MarchApril Golden Link

LINK

The Official Publication of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council | Volume 47 Issue 2

March/April 2021

The Golden

We can't wait to see you at camp!

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President of the Council and Chair of the Board Marguerite Woung-Chapman Chief Executive Officer Mary Vitek Chief External Affairs Officer Connie Chavez Communications Director Sara Orsi Visual Brand Manager Joanne Pastalaniec

Troop 13467 Cadettes didn't let Covid stop them from getting outdoors. They hiked at Collins Park for their Trail Adventure badge.

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

Pluralism Statement Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is a pluralistic movement, committed to understanding our similarities and differences, building relationships and promoting a dialogue of acceptance and respect. Each individual involved must uphold the tenet that Girl Scouting is for all girls.

Circulation The Golden Link is published five times a year. It has a circulation of more than 44,000. The Golden Link is also available online at www.gssjc.org. The Golden Link reaches 26 Texas counties: Angelina, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller and Wharton. To report address changes or if you have problems receiving The Golden Link call Customer Service at 713-292-0300.

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

Advertisements Advertising rates are available by calling 713-292-0314. Advertisements are accepted in good faith that all the information is correct.

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

The Golden Link is published six times a year

by Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098 713-292-0300 The Golden Link is also available to read online at www.gssjc.org/publications Copyright ©2020. All rights reserved.

Please recycle this publication.

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Contents

March/April 2021 3 3

From the Top Shop News

Get Ready for summer fun at camp!

Page 4

Special Feature 4

Summer Camp

Features 8 10 10 11

Welcome Back to Camp GSSJC Launches Archery Aide Program Join the Women’s Leadership Network ScienceScout Challenge

Activities 12 General Activities 17 Environmental 18 Fine Arts 22 Health 22 Highest Awards 22 Horseback Riding 22 Sports 23 STEM 28 Travel 28 Watersports

Columns 29 Adult Trainings 30 Philanthropy 31 Scrapbook

Science Scout Challenge. Page 11

Become a Reserve Ranger. Page 14

Girl Scout Family, Another year and another challenge for our community to face. Winter Storm Uri landed hard in February and nearly all of our members were impacted one way or another.

Some in fact are still dealing with its devastating effects. However, as we recover from this and our Marguerite Woungother ongoing trials, I am finding Chapman seeds of hope that we will all Chair of the Board and eventually get back to doing what President of the Council we love the most. That is why this issue of The Golden Link feels particularly exciting because it’s all about Summer Camp! That’s right – we are welcoming girls back to in-person camping this summer and this issue features details about our properties, overviews of our programs and exciting updates about Camp Agnes Arnold.

Camp is such a special part of being a Girl Scout and we have all missed the comradery, traditions, and silly camp songs. This will be a very exciting summer and I hope your girl will join us. I believe time to unplug, explore nature and sing silly songs is time well spent – now, more than ever.

We are planning to have in-person resident camp at Camp Agnes Arnold, Misty Meadows Ranch and Casa Mare. In-person day camp opportunities will be offered at Program Place for Girls, in Cypress and Katy as well as additional locations as they are approved. In-person programs will have reduced capacity and adhere to strict Covid-19 safety protocols. Due to limited space, I highly recommend registering your girl as soon as possible. Virtual Day Camps will also return this summer with engaging programs that I know girls will love. In the coming weeks, we will share more information about summer camp via gssjc.org/summercamp.

Of course, many girls fund their camp experiences from cookie sales so I wanted to end with a few words of encouragement for all our Girl Scout entrepreneurs who are making it work and participating in this year’s sale! To all the girls, parents, troop leaders, troop cookie managers and community cookie managers – you rock!

From the

TOP

Shop News In addition to curbside pick-up for online and phone orders, Girl Scout Shops are now offering in-person shopping.

To place your curbside/lobby order, please contact shop@sjgs.org with your preferred pick-up time. You may also call your closest shop to place your order and arrange pick-up.

*Lufkin is NOT open on Wednesdays or Fridays.

Westside is offering curbside pick-ups only on Wednesdays.

Bay Area* 281-282-6077 1300 A Bay Area Blvd., Ste. 106 Houston, TX 77058

Lufkin 936-634-4688 1202 College Dr Lufkin, TX 75904

Beaumont* 409-832-0556, Ext. 1500 700 North St. Suite F Beaumont, TX 77701

Stafford* 281-670-5982 12300 Parc Crest, Ste. 170 Stafford, TX 77477

Imperial Valley* 281-447-8870 15800 Imperial Valley Dr. Houston, TX 77060

Westside 281-822-4250

Houston* 713-292-0247 3000 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77098

Cypress* 346-818-322719708 NW Fwy, Suite 100, Jersey Village, TX 77065

531 FM 359 South Brookshire, TX 77423

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 7-13. 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 is no wrong way to celebrate.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program wraps up March 28. 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! Learn more at gssjc.org/2021cookieprogram.

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 (early membership 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

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Special Feature

Get Ready for Outdoor Fun! Summer Camp 2021 What’s New in 2021!

• • • •

We are planning plenty of awesome summer camp activities and adventures for our girls this summer and we can’t wait for you to join us.

Every session has been updated or is brand new this year! Don’t worry if you don’t see your favorite session. Due to the new condensed schedule, some sessions were put on hold to be updated and tweaked for a return in 2022!

All camp activity themes will be posted in the Parent Guide. Please be sure to read the guidelines and pack accordingly.

Camper Mail: Campers love mail! We recommend traditional, hand-written mail or packages (with no food!) Mail may be pre-written and dropped off with your camper at check-in or mailed in advance of your camper’s session. Details are available in the Parent Guide.

The S’more You Know Fireside Chats and Camp Tours

Registration opens on April 1

Whether it’s your first time or you are a returning camper, many people have questions about summer camp. Need some clarity on registration? Join us for our fireside chat webinars as we discuss all things summer camp. Please note that each webinar will focus on one subject regarding camp, and it’s important to keep returning for more information. Details on dates are available in the GSSJC Summer Camp Online Community in April!

In lieu of a open house this year, camp tours will be available as a chance for those unfamiliar with our properties to “Pop Into Camp.” Misty Meadows Ranch and Camp Agnes Arnold are April 18 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m, and Casa Mare is April 25– 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Information and registration is available at gssjc.org/summercamp.

Be a Camp Hero

At GSSJC, we believe every girl deserves the opportunity to explore the wonders of nature and the thrill of going away to summer resident camp or day camp. You can help send girls to camp by donating to the campership fund. Through your past gifts, 292 girls were able to attend summer camp in 2019. This year, we anticipate more requests for financial assistance than ever. You will be providing girls with a quality outdoor experience at residential camp during a time when they need it the most. To be a camp hero, visit gssjc.org/donate.

Girl Scouts and ACA-What a great pair!

GSSJC summer resident camps and Program Place Day Camp are accredited by the American Camp Association, and our new locations are operated to the same standards. This national accreditation organization sets high standards for the health and safety of campers and staff as well as the quality of program each camp delivers. Additionally, this ensures we have access to the latest research and guidance for safely operating summer camp experiences in the COVID-19 environment. More detailed information about 2021 health and safety practices is available on the GSSJC Summer Camp Community site.

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Special Feature

Located in Conroe as part of the Treelake Complex, Misty Meadows Ranch welcomes girls of all skill levels and expertise. At Misty Meadows Ranch, we offer a quality horseback riding and ranch program in a summer camp setting. Our program features various levels of horseback riding skill and instruction. Emphasis in all program levels is on skill development, progression and expanding knowledge of horses and horse care. Campers will have a riding test the first night of camp. Campers unable to meet requirements of their program will be placed in an alternate program or may not be able to ride. Classes are kept small with a ratio of at least one instructor to six campers.

Accommodations – Sleeping accommodations include climate-controlled cabins and dormitories. Sessions are designed for the grade girls are entering in the Fall of 2021. Detailed descriptions available online and in the registration portal.

July 4 - August 6

BROWNIE (grades 2-3)

JUNIOR(grades 4-5)

CADETTE/SENIOR/AMBASSADOR(grades 6-12)

Little Bits*

Giddy Up

Horse Sense

Pony Tales

Saddle Up

Horse Whisperer

Blazing Bullseye

SPURS Training Equitation Aide

*Indicates session is shorter than full week.

Nestled on Galveston Bay, Casa Mare’s bayside paradise offers a wide variety of camp activities for ocean lovers and science explorers alike. For older campers, sailing is the main attraction! Girls can learn beginning sailing skills or advance their skills even further. Campers of all ages can focus on STEM activities as well as learning outdoor skills. Whether you love the bay and want to sail, unleash your creativity with STEM or cook up a storm, Casa Mare has the session for you.

Accommodations - Sleeping accommodations are climate-controlled dormitories. Sessions are designed for the grade girls are entering in the Fall of 2021. Detailed descriptions available online and in the registration portal.

July 4 - 31

BROWNIE (grades 2-3)

JUNIOR (grades 4-5)

CADETTE (grades 6-8)

SAILING (grades 6-12)

SENIOR/AMBASSADOR (grades 9-12)

Potions and Potters

Harriet Potter

Culinary Cadettes

Taste of Sailing

Casa C.S.I.

FrankenBrownie

InSPAration

E. Holmes: Girl Detective Basic Sailing

Junior Chef

Lights, Camera, Action

Art by the Bay There’s an App for That!

Artful Antics

It’s Alive!

Open Sail Seafarers Sail Aide

Located near Conroe, Camp Agnes Arnold offers a wide variety of classic camp activities, including archery, nature hikes, arts and crafts, and much more! At Shadow Lake, with its 35 acres of cool, refreshing fun—girls can canoe, fish, swim, use the mega slide and explore nature around the lake. Campers can focus on climbing at our challenge course, canoeing, or camping skills during their sessions. Whether you love the lake, want an introductory session to the great outdoors, or are a seasoned camper looking for more, Arnold has the perfect session for you!

Accommodations - Sleeping accommodations include open-air cabins (regular cabins and treehouses) and platform tents. Sessions are designed for the grade girls are entering in the Fall of 2021. Detailed descriptions available online and in the registration portal.

July 4 - 31

DAISY (grades K-1)

BROWNIE (grades 2-3)

JUNIOR (grades 4-5)

CADETTE (grades 6-8)

SENIOR/AMBASSADOR (grades 9-12)

Daisy Day*

Little Mermaid

Tree Trek

Night Owl

Girl vs. Wild

Flower Power* (1st grade)

Camptastic*

Wayfinders

Z.A.P.

C.I.T. I **

Firelight and Auradon and the Isle Tree Trek C.I.T. II ** Fairytales *Indicates session is shorter than full week. **Indicates session longer than full week.

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Special Feature

Day Camp Join us for full-day, staff-led day camp at the Program Place for Girls in Houston or at our new locations in Cypress and Katy! Work on badges, sing new songs, and make new friends. Camp sessions will focus on the arts, the outdoors, STEAM, and crafts.

Snacks are provided daily, but a sack lunch and drink are required. Camp is from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Day camp sessions are weekly themes for the all levels attending camp. Girls will be in session with other girls attending the same grade level in Fall 2021. Detailed descriptions available online and in the registration portal.

June 21 – August 6

Party in the USA (grades K-8)

Be Our Guest (grades K-8)

May the Girl Power Be With You (grades K-8)

Clues “R” Us (grades K-8)

Magical Me (grades K-8)

Winter Wonderland (grades K-8)

Tropical Paradise (grades K-8) Communities and volunteers who are interested in volunteer lead day camps can contact Kathy Elliott to learn about training, facility and safety protocols and approvals.

Virtual Camp Join us online for Virtual Camp 2021! Virtual Camps provide an all-girl online camp setting staffed with camp counselors ready to help girls explore a new journey or badge this summer. Join girls from across the council and across the country in these live sessions for every level. Earn journeys and badges as you make new friends.

Morning sessions are from 10 a.m. – noon and afternoon sessions are from 2 – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. All sessions include a camp patch and T-shirt and daily interactive live programs.

Camp Ready! (grades K-8) It’s Your Planet—Love It! (grades K-10)

June 14 – July 30

Virtual Aide (grades 9-12)

It’s Your Story—Tell It! (grades K-10)

Think Like an Engineer (grades K-10)

It’s Your World, Change It! (grades K-10)

Summer Family Camp Take a break with your family at beautiful Camp Pryor! Your family will enjoy staying in one of our air-conditioned cabins, and participating in activities such as archery, canoeing, swimming, hiking, crafts and more!

Bring your own easy-to-make meals for breakfast and lunch, and we'll take care of dinner and s'mores!

We can't wait to see you at camp this summer. For information on sessions, dates and prices, go to gssjc.org/summercamp in mid-March.

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Features

Water Bottle

Features

2021 Camp Packs Camp packs will be delivered to you at camp check in!

Bandana (Resident camp only) Stuffed Dog

Back pack

Camp Packs $ 25 each p m a C y 0 Da 2 $ k Pac ch ea om

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Resident Camp Pack also includes a stamped postcard for your camp and a pen.

Camp Misty Meadows!

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Hello from

Camp Misty Meadows!

We have the right to substitute for similar items.

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Features

We cannot wait to welcome girls back to camp this summer!

Hipper the Hippo is feeling blue - instead of her usual purple - without giggles and gooey smores being roasted over campfires. The herd at Misty Meadows Ranch misses being loved, hugged and groomed by girls- although our staff are doing a wonderful job caring for them! Galveston Bay just isn’t as glorious without our girls sailing in its waters or watching the sun set from Casa Mare’s shore. You get the picture. Camp just isn’t camp without girls.

They say good things are worth waiting for and when it comes to camp (and Girl Scout Cookies!), we wholeheartedly agree. There are some exciting things happening at Camp Agnes Arnold right now and we’d love to share them with you!

NEW- The Hamill Welcome Center

We look forward to greeting you at camp this summer with a beautiful new welcome center that was made possible by a generous donation from The Hamill Foundation, an amazing friend of our council and long-time supporter of girls’ leadership development.

The Hamill Welcome Center will serve campers as well as area membership by providing meeting space and needed supplies and membership materials at a future camp store located on site. It will also accommodate the reserve rangers’ quarters and equip the space to warmly invite visitors to camp.

The welcome center’s eco-friendly design will serve as an attractive invitation for girls and adults visiting Camp Agnes Arnold (which now includes Camp Silver Springs) and Misty Meadows Ranch.

Guests will be able to check in by parking and entering the building or at a drive-up window located on the driver’s side of your vehicle. (We’ve received lots of positive feedback from volunteers about this feature!) The new welcome center – complete with a wide porch with rocking chairs and an open breezeway - will be sure to excite campers about the adventures that await them inside camp.

COMING SOON! Adventure Park

One of the things we’ve heard from our girls is that they love adventure… and we love bringing it to them! We are in the early stages of planning and building the new Adventure Park at Camp Agnes Arnold, and we expect it to be complete in time for summer camp 2021.

While these have undoubtedly been challenging times for our council, we have been so fortunate to have the support of amazing volunteers and donors who believe in our mission and the important role the great outdoors plays in the positive development of girls.

The Adventure Park is being made possible by a generous donation from former GSSJC president and chair of the board of directors Stacy Methvin and her husband Dee. We are so thankful for their gift and how it will impact girls’ camp experiences.

The Adventure Park, which will include a challenge and zip line course, pavilion and restrooms, will be located north of Shadow Lake and south of Steitz Road. This location offers a perfect spot for the challenge elements and a new zip line course.

A Hub-and-Spoke design for the adventure course will feature approximately 30 “hubs” or activities for different skill and age levels, with capacity to expand in the future. The complex will ultimately feature two “hubs” and a zip line circuit. It will also comply with Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design.

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A Little Background

GSSJC is fortunate to enjoy some of the most diverse and interesting properties in any council in Texas, and perhaps the country. A few years ago, our council launched the Ten-Year Property Strategy (TYPS) Task Force to evaluate our camp resources and develop strategies that build on our strengths and leverage opportunities to achieve excellence. As part of this work, we developed a long-term property plan for facilities, camps and programs to ensure that every girl can experience the great outdoors. The resulting plan formed a hierarchy of experiences to meet girls and volunteers where they are with their comfort level and expertise in the outdoors – and then challenges them to progress to a deeper experience upon their next visit to a GSSJC camp.

The task force reviewed our camp properties and programs, as well as service centers, and we engaged volunteers, girls and parents to gain insights into our programs and facilities and hopes for the future.

The “Treelake Complex” in Conroe was originally comprised of three separate camps: Camps Agnes Arnold, Misty Meadows and Silver Springs. The recommendation resulting from the TYPS work was to integrate Camps Agnes Arnold and Silver Springs to establish an integrated camp – to remain named Camp Agnes Arnold - with comprehensive outdoor experiences that range from traditional to high adventure. The 597acre camp which features a nature center, lake and challenge courses will serve as a launch point for troops and resident campers to gain basic skills and then propel girls to explore further camp experiences within GSSJC.

The third adjacent camp, Camp Misty Meadows was renamed Misty Meadows Ranch and is a premiere destination for equitation and in the future, agriculture.

Camp this Summer

Our camps were meant to be swarming with groups of girls having fun, making memories and growing into confident young women. While we have offered limited in-person camp activities over the past year, we look forward to making this a reality for more girls this summer.

Here is our current plan for summer camp activities. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our campers, volunteers and staff and appreciate grace and flexibility as we finalize details to serve you in the great outdoors. More information will be shared in upcoming Council communications.

• In-person Summer Resident Camp with reduced capacity and COVID safety measures at Camp Agnes Arnold, Misty Meadows Ranch and Casa Mare • In-person Day Camp with reduced capacity and COVID safety measures at the Program Place for Girls and in Cypress and Katy. Volunteer-led day camps may be added as they are approved.

• Virtual Day Camp

Camperships

San Jacinto Council remains committed to providing fun, mission-driven outdoor experiences for all girls in our community.

Summer resident and weekend camping opportunities provide a supportive environment where girls experience the outdoors and learn about important ecological and environmental issues with hands-on activities, like learning to canoe, riding horses, and growing their leadership and people skills. Camperships, scholarships for girls to attend summer resident camp, are available.

If you would like to generously sponsor a girl to attend day or resident camp, email Nancy Hall at nhall@sjgs.org.

Support Camp By Putting Your Name On It

As we approach the 100th anniversary of San Jacinto Council founded in 1922, consider leaving your mark at camp. Limited naming opportunities are now available for the Welcome Center and the Adventure Center, starting at just $100 and up. Your support helps provide the outdoor experience for thousands of Girl Scouts today and for generations to come.

Camp Namings are a great way to: • Celebrate birthdays • Honor your troop leader (Leader Appreciation Month is in April) • Celebrate Mother’s Day • Commemorate your troop’s years as Girl Scouts • Honor your Gold Award Girl Scout • Honor your graduating Girl Scout • Commemorate earning the Bronze or Silver Award • Use your graduating troop’s remaining funds • Celebrate your troop’s bridging • Say “I love camp!”

• Be a part of something special

Namings are also a great way for businesses, organizations and groups to support girls and demonstrate their commitment to the next generation of female leaders. (Please contact us if you know someone who may be interested in learning more about corporate sponsorship opportunities.)

Here’s an example of namings that are still available: • $100+ Engraved pavers/plaques on the Welcome

Center Commemorative Path • $1,000 Challenge Course Detail • $5,000 Challenge Course “element” (30 available) • $10,000 Program Kit Locker Room at Welcome Center • $25,000 Welcome Center Walking Path OR Breezeway

OR Community Meeting Room • $50,000 Zip lines at the Adventure Center • $50,000 Camp Shop

Pledges can be billed and are payable over multiple years. Other opportunities are available at all levels. To inquire about naming options email Diane Likeness at dlikeness@sjgs.org.

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Features

GSSJC Launches Archery Aide Program

In December 2020, seven girls met at Camp Agnes Arnold to earn their USA Archery Level 1 Instructor certification. This inaugural group of girls will be our firstever Archery Aides, a group that will assist certified adult volunteers and camp staff with younger girl programs and set an example of leadership in target sports.

These girls are well prepared to teach beginner archery programs to people of all ages and abilities in a variety of both indoor and outdoor settings and learned about range safety, range setup, the steps of shooting, equipment and repair, programs and lesson plans. We look forward to their leadership on and off the field.

Give the Gift of the Great Outdoors

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the person who has everything? Consider giving the gift of outdoor experiences for our Girl Scouts. The following items are from the wish lists of our camp staff, who know better than anyone how to help our girls learn and explore new skills in the great outdoors. You too can make an impact and ensure our girls will have quality experiences at camp for years to come.

Camp and Outdoor Experiences Wish List: • 5 first aid kits for $80 each or $400 total • 20 portable badge kits for $25 each or $500 total • 20 life jackets for $40 each or $800 total • 4 daisy rifles for $240 each or $960 total • 10 bows for older girls for $120 each or $1,200 • 14 bows for younger girls for $110 each or $1,540 • 4 paddle boards for $1,300 each or $5,200 total

Save the Date for the 2021 Annual Council Meeting Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council invites members to join us Saturday, April 17 at 12:30 p.m. for our Annual Council Meeting. This year’s Annual Meeting will be held virtually and will have exciting council updates and council information. Any registered member in good standing with the council may attend as a visitor. Delegates are required to attend. Each Community may have up to four delegates, and each Region may have up to two delegates.

These representatives are required to attend a webinar training prior to the meeting, and details will be available later this spring. If you have any questions about the 2021 Annual Council Meeting, please contact Karyn Smith at ksmith@sjgs.org or 713-292-0305.

Adult Recognition Event to be rescheduled Adult Recognition Event will be rescheduled due to COVID-19. A new date will be announced soon. Our volunteer committee is hard at work preparing an unforgettable way to make sure our volunteers know how much they are appreciated.

New event details will be announced on gssjc.org and social media later this spring.

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Girl Scouts helps prepare girls for a lifetime of leadership, success and adventure. With your help, there is no limit to what our girls can achieve. To make a gift that will be enjoyed by girls for many years, contact Nancy Hall at nhall@sjgs.org or 713-292-0282. Thank you for helping our Girl Scouts explore new challenges, discover new things and master new skills.

Join the Women’s Leadership Network

The Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) is an affinity group for Girl Scout supporters whose commitment reflects their belief that when we invest in girls, they can change the world. These strong, connected women and men are passionate about supporting our future female leaders through the best female leadership program available – today’s Girl Scouts. Through their financial support, WLN members help girls in southeast Texas gain critical leadership and life skills so they can succeed at home, at school and in their communities - and as future female leaders in the workforce.

WLN members make personal annual gifts of at least $1,000. In appreciation for their support, WLN members receive invitations to girl mentoring events, networking opportunities and other special events.

Benefits • Invitation to exclusive events • Two tickets to Just Desserts (to be held in January 2022) • Access to virtual Success to Significance event • WLN member recognition at Girl Scout events • Exclusive volunteer opportunities • Recognition in publications including the Annual Report, The Golden Link member magazine and Connections (donor newsletter) Upcoming Events: Girl Scout Birthday, Celebrate the Great March 11 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Join us as we hear from an incredible panel of Gold Award Girl Scouts and Alumni as we celebrate the kick-off our 99th year.

State of Girl Scouting Update March 24 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Join GSSJC CEO Mary Vitek and Board Chair Marguerite Woung-Chapman as they discuss the current state of Girl Scouting and plans for the future.

For more information, contact Diane Likeness at dlikeness@sjgs.org.

Features

ScienceScout Challenge Sign up to participate: March 1 – 26

Get ready for the ULTIMATE science fair. We know San Jacinto has some of the most impressive girl members and it’s time to let everyone know. We will be launching our very own Girl Scout science fair – the ScienceScout Challenge.

Girls will get the chance to show their super science skills through a traditional science fair format, but with a Girl Scout twist – every project should show how it makes the world a better place. Follow the footsteps of inspiring women in STEM to be your own scientist, engineer, or other STEM professional. We are SO EXCITED to see what amazing experiments you come up with - your ScienceScout Challenge project can cover any STEM area!

Schedule of Competition: March-April: Design, plan, research, and more! This time is all about being a scientist, engineer, etc. and working through the scientific design process. This is the time frame where participants will do their research and experiments.

April: Projects will undergo judging at the Girl Scout Region level to narrow the pool for advancement. Then, by the end of April, we will be looking to our last round of judging at the council level. Visit bit.ly/sciencescoutchallenge for full details on the judging process and schedule. Initial judging can be done virtually.

May: Council-level judging. We are still confirming details at the time of printing, but we hope to get some well-known people in the STEM field to judge our final round! This may be done in-person, so girls should keep in mind the ability to transport their presentation.

Judging Criteria: Judging will utilize a classic rubric system that examines areas such as: STEM processes, innovation, purpose, hypothesis, materials, procedure, results, knowledge, and our special Girl Scout twist – making the world a better place. Visit bit.ly/sciencescoutchallenge for full judging information and the rubric.

Prizes:

Your ScienceScout Challenge project can be in any STEM area – but we knew we had to celebrate what we know will be out-of-thisworld-amazing projects with equally astronomically-awesome awards, so our winners will receive prizes centered around NASA. But keep in mind, they have professionals in nearly every area of STEM you can imagine – so if you win a prize, you are bound to meet some amazing experts that you can relate to.

First Place: A week at Space Center Houston space camp! Ever dreamed of being an astronaut? Have you wondered what it takes to travel and live on Mars? Do you want to engineer your own robotic rover and launch a rocket? Engage in innovative robotics challenges, rocket launches, habitat design, heat shield testing and other interactive STEM experiences behind-the-scenes at Johnson Space Center!

Our grand prize winner will also get the chance to write an article about her experience to share her love of science with others. You will also receive a swag bag of NASA gear and a private school/career advice session with a NASA professional in an area of STEM you are interested in.

Second Place: VIP tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center - explore where astronauts train, learn how NASA Mission Control Center communicates with the International Space Station, and discover the past, present and future of space exploration. The tour includes lunch and second-day tickets to Space Center Houston. You will also receive a swag bag of NASA gear and a private school/career advice session with a NASA professional in an area of STEM you are interested in.

Third Place: A swag bag of NASA gear and a private school/career advice session with a NASA professional in an area of STEM you are interested in.

Girl Scout Cookie Program Continues until March 28!

Have you tried a Lemonade Stand? Girls may host these booths in their front yards or in their neighborhoods.

All participants must follow GSSJC’s COVID-19 Protocols. Additionally, these guidelines apply: • May not take place on public property or right of way.

• Cookie seller is responsible for following any applicable HOA rules.

• Should take place on private or residential property unless given permission by the local authority for a location within the neighborhood (such as a patio at an apartment complex).

• A maximum of two adults and one to four girls and no more than two households may participate (including the host household).

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Activities

Girl and Troop Activities Attention Daisy Leaders! Look for the Daisy in this section for activities that Daisies can attend.

Register for events under the My Events tab in myAccount. Go to www.gssjc.org and select MyGS, log in at the top right corner, next click My Events in the left-hand menu. 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.

Look for this symbol in indicate a virtual program offering.

Activity Search Tip! In the new system, you now have to use a ZIP code to find your activity. You can only search out 50 miles, which is far short of our council boundaries, So if you don't see something in your area, try searching on 77098 which is GSSJC's ZIP code and in central Houston.

Day-only outdoor activities at camp

Council-facilitated camp activities are opening with limited availability for groups who have reservations at camp. Visit our GSSJC COVID-19 Updates page to see steps for reserving camp properties, then add to your girls’ adventure by registering for these activities on the events page! All council-facilitated programs will follow strict guidance from council, local and state officials as well as American Camp Association, the Centers for Disease Control and when available, recommendations from each program’s certifying organization. All program participants and adult volunteers must adhere to GSSJC Safety Precautions for In-Person Gatherings.

Camp Agnes Arnold

March 20 March 27 April 10 April 17

April 24

A, C, H

A, C, H, S

Misty Meadows Ranch Camp Robinwood

A, R, L, H

R, L, H

May 15 May 22 A, H, C, S

R, L

A, H, R, L R, L, S

A, C, H

Casa Mare

A, C, H, S A, S

Camp Pryor

A, H, C, S

Archery (A) Price: $8/girl

Archery is available for Brownies and older. Up to 8 girls per 45-minute session can learn archery basics and practice their aim. These archery sessions are instructor-led (meaning an instructor will be provided for your group.)

Session Times: Sat. at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

If you have your own USAA Instructor, submit a Program Registration form (F-449) and appropriate certifications two or more weeks prior to your camp date to registration@sjgs.org, and a separate time will be reserved for your troop to do archery if available.

Horseback Riding (R) Price: $25/girl

Horseback riding is available on Saturdays 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 15 minutes before their scheduled ride time. Appropriate attire includes long pants and boots with a smooth sole and 1/2 inch heels. Boots in most sizes are available for ride time. Helmets are provided. Limit of 8 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.

Taste of Canoeing (C) Price: $20/girl

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. Council-provided canoe instructors will teach girls waterfront safety and basic canoe strokes.

Limit of 8 girls per session.

Session Times: Saturday at 9:30, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

If you have your own adult FOC or American Canoe Association instructor, submit a Program Registration form (F-449) and appropriate certifications two or more weeks prior to your camp date to registration@ sjgs.org, and a separate time will be reserved for your troop to canoe if available.

Hikes with Henry and Friends (H) Price: $5/girl

If you want a fun way to introduce your girls to camp during the day, consider taking a guided hike. Foresters Henry Steitz, 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 1 hours each and are for all ages. Cost includes a patch, and adults must register for the session. Limit to 8 girls per session and 2 adults. Session Times: 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Love, Hug and Groom (L) Price: $6/girl

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. Girls must arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled time. Sessions are for 30 minutes and are available on Saturdays. Limit of 8 girls per session. Session Times: 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.

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Swimming (S) Price: $5/girl

Need to cool off? Take a dip in the camp pool! Swimming time slots are available for one hour on Saturday only, for girls of all ages. Note, these sessions are pool fun time and free swim. These swimming sessions are lifeguard-provided (meaning a lifeguard will be provided for your group.)

It is not necessary to provide your own lifeguard for these sessions. Session Times: 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

If you have your own lifeguard, submit a Program Registration form (F-449) and appropriate certifications two or more weeks prior to your camp date to registration@sjgs.org, and a separate time will be reserved for your troop to swim if available.

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

Activities

General Activities College 101

Let’s go to college! Join us virtually with the University of St. Thomas - Houston to discuss how to navigate preparing for college. In this virtual workshop, Girl Scouts will be able to explore college options, learn about ways to pay for college and apply for scholarships, determine what a good fit college would be and more. Girls will be able to ask university staff about the admissions process and gain a better understanding on how to accomplish this next chapter in their life. There will also be an optional additional 30-minute presentation of the University of St. Thomas Houston which will begin at the end of the workshop.

Who: ⓢⓐ When: April 17, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: $5/girl Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209

Cadette Animal Helpers

Animals have always provided humans with food, clothing, and transportation, but today they’re also trained to help people with disabilities, find people who are lost and even discover tumors. In this workshop, look how animal help humans!

Who: ⓒ When: March 20, April 24, May 8, May 22 10 a.m.– noon

or April 5 – 7p.m.

Where: Online Cost: $13 Contact: Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jkshank@sjgs.org

Brownie Pets Badge

Find out what care different pets need, how to keep them comfy, how to keep them healthy and safe and make them feel loved!

Who: ⓑ When: March 15, April 3, Apr 18, May 2, May 16;

10 a.m. – noon Where: Online Cost: $13 Contact: Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jkshank@sjgs.org

Older Girl Round Table Discussion

Join an open discussion hosted by a panel of GSSJC National Delegates and Gold Award Girl Scouts to chat about how we can enhance your Girl Scout experience outside of troop activities.

What new events and activities do you wish GSSJC would offer?

How do you feel the current GSSJC programming could be improved? In this virtual round table event, your unique insights will be heard as we collaborate to develop future council-wide programs. Remember to bring your ideas and your excitement.

We are looking forward to having you join us!

When: ⓢⓐMarch 13, 1 – 2 p.m. ⓒ March 13, 3 – 4 p.m.

Where: Virtual Cost: Free Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

A Day in The Life of a Shelter Animal for Older Girls

Get a sneak peek into the day in the life of an animal shelter and clinic and the jobs people do to help animals. Find out how animals come to shelters, how they are treated and cared for, and how they find their furr-ever homes. Plus, learn how to make DIY dog rope toys recycled from old T-shirts. You will need one to three old T-shirts and a good pair of scissors for this DIY activity.

Who: ⓒⓢⓐ When: April 17, 11 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. or

May 2, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Where: Virtual, hosted by the Houston Humane Society Cost: $5

A Day in The Life of a Shelter Animal for Younger Girls

Get a sneak peek into the day in the life of an animal shelter and clinic and the jobs people do to help animals. Find out how animals come to shelters, how they are treated and cared for, and how they find their furr-ever homes. This will be an interactive scavenger hunt, and you will meet tons of lovable animals along the way.

Who: ⓓⓑⓙ When: April 25, 2 – 3 p.m. or May 1, 11 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, hosted by the Houston Humane Society Cost: $5

Outdoor Adventure Club

Are you a Senior or Ambassador looking for new ways to get outside, meet new friends, and make new memories? If so, the Outdoor Adventure Club is for you! This program offers exciting opportunities to meet your need for adventure and exploration through activities led by professionals in their fields. Registration includes all equipment and gear needed for activities, adult supervision and a patch.

What: Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture (Blackwood

Educational Land Institute) Where: Hempstead When: TBA Who: ⓢⓐ Cost: $20 What: Where: When: Cost:

High Ropes Course (Texas Treeventures) The Woodlands April 10 Who: ⓢⓐ $55

What: Introduction to Surfing (Ohana Surf and Skate) Where: Galveston When: April 17 or May 22 Who: ⓢⓐ Cost: $70 What: Intro to Scuba Diving (Sugar Land Dive Center) Where: Sugarland When: Saturday, May 15 Who: ⓢⓐ Cost: $50 Contact: Monique Stitts, mstitts@sjgs.org, 713-292-0233 March/April 2021 l The Golden Link

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Activities

Troop Leaders: Utilize a New Meeting Resource!

Our staff has put together virtual troop meeting options to assist you in delivering great program to girls. These meetings are meant for new leaders who want some help kicking off their troop in our current virtual environment. Staff will lead the meeting, and you will attend alongside the girls in your troop. See below for dates, topics, and information for upcoming opportunities. All listing will be hosted virtually via Zoom and completed over the course of two sessions.

Cost is $5 per session Troop Meeting Resource: Junior Cookie CEO Earn Business Owner and do research to see if the business would succeed. Guess what? When you sell Girl Scout Cookies, you’re already running your own business – and you can earn this badge for it!

Contact: Karyn Smith, ksmith@sjgs.org, 713-292-0305 March 2 and 9, 4 – 5 p.m.

March 10 and 17, 6 – 7 p.m.

March 4 and 11, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Friendly and Helpful Sunny Petal The girls will learn how to be friendly and helpful by listening to Sunny’s story.

Brownie Money Manager Save a little, spend a little and give a little. Girls learn how to be a better, smarter shopper and distinguish between needs and wants. Girls will also learn how to budget and how to save.

This badge will teach girls the planning method in managing finances.

Contact: Regina Zaragoza, rzaragoza@sjgs.org, 713-292-0220 March 4 and 11, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

March 23 and 30, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

March 24 and 31, 5 – 6 p.m.

Contact: Sandra Johnson at sjohnson@sjgs.org, 713-292-0307 March 9 and 16, 4 – 4:45 p.m.

March 10 and 17, 4 – 4:45 p.m.

March 11 and 18, 4 – 4:45 p.m.

Ask the Experts: Entrepreneurism:

Did you know that you can make a career out of buying companies? Have you ever wondered how companies grow to be so big? Or why one company would buy another company?

Or what does it mean that private equity bought Dunkin Doughnuts? Join us to learn about careers in Corporate Development, Venture Capital, and Private Equity, some of the steps these successful women took to get there, and how you can start preparing for these careers today?

Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Where: Virtual When: April 24, 10 – 11 a.m.

Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org Cost: $5

Calling all Reserve Rangers!

We would love to hear from our weekend warriors, whether you’ve been around for years or are interested in getting trained to become a Reserve Ranger at one of our camp properties. Reserve Rangers are volunteers who welcome troops and groups into camp, provide support during the weekends for events and act as a point of contact while groups are enjoying the property. If you love camp and can’t wait to get back, reach out to Dejah Covick at dcovick@sjgs.org or 713-292-0312.

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Ask the Experts: Investments

Do you ever wonder what all the fuss is about Tesla or Gamestop? Are you wondering how to take $1.00 and turn it into $1,000? How do you known at what age to invest more or save more? Join us to learn about careers in private banking, wealth management and investing and some of the steps these successful women took to get there, and how you can start preparing for these careers today?

Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Where: Virtual When: April 10, 10 – 11 a.m.

Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org Cost: $5 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Activities

Financial Literacy Workshops

Are you interested in learning how money works? Do you enjoy learning about what money can be used for, what budgets are and how to make more money? You’re invited to dive into the world of Financial Literacy through completion of these workshops. Create your own budget and earn badges!

Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org Workshop Date and Time GS Level Price Location Brownie Philanthropist Badge Workshop March 5, 12, 19 ⓑ $10 Virtual Daisy Money Counts Badge Worksho March 5, 12, 19 ⓓ $5 Virtual Cadette Comparison Shopping Badge Workshop March 5, 12, 19 ⓒ $10 Virtual Junior Savvy Shopper Badge Workshop March 5, 12, 19 ⓙ $10 Virtual Senior Financing My Future Badge Workshop March 5, 12, 19 ⓢ $10 Virtual Ambassador Good Credit Badge Workshop- March 5, 12, 19 ⓐ $10 Virtual Junior Savvy Shopper Badge Workshop April 6, 6 – 7:30 p.m. ⓙ $13 Virtual Cadette Budgeting Badge Workshop April 17, 10 – 11:30 a.m. ⓒ $13 Virtual

Brownie Philanthropist Badge Workshop: Girl Scouts make the works a better place. One way to do that is to make sure everyone's basic needs are met. In this badge, girls will explore basic human needs and how they can be philanthropists.

Junior Savvy Shopper Badge Workshop: Food and water, clean clothes, a place to live are things everyone needs. A closet full of shoes, a new desk, tickets to a movie are things people want. Girls will investigate why they want what they want, learn to decide what to buy and find out what makes people happy with that they buy.

Cadette Comparison Shopping Badge Workshop: From cardigans to cars, you can buy just about everything online these days.

Although online shopping is convenient, there are certain things to know so you can make sure that you are paying a fair price and don’t fall victim to fraud.

Senior Financing My Future Badge Workshop: High School graduation may seem a long way off, but this is the perfect time to start thinking about what kind of further education you want. Why? Because whether you want to go to a university, community college, or vocational school, your education will cost money.

Junior Savvy Shopper Badge Workshop: Calling all Juniors.

Food and water, clean clothes, a place to live are things everyone needs. A closet full of shoes, a new desk, tickets to a movie are things people want. Juniors how can you figure out what you need and want? Participating girls will make a plan to buy something they need or want.

Cadette Budgeting Badge Workshop: Cadettes would you like to make your first big purchase? Would you like to plan a trip with your friends but have no idea where to start? Come and learn how to budget and save to make your wants a reality.

Virtual Cooking Workshops with Amore Kitchen

Join Amore Kitchen’s Chef Angela for these fun virtual workshops. Learn to cook these fabulous meals for your whole family as you learn from one of the top chefs in the business. Workshops will be virtual and will require parental help depending on age. Search Amore Kitchen at gssjc.org/activities.

Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org March 12: 4:30 p.m. – Girl Scout’s 109th Birthday Celebrate the day that Girl Scouts was born. (D-A) Menu: Homemade two-layer birthday cake and frosting Cost: $32 March 24: 4 p.m. – Cadette New Cuisines Badge Workshop Menu: Italian Stromboli and Dutch baby pancake (Cadettes) Cost: $32 April 6: 4:30 p.m. – “Frozen” Cooking Class We’ll make “Frozen”-themed recipes, dress up and play a trivia game. Don't forget to wear your tiaras. (D-A) Menu: Elsa's cake pops and Olaf's pinwheel cookies Cost: $34 April 20: 4 p.m. – Brownie Snacks Badge Workshop Make a savory, sweet snack for energy. (Brownies) Menu: Pico de gallo, fruit kabobs, oat bran blueberry muffins, Chia bites, peach smoothies Cost: $32

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

May 7: 4:30 p.m. – Mother-Daughter Tea Mother’s Day is around the corner, so spend some quality time cooking together. (D-A) Menu: Finger sandwiches, mini maple scones, hot tea Cost: $32 May 18: 4 p.m. – “Beauty and the Beast” Cooking Class Be Our Guest as we have fun making two dishes from the movie.

Don't forget to wear your tiara. (D-A) Menu: Grey stuff and cheese souffle Cost: $34 June 8: 4:30 p.m. –Senior Locavore Cooking Class Earn your Seniors Locavore badge with this fun cooking challenge using mystery ingredients!

Cost: $32 June 24: 4 p.m. – “Princess and the Frog” Cooking Class Don’t forget to wear your tiara. (D-A) Menu: Princess Tiana’s beignets (French donuts) and gumbo Cost: $34 March/April 2021 l The Golden Link

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Activities

Entrepreneurship Badge Workshops

Are you interested in Entrepreneurship? Are you thinking of creating your own business in the future? Do you have a creative and exciting business idea that you’d like to bring to life? You’re invited to dive into the world of Entrepreneurship through completion of these workshops. Create your own business plan and get started on your way to Entrepreneurship and earn a badge while you’re at it!

Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org Workshop Cadette Business Creator Brownie Budding Entrepreneur Daisy Toy Business Designer Junior Business Jumpstart Senior Business Startup Ambassador Entrepreneur Accelerator EntreprenHER: From Sketch to Runway

Date and Time April 9 or 23 April 9 or 23 April 9 or 23 April 9 or 23 April 9 or 23 April 9 or 23 May 22

EntreprenHER: From Sketch to Runway!: Are you interested in fashion? Have you dreamt of owning your own fashion business, but you aren’t sure where to start? This workshop will cover everything from prototypes to what goes into the creative process. Participating girls will get to design a fabulous fashion line to pitch on the runway.

Girls will earn the Cadette Business Creator Badge.

Cadette Business Creator badge Workshop: Entrepreneurs are innovative problem solvers. They know how to collaborate and get critical feedback to make their ideas even better. Girls will become business creators and learn the skills they need for success in life. Girls will earn the Cadette Business Creator Badge.

Brownie Budding Entrepreneur Badge Workshop: An entrepreneur is someone who finds ways to help people and solve problems. They are curious about how things work and see each setback as a chance to make things better. After completing all course requirements girls will earn the Brownie Budding Entrepreneur Badge.

Junior Business Jumpstart Badge Workshop: Every entrepreneur starts with an idea! Ideas can come from observing your surroundings and being curious how things work. After completing all course requirements, girls will earn the Junior Business Jumpstart Badge.

GS Level ⓒ ⓑ ⓓ ⓙ ⓢ ⓐ ⓒ

Price Location $13 Virtual $13 Virtual $10 Virtual $13 Virtual $13 Virtual $13 Virtual $18 Virtual

Daisy Toy Designer Badge Workshop: An entrepreneur is someone who comes up with new ways to solve problems and creates a business.

They might improve something that already exists or make something new. Girls will learn all about what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

After completing all course requirements, girls will earn the Daisy Toy Designer Badge.

Ambassador Entrepreneur Accelerator Badge Workshop: What makes an entrepreneur successful? Vision, passion, flexibility and a willingness to rake risks. Perhaps every entrepreneur sees every setback as an opportunity for improvement. In this badge, girls will think and act like an entrepreneur as they bring their business vision to life, learn to work as part of a team and motivate people to take a chance on you.

After completing all the badge steps, girls will earn the Entrepreneur Accelerator Badge Senior Business Startup: Do you have an idea for a product, service, or technology that you can turn into a business? Even if you don’t, you can learn the skills to find and develop an idea. Entrepreneurs start with a process that explores the possibilities of their idea. They often fail before they succeed and use failure as an important tool to learn and improve.

Region Facilitated Events

Regions are the foundation for locally delivered Girl Scout programs that support and serve Cadette, Senior and Ambassador girls, both those currently engaged as well as new girls looking for an opportunity to connect into the amazing experiences Girl Scouts has to offer.

Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org Volunteer in Training: For girls who would like to mentor a Daisy, Brownie, Jr or Cd group outside of the camp experience.

When: March 6, 1 – 4 p.m. Cost: $7 Where: Virtual Who: 10th grade and up ⓢⓐ Senior Sow What Journey: Journey through big food issues like how/where food is grown, processed, distributed & consumed.

When: This workshop takes place over 3 sessions: March 7, 4 – 5 p.m.; March 9, 6 – 8 p.m.; and March 11, 6 – 8 p.m.

Cost: $5 Who: ⓢ Where: Virtual Senior GIRLtopia Journey Workshop: Envision the world in which you would like to live. Participants will then create and set a plan in motion to achieve it.

When: June 19, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Cost: $20/girl, $3/adult Who: ⓢ Where: Virtual 16

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Cadette Babysitter Badge Workshop: Have you ever been asked to babysit a neighbor's child and had no clue what to expect? Learn the in and out of taking care of younger children, how to play with them and keep them safe.

When: April 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cost: $20/girl, $3/adult Who: ⓒ Where: Virtual Cadette aMAZE Journey Workshop: Explore the twists and turns of getting along, healthy relationships, cliques and stereotypes.

You will have a fun filled day of examining what it takes to be a good friend.

When: June 12, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Cost: $20/girl, $3/adult Where: Virtual Who: ⓒ

Ambassador Your Voice, Your World: Power of Advocacy Journey: Learn how to advocate for issues that are important to you. Explore ways to define your issue, formulate solutions and take steps to create change in the Your Voice, Your World: The Power of Advocacy Leadership Journey.

When: June 26, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Cost: $20/girl, $3/adult Who: ⓐ Where: Virtual Cadette Media Journey: Girls will learn how to develop a positive sense of self, practical life skills and build healthy relationships with a focus on how media influences their everyday lives.

When: March 6, 2 – 5 p.m., and April 17,

2 – 5 p.m.

Where: Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Houston Cost: $25 Who: ⓒ

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

Activities

Career and Interview Development Workshop

You might not yet be ready for a career, but you may want to start your own business, get a part time job, apply for a leadership position, college interviews or summer job in the near future, Its important that you promote yourself in the best possible light. One way to do that is to be prepared.

Who: ⓢⓐ Where: Virtual When: May 1, 1 – 2:30 p.m..

Cost: $15

Career Jumpstart Workshop for Adults

The job market is a tough one and is sometimes overwhelming, so let us help! GSSJC is thrilled to bring you a workshop focusing on helping you perfect your 60 second elevator pitch, develop interview skills and resume revision tips to land you your dream job.

Who: Adults Where: Virtual When: April 10, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: $5

Cadette Babysitting Badge Workshop Cadettes, do you enjoy spending time with and taking care of younger kids? Are you an older sibling? Do you want to start earning a little cash of your own in the near future? Join us for this workshop to learn how to be babysitter!

Who: ⓒ Where: Virtual When: March 29, 5 – 7 p.m.;

May 15 and 29, 10 a.m. – noon Cost: $13

Environmental Trash Bash 2021 Goes Virtual

To help protect our wonderful volunteers and their families, Trash Bash 2021 is being re-imagined as a virtual event. The event will include educational videos, small personal cleanups and more.

Who: When:

Cost: Contact:

All levels March 25, 9 a.m. through March 28, 8 p.m. at your own pace. For the full agenda, visit gssjc.org/ activities to see detail description.

Free Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jshank@sjgs.org

Virtually Wild Programs

Let’s get wild and virtually learn about all the outdoors with different naturalist across the Houston Area. Team up with Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Jesse Jones Nature Center, Galveston Island, Trinity Bay Discovery Center or Lone Star College – Kingwood. Visit gssjc.org/activities to see detail description.

Cost: $5 Contact: Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jshank@sjgs.org Workshop Date Time Level Animal Habitats March 2 4 – 5 p.m.

J Take a Hike March 4 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. D, B, J Be Eco-Friendly Out There March 9 4 – 5 p.m.

C, S, A Be Eco-Friendly Out There March 11 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. D, B, J Coral Reef Tour March 23 4 – 5 p.m.

D, B, J Flower Power March 25 4:45 – 5:30 p.m.

B, J Coral Reef Tour March 30 4 – 5 p.m.

C, S, A Tree Huggers April 1 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. C, S, A City Nature Challenge April 6 4 – 5 p.m.

B, J City Nature Challenge April 8 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. C, S, A Galveston Bay's Estuary April 13 4 – 5 p.m.

D, B, J Grow your own Garden April 15 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. D, B, J Oysters in Galveston Bay April 20 4 – 5 p.m.

C, S, A Grow your own Garden April 22 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. C, S, A Drones/Forest Management April 27 4 – 5 p.m.

B, J Careers in Conservation April 29 4:45 – 5:30 p.m.

B, J Drones/Forest Management May 4 4 – 5 p.m.

C, S, A Career Exploration/Internships May 6 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. C, S, A

Nature Center Workshops

Spend some time learning about nature. Our Nature Specialist have create a fun interactive virtual programs on great nature topics! A GSSJC Nature Center fun patch will be sent out as well.

There’s one for each program, so you can collect them all!

Who: Where:

Cost:

ⓑ ⓙ and their chaperones Virtually, Hosted by GSSJC Nature Specialist $10/girl, free to adults

Birds R Us: Learn about birds in your area and what you can do to increase the bird population in your backyard.

When: April 10, 3 – 4 p.m.

Going Buggy: Bugs help us in lots of cool ways. Explore the world of bugs and learn more about these little creatures that do so much!

When: March 14, 3 – 4 p.m.

Nature Rocks!: Learn about the rock cycle how rocks are made in fun, delicious way!

When: TBD Trees are Tremendous: Find out how awesome trees are! What native trees are hanging out in your back yard, what trees are used for, and what you can do to protect them.

When: March 13, 3 – 4 p.m.

Going Buggy: Learn all about bugs and insects, create and eat a fun snack, and do a buggy craft!

When: March 13, 3 – 4 p.m.

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

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Activities

Houston Arboretum

Where: Online, with Arboretum Cost: $20 Contact: Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jshank@sjgs.org Brownie Hiker: Hiking is loads of fun. Learn how to pack for a hike, how to read trial signs and prepare an energy snack to eat.

When: April 10 or April 24; 1 – 2p.m.

Brownie Outdoor Adventure: Learn some outdoor skills.

Explore nighttime constellations, tie new kinds of knots and make a butterfly puddler.

When: March 27 or April 17; 11 a.m. – noon Brownie Outdoor Art Creator: Art is all around us - even in nature. Have fun dancing, making a leaf rubbing craft and designing your own Brownie Elf House.

When: March 6, 11a.m. – noon or April 17; 1 – 2 p.m.

Junior Outdoor Art Explorer: Art and the outdoors go hand in hand. Let nature be your inspiration as you learn fun nature songs, design a terrarium, and learn some easy photography techniques.

When: March 6, 1 – 2 p.m.; April 10, 3 – 4 p.m.

Brownie Bugs: Explore the world of bugs and discover why they are important! Learn to determine if it is a bug or not!

When: April 24 or May 1; 11 a.m. – noon Brownie Outdoor Art: Learn some outdoor skills! Explore nighttime constellations, tie new kinds of knots, and make a butterfly puddler.

When: March 17; 11 a.m. – noon Junior Flowers Badge Workshop: Flowers aren’t just beautiful they are an important part of ecosystems. Discover how flowers advertise for animal helpers and provide rewards for the work of pollinators.

When: March 27 or May 1; 1 – 2 p.m.

Fine Arts Junior Musician Badge Workshop Rock Out with ROCO

ROCO is here to guide you through the Musician badge.

Explore how music is made, learn about composers, interview professional musicians and composer Reena Esmail and listen to different instruments.

Who: ⓙ Where: Virtual via Zoom When: April 26, 5 p.m.

Cost: $9/girl Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 Note: Registration includes the workshop. Badges and materials for the workshop must be purchased individually. Necessary materials at registration.

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Snap Happy Juniors

The Houston Center of Photography is offering online photography workshops to fulfill the Digital Photographer badge. For these workshops, an HCP instructor will guide the students through the various steps needed to achieve the badge, and the instructor will provide assignments for the Girl Scouts to practice photography skills in between sessions. Each session will consist of one hour per week for three weeks (3 hours total per session) When:

.

Where: Cost:

Contact:

Session I: March 13, 17, 20; 11 a.m. – noon Session II: April 10, 17, 24; 11 a.m. – noon Session III: May 8, 15, 22; 11 a.m. – noon Session IV: June 12, 19, 26; 11 a.m. – noon Online, Zoom $40 each session (each session consists of three Sunday classes) Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org

GSSJC Gay Straight Alliance Interest Group

GSSJC's Gay Straight Alliance serves to empower and educate Girl Scouts surrounding LGBTQ+ issues. We will lead inclusive, engaging and educational programming to create a space for Queer and allied leaders within Girl Scouts. This could include a History of Pride patch, troop leader training and teaching scouts how to confront homophobia.

If this group interests you, we would love to have you.

Creator and Gold Award Girl Scout Liv Rubenstein has a wonderful vision for this new interest group. If you are interested, contact Olivia Rubenstein at orubenstein22@sjs.org or GSLE Manager Heather Vandivort at hvandivort@sjgs.org. We hope to see you at our next meeting.

Pride Flag Arts and Crafts

Join our Gold Award Girl Scout Olivia Rubenstein as she leads us through an arts and crafts workshop filled with both fun and learning. Girls will make their own mini pride flag as they learn the meanings of all the colors and some history behind the Gay Rights movement. This will be hosted by Girl Scouts from GSSJC’s Gay Straight Alliance. Don’t miss out on the fun.

Who: ⓒⓢⓐ When: March 6, 1:30 p.m.

Where: Online via Zoom Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org

Health and Safety Weekend

Health and Safety Weekend is our annual opportunity for members to learn more about the topic through workshops and trainings. Things may look a little different this coming year. Girls will have a day-long track and we are still building what adult options will look like.

Watch for more information in the May/June Golden Link!

Where: When:

Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe August 13-15

ⓓ-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: D–A Contact: Heather Vandivort, Hvandivort@sjgs.org Workshop (All Virtual) Date Junior Drawing March 2 Brownie Outdoor Art March 3 Brownie Painting March 6 Junior Outdoor Art March 6 Brownie Dancer (TikTok) March 6 Junior Scribe March 8 Daisy Outdoor Art March 11 Brownie My Family Story March 13 Senior Collage March 13 Snap Happy Juniors March 13 Cadette Comic Artist March 13 Cadette Public Speaker March 13 Junior Drawing March 16 Brownie Outdoor Art March 17 Cadette Screenwriter March 20 Junior Outdoor Art March 20 Cadette Comic Artist March 20 Senior Troupe Performer March 20 Senior Room Makeover March 22 Daisy Outdoor Art March 25 Junior Scribe March 27 Cadette Comic Artist March 27 Brownie Painting March 27 Junior Drawing March 30 Junior Photographer Self–Paced April 1 Ambassador Photographer Self–Paced April 1 Easter Arts and Crafts April 3 Easter Cooking April 3 Junior Outdoor Art April 4 Brownie My Family story April 4 Junior Drawing April 6 Daisy Outdoor Art April 8 Cadette Public Speaker April 10 Senior Troupe Performer April 10 Cadette Comic Artist April 10 Junior Scribe April 11 Senior Room Makeover April 12 Brownie Outdoor Art April 14 Cadette Public Speaker April 17 Brownie Painting April 17 Brownie Dancer (TikTok) April 17 Junior Outdoor Art April 17 Brownie My Family Story April 19 Junior Drawing April 20 Daisy Outdoor Art April 22 Cadette Screenwriter April 24 Theatre Monologue Workshop April 24 Cadette Comic Art April 24 Junior Scribe April 25 Rock out/ROCO Musician Workshop April 26 Senior Room Makeover April 26 Brownie Outdoor Art April 28

Time Level 5 – 7 p.m.

J 4 – 6 p.m.

B 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

B 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

J 2 – 4 p.m.

B 5 – 7 p.m.

J 4 – 6 p.m.

D 10 a.m. – noon B 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

S 11 a.m.

J 1 – 3 p.m.

C 2 – 4 p.m.

C 5 – 7 p.m.

J 4 – 6 p.m.

B 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

C 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

J 1 – 3 p.m.

C 2 – 4 p.m.

S 5 – 7 p.m.

S 4 – 6 p.m.

D 10 a.m. – noon J 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

C 2 – 4 p.m.

B 5 – 7 p.m.

J Anytime J Anytime A 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. B–J 2 – 4 p.m.

B–J 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

J 10 a.m. – noon B 4 – 6 p.m.

J 4 – 6 p.m.

D 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

C 2 – 4 p.m.

S 1 – 3 p.m.

C 10 a.m. – noon J 5 –7 p.m.

S 4 – 6 p.m.

B 10 a.m. – noon C 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

B 2 – 4 p.m.

B 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

J 5 – 7 p.m.

B 5 – 7 p.m.

J 4 – 6 p.m.

D 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

C 2 – 4 p.m.

C-A 1 – 3 p.m.

C 10 a.m. – noon J 5 – 7 p.m.

J 5 – 7 p.m.

S 4 – 6 p.m.

B

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

Hosted by Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Brennan Blankenship Young Rembrandts Brennan Blankenship Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Brennan Blankenship HCP Young Rembrandts Brennan Blankenship Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Brennan Blankenship Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Brennan Blankenship Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Brennan Blankenship Brennan Blankenship Young Rembrandts VINE VINE Brennan Blankenship Brennan Blankenship Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Brennan Blankenship Brennan Blankenship Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Brennan Blankenship Brennan Blankenship Young Rembrandts Julia Noble Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts Brennan Blankenship Brennan Blankenship Young Rembrandts Julia Noble ROCO Julia Noble Young Rembrandts

Price/girl $21 $21 $13 $21 $13 $13 $21 $13 $13 $40 $21 $13 $21 $21 $13 $21 $21 $13 $13 $21 $13 $13 $13 $21 $18 $18 $13 $13 $21 $15 $21 $21 $13 $13 $21 $15 $15 $21 $15 $13 $13 $21 $15 $21 $21 $13 $13 $21 $15 $9 $15 $21

Location Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual

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Activities Brownie Dancer (Broadway) May 1 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

B Brennan Blankenship $13 Virtual Brownie Painting May 1 2 – 4 p.m.

B Brennan Blankenship $13 Virtual Junior Photographer Self–Paced May 1 Anytime J VINE $18 Virtual Ambassador Photographer Self–Paced May 1 Anytime A VINE $18 Virtual Brownie My Family Story May 3 5 – 7 p.m.

B Julia Noble $15 Virtual Daisy Outdoor Art May 6 4 – 6 p.m.

D Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Brownie and Junior Crafts May 8 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

B Brennan Blankenship $13 Virtual Daisy Arts and Crafts May 8 2 – 4 p.m.

D Brennan Blankenship $13 Virtual Junior Outdoor Art May 8 11 – 1 p.m.

J Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Junior Scribe May 9 10 a.m. – noon J Julia Noble $15 Virtual Cadette Public Speaker May 10 5 – 7 p.m.

C Julia Noble $15 Virtual Junior Drawing May 11 4 – 6 p.m.

J Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Brownie Outdoor Art May 12 4 – 6 p.m.

B Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Cadette Comic Artist May 13 1 – 3 p.m.

C Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Senior Troupe Performer May 15 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

S Brennan Blankenship $13 Virtual Cadette Comic Artist May 15 2 – 4 p.m.

C Brennan Blankenship $13 Virtual Brownie My Family Story May 17 5 – 7 p.m.

B Julia Noble $15 Virtual Daisy Outdoor Art May 20 4 – 6 p.m.

D Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Cadette Public Speaker May 22 11 a.m. – 1p.m.

C Brennan Blankenship $13 Virtual Cadette Screenwriter May 22 2 – 4 p.m.

C Brennan Blankenship $13 Virtual Junior Scribe May 23 10 a.m. – noon J Julia Noble $15 Virtual Senior Room Makeover May 24 5 – 7 p.m.

S Julia Noble $15 Virtual Junior Drawing May 25 5 – 7 p.m.

J Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Brownie Outdoor Art May 26 4 – 6 p.m.

B Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Brownie Painting May 29 11 a.m. –1 p.m.

B Brennan Blankenship $13 Virtual Brownie Dancer (TikTok) May 29 2 – 4 p.m.

B Brennan Blankenship $13 Virtual Cadette Comic Artist May 29 1 – 3 p.m.

C Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Cadette Public Speaker May 31 5 – 7 p.m.

C Julia Noble $15 Virtual Daisy Outdoor Art June 3 4 – 6 p.m.

D Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Junior Outdoor Art June 5 11 – 1 p.m.

J Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Cadette Comic Artist June 5 1 – 3 p.m.

C Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Junior Drawing June 8 5 – 7 p.m.

C Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Brownie Outdoor Art June 9 4 – 6 p.m.

B Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Cadette Comic Artist June 10 1 – 3 p.m.

C Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Daisy Outdoor Art June 17 4 – 6 p.m.

D Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Cadette Comic Artist June 19 1 – 3 p.m.

C Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Junior Drawing June 22 5 – 7 p.m.

J Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Brownie Outdoor Art June 23 4 – 6 p.m.

B Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual Junior Outdoor Art June 26 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

J Young Rembrandts $21 Virtual

Outdoor Art Badges– (Daisies– Juniors) Explore the outdoors and use what you see and hear to make different kinds of art projects.

Brownie “My Family Story” Badge– Families are rich in traditions and each have a story of their own. In this workshop we will share and discuss family stories and traditions, girls will create a family story tree and family crest.

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

Junior Drawing Badge– 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 Screenwriter Badge – Are you ready for the big screen? Let’s explore what makes great scripts and how you can create your very own. You have what it takes to be a great screenwriter, so let’s get started!

Senior Collage Artist Badge– Create a collage using textile art and make a project of your very own!

Senior Room Makeover– Bring out your inner interior designer in this fun makeover workshop.

Holiday Arts and Crafts– Learn how to make fun fall and winter crafts around the holidays!

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Activities

Health Dr. Girl Scout

Calling all Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies to play 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 their Gloria petal while Brownies earn their My Best Self badge.

Who: ⓓⓑ When: March 6, April 10, May 8, June 5;

10 – 11 a.m.

Cost: $13 Contact: Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jshank@sjgs.org

Okay to Say Mental Health Patch-InA-Box Five-Day Virtual Camp

The Okay to Say Mental Health Patch-in-a-Box Camp is a health-themed camp designed to help girls develop greater social and emotional confidence. Through hands-on learning and experimentation, such as learning about brain anatomy, completing exciting hands-on STEM activities and exploring ways to manage stress through the use of mindfulness, girls will increase their social awareness and interpersonal skills in a fun and intuitive way. Girls will have intelligent fun, make new virtual friends, and make the most out of their spring break. All specific camp materials will be provided with the exception of liquids and basic school supplies.

Who: When:

Where: Contact:

ⓑⓙ

March 15 – 19; Brownies: 10 – 11:30 am; Juniors: 12:30 – 2 p.m. $89 – $109 per girl Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jshank@sjgs.org

Pet Vet Workshop

Whether they are 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 the Pets badge with the Little Veterinarian School.

Who: ⓓⓑ When: March 6, April 10, May 8, June 5; 11 a.m. – noon Where: Online Cost: $13 Contact: Julia Shank, 713-292-0338, jshank@sjgs.org

First Aid Badge Workshops

It’s Girl Scout tradition to always be prepared - and earning your first aid badge is an important piece of being prepared for any situation. These workshops will prepare girls to understand what to do in an emergency and give them an understanding of what is in a first aid kit. (These are not first aid certifications.)

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

Silver Award Training

This virtual webinar training is designed for troop leaders, advisors, and parents who are looking to support Cadettes through the Silver Award process. Topics to be covered include project guidelines, submission deadlines, coaching tips, and how to navigate pursuing the Silver Award despite the impacts of COVID-19. The webinar will include a presentation, service vs. take action activity and Q&A. Who: Adults Where: Online When: May 1; 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: $5/person Max.: 50 Contact: Megan Dodd, silveraward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209

Ready, Set, GOLD!

Are you a Senior or Ambassador wondering what it takes to be a Gold Award Girl Scout? If so, this virtual workshop is for you! Learn what makes a Gold Award worthy project, how to navigate the step-by-step process for approval, and meet the supporting team of Mentors. A panel of recent GSSJC Gold Award Girl Scouts will host a question and answer session and share their tips on developing a successful project. Don't miss this opportunity to discover all the benefits of going Gold!

NOTE: This workshop is meant as an introduction to the Gold Award process and does NOT replace the required Gold Award Orientation.

Who: ⓢⓐor girls in grades 9 – 12 Where: Virtual When: June 6; 2 – 3 p.m.

Cost: $5/girl Contact: Megan Dodd, goldaward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209

When/Level: March 28 – Juniors, April 17 – Cadettes,

May 8 – Brownies, May 22 – Seniors

10 – 11:30 a.m.for all Where: Virtual, hosted by Rice University EMS Cost: $10 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 21 March/April 2021 lⓢThe Golden Link ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes -Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

Activities

Gold Award Orientation

The self-directed Online 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. Orientation is required for all girls who plan to earn their Gold Award and must be completed prior to submitting their Gold Award Project Proposal. The online orientation is broken into sections, takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, but does not need to be finished in one sitting. Girls may also refer back to it after it’s been completed.

Who: ⓢⓐor girls in grades 9 – 12 andActivities adults Where/When: Online Cost: $5/person Contact: Megan Dodd, goldaward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209

The Next Step: A Workshop on How to Proceed after Gold Award Orientation

Now that you've completed Gold Award Orientation, you might be wondering what to do next. Join GSSJC Gold Award Girl Scouts and mentors to hear about successful projects, brainstorm project ideas, and get all your questions answered so you can take your next step in your Gold Award journey. NOTE: This workshop is optional intended for girls who have already completed the required Gold Award Orientation and does NOT replace it.

Who: ⓢⓐor girls in grades 9 – 12 Where: Virtual When: June 27; 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $5/girl Max: 50 Contact: Megan Dodd, goldaward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209

Junior Take Action Workshop

Curious about how to start a Bronze Award project or complete a Girl Scout Journey? Join us for a take-action workshop where we’ll cover the differences between community service and Take Action projects and how to best plan a Take Action project. We’ll also learn from each other by sharing examples and ideas. Come ready to brainstorm!

Who: ⓙ Where: Online When: June 5; 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: $5/girl Max.: 50 Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209

Activities

Older Girl Take Action Workshop

Curious about how to start a Silver or Gold Award project or complete a Girl Scout Journey? Join us for a take-action workshop where we’ll cover the differences between community service and Take Action projects and how to best plan a Take Action project. We’ll also learn from each other by sharing examples and ideas. Come ready to brainstorm.

Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Where: Online When: June 26; 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: $5/girl Max.: 50 Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209

Horseback Riding Private Horseback Riding Lessons

Are you interested in learning to ride a horse or improving your current riding skills? We’d love to help! Private horseback riding lessons will be offered to Juniors – Ambassadors of all riding abilities, whether you are a seasoned rider, have only ridden with your troop a time or two or are a complete beginner. Lessons will be led by our experienced barn staff at Misty Meadows Ranch and will focus on your personal riding goals. Lessons will be open to one girl at a time and will be 90 minutes long including check-in and practice preparation.

Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ Dates: March 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25 Times: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

Where: Misty Meadows Ranch, Conroe Cost: $60/lesson Contact: Monique Stitts, mstitts@sjgs.org, 713-292-0233

Sports

Advanced Archery

Girls who wish to participate in advanced archery may join the Archers In Motion Special Interest Group and register for monthly coaching and challenge sessions. Girls who aren’t sure about joining the special interest group may join us for On Target sessions when camps are re-opened for larger groups.

Who: ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Where: Camp Robinwood Contact: Dejah Covick, 713-292-0312, dcovick@sjgs.org Note: Girls should wear closed toed shoes with socks that cover the ankle. Girls who have not registered and paid for Girl Scout membership and Special Interest Group membership may not participate in AIM.

Archery Aide Training!

Girls ages 15 and older who love archery and have their Program Aide pin (or equivalent leadership experience) can become USA Archery Level 1 Instructors. If you’d like more information about this opportunity, email Dejah Covick at dcovick@sjgs.org.

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Activities

STEM

On Target Sessions

Currently on hold due to council camp re-opening strategies, our On Target sessions are for girls who have tried archery before but aren’t sure if they want to join the special interest group. As camps begin reopening to troops and larger groups, these sessions will be available. Cost is $10 per session and includes more time with advanced archery coaching and all equipment is provided for the class.

Archers In Motion (AIM)

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. The club meets virtually once per month to learn a new skill and manage group business and meets in-person for practice sessions once a month so that members may shoot 36 arrows, attempting specific JOAD and GSSJC shooting levels.

Levels are based on age and distance. There is also instruction on the JOAD Xperience program each month. Space is limited to 8 girls per time block.

Cost:

Annual SIG Membership $15; Monthly Sessions $10 each

Rifle

To accommodate all girls who are ready to jump right in while capacities are still low, we have split our practice sessions to accommodate girls who want to join and get the Introduction to Rifle and Rifle Marskmanship completed and be part of the Special Interest Group right away. The G.R.I.T. special interest group meets in-person for practice once per month and virtually once per month for enrichment and group development.

Our 11 a.m. sessions are for girls new to G.R.I.T. and will complete the requirements to progress into more advanced rifle techniques. You will receive safety glasses to be kept for future practice sessions.

Our 9 a.m. sessions are for girls who have progressed past Intro and Marksmanship. 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 a 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 additional special interest group annual dues as well as the monthly participation registration for G.R.I.T. practice or new member sessions. Registration for G.R.I.T. available in MyGS Activities. Girls who aren’t sure about joining the special interest group may join us for Introduction to Rifle and Rifle Marksmanship without the commitment to G.R.I.T. when camps are reopened for larger groups.

Who: Where: When: Time:

Cost: Contact:

ⓒⓢⓐ 12 and up

Misty Meadows Ranch March 13, April 10, May 8 9 – 10:45 a.m. (G.R.I.T. Practice); 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (New Members) $10 per in-person practice session Dejah Covick, 713-292-0312, dcovick@sjgs.org

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

For all STEM activities, contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271

Designing Robots Badge Workshops

Hosted by Children’s Museum of Houston

All levels: These workshops are hosted through the museum’s Maker Annex, which is dedicated to high-tech and “Maker Movement”-focused activities, designed exclusively for grades 5-12.

Cadettes: Robots can do so much. They can aid in anything from helping you with your chores to exploring the ocean or Mars. Robots are built and programmed in different ways to meet a goal. Come up with ideas and a prototype of a robot that helps someone overcome a daily obstacle.

Seniors: Researchers often build robot prototypes to test ideas. In this workshop, come up with ideas for a new kind of robot that replaces people who work in difficult or dangerous situations. Design a robot that helps or replaces people who work in difficult situations.

Ambassadors: Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a type of computer program used in “social” robots that is designed to act like humans do - to learn new skills. For example, they learn what to say to sound more human with every interaction. Design a social robot to help make like better for others.

ⓒ April 10 10 a.m. – noon Virtual ⓢ March 6 or May 1 10 a.m. – noon Virtual ⓐ June 5 10 a.m. – noon Virtual

$15 $15 $15

Automotive Design Badge Workshops

Hosted by Idea Lab

Daises: Imagine riding in a cool new car that can park itself and doesn’t pollute our air! Now, imagine it actually driving on the street—that’s what automotive designers do! Automotive design is thinking of new cars and other vehicles. Explore how automotive designers imagine and make plans for a new vehicle, then design your own!

Brownies: What’s the difference between riding on a unicorn and in a car? You can imagine either, but you can only drive one on the road! Find out how automotive designers come up with ideas for new vehicles, then design your own!

Juniors: Vehicles, like cars, trucks, and motorcycles, move people and things from place to place. They can be designed to work in all types of conditions, from snow to mud or even in water! Do you want to take a ride in your dream car? Before you can do that, you need to design it! Discover how to create vehicles by sketching and sculpting a model.

ⓓ March 6 ⓓ May 2 ⓑ April 11 ⓙ March 7 ⓙ May 22

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

10 a.m. – noon 9 – 11 a.m.

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

9:30 a.m. – noon

Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual

$18 $18 $18 $18 $18

March/April 2021 l The Golden Link

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Activities

Automotive Engineering Badge Workshops

Hosted by Idea Lab

Daises: After automotive designers have an idea for a vehicle, automotive engineers figure out how to make it. They use science and math to choose the best materials and build a model of the vehicle. Then, they test it to see if it works and find ways to make it better. Find out how automotive engineers turn ideas into real cars!

Brownies: Once designers have an idea for a new vehicle, it’s up to automotive engineers to figure out how to build it.

They make a plan, build a working model, and test it to see if the vehicle works. They look for ways to fix the vehicle until it’s safe to drive and works just the way they want it to. Explore how to engineer your own model of an emergency vehicle!

Juniors: If designers imagine it, engineers build it! After designers come up with an idea for a vehicle, automotive engineers use what they know about math and science to build and test a working vehicle. Find out how to turn a list of criteria into your own working model of a vehicle that’s powered by an alternative fuel!

ⓓ March 13 ⓓ May 16 ⓑ April 18 ⓙ March 14 ⓙ May 29

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

9 a.m. – noon

Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual

$18 $18 $18 $18 $18

Cybersecurity Basics Badge Workshops

Hosted by Idea Lab

Daises: Find out how computers work and what it means to be connected to other people. Girls will add "layers of security" when they wrap a treasure box that they will take home with them and discover how safety relates to using a computer.

Brownies: 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.

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.

Juniors: 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. Find out more about how you use technology, what it can do, and how you can keep your technology safe - like layers of security, real-life online safety rules, and how messages travel on the internet.

ⓓ May 1 ⓑ May 1 ⓙ April 17 ⓙ June 5

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10 a.m. – noon 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

9:30 a.m. – noon

Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual

March/April 2021 l The Golden Link

Coding Basics Badge Workshops

Hosted by Microsoft

Daises: Computers are all around us. They help us every day. When you know how computers work, you can use them to help people. Find out how people tell computers what to do, create your own instructions for a computer, and learn about the first person to ever write directions for a computer.

Brownies: Laptops, tablets, and smartphones are all computers. We use computers every day, and they help us in lots of ways. What makes all those computers work? People write instructions telling the computer what to do. By exploring how computer scientists write programs, you’ll learn how computers work, too!

ⓓ April 11 ⓓ June 5 ⓑ March 27 ⓑ May 16

10 a.m. – noon 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. noon – 2 p.m. noon – 2 p.m.

Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual

$5 $5 $5 $5

Think Like a Programmer Journeys

Hosted by Idea Lab

All levels: To complete the Journey, girls will complete the Take Action Project component on their own after this workshop.

Daises: 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.

Brownies: Computers use codes called programs to do their job; and programmers create those codes. You will see how codes are put together and use those patterns to build a suncatcher. You will also get the chance to come up with your own pattern or code through prototyping, or practicing.

Juniors: 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.

ⓓ March 7 ⓓ May 15 ⓑ March 28 ⓑ May 29 ⓙ April 24

10 a.m. – noon 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

2 – 4 p.m.

10 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon

Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual

$18 $18 $18 $18 $18

$18 $18 $18 $18

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

Activities

Think Like an Engineer Journeys

Hosted by Idea Lab

All levels: To complete the Journey, girls will complete the Take Action Project component on their own after this workshop.

Daises: 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."

Brownies: Learn how engineers use the design thinking process to solve problems in this hands-on workshop. Some of the activities include building a water collection tool and a device that will launch a small ball toward a target.

Juniors: Join other Juniors and learn how to utilize your construction skills as you work to solve engineering challenges like a building that can withstand an earthquake, a structure made entirely of paper, or an emergency shelter.

ⓓ April 17 ⓑ March 13 ⓑ May 22 ⓙ March 6 ⓙ May 2

10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon

Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual

$18 $18 $18 $18 $18

Digital Game Design Badge Workshops

Hosted by Microsoft

Daises: 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.

Brownies: Did you ever wonder how your favorite video game was created? At this workshop, you will create a mazebased 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.

ⓓ March 20 ⓓ May 2 ⓑ April 10

10 a.m. – noon

Virtual $5

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!

Earn the Board Game Design Challenge badge with this workshop.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

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

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓓ

March 28, May 22; 9 – 11 a.m.

Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab $18

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!

Who: ⓓ When: April 24, June 5; 10 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab Cost: $18

Space Science Explorer Badge Workshop

Get ready to blast off on an adventure. This badge is out of this world and while earning it, Daisies explore the sun, observe the moon and meet the stars. Girls will participate in hands-on activities at home while being guided by experts.

Who: When: Where:

ⓓ

April 7; 4 – 5 p.m.

Virtual, Lunar & Planetary Institute

Virtual $5

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Virtual $5 10 a.m. – noon

Model Car Badge Workshop

ⓓ

April 18; 10 a.m. – noon Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab $18

Computer Expert Badge

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.

Who: ⓑ When: April 24; 10 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Microsoft Cost: $5

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.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

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

ⓑ

April 17; 2 – 4 p.m.

Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab $18

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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? Would you like an invention that would help you tie your shoes faster or one to make elevators record your singing while you ride? Find out how inventors make stuff – and become an inventor yourself!

Who: When: Where:

ⓑ

April 10 10 a.m. – noon Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab

Fling Flyer Badge Workshop

Brownies will learn about the forces that affect flight as they design, build, and test a fling flyer. Through this workshop, girls learn how to design, investigate, and revise after each assessment.

Brownies will earn their Fling Flyer Design Challenge badge through this workshop.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓑ

May 29; 10 a.m. – noon Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab $18

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.

Who: ⓑ When: March 7, May 22; 10 – 11 a.m.

Where: Virtual, hosted by Mad Science Cost: $18

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.

Who: ⓑ When: March 27; 10 a.m. – noon

April 24; 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Where: Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab Cost: $18

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 senses by looking around, listening to the world, putting your nose to work, taking a taste test and feeling different textures.

Who: ⓑ When: April 17; 10 – 11 a.m.

Where: Virtual, Hosted by Mad Science Cost: $18

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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.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓑ

April 17; 2 – 4 p.m.

Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab-Pearland $18

Space Science Adventurer Badge Workshop

Whether you’ve searched for shooting stars or found shapes in the clouds, you’ve probably already spent some time looking at the sky. Now’s your chance to see the sky in a new way–like a space scientist does by participating in hands-on activities led by experts in the field to earn this badge.

Who: ⓑ When: June 9; 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Where: Virtual, Lunar & Planetary Institute Cost: $5

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.

Who: ⓙ When: April 10; 9:30 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab Cost: $18

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. Then expand your design and make it even better!

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓙ

March 27; 9:30 a.m. – noon; May 1, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m Virtual, Hosted by Idea Lab $18

Detective Badge Workshop

Utilize your detective skills on this sleuthing adventure. Girls will discover the power of observation, code communications, fingerprinting, and more. Stories, movies, and television are full of amazing detectives solving mysteries. Their jobs are important, exciting, and take serious skills - skills you can try at this workshop.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓙ

April 18; 10 a.m. – noon Virtual, hosted by Mad Science $18

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

Activities

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!

Who: ⓙ When: March 28, noon – 2 p.m.

Where: Virtual, Hosted by Microsoft Cost: $5

Entertainment Technology Badge Workshop

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

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓙ

March 13, May 15; 10 a.m. – noon Virtual, Hosted by Children’s Museum of Houston $15

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.

Special Agent Badge

Special agents wear many hats – detective, scientist, psychologist, enforcer of the law. No wonder novels and shows about their work are so popular. In this badge, grab your magnifying glass and your microscope to uncover your skills in one of the most exciting and demanding jobs for investigative minds.

Who: When: Where: Cost:

ⓒ

May 15; 10 a.m. – noon Virtual, Mad Science $18

See It, Be It: STEM SpeakHERS, Alternative Energy

Join your sister Girl Scouts from across the state to hear from women in STEM fields. This monthly event is hosted by one of the Texas Girl Scout councils. In March, we welcome professionals the energy industry to learn how companies work with alternative energy branches, such as Schneider Electric and bp, who wants to be carbon net zero by 2050! Participants will hear amazing insights and information from women in these companies. They will also get the opportunity to ask questions and have meaningful discussion with experts.

Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ When: March 27, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Where: Virtual, Hosted by GSSJC Cost: Free

Who: ⓙ When: April 11; 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Where: Virtual, hosted by Idea Lab Cost: $18

Product Designer Badge Workshop

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

Who: ⓙ When: April 24; 10 a.m. – noon Where: Virtual, Hosted by Children’s Museum of Houston Cost: $15

Digital Movie Maker Badge Workshop

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: ⓒ When: March 13; noon-2p.m.

May 29; 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Cost: $5 Where: Virtual, Hosted by Microsoft ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors

See page 11 for more information!

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Travel Savannah Council Trip moved to 2022

Are you interested in traveling to Savannah with girls from our council? Well, you’re in luck. Our trip to Savannah has moved to 2022. We hope you join us as we visit the Juliette Gordon Low birthplace, visit the beach and so much more. Pay your down payment today to reserve your spot on this amazing council trip.

Who: ⓙⓒⓢⓐ adults Down payment: $100 Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org

Council Trip to Costa Rica

The Costa Rica Council Trip has been moved to 2022. Interested in traveling with other Girl Scouts from the San Jacinto Council to the tropical Costa Rica? Well, here is your chance. This high adventure trip is open to high school girls and will be a trip of a lifetime. This 10-day council trip includes zip lining, water rafting, and so much more. Register today.

Who: ⓒⓢⓐ When: June 15 – 25, 2022; 10 – 11 a.m.

Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org

Costa Rica Virtual Interest Meeting

Are you interested in learning about our council trip to Costa Rica? This 10-day, high adventure, trip will be a once in a lifetime experience, and we want you to go. Join us for our virtual interest meeting where we talk about the trip, answer all your questions and even meet some of the girls you’ll be traveling with. Register at gssjc.org/activities.

Who: ⓒⓢⓐ, Adults When: March 6, 2021 Where: Online via Zoom Cost: Free Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjsg.org

Girl Scout DESTINATIONS

Do you have the travel bug? Want to spend the summer roaming in Rome or backpacking through Germany’s historic castles? Maybe you prefer something closer to home like horseback riding in Montana or an astronomy adventure in Oregon. Destinations has you covered.

Destinations are trips approved by GSUSA and run by trusted program partners to provide girls the opportunity to travel solo, meet with other Girl Scouts from all over the country and have a once in a lifetime experience. These are scheduled to resume in summer 2022.

Check out the amazing trips at http://forgirls.girlscouts.org/ travel/take-a-trip/destinations/ Who: ⓒⓢⓐ Cost: Cost depends on the trip Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org

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2021 Troop Travel

Those of you planning a troop trip in 2021, we have a few updates: the council will only be accepting and reviewing paperwork for short-troop car trips. That is, trips that are 4 days and 3 nights or shorter, and do not use public or commercial transportation. Paperwork must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance. Once you have filled out all required forms and documents, email them to travel@sjgs.org. Travel forms can be found at gssjc.org/forms and guidelines can be found at https:// www.gssjc.org/en/covid-19-information.html.

Watersports Canoeing

We are excited about offering more training and opportunities for our adults and girls. In addition to Weekend Activities, we will offer additional sessions for girls to be introduced to all of our small crafts. Please check registration for upcoming details!

Sailing

We are working diligently to have our current and future Mariners return to the sea. Please check our registration and look out for updates for the spring!

Swim Level Card and Safe Boat Card Testing

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/GSSJC Intermediate Swimmer-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/GSSJC Proficient Swimmer-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 Checkpoint. Look out for registration dates prior to Weekend Activities!

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. Council does not keep copies of Safe Boating Card. Replacement cards will be a $1 charge at the Program Place. 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 https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/digital-certificate 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 GSSJC at registration@sjgs.org

Wanted: Lifeguards

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

Columns

Training Calender Adult Trainings

Courses will be offered in a virtual format via Zoom or Webinar (GoToMeeting) so that we can provide training through the uncertainties we are experiencing with COVID-19.

March 7 13 20 25

Sunday Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training Zoom 1 – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday Volunteer Camper Certification Zoom 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Saturday First Aid/CPR/AED Blended PP 9 a.m. – noon Thursday Partnering with Juniors Zoom 7 – 9 p.m.

April 10 Saturday Volunteer Camper Certification TBD 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

11 Sunday Event Basics Zoom 1 – 4 p.m.

13 Tuesday Weekend Event Planning Zoom 7 – 9 p.m.

20 Tuesday First Aid/CPR/AED – Blended GSC 5 – 8 p.m.

22 Thursday Communication Specialist Zoom 7 – 8:30 p.m.

25 Sunday Partnering with Cadettes, Seniors & Amb. Zoom 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

26 Monday Community Renewal Specialist Zoom 7 – 8 p.m.

May 2 Sunday Mentoring Day Zoom 1 – 5 p.m.

8 Saturday Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training Zoom 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

8 Saturday Partnering with Juniors Zoom 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

8 Saturday First Aid/CPR/AED Blended PP 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

15 Saturday Volunteer Camper Certification TBD 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. * Prerequisite for Volunteer Camper Certification: Camping and Overnight Basics available online.

$6 $20 $55 $6 $20* $6 $6 $55 $6 $6 $6 $10 $6 $6 $55 TBD*

Advertisement

GIRL SCOUT BADGE COURSES Earn your Girl Scout Sewing badge at CDW. SUMMER 2021 classes posted on the website soon!

Create & Donate!

Are you looking for service hours? Does your troop want to learn how to sew and use their creativity?

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month

Call us to set up a date and time.

Creative Design Workroom 6221 Edloe, Ste. 202, Houston, Tx 77005 www.creativedesignworkroom.com 832.819.4150

March/April 2021 l The Golden Link

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Bricks and Plaques More than 100 years ago Juliette Gordon Low made her mark by creating an organization that would prepare girls to meet their world with courage, confidence and character.

We want to encourage our alumnae, volunteers, troops, staff and friends of Girl Scouts to make their mark through purchasing a commemorative brick or plaque to go at one of your favorite camps. The Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council offers the commemorative plaque program at three of our camp properties: Camp Agnes Arnold, Camp Pryor and Casa Mare.

Whether their favorite camping activity is horseback riding, sailing or hiking beneath the stars, commemorative pavers are a wonderful way to honor a Girl Scout in your life. Starting at just $100, you can pave the way to inspire the future and honor the past.

For more information, contact Nancy Hall at 713-292-0282 or nhall@sjgs.org.

Philanthropy

Thank You, GSSJC Donors!

Nov. 1 – Dec. 31 2020

$25,000-$49,999 - Ambassador Stacy and Dee Methvin Sempra LNG Sullivan Environmental Services The Hamill Foundation United Way of Greater Houston William Stamps Farish Fund $10,000-$24,999 - Senior Leah Bennett Comerica Bank Kathy Sanders $5,000-$9,999 - Cadette Elaine Engel Hildebrand Foundation Insperity Services LP Linda Jones Les and Mary Puckett

Children's Foundation Skip and Melinda Reeves Evelyn and Steve Richter Stephen M. Seay Foundation Strake Foundation Kathy M. Tamer Whalley Foundation Sharon Yacob $1,000-$4,999 - Junior Theresa Benson Julie and Richard Boushka Ellen Chin Rhonda L. Cobb Kay K. Craig Ann E. Deaton Kim K. Denney Ellen R. DeSanctis Francisco Diaz Dogwood Wonders Community

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Heidi and David Doll Constance Eicher Samina Farid Marguerite Ference Brian and Mary Gedelian Jean T. Janssen and Stephen P. Pate Sandy A. Judson Patty and Randy Keys Kevin C. and Monica Maby King Candice E. Koederitz Leslie Lenser Angela Martin-Worthington Elena and Scott McCreery Judy Moses Phillips 66 Company Michelle and Joseph Raab Helene R. Sheena, M.D., FAAP Nancy and E.C. Simpson Victoria Smith Troop #106304 Marguerite Woung-Chapman Richard Zembek $250-$999 - Brownie Adams Insurance Service Amazon Smile Foundation Baker Hughes Roberto J. Bayardo Marjorie Bell Stacey L. Berg Sara Blackburn-Ortiz Linda Camarillo Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Brigitte A. Crofoot Ruth S. Darling Cornelie J. Dotson Morven S. Edwards

March/April 2021 l The Golden Link

For any questions about the donor list, contact Diane Likeness at dlikeness@sjgs.org. Honorariums listed are $25 and above.

Nancy and Robert Flatt Steven F. and Joan F. Gilliland Mary J. Godinich Garney Griggs Claudia W. Hayslip Holly Hilbert Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions Sydney Isaacs Valerie Jalufka Alisa Kautzmann Nancy B. Kral Kroger Company Suzanne and David Krusleski Janna Laudato James Lewis Pamela R. Lippert Julia Little Patti L. Massaro Marilyn B. Mayer-Taylor Janet McMasters Microsoft Corporation Eric Miller Becky M. Normand Mary Jane Robinson Ralph Ross RSM US Foundation Karen M. Rugaard Louise Rugaard Donna S. Sisak Stephen Sjolander Catherine B. Smith Barbara Sorenson Angelique Spies Louise H. Sutton Amy D. Taylor David and David Tett Genevieve and John M. Walls Danielle Ward Lisa Washington Kenneth Wiesehuegel

Memorials In Memory of Virginia Branch Bette Lehmberg In Memory of Lynn Flournoy Patricia Adams Peggy J. Allison Sonia Beasley Jill Davis Daniel Flournoy Vicki Greve Susan Jones Beth Juhl Anne B. Lauzier Amy Rising-Langdon Elena M. McCreery Donna E. Robinson Katherine Roby Louise Rugaard Karen P. Saenz Sheri Selph Aimee R. Sproles Carol G. Victory Joanne M. Williams Sherry R. Williams In Memory of Dee Johnson Ellen R. DeSanctis In Memory of Debbie Krigger Rhonda L. Cobb

Scrapbook

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

Columns

GSSJC Scrapbook Scrapbook

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

Kirbyville Troop #131098 usually makes & personally delivers handmade ornaments to the residents of Avalon Place Nursing Home each Christmas. This year, because of Covid, they cannot. So they made a few Christmas wreaths to bring the residents joy. They also honored veterans on Veterans Day by placing flags at a local cemetery..

Troop #18963 got together to make lunch bags for Kids' Meals. They filled 100 brown bags with approved items from the Kid's Meals lunch sack list. They decorated the bags and filled them with the items for Valentine's Day. Delivery was delayed due to winter storm Uri, but everything was delivered in time to be part of the poststorm delivery of more than 12,500 free, healthy meals directly to the homes of hungry children who have been without power, water and haven't received meals in a week due to the winter storm crisis.

Troop #126141 finished their Outdoor Journey Take Action project. They built and hung bird houses in Terry Hershey park after receiving approval to do so by Precinct 3 Parks Commissioner.

Troop #21525 earned their silver award over the summer, their project consisted of refurbishing all of the cast iron cookware at Camp Agnes Arnold. In addition, they created care cards at each campsite to explain how to properly clean them, what not to cook in them, and how to refurbish one yourself if you have one at home. The girls worked so hard, Covid was a huge challenge for them as they could not work together on this but had to work solo and collaborate virtually along the way.

Troop #21160 (8th grade) taught Troop #147045 (6th grade) how to prune and care for six trees at the MIMS Fruit Tree garden that had been planted as part of their Bronze Award in 2019.

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Troop #132388, used their fall community service project by participating in a local animal shelter’s Advent calendar of giving (Pasadena Animal Shelter). They all collected items from their house, donations from friends and family, or purchased items to donate. They even used part of their fall product fundraising to buy more supplies. They also decided they would continue with helping the shelter with their spring community project! Keep shining bright girls.

For their take action project Senior Tala Alyousef and Cadette Tayma Alyousef volunteered at 'Plant it for the Planet' to plant trees and grass at Dennis Johnston Park. They successfully planted 13 trees, grass, and seeded the forest floor with native plants.

Scrapbook

From Daisies to Juniors, Troop #137033 journeyed to earn their Think Like An Engineering badges inviting talks from Galveston-local engineers and organizations such as SeaCamp. For their Take Action Project, the troop partnered with the local chapter of the Surfrider Organization to build containment devices for cigarette butts as part of their Hold-Onto-Your-Butts Program aimed at protecting our Gulf Coast Beaches and making the world a better place.

Kaylee K. and Cheyenne J. (above) of Kirbyville Troop #131098 were interviewed on by Cristiana Ramos of 12NewsNow about cookie season. Eastern Thicket Community had their cookie drop at Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church in Kirbyville. The drop went smoothly and 968 cases of cookies have now been delivered to troops ready to kick off the cookie season. They also gave a small volunteer appreciation gift for the volunteers who came to pick up their cookies and leaders decorated their cars to advertise during their trip to and from the cookie drop.

Cadette Troop #21160 enjoyed an outdoor, socially distanced day of activities including yoga in the park, woodworking, making 45 Valentine cards for veterans and packaging 72 meals for the homeless. The troop also finished their Bronze Award in 2020 by sewing and stuffing 27 heartshaped pillows and making get well cards.

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Victoria, a Brownie from Troop #149027 was excited to get started on the Cookie Program!

Congratulations Gold Award Girl Scouts The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting; it recognizes girls in grades 9-12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects. Since 1916, girls have successfully pursued the highest award, an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their communities and the world.

Adwoa Asare organized and conducted four coding classes for elementary and middle school kids during the pandemic.

The classes took place over Zoom so that the students could be socially distanced and safe. Adwoa noted that coding is becoming an increasingly important skill that is rarely taught until secondary school. Adwoa’s Gold Award project aimed to make coding more accessible to younger audiences through games and kid-friendly platforms.

Emily Collins created a series of antibullying presentations for kids age 7 to 13. With her Gold Award project, Emily raised awareness about the impacts of bullying and how students can spread kindness instead. As a victim of bullying herself, Emily wanted to make sure she could make a change in her community by creating awareness through her project.

Approximately 200 students attended her presentations from various local elementary schools.

Amelia Ding was motivated by her passion in environmental science and climate change to create a series of after-school camp sessions via Zoom every Wednesday in October. The camp sessions covered topics such as renewable energy and ocean pollution. Amelia’s Gold Award project taught teens how they could get involved in creating awareness for environmental conservation.

Alessandra Herrera was motivated by the pandemic to create a project that focused on creating easy access to face masks for underprivileged communities. Together with her volunteers, Alessandra created resources and social media DIY tutorials on how to create your own face masks with easy-to-find materials. Additionally, more than 100 face masks were handmade and donated to essential workers and volunteers.

Roxanna Irani led a series of afterschool classes that focused on providing private lessons for underprivileged students. With her project, Roxanna created equal access to musical arts programs for students in her school.

With her volunteers, she held two twohour sessions for students in her school.

Sophia LaRochelle was driven by her passion in education to teach others about the importance of carnivorous plants in the ecosystem. In conjunction with CCISD, Sophia held online seminars that raised awareness about carnivorous plants and provided resources on how to conserve them. As an amateur cultivator of carnivorous plants herself, Sophia impacted her local community about a cause she is passionate about.

Sonnet Mandell created a Little Free Library with a strong online presence at First Christian Church. In addition to stocking it with books featuring diverse populations, Sonnet also supplied educational pamphlets with statistics about injustice, prejudice and how it affects our communities. Sonnet says she has always been passionate about working to reduce prejudice and rally for a more inclusive society.

Julie Mandimutsira addressed volunteer disengagement amongst youth across her local community and created a career exploration program with local organizations. By organizing a virtual volunteer fair, Julie was able to speak to the importance of volunteering as a way to explore career fields in a variety of sectors, such as web design, marketing, outreach and event planning. She connected students with organizations in need of volunteers to help bridge the disconnect in her community.

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Natane Randall wrote and self-published a children’s story book about the impact of judging others for their differences.

She hoped to address underlying issues of prejudice and racism, particularly as to how they relate to individual impacts and the affects they have on others. By interviewing members of her community, attending anti-racism events and reading children’s books with similar themes, Natane was able to create a book that will help to teach future generations about the harm of racism.

Torrance Williams created a series of podcasts for girls of color in her community that addressed issues of underrepresentation in leadership roles and how the choices girls made in school had longterm affects on areas such as relationships and their overall future success. The project will be utilized by teachers and counselors as a way to gauge the social development of eighth-grade girls.

Margot Yung was motivated by her passion in literature to provide resources to help children and families learn and improve their literacy skills at home. She created a website that teaches visitors about literacy and provides resources to practice at home. Additionally, Margot created a series of YouTube videos with storybooks being read aloud. She hoped to reach children in many families and provide easy access to tools for families to utilize.

Victoria Rexer created awareness around the importance of spaying and neutering pets. Victoria was inspired through her interest in animals and veterinary practice.

With local pet shelter partners and her team of volunteers, Victoria created resources and information that were distributed at local shelters. Additionally, Victoria created a series of YouTube videos to help raise awareness and spread her message.

Grace Yang created a culinary club that focused on teaching basic culinary skills, as well as provided resources and the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

She also created a YouTube channel with videos and tutorials. Grace hoped to inspire younger generations to cook more and hopes to drive change surrounding the importance of healthy eating.

Maleeha Rizvi identified issues that create educational inequality in low-income children, such as lack of extracurriculars and access to technology. She worked with the Houston Nehemiah Center on a STEM program for children K-5. She created 60 stand-alone STEM boxes with bilingual science experiments, as well as additional resources online that families could access via cell phones.

NATIONAL GIRL SCOUT WEEK March 7 – 13, 2021 SUNDAY

Girl Scout Sunday

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MONDAY

Service to family and friends

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TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Service to community

Outdoors Day

Girl Scout Birthday

Girl Scout Sabbath

Service to the environment

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10

Celebrate Girl Scout week with these service ideas March/April 2021 l The Golden Link

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SATURDAY

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12

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Service is fundamental to Girl Scouting. Providing a service to others is the perfect way for girls to demonstrate their leadership and