affordable, ecofriendly, homemade stress ball for others to easily make and use.

Emily C. created Hope’s Closet at the Children’s Assessment Center in Rice Village, which provides human trafficking victims served by the organization with clothing and toiletries. Emily led a team of volunteers in collecting clothing, blankets and toiletries. They also collected storage bins, shelving and clothing dividers to organize the all of the donations. Emily produced 100 backpacks for individuals served by the Center. Additionally, she developed a training manual to allow future volunteers to continue stocking and managing Hope’s Closet.

Annika G. created a club for teens to learn about and advocate for different social issues. To sustain her project, Annika sought help from groups including the American Civil Liberties Union, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. To promote her project, she attended the annual Human Rights Walk in The Woodlands. Annika hoped her club would provide a safe environment where representatives could speak to teens about their respective advocacy.

Katherine F. hosted an art and music camp at the Nehemiah Center, an educational center for underserved youth. With help from 10 volunteers, Katherine developed the camp curriculum and hosted two weeks of camp for 30 students. The art week featured various art mediums including watercolors, modeling clay and decoupage. The music session highlighted different instruments like maracas, guitars and pan pipes. Katherine hoped her camp would provide more exposure to art education, which is offered less due to budget cuts.

Victoria G. assembled starter kits to help people prepare for natural disasters. After raising funds and collecting donations, Victoria led a team of volunteers in putting together “go bags” that contained basic emergency necessities such as duct tape, thermometers, probe covers, gloves, cards, batteries and blankets. Victoria also gave several presentations on how to be ready in the event of a natural disaster and provided every participant with one of her kits. She drew inspiration from her experience with Hurricane Harvey.

Emily F. built an arts and crafts room at Kendleton Farms, a shelter for female victims of human trafficking. Emily and her volunteers collected and organized materials and supplies for residents to use in the room. Afterwards, she hosted a series of classes at the shelter, which taught participants crafts such as scrapbooking and card-making. Emily also created an instruction booklet for future reference and recruited volunteers from her church sewing club to host regular sewing classes at the shelter.

Sophia K. organized a three-week class for children on nutrition and food sustainability and built a kid-sized potting table for visitors at the Nature Discovery Center. In each week of the class, Sophia tackled different issues through games and activities, such as planting produce in homemade pots, vegetable tasting and designing backyard gardens. After the class, Sophia spent five months designing and constructing the kid-friendly potting table, which includes a shelf with soil, egg cartons, seeds and other supplies.

14 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Features Cassidy M. constructed a prayer garden at her local church. She and her team of volunteers cleared the outdoor space of overgrown vegetation, then they designed and installed the garden. From trees she had cut down, Cassidy assembled lumber into structures for the garden. She also beautified the space with plants. Inspired by her love of the outdoors and the restorative properties of nature, Cassidy hoped her project would create a relaxing space where people could go to pray and heal. Kit M. built three Little Free Libraries in Galveston, League City and Kemah. After selecting locations for the libraries, which she believed would reach teenagers and benefit the communities, Kit led 24 volunteers in constructing and stocking each installation. She collected 136 books through a National Honor Society book drive and received 60 donated books from other sources. Kit hopes her project will help improve literacy amongst teens, which she believes is declining due to the increased use of technology. Kayla N. revamped and remodeled the dressing rooms of the Pearl Theater. With the help of 15 volunteers, Kayla supplied each dressing room with additional storage options including bins, wardrobes and baskets. She also painted the dressing room, added new mirrors and replaced broken light fixtures to help brighten the space. Kayla hoped her project would increase efficiency in the dressing rooms of the Pearl Theater, an institution of the Pearland community that helped shape her own passion for the arts. Ashley N. reorganized the literacy library that houses the leveled readers at a local elementary school. Ashley led a team of 16 volunteers in sorting the books and creating a database system for teachers to find books more easily. She provided the school with a digital copy of the database so that teachers could make changes as needed. Additionally, Ashley built a Little Free Library at the school, which she filled with books that were donated for her project. Catherine P. worked with youths and volunteers to construct several large murals at Rose Hill United Methodist Churchâ€™s Youth Education Center. She led a group of 11 community volunteers and several youths in painting three 9 by 11-foot murals and a 2-foot by 3-foot wall canvas, which highlighted themes of friendship, love and faith to inspire church members. Catherine hoped her project would provide a creative way to disconnect from technology and meditate on the values and teachings of their church.

Alyssa R. raised awareness about a lack of emergency preparedness in her community. With the help of 10 volunteers, Alyssa prepared and delivered several presentations on emergency preparedness at her high school and at Mueller Elementary School. The presentations included a CPR demonstration, an emergency kit and instructions on how to use a fire extinguisher. Alyssa also developed a website that contained pertinent information on emergency preparedness. Her project was inspired by her decision to pursue a career as an EMT/paramedic. Ruhi T. created an oral record of the concise history of the Memorial Villages and Spring Branch area in an effort to help bridge the gap between generations. Ruhi led over 20 volunteers in conducting research and interviews, taking landmark pictures, hosting tours and writing. She also made a booklet, which is available through the local library and city offices. Ruhi hopes that providing insight into the history of her community will encourage people to preserve landmarks and the environment. Lauren W. developed a workflow process for Houston Welcomes Refugees, a nonprofit that provides essentials to help set up refugees in a first world country. Lauren designed a whiteboard system to track and control inventory. She also noted that space was not being utilized well in their warehouse and led 16 volunteers in renovating it and creating staging spaces for outgoing welcome kits. Her work renovating the warehouse made it easier to access welcome kits and expedited the tracking of supplies. Megan W. created classes to teach first responders basic American Sign Language. With the help of eight volunteers, Megan updated the curriculum used at the Rosenburg and Richmond Fire Department to address a communication gap between first responders and individuals with hearing loss. Megan provided the training chiefs with her lesson plans along with handouts and blank lesson plans, so that they could customize the classes in the future. She also made a video signing the words from the lesson.

March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 15

Features

Bronze and Silver Awards from around the Council Troop #123072 provided information to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston about water conservation in order to earn the Bronze Award.

Troop #21091 earned the Bronze Award by donating 125 duffel bags to Bridge Over Troubled Water, an organization that helps displaced children.

Avonlea T. of Troop #10772 earner her Silver Award by refurbishing a family visitation room at the Huntsville Department of Family and Protective Services.

Troop #17108 celebrated the grand opening of the Little Free Library they built together to earn their Bronze Award.

Troop #15026 earned their Bronze Award by making blankets for foster children at Arms Wide Adoption Services.

Troop #17703 earned their Bronze and Silver Awards by making jewelry, wood crafts and fabric pieces for the Damaris Comfort Dog and creating how-to tutorials for others. Alyssa and Emily of Troop #10777 earned their Silver Award by building a buddy bench for Gibbs Pre-K Center to help promote friendliness and prevent bullying. 16 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Features Troop #132006 earned their Bronze Award by designing and installing positive messages in the Highlands Junior High School bathrooms.

Troop #109011 earned their Bronze Award by hosting a first aid workshop for 50 Girl Scouts to address a lack of CPR training in their community.

Troop #13447 partnered with Star of Hope to decorate a counseling room, which included building toy boxes and bookshelves that they filled with books and toys for their Silver Award.

Troop #123072 made handmade toys and pillows to donate to animals at the SPCA to earn their Bronze Award.

YOUR NEXT FUN ADVENTURE IS AT MAIN EVENT!

GIRL SCOUTS

ALL ACCESS

PASS

INCLUDES: Bowling, Billiards, Laser Tag, $10 in arcade game play, 2 slices of pizza & a medium soft drink.

PATCH INCLUDED! Private Room UPGRADES available for bridging ceremonies. This self-serve package requires advance booking and a 50% deposit. Price does not include tax. Laser Tag has a height requirement of 48â€? to play. Final headcounts are due no later than 5 days in advance. Activities vary by location. Contact your local center for additional details.

ONLY

PER PERSON

March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 17

Activities

Girl and Troop Activities Register for activities under the Activities tab in MyGS. Go to www.gssjc.org and select MyGS, log in to“Member Profile," then select Activities. If you have a question about your activity, contact 713-292-0370 or 1-800-392-4340. If you have a problem with your login, contact Customer Service at 713-292-0300 or registration@sjgs.org. Bring: For all events, bring Permission Slip F-204 and Medical Form F-185 for each girl and the Adult Emergency Form F-22 for each adult. Attention Daisy Leaders! Look for the Daisy in this section for activities that Daisies can attend.

Weekend Camp Activity Registration Improved! We have a NEW way to find expert-led and troop self-led activity availability at council camps! See the schedule of available activities listed below, and learn how to register at bit.ly/wkndcamp. Come out for the day or ask your camp certified adult to reserve a camp unit for your troop. Don’t see facilitated activities for the camp date you reserved? There are great ideas for girl-led outdoor programs in Camp Certification training materials as well as your camp reservation confirmation. Does your troop have its own USAA certified instructor for archery or lifeguard for swimming? Email your registration form and certifications to registration@sjgs.org, and we’ll let you know if the facility is available. Registration closes 13 days before event. Registration open dates vary. Email registration@sjgs.org to subscribe to Camp Corner emails for weekly updates

R, L, H

Camp Casa Mare Camp Misty Meadows Camp Robinwood

R, L, H

R*, L*, A

April 13 April 20 April 27 May 4

A R, L

Camp Myra S. Pryor

Camp Silver Springs Camp Wind-a-Mere Camp Whispering Pines

Lake Jackson Ser.Center

KEY: Archery–A Troop Led Canoe–C Council Lifeguard Swimming–S Horseback Riding–R *Limited availability

Camps and Offices Closed - Holiday

March 16 March 23 March 30 April 6 Camp Agnes Arnold

May 11 May 18 H, C, S

A, S R, L

H, R, L, S

A, C, S

A, H, S

R, L

A, C, S C, S

A A

Hikes with Henry–H

A, C

Love, Hug and Groom–L

Archery: ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Sessions are for one hour and on Saturday only. Up to 12 girls per session can learn archery basics and spend some time practicing their aim. These archery sessions are instructor-led meaning an instructor will be provided for your group. Session times: Saturday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. If you have your own USAA instructor, submit a program registration form and appropriate certifications to registration@sjgs.org, and a separate time will be reserved for your troop to do archery if available.

Horseback Riding: ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Horseback riding is available on Saturdays and Sundays for Juniors through Ambassadors. Sessions last one hour (including instructional time) and take place in either the arena or on a trail, depending on the skill of the riders. Girls must arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled ride time. Appropriate attire includes long pants and boots with a smooth sole and 1/2 inch heels. Boots are available for ride time. Helmets are provided. Session times: Saturday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Canoeing: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Spend some time paddling around the camp lake! Sessions are for one hour on Saturday only and for all ages. Canoing sessions are not instructor led. Groups are required to provide their own ACA-certified or FOC-certified adult for these sessions. Copies of certifications must be received at registration@sjgs.org at least two weeks before the scheduled session. Groups without a certified adult will be cancelled and refunded. Session times: Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.

Love, Hug and Groom: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Love, Hug and Groom is a non-riding activity to introduce girls of all ages to horse care. Girls will receive a barn tour, introduction to horse care and a hands-on grooming opportunity with camp horses. Sessions are for one hour and are available on Saturday and Sunday. Session times: Saturday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Hikes with Henry and Friends: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ If you want a fun way to introduce your girls to camp during the day, consider taking a guided hike. Foresters Henry Steitz and John Ross and a group of dedicated volunteers conduct hikes that are both fun and informative. You haven’t really seen camp until you have toured it with these guys! These sessions are approximately two hours each and are for all ages. Cost includes a patch, and adults must register for the session. Session times: August through October–10 a.m. at Arnold and Misty; November through February–10 a.m. at Arnold and 2 p.m. at Misty; March through May–10 a.m. at Arnold and Misty. 18 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Swimming: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Need to cool off? Take a dip in the camp pool! Swimming time slots are available for one hour on Saturday only for girls of all ages. Note, these sessions are pool fun time and free swim. These swimming sessions are lifeguard-provided (meaning a lifeguard will be provided for your group.) Council Lifeguard session times: Saturday at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. If you have your own lifeguard, submit a program registration form and appropriate certifications to registration@sjgs.org, and a separate time will be reserved for your troop to swim if available. Pool water temperature must be at or above 75 degrees.

ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Archery Archers in Motion (AIM): JOAD Program is a special interest group for archery. The group meets once a month. No prerequisites needed. No previous experience needed. All equipment is provided. Join this special interest group to work on scoring points to earn your award pins! Who: Where: When: Contact:

ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ; Must be at least 8-years-old Camp Robinwood, Willis April 14, May 12 Registrars, registration@sjgs.org, 713-292-0370

Backpacking Day Hikes with the Backpackers Step out and enjoy a day in nature, and get away from the city! Join and meet fellow Girl Scouts, and explore a nearby forest or park. You will take a leisurely hike and start to learn some backpacking skills and tips along the way. Come on one hike, or come on them all. Lunch and a day pack will be provided to all attendees. This is a great way to get a taste for the Girl Scout backpacking program. Who: ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ and adults Where: April 6 – Brazos Bend State Park, Needville When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost: $15/person Deadline: Two weeks prior Contact: Customer Service at 713-292-0300 or registration@sjgs.org Note: Individually registered girls and troops are welcome. Lunch, backpacks and water bottles will be provided.

Activities

Environmental Houston Arboretum Badge and Journey Workshops Who: ⓑⓙⓒ Where: Houston Arboretum Cost: Brownie badges: $20/girl Brownie Journey or Junior and Cadette activities: $23/girl Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: Girl Scout ratio of adults only. Leaders are free - all other adults will need to pay the entrance fee directly to the vendor. Badge workshops will complete all the steps for that badge, but badges are not included. Journey sessions will complete only those sessions noted. Numbers for Journeys correspond to the session as listed in the adult guide for each session. Level/ Program Cadette Night Owl Brownie Hiker Junior Flowers Brownie Outdoor Adventurer Junior Flowers Brownie WOW Brownie Bugs

Date April 6 April 13 April 13 April 13 April 13 May 11 May 11

Time 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. 9 – 11 a.m. 9 a.m. – noon 1 - 3 p.m. 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. 9 – 11:30 a.m. 1 – 3 p.m.

Armand Bayou Workshops

Learn how to canoe at this introductory course for Brownies through Ambassadors with no previous training required. Canoe instructors and older girl canoe aides will teach girls waterfront safety and basic canoe strokes. Canoeing is a great team-building activity and a relaxing way to enjoy the great outdoors.

Girl Scouts are invited to earn a badge or complete a Journey step at Armand Bayou Nature Center. Visit this astonishingly beautiful part of the Texas Gulf Coast and become aware of how Armand Bayou Nature Center, nestled in the Clear Lake Area, is working to preserve the wetlands prairie, forest and marsh habitats. Visitors can learn about our plant and animal inhabitants, bird-watch, hike or view our live animal displays of snakes, alligators, turtles, hawks and bison. Girls will learn about our wildlife, flora and fauna and much more. Join us and experience everything nature!

Who: ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Cost: $20/participant (girl and adult) Bring: Change of clothes, towel, full water bottle, snack and portable bag chair if desired. Min./Max.: 6/10 Contact: Registrars, registration@sjgs.org, 713-292-0370

Who: ⓓⓑⓙ Where: Armand Bayou Nature Center, Pasadena Cost: $17 Wear: Closed-toed shoes - no sandals or flip flops. Dress appropriately for weather - rain or shine. Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

When: Where:

March 23 Camp Robinwood, Willis

When: Where:

April 6 Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada

Workshop Date Time Daisy Flower Garden-1 March 16 1 – 2:30 p.m. Junior Outdoor Art Explorer March 16 9 a.m. – noon Brownie Outdoor Adventure March 30 1 – 3 p.m. Junior Flowers March 30 9 a.m. – noon Brownie Bugs April 13 1 – 3 p.m. Junior Animal Habitats April 13 9 a.m. - noon Junior Outdoor Art Explorer April 27 9 a.m. - noon Daisy Flower Garden-4 April 27 1 – 2:30 p.m. Brownie Wow 1,2,3 May 11 1 – 3 p.m. Junior Flowers May 11 9 a.m. - noon Junior Animal Habitats May 25 9 a.m. - noon Dasiy Between Earth/Sky May 25 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Canoeing Taste of Canoeing

ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 19

Activities

Matagorda Bay Nature Park Workshops

Sims Bayou Workshops

The water’s calling. Girl Scouts are invited to earn a badge at Matagorda Bay Nature Park. This 1,333-acre park and nature preserve is located at the mouth of the Colorado River on the Matagorda Bay peninsula. Girls will enjoy two miles of Gulf of Mexico beachfront, birdwatching in coastal marshes and wetland paddling.

Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center is a picturesque 1.1-acre sanctuary located in historic Park Place on the original channels of Sims Bayou. The center contains a log cabin, barn, gazebo, gardens and a pond with native plants, boat dock and seasonal wetland trails that afford a unique opportunity to experience nature in a dense, urban setting. Girls will receive a patch at the completion of the workshop.

Where: Matagorda Bay Nature Park, Matagorda Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Cost: $18, includes badge Animal Habitats Observe fish and hermit crabs in the touch tank journey to the beach and explore the different habitats that many animals make their homes and take some time to clean up trash on a portion of the beach. Also, build an animal habitat. Who:

ⓙ

When: March 23, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Geocacher Learn about geocaching in Matagorda. Make a trade item, learn how to use a GPS and go on a hunt for three different coordinates to leave our items. Bring your travel bug to attach to your trade item, and keep tracking it after your adventure in Matagorda. Who:

ⓙ

When: March 23, 9 – 11 a.m.

Wild About Wolves Welcome to the wolf pack! Juniors can complete the Animal Habitats badge and Seniors can complete the Voice for Animals at the St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary. This facility is a volunteerrun nonprofit that cares for non-releasable wolves and wolfhybrids in a safe, loving environment. The sanctuary is also committed to educating the public on conservation efforts and the downside to owning exotic pets. This session includes a facility tour to meet the animals that call this place home as well as the badge workshop with a unique twist and focus on these majestic creatures. Who: Where: When: Time: Cost: Contact:

ⓙ ⓢ and their chaperones St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary, Montgomery Juniors - March 30, May 4, May 25 Seniors - March 23, April 6, May 11 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $22/girl, $11/adult, badges included for girls Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Project WILD Project WILD is a conservation and environmental education program that teaches school-aged children the importance of being responsible stewards of our natural resources and wildlife. After this training workshop, attendees will be able to provide fun and educational programming to the girls in their troop or Community, teaching them about our natural world and its preservation. Who: ⓢⓐ adults Where: Girl Scout House, Huntsville When: May 11, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $35/person Bring: Packed lunch Contact: Alexandra Reilman, 936-634-5813, areilman@sjgs.org 20 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Where: Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center, Houston Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Birds and Bayou Join the Houston Audubon Society in this informative workshop on local birds in our area, learn about different species nature to Texas, their habitats and more! Who: When: Cost:

ⓑ ⓙ and their chaperones March 30, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $15/girl, free for adults

Wonders of Wetlands Learn more about Galveston Bay wetlands in this interactive program. Participants will have the opportunity to identify local organisms, examine their habitats, and learn how to become Bay stewards. Be prepared to get wet and dirty as you immerse yourself in the local nature of the Bay! Who: Where: When: Cost: Wear: Contact:

ⓓⓑⓙ and their chaperones

Trinity Bay Discovery Center, Baytown Daisies and Brownies: May 11, 9:30 a.m. – noon Juniors: May 11, 1 - 3:30 p.m. $13/girl; free for adults; free Wonders of Wetland fun patch for girls Closed-toed shoes and dress appropriately for weather Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Nature Center Workshops Spend some time enjoying nature and visiting camp! Camp Agnes Arnold Nature Center has an ongoing workshop series featuring some amazing programs. A GSSJC Nature Center patch will be given out as well. There’s one for each program, collect them all! Who: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ and their chaperones Where: Camp Agnes Arnold Nature Center, Conroe Wear: Closed-toed shoes and dress appropriately for weather, rain or shine Cost: $10/girl Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Batty for Bats Did you know that bats are the only mammals able to fly and that they can catch around 1,200 insects like mosquitoes in one hour? Join us to learn more interesting bat facts. When: March 23; 10 – noon

ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Activities

Fine Arts Snap Happy Take a look through the lens and explore what it means to take a winning photo. Your photos show others how you see the world so hone in on your artist skills with any type of camera. Juniors will earn and receive their Digital Photographer badge. Who: Where: When: Cost:

ⓙⓐ and their chaperones Houston Center for Photography Juniors: March 31, 1–3:30 p.m. or 3:30 – 6 p.m. April 14, 1 –3:30 p.m.; May 12, 1 –3:30 p.m. Ambassadors: April 14, May 12; 3:30 – 6 p.m. $45/girl; free for adults

Matilda The Musical Christian Youth Theater presents “Matilda the Musical”. Learn an exciting song and a fun dance 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 or family, come back and enjoy the show with your group. After the show, you will have the opportunity to meet the cast and get autographs. Who: Where: When: Time: Cost:

ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ chaperones The Crighton Theater, Conroe May 25 Workshop, 9 a.m. – noon; matinee performance, 2 p.m. $32/girl to include the workshop and performance; $16/adult or tagalong (matinee performance only).

Jeweler Workshop Juniors can jump into jewelry with this exciting workshop. During this session, girls will explore production techniques for some treasures they will take home with them. Through this workshop, girls not only learn how jewelry is made but will also get the chance to become part of the maker movement by creating pieces themselves. Who: ⓙ Where: Children’s Museum of Houston When: April 13, noon – 2:15 p.m. Cost: $15 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271

YES! I'm going to camp this year! Are you going? Sign up today at gssjc.org/summercamp

Daisy Outdoor Art Maker – Explore the outdoors and use what you see and hear to make Fine Arts Workshops different kinds of art projects. Do you have a zest for art? Do you enjoy playing with clay, making your own Brownie Potter Badge – Crafts made with clay have jewelry, painting, drawing or fancy some photography? Explore the world been around for thousands of years. People who study history have found ancient clay art and everyday of visual arts in these workshops. Create original artwork and earn badges! objects when they dig for artifacts. Work your way through this badge to become a clay artist yourself. ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢ Who: Brownie Painting Badge – Artists take what they see Bring: Smock or apron for art classes Cost: See below, free for adults and make it beautiful. Learn to paint and color your Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 world in super strokes and see what your imagination can do. Badge Workshop Date Time Place Cost/girl Junior Scribe – Your writing is powerful. Create Brownie Painter March 16 10 a.m. – noon Program Place $25 characters, plots and settings for your very own story. Learn about different story techniques, and exercise your Junior Scribe March 23 10 a.m. – noon Program Place $25 imagination by putting your thoughts down on paper. Cadette Public Speaking March 30 10 a.m. – noon Program Place $25 Cadette Screenwriter – Are you ready for the big Brownie Pottery April 6 10 a.m. – noon Izzie $25 screen? Let’s explore what makes great scripts and Cadette Woodworker April 13 10 a.m. – noon Izzie $25 how you can create your very own. Build your own Senior Textile Artist April 20 10 a.m – noon Program Place $25 plot, create characters and pick your script category Cadette Screenwriter April 27 10 a.m. – noon Program Place $25 – mystery, science fiction, fiction or true story. Look Brownie Potter May 29 10 a.m. – noon UHCL $23 at local producer’s works and what it took for them to be successful. You have what it takes to be a great Daisy Outdoor Art Maker May 29 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL $23 screenwriter, so let’s get started! May 30 10 a.m. – noon UHCL $23 Brownie Painter Cadette Woodworker Badge- Swing a Hammer, use a Brownie Outdoor Creator May 30 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL $23 level and making something for yourself! Girls will learn Brownie Painter June 7 10 a.m. – noon UHCL $18 how to use some basic tools to create a take home piece! Brownie Potter June 7 1 – 3 p.m. UHCL $18 Fashion Academy (FA) – For Juniors, Cadettes and Seniors only-Have you dreamed of being a famous fashion or costume designer? Or maybe you would just like to learn how to sew to up-cycle used clothing. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 21

Activities

General Activities Family Camp Weekend at Camp Robinwood Coming Memorial Weekend 2019: a new facilitated program for families with at least one registered member of Girl Scouts. More information gssjc.org/activities. Save the date for this exciting new family camping opportunity! Contact: Nancy Lee Peterson, 713-292-0218, registration@sjgs.org

Cake Decorating- New Cuisine badge Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Where: When: Cost: Contact:

HEB- Fairfield, Cypress April 6, 10 a.m.-noon OR 1-3:00 p.m. $25 per girl Melissa Hardy, mhardy@sjgs.org, 713-292-0376

Girls will be guided through different techniques of cake decorating led by a Cordon Bleu-trained chef. All girls will leave with their own decorated cake, piping bag, decorating tip and patch. Cadettes will earn step 4 of the New Cuisine badge.

GIRLtopia Journey Act Your Wage Be the first to yell “I’m debt free!” as you earn your Cadette Budgeting badge in this life-size rendition of the board game Act Your Wage. You will spend, save and give while working through the income and expenses of everyday life. Instead of moving a piece around a board game, you’ll enter a life size adventure to carry out the game and learn how to budget. Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:

Painting with a Twitter: Cadette MEdia Journey Cadettes are invited to explore the influence that media has on their lives. Girls will work on their MEdia Journey. Girls will spend some time learning about how national brands made it to the top and how they created their own brand. Your brand will help you stand out in a word of influence and media. An artist will also join us to help the girls incorporate their talents and characteristics to create an art piece showcasing their brand. Who: When: Location: Cost: Contact:

GIRLtopia is your invitation to envision a perfect world - a utopia - for girls. While earning 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 (a component of the Journey - pin not included). This Journey will cover every step but the Take Action project of the Journey. The girl's book and some meals are included in the price.

ⓢ Who: When: June TBD Cost: $55 Where: Spring Branch Presbyterian Church, Houston Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 Finance Your Future Learn how to finance your future and attend the university, college or vocational school of your dreams. Graduation may seem a long way off, but no matter your plans after high school you’ll be using money. At this workshop, you’ll find out you much money you’ll need and how to start thoughtfully planning for the future. Seniors will earn the Financing My Future badge. Ambassadors may complete an activity toward College Knowledge. Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:

ⓢⓐ April 28, 2-4 p.m. Katy TBD $10 Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271

College Knowledge Badge Workshop Let’s go to college! Start by earning the College Knowledge badge at the University of St. Thomas -Houston. In this workshop, girls will be able to explore college options, learn about ways to pay for college, navigate what a “good fit” college would be and more. You will be able to ask university staff about the admissions process and gain a better understanding for how to accomplish this next chapter in your life. Girls will receive the College Knowledge badge at the end of the workshop. Who: ⓐ Where: University of St. Thomas, Houston When: March 30, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost: $10/girl Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209 22 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Brownie Outdoor Advnture Girls will learn about opossums, screech owls, grey squirrels and garter snakes and their habitats as well as some of the threats they face. Girls will complete all requirements of the Brownie Outdoor Adventure while visiting with the amazing creatures that call this center home. Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:

ⓑ

May 4, 10 a.m. – noon. TWRC Wildlife Center $22 Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Activities

It’s Your Planet, Love It! Journey Weekend Cadettes will work on Breathe!, Seniors will work on Sow What? and Ambassadors will work on Justice. Girls will complete all bookwork at camp and do the framework for their Take Action projects. They’ll just need to complete their Take Action projects once they get home. Breathe! is all about the air in the atmosphere. Sow What? is all about the food and Justice is all about the power of advocacy. Journeys are an important prerequisite for anyone going for a Silver or Gold Award, so come have fun at camp while completing your session. Who: Where: When: Cost:

ⓒⓢⓐ Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada June 14 - 16 $45/girl, $20/adult; includes meals and traditional camp activities like swimming, canoeing and archery

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 Girl Scouts 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!

GAM 2019: Girl Scouts go Retro GAM is a day full of fun and excitement where girls spend the day doing a variety of activities. The day is set up carnival style so girls can come and go as they please. Each booth is an activity designed to challenge girls. Some may be physical activities, challenging puzzles or races with other Girl Scouts. Don’t miss out on this favorite, it happens once every two years! Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

Carousel Camp with your Girl Scout troop at these fun-filled weekends! Program is provided; you just prepare your girls for the camping experience and bring your own meals and camping supplies. Carousel is a perfect introduction to camping for your troop’s first time and a great event to attend more than once as each Carousel is unique. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!

ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Girl Scout troops Who: and Girl Scout ratio of adults only; GSSJC reserves the right to refund adults that exceed this ratio because space is limited. Priority is given to the girls. Bring: Troops are responsible for providing a camp certified adult, current CPR/first aider, first aid kit, simple meals, personal camping equipment and SWAPS. Cost: $28/participant (girl or adult) includes patch Deadline: Two weeks before event Contact: Registrars, registration@sjgs.org, 713-292-0370 Min./Max.: 50/150 Registration for Sunday AIM/JOAD activities is separate from the Carousel weekend. Girls wanting to participate in both must register for these programs separately. When Where April 12-14 Camp Robinwood May 17-19 Camp Robinwood June 14-16 Camp Robinwood July 19-21 Camp Robinwood

Theme Camp Rainbow Nature Circus Fun with Dumbo and Friends Pollinator Pals TBA

Wanted: Carousel Host Troops! Calling all interested older girl troops! Want to host a carousel? Want to earn extra money? Consider hosting a carousel for a leadership and money earning opportunity for your older girls. This is a fun way for troops to earn extra money towards their troop programs while serving other girls. Carousel is an exciting twist to traditional troop camping where a host troops serves as camp counselors to coordinate the Saturday camp activities. Carousel host troops provide great program for our camp carousel weekends. Eligible host troops can earn $3 per girl attending the carousel session. Pick a weekend and a theme, and the girls and adult volunteers in your troop prepare a fun day of activities for other troops at camp. Contact: Registrars, registration@sjgs.org, 713-292-0370 for available dates.

ⓙⓒⓢⓐ and their chaperones Camp Casa Mare, Seabrook April 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. $24/girl; $15/adult; includes all activities and a special event souvenir Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271

Volunteers Needed: We are asking for assistance from our Girl Scout family. If you would like to spend a day at camp helping girls have an awesome time, please look for our GAM volunteer signup on the GSSJC activity page. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Bring your friends to camp! Sign up at gssjc.org/summercamp. March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 23

Activities

Program Aide Training Program Aide is a teen mentoring award for Cadettes. Program Aides are in high demand. Program Aides work with younger girls in a variety of settings from day or twilight camps to onetime 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) award 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: $10/girl Min/Max: 5/20 Contact: Alexandra Reilman, 936-634-5813, areilman@sjgs.org Melissa Hardy, mhardy@sjgs.org, 713-292-0376

Badge Workshops The Night at the Health Museum Enjoy a fun overnight experience at The Health Museum. Play a life-health trivia game show, and explore the museum at night. Dinner is optional (at an extra cost). Breakfast is included in the registration price. If you did not choose a dinner option, then please plan on bringing your own. Cost: $50/girl; $50 adults, two badges included Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713- 292-0338

First Aid and Heathy Living Nothing is more important than good health, and as women we have unique health issues at every stage of our lives. Girls will learn about their health by playing games, build each other up and explore the museum at night. Cadettes will earn their Science of Happiness badge, and Seniors will earn their Women's Health badge. Both levels will earn their First Aid badge.

ⓒⓢ

Where: When:

Ann Temple Allen Girl Scout Center, Lufkin March 30, noon – 4 p.m.

Who: When:

Where: When:

Lone Star College, Cy Fair May 19, 1 – 6 p.m.

First Aid and STEM

Health Career Exploration at MD Anderson Are you interested in a career in health care? Explore opportunities at MD Anderson by participating in a variety of breakout sessions and presentations from experts with a focus on cancer prevention. During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to hear from a keynote speaker, engage in a Q&A with women in the medical profession, get involved in discussion groups, and tour the facility. Breakfast is included. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

ⓢⓐ and adults MD Anderson, Houston May 11, 8 a.m. – noon $15/girl, free for adults Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209

My Best Self Workshop Laughter is the best medicine! We invite Brownies to experience a new way to exercise. Laughter yoga is an activity that lets girls have fun while learning ways to live stress-free. Brownies will earn and receive their My Best Self badge. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

ⓑ and their chaperones Program Place for Girls, Houston March 23 April 20, 10 – 11:30 a.m. $16/girl; free for adults Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

24 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

March 22-23

This exciting overnight will teach girl how to keep their bodies healthy while engaging into STEM activities. Juniors will earn Staying fit and Home Scientist badge. Brownies will earn My Best Self badge and their Detective badge. Who: When:

ⓑ ⓙ May 17

First Aid and Health Living Brownies and Juniors will work through their First Aid and Healthy Living badge during a fun overnight experience at The Health Museum! Play a life-health trivia game show and explore the museum at night. Dinner is optional, and breakfast is included in the registration price. Who: When:

ⓑⓙ April 12-13; 5:30 p.m.-8 a.m.

Babysitting Training Want to be a rocking great babysitting? Join us for this Red Cross babysitting training. Girls will learn everything there is to know about babysitting including the business side (resumes, rates, advertising), what to do on the job (appropriate activities by age, diapering and feeding a child) and what to do in an emergency (how to keep safe, basic first aid and how to dial 9-1-1). This is a Red Cross certification class in babysitting and girls will receive a certification card for the class. This is NOT a full first aid/CPR class though, we just go over basics. Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ must be at least 11-years-old Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston When: March 30, April 27, May 11; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (look for more dates online) Cost: $45/girl Contact: Customer Service at 713-292-0300 or registration@sjgs.org

ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Activities

Pet Vet

Recipe for Success Workshops

Whether they’re cute and cuddly or slimy and scaly, pets are so much fun! If you hope to have a pet someday, this badge workshop will help you make sure it stays happy and healthy. Learn all about an animals’ body language, sleeping habits, feeding schedules and more. Brownies will earn and receive the Pets badge with the Little Veterinarian School.

Recipe for Success is on a mission to show you how to make healthy food fun and delicious! Culinary professionals offer girls a hands-on cooking class where they can practice culinary skills in a safe environment. Badge is provided for all except Holiday Snacks.

Who: ⓑ and their chaperones When: April 13, May 11,June 15, July 13, Aug. 10 Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $18/girl Min/Max: 10/20 Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

New Cuisine - Culinary possibilities are as diverse as the glove of people who cook them. In this workshop, cook up dishes from across time and distance, and find out where your taste buds want to travel!

Dr. Girl Scout

Simple Meals – There’s steam and bubbles, interesting tools and amazing smells...and lots of room for experiments. Use these steps to make amazing meals, and learn to create a whole meal of your own.

Pretend you are a doctor for a day with the Little Medical School. During this activity, girls will learn the ins-and-outs of what it takes to care for their bodies. Daisies will earn the Gloria petal while Brownies earn the My Best Self badge. Daisy petals are not included as they are sold in a set. Daisies will receive a fun patch instead. Brownies will receive their My Best Self badge. Who: ⓓⓑ and their chaperones Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: April 13, May 11, June 15, July 13, Aug. 10; 10 a.m. - noon Cost: $18/girl Min/Max: 10/20 Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

First Aid Badge Workshop for Brownies and Juniors Brownies and Juniors are invited to complete their First Aid badges. Participants will tour the full medical facility, make a small first aid kit and speak with doctors and nurses on staff. They will also get to see a real working ambulance (subject to availability when not out on a call) Come meet your local medical team and earn a badge while you’re at it. Girls will earn their respective First Aid badges. Who: ⓑⓙ Cost: $18/girl; free for adults. Badges included for girls. Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 Date Location March 21 Baytown Neighbors Emergency March 28 Crosby Neighbors Emergency April 10 Pearland Neighbors Emergency April 11 Kingwood Neighbors Emergency April 12 Life Savers ER, Tomball April 18 Pasadena Neighbors Emergency May 9 Porter Neighbors Emergency May 10 Life Savers ER, Tomball May 16 Kingwood Neighbors Emergency May 22 Pearland Neighbors Emergency ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Who: Time: Cost: Contact: Times:

Girls and their chaperones 10 a.m.- noon $25/girl, $23 per adult Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Saturdays, 10 a.m. – noon ; Sundays 2 – 4 p.m.

Who: ⓒ

Who: ⓙ

When: March 23

When: March 24

Healthy Snacks – Make great snacks for yourself and your friends. When you eat them, they'll give you the energy to think, hike, run around, dress up and do all the other activities you love to do. Who: ⓑ

When: April 13

Eating for You – Eating well helps you inside and out. Choosing the right foods can help you sleep better, stress less and get smooth skin, shiny hair and strong nails. Who: ⓒ

When: April 28

High Adventure Outdoor Adventure Club: The Outdoor Adventure Club (OAC) is a program for Seniors and Ambassadors. We will offer monthly high adventure activities such as mountain biking, paddle sports, surfing and much more. Join us in March on the Challenge Course. We will start the day with team building activities and move onto the high Challenge Course. You will get to swing high in the air on the Screamer, take the ultimate leap of faith on the Pamper Pole and go zipping down the zipline. In April, we will be kayaking in Kemah for a threehour guided tour. Check online for more information. Who: ⓢⓐ When/Where: March 16 – Camp Silver Springs, Challenge Course 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. April 20 – location available March 1 online Cost: $50/person; each event Contact: Customer Service at 713-292-0300 or registration@sjgs.org March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 25

Activities

Climbing Wall and Zipline

Gold Award Orientation

Girls will have the opportunity to be fearless and try something new at Camp Silver Springs this year! Trained facilitators will guide Cadettes through Ambassadors on the wall and zipline for a memorable outing. Whether troop camping or just coming out for the day, the climbing wall and zipline are open to any Girl Scout group, troop or individual.

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: ⓒⓢⓐ (must be at least 12 years old) Where: Camp Silver Springs, Conroe When: April 13 9 – 11 a.m., noon – 2 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m. Cost: $30/girl per session Min./Max.: 6/12 Contact: Customer Service at 713-292-0300 or registration@sjgs.org Note: Participants must climb the wall in order to get to zipline. The climbing wall and zipline is for girls only. Spectators cannot be accommodated.

Troop Challenge Course Build troop support, improve communication and develop resourcefulness in your girls by participating in a fun and challenging low and high ropes course. In this interactive activity, girls are faced with decision making situations that can be mentally and physically challenging as they navigate obstacles on the ground and in trees. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ must be at least 12-years-old Where: Camp Silver Springs, Conroe When: Saturdays only, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m Cost: $50/girl per session Min./Max.: 6/12 Deadline: Program registration form must be received six weeks prior to requested date. Contact: Customer Service at 713-292-0300 or registration@sjgs.org Note: Indicate your preferred date to use the course on your registration form. Due to facilitator scheduling, registration is not guaranteed until confirmation letter is received. The Challenge Course is for girls only. Spectators cannot be accommodated.

Highest Awards Earn a Highest Award! Bronze. Silver. Gold. These represent the highest honors a Girl Scout can earn. All three awards give you the chance to do big things while supporting an issue you care about. You might plant a community garden at your school or inspire others to eat healthy foods for your Bronze, advocate for animal rights for your Silver, or build a career network that encourages girls to become scientists and engineers for your Gold. Whatever you choose, you’ll inspire others (and yourself). As you earn one of Girl Scouts’ Highest Awards, you’ll change your corner of the world–and beyond. The possibilities are endless. Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ Learn More: Review the GSSJC project guides for more information at gssjc.org/highestawards Contact: bronzeaward@sjgs.org, silveraward@sjgs.org or goldaward@sjgs.org 26 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Who: ⓢⓐor girls in grades 9 – 12 and adults Where/When: Girl Scout Center, Houston March 23, April 13; 10 a.m. – noon 15/45 girls, 10/30 adults Min./Max.: Cost: $5/person Deadline: One week prior Contact: Megan Dodd, goldaward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209 Important reminder: As of Jan. 1, 2019, the Gold Award process has moved to an online platform, GO Gold Online. Girls will still work with their Gold Award mentors and receive their approval on their Project Proposals, before they submit to council via Go Gold. The deadlines for submitting Gold Award Project Proposals and Final Reports are the first and fifteenth of each month. This ensures that your project will be reviewed at that month's meeting. For more information, vistit www.gssjc. org/goldward.

Silver Award Training Join us for this training designed to equip troop leaders, advisors and parents who are looking to support Cadettes through the process of earning the Silver Award. Topics include project guidelines, submission deadlines and coaching tips. Who: Adults Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston When: March 30, May 11; 10 – 11:30 a.m. Max.: 25 Cost: $5/person Contact: Megan Dodd, silveraward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209

History Juliette’s Tea Party Want a fun way to spend the afternoon? Council History Committee volunteers host an old-fashioned tea party, and they invite you to attend! Learn etiquette from the Victorian Era (1800s), enjoy tea and sweets, make something special to take home and play games typical of Juliette Low’s era. Girls may wear a Girl Scout uniform or fancy party dress! Who: ⓓⓑⓙ Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: March 21, April 18, May 16; 4:45 – 6 p.m. Cost: $15/girl (includes patch and tea cup) Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: This is not a parent and me opportunity, but parents are welcome to wait in another room during the event. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Activities

Tour the Goodykoontz Museum of Girl Scout History The museum is fun and educational for girls and adults. It features timeline panels and interactive displays from the start of the Council in the 1920s until today. NEW: Register online at gssjc.org/activites. To book a tour during the week, please email museumtour@sjgs.org troop number, troop leader name/phone/email, preferred tour date/time, girl program level and number of girls/adults. Where: 3000 Southwest Frwy, Houston If you love Girl Scouts and want to help teach others about our narrative, you can become a Goodykoontz Museum tour guide, or docent! Cadette and up can pair with a mom or leader. Email museumtour@sjgs.org for more information.

Juliette’s Treasure Chests These kits hold a variety of items – from girl or adult GSUSA uniforms through the decades to international girl uniforms! There is also a treasure chest filled with materials to transport girls back to the time of Juliette “Daisy” Low. Who: ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Cost: $12 + $25 deposit for Treasure Chests Reserve: Use reservation form, which includes information on the reservation process, at gssjc.org/musuem Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Horseback Riding Horse Program GSSJC has two locations and many opportunities for girls to experience horse activities and for older girls and adults to serve girls while working with horses. Girls must be accompanied by troop leaders (if attending as a troop) or a parent/guardian. Girls should bring a bandana to wear beneath the helmet. Tag-alongs are strongly discouraged as they cannot participate. General information for all horse programs Deadline: Two weeks prior to the event Register: Register online www.gssjc.org/activites Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org

Horse Programs at Camp Misty Meadows Horseback Riding Badge Workshop Juniors (troops or individuals) who wish to earn the Horseback Riding badge may attend a badge workshop on select Saturdays. Girls will learn the basics about taking care of and riding horses along with understanding horse behavior. Who: ⓙ and their chaperone Where: Camp Misty Meadows, Conroe When: April 6; 8 a.m. – noon Cost: $45 per participant (includes badge) Bring: Boots with smooth sole and 1/2-inch heel (optional), bandana ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

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: Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org Pool is available for free time if weather allows. Note: Includes patch for that level. Bring SWAPS! Please note that adults must register to attend with a troop or a parent must attend with an individual girl for these programs.

Saddlehorns (Level 1) This is the beginner program for girls interested in learning about horseback riding. Girls will learn about grooming, leading, equine nutrition, horse colors, basic horse safety and riding skills at a walk. Girls will have the opportunity to work with horses at four of the six stations. Who: When:

5th grade or older April 5 – 7, May 3–5

Rustlers (Level II) Intermediate program that continues the skills started in Saddlehorns. Girls will learn to saddle a horse, how to clean and maintain tack and the basics of horse anatomy. Riding skills and horse safety will be reviewed and performed at a walk and a trot. Who: 5th grade or older When: April 26 – 28 Prerequisite: Must have attended Saddlehorns

Wranglers (Level III) This program builds upon the riding skills and knowledge gained in the earlier sessions. Girls will learn to bridle a horse and equine health and conformation. Horse safety will be reviewed and riding skills will be performed at a walk, trot and canter. The Sunday schedule includes a trail ride for all participants. Who: 6th grade and up When: April 12 – 14 Prerequisite: Must have attended Saddlehorns and Rustlers

STARS training (Level IV) Girls who are interested in teaching horse skills to younger girls should attend this course. STARS are asked to work at least one fall and one spring weekend session per year. This training weekend will focus on improving horse handling skills, teaching techniques, professionalism and team work. All food is catered for girls and adults. Who: 13 year olds and above and in 7th grade or higher Date: March 29 – 31 Cost: $65/girl and $20/adult: includes program aide patch Prerequisite: Must have completed Saddlehorns, Rustlers and Wranglers

March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 27

Activities

American Canoe Association Level 1 Canoe Instructor Training for Adults June 3-4, 2019 at Camp Agnes Arnold $285.00 (Meals and lodging provided). This is an intensive instructor course for Level 1 Canoeing Instructor certification. Candidates must be current members of the American Canoe Association. Membership information is found on the ACA website. Individual memberships cost $25. After successful completion of the course an additional instructor SEIC dues ($35) must be paid.These fees and the cost of the instructor manual ($25) are not included in your registration. You must show proof of membership at the training. Course prerequisites: Completion of all the appropriate skills course, assessment course or equivalent skills, current CPR/First Aid, must be 18 years or older, current ACA member and have an ACA Instructor Manual (ordered from ACA). Participants should have paddling skills, technical skills, rescue ability, group management and interpersonal skills. Volunteer financial grants are available from the council for the cost of the training. Contact the Outdoor Experience Department for information.

Sailing Tall Ship Elissa Programs Overnights A night outside sleeping under the stars. Girl Scouts can experience a sailor’s life from the days of old in a special overnight adventure aboard the Tall Ship Elissa. After a tour of the Elissa and a video presentation, the overnight Girl Scout crew learns some hands-on sailor skills. Girls will help set one huge staysail, work on master rope craft and knot making. During the night, the girls will follow one of the oldest traditions of the sea, keeping watch over the Elissa and Galveston Harbor.

ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ(must be at least 8 years old) Who: Where: Tallship Elissa, Galveston When: May 25 and June 8 Check in: 6:30 p.m. Check out: 9 a.m. next day Sleeping bag (air mattresses, if desired), pillow, Bring: change of clothes Cost: $45/person Min./Max.: 30/40; 1 adult/5 girls Deadline: Register and submit payment at least five weeks prior to event date. (Event fills fast!) You must cancel at least 30 days before planned date. Contact: Carrie Seals, cseals@sjgs.org Note: Eat dinner before arrival. Breakfast will be served aboard Elissa, and snacks will be provided. It's a Sailor's Life Day Program This three-hour program includes a tour of the Elissa, set a sail dockside, personalize a flag to fly on the Elissa and learn some hands on traditional seamanship. Who: When: Cost:

ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ(must be at least 8-years-old) May 18; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $30/person Min./Max.: 10/30

28 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Sailing Activities at Camp Casa Mare For more information on all sailing at Camp Casa Mare, please contact the volunteer sailing coordinator at sailing.coordinator@ gmail.com and/or the volunteer sailing instructor at instructor. coordinator@gmail.com. Look for our exciting sailing programs this spring! Introduction to Sailing, Mariner Weekends, Instruction Weekends, Basic Sailing and more. Unsure if you will like sailing? Brand new to sailing? Resister for a spring Introduction to Sailing session and find out! The sea adventure awaits you.

Mariner Weekends Mariners can participate in Mariner-only weekends. They have the opportunity to practice their sailing skills in a relaxed setting while having fun. These weekends are typically themed. A Mariner is a girl who has completed Basic Sailing (Red Cross Basic Sailing or Small Craft Safety Sailing.) Mariners spend the weekend at Casa Mare and eat, sleep and sail. Four to eight dorm chaperones are also required for these weekends. When: April 5-7 and May 17-19 Friday check in is 7 p.m. and Sunday check out is 2 p.m. Cost: $45/girl, all meals are included

Instruction Weekends Some courses are over two weekends, and you must attend both. Four to eight volunteers are needed to hold the events. Basic Sailing is a two-weekend class. Attendance at both weekends is mandatory. This is a mentally and physically demanding course. Girls are encouraged, but not required, to attend an Introduction to Sailing weekend before taking Basic Sailing. Sunfish Mate is a two-weekend course for girls who have completed Basic Sailing and followed through with additional practice to solidify their skills. It is required that girls have a minimum of six sailing sessions, equivalent to 20 hours of tiller time, between Basic Sailing and Sunfish Mate. Hours will be verified. GSSJC also offers classes for Mariners who wish to take advanced ratings courses. Sloop Skipper, Sloop Captain and Big Boat classes should email instructor.coordinator@gmail.com to see if you qualify to attend. Who: Girls 11 and older and adults must have a Red Cross Level IV swim card or equivalent, and a GSSJC Safe Boating Test card. Copies of cards should be turned in with registration to sailing.coordinator@gmail.com. Girls without cards will not be allowed to remain in camp. Date: April 26-28: Sunfish Mate, Sloop Crew, Basic Sailing May 10-12: Sunfish Skipper, Sloop Captain, Sloop Skipper: Bring: You will receive an email with a packing list. When: All girls must attend the entire weekend. Check in at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, and check out at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Cost: $110 for Basic Sailing and Sunfish Mate (two-weekend courses); $60 for all other courses

Girl Scout Night with the Skeeters Tickets are still available for the May 17 game and/or overnight at the Constellation Field in Sugar Land. Cost is $26. Registration is handled by the Skeeters. Call Tyler Stamm at 281-207-9127 or tstamm@sugarlandskeeters.com for registration and information. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Introduction to Sailing Did you ever want to know what it was like to sail but did not know if you would like it? Do you want to feel the wind on your face and hear the water splashing around you? You will work alongside Mariners (girls that have successfully completed Basic Sailing) as they ready the boats to sail, sail (weather permitting) and put away the equipment. You must attend the entire weekend. Who: When: Cost: Note:

Girls 11 and older, must have a Red Cross Level IV swim card or equivalent, and a GSSJC Safe Boating Test card. Copies of cards should be turned in with registration to sailing.coordinator@gmail.com or cseals@sjgs.org. Girls without cards will not be allowed to remain in camp. May 3-5 Friday check in is 7 p.m. and Sunday check out is 2 p.m. $50/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.

Sports Rifle Program General information for all three activities listed below

ⓒⓢⓐ must be 12-years-old Who: Camp Robinwood, Willis Where: When: May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 10 Cost: $8/session Deadline: Two weeks prior to event Contact: Carrie Seals, 713-292-0324, cseals@sjgs.org Step 1: Introduction to Rifle Program Trained instructors will guide you as you first learn basic firearm safety and the proper way to handle a rifle. You will receive your own pair of safety glasses and learn to shoot at the bench rest position. A completed Rifle Program Permission Slip (F-601) is required for participation. This form is only needed once. It will be held on file for future rifle sessions. Time:

noon – 1:30 p.m.

Min./Max: 4/12

Step 2: Rifle Marksmanship After you have attended your Introduction to Rifle Program session, you may register for any Rifle Marksmanship session. At these sessions you will learn more shooting positions and how to improve your shooting skills in each. Remember to bring your safety glasses. Time:

1:30 – 3 p.m.

Min./Max: 4/12

Step 3: G.R.I.T.: Girls, Rifles, Instruction and Training Rifle Special Interest Group If after attending any Rifle Marksmanship session you decide you would like more from your rifle program experience, then the Rifle Program Special Interest Group could be for you! At these sessions you will learn more about how to use the rifle, how to improve your accuracy through shooting position form and how to work within a team. Inter group and individual competitions could be part of your session. The group at each session will help decide on the day’s activities. Remember to bring your safety glasses. Time:

9 – 11:30 a.m.

Min./Max: 5/18

Activities

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

Robotics Competition Team Information In the May/June issue of The Golden Link, there will be further information about participating in GSSJC’s robotics competition teams – both how girls/coaches sign up as well as dates for informational meetings for parents. Robotics teams compete against other groups, schools, etc. through the international FIRST organization where girls build and code models and robots that compete against other teams in the area. Competition typically runs Sept. – Dec./Feb. (depending on level) but may extend depending on the success of the team. Participation is available for Daisies-Ambassadors and for individual girls or as troops. Learn more about the organization GSSJC teams compete through, check out firstinspires.org

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. Program Place for Girls, Houston Where: Cost: $10 or $15 Level Badge Date/Time ⓓ What Robots Do May 19, 2 – 4 p.m. ⓓ How Robots Move May 26, 2 – 4 p.m. ⓓ Design a Robot June 8, 2 – 4 p.m. ⓑ Programming Robots June 15, 2 – 4 p.m. ⓑ Designing/Showcasing Robots June 22, 2 – 5 p.m. ⓙ Programming Robots June 29, 2 – 4 p.m.

Roller Coaster Badge Workshop Put engineering in motion! In this workshop hosted by Challenge Island, Daisies delve into engineering and motion by building and testing a roller coaster. Girls will explore how roller coasters work and how to design, build, and test a new construction as well. Who: ⓓ When: March 30, 1-4 p.m. Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $25

Cybersecurity Basics Badge Workshop Find out how computers work and what it means to be connected to other people. Girls will add "layers of security" when they wrap a treasure box that they will take home with them and discover how safety relates to using a computer. At the end of this workshop, girls will have earned the Cybersecurity Basics badge; badge is provided to attendees. Who: ⓓ When: April 20, 10 a.m. - noon Where: Idea Lab – Spring Branch Cost: $23 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 29

Activities

Board Game Badge Workshop

Space Science Overnight

Go on an adventure to learn about inventors. You’ll discover who inventors are and what they do. Along the way, you will try your own hand at inventing when you create your own board game. Daisies will earn their Board Game Design Challenge badge through this workshop.

Get ready to blast off on an adventure. During the event, girls will see the sky in a new way – like a space scientist does! They will investigate the moon, explore the solar system, discover how they can look at space, and learn more about stars. Girls will receive their Space Science badge at the end of the workshop.

Who: ⓓ When: May 11, 9-11 a.m. Where: Idea Lab - Bellaire Cost: $23

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

ⓑ Who: When: April 7, 1-4 p.m. Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $25 Home Scientist Badge Workshop You’re a scientist every time you do an experiment. In this workshop, you’ll find out where science has been hiding in your home through density, static electricity, and more. Be a kitchen chemist and play with science at Idea Lab. A badge is provided in the cost of this workshop. Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓑ May 18, 9–11 a.m. Idea Lab – Spring Branch $23

Think Like an Engineer Journey Learn how engineers use the Design Thinking Process to solve problems in this hands-on workshop. Some of the activities include building a water collection tool and a device that will launch a small ball toward a target. Girls complete all Journey requirements except the Take Action Project and receive the Think Like an Engineer Award. Who: ⓑ When: April 27, 9 a.m. - noon Where: Idea Lab – Energy Corridor Cost: $23

Computer Expert Badge Workshop Computers help you do so much. Brownies who sign up for this workshop will be able to learn about the basics of using a computer - including how to make art, share information and find incredible facts. Badge is provided to attendees. Who: ⓑ Where: Idea Lab - Bellaire When: May 25, 9 – 11 a.m. Cost: $23 30 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Who:

ⓑⓙand Girl

When: Where: Cost:

Scout ratio of adults May 10 – 11 or June 14 – 15 Space Center Houston $65/girl, $55/adult

Celebrate Earth Day at Rice University Join real-life scientists and graduate students in STEM fields at Rice University at this fun event that will celebrate Earth Day! Participants will earn the first half of their Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey by making observations, collecting data, and providing their findings for a real research project. Girls will also get to talk to professionals and complete hands-on work in addition to the Journey so they can learn more about biology and other exciting careers. Who: Where: When:

ⓙ Rice University, Houston April 20, 8:30 a.m – 3 p.m.

Balloon Car Badge Workshop Get blown away by this new Junior badge. Energy surrounds you every day. In this workshop, learn to harness potential and kinetic energy. Also learn how air interact with objects and how you can use it to your advantage. After designing a power source for a car, you will get to test it out. A badge is provided in the cost of this workshop.

ⓙ Who: When: May 18, 9 a.m. - noon Where: Idea Lab - Pearland Cost: $23 Product Designer Badge Workshop Explore and create innovations in the Children’s Museum Maker Annex. You will get the chance to investigate what makes products great, how to improve products already on the market, and more. The best part is that you will be able to be an innovator yourself and troubleshoot your solution. Who: ⓙ When: May 18, noon – 2:15 p.m. Where: Children’s Museum of Houston Cost: $15 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Activities

Swimming

Designing Robots Badge Workshop Utilize the Chevron Maker Annex at the Children’s Museum to design a robot and build a prototype that you will test. At this workshop, you will explore the practical application of robotics in daily life and get the chance to build robotic elements yourself, evaluate the design and make improvements.

ⓒ Who: When: May 4, noon – 2:15 p.m. Where: Children’s Museum of Houston Cost: $15 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 Owl 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 indepth tour of a research lab on the Rice campus. Who: When: Where: Cost:

Robotics Programming Badge Learn more about how robots work and learn about the parts that make up a robot! Where: Lone Star College, Cy Fair Cost: $23 per girl; free for adults Contact: Melissa Hardy, mhardy@sjgs.org, 713-292-0376 Get started with electronics by making a simple sensor, something robots use to function without human operators and practice programming concepts while coding robots. Who: Cadettes When: April 7; 1:30 – 3 p.m. Learn about different ways to control a robot by making a simple motorized robot to see how the parts work together, including computer programming? Who: Seniors and Ambassadors When: April 7; 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Swimming Swim Level Card and Safe Boat Card Testing Earn your swim level card and/or your safe boat card for aquatic activities that may require them. Question on whether an aquatic activity requires the card or not, please review Safety Activity Checkpoints. Question on what each swim level test is, please contact Carrie Seals at cseals@sjgs.org. This is not a swim lesson. This is a swim test session.

ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Who: Where: Weekley YMCA, Houston When: March 30, April 6, April 20, May 11, May 25 Cost: $20 Bring: Swim suit and a towel. If participating in the safe boat test, also bring clothes you can wear in the pool over your swim suit and closed toe shoes that you can wear in the pool. Contact: Stephanie Moore, smoore@sjgs.org, 713-292-0299 Registrars, registration@sjgs.org, 713-292-0370 Lifeguards Wanted! Are you an American Red Cross certified lifeguard age 18 or older? Would you like to earn extra money on the weekends? You pick when and where! GSSJC is in need of year round lifeguards. Contact Stephanie Moore at smoore@sjgs.org. Lifeguard Certification Obtain your official American Red Cross Lifeguard certification. This training will include the proper use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Training consists of pool and classroom time. Upon successful completion of the course, a Lifeguarding and CPR/AED certification will be awarded. This is valid for two years. Participants must pass the following prerequisite skills: 300 yds swim, brick retrieval from 10 feet depth and two-minute tread. Who: Girl Scout Adult Volunteers When/Where: May 10 – 12 (6 p.m. – 6 p.m.) and May 18 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) at Camp Casa Mare, Seabrook; June 7-9 at Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe Note: Check back two weeks before the event start date for activity confirmations with more information about this training event.Contact Stephanie Moore at smoore@sjgs.org.

Travel

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

What are you doing this summer? Join us at day camp at Program Place for Girls! We have seven weeks of fun lined up for you. Each week has a fun theme, plus you'll also have plenty of time for other activities with you new camp friends. See page 7 in this issue for more information!

Council Trip to New Orleans NOLA or bust. Join us for this amazing trip to New Orleans. Will you enjoy beignets at Café Du Monde, the epicenter of jazz and blues music on Bourbon Street or some retail therapy at the French Market? Who: When: Cost: Contact:

ⓙⓒⓢⓐ and their chaperones June 18-22 $550 per person, includes train, hotel, activities and meals Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 31

Columns

Silver Award Training

Adult Trainings

This training is designed to equip troop leaders, advisors and parents who are looking to support Cadettes through the Silver Award process. Topics include project guidelines, submission deadlines, coaching tips and so on. Join us! Who: Adults Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston When: March 30, May 11, Sept. 28 Cost: $5/person Max.: 25 Contact: silveraward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0300

Camp Certification and Camp Certification with Extra Experience Date March 11 or March 12 March 23

Day Mon. Tues. Sat.

Course Name Camp Cert In Town (IT 3/23) Camp Cert In Town (IT 3/23) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 3/11&12)

Location GSC BSC ATC

Time 7 –10 p.m. 7 – 10 p.m. 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Cost $25 $25 none

April 15 April 27

Mon. Sat.

Camp Cert In Town (AC 4/28) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 4/15)

GSC WAM

7 – 10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none

April 30 April 30 May 11

Tues. Tues. Sat.

Camp Cert In Town (AC 5/11) Camp Cert In Town (AC 5/11) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 4/30)

GSC LUF ATC

7 – 10 p.m. $25 7 – 10 p.m. $25 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. none

Outdoor Refresher (Must hold GSSJC Camp Certification already) Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost: $20 Adult Training Center – March 23, May 11 or Camp Wind-A-Mere – April 27 Place: Any questions regarding Camp Certification registrations may be directed to registrar, at registration@sjgs.org or 713 292–0370. For location codes and directions, see next page.

Training Calendar March 2 2 8 & 9 13

Saturday Event Basics Saturday Weekend Event Planning Friday/Saturday Camp Kitchen Certification Wednesday First Aid/CPR/AED Blended

GSC GSC CASA GSC

9 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m. 8 p.m. Fri.-9 p.m. Sat. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

$6 $6 $20 $55

Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Sunday

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

GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 8:30 – 10 a.m. 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. 1 – 5 p.m.

$12 $55 $0 $6 $6 $6

Saturday Wednesday

Recruitment and Placement Training Kickoff First Aid/CPR/AED Blended

GSC GSC

8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

$12 $55

April 13 20 27 27 27 28

May 4 8

Location Legend/Directions to Get to an Adult Training AA: Camp Agnes Arnold – Conroe: I-45 North, exit League Line Road. Go east to Hwy 75 and turn left. Camp is on the right. ATC: Adult Training Center, Camp Agnes Arnold and Misty Meadows – Conroe: Exit I-45 at League Line Road. Go east to Hwy 75 and turn left. Camp is on the right (Camp Agnes Arnold). Follow the signs in camp to Camp Misty Meadows. Adult Training center is on the right before arriving at Camp Misty Meadows. BSC: Beaumont Service Center (Foundation of Southeast Texas) – Beaumont: 700 North Street, Suite F: I-10 East, take exit 855A for US-90 toward downtown, turn left at North Street, building is on the left.

32 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

CASA: Camp Casa Mare – Seabrook: I-45 South to Nasa Road 1 exit. Turn east onto Nasa Road 1, continue 8 miles, crossing Highway 146 in Seabrook, onto Second Street. Continue east to the end of Second Street at Todville Road. Turn left on Todville Road and go approximately 3 miles to camp (on your right). GSC: Girl Scout Center – Houston: 3110 Southwest Freeway: Hwy 59 (south of downtown) Located on freeway feeder road (north side) between Kirby Drive and Buffalo Speedway. Exit Kirby Drive both ways. LUF: Ann Temple Allen Girl Scout Center – Lufkin: 1202 College Drive: US 59 North, turn at FM 819 (at Angelina College) and go two miles. Turn left at the Lufkin Center. WAM: Camp Wind-A-Mere – Alvin: I-45 South, exit FM 517. Turn right on McFarland Road.

Columns

Around Camp

Respect your environment at camp

You’ve probably learned to leave a place better than you found it as a part of the Girl Scout Way. It can be as simple as cleaning up after yourself at camp or picking up a piece of litter you find on a camp trail. This can even apply to the kitchen or your room at home. Here are a few tips you can follow at our Girl Scout camps. Plan ahead and prepare You’ll need to know the rules and any special conditions for the camp you’ll visit. Many of our camps are wooded with trails. Some of our camps have a pond, lake or are directly on the bay. Prepare for cold, hot or wet weather. You may experience cold nights and warm to hot days, so be prepared to dress appropriately. Find out what camps tend to fill and consider scheduling your camping trip to avoid high-use weekends. Travel and camp on hard surfaces Hard surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel and dry grassy areas as well as concentrate using existing trails and campsites. The ground around these areas is usually hard and packed. Campgrounds receiving heavy rainfall or flooding can get muddy. Walk single file in the middle of a muddy, slick trail. A narrow muddy area is better than a larger muddy area.

Be considerate of other campers Respect other campers and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail. Avoid loud voices and noises. Listen for sounds of nature and allow for yourself and others to enjoy the natural wildlife found in our Girl Scout camps. Doing your part to respect the camp property and facilities by leaving it better than you found it will make your and others’ camping experience super enjoyable and ensures a memorable experience for future Girl Scouts.

Dispose of waste properly Check your campsite often for trash or spilled foods. Place all trash, leftover food and litter in trash bags and trash cans. Clean up after yourself. Leave what you find Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Avoid planting non-native plants or taking plants home. Every year we plant sapling and larger size trees to replenish our forest. Minimize campfire impacts While campfires are neat, they can cause lasting impacts if not properly established and controlled. Only use established fire rings and keep fires small and manageable. A campfire is not a bonfire. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Burn all wood to ash and put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes. Respect wildlife Observe wildlife from a distance. Don’t follow or approach them. Never feed animals living in our camps. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing food and trash securely. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young or winter. Remember: you are visiting the homes of these animals.

Which of these land animals moves most slowly: a snail, a turtle or a three-toed sloth? Well, it would take a looooong time to watch this race. Turtles are slow but slightly faster than a sloth, clocking in at speeds of .17 mile per hour (MPH) on land. It would be a very close race between a three-toed sloth and a garden snail, but the last animal to cross the finish line would be the garden snail at .03 MPH. Although snails do not have legs, they have a muscular foot that moves like a wave allowing the snail to go from one place to another. Snails secrete a mucus that lets them slide on all types of surfaces. The life expectancy of snails in the wild is about three to seven years, but in captivity they can live up to 10 - 15 years or more.

Nature Trivia

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

March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 33

Columns

Philanthropy

How Camperships Impact Girls

To ensure every girl has the opportunity to attend summer camp each year, GSSJC offers girls camperships, or camp scholarships. For many girls throughout our council, a Campership is critical to making the camp experience a reality. But it isn’t just the girl who is impacted. We received this letter from one of our Girl Scout families recently, and we were moved by how much camperships impacted the family as a unit and their passion for wanting to give back. Now more than ever, we need to invest in girls. The Phillips family’s letter gives us a glimpse into our impact. Dear Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Our daughters Micayla, a Junior, and Lazaria, a Brownie, just got home from their fun-filled week at Misty Meadows. Lazaria was in Mane Event, and Micayla was in Pony Tales. They talked non-stop about everything – their schedules, unit, counselors, eating with no hands and night swimming. The list/ stories can go on forever. I am writing to say thank you. Each year we apply for camperships, and we have been approved for full or partial funding. We are very grateful each time. Micayla and Lazaria love being in Girl Scouts and love their troops. They look forward to resident camp every year. I forgot to write and say thank you in the past, and I will never forget again. Every year they come home a more confident G.I.R.L., and my husband and I truly appreciate it. I recently started a new job this year and hope to finish my bachelor’s degree soon. We will no longer require camperships for our girls and be able to donate so that other children can have the amazing opportunity to experience camp. But until then we want to say thank you for being a part of our journey to create a fun filled childhood for our children that they will never forget. GSSJC will always be a part of the Phillips family. With great appreciation, MicTricetie and Leon Phillips

34 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council recently created the Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) to bring women together to support future female leaders– today’s Girl Scouts. WLN provides members with the opportunity to expand their personal and professional networks, celebrate their accomplishments and mentor future leaders—all while supporting Girl Scouting in the community. Donors who make a personal gift of $1,000+ to the annual campaign are automatically considered members of WLN and are invited to attend the following events. Details about these and other events will be emailed to members. For questions about joining WLN contact Diane Likeness at dlikeness@sjgs.org or 713-292-0346. Upcoming event May 4, 2019 Tea for Mom & Me, Mother’s Day Tea Party McHugh’s Tea Room

Columns

Thank You, GSSJC Donors! Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, 2018

$25,000+ Ambassador Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Myra Stafford Pryor Charitable Trust Margaret S. Sheriff United Way of Greater Houston Valero Energy Corporation $10,000-$24,999 Senior The Charles & Melissa Davis Charitable Foundation Francisco Diaz H-E-B Valerie Mogas Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church Kathryn Sanders Schlumberger Oilfield Services $5,000-$9,999 Cadette AIG Julie and Richard Boushka Kay K. Craig Mary Louise Dobson Foundation Elaine Engel Fairmount Santrol Greater Houston Community Foundation Sandra A. Judson Alice Kleberg Reynolds Meyer Foundation Robert & Pearl Knox Charitable Foundation Michele McNichol Stacy and Dee Methvin Port Houston Michelle and Joseph Raab Skip and Melinda Reeves Stephen M. Seay Foundation Catherine B. Smith The Iris & Lloyd Webre Foundation Whalley Foundation

$1,000-$4,999 - Junior Erin Abbey Ashdon Farms Mary and Michael T. Bass Roberto J. Bayardo Jo Blackburn Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Debbie Clark Kirsten A. Davenport Kim K. Denney Heidi and David Doll Connie and Dean Eicher Alisa Fraga-Kautzmann Jane K. Gasdaska Calvin Gorriaran Jean T. Janssen and Stephen P. Pate Sue Kean & Grady Walker Kinder Morgan Foundation Candice E. Koederitz Joan Korpal Kroger Company Bette B. Lehmberg Angela Martin- Worthington Elena and Scott McCreery Mary Parks PESA-Petroleum Equipment and Services Association Nancy Lee G. Peterson Phillips 66 Company Jackie Richey Deborah Roff Mary K. Ryder Terri Sawyer Helene R. Sheena Nancy and Bud Simpson Katherine M. Tamer Troop #11695 Mary and Mike Vitek Genevieve and John M. Walls Weingarten Realty Investors Mary Wiley Elizabeth and Harold Williams Foundation Marguerite Woung- Chapman

CarMax Jim and Diana Collins Dawn D. Donaldson ExxonMobil Steven F. and Joan F. Gilliland Susanne M. Glasscock Loyola V. Gressot Claudia W. Hayslip Susan W. Henderson Hillary Jefferis Corrie B. Jenkins Mary H. Lee The Liang Family Pamela R. Lippert LyondellBasell Industries Marilyn B. Mayer- Taylor Janet McMasters Cassandra McZeal Louise Moss Denita Murtic Becky M. Normand Northern Trust Bank Mary Jo Poindexter Cheri A. Post RAI Services Evelyn and Stephen Richter Melanie Rippentrop Ronald M. Rodriguez Ellis Rudy Safeway Inc. Sylvia P. San Pedro Darleen M. Schauer Beth Shea Anita M. Shorosky Lisa Shumate Karen M. Sunseri Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Sharon W. Timmons United Way of Brazoria County Amanda S. Vavilala Jamie L. Vazquez Nancy R. Walker Walmart #522 Judy L. Warne Richard Zembek

In Memory of Virginia and Jim Branch Bette B. Lehmberg

Memorials In Memory of Lynne Berhle Jane K. Gasdaska

Honorariums In Honor of the Antell Family Ryan Vaughan

$250-$999 - Brownie Jessica W. Antel Hague Bing Sara Blackburn-Ortiz

In Memory of Lindsey Ann Bowker Margaret Bowker

In Honor of George Ann Barrett Cheryl L. O'Brien

In Memory of Iris Schroder Bullard Jill Almaguer Society of Women Engineers Houston Area Section In Memory of Jack Coffelt David Culbertson In Memory of Eleanor Gasdaska Jane K. Gasdaska In Memory of Mike Head Alice Bohlae In Memory of Karen Kemper Magee Nancy Lomax In Memory of Eleanor Orgish Alice Bohlae In Memory of Jane Rice Robin S. Bobbitt In Memory of Lucille Rutledge Beth and Steve Fischer Tom Gall John and Louise Moss Becky and Nat Smith Mark and Melissa Sternfels Felicia and Michael Zeitman In Memory of Margaret Winkler Amie Bond Michelle Granden Gordon Kelly

In Honor of Anna, Charlotte, Fiona and Sophia Charlton Roberto J. Bayardo In Honor of Liz Brown Howell Janet M. Brown In Honor of Amy Hume Patricia Mills In Honor of Jean Janssen Deborah E. Rank In Honor of Bette Lehmberg Northern Trust Bank In Honor of Yvonne Maack Harriet Pittman In Honor of Louise Rugaard Linda Gabrielson In Honor of Dorothy Shoaf Carolyn S. Panebianco In Honor of Marianita Paddock Snodgrass Fariba Mehdizadeh In Honor of Deb Taft Ali McLane In Honor of Mindy Travillian Holly Reichert In Honor of Troop #142128 Katherine Kalenda Daggett Great care has been exercised to ensure the proper recognition of our donors. If an error or omission does occur, we apologize and hope you will bring it to our attention. Contact Suzanne Boak at 713-2920273 or sboak@gssjc.org. Honorariums listed are $250 and above.

March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 35

Columns

Service Around Council

Troop #149037 volunteered their time to help out at the Houston Food Bank. Girl Scout Mariners sewed fleece pads and collected supplies to donate to the SPCA for their fall service project.

Troop #157115 passed out candy to residents of Atria Senior Living to celebrate Halloween. Troop #114145 collected and donated books for the Barbara Bush Branch Library

Troop #134127 braved the cold during the AdoptA-Beach Winter Clean Up at Morganâ€™s Point. Troop #127048 spent their Christmas party volunteering at a senior living community where they sang Christmas carols and played bingo with residents.

36 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Columns Troop #131098 hand painted, filled and delivered care packages to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.

Troop #129115 collected and donated 31 blankets to Star of Hope to help residents be cozy this winter.

Troop #140022 participated in the Stargazers Community food drive for the Houston Food Bank.

Troop #114149 donated coloring books and crayons to the Texas Childrenâ€™s Hospital.

Troop #19134 worked hard to hold a successful canned food drive for House of Amos.

Girl Scouts from across the council helped the City of Seabrook plant palm trees.

Troop #883 provided 30 decorated brown sack lunches to Meals on Wheels for Thanksgiving. March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 37

Scrapbook

GSSJC Scrapbook

Send your photos to ations@ communic clude sjgs.org. In in the # p oo your tr e. lin t subjec

Sending in your photos does not guarantee placement in Golden Link.

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

Troop #10831 learned about other cultures and the realities of global poverty at The Compassion Experience.

Troop #125076 celebrated Juliette Gordon Lowâ€™s birthday with a tea party. Troop #14570 saved for two years to travel to Washington D.C. where they enjoyed sightseeing, learning and making memories.

Troop #120024 visited the Houston Police Department Mounted Patrol Barn and learned about being courageous and strong and respecting authority. Troop #62002 learned from nutrition interns at the University of Texas School of Public Health to earn their Eating for Beauty badge. 38 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Scrapbook Girl Scout sisters participated in the Veteranâ€™s Day program Atascocita Springs Elementary.

Troop #114149 enjoyed learning about the importance of seatbelt safety.

Troop #127133 took a silly photo with Santa at their community service project planning meeting.

Troop #111034 conducted a flag ceremony during Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey weekend.

Troop #114185 used cookie money to visit the Houston Zoo as part of their 5 Flowers, 4 Stories, 3 Cheers for Animals Journey.

Megan B. of the STARS special interest group enjoyed Saddlehorns weekend at Camp Myra S. Pryor.

Girl Scouts from across council monkeyed around this summer at Northhampton Day Camp. March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 39

Scrapbook Troop #134127 loved their time learning about bees at the Beeweaver Apiaries.

Troop # 134127 took a photo to commemorate earning their My Promise My Faith Award.

Troop #114036 took a commemorative photo to celebrate bridging to Juniors.

Members of Eastern Thicket Community held their first campout where they enjoyed traditional Girl Scout outdoor activities.

Girl Scouts from Monument Community enjoyed singing their hearts out at the Annual Song Fest Camp Out.

Troop #114071 dressed up and played games to celebrate Halloween.

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Scrapbook

Troop #127048 earned their Good Neighbor badge after purchasing and donating 153 lbs. of food for Katy Christian Ministries Thanksgiving meals.

Troop #127014 posed at the park during Katyâ€™s annual National Night Out celebration.

Rainbow Trails Community entered a float to participate in the 53rd Annual Tomball Holiday Parade.

Troop #14038 had a terrific time during their camping weekend in the Tejas Tipi at Camp Wind-A-Mere.

Troop #114191 stayed overnight at the Houston Zoo during their Halloween Zoo Boo event, where the girls completed their Senses and Bugs badges.

March/April 2019 l The Golden Link 41

Scrapbook

Troop #111034 held an investiture ceremony where each girl pledged to rededicate themselves to Girl Scouts.

Troop #27567 received Sylvia Acevedoâ€™s new book as a gift to kick off the new Girl Scout year. Troop #120024 took a trip to the Houston SPCA to learn about animal care and safety.

Troop #111133 got suited up and ready to go canoeing on Shadow Lake at Camp Agnes Arnold.

Troops #118189 and #118009 had a great time at the Blossom Creek Community camp weekend at Camp Agnes Arnold. 42 March/April 2019 l The Golden Link

Troop #111016 chilled together at their Girl Scout year kickoff event where they ice skated at the Aerodome.

Outdoor Adventure Club The Outdoor Adventure Club is a monthly program for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors. The club introduces older girls to outdoor activities and skills beyond what they might do with their troop. The girls will help plan activities such as mountain biking, paddle sports, surfing and much more. They also get a chance to make new friends from around the council! Adult volunteers needed. Contact Kaydee Tiemann at 713-292-0233 or ktiemann@sjgs.org.

Resident Camp

Camps session are now open. Register with a new and improved system. We also have new programming at all three camps (Camps Misty Meadows and Agnes Arnold in Conroe and Camp Casa Mare in Seabrook).

Week 1 June 16-21 Week 2 June 23-28 Week 3 June 30-July 3

We live in a world of screens, smartphones, laptops, TVs and tablets. And sometime you just want to get away from it all. We get it.

Week 5 July 14-19

Our staff are friendly and caring and will help guide your girl through our progression programs as well as encourage her to take healthy risks and experience new things that help build essential life skills.

Week 6 July 21-26

For more information or to register go to gssjc.org/summercamp

Week 4 July 7-12

Day Camp Join us for day camp at Program Place for Girls in Houston and work on badges, sing new songs, experience the outdoors and make new friends. Camp sessions will focus on the arts, the outdoors, STEM and crafts. Snack will be provided, but a sack lunch is required. There will be a field trip during the week, and we will have special guest speakers. Camp is from 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Mon.- Fri. Cost is $200 per week. Week 4 will not meet on Thursday, July 4. The cost for that week is $160. *Week 8 will be available at Camp Casa Mare or Agnes Arnold. Buses will be available. Register for day camp at gssjc.org/ activities. For questions about day camp, contact daycamp@sjgs.org.

Week 1 June 10-14 Week 2 June 17-21 Week 3 June 24-28 Week 4 July 1-5 Week 5 July 8-12 Week 6 July 15-19 Week 7 July 22-26 *Week 8 July 28-Aug. 2

Raising Awesome Girls The Shy Girl’s Guide to Speaking Up Let’s face it: speaking up can be hard for anyone, but if your girl is on the shy side, speaking her mind might feel as farfetched as meeting a real-life unicorn. That said, just because she’s nervous about it doesn’t mean she shouldn’t try to flex that speaking-out muscle. Throughout her life, she’ll need to know how to stand up for herself or others and share her point of view. Whether it’s defending a peer from a bully or sharing an answer in class, her ability to speak up is an important skill to master–and it’ll be way easier if she gets in the habit now. Here are some tips on how to teach her to raise her voice. Talk with her. A lot. The safest place to start her future of public speaking? At home! Talking to people about how she feels in a safe and loving environment is a great, low-risk place to start. Engage her in conversations, and invite her to offer her opinion regularly. Avoid yes/no questions, and really urge her to tell you about her feelings. If your girl often answers questions you ask about her preferences with, “whatever” or “I don’t care,” explain to her that nobody can read minds, and that the only way she can make life better for herself (and others!) is by speaking up and communicating her feelings, ideas, wants, and needs. If she doesn’t tell anyone about her big idea, her perspective, how she’s feeling, or what she needs, how can others help? Acknowledge that things won’t always go her way, even when she does speak up, but that by communicating her thoughts and desires, she’ll at least have a better chance. Project confidence To some extent, she can fake it till she makes it! Teach your girl that the tone of her voice and her posture all send different messages too. If someone slouches and speaks too softly, they might appear less confident. However, speaking in a calm, clear voice and standing up straight with her shoulders back are all ways she can project that she’s confident and in control of her thoughts and feelings. Ask her to think of ways of standing and moving that make her feel more powerful.

Take a step back While your first instinct when you see your girl struggle might be to jump in and fix everything or speak on her behalf, try to avoid doing that unless it’s completely necessary. While you can absolutely listen and advise, she has to take the action to change a situation and finally stick up for herself. Tell her about times when you’ve realized you needed to take action and decide what to do next—perhaps a time when you were treated with disrespect or saw another person being disrespected. Give her a chance to be a leader She can’t step into a leadership role if she doesn’t have an opportunity! When your girl is young, or as soon as you can, talk to her about signing up for activities, clubs, or something like Girl Scouts. By placing her in a situation where she’s excited and collaboration with a team is built into the experience, she’ll naturally gain leadership skills and her confidence in speaking up will blossom. That positive experience will make her feel more comfortable taking on a leadership role with friends—and inside the classroom too.

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Be a role model Guess who she learns from the most? You! Yes, that’s right. Whether you think she notices or not, your girl is watching and listening to you when you’re speaking to your friends, negotiating a deal with a colleague, or having discussions with your partner. Showing her it’s OK to speak your mind in a respectful and direct way models confident behavior for your girl. Do your best to stick up for what you believe in and to not be timid about speaking your mind.

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We want every girl to succeed. That’s why GSSJC is happy to bring you Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.’s Raising Awesome Girls, an online publication to help you and your Girl Scout answer questions, face challenges and find solutions to daily life. For more articles like this, visit www.girlscouts.org and find Raising Awesome Girls under the “For Adults” tab.

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 6743

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council 3110 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77098-4508

SCOUTS SAVE $5 on Tickets!

FREE Commemorative Patch With Purchase of Each Scout Ticket For orders less than ten, visit Ticketmaster.com and use the code GSCT. Fees may apply to online orders. Contact Christina for patches.

For more information or to order a group or 10 or more, call 281-367-9717 or email christina@texasgrouptickets.com.