March/April 2020 Golden Link

LINK

The Official Publication of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council | Volume 46 Issue 2

March/April 2020

The Golden

Summer adventures await you at day camp!

Resident Camp registration is now open at gssjc.org/residentcamp

Troop #129085 bridged to the next level. See more Girl Scouts from around the council in the Scrapbook section.

President of the Council and Chair of the Board Dee Hinkle Chief Executive Officer Mary Vitek Chief External Affairs Officer Connie Chavez Marketing and Communications Director Sara Orsi Visual Brand Manager Joanne Pastalaniec Mission Statement GSSJC: Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

Pluralism Statement GSSJC 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 six times a year. It has a circulation of more than 35,000. The Golden Link is also available online at gssjc.org/publications.

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 emailing jpastalaniec@sjgs.org. 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 2020 4 4

From the Top Shop News

Special Feature 5

Day Camp Listings from Around the Council Day Camp Adventures! Page 5

Features 10 11 12

13 13 14 15

Girl Scout Week is Coming Soon Join the Team at Camp this Summer Tips for Troop Leaders: Girls of all Abilities can Explore the Great Outdoors Make Her Troop Year Memorable Girl Scout Traditions: Celebrate your Girl Scout Pride!

Remembering Dorothy Goodykoontz Congratulations Gold Award Girl Scouts

Activities

19 Camp Activities 20 Camping 20 Environmental 22 Fine Arts 24 General Activities 26 Health 28 High Adventure 28 Highest Awards 28 History 29 Horse 29 Sailing 31 Sports 32 STEM 38 Travel

Columns

Council Scrapbook

39 Adult Trainings 41 Around Camp 42 Philanthropy 44 Service Projects

Page 47

On the Cover All-day Day Camp at Program Place is a great way to spend your summer. Meet new friends, learn new skills and take awesome trips. There are also shorter day or twilight camps available around the council.

Copyright Š2020. All rights reserved.

March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

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Every time I sit down to write this article, I find myself thinking what a great time it is to be a Girl Scout. But this time, I don’t feel that way. You see, this is my farewell column. My term as board chair and president of the council will end June 1.

I’m sad to be stepping down, but the council will be in the capable hands of Board Chair and PresidentElect Marguerite Woung-Chapman.

Dee Hinkle She has served on the board of Chair of the Board and President of the Council directors for many years and has a passion for supporting young women plus a knowledge base, presentation style and enthusiasm that will serve our council well.

As I look back on my tenure, there were things that didn’t go as I’d hoped. I set goals for membership that we were not able to achieve, suffered through cancelling Success to Significance do to flooding, got lost in New York City during a thunderstorm at the National Girl Scout Gold Award ceremony, mispronounced numerous names and let my emotions get the better of me on more than one occasion.

But when I set aside the disappointments and focus on the successes, there is a lot to be proud of. As a council, we recovered from the disappointment of cancelling Success to Significance with a rescheduled event that was truly special and has set the bar for future events. The last 10-year property plan included work to update and improve Camp Pryor. Following the improvements envisioned in that plan, utilization at Camp Pryor is at an all-time high, so I have high expectations for where the recently approved Ten Year Property Strategy will take us. Including service centers in the plan should make it easier to get uniforms and the materials our movement need as well as to better utilize the precious meeting space available at the renamed resource centers. Perhaps the most satisfying accomplishment of my term was the emphasis we placed on earning the Gold Award. We moved the award ceremony to a larger, more impressive venue that better reflects the significance and importance of earning this lifetime achievement.

While the council can certainly be proud of what we have achieved in the last two years, what I will remember most is my interaction with our members. Our girls listened intently to my explanation of fiduciary responsibility and strategic planning.

Volunteers kindly embraced me and welcomed me when I decided to pop into events unannounced. Staff graciously tolerated my repetitive questions and off the wall ideas. Our donors and my board members have been steadfastly supportive, which I appreciate more than they will ever know.

Even though my time as chair and president is up, I have no intention of walking away from the organization I love and the mission I support with all my heart. I’m still evaluating my options, but I will likely see you at future council organized events, fundraisers and award ceremonies. Thank you, again for your kindness and support, which I know you will extend to Marguerite.

From the

TOP

4

March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

Girl Scout Shop News

For resource center locations and hours, please visit girlscoutshop.com/san-jacinto-council Hours can change due to emergencies, weather or other factors. Please call before driving long distances.

Bay Area 281-282-6077 Closed Mon. Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tues./Thu. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Fri. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Imperial Valley 281-447-8870 Mon. Closed Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tues./Thu. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Fri. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Beaumont 409-832-0556 Tues. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sat. – Mon. Closed

Lufkin 936-634-4688 Tues./Thurs. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Houston 713-292-0247 Mon./ Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tues./Thu. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Fri. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m..

Stafford 281-670-5982 Closed Mon. Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tues./Thu. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Fri. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sat.

Office and Resource Center Closures: April 10 and May 25

Westside 281-822-4250 Mon. Fri. & Sat. Closed Tue.–Thu. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

New Leader Must-Knows!

Are you a new Girl Scout leader? Here are some things you need to know for the next few months.

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March 12 is the Girl Scout Birthday, and Girl Scout Week is celebrated March 8-14. 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.

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The Girl Scout Cookie Program wraps up March 22.

Help your troop cookie manager make the end of your sale as successful as the beginning! Be sure to turn in money and paperwork on time. By the way, there’s still time to participate!

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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/renewal 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

Day and Twilight Camp 2020 Step 1: Find a camp

Step 2: Fill out forms on page 9

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

Step 4: Register by deadline

Who Can Attend? Girls ages 5-17, including rising kindergartners, who are registered Girl Scouts, are welcome to attend. New members may join Girl Scouts at a discounted rate if they complete their 2020-2021 membership at the same time.

Fees: Each camp sets its own fees, which are sent to the individual volunteer registrar at each camp. Generally, the fee covers craft supplies, program supplies, site rental, a patch, health supplies and office supplies. There may be an additional charge for a camp T-shirt, swimming, special projects or other activities. Non-registered girls must pay the Girl Scout membership fee before or during registration. Financial assistance is available to cover the membership fee.

Refunds: Each camp issues its own refunds – not the council.

Camps determine the amount of the refund, if any, based on the date the refund is requested. In general, no refunds are made after the registration deadline unless the camp is canceled.

Summer day and twilight camps are a fantastic way for girls to enjoy a variety of activities, and then come home every day to tell you all about it. Day camps usually start around 9 a.m., and twilight camps usually start around 6:30 p.m. – but check your camp for exact details. Each camp is run by a dedicated team of local volunteers, and each camp offers unique programs so they are all a bit different. Typical activities include outdoor skills such as outdoor cooking, archery, arts and crafts, sports, games, and earning badges.

If any details of the camp you are interested in are listed as TBD, that simply means that the details were not finalized at the time of printing.

Check the Activities section of the website (gssjc.org/activities). The camps will all be listed online with updates to any information that was not available in time for this publication.

What to Bring: Campers should wear cool, comfortable clothing and sturdy closed-toe shoes. For outdoor camps, they should also wear ankle-length socks, sunscreen and insect repellent. Bring these items marked with the camper’s name to camp daily: • Something to drink • Cup with handle • Sack lunch (if applicable) • Rain coat or poncho (if outdoors). Camp is usually held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, each camp makes its own provisions and informs parents accordingly.

Registration Deadlines: Please pay close attention to the registration deadlines. These are important because supplies are purchased based on the number of registrations received by the deadline. Some camps may also have a minimum number of girls that must be registered by the deadline, or the camp will be cancelled. There may be an additional fee for late registrations.

Please contact the registrar of your camp for questions about registration.

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

Girl, Peewee and Boy Units: Girl campers spend each day in small groups called units led by an adult unit leader. Within the units, girls have the opportunity to practice leadership skills and cooperation as they learn and play together. Many camps offer a pre-school Peewee unit for children of staff volunteers. The Peewee units accept girls and boys through pre-kindergarten. Most camps require children to be toilet-trained; contact the registrar for details. Boy units are for boys of camp volunteers.

Health and Safety Measures: Each camp will have a first aid station managed by a trained first aider. All medications must be turned in to the first aider in the original container, clearly labeled with the camper’s name and instructions. Camp personnel will administer no other medication to campers. Campers may keep emergency epi pens and asthma inhalers with them in a bag or fanny pack, or they may be held by the unit leader if the child is younger.

Girl Scout activity insurance is considered secondary insurance and parents will be notified in case of illness or injury.

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Special Feature

Bay Area: Camp Happy

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

Where: Bay Area Park, 7500 Bay Area Blvd., Houston When: June 1-5; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Deadline: April 30 Capacity: 150 Director: Bethanie Miller, brsjmiller@comcast.net Price: includes T-shirt and patch for all exepct peewee $75 Girls $50 Girl of Volunteer $50 Program Aide/Camp Aide $50 Boy of Volunteer $25 Peewee of Volunteer, only includes T-shirt Registration: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/ GirlScoutCampHappy. More details on Camp Happy’s Facebook Group Page: facebook.com/groups/BayAreaCampHappy. If any items are missing from registration, camper will be immediately placed on waiting list.

Golden Coast Twilight Camp: The Wizarding World of Girl Scouts

Join us for a twilight camp full of crafts, games and more all centered around the fun of wizarding school.

Where: When: Capacity: Director:

Beaumont Area July (exact dates TBD), 6 – 9 p.m.

50 Kelsey Herych, goldencoastwilightcamp@gmail.com

Huntsville Day Camp: Back to the Basics Go back to the basics of Girl Scouting with outdoor cooking, learning traditional Girl Scout ceremonies, turning knots into crafts (and more), playing games and singing Girl Scout songs.

We’ll end each day with swimming. Girls will earn the Girl Scout Ways badge at each level and also participate in a service project.

Where: 2203 Ave M, Huntsville When: June 29 – July 2; 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Deadline: April 30 Capacity: 50 Director: Mary Gedelian, gedelian@sbcglobal.net Price includes T-Shirt and Patch for all $40 Girls $32 Girl/Boy of Volunteer $32 Program Aide / Camp Aide $32 Peewee of Volunteer $20 Late Fee (No registrations accepted after May 22) Registration: Send registration and paperwork to: Stephanie Pitts, 3973 SH30 W, Huntsville, TX 77320

Livingston Twilight Camp: Peace, Love and Girl Scouts

Join us for a twilight camp full of crafts, games and more all centered around the fun of wizarding school.

Where:

When: Director:

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Livingston First United Methodist Church, 2801 US-190 July 27-30 Capacity: 50 Erin Salazar, erinsalazar8679@gmail.com

March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

Jersey Village: Girl Scouts Explore the World Centers

Make new friends, crafts and play games. We will have snocones everyday, build a float and have a parade on Friday night, all while discovering the Girl Scout World Centers.

Where: Champion Forest Baptist Church - Jersey Village,

16528 Jersey Dr. When: July 13 – 17; 6 – 9:30 p.m.

Deadline: June 21 Capacity: 150 Director: Judy Harris, jerseyvillagetwilightcamp@gmail.com Price includes T-shirt, patch and cup for all $45 Girls $35 Girl of Volunteer $40 Program or Camp Aide $45 Boy/Peewee of Volunteer Registration: Mail forms and payment to: Twilight Camp, c/o Lynda Starbuck, 11211 Evensong Lane, Cypress, TX 77429

Lone Star: Hawaiian Hulabaloo

Aloha! Join us for three fun-filled days of Hawaiian exploration.

Learn about hula dancing, traditional island food, native dress and island culture. Also enjoy traditional camp activities.

Where: Lake Jackson Resource Center, 231 TX 332 When: June 4 – 5, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.; June 6, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Deadline: May 4 Capacity: 125 Director: Christina Hurd, lonestarstc@gmail.com Price includes T-shirt and patch for all: $30 Girls $25 Girl of Volunteer $15 Program Aide/Camp Aide Registration: Sign up day May 2 from 10 – 11 a.m. at Lake Jackson Resource Center; Mail in registration to PO Box 746, Angleton, TX 77516.

Northampton Day Camp

Each day girls will explore a different environment and the amazing animals that live there. Girls also will swim daily and experience other great camp activities.

Where: Northcrest Park, 6012 Root Rd., Spring When: July 13 – 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Deadline: April 19 Capacity: 200 Director: Jenna Knight, northhamptondaycamp@gmail.com Price includes T-shirt, patch and cup: $45 Girls $35 Girl of Volunteer $45 Program Aide / Camp Aide $35 Boy/Peewee of Volunteer Registration: One day only in-person registration at Northcrest Park on April 19. Registration starts at 2 p.m. for volunteers, and 3 p.m. for non-volunteers.

Contact northhamptondaycamp@gmail.com for questions.

Special Feature

Northshore Twilight Camp

Join us for five days of songs, games, crafts, and more.

Where: North Shore Rotary Pavilion,

14350 1/2 Wallisville Rd., Houston When: June 1 – 5, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Deadline: May 15 Capacity: 100 Director: Debbie Gonzalez, debbieg_gs@yahoo.com Price includes T-shirt, patch and cup for all: $35 Girls $25 Girl of Volunteer $25 Program Aide/Camp Aide $20 Late Fee Registration: Mail forms to: Northshore Twilight Camp, 1607 Pugh, Galena Park, TX 77547

Camp Colony Creek 2020: Girl Wonder Discover what makes you unique (your special powers!) and be inspired to make a difference in today’s world as well as in your future. Select workshops as part of the registration process and participate in activities which highlight real girl and women 'Wonders' – and envision how you can be a Girl Wonder in the future. Have fun, make new friends and explore how Girl Scouts can do wonders in the future.

Where: Christ Church – Sugar Land, 3300 Austin Parkway When: June 23 – 25, 3 – 8 p.m.

Deadline: May 23 Capacity: 300 Director: BJ Bonner, GSCampColonyCreek@gmail.com Price includes T-shirt and patch for Girls $50 Girls / Girls of Volunteers

$6/day PeeWee or Boy of Volunteer

$15 Late Fee (No registrations accepted after

June 6) Registration: Register online at campcolonycreek.com

Richmond Twilight Camp: Indiana Jones Meets June Cleaver

Explore the lost arts of sewing, baking, having a conversation, writing letters and more. Plus, no Girl Scout camp is complete without adventure! Girls will have the opportunity for hiking and archery with a few more surprises throughout the week. Badge work will also be included.

Where: Long Acres Ranch (Richmond) When: July 21 – 24, 5 – 8:30 p.m.

Deadline: June 1 Capacity: 125 Director: Callie Day, LSTcampGS@gmail.com Price includes T-shirt, Patch and Cup $65 Girls $25 Program Aide / Camp Aide $65 Girls of Volunteers (reimbursable) $10 Late Fee (No registrations accepted after July 1) Registration: Mail forms and payment to: Lone Star Treasures, 20407 Hidden Point Lane, Richmond, TX 77407, or email forms to LSTcampGS@gmail.com, and pay via Venmo @ Lonestar-Treasures (make a note that the payment is for camp, and your camper's name)

Silver Springs Day Camp:

Enjoy a week filled with swimming, archery, crafts and much more. Space is limited, so get your registration in early.

Where: Camp Silver Springs, Conroe When: June 15 – 19, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Deadline: May 15 Capacity: 125 Director: Tami Folk, tamifolk@gmail.com Price includes T-shirt, patch and cup for all: $30 Girl of Volunteer $40 Girls $25 Program Aide / Camp Aide $30 Boy of Volunteer $25 Peewee of Volunteer $10 Late Fee Registration: Mail forms to: Tami Folk, 7127 Grant Dr, Magnolia, TX 77354

Whispering Pines Day Camp

Girls will learn ways to identify wildlife in the piney woods.

Where: Camp Whispering Pines, Garrison When: June 18 – 20; Thursday-Friday, 6 - 8:30 p.m. and

Saturday 9 a.m. – noon Deadline: May 22 Capacity: 50 Director: Sally Allen, whisperingpinestwilightcamp@gmail.com Price includes T-shirt and patch for all: $30 Girls $25 Girl of Volunteer $20 Program Aide / Camp Aide $15 Late Fee Registration: Mail to: Sally Allen, 1719 Cherrybrook, Nacogdoches, TX 75965

The Woodlands Twilight Camp

Girl Scouts Disney Adventure - explore the mystical, magical and adventureous favorite Disney movie themes.

Where: Christ Church United Methodist, 6363 Research Forest When: June 15 – 19, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Deadline: June 1 Capacity: 150 Director: Regina Crane, rrwcrain@gmail.com Price T-shirt, patch and cup for all: $65 Girls $50 Girl of Volunteer $25 Program Aide / Camp Aide $10 Late Fee Registration: Mail forms to: Penny Schwartzkopf, 23 Gold Leaf Pl., The Woodlands, TX 77384. Register at: https://sites.google.com/ view/the-woodlands-twilight-camp.

PPTC - Katy: Past to Present Twilight Camp

Reminisce about the fun Girl Scouts have had throughout the decades with activities, games and crafts. Also enjoy canoeing, paddle boats and archery.

Where: Smith Ranch, 25440 Beckendorff Rd, Katy When: June 15 – 19, 6 – 9 p.m.

Deadline: April 15 Capacity: 163 Director: Jennifer Banks, katydaisytroop@yahoo.com Price includes T-shirt, patch and cup: $60 Girls $50 Girl of Volunteer $50 Program Aide / Camp Aide $25 Late Fee Registration: sites.google.com/site/peckhamparktwilightcamp/home March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

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Special Feature

Day Camp

at Program Place for Girls

Join us for day camp at the Program Place for Girls in Houston for eight weeks of fun. Work on badges, sing new songs, experience the outdoors and make new friends. Camp sessions will focus on the arts, the outdoors, STEAM and crafts. Snacks are provided daily, but a sack lunch is required. Some weeks include field trips. Camp is from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with early drop off and late pick up options available. Register online at gssjc.org/summercamp. For questions about day camp, contact daycamp@sjgs.org. All sessions are for girls entering first grade and above. Program aides attend for only $50 per session. GSSJC members may apply for financial assistance to attend day camps at Program Place. Applicants are required to pay the $50 deposit when applying for a campership unless applying for a full campership. See page 5 in the camp catalog for more information.

Party in the USA

June 8-12 Cost: $200 Explore states across the USA as you learn to hula, make a famous New York pizza, celebrate Mardi Gras like a Louisiana native and participate in awesome Floridian outdoor water activities. Top the week off with some Texas barbecue and line dancing.

May the Girl Power be With You

June 15-19 Cost: $240 (Includes a field trip with

lunch to Moody Gardens) Seek inspiration from strong females throughout space and time. Learn yoga and/or meditation techniques to help strengthen your mind and body, then enjoy the inner peace that comes with pampering yourself by getting a facial and making bath bombs. Top off the week with a field trip to Moody Gardens.

Magical Me

June 22-26 Cost: $200 Have you ever had the urge to be sorted by a wizard hat, mix a potion, make a magic wand, explore magical creatures or defend yourself against the dark arts? Welcome to the magical world of day camp. Explore, create and bubble over with one-part science and two parts imagination.

Tropical Paradise

June 29-July 2 Cost: $170 Take a break from the summer heat by jumping at the splash pad, cooling off with the bucket challenge or joining in a water balloon relay game. Enjoy a delicious snow cone, then top off the week at a field day full of water games. This session is Monday through Thursday.

Clues “R” Us

July 13-17 Cost: $200 Join C.S.I. as a crime scene investigator while going undercover to seek clues and solve a mystery. Along the way, learn to write in code, dust for fingerprints, analyze handwriting and disguise yourself.

Winter Wonderland

July 20-24 Cost: $240 (Includes a field trip with lunch

to Typhoon Texas) The weather outside may be frightful but at day camp this week, it’s delightful! Enjoy wintery crafts, decorate a house with candy and create snow. Top off the week with a swim in the melted ice at Typhoon Texas.

Add on Early Drop Off/Late Pick Up

June 8 – July 24 Cost: $25 per week Having trouble making it through Houston rush hour? No problem. Add an early drop off or late pick up option to your day camp experience to check in at 7:30 a.m. and/or stay until 5:30 p.m. This option is limited to 12 girls per week.

End of Summer Bash: Best of the Best July 27-31 Cost: $225 (Includes lunch every day) Travel to either Camp Agnes Arnold or Casa Mare to enjoy all the fun of sleepaway camp without the sleep away commitment. Thursday night is an optional overnight camping experience, complete with s’mores in the great outdoors. This session includes both lunch and a snack every day. Camp is from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Bus Option: $60/girl; 25 girl minimum Bus service is available for an additional fee from the Program Place for Girls to Casa Mare and from the Imperial Valley Resource Center to Camp Agnes Arnold.

Be Our Guest

July 6-10 Cost: $240 (Includes a field trip with

lunch to Main Street Theater) Ready, set, cook! Whether you try the gray stuff or sample some gumbo or spaghetti, this week is all about seeking cooking inspiration from the movies. Cook over the campfire, on the stove, in the oven and in a crockpot as you experiment with a variety of cooking methods and recipes. Top off the by creating andltesting out your 8week March/April 2020 The Golden Linkown recipe.

Program aides attend for $50/week.

Must have completed Program Aide Training prior to attendance.

Special Feature

of this

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Features

Celebrate Girl Scout week with these service ideas

Service is fundamental to Girl Scouting. Providing a service to others is the perfect way for girls to demonstrate their leadership and tenets of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Girl Scout week is a great time to incorporate acts of service and complete service projects!

If girls complete a service project in the community, we have yard signs that can be displayed for the public to acknowledge the Girl Scouts’ efforts to make the world a better place. Be sure to complete a service project form (F-269) and submit it to council. To acquire a service project sign, please contact the Community Engagement and Member Experience Department 713-292-0213 or thawkins@sjgs.org Girl Scout Sunday and Girl Scout Sabbath give girls an opportunity to attend their place of worship and be recognized as a Girl Scout.

• Host a recruitment table at a local faith community.

• Recognize girls or troops in the bulletin or service program.

• Address the congregation and recognize all the current and former Girl Scouts.

Service to community is an opportunity for girls and troops to be visible doing good works to improve their community by giving back.

• Continue to help families and communities affected by local weather events.

• Maintain or refresh school grounds, garden or flower beds.

• Volunteer at a local nursing home or children’s hospital.

Girl Scout Birthday, March 12, commemorates the day in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low officially registered the organization's first 18 girl members in Savannah, Georgia.

• Learn more about Girl Scouts history and founder, Juliette Gordon Low. • Bring a new born gift basket to local hospital for a baby girl born on March 12.

• Put together a birthday in a box kit for a food pantry or shelter.

Service to the environment allows Girl Scouts to show their commitment to the planet and ensuring we “leave a place better than you found it” for generations to come.

• Participate in a local park, beach, river or highway clean up.

• Host a recycling day.

• Replace incandescent light bulbs in your home with energy efficient ones.

Service to family and friends is a time when Girl Scouts can demonstrate the Promise and Law in their everyday lives with those closets to them.

• Make a meal for an elderly neighbor or someone who is ill.

• Thank school support staff for their service: cafeteria workers, crossing guards, secretaries, librarian, etc.

• Write a note to a friend letting them know how awesome they are!

Outdoors day is a great time to experience all the fun to be had outdoors!

• Have a Mother Nature scavenger hunt.

• Play traditional outdoor games like hop-scotch, jump rope or team sports.

• Have a picnic lunch or dinner in the backyard or local park.

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Features

Help at Summer Camp 2020

Each summer GSSJC looks for adult members with resources, skills or talents to make summer camp the best possible experience for girls and staff. In the past, we’ve had teachers, retirees, emergency responders, health care employees, college interns, grown-up Girl Scouts and even people who wished they were Girl Scouts but never got the chance when they were young. In addition to full-time staff and unit counselors, we are also looking for part-time staff and volunteers. Some of the positions we are seeking to fill include:

Staff positions available at camp agnes arnold, casa mare and misty meadows ranch

Advertisement

Volunteer: • Host families for international staff: pick up international staff from the airport and give them a weekend and holiday “home away from camp” during their stay • One-day camp docents for visiting families: lead tours, help with activities and share stories about camp Part-Time Staff: • Health care supervisor: R.N., nurse practitioner or physician to supervise health care teams at each camp via a combination of inperson visits and scheduled calls • Trip leaders: age 25+ with a clean driving record Full-Time Staff: • Camp leadership team members: assistant camp director, business manager, program director and more – must reside at camp • Resident camp counselors: help build girls of courage, confidence and character while making new friends and having an amazing summer - must reside at camp • Day camp counselors: work Monday through Friday at the Program Place for Girls in Houston • For more information, contact Monique Stitts at 713-292-0233 or mstitts@sjgs.org. Employment information is available at.gssjc. org/workatcamp. We hope to see you at camp this summer!

STOP! Have you participated in the Girl Scout Cookie Program? It's not too late. You can start now! Go to gssjc.org/cookies to learn more.

Cookie Program ends March 22.

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Features

Tips for Troop Leaders: Girls of all Abilities Can Explore the Great Outdoors – Here’s How!

Igniting a lifelong love of the outdoors is at the core of Girl Scouting–and every Girl Scout deserves the opportunity to challenge herself as she explores her world.

Two volunteer experts, Cheryl Lentsch of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska and Bridgette McNeal of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, shared their pro tips for how they support their girls with disabilities as they experience the great outdoors.

Plan ahead. Set up your girls for success by taking thorough notes of what they can expect during your outdoor activity. Some considerations include: • What will the activity involve? Who will lead it?

• What are the badge requirements (if any)?

• Are there paved paths?

• Will the space be noisy or crowded?

• Are there quiet or private spaces nearby?

• Will the girls and their families bring food? Is there a place

for them to store it?

"I reach out to wherever we are going and let [the staff] know we’re coming,” says Bridgette. “I discuss what our needs or special accommodations might be. [Some] organizations are very supportive, even offering extra help to make sure our girls have the best-possible experience at the event.”

Set expectations. Prep your girls and their families before your outdoor activity so everyone is on the same page. “I go into detail about the activities and where we’ll need the most parent support,” explains Bridgette. “Then I talk to the girls about it, show pictures when appropriate, and encourage conversation about similar events they've done.”

“It’s important to talk with the girls ahead of time about the types of things they will see and hear at camp and reassure them they are safe,” agrees Cheryl. “Parents are also an important resource. They can let me know any special instructions I need to know as well as share their daughter’s fears or hesitations.”

Understand your girls’ abilities. Don’t think about what your go-getters can’t achieve; give them opportunities to shine and do their best! “If a girl is physically able to walk and climb with minimal assistance, she will most likely be able to hike, sleep in a tent, and numerous other camping activities,” shares Cheryl.

“When I took a girl with a visual disability camping, I served as her eyes and verbally described her surroundings to her as we Understand navigated camp your girls’ abilities. and the hiking Don’t think about what trails. I offered my bent arm to your go-getters can’t her to hold onto; achieve; give them it’s common opportunities to shine courtesy to allow the person with a and do their visual disability to best! hold onto your arm instead of grabbing their arm. I gave her a guided tour of our campsite so she would be able to find the tents, restroom, and other necessities. If she felt comfortable, I allowed her to walk unassisted within the campsite, but I always made myself available to her as much as she needed."

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"I have girls in my troop who do not handle transitions well, especially if what we’re doing is a preferred activity for them,” says Bridgette. “To minimize this, I try to work up to the [preferred activities]; for example, I won’t start out with making s’mores. When I know transitions are coming, I give multiple notices, like ‘Hey, let’s figure out where our end point is—we need to move on in a bit.’ Most importantly, I don’t force a girl to finish. If she’s not ready and I have to transition, I do so slowly so that when she’s ready she doesn’t have to work too hard to catch up.”

Use GSUSA’s outdoor progression guidelines to build your girls’ confidence in all their outdoor adventures!

Create opportunities. “In my troop I have girls who sing songs, hike, make s’mores, and participate in all camping trip [activities] but simply cannot spend the night in a tent or away from home,” says Bridgette. “I always make sure the girls and their families know they are welcome and wanted all day if we camp. Whether we are learning outdoor first aid, practicing Leave No Trace principles, or cooking outdoors as a group, there are always ways that every girl in our troop can participate and be successful.”

Although a camping trip is exciting for girls, it’s not the only outdoor experience in which they can participate!

"There are great ways to get girls in touch with nature–they can participate in picnics at the park, neighborhood trash cleanups, or even a simple walk through the neighborhood,” offers Cheryl. “It’s fun to point out birds and plants or have the girls search for items in a nature scavenger hunt. The girls with physical disabilities can do all these activities with a little assistance. I try not to call attention to the extra assistance, such as pushing a wheelchair, so that all the girls feel equally involved.”

Always speak up. “I think sometimes there can be hesitation to speak up [at activity venues] when you need extra help, because you don’t want your group to be perceived as different,” admits Bridgette. “I always speak up, because I truly believe that all groups are different from one another and we all need different kinds of help. At one of our day camp events this year, the only girls old enough to participate in archery were my girls with autism. I let the staff know who we were and that we might need some extra help, and they immediately made it fun and helped us out. Our girls did a great job!”

Features

Make Her Troop Year Memorable

Girl Scout Traditions: Celebrate your Girl Scout Pride!

As a parent or caregiver of a Girl Scout, consider this the ultimate cheat sheet to being an all-star G.I.R.L. supporter–no matter how busy you may be! When you step up, you’re enhancing the troop experience and modeling leadership for your girl. She’ll be prouder than ever to call you hers.

Spring is a busy time for Girl Scouts. Not only are you wrapping up participation in the Cookie Program, looking forward to Early Bird renewing your troop and thinking about end-of-year ceremonies. You’re also celebrating your Girl Scout Pride!

In 15 minutes a week, you could…

Organize and manage the calendar for troop snacks or carpools. Keeping track of who’s contributing what and when will make meetings go smoothly for everyone.

In 30 minutes a week, you could…

Manage troop communications. This can mean anything from texting other families to confirm meeting dates, to maintaining the troop’s social media account or being in charge of a phone tree.

In 45 minutes a week, you could…

Take photos or videos at troop meetings and Girl Scout events. Make sure the troop has signed council photo releases before snapping and sharing images!

In 1–2 hours a week, you could…

Lead part of a troop meeting or guide the girls through earning a specific badge. You can introduce the girls to a topic that you specialize in or explore a new activity and learn alongside the troop.

In 2–3 hours a week during cookie season, you could…

Organize booth sales and keep track of cookie orders.

You’ll be playing a key part in the Girl Scout Cookie Program®, which raises funds for troop activities and teaches girls important leadership skills.

Ready to pitch in? Contact your girl’s troop leader and tell her exactly how you’d like to help or what you can provide. Simply offering “whatever you need” comes with best intentions, but troop leaders are often too busy to assign out roles to family members. Being specific about how you can contribute will be so appreciated!

Want to give her the ultimate Girl Scout experience?

Invest in her future and make every moment a shared memory by becoming an adult member at gssjc.org/ volunteer and select the “Friends and Family” option.

Here are four ways to show off your Girl Scout Pride over the next two months: Celebrate the Girl Scout birthday on March 12. This day commemorates the day in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low officially registered the organization's first 18 girl members in Savannah, Georgia.

Celebrate Girl Scout Week March 8 – 14. Girl Scout Week is celebrated each March, starting with Girl Scout Sunday and ending with Girl Scout Sabbath on a Saturday, and it always includes Girl Scouts’ birthday, March 12.

Wear your uniform on Girl Scout Sunday and Girl Scout Sabbath. These days give girls an opportunity to attend their place of worship and be recognized as a Girl Scout.

Say thank you to your leaders.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and Girl Scout Leader's Day, April 22, honors all the volunteers who work as leaders and mentors in partnership with girls. Throughout this month, girls, their families and communities find special ways to thank their adult Girl Scout volunteers.

TH NK Y U Volunteers!

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Features

Remembering Dorothy Goodykoontz April 9, 1921 – December 24, 2019

More than 100 guests attended the Celebration of Life for Dorothy Goodykoontz on February 1 to pay tribute to an amazing woman and one of Girl Scouting’s biggest supporters. Dorothy was a long-time Girl Scout who touched the lives of many.

“She volunteered for our council for more than 50 years in different capacities, including as council president and chair of the board of directors,” said GSSJC CEO Mary Vitek. “Everything Dorothy did, she did with kindness, strength and grace. She was a true example to follow.”

The celebration was held at Dorothy’s namesake, the Program Place for Girls and Goodykoontz Museum of Girl Scout History, which featured displays dedicated to her years and involvement as a council volunteer.

“Most of what you see at the Program Place and Museum was Dorothy’s vision – part history, part program and all fun,” said Vitek.

“Dorothy was a part of many projects over the years, and I think she was particularly proud of this and Goody’s Treehouses, one of the most popular units at Camp Agnes Arnold that bears her camp name…Goody.”

Given Dorothy’s love of sing-alongs, family and friends sang traditional Girl Scout songs and shared touching memories of Dorothy at the celebration of life, recalling her relentlessness as she recruited volunteers, hosted trainings and planned council-wide girl events with thousands of girls in attendance.

One of the big events was the Sing ‘n Celebrate event at the San Jacinto Monument in 2002, celebrating the council’s 80th birthday. Thousands of Girl Scouts ran around the grounds exchanging swaps, singing and having so much fun, just as Dorothy and her committee had envisioned.

“It’s humbling to see how Dorothy made such an impact on so many of us and gave us the most cherished of all gifts, friendship,” said Vitek.

Dorothy’s love of history and reading led her to a lead role in creating a library that houses historical memorabilia at the council headquarters. The Program Place and the Goodykoontz Museum of Girl Scout History opened in 2007.

Dorothy was also a founding member of Emerald Circle, which was established as an endowment to fund scholarships for girls.

Dorothy’s first love was always her family and she enjoyed visiting her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren in Maine as well as traveling the world, always with family, which she did until she was 90. She loved her dogs and spent many enjoyable hours with hand needlework of all kinds.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Dan. She is survived by her daughter Debbie, her son Bill and his wife Deb, grandchildren Chris, Nick, and Lindsey, as well nieces and nephews.

Juliette Gordon Low once said the work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers. Dorothy, on behalf of the many Girl Scouts whose lives you touched, thank you for your work and dedication.

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Congratulations Gold Award Girl Scouts

Features

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.

Photo not available

Gabrielle A. created a project that helped educate driving youth and parents about the dangers of driving while distracted. Gabrielle developed a presentation that was given to approximately 3,000 teachers and 100 teachers, including parents at a parent-teacher meetings and public news coverage. She was motivated to undertake her project after a fatal car accident involving a fellow classmate.

Rachel D. conducted a project entitled “What The Heck Are You Majoring In”, an initiative which was aimed at helping students understand what options they have in college. This early exposure to higher education helped establish early career paths and alleviated much of the stress many college-bound students felt when applying for four-year programs.

The overall initiative reached more than 100 high school students.

Alexa B. designed and installed eight self-sustaining pollinating gardens for The Monarch School, a special education institute that serves children with neurological disorders. Her gardens not only provided a therapeutic learning environment for all students but also helped maintain a balanced ecosystem for endangered organisms, such as bees and monarchs.

Kathleen D. helped address the need to adopt from pet shelters as well as the importance of supporting local shelters. In her project, Kathleen led an event at Sugar Land Animal Shelter and demonstrated how to make snuffle mats that were then donated. Kathleen also supplied five local school libraries with “Maverick and Me”, a children’s book about the importance of adopting locally.

Ella B. worked with Casa El Buen Samaritano Clinic, a local Houston clinic that serves the Latino community, in creating a mental health module workbook. She also led a mental health workshop for patients of the clinic. These workshops and the module workbook helped provide patients with valuable information and resources about mental health and educated the Latino community on the importance of and how to address mental health issues.

Katalia G. tackled the issues behind flooding, flooding hazards and the effects of pollution when flooding occurs. With the Houston Arboretum, Katalia’s project spanned from fall of 2018 to the summer of 2019. For the duration of the project, she created educational materials to be used by the arboretum’s education program, held multiple event booths over the year and organized several trash clean-up events.

Sritha C. addressed the lack of music and sports education at her local Reach Unlimited Learning Activity Center. The facility helps provide quality support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By renovating an unused room and creating curriculum and activities, Sritha helped establish a program and location to utilize by the facility to provide music and sports education.

Njoki G.'s project focused on building and promoting an international book section at her local library. The section included books in various languages and multicultural topics. Njoki says her project was aimed at fighting against the root of problems that plague society, such as ignorance or racism.

She combatted these issues by exposing young readers to different languages and cultures.

Mackenzie C. worked on a project that helped shed light and bring positive representation to black history to African American children at Covenant Glen United Methodist Church. The project entailed a six-lesson program that focused on children ages 10 to 15 and focused on enrichment to help build representation and role models from American history.

Megan G. developed a large tablesized wooden puzzle of the United States and a binder with facts about each state. Together with volunteers, she was able to present her project to children from grades 2-5. The puzzle is now located at the Whitcomb Elementary library. She also took a binder with instructions on how to make the puzzle to two other schools.

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Features Cecilia J. helped create and organize an online music library for her local church.

While the staff had a box system for organizing their music, Cecilia helped create PDFs and digital study tracks of the all the songs they used. She also added some of her own audio recordings and created a manual on how to maintain the online catalog of music and scores.

Jalynn J. raised awareness for the need to conserve the oceans on World Oceans Day, June 8. Along with an event, local speakers, exhibitions and activities hosted in the Sugar Land Town Square, Jalynn also published and distributed a book she herself wrote. Attendees were also asked to make a pledge via postcards to help reduce overall plastic footprints.

Ivy K. targeted the homeless and hungry population of Houston for her project by helping to establish an annual youth volunteer day at her local soup kitchen.

She also filmed and edited a video for the Adopt-a-House program with the help of a volunteer Ivy collected common household and kitchen items to donate to a local charity that prepares meals for the homeless population.

Clarissa L. created an affordable, mobile DIY play structure at her local church.

The project was aimed at providing a safe place for kids to play who would otherwise not have the resources to have one at home. She also documented the entire process and created a video titled “Exploration Station” to help others build their own play station.

Morgan Marsh noticed that her local elementary school’s lost and found system did not adequately provide service to the school and many students, teachers and parents found it hard to manage. To solve this problem, Morgan designed and built a new lost and found rolling cart that was more effective in helping people find lost items.

Kyna M. ran a series of four FIRST LEGO League (FLL) workshops and camps in coordination with the CRyptonite robotics team at Cinco Ranch High School. The workshops and seminars helped expose parents, kids and especially middle school girls to STEM at a young age. Her program helped introduce young children to the FLL program and coding, along with exploring solutions to problems like air pollution.

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Lena M. partnered with Change Happens., a nonprofit organization that transforms the lives of families and children in Houston’s third ward. Her project, which was completed in two parts, included a digital film-making portion where she and volunteers recorded science experiments with common household items. She recorded these sessions for children. It also included building and designing a mobile science cart that can be used by the nonprofit.

Quinlan M. created a website called A+ Stressors and Relief which focused on explaining the causes of stress in an easy-to-understand format. She also provided tips on how to relieve stress in detailed yet understandable formats. The site includes research she conducted and is accessible to anyone who needs help relieving stress.

Caroline M.’s passion for children with special needs led her to conduct research around the challenges and shortcomings public schools have when providing education to special education students.

She discovered that many schools fail to adequately fund these classrooms and decided to make hand-made sensory learning tools. Along with worksheets and information, Caroline donated these items to her local school.

Riya P. helped create and establish a website that offers information and resources for those people with visual impairments or disabilities. She is passionate about the lack of employment opportunities for people with visual impairments. With the use of modern reading technology, she helped create a website that connects those with disabilities to resources, information on legal rights, testimonials and accommodations.

Sameeha R. educated and empowered the diabetic community. As someone with type-one diabetes herself, Sameeha knew the importance of preparing for emergencies and being equipped with information. She created a website that compiled resources and information for others, as well as conducted an emergency-kit drive to help build others.

Cecelia R. created a memorial for Kimberly Vaughan, a fellow Girl Scout and a victim of the Santa Fe High School shooting in 2018. Cecelia felt personally affected by the tragedy that befell many in the town and decided to honor a section in Santa Fe Junior High’s library in her honor. The section of the library not only remembers Kimberly but also offers students a safe and calming environment to study and socialize.

Features Karena R. helped increase mental health awareness at her local school to help combat the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. After becoming a wellness center representative for her high school, she worked closely with counselors to invite specialists to come speak with the student body.

Karena also created a bulletin board for information, inspirational quotes and handouts for students to take, as well as established a mental health club for her high school.

Ashrita S. motivated girls through her Women in Computing initiative.

Her project addressed this national issue by helping motivate young girls and showcase to them the possibilities and career paths in the field of computer science. Ashrita helped organize and streamline the computer database system of her local library at Arya Samaj of Greater Houston by developing her own database system and transferring over all information.

Bria S. addressed the issues surrounding recent increased use of vapes in teenagers. For her project, she researched extensively, conducted interviews with medical professionals and spoke with peers. Bria then produced a 12-minute documentary that was presented to teens ages 13-18 at three locations over the summer. She also had a Q&A session with medical professional guest speakers.

Layla S. tackled helping boost the confidence of younger children through dance. In her research, she found that dance had been proven to help boost the mental and physical confidence of children. Together with local speakers, Layla coordinated a dance camp aimed at children to help further their self-esteem and confidence through workshops and information.

Lindsay W. helped create a fitness program for the artisans of Aspire Accessories, an organization aimed at young adults who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Together, Lindsay was able to curate a program of physical and life fitness for the young adults who find it difficult to be motivated or lack the knowledge and resources to exercise. Her program had more than 30 volunteers and attendees overall.

Jasmine W. helped her local church’s outreach program host literacy sessions for children in her community. These sessions included reading comprehension skills and overall enjoyment of reading.

Jasmine helped provide activities, developed curriculum and provided resources and volunteers who were ready to undertake her project with her.

Gold, Silver and Bronze Award Projects Around the Council

CeCe Rojas at the dedication of Kim's Place, a section of Santa Fe Junior High that is dedicated to help kids calm down and feel safe. She created the memorial for Kimberly Vaughan as part of her Gold Award project.

Kimberly was sadly killed in the Santa Fe High School shooting in 2018.

Cadettes Troop #13467 earned their Silver Award by Congratulations to Emery Winfield, Averi Szynal, Ava Winfield partnering with a local organization ICNA to spread awareness about refugee needs in Houston. They held a toy and Jolene Russell for completing their Silver Award. They drive for refugee children and collected more than 1,000 toys. teamed up with Texas Children’s Hospital to sew drawstring fabric bags, paint picture frames and make small sock babies for patients in the hospital. Together they made approximately 200 of each item. They also taught a class at the hospital and left supplies to sustain the project.

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Gold, Silver and Bronze Award Projects Around the Council

These Pearland’s Dawson High School girls, split into two groups, from Troop #21314 worked really hard to hold a donation booth at the Pearland Town Center for their Silver Award.

For Troop #15381 (Megan, Jessica, Hailey, and Juliana) Silver Award Project, they constructed two picnic tables for Camp Happy Hollow in Brenham.

For Troop #15381 (Emma, Charli, and Chloe) Silver Award Project they constructed a Gaga Pit at Camp Happy Hollow in Brenham.

Allison F., Reagan G., Kamari M. and Maddisyn S. of Troop #16041 created a "Little Book Nook" - a book exchange where children can take a book and leave a book. The girls, who were concerned about young children having adequate access to books, successfully presented the project idea to a local church, spent numerous hours building the structure from scratch and furnished the book nook with dozens of great books for young children to read.

Anusha Adusumilli of Troop #19056 Silver Award was done in India to help a dairy farm. Her goal was to create a sustained farming environment while eliminating unnecessary harvesting. The cows' milk created dairy products for an elderly home in India, and she wanted to solve a problem where feed wasn't being wasted. She collected donations, researched and searched in stores for a good fodder chopper, and informed others about the project in hopes of inspiring them to also help their community.

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Cadette Troop #118108 built and installed a three stage composter at Lake Houston Wilderness Park for their Silver Award project. Sara, Tai, and Hannah are pictured with their building consultants Jay and Jaye Wright.

Troop #143035 earned the Bronze Award at Star of Hope, which is a facility for the homeless with families.

They made then donated blankets and provided a goodnight snack for the residents of the facility. They also made a video of our journey through this project and shared the needs of Star of Hope on YouTube.

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.

Day-only outdoor activities at camp: Want to spend some time at camp? Day-only activities are available as scheduled below. Some of our sessions have been reformatted with longer session times. Online registration is available in MyGS Member Community. From the Activities tab, use the search bar to enter your weekend date (i.e. 9/14/19) and available camps will appear. Weekend activity registration for these activities does not include overnight accommodations. If you have a Camp Certified volunteer, submit an F-127 to request an overnight stay. Registration for activities closes two weeks before event. Requests for late registrations or changes can't be accommodated.

March 7 March 14

March 21 March 28

April 4

April 18

Camp Agnes Arnold

H

A, H

H

H

H

C, H

Misty Meadows Ranch

H, R*, L*

H, R, L

H, R, L

A, H, R, L

H, R*, L* H, R, L

Camp Robinwood

C

April 25

H, R, L

May 2

May 9 May 16

H

A, C, H, S

H, R*, L*, S

H, R, L

A

C, S

Camp Wind-a-Mere

A

Lake Jackson Resource Center

A

A

Camp Pryor Camp Whispering Pines

S

S A

Casa Mare A *Limited availability of rides due to Horseback Riding Workshop.

Archery(A) $8: Archery is available for Brownies (girls in second grade) or older. Sessions are now one and one half hours!

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., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Discounted rate 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.

Taste of Canoeing(C) $20: Canoeing is a great team-building activity and an enjoyable and relaxing way to experience the outdoors. This is an introductory course for Brownies through Ambassadors, with no previous training required. Councilprovided canoe instructors will teach girls waterfront safety and basic canoe strokes. Limit of 12 girls per session. Session Times: Saturday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Discount if you have your own adult FOC or American Canoe Association instructor, submit a Program Registration form and appropriate certifications to registration@sjgs.org, and a separate time will be reserved for your troop to canoe if available.

Love, Hug and Groom(L) $6: 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. Limit of 25 girls per session. 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.. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

A

A, S

S

Horseback Riding(R) $25: Horseback riding is available on Saturdays and Sundays for Juniors through Ambassadors. Rides are for one hour, and take place in either the arena or on a trail, depending on the skill of the riders. Girls must arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled ride time. Appropriate attire includes long pants and boots with a smooth sole and 1/2 inch heels. Boots are available for ride time. Helmets are provided. Limit of 12 girls per session. 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(H) $6: 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. Session Times: 10 a.m. – noon.

Swimming(S) $5: 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. During these swimming sessions a lifeguard will be provided for your group. It is not necessary to provide your own lifeguard for these sessions. Council Lifeguard Session Times: Saturday at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.

Discount 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.

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Activities

Camp

Environmental

Carousels

Camp with your Girl Scout troop at this fun-filled weekend!

Program is provided. All you need to do is 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 in the woods, and a great event to attend more than once as each Carousel is unique. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!

Who: Girl Scout troops and Girl Scout ratio of adults; GSSJC reserves the right to refund adults that exceed this ratio because space is limited, and priority is given to the girls.

Cost: $30/person, includes patch Contact: Kathy Elliott, 713-292-0257, kelliott@sjgs.org Deadline: Two weeks before the event, or when full When Theme May 8 – 10 GS Camp Mystery May 15 – 17 Water Olympics June 19 – 21 Engineering June 26 – 28 Under the Sea

Where Camp Pryor Camp Robinwood Camp Pryor Camp Robinwood

Bring: Troops are responsible for providing a Certified Outdoor Trained adult, a current CPR/First Aider a first aid kit, simple meals, personal camping equipment and SWAPS.

Letterboxing

Letterboxing is a cross between a treasure hunt, art, navigation and exploring interesting, scenic places as you follow clues to a hidden box containing a stamp and a logbook. It’s like hiking with a prize at the end! There are letterboxes hiding at Girl Scout camps waiting for you the next time you go camping. We have to set up new boxes as weather and curious critters make the boxes disappear. For a complete list of clues or information on how to set up new letterboxes, go to gssjc.org, log onto the online community. Then click on Camping Central, Documents, Letterboxing.

Geocaching

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

Use the units locally, in some state parks or even in some of our camps. For a complete list of clues or information on how to set up new letterboxes, go to gssjc.org, log onto the online community. Then click on Camping Central, Documents, Geocaching.

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Birds and Bayous

Join the Houston Audubon Society in this informative workshop on local birds in our area, meet the raptors (hawks and owls) that live at the center, learn about bird conservation and famous women from the past and present, learn to identify species native to Texas, their habitats and more! This workshop includes nature exploration, birding with binoculars, painting, hiking and more.

ⓑⓙ Who: When: Feb. 8, March 14; 9 a.m. – noon Where: Sim’s Bayou Urban Nature Center, Houston Cost: $23 Houston Botanic Garden Workshops

Discovers the wonders of plants and nature at Houston Botanic Garden. Experience the garden’s diversity of plants, flowers and ecosystems. Girls will learn about the connection between flowers and pollinators, plant identification and insects that survive in gardens. Also, help nurture your group’s inner artist and appreciation of the natural world through upcoming Outdoor Art badge workshops.

Who: ⓓⓑⓙ Where: Houston Botanic Garden Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Cost: $18/girl Workshop Date Time Daisy Outdoor Art Maker March 14 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Brownie Bugs April 11 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Brownie Outdoor Art Creator March 14 9 – 11 a.m Junior Flowers

April 11 9 – 11 a.m Junior Outdoor Art Explorer March 14 1 – 3 p.m

Recipe for Success Sow What?

Journey Series

Feel like getting down to the root of the issue? Recipe for Success will take you on the Sow What? Journey to help you learn all there is to know about your food network, your food print, the importance of growing and eating local and more! Spend time at Hope Farms and dig your hands into the opportunity to change the community around you.

Who: ⓢ, adult chaperones Where: RecipeHouse and Hope Farms When: March 16 – 20 or June 8–12, 9 a.m. – noon Cost: $165/girl, free for adults Min./Max.: 10/20 girls, 2/6 adults Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: In order to complete the Journey, the girls must attend each day of the series. Contact Julia Shan with any scheduling conflicts. Program will be Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - noon and will alternate between RecipeHouse and Hope Farms. Girls will receive the Sow What? Journey book on the first day of the series. Registered girls will be emailed a schedule before the series begins. Girls will eat and prepare lunch together every day. Harvest Award pin not included. Chaperones are free to attend and must be a current member with a background check.

Activities

Armand Bayou Workshops

Wild About Wolves

Who: ⓓⓑⓙ Where: Armand Bayou Nature Center, Pasadena 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

Who: Where: When:

Cost: Contact:

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

Workshop

Bugs WOW Sessions 1, 2 &3 Outdoor Adventure Eco Friend Between Earth and Sky Daisy Garden - Session 1 Daisy Garden - Session 4 Outdoor Art Explorer Animal Habitats Flowers Outdoor Art Explorer

Date

March 14 March 21 April 18 May 9 March 14 April 18 May 9 March 14 March 21 April 18 May 9

Time

B B B B D D D J J J J

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 wetlands.

Where: Matagorda Bay Nature Park, Matagorda Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Cost: $18, includes badge; beach cleanup is $5 Geocache 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.

ⓙ

March 21, 9 – 11 a.m.

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:

ⓙ ⓢ and their chaperones St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary, Montgomery Juniors– March 21, April 11, May 2, May 16, May 30 Seniors – April 12 $22/girl, $11/adult, badges included for girls Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338

Price Level

9 - 11 a.m. $17 9 - 11 a.m. $22 9 - 11 a.m. $17 9 - 11 a.m. $17 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. $17 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. $17 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. $17 1:30-4:30 p.m. $22 1:30-4:30 p.m. $22 1:30-4:30 p.m. $22 1:30-4:30 p.m. $22

Matagorda Bay Nature Park Workshops

Who: When:

Juniors can complete the Animal Habitats badge and Seniors can complete the Voice for Animals. This facility is a volunteer-run nonprofit that cares for non-releasable wolves and wolf-hybrids in a safe, loving environment. The sanctuary is also committed to educating the public on conservation efforts and the downside to owning exotic pets. This session includes a facility tour to meet the animals that call this place home as well as the badge workshop with a unique twist and focus on these majestic creatures.

ⓙ

March 21, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

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

Juniors Flower Workshop

Everything is coming up roses with the return of this popular Junior Flowers workshop. All steps required for badgework will be done with a vintage flair, from crafts to a science experiment to a flower hunt. The workshop also features botanical lessons inside the charming one-room schoolhouse and lovely new garden classroom, complete with a Victorian schoolmarm.

Who: ⓙ Where: West Bay Common School Children’s Museum,

League City When: April 18, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Cost: $23/girl Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Trash Bash 2020

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 26th 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.

March 28; most sites are half days, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

When: Where: Participants can pick from several sites Cost: Free (participants also receive free lunch, entertainment, T-shirt and more!)

Search Trash Bash 2020 at gssjc.org/activities to find the link to register on the Trash Bash website. Individuals, families and troops are welcome!

Girl Scouts’ Earth Day Celebration

Girl Scouts are invited to camp to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Girls will participate in a planting activity, learn about how to they can reuse recycle materials and deepen their love for the outdoors.

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

ⓑⓙ

Camp Pryor, Nada April 18, 1:30 – 3 p.m. $16/girl, $8/adults Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

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Activities

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-toe shoes and dress appropriately for weather, rain or shine

Cost: $13/girl Batty for Bats Did you know that a huge bat colony calls Houston home?

When: March 21, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Flower Power If you love flowers in nature, here is you chance to learn more about them! Girl Scouts will learn about the importance of Texas Native Flowers. They will create and take home a native seed ball.

When: March 21, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Trees are Tremendous Join us for this Nature Center Workshop all about trees. Activities include making a leaf rubbing and leaf mounts to identify the different varieties that call Camp Agnes Arnold home. Take a tree hike around the camp to learn the different types and uses of trees.

When: April 18, 10 a.m.- noon or 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Fine Arts Musical Theatre Dance Workshop

Art Factory invites you to get in on the action with a highenergy workshop in dance for musical theater. This fun intensive will be led by Art Factory’s extraordinary resident choreographer Luke Hamilton, as he introduces you to the exciting world of Broadway dance. Participants will learn fun choreography directly from your favorite Broadway musicals, alongside Art Factory’s company of professional performers. This is an amazing opportunity to shine like a star and strut your stuff. Brownies will earn their Brownie Dancer badge and Juniors will earn their Staying Fit badge, and badges are included in the price.

Who: ⓑⓙ Where: Art Factory, Houston When: April 11; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269

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“Legally Blonde” the Musical

Art Factory presents “Legally Blonde” live on stage. Join the incredible Art Factory performers and creative team for a fun and exciting workshop, learning to dance with Elle Woods and her friends. You will have a blast with Art Factory’s cast of professional actors, learning music and choreography you will see later in the show. After having lunch with your troop or family, you’re invited to enjoy the show with your group. After the show, you will have the opportunity to meet the whole cast and get autographs. Girl Scouts will receive a fun patch with their ticket price. The show is PG-13 and suggested for Cadettes and up. Girl price includes the show, workshop and fun patch. Adult and tagalong tickets only include the show.

Who: ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ, adults and tagalongs Where: Art Factory, Houston When: March 29 or April 5; workshop 1 - 3 p.m. and show

is at 5 p.m. (lunch on your own) Cost: $35/girl, $25/adult and tagalong Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269

CYT presents “Annie, The Musical”

Christian Youth Theater presents “Annie, The Musical”. During the pre-show workshop you will learn a fun dance to a song from the show and then perform it on stage for your parents and other guests attending the workshop. You will discover theater history while making your very own mask. You will learn drama techniques through fun games, and you will get a sneak peek behind the scenes with a backstage tour. After having lunch on your own, come back and attend the matinee show performed by the amazing CYT cast. After the show, you will have the opportunity to meet the cast and get autographs and pictures. Girl price includes the show, workshop, snack and fun patch.

Adult and tagalong tickets only include the show.

Who: Where: When:

Cost: Contact:

ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐadults and tagalongs

The Crighton Theatre, Conroe May 16; workshop 9 a.m. – noon, show is at 2 p.m. (lunch on your own) $32/girl, $16/adult and tagalong Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269

Cirque Du Soleil: “Alegría”

“Alegría”, Cirque du Soleil’s most iconic production, will now in be presented under the big top at Sam Houston Race Park.

Fall in love with the timeless “Alegría”, a true Cirque du Soleil reinterpreted through today’s lens. Patches available to the first 500 Girl Scouts signed up for the show. The performance begins at 4 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. there will be a Q&A and photo opportunity with the “Alegría” artists. Register online at gssjc.org/activities for discounted tickets and Girl Scout perks offered only to GSSJC. Who: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ adults and tagalongs Where: Sam Houston Race Park, Houston When: April 5 Cost: $39- $129 Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Activities

Fine Arts Workshops

Do you have a zest for art? Do you enjoy playing with clay, making your own jewelry, painting, drawing or fancy some photography? Explore the world of visual arts in these workshops. Create original artwork and earn badges!

ⓓⓑⓙⓒ Who: Bring: Smock or apron for art classes Cost: See below Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 Badge Workshop Date Brownie Potter March 7 March 7 Brownie Painter Cadette Woodworker March 21 Cadette Public Speaking March 21 Brownie Potter March 27 Junior Jeweler March 28 Brownie Arts Crafts day March 28 Junior Digital Photography April 11 Junior Jeweler April 11 Brownie Outdoor Art April 11 Brownie Painter April 11 Brownie Potter April 17 April 18 Cadette Book Artist Cadette Comic Artist April 18 April 18 Brownie Painter Brownie Potter April 18 April 18 Junior Jeweler Junior Scribe April 18 Junior Digital Photography April 25 April 25 Junior Drawing April 25 Daisy Outdoor art Brownie Potter April 25 May 9 Brownie Potter

Time 10 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m.

10 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m.

6 – 8 p.m.

10 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m.

9 a.m. – noon 1 – 4 p.m.

10 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m.

6 – 8 p.m.

9 a.m. – noon 1 – 4 p.m.

10 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m.

10 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m.

9 a.m. – noon 1 – 4 p.m.

10 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m.

6 – 8 p.m.

Place Cost Program Place $25 Program Place $25 Program Place $25 Girl Scout Center $25 Krafty Korner Conroe $25 Program Place $25 Program Place $25 UHCL $31 UHCL $31 UHCL $23 UHCL $23 Kids Korner, Conroe $25 UHCL $31 UHCL $31 UHCL $23 UHCL $23 Girl Scout Center $25 Girl Scout Center $25 UHCL $31 UHCL $31 UHCL $23 UHCL $23 Kids Korner, Conroe $25

Snap Happy- Junior

Take a look through the lens and explore what it means to take a winning photo. Your photos show others how you see the world so hone in on your artist skills with any type of camera.

Juniors will earn and receive their Digital Photographer badge.

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

ⓙ and their chaperones Houston Center for Photography March 8, April 5, 1 – 3:30 p.m. or 3:30 – 6 p.m. $45/girl; free for adults Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269

Juniors Drawing Badge Workshop

Be inspired and create a masterpiece! Girls will participate in sketching exercises that include working with charcoal to create shading, learning about perspective and testing different drawing materials. Then they will create a comic book sketch and fill in the box activity utilizing the artwork in Rienzi to create a comic strip.

Who: ⓙ Where: Rienzi Museum of Fine Arts, Houston When: March 21, 10 a.m. – noon Cost: $15/girl Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Daisy Outdoor– Get ready to explore the outdoors and use what you see and hear to make different kinds of art projects.

Brownie Potter Badge– Crafts made with clay have been around for thousands of years. Work your way through this badge to become a clay artist yourself.

Brownie Painting Badge– Artists take what they see and make it beautiful. Learn to paint and color your world in super strokes and see what your imagination can do.

Junior Jeweler Badge– Join us to learn all about designing and creating custom-made jewelry and earn your Jeweler badge.

Junior Digital– Take a look through the lens and explore what it means to take a winning photo!

Junior Drawing Badge–Experiment with different materials and learn techniques to make your own drawings even better!

Junior Scribe Badge– Your writing is powerful.

Create characters, plots and settings for your very own story. Learn about different story techniques and exercise your imagination by putting your thoughts down on paper.

Cadette Comic Artist Badge– Delve into the world of comics! Learn the history of comic books and why this type of storytelling is so effective. Then tell your own story by creating a comic of your own!

Cadette Public Speaker Badge– Work on your stage presence and develop your onstage skills. Find your inner performer and be unafraid to speak up.

Cadette Woodworker Badge– Swing a Hammer, use a level and making something for yourself! Girls will learn how to use some basic tools to create a take home piece!

Cadette Public Speaking

Rienzi welcomes girls to be inspired and get a feel for performing solo. Girls will focus on their body language, find their voice, choose a piece to perform and get on stage.

Who: ⓒ Where: Rienzi Museum of Fine Arts, Houston When: April 4, 1 – 3 p.m.

Cost: $15/girl Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Little Shop Performer Badge Workshop

Get ready for Little Shop of Horrors presented by Deer Park Art Park Players. Girls will get the chance to catch a matinee performance of Little Shop. After the show, girls will get the chance to participate in a question and answer session with select cast and crew followed by a backstage tour!

Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:

ⓒⓢ

April 26, 1 – 7 p.m.

Theater and Court Buildings, Deer Park $35/girl, $15/adult Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

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Activities

General Activities 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 17, 6 p.m. - Saturday, April 18, 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 17 and spend the night to serve early Saturday morning on April 18.

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.

5. If you have any questions, please contact Cassie Robinson at 713-292-0285 or crobinson@sjgs.org.

Good Neighbor Daisy Badge Workshop

Find out how to be a good neighbor in your community! Learn about what it means to be a good citizen as we tour League City’s first fire station and first ice house, as well as a real one room schoolhouse from 1898. We’ll also get to know Texas and why this area was once the Strawberry Capital of the South. We’ll end with a special Texas treat in our lovely Garden Classroom!

Who: ⓓ Where: West Bay Common School Children's Museum,

League City When: April 4, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Cost: $23

Doll Collecting GSSJC Program Patch Workshop Learn about the art of dolls as you explore the third largest collecting hobby: doll collecting! We’ll go on an exhibit scavenger hunt, discover dolls through the generations, and find out just exactly what are little dolls made of. Bring your own favorite doll for a doll fashion show! We will finish by making a unique doll to add to your own collection. Please also bring an extra doll for donation to a local charity. The doll may be homemade or store bought.

Who: ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Where: West Bay Common School Children's Museum,

League City When: May 16, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Cost: $23

Inside Government Badge

Take a look into the past and dive inside government at the Holocaust Museum, Houston. Juniors will complete the Inside Government badge.

Who: ⓙ and their chaperones When: April 25; 9 a.m. – noon Where: Holocaust Museum Houston Cost: $20/girl Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338

Life Decoded: Adulting 101 You're getting older, it's time to start thinking about the future. Planning for life after high school can be difficult but it's best to be prepared for all of the things life throws at you.

Join professionals from the University of Houston as they decode college, on campus living, mortgage, life after college and many more topics for you in this fun and interactive workshop. Seniors will earn the Financing my Future badge.

Ambassadors will earn the On My Own badge. Participating girls will make a vision board at the end of the workshop.

Who: ⓢⓐ When: April 4, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where: The Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $18 Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

Girl Scout Leadership Institute (GSLI)

Come be inspired and equipped to pursue educational and career goals through interacting with successful leaders in a variety of industries through the Girl Scout Leadership Institute! You will have the opportunity to visit local businesses, where you will network with female industry leaders and experts, receive the latest information and instruction in the field, and gain professional skills related to your interests.

Who: ⓢ ⓐ and adults Cost: $10/girl Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209 Have you ever considered a career in the medical field? Come explore careers at MD Anderson by participating in a variety of breakout sessions and presentations from experts with the theme of “Becoming a Woman Leader in Biomedical Science”. During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to hear from a keynote speaker, engage in a Q&A with women in the medical professions, get involved in discussion groups, and tour the facility.

Date: Where:

AT&T is a Fortune 10 company and world leader in communications, media and entertainment, and technology, serving millions of consumers and businesses globally. AT&T welcomes Girl Scouts to participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Institute - G.I.F.T. Day (Girls in Future Technologies Day).

Girls will attend sessions which will include panels with women in technology careers and presentations on cyber & human trafficking awareness and emerging technologies. Girls will also earn a fun patch.

Date: Where:

24 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

June 13, 9 a.m. – noon MD Anderson, Houston

June 24, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

AT&T, Bellaire

Activities

ComicCon 2020

Wham! Pow! Zing! Embrace your inner superhero at Region 1's ultimate Girl Power ComicCon experience at Camp Whispering Pines. Thrill as you learn how to design and construct cosplay, draw comics and craft fantastic creations. Astonish your friends as you perform science experiments that (might) give you superpowers.

Astound your foes with your skills on the archery range. Bask in the collective wonder of your favorite comics, sci-fi and fantasy, anime, manga and more. Cadettes will have the opportunity to earn their Comic Artist badge, and Seniors will earn their Collage Artist badge.

Who: Where: When: Cost:

Contact:

ⓒⓢⓐ

and adults Camp Whispering Pines, Garrison April 3, 7 p.m. – April 5, noon Overnight $55/girl and $25/adult; Saturday-only $55/girl and $40/adult Dimonique Woods, dwoods@sjgs.org, 936-634-5813, ext. 1722

G.I.R.L with a Dream

What do you see yourself doing to earn a living? What type of things do you enjoy now that may help you build a career in the future? What subjects/classes would you want to continue to study in college? Have you thought about college- where you may want to go, what you may want to study? Do you know anyone in college or who just graduated (brother/ sister, etc). Explore these subjects and more while earning your Financing My Dreams badge.

Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:

ⓒ

April 4, 9:45 a.m. – noon The Program Place for Girls, Houston $18/girl, free for adults Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

G.I.R.L. with a Plan

Would you like to make your first big purchase or go on a trip with your friends but have no idea where to start? Learn how to budget and save to make your wants a reality. Girls will earn the Budgeting badge.

Who: ⓒ When: March 28, 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $18 Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

G.I.R.L with Good Credit

One of these days you’ll want to buy something big like a car or a house.

So, how do you get a loan? Come learn how to put your money to work from a top Financial Adviser. Girls will earn their Good Credit badge.

Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:

ⓐ

April 11, 9:45 a.m. – noon Program Place for Girls, Houston $18/girl, free for adults Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

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

All About Credit

Calling all Ambassadors: do you know what credit is and what it can be used for? Do you have a credit card or hope to get one soon? Do you know what interest rates are? How do you go about establishing your credit? At the end of the workshop, girls will get to create and decorate their Credit Commitment poster. All participating girls will earn the Good Credit badge.

Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:

ⓐ

March 7, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Girl Scout Center, Houston $18/girl, free for adults Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

Cadette Breathe! Journey in a Day

Cadette's explore ways to improve the world’s air quality while supporting and nurturing their own abilities as leaders who are aware, alert and able. The girls will spend the day learning about the air we breathe and how they can help improve our air quality. Included in this session is lunch, supplies and a badge.

Homework will need to be completed prior to the start of the session.

When: Where: Cost: Contact:

April 4, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Harmony School of Enrichment, Houston $35/girl, free for adult adult Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

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.

Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:

ⓒ

April 25, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Program Place for Girls, Houston $25/girl, $5/adult Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

Financial Freedom Workshops for Adults

Adults this workshop is for you! Have you wondered what financial literacy is? Have you always wanted to take control of your finances? Do you think you need more help and direction?

Join the GSSJC as we partner with the Women's Resource Center for their series of financial literacy courses. Note: There are three classes, you don't have to attend all classes. There are two choices of times on each day.

Who: Adults When: April 4, 11 and 23, 10 – 11 a.m. or 11 a.m. – noon Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston Cost: Free Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

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Activities

Health

Botanical Art in the Gardens

Visit the beautiful Shangri La Botanical Gardens and earn your Outdoor Art badge with Region 10. Learn about music nature plays all around us, put your creative skills to the test using natural items and explore the gardens through paint and photography. Please bring a sack lunch and your smartphone for the time lapsed photography portion of the workshop.

Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Where: Shangri La Botanical Gardens, Orange When: April 25, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: $10/girl Contact: Amanda Graham, 409-832-0556

ext. 1504, agraham@sjgs.org

Community Service

Are you and your troop eager to find ways to better your community? Whether you are looking to earn your Community Service Bar or just looking to give back, there are numerous ways to contribute meaningful efforts to your community. While you are at it, community service can also help sharpen your problem-solving skills and expand your definition of philanthropy. If you would like a list of community service opportunities and organizations, please contact Megan Dodd at gscommserv@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209

Finding Common Ground

Girls will get to know people different from themselves and learn to make decisions as a group. At the Holocaust Museum, they will explore civil debates, understand a compromise and find common ground through mediation.

Who: ⓒ Where: Holocaust Museum, Houston When: March 14, 9 a.m. – noon Cost: $20/girl Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Program Aide Training

Program Aide is a teen mentoring award for Cadettes, and Program Aides are in high demand. Program Aides work with younger girls in a variety of settings from day or twilight camps to one-time events. If you are interested in a leadership experience specifically designed for working with younger Girl Scouts, this is for you!

The training covers leadership skills and shares a variety of techniques for working with younger girls including program, craft and game ideas. All Cadettes who have finished a Leader-In-Action (LiA) award are eligible to register for this training.

Who: When:

Where: Contact:

ⓒ

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; March 14, March 28, April 4, April 25, May 9, May 30, June 20 Program Place for Girls or Girl Scout Center Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

First Aid Certification for Older Girls

After successfully completing this course, you will earn a Red Cross first aid/CPR/AED certification. This course combines in-class teaching with hands-on skill testing pertaining to how to respond during an emergency situation with appropriate first aid care.

Who: ⓒⓢⓐ (recommended age, 14+) When: May 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston Cost: $55 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org

First Aid Day

First Aid is traditional skill that all Girl Scout should learn! On this day, first aid is going to take over the Girl Scout Center and every level will have the opportunity to earn their first aid badge. Girls get the unique opportunity to meet professionals in the field, see inside an ambulance, and try first aid skills for themselves. They will also walk away with the badge and a mini first aid kit that they will assemble. This workshop is not a certification course.

Who/When: June 27, time varies by level

ⓓⓑ 9:30 – 11 a.m.

ⓙ 1 – 2:30 p.m.

ⓒⓢⓐ 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston Cost: $15 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org

Red Cross Babysitting Training

This training covers everything from the business of babysitting (advertising, interviewing, charging, budgeting) to proper activities while on the job (developmental stages for kids of all ages, activities to do with the kids, etc). It also covers how to handle behavioral problems and what to do in an emergency.

Although some basic information on what to do will be included, this is not a first aid/CPR/AED course. It completes the Red Cross babysitter certification, not the Girl Scout badge.

Who: Where: When:

Cost: Contact:

ⓙ (11 and older), ⓒⓢⓐ

Girl Scout Center, Houston April 4, May 9, June 6, June 27, July 11, Aug. 15; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $45 Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

World Doll Day

The Texas Association of Original Doll Artists and GSSJC celebrate World Doll Day. During the event, girls will see one-of-a-kind, handmade dolls and meet the artists that make them, watch doll making demonstrations in fabric and clay, stuff two pillow dolls to be given to children in area hospitals and decorate one handmade bendi doll to take home. The GSSJC Doll Collector Patch is included.

Who: When:

ⓓⓑ ⓙ

Cost: $5 June 13, 10 a.m. – noon

26 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Activities

Cooking Classes with Izzie’s Jewels

Izzie’s Jewels is here to help make food fun and delicious! Girls will experience a hands-on cooking class where they can practice their own unique cooking styles. Brownies will earn their Healthy Snacks badge, and Juniors will earn their Simple Meals badge.

Badges are provided.

Who: ⓑⓙ When: Brownies: March 14, April 4, May 2, 10 a.m. – noon

Juniors: March 14, April 4, May 2, 1 – 3 p.m.

Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $25 Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org

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 21; 10 – 11:30 a.m. $16/girl; free for adults Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Dr. Girl Scout

Pretend you are a doctor for a day with the Little Medical School.

During this activity, girls will learn the ins-and-outs of what it takes to care for their bodies. Daisies will earn the Gloria petal while Brownies earn the My Best Self badge. Daisy petals are not included as they are sold in a set. Daisies will receive a fun patch instead. Brownies will receive their My Best Self badge.

Who: ⓓⓑ and their chaperones Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: April 25, May 16, June 6, July 18; 10 a.m. – noon Cost: $20/girl Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Pet Vet

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

Brownies will earn and receive the Pets badge with the Little Veterinarian School.

Who: ⓑ and their chaperones When: April 25, May 16, June 6, July 18 Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $20/girl Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

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

Science of Happiness Badge Workshop

Laughter is the best medicine! We invite Cadettes to experience a new way to exercise. Laughter yoga is an activity that lets girls have fun while learning ways to live stress-free.

Cadettes will earn and receive their Science of Happiness badge.

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

ⓒ and their chaperones Program Place for Girls, Houston April 18; 10 – 11:30 a.m. $16/girl; free for adults Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Night at the Health Museum

The Night at the Health Museum Enjoy a fun overnight experience at The Health Museum. 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.

Where: The Health Museum, Houston Cost: $50/girl; $20/adults Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjg.org, 713-292-0338 First Aid and Healthy 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.

Who: When:

ⓑⓙ

April 3, 5:30 p.m. – Jan. 11, 8 a.m.

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

Who: When:

ⓑⓙ

May 1, 5:30 p.m. – Nov. 9, 8 a.m.

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.

Who: When:

ⓒⓢ

May 1, 5:30 p.m. – Nov. 9, 8 a.m.

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Activities

Highest Awards Earn a Highest Award!

Bronze. Silver. Gold. These represent the highest honors a Girl Scout can earn. All three awards give you the chance to do big things while supporting an issue you care about. You might plant a community garden at your school or inspire others to eat healthy foods for your Bronze, advocate for animal rights for your Silver, or build a career network that encourages girls to become scientists and engineers for your Gold. Whatever you choose, you’ll inspire others (and yourself). As you earn one of Girl Scouts’ highest awards, you’ll change your corner of the world–and beyond. The possibilities are endless.

Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ Learn More: Review the GSSJC project guides for more

information at gssjc.org/highestawards Contact: bronzeaward@sjgs.org, silveraward@sjgs.org

or goldaward@sjgs.org

Online Gold Award Orientation

The Gold Award Orientation provides girls and adults with: a comprehensive overview of the Gold Award steps and forms, tools for identifying and developing Gold Award projects that fall within the national guidelines, and GSSJC’s process for Gold Award applicants. The Gold Award Orientation is required for girls pursuing their Gold Award and has moved online! The online orientation is broken into sections, takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete, but does not need to be finished in one sitting. Girls may also refer back to it after it’s been completed. Girls are encouraged to complete one Senior or Ambassador Journey before attending orientation.

Who: ⓢⓐor girls in grades 9 – 12 and adults Where/When: Online Cost: $5/person 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, GoGold Online.

Girls will still work with their Gold Award mentors and receive their approval on their Project Proposals, before they submit to council via GoGold. 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 meetings. For more information, visit gssjc.org/ goldaward

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: April 25; 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: $5/person Contact: Megan Dodd, silveraward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209 28 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

History Juliette’s Treasure Chests

Does your Girl Scout troop want to put on a vintage fashion show? Or do they want to dress up as Girl Scouts from across the world for World Thinking Day? or maybe you want to dress up as Juliette Low for a school project. Juliette's Treasure Chest is just for you. We have four different uniform kits that can be check out-vintage girls, vintage adults, international adults and an authentic Juliette Low adult uniform. You can also check out the Daisy activities kit which contains uniforms and activities.

Who: ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Cost: $12 + $25 deposit for Treasure Chests Reserve: Use reservation form, which includes

information on the reservation process, at gssjc.org/museum Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Tour the Goodykoontz Museum of Girl Scout History Activities

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 Fwy., Houston

Juliette’s Tea Party

Want a fun way to spend the afternoon? Our volunteers are hosting a tea party - and they invite you to attend! Girls will learn about table etiquette, drink tea, and eat sweets. They will learn the language of the fan from Victorian Era (1800s), make something special to take home and play games.

Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:

ⓓⓑⓙ

Program Place for Girls, Houston March 28; 1 – 2:30 p.m. $18/girl (includes patch and tea cup) Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338

Playing the Past Junior Workshop

Get ready to relive turn-of-the-century history! What was life like as a schoolgirl then, for Laura Ingalis Wilder or young Juliette Gordon Low? There will be chores, an outhouse, lively dancing and music from the player piano. Role play your character as we finish the program in our 1898 schoolhouse .

Who: ⓙ Where: West Bay Common School Children's Museum,

League City When: April 25, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Price: $25 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Activities

Horse Activities GSSJC is gearing up for another excellent year in equitation.

We have two locations and many opportunities for girls to experience horse activities, as well as chances for older girls and adults to serve girls while working with horses and having fun at the same time!

General information for all horse programs Deadline: Two weeks prior to the event Register: gssjc.org/activities Contact: Monique Stitts, 713-292-0233, mstitts@sjgs.org Adults: Girls must be accompanied by troop leaders (if attending as a troop) or a parent/guardian. Tag-alongs are strongly discouraged as they cannot participate.

Safety first! All equine programs are staffed with volunteer adults and older girls who have had council training in safe handling of horses and riders. Our program is based on the skills and safety guidelines of ACA, American Camp Association, and CHA, Certified Horsemanship Association.

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

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

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

Horse Programs at Misty Meadows Horseback Riding Badge Workshops 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: Where: When: Cost: Bring:

ⓙ and their chaperone Misty Meadows Ranch, Conroe April 18, May 2 $30/participant (includes badge) Sack lunch

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

STARS at Camp Pryor For Levels 1-3

When: Arrive Fri. at 6:30 p.m. and leave Sun. at 9:30 a.m.

Bring: Personal equipment and troop camping list Cost: $75/girl, $25/adult Contact: Monique Stitts, 713-292-0233, mstitts@sjgs.org Note: Pool is available for free time if weather allows. Includes patch for that level. Bring SWAPS! Please note that adults must register to attend with a troop or a parent must attend with an individual girl for these programs.

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

Who: When:

ⓙⓒⓢⓐat least 10 years old April 3 –5, April 17 –19, April 24 –26

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: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ at least 10 years old When: March 27 –29 Prerequisite: Must have attended Saddlehorns Wranglers (Level III) This program builds upon the riding skills and knowledge gained in the earlier sessions. Girls will learn to bridle a horse and equine health and conformation. Horse safety will be reviewed and riding skills will be performed at a walk, trot and canter. The Sunday schedule includes a trail ride for all participants.

Who: ⓒⓢⓐ 6th grade or higher When: March 20 –22 Prerequisite: Must have attended Saddlehorns and Rustlers

Sailing Instruction and Mariner Weekends

Some courses are over two weekends. Girls must attend both.

Due to the commitment and nature of the courses, we cannot make special schedule adjustments or accommodations. If a girl is unable to attend both weekends in their entirety, she will be encouraged to enroll at another time. Please note that the success of sailing is based on the weather. Although we will do our best to ensure girls get as much sailing time as they can, weather simply will not allow it. Because of this, girls may not meet the requirements of completion and will be asked to repeat the course. There are opportunities to enroll in sailing during resident camp, or to try again in the upcoming season.

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Activities

Intro to Sailing

Are you curious about sailing? Do you want to feel the wind on your face and hear the water splashing around you? You will work alongside our Mariners (special interest group) as they ready the boats to take you on a sailing adventure on the open seas. Sign up to be a sailor for the weekend. You must attend the entire weekend.

Introduction to Sailing is a general sailing activity and is not a prerequisite to the Mariner program. Must pass a Red Cross Swim Level 4 swimming test or equivalent. Must pass a Safe Boating Test through GSSJC. Copies of the card are required at the time of check-in. Cards can be submitted to sailing.coordinator@gmail. com. Girls without cards will not be allowed to remain at camp Who: Girls 11 and older When: May 1 – 3 Where: Casa Mare, Seabrook Cost: $60

Basic Sailing

Want to learn how to sail the open seas? Are you interested in being a Mariner? This is the activity for you. Learn how to rig and sail a Sunfish sailboat. You will learn boat safety, injury prevention, knot tying and more. This is a physically and mentally demanding activity. Be prepared to be challenged and have fun.

Basic Sailing is a two-weekend course and you must attend both weekends, no exceptions. Must be an American Red Cross Level 4 or equivalent swimmer. A GSSJC Safe Boating and Level 4 or equivalent swim card is required. Cards must be presented at the time of check in.

April 24-26 and May 8-10 (both weekends) When: Cost: $120 Where: Casa Mare, Seabrook

Mariner and Special Interest Group

If you have completed Basic Sailing and you want more sailing with like-minded girls, then the Mariners special interest group is for you. What is the benefit of being a Mariner? You will learn leadership through instructing others, gain the experience to advance your sailing skills, and acquire service hours that can go towards school and troop requirements. Not to mention, it is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and tell them all about how awesome it is to go sailing. Must have successfully completed and passed Basic Sailing.

Mariner Special Interest Group Fee: $10 Where: Casa Mare, Seabrook

Advanced Sailing Certifications

Now that you are a Mariner, advance your skills more with these awesome opportunities in sailing. Please note that as a Mariner, you will receive a packet that requires them to track your sailing and service hours. Mariners will be informed of when they can advance based on the number of hours that have been completed. Prior to registration, please check with the instructor coordinator to verify requirements and prerequisites.

Our instructor coordinator’s contact is instructor.coordinator@ gmail.com or you may contact the Mariners coordinator at mariners.coordinator@gmail.com.

Sunfish Mate: This is a two-weekend course and the next step into advancing your sailing skills. All Mariners are encouraged to complete Mate, due to the fact it is the gateway to additional sailing opportunities. Please note, Sunfish Mate is extremely challenging and is often taken more than once. Requirements to register for mate will be discussed with you, prior to registration. If you are interested in registering, please contact either the Mariners coordinator, Mariners.coordinator@gmail. com or instructor coordinator instructor.coordinator@gmail. com for further details. Sunfish Mate is a two-weekend course and attendance to both weekends is required, no exceptions.

April 25-26 and May 8-10 (both weekends) When: Where: Casa Mare, Seabrook Cost: $120 Prerequisite: Basic Sailing completion, registered Mariner or further requirements will be outlined by Mariner and Instructor coordinators. It is the Mariner’s responsibility to confirm hours and skills completion with their coordinators prior to registration.

Sloop Skipper, Sunfish Skipper, Sloop Captain and Big Boat These classes are one weekend courses that require additional qualification. Please email Mariners.coordinator@gmail.com to verify prerequisites and hours.

Who:

When:

Cost: Where:

Girls who have completed Basic Sailing, are a registered Mariner and have been verified they meet the required sailing hours needed to advance per sailing coordinators.

Sloop Crew and Sloop Skipper, April 24-26; Sunfish Skipper and Sloop Captain, May 8-10 (one weekend). $70 per girl Casa Mare, Seabrook

Mariner Weekends

You have completed Basic Sailing, registered as a member of the Mariner special interest group and now you are officially a Mariner.

Part of being in this awesome special interest group is you will have the opportunity to hang out with other girls on weekends just for Mariners. You will have the chance to practice your sailing skills in a relaxed and fun environment. These weekends typically have a theme, which adds to the fun. Mariners head to Casa Mare where they eat, sleep and sail. Must already be a registered Mariner to attend and have successfully completed and passed Basic Sailing. Please reach out to our mariner coordinator at mariners. coordinator@gmail.com for additional information.

When: Cost: Where:

April 3-5, May 15-20 (one weekend) $50 (meals included) Casa Mare, Seabrook

30 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

We need Dorm Moms

To help our program to be fun and safe we need your help.

Dorm moms are an awesome group of women who assist with meals, are watchers during sailing, and ensure the girls are having fun during their weekend stay. Because the Mariners are girl led, the majority of the activities will be led by our older girls. Consider this a small weekend getaway with some supervision duties.Stay for the weekend by the bay helping girls have their best time sailing. Please contact sailing. coordinator@gmail.com or Stephanie Moore at smoore@sjgs. org for additional details.

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

Sports Rockets Clinic and Game

This clinic is an amazing opportunity to build on your basketball skills, practice running drills and scrimmage with your friends on the Houston Rockets court Bring your water bottle and energy to this fun clinic. After the clinic, Girl Scouts family and friend are invited to come to cheer on the Houston Rockets as they take on the Chicago Bulls.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓑⓙⓒ

March. 21 5 – 9 p.m.

Toyota Center, Houston $55/girl, $49/adult and tagalong

Sugar Land Skeeters Girl Scout Night

The Sugar Land Skeeters invite Girl Scout troops take part in the pregame parade and complete badge steps during the game.

Then spend the night at Constellation Field and watch a movie on the Texas-size videoboard. All Girl Scouts participating in the sleepover will receive a special Skeeters patch. Registration is handled by the Skeeters. Call Cassie Tuzillio at 281-207-9110 or cturzillo@sugarlandskeeters.com for registration and information.

Who: Where: When: Cost:

All levels, tagalongs and their chaperones Constellation Field, Sugar Land May 22, 7:05 p.m. – May 23, 8 a.m. $13 – $26

Advanced Archery

Girls who wish to participate in advanced archery may try our new On Target sessions or join the Archers In Motion Special Interest Group and register for monthly coaching and challenge sessions. Read on below for the two options for registration.

ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Who: Where: Camp Robinwood, Willis When: March 15, April 10, May 10, June 14 (times below) Contact: Dejah Covick, 713-292-0312, dcovick@sjgs.org Note: Wear closed-toed shoes with socks that cover the ankle. Girls must be registered member and have Special Interest Group membership.

On Target (New!) Girls ages 8 and up who have tried archery before but are not yet certain they wish to participate as a member of the Special Interest Group may attend On Target sessions. On Target sessions are held monthly and include instruction. Girls shooting levels in On Target are fun and not recorded for AIM. Each session is two hours and includes all necessary equipment. Troops may register for On Target, but this is an individual activity. Adults are not allowed on the range during shooting sports.

Cost: $10/session When: noon – 2 p.m.

Archers In Motion Archers In Motion (AIM) is a Special Interest Group for girls ages 8 and older. To participate in the monthly AIM program, girls must be a current Girl Scout member, register for the annual Special Interest Group membership and select/register the monthly dates they wish to attend shooting practice toward GSSJC shooting levels. Levels are based on age and distance.

Cost:

When:

Annual SIG Membership $15; monthly sessions $10 each 9 a.m. – noon

Activities

Rifle Program General information for all three activities listed below

Who: ⓒⓢⓐ must be 12-years-old Where: Camp Robinwood, Willis When: March 14, April 4, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 Cost: $10/session Deadline: Two weeks prior to event Contact: Dejah Covick, 713-292-0312, dcovick@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. Girls must register and pay the special interest group annual dues as well as the monthly session registration for G.R.I.T. Registration for G.R.I.T. available in MyGS Activities.

Time:

9 – 11:30 a.m.

Min./Max: 5/18

Dance Clinic with the Green Starlettes You’ve seen them perform at Rockets games, parades and several Girl Scout events. Now, take a dance class with the Green Starlettes. Girls will learn a dance or two and perform as a group.

This is a great way to get some exercise, try something new and meet some new friends. The Green Starlettes drill team also accepts Juniors and up to join the team. If you like to dance or want to try it out, this is the session for you. Brownies will work on their Dancer badge and Juniors will work on their Staying Fit badge. Daisies will receive a Dance Clinic fun patch. This is a wonderful way to get connected to the Green Starlettes or just have a fun afternoon of dance.

Daisies - Juniors Who: Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston May 16, 9:30 a.m. – noon When: Cost: $14/girl Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

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Activities

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

We know that many girls, families and troops plan ahead for summer activities, so for your convenience we are releasing all planned STEM program dates through August. Activities taking place after May 1 will be available for registration on March 1. Please see the MyGS Activities page for registration deadlines.

Think Like a Programmer Journey

Discover how creativity can help you solve a difficult problem.

During this workshop, you will find out how to persist and think about things in a new way; you'll even discover what coding and algorithms are. Find out how every-day problems are resolved by programmers - and try it out yourself. All Journey requirements will be completed except the Take Action project and girls will receive the Think Like a Programmer badge.

Who: ⓓ When: April 4 or June 27, 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: Idea Lab – Energy Corridor or Pearland Cost: $23

Digital Game Design Badge Workshop Roller Coaster Badge Workshop

Put engineering in motion with the Roller Coaster Design Challenge badge. In this workshop, Daisies dive into engineering and motion by building and testing a roller coaster. Girls will explore how roller coasters work and how to design, build and test a new construction as well! Girls will be completing this badge; badge is provided to attendees.

Playing video games is fun. They can also help you learn new things or make the world a better place. Programmers use algorithms and sequences to make games for computers. Once they design a game, they test it and look for ways to make it even better. Explore the world of digital game design and design your own maze game.

Who: ⓓ When: May 23, 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: Idea Lab - Energy Corridor Cost: $23

Who: ⓓ When: 1 – 3 p.m.

Cost: $15 (cost covers Girl Scout fees) Where/When: • May 2, Microsoft Store-Baybrook Mall, Friendswood • June 27 or July 19, Microsoft Store-Galleria, Houston

Space Science Explorer Badge Workshop

Model Car Badge Workshop

Get ready to blast off on an adventure! Daisies will explore the sun, observe the moon, and meet the stars. Participants can expect hands-on activities and they will receive the badge at the end of the workshop.

Who: ⓓ Where/When: April 25 Mad Science, Houston 9 – 11 a.m.

June 21 Idea Lab, Spring Branch 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

August 1 Idea Lab, Bellaire 9 – 11 a.m.

Cost: $23

Board Game Badge Workshop

Go on an adventure to learn about inventors. You'll discover who inventors are and what they do. Along the way, you will try your own hand at inventing when you create your own board game. Badge is provided to attendees.

Who: ⓓ When/Where: April 26, 1 – 3 p.m.; Idea Lab – Pearland

July 18, 9 – 11 a.m.; Idea Lab –Bellaire Cost: $23

32 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

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

Badge is provided to attendees.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓓ

May 3, 11 a.m.– 1 p.m. or Aug. 15, 9 – 11 a.m.

Idea Lab – Spring Branch $23

Think Like an Engineer Journey

Learn what engineers are and what they do. Girls get the chance to build a fairy house, puff mobile, and use critical thinking to span a canyon. Girls will complete all Journey requirements except the Take Action project and will receive the Think Like an Engineer award. Girls will complete the Take Action project and receive the Take Action award on their own.

Who: ⓓ When/Where: May 30, 9 – 11 a.m. Idea Lab – Bellaire Aug. 9, 1 – 3 p.m.; Idea Lab – Pearland

Cost: $23

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

Activities

Daisy Robotics Badge Retreat

Robots do things that we can't - they can fit in small spaces, go places too hot or cold for us or even to far away planets to send back information. Learn about what robots do while you work in teams (just like engineers) to design a robot that solves an everyday problem. You will also become a programmer and create algorithms for robots and friends. And then design your own robot by building a prototype that solves an everyday problem. After, test and share other participants for ideas on how to make it even better. What Robots Do, How Robots Move and Design a Robot badges will be earned and provided.

Who: ⓓ When: June 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $30

Daisy Robotics Workshop

Spend time at Microsoft completing steps toward robotics badges. In this workshop, girls will complete How Robots move by learning what goes into a robot and how they work. They will also complete portions of the What Robots Do and Design a robot badges by exploring how we use robots in daily life and then plan and design a digital robot prototype. How Robots Move badge is included.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓓ

Aug. 1, 1 – 3 p.m.

Microsoft Store-Galleria, Houston $15 (cost covers Girl Scout fees)

Cadette Leadership in Action Award

Cadettes will plan and lead activities for Brownies to work towards completing the Brownie Think Like an Engineer Journey.

Participating girls will earn their Leadership in Action Award.

Planning Meetings: March 16, March 19, March 23, March 26, all at 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Event Day: March 28, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Who: Where: Cost: Contact:

ⓒ

Kids ‘R’ Kids, Cypress $13/girl, $/adult Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

Brownie Think Like an Engineer Journey

Learn what engineers are and what they do. Girls get the chance to build an assistive device, learn about how water moves and take the Pop Fly Challenge by launching a ping pong ball with a device. Girls will complete all Journey requirements except the Take Action Project and will receive the Think Like an Engineer Award.

Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact:

ⓑ

March 28, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Kids ‘R’ Kids, Cypress $18/girl, $5/adult Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353

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

Inventor Badge Workshop

Do you ever wonder what it takes to come up with a new kind of phone or a new way to power a lightbulb? This workshop will help you discover how inventors make new things!

The best part will be that you get to become an inventor yourself while you discover creative ways to think and experiment. Badge is provided to attendees.

Who: When:

Cost:

ⓑ

May 13, 10 a.m. – noon; Idea Lab – Bellaire Aug. 1; 9 – 11 a.m; Idea Lab – Spring Branch $23

Leap Bot Badge Workshop

Discover engineering, gravity and force by building and testing a leap bot. Brownies will learn to think critically about how designs are put together and how they can be improved.

Brownies will earn their Fling Flyer Design Challenge badge through this workshop. Badge is provided to attendees.

Who: ⓑ When: June 27, 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: Idea Lab – Bellaire Cost: $23

Cybersecurity Basics Badge Workshop

We use digital devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones to work, shop, and play. Technology is such a big part of our lives that we don’t usually stop to think about it. In this badge, you’ll find out more about how you use technology, what it can do, and how you can keep your technology safe. For instance, girls will learn about layers of security, real-life online safety rules, and how messages travel on the internet. Badge is provided.

Who: ⓑ When/Where/Cost: April 25, 9 – 11 a.m.

June 7, 1 – 3 p.m.

Idea Lab-Spring Branch Microsoft-Baybrook

$23 $15

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: ⓑ When: 1-3 p.m.

Cost: $15 (cost covers Girl Scout fees) Where/When: • March 14, May 17, June 13 or July 18 at Microsoft Store-Baybrook Mall, Friendswood • April 19, July 26 or Aug. 8 at Microsoft Store-Galleria, Houston Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

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Activities

Think Like a Programmer Journey

Discover how creativity can help you solve a difficult problem.

During this workshop, you will find out how to persist and think about things in a new way; you'll even discover what coding and algorithms are. Find out how every-day problems are resolved by programmers - and try it out yourself. Girls complete all Journey requirements except the Take Action project and receive the Think Like a Programmer Award.

Who: ⓑ When: March 8 or July 19, 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: Idea Lab – Spring Branch Cost: $23

Think Like an Engineer Journey

Celebrate National Engineer’s Week. Learn how engineers use the Design Thinking Process to solve problems in this handson 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: June 6, 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: Idea Lab – Spring Branch Cost: $23

Home Scientist Badge Workshop You’re a scientist every time you do an experiment. In this workshop, you’ll find out where science has been hiding in your home through density, static electricity and more. Be a kitchen chemist and play with home science at Mad Science. Badge is provided to attendees.

Who: ⓑ When: May 30 or July 11, 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: Mad Science of Houston Cost: $20

Senses Badge Workshop

You have five senses that work together to let you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the world around you. At this workshop, you will get to try out all five! Badge is provided to attendees.

Who: ⓑ March 7 or June 14, 9 – 11 a.m.

When: Where: Mad Science of Houston 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, 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: Where: Cost:

ⓑ

July 18, 9 – 11 a.m.

Idea Lab-Pearland $23

34 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

Digital Game Design Badge Workshop

Did you ever wonder how your favorite video game was created?

At this workshop, you will create a maze-based game and learn how people create new games while finding out how games can also help people to learn new skills and experience new things.

Badge is provided to attendees.

Who: ⓑ When: 1 – 3 p.m.

Cost: $15 (cost covers Girl Scout fees) Where/When: March 21 or June 11 Microsoft Store-Baybrook Mall, Friendswood May 16 or June 7 Microsoft Store-Galleria, Houston

Race Car Badge Workshop

Picture Yourself behind the wheel while you test a car of your own construction. You will be challenged to design a car that can speed past the others. Brownies will earn their Race Car Design Challenge badge through this workshop (badge provided).

Who: ⓑ May 23 or Aug. 16, 9 – 11 a.m.

When: Where: Idea Lab-Pearland or Energy Corridor Cost: $23

Brownie Robotics Badge Retreat

Team up with your fellow Brownies to design a robot and engineer a robotic arm. Programmers are the engineers that create step-by-step instructions (or algorithms) that tell robots how to understand and respond to their environment. Start by engineering a simple algorithm, then program a "robot" friend.

After that you'll get the chance to plan, build, and share your own robot prototype that helps people or animals. You will also learn about competitive robotics teams and see robots in action.

Programming Robots, Designing Robots, and Showcasing Robots badges will be earned and provided.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓑ

July 18, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Program Place for Girls, Houston $30

Brownie Robotics Workshop

Spend time at Microsoft completing steps toward robotics badges. In this workshop, girls will explore how we use robots in daily life and then plan and design a digital robot prototype.

They will also share their prototype with others and learn about robotics competitions. Attendees will receive the Showcasing Robots badge.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓑ

Aug. 9, 1 – 3 p.m.

Microsoft Store-Baybrook Mall, Friendswood $15 (cost covers Girl Scout fees)

Activities

Space Science Overnight Brownies/Juniors

Get ready to blast off on an adventure! This overnight is exclusively for Brownies and Juniors and their chaperones.

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

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓑⓙ plus Girl Scout ratio of adults July 24 – 25 Space Center Houston $65/girl, $55/adult

Crane Design Badge Workshop

Construct some fun with this new Junior badge! Explore simple machines and then use your knowledge to build a crane prototype that you will test with household items like batteries, pennies, marbles and more. Expand your design and make it even better with adjustments after brainstorming with fellow Juniors. Badge is provided to attendees.

Who: ⓙ When: July 11, 9 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab – Pearland Cost: $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 shelter that will withstand an earthquake and designing an emergency shelter. All Journey requirements will be completed except the Take Action Project and girls will receive the Think Like an Engineer badge.

Who: ⓙ When: July 18, 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: Idea Lab – Energy Corridor Cost: $23

Digital Photographer Badge Workshop

It seems like almost every gadget can take a digital photograph, from phones to laptops to (of course) digital cameras. But do you know how to get the most out of your digital device and what it takes to capture an amazing photo? Learn all that and more in this Digital Photographer workshop. Badge is provided to attendees.

Who: ⓙ Cost: $15 (cost covers Girl Scout fees) Where/When: • March 28, May 30, June 20, July 25 or Aug. 8 at

Microsoft Store-Baybrook Mall, Friendswood • June 6 or July 12 at Microsoft Store-Galleria, Houston

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

Activities

Activities

Older Girls

Get ready to blast off on an adventure! This overnight is exclusively for Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors and their chaperones. During the event, girls will dive in to how light is used in space observations, investigate the brilliance of stars, and discover worlds beyond earth. They will also explore potential space science careers. Girl Scout attendees will receive a Space Science badge.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓒⓢⓐ

June 17 –18 Space Center Houston $65/girl, $55/adult

Cybersecurity Basics Badge Workshop Welcome to the world of cybersecurity at this fun day taught by industry professionals! To earn the Cybersecurity Basics badge, Juniors explore how computers send and receive information when sending messages by making binary bracelets. Then, they will discover how sending messages may be open to attack or danger, what protocols are, how to create them and what malware is - all through fun and innovative hands-on methods. Badge is provided.

Who: ⓙ When: Aug. 2, 9 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab – Energy Corridor Cost: $23

Entertainment Technology Badge Workshop

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

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓙ

April 18, June 6, Aug. 15, noon – 2:15 p.m.

Children’s Museum of Houston $20

Balloon Car Badge Workshop

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

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓙ

March 14 or June 14, 9 a.m. – noon Idea Lab – Pearland or Energy Corridor $23 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

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Activities

Paddle Boat Badge Workshop

Engineer your way through designing, building, and testing a boat that floats in this workshop. You will also get a chance to explore a way to make your boat move through the water and assess how well it works. Badge is provided to attendees.

Who: When:

Cost:

ⓙ

April 5, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Idea Lab –Energy Corridor June 28, 9 a.m. – noon; Idea Lab – Bellaire $23

Think Like a Programmer Journey

Find out how programmers solve problems in this hands-on workshop by addressing everyday problems and trying things our yourself. You will discover computational thinking through tangrams, mad libs, and suncatchers while they learn more about algorithms and variables present in cybersecurity. Also, create a personal innovation to discover rapid prototyping. All Journey requirements will be completed except the Take Action project and girls will receive the Think Like a Programmer badge.

Who: When:

Cost:

ⓙ

April 25 9 a.m. – noon; Idea Lab-Energy Corridor Aug. 9, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Idea Lab-Bellaire $23

Detective and Special Agent Badge Workshop

Utilize your detective skills on this sleuthing adventure. Girls will discover the power of observation, code communications, fingerprinting and more. They will also utilize special agent techniques. Both detectives and agents have important, exciting jobs that take serious skills - skills you can try at this workshop.

Badge is provided to attendees.

Who: ⓙⓒ When: June 19, 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: Mad Science of Houston Cost: $23

Woodworker Workshop

Make stylish or useful things for yourself and others in this fun woodworker workshop. Develop and refine your do-it-yourself skills with a hammer, saw, level and creating a fantastic and unique piece of your own design.

Who: ⓒ Where: Children’s Museum of Houston When: April 25; noon – 2:15 p.m.

Cost: $20

Digital Movie Maker Badge Workshop 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. All badge steps are completed, badge is provided to attendees.

Who: ⓙ When: May 2 or Aug. 1, noon-2:15 p.m.

Where: Children’s Museum of Houston Cost: $20

Junior Robotics Badge Retreat Explore artificial intelligence and technology, and then plan, build, and share your own robot prototype that helps solve a problem. Programmers are the engineers that create step-bystep instructions (or algorithms) that tell robots how to understand and respond to their environment. Start by engineering a machine that helps a robot to land, then learn about the robot brain. You will also learn about competitive robotics teams and see robots in action. Programming Robots, Designing Robots, and Showcasing Robots badges will be earned and provided.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓙ

July 25, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Program Place for Girls, Houston $30

36 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

Movies tell stories, and this workshop will help you tell your own tale. This is your chance to show others how you see the world while you utilize fun and innovative software and your own videos. This workshop is intended as a unique and fun way to complete editing processes where girls edit footage to create a movie.

Who: ⓒ Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

Cost: $15 Where/When: • March 15, June 28 or July 26 at Microsoft Store-Baybrook Mall, Friendswood • May 23, June 13, July 11 or Aug. 15 at Microsoft StoreGalleria, Houston

Cybersecurity Basics Badge Workshop

The internet lets people all over the world connect with each other and find information easily. That can make life easier, but also riskier. People store a lot of private information on their computers, phones, and tablets. Hackers are always trying new ways to collect our data, so learning how to keep your information safe is an important computer skill. Join the staff at HP to crack a code, hack a password, explore two-factor authentication, and dive into social engineering. Badge and lunch are provided. Girls will also receive a tour of the HP campus.

Who: ⓒ When: May 2, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where: HP, Spring Cost: $15 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Activities

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 receive an in-depth tour of research labs, watch various demonstrations and participate in hands-on activities. At the end of the day, there will be a special session where they can talk to graduate students about daily life, classes and research.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓒⓢⓐ

June 6 Rice University, Houston $30/girl; $15/adult

Catching Flight

This exciting event will take girls on an adventure while they explore aeronautics and astronautics. They will get the chance to learn from experts in the field, discover the science behind flight.

Who: ⓒⓢⓐ When: Date TBD; registration will open May 1 Where: Creativity Shell Makerspace, Kingwood Cost: $40

Designing Robots Badge Workshop

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 this topic in a workshop held in the Children’s Museum Maker Annex.

Where: Children’s Museum Houston Cost: $20 Time: noon – 2:15 p.m.

Who/Date: ⓒ April 4 or July 18

ⓢ May 16 Robotics Competition Team Coach Training

Competing on a robotics team is a fantastic way for girls to explore collaboration and fun science topics while honing their engineering and coding skills. As a robotics competition team coach, you will be able to help girls achieve their goals, grow, and learn over the course of the competition season. Note: This training is mandatory for new-to-Girl Scout Robotics coaches and optional for returning coaches (but encouraged if they are advancing a level, as content will be level-specific). We may offer a training after this, but we prefer coaches to attend this session - as our goal is for teams to be ready to begin when the season opens August 1.

Who: Adults Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: June 20, 1 – 4 p.m.

Cost: $10 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Robotics Competition Season Info.

GSSJC’s robotics teams compete through the international FIRST organization where girls build and code models and robots that compete against other teams in the area. Competition begins in September and will end between December and March, depending on the level and success of the team. Please review the online signup page for detailed information about what girls do during the competition season. Sign-up will open May 1. To learn more about the organization GSSJC competes through, visit firstinspires.org. For full information (especially if you are new to competitive robots), view GSSJC Robotics Competition Team Essentials, available on the GSSJC forms page.

Who: ⓓ ⓑⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Cost: Price varies by level Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 Important Dates: • May 1-August 14 Team signup period. – **Signing up toward the end of the sign-up period leaves placement subject to available team spots which may not be in your geographic area.** • May 1 - July 31 Teams, once full, may begin meeting on a TBDby-team schedule over the summer. Location, day of week, and time of meetings are set by coaches and will vary by team.

• August 1 - August 14 Team registration will be wrapping up (registration ends August 4) and teams will be finalized and start (if they have not already) meeting in early August.

• June 13 Expo and Informational • June 20 Coach Training • August 1 FIRST launches the 2020-2021 season- Team Meetings Teams meet weekly; location, day of week, and time of meetings are set by coaches and will vary by team. Teams may meet less often over the summer if the team is formed early. Girls and parents should expect that teams will meet at least once a week (typically on a weekend) for 2-4 hours depending on the level.

• End of Season TBD by level and team success. If teams do not advance beyond the first round of competition, seasons typically end as follows: FLL Jr.: Dec-Jan, FLL: Dec-Feb, FTC: Feb-Mar • Team Formation: Teams are formed via: a) girls sign up individually and are placed based on level and geographic location, b) girls in a GSSJC Community come together into one team, c) girls in a troop sign up as a team, d) a team from the previous season returns in full or partially (see GSSJC Robotics Competition Team Essentials - available on the GSSJC forms page - for full details on team formation).

Robotics Competition Team Expo and Informational

This event is meant to showcase what participation in a Girl Scout robotics competition team looks like! We will have an informative presentation for adults about the competition program as well as an expo area for both girls and adults to see competitive models and speak to girls involved in our robotics program. We HIGHLY recommend attending this session if you are new to competitive robotics (or competitive robotics with Girl Scouts). If you are from a troop that is interested in competing, at least one adult from your troop should attend.

Who: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐAdults Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: June 13, 1 – 4 p.m.

Cost: Free Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

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Activities

Forensics Weekend Girl Planning Board Announcement

Are you interested in helping plan and facilitate Forensics Weekend? Apply to be on the Girl Planning Board! We are excited you are considering this step for in your girl leadership experience. Applications will be available May 1 and are due

by July 17.

Who: When:

Where: Contact:

ⓒⓢⓐ

TBD (Aug-Nov) planning dates + December camp weekend Girl Scout Center, Housotn and Casa Mare, Seabrook Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org

Swimming

Think Like an Engineer Team Captain Announcement Join us for this exciting two-part event! There will be a day-long retreat in September to build skills for working with younger girls and in November you will guide younger Girl Scouts over the weekend to find their inner engineer.

Registration will open June 1 for team captains.

Who: When: Where:

Contact:

ⓒⓢⓐ

September day retreat + November camp weekend Girl Scout Center, Housotn and Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org

Travel

Wanted: Lifeguards

Costa Rica council trip is still open!

Swim Level Card and Safe Boat Card Testing

Who: ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ adults Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org

Are you an American Red Cross certified lifeguard age 18 or older? Would you like to earn extra money on the weekends?

We train all ages! Please check the website for opportunities to take be a trained lifeguard. Contact Stephanie Moore for more details at smoore@sjgs.org.

Here is an opportunity to earn your swim level and Safe Boating card! This test is useful for water activities that are on and off council properties. Below is a quick guide to what test is needed for which activity: • Level 3: Needed for any off council flat water activities and Class 3 and below moving water activities. On council property flat water activities do not require cards.

• Level 4: Any sailing activities both on and off council, closed cockpit kayaking, scuba, snorkeling, Class 4 and above moving water activities.

• Safe Boating Test: Needed for sailing, small craft activities off council on moving water in class 4 and above, scuba and snorkeling.

For additional questions and guidelines, refer to the Safety Activities Checkpoints.

ⓓ ⓑⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ Who: When: March 7, April 11, May 23; noon – 2 p.m.

Where: Pearland Recreational Center Cost: $20 Bring: Swimsuit and a towel. Googles are suggested but not required.

Contact: Stephanie Moore, smoore@sjgs.org, 713-292-0299

It is suggested that you do not register for a swim test that is within two weeks of your event. Please allow ample time between your event and your swim test. GSSJC does not keep copies of Safe Boating Cards. Replacement cards will be a $1 charge at Program Place for Girls. You will be required to verify the date and time that you took the test. Vendors that are American Red Cross affiliated will enter your card in the system.

You can go to www.redcross.org/take-a-class/digitalcertificate to obtain your swim level cards. Please allow at least 48 hours for the cards to be put into the system. Check out our website for more opportunities around the Houston area to take the swim test. If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact Stephanie Moore at smoore@sjgs.org.

38 March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

Interested in traveling with other Girl Scouts from San Jacinto Council to the tropical Costa Rica in 2021? Here is your chance. Registration for this council trip is still open. Pay your down payment today to reserve your spot on this amazing international council trip. Spots are filling fast!

Doris Partin Travel Grant

In memory of Doris Partin, a beloved troop leader and volunteer, several of the members of Troop #639 created the Doris Partin Troop Travel Scholarship to support troops who love to travel.

If your troop has a love for travel and is planning a trip to Savannah, the World Centers or another international destination, get started by visiting gssjc.org/forms and searching for F-453 and O-884. Troops must: be in good standing with the council; have participated in the Fall Product and Cookie Programs; have appropriate travel forms on file with GSSJC; and have raised funds toward their planned trip.

If your troop is traveling to one of these places and would like to apply, contact Heather Vandivort at travel@sjgs.org.

Columns

New First Aid Course Blended with Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED

Adult Trainings

Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certification is offered in two formats: blended and standard.

Blended learning comprises approximately four hours of online study and assessment with a three-hour skills demonstration in class with an instructor. The blended learning course includes adult, child and pediatric (infant) certification. The standard certification is earned through a full day of 6-7 hour instructor-led teaching, guidance and skills demonstration.

The standard course includes adult and child certification only, not pediatric. Either of these certifications qualifies volunteers to serve as the First Aider for Girl Scout activities, including camping.

When Course Where Time Cost March 14 April 25 May 16 July 11

Sat Sat Sat Sat

First Aid/CPR/AED-Standard First Aid/CPR/AED-Blended First Aid/CPR/AED-Blended First Aid/CPR/AED-Blended

GSC GSC GSC GSC

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

1 – 4 p.m.

9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon

$55 $55 $55 $55

Camp Certification Training

A Camp Certified adult is required for any Girl Scout troop overnight camp experience. This certification is currently completed in two sessions: an instructor-led three-hour planning and orientation meeting (usually on a weeknight), and a full day or overnight option onsite at one of our camps (Agnes Arnold, Whispering Pines or Wind-A-Mere). Both sessions must be completed before volunteers earn certification. For questions related to Camp Certification, please contact Volunteer Development Manager at 713 292-0254 or tswanson@sjgs.org.

Date or March 5 March 10 March 21

Day Thur.

Tues.

Sat.

Course Name Camp Cert In Town (AC 3/21) Camp Cert In Town (AC 3/21) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 3/5&10)

Location GSC BRC ATC

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

April 13 April 25

Mon. Sat.

Camp Cert In Town (AC 4/25) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 4/13)

GSC WAM

7 – 10 p.m.

8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

$25 none

or April 25 April 28 May 9

Sat. Tues.

Sat.

Camp Cert In Town (AC 5/9) Camp Cert In Town (AC 5/9) Camp Cert At Camp (IT 4/25&28)

LUF GSC ATC

1 – 4 p.m.

7 – 10 p.m.

8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

$25 $25 none

Location WP ATC WAM

ATC

Time Cost

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. $20 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. $20 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. $20 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. $20

Outdoor Refresher (Must hold GSSJC Camp Certification already) Course Name Date Day

March 7 Sat. Camp Cert At Camp March 21 Sat. Camp Cert At Camp April 25 Sat. Camp Cert At Camp

May 9 Sat. Camp Cert At Camp

Adult Recognition Event is April 18 at Camp Agnes Arnold.

See inside back cover for more information.

Location Legend

AA: Camp Agnes Arnold – Conroe ATC: Adult Training Center – Conroe BRC: Beaumont Resource Center (Foundation of Southeast Texas) CYP: Cornerstone United Methodist Church FUMC: Faith United Methodist Church – Richmond GSC: Girl Scout Center – Houston

Huntsville: First United Methodist Church of Huntsville KATY: Katy, TX (Location will be posted on registration site) LUF: Lufkin Resource Center UWFTB: United Way-Fort Bend WAM: Camp Wind-A-Mere – Alvin WP: Camp Whispering Pines-Garrison

March/April 2020 l The Golden Link

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Columns

Training Calendar March

14 28 28 28 28

Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday

First Aid/CPR/AED- Standard Getting Started w/ Girl Guides and Journeys Daisy/Brownie Program Leadership Partnering with Juniors Recruitment and Development

GSC GSC GSC GSC TBA

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

10:30 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

1 – 3 p.m.

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

April

25 25

Saturday Saturday

Facilitator Essentials First Aid/CPR/AED- Blended

GSC GSC

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

1 – 4 p.m.

May

2 2 2 16 21

Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Thursday

Event Basics Weekend Event Planning Mentoring Day First Aid/CPR/AED- Blended CLT Training (Part A and B)

GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC

9 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m.

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

June

6 7 13 14 20

July

11 11 18

$55 None $6 $6 $12 $12 $55 $6 $6 $10 $55 $12

Saturday Sunday Saturday Sunday Saturday

Facilitator Essentials CLT Training (Part A) - Part B 6/14 Recruitment Placement Development Day CLT Training (Part B) - Part A 6/7 Service Team Training Day

GSC GSC GSC GSC GSC

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

1 – 5 p.m.

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

1 – 5 p.m.

8:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.

$12 $12 $12 ** $12

Saturday Saturday Saturday

CLT Training (Part A and B) First Aid/CPR/AED- Blended Summer Train-In

GSC GSC GSC

9 a.m. – 5 pm 9 a.m. – noon 8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.

$12 $55 $12

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Columns

Around Camp

United Way Day of Caring is a Huge Success at Multiple Camp Properties

Nov. 1 was the perfect weather day as 331 ExxonMobil® volunteers descended upon Camp Agnes Arnold and Misty Meadows Ranch. This was the largest United Way Day of Caring event to date. Volunteers spent six hours working on a variety of projects on this 914-acre property.

Teams built 10 picnic tables that will be used to replace older and well-used ones. Torn platform tents and flies were replaced with new ones ready for the next campers. Volunteers painted 18 cabins in the Low, Madeley and Allen units at Misty Meadows Ranch as well as the wooden fences leading to the pastures. These fences were replaced in 2018 by volunteers.

Trail signs in all three camps at Treelake were painted. Volunteers rebuilt the covered riding arena fence at the main barn and installed windbreaks for six loafing sheds to protect our herd from the wind, rain and sun. This year’s heavy rains produced lots of new brush and vegetation growth all around camp, especially around our trails. Seven teams of 105 volunteers cleared the Bois D Arc, Labyrinth, Peace Pole, Rabbit Run and Forest Primeval trails.

Groups came well equipped with buckets, brushes, liquid soap and hoses to clean several units.

Several buildings, pool areas and sidewalks received a much-needed power washing giving the exterior of these facilities a clean and fresh look. Girl Scouts can enjoy the outdoors looking out from newly cleaned windows at the Misty Meadows Ranch lodge. Volunteers built a new fire circle across the road from the horse barn and replaced the amphitheater’s worn and warped benches with new ones and rebuilt the crossover bridge. Volunteers even tackled adding four new 20 foot wood benches at the Nature Center in Camp Arnold for girls to enjoy the view at Shadow Lake.

Volunteers replaced old siding with new at the pool house at Silver Springs. A group of 27 workers marked all the trails and buildings utilizing GPS equipment. Soon these GPS markers will help campers find their way on the vast Girl Scout property.

People movers driven by GSSJC rangers transported workers between camps and back to the Misty Meadows Ranch lodge around noon for a sack lunch and well-deserved break. During the lunch period the ExxonMobil event coordinator Wayne Wilkerson and GSSJC Chief Executive Officer Mary Vitek thanked volunteers for the awesome job and amount of work completed. Volunteers heard how their volunteer work benefitted girls in our programs and the impact of their six-hour workday contribution.

Volunteers completed their workday feeling satisfied with their accomplishments and a commitment to return to these camps with a larger group in 2020. More than 475 volunteers from ExxonMobil participated in six Day of Caring events at Camps Arnold, Silver Springs, Robinwood, Misty Meadows Ranch and the Imperial Valley Resource Center in 2019.

In addition to this single largest event, the council-managed Day of Caring events with Dow Chemical, the Port of Houston Authority ETECH and Nacogdoches County at Camps Robinwood, Casa Mare and Whispering Pines. Thirty Dow Chemical volunteers cleared brush along Casa Mare’s camp entrance, and 25 volunteers cleared the Silverridge trail from the trail head to the teepees at Camp Whispering Pines.

Day of Caring projects significantly improve our properties and the camp experience for our adult volunteers and girls. They also complete much needed maintenance projects and supplement the work projects completed by camp rangers. Thank you to these employers for supporting our girls, adult volunteers and staff.

Shadow Lake is a 35acre lake at Camp Agnes Arnold in Conroe. What is the biggest fish someone has caught at the lake? Well, if you guessed a 3-inch goldfish, you would be T e r r i u v t ia wrong. The biggest fish Na caught at Shadow Lake was an 11 pound largemouth bass. This fish was caught and released in April 2001 on a Zebco 33 reel using a topwater jitterbug lure in the early evening hours. Now, that’s a whopper fish!

Here’s a question for next time: Since we’ve focused on Camp Agnes Arnold in this article, let’s switch focus to nearby Misty Meadows Ranch. What is the name of the oldest horse in our herd?

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Help Send a Girl to Camp Girl Scouts has a long tradition of getting girls into nature. Whether they are learning basic survival skills, going on a hike or cooking over a campfire, every girl deserves the chance to explore the great outdoors. Through Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council’s Campership program, we provide girls the opportunity to attend Girl Scout camp regardless of her family’s ability to pay.

You can give a girl the time of her life with a gift to the Campership fund. Girls will discover all the wonders of the great outdoors, take on new challenges, have loads of fun and learn critical life skills every step of the way. It costs an average of $475 for a full week of summer camp for one girl, however contributions of all amounts are appreciated.

Philanthropy

Why is summer camp important?

• Camp builds problem-solvers. Girls with more frequent outdoor experiences are more likely to seek challenges and are better at solving problems–qualities that will help them embark on a lifetime of leadership, both academically and personally in the future.

• Camp exposes girls to new experiences. Girl Scout camp gives them a chance to build on their skills or try new outdoor activities. Stimulating activities like camp over the summer months also helps prevent summer learning loss.

• Camp builds courage and confidence. Research shows spending time in nature improves concentration and creative reasoning.

• Outdoor experiences also help promote healthy social development and increase her self-esteem.

Last summer nearly 2,000 girls attended summer camp at one of GSSJC’s three American Camp Association-accredited programs. There they were able to disconnect from the outside world, overcome sleep-away jitters, try new things, make new friends and take in our natural landscape. Whether a girl’s favorite camp memory is roasting marshmallows, canoeing or nature hikes under the moonlight, she is better because of it.

Every girl should have an opportunity to attend summer camp and with your gift we can make that possible for hundreds of girls this summer. To donate, visit gssjc.org/campership or contact Nancy Hall at nhall@sjgs.org or 713-292-0282. .

Ways to Give There are many ways to give to Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. For more information on ways to contribute, contact Nancy Hall at nhall@sjgs.org or 713-292-0282.

Support our Girl Programs An annual gift to Girl Programs supports all of the programs presented to girls in the 26 counties our council serves. From Girl Scouts in the School Day for underserved girls, Girl Scout environmental awareness activities to financial literacy, robotics and arts endeavors, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council offers activities to serve every girl.

Shopping rewards A simple way to give back to GSSJC every time you shop.

When you shop at Amazon, Randall’s, Kroger or by using the iGive button, you can support girl programs right here in southeast Texas. Learn more at gssjc.org/supportgirlscouts.

Give the gift of camp Camperships (camp scholarships) send girls to resident camp and council-led day camp each summer to develop an appreciation of the outdoors, make new friends and try new activities.

Applications are reviewed by the Campership Committee, and awards are based on financial need. Another option is camp improvement, which invests in camp properties that enhance girls’ experiences. You can designate to a particular project or property.

Make a gift in tribute Memorial gifts and honorariums provide a loving tribute. Please include a note stating that your gift is in memory of/honor of (name) in the designated fields at gssjc.org/supportgirlscouts.

Commemorative pavers and plaques Commemorative pavers and plaques at three of our camp properties provide a lasting way to honor or remember a special Girl Scout, your troop or an event. Make your mark at camp. To purchase a paver or plaque, visit gssjc.org/supportgirlscouts for the forms.

Support college-bound girls Gold Award scholarships help girls prepare for their next big adventure: college. These merit-based scholarships are awarded to applicants who earned their Gold Award in San Jacinto Council.

Matching gifts If your employer has a matching-gift program, you may be able to double your gift to Girl Scouts. Retired individuals may also qualify. Check with your human resources department to find out about opportunities to participate in a matching-gift program.

Endowment and Planned Giving Help build our endowment with a gift to secure the future of Girl Scouts in southeast Texas. Gifts to the endowment are invested for long term sustainability of our council. For more information on planned giving and the Juliette Gordon Low Society, contact Diane Pavey at dpavey@sjgs.org or 713-292-0277.

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Join the 1912 Club

We invite you to continue Juliette Gordon Low's Girl

Scout legacy by becoming a member of the 1912 Club. By making a monthly recurring gift of $19.12 to GSSJC, you honor the past and shape the future for local Girl Scouts today and tomorrow. Recurring gifts are an opportunity to make a bigger impact by allowing you to give more than you may be able to through a one-time gift.

Double your impact by doubling your donation. For $38.24 per month, your gift goes even further, allowing GSSJC to serve more girls – the ones who need it the most.

What does a donation to GSSJC do for girls?

• Provides to more than 21,000 girls in our outreach programs • Helps keep program fees low for all members • Maintains our beloved camp properties for girls to explore • Offers financial aid for members fees, uniforms, camp or program fees For information, contact Nancy Hall at nhall@sjgs.org or 713-292-0282

Thank You, GSSJC Donors!

Nov.Way 1 - Dec. 31, 2019 United of Greater

Houston $100,000 – $499,999 $1,000-$4,999 - Junior Silver Apache Corporation United Way of Greater Roberto J. Bayardo Houston BBVA Compass Triniti Brown $25,000-$49,999 Sue Burnett Ambassador Connie Chavez Margaret S. Sheriff Chevron Phillips Chemical Valero Energy Corporation Company Port Arthur Debbie Clark Kay K. Craig $10,000-$24,999 - Senior Randy Davis Francisco Diaz Julie M. Deeter Valerie Mogas Shelly deZevallos RSM US LLP Heidi and David Doll Sempra LNG Calvin Gorriaran The Charles & Melissa Nancy Hall Davis Charitable Jean T. Janssen and Stephen Foundation P. Pate Valero Energy Corporation, Kevin C. and Monica Maby Texas City King W.D. Von Gonten & Co. Joan Korpal Leslie Lenser $5,000-$9,999 - Cadette Janie Lewis Baker Hughes Diane Likeness Elaine Engel Angela Martin-Worthington Mamie McFaddin Ward Elena and Scott McCreery Heritage Foundation Mary B. McIntire, Ph.D. Stacy and Dee Methvin Cassandra McZeal Les and Mary Puckett Microsoft Corporation Children's Foundation Judy Moses Joseph Raab PESA Skip and Melinda Reeves Phillips 66 Company Kathryn Sanders PricewaterhouseCoopers Stephen M. Seay Michelle and Joseph Raab Foundation Jackie Richey Catherine B. Smith Andrew Roff Valero Energy Corporation The Schueppert Family Houston Victoria Smith Whalley Foundation Aimée R. Sproles

Juliette Gordon Low Pearls March 12, 2020 will be the 108th birthday of Girl Scouts.

Did you know Girl Scouts was founded with a generous donation of pearls by its founder, Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low? Not only did she go on to build the largest girl leadership program in the world; she set a precedent of philanthropy from Girl Scouts’ early beginnings. Juliette Low had a strand of rare matched pearls that she sold for $8,000 in 1914 to help pay the rent for the Girl Scout National Office in Washington, D.C. (the current headquarters are in New York).

She was quoted as saying, “Jewels are not important, but my Girl Scouts are, they need the money more than I need pearls.”

Juliette gave so much of herself to others that Girl Scouts has continued to grow from the first 18 Girl Scouts in Savannah in 1912 to our current membership of 2.5 million girls and adults.

Every year since, we’ve honored her vision and legacy, building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

For any questions about the donor list, contact Suzanne Boak at 713-292-0273 or sboak@gssjc.org. Honorariums listed are $25 and above.

Katherine M. Tamer Page M. Vogelsang Genevieve and John M. Walls Elizabeth and Harold Williams Foundation $250-$999 - Brownie Barbara and Bill Barnes Terrie Bean-Minero Hague Bing Matthew Briggs Kay Champiomont Sally A. Clark Jim and Diana Collins Charles E. Craig Dawn D. Donaldson Marguerite Ference Nancy and Robert Flatt James Forde Carolyn Galfione Steven F. and Joan F. Gilliland Miguel Gomez Melissa Hardy Claudia W. Hayslip The HCA Foundation Janet M. Heppard Valerie Jalufka Hillary Jefferis Sandy A. Judson Nancy B. Kral Kroger Company Suzanne and David Krusleski Danielle Lance Pamela R. Lippert Marilyn B. Mayer-Taylor Michelle McCormick

Janet McMasters Stephanie Moore Motiva Enterprises LLC Gina L. Murphy Vanessa Myers Becky M. Normand Lauren Ostrowski Diane Pavey Pepsi Co Brenda J. Peters Melanie Rippentrop Ronald M. Rodriguez Sewell Automotive Companies Elizabeth Shea Stephen Sjolander Monique Stitts Connie H. Stone Karen M. Sunseri Saralyn and David Tett Sharon W. Timmons United Airlines United Way of Midland County Judy L. Warne Mary Wiley Laurel Williams Richard Zembek Memorials In Memory of Lynn Behrle Jane Gasdaska In Memory of Lindsay Ann Bowker Margaret and Carl Bowker

In Memory of Eleanor Gasdaska Jane Gasdaska In Memory of Dorothy Goodykoontz Richard Bauman Sissy Clapp Kathy and Allison Skrehar In Memory of Penny Harp Terrie Bean-Minero In Memory of Mary Nell C Valerius Marguerite Ference Honorariums In Honor of Jean Chapin Jay B. Chapin In Honor of Eloise McDavid Lott Janet M. Brown In Honor of Marianita Paddock Snodgrass Fariba Mehdizadeh In Honor of Margaret Sheriff Barbara S. Barnes In Honor of Deb Taft Ali McLane In Honor of Troop #122203 Hanna Sanchez

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Columns Troop #12601 decorated and handed out ornaments, and gave goody bags containing positive affirmations to residents/staff at Focused Care At Beechnut. The girls developed a plan, coordinated this activity and kept in contact with the director. They stepped out of their comfort zone and in the end expressed very positive feedback and enjoyment in doing so. They have made friends and now want to return!

Service Around Council

Troop #114071 played bingo with the residents in a retirement home.

They also donated games, puzzles, coloring books and word search books to their activity room.

Troop #134009 lead the Pledge of Allegiance during their schools 3rd grade Veterans Day program. They also planted American flags around the school.

Troops #10879 and #105138 along with Boy Scout Troop 623, were proud to honor veterans at a local Veterans’ Day Celebration as they performed a flag ceremony and participated in the parade of flags honoring each branch of the military.

Troop #108094 collected toiletries and personal care items to donate to Glam Girls, a charity that packs care packages for the Houston Area Women's Center.

Troop #143101 made a visit to Trinity Oaks assisted living.

We decorated pumpkins with the residents.

Troop #143101 celebrated fall by painting pumpkins with our local residents at Trinity Oaks Senior Assisted Living in Pearland.

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Columns Troop #129115 completed their Quest Brownie Journey when they delivered blankets, toys and bandanas they made to Citizens for Animal Protection. They also donated animal food.

Cadette Troop #127014 enjoying their yearly "reverse trick or treating" at Heritage Park Nursing Home in Katy.

Troop #114202, the girls donated toys to Toys for Tots for the holidays.

Troop #157129 made no-sew flannel blankets for Star of Hope.

Troop #128096 had a collection drive and caroling event.

The girls collected old towels and other pet supplies to benefit the nonprofit Greenawalds Service Inc. which rescues dogs and places them with veterans with PTSD or into other loving forever homes.

Troop #143133 put together blessing bags for a local school in Pearland.

For Tannybo Community annual Juliette Gordon Low Service project, donations were collected at the Tents-NTreats Carousel hosted by Troop #10772. The donations were put into a basket of goodies for the first baby girl born on 10/31 in honor of our founder. Baby Kehlani is now a future Girl Scout!

Troops #118031 and #118049 created friendship rocks, decorated bags and assembled more than 60 breakfast bags for the Meals on Wheels program during a January camping trip.

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Troop #134122 enjoyed filling up their shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.

Troop #125076 learned about and practiced flag ceremonies and made no-sew blankets for Veterans at DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston.

Troop #129153 made blankets to donate to CAP.

For the Thanksgiving holidays, Troops #147041, #147058, #147134 and #147151 organized a schoolwide food drive for Braes Interfaith Ministries. Troops broke the tasks into jobs, decorating the collection bins, drawing fliers, coloring and placing fliers. They all came together to help sort and organize the food for delivery.

Troop #143101 made a visit earlier this year to Pearland Police Department to learn about the department and bring Girl Scout Cookies to the officers!

Troop #132388 donated 26 toys to the community toy drive at the Channelview Fire Dept. The fire department also gave them a tour of their new facility.

Troop #125076 thanked HFD Station 38 with Girl Scout Cookies.

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Troop #111105 donated five bags of toys to the NAM holiday gift bag drive in December.

Scrapbook

Send your photos to ions@ communicat ude cl In sjgs.org. the in # p oo tr your e. lin t ec subj

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

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

Troop #125076 made cards of affirmation and decided as a troop to individually take a moment to remind herself that girls all over the world are important, unique and capable of great things. They filled out cards that said "Say to herself I am‌." They also wanted to empower and support another girl on the Day of the Girl, October 11,by telling her what unstoppable characteristics she possesses.

Troop #114202 had a lot of fun making scarecrow flower vases.

Troop #143101 visited the Pearland Fire Station #3 to learn about fire safety and thank our local firefighters for their brave work.

Troop #114202 visited the Houston SPCA. The girls had the opportunity of the visiting the shelter and learning many ways they can help the center. They also gather donations such as food, blankets, pet accessories and delivered them to the shelter.

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Troop #108031 loved Brownie Magic at Camp Robinwood!

Troop #114202 got together and celebrated Halloween and made boo candy bags for the neighbors.

Troop #118153 roasted s’mores at Camp Agnes Arnold.

Troop #149027 had so much fun when at a Buffalo Trail Community skate event. It gave them the opportunity to meeting new friends. They even created and painted their shirts.

Troop #155091 participated in the Wharton Chamber of Commerce Christmas Holiday Parade. The girls recited the Girl Scout Promise and sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” before the judges and the community.

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Troop #118153 had their first weekend of camping in cabins.

Troop #115173 participated in the Tomball Holiday Parade. Their float theme was The Happy Days of Rainbow Trails.

They won the Best Youth Float!

Girls from Island Creek sang carols and welcomed Santa to Katy Mills Bass Pro Shop.

Scrapbook

Eastern Thicket Community hosted their 2nd annual community campout at Camp Whispering Pines. This year's theme was Shooting for the Stars. The community packed out the camp with 70 girls and 30 adults from Kountze, Jasper, Kirbyville, Newton, Fannett and Silsbee. The girls had a blast hiking, crafting, playing games, exchanging SWAPS, learning archery, singing, putting on skits, making new friends and strengthening old friendships.

Troop #127014 representing Italy at Island Creek's World Thinking Day.

Troop #111105 ventured out to Camp Whispering Pines.

Troop #111105 walked and rode on the Wildflowers float in the Tomball Holiday Parade

Troops #21314 and #4472 participated in a Texas Children Hospital tour.

They got to meet Elsa, the golden retriever therapy dog at the medical center campus.

Troop #154022 went hunting for geocaches in Rosenberg.

They found 8 out of 9 - not bad for their first time and, they are ready to go out and find some more!

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Troop #114202 had a holiday party and had fun with the gift exchange. A couple of girls dress in their Christmas ugly sweaters.

Daisy Troop #103017 had a successful 1st half of the year that was celebrated at a Christmas party. They had a girl gift exchange and an investiture ceremony where girls received their Daisy vest, insignia tab and pins as well as the Daisy petal patch center and some of the petals they have earned. Looking forward to cookie season and the rest of the year!

Troop #134122 celebrated Christmas this year at Painting with a Twist by painting their favorite Christmas cat or dog.

Troop #129085 completed their Daisy and Brownie robotics badge at the Microsoft store in the Galleria mall!

Troop #143133 had a guided tour at the Line Star Flight Museum and learned all about how planes fly and the different types of planes used in our military.

Two Brownies from Troop #129085 participated in a Girl Scout event at the Moscow Ballets Nutcracker performance.

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Rainbow Trails volunteers came out to support the cookie drop.

You’re Invited!

2020 Adult Recognition Event Sat., April 18, 2020 Ann Temple Allen Lodge at Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe $22 per ticket Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served.

Register online only. Deadline April 6.

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 2020 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: Cassie Robinson, 3110 Southwest Fwy., Houston, Texas 77098 or emailed to crobinson@sjgs.org. For additional assistance or questions about Adult Recognition Event, contact Cassie Robinson at 713-292-0285 or crobinson@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 April 6, 2020) 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.___________________________________

Raising Awesome Girls Seven ways camp bring out her best Summer is when some of the most fun childhood memories are made, but did you know that it’s also an awesome opportunity for your girl to grow, learn, and become her best self? Here are seven amazing benefits your girl will get from her summer camp experience.

1. She’ll make new friends There’s nothing quite like giggling over games in the bunk or singing songs with new besties around a campfire.

That’s why it’s actually good to send her to camp where she might not know many (or any) other girls! Having a diverse group of friends, not just kids she knows from school, will broaden her horizons and help her see her own worth, too.

2. She’ll see all she can be In an all-girl environment like Girl Scout summer camp, girls are more comfortable trying new outdoor activities, and they get to take the lead every single time—meaning there’s plenty of room at the top for your girl to take charge and flex her muscle, both when it comes to outdoor adventure and crucial leadership skills that will last her a lifetime.

3. She’ll turn off her phone and tune in to nature Getting out in nature, soaking up the sun, or dashing inside during a sudden downpour is way more exciting than any app she might have on her phone and is all part of the adventure of camp. Unplugging for a while will keep her more present and truly enjoying every moment instead of simply watching it from a screen.

4. She’ll grow her grit The truth is, she might scrape a knee or elbow while she’s away—and that’s a good thing! When she learns to get back up after minor setbacks, like scrapes and bumps, she’s building her resilience and learning that she’s a lot tougher than she thinks.

6. She’ll gain independence Being away from home—especially if that’s a new thing for her—might be a bit intimidating to both your daughter and you. But having that time away to explore and try activities on her own will make her more self-reliant and able to discover new things to share and teach you when she returns home.

7. She’ll have tons of time for play Playtime is anything but a waste of time. In fact, studies show that play allows the neurons in a child’s brain to form new connections—and that this rewiring helps boost emotional intelligence, decision-making skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

The truth is, sending your girl off to camp is one of the best gifts you can give her. The fun, outdoor adventure, and friends will enrich her life and—perhaps without her even noticing—give her the courage, people skills, and leadership chops to succeed at whatever she sets her mind to.

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5. She’ll meet new mentors Having a variety of awesome role models will help your girl see the many ways to be successful and happy in life.

And the incredibly supportive staff and counselors at your girl’s summer camp are ready to step up to the plate and inspire!

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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.

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

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