Golden THE
LINK
The Official Publication of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council | Volume 45 Issue 3
May/June 2019
Explore the great outdoors!
President of the Council and Chair of the Board Dee Hinkle Chief Executive Officer Mary Vitek Chief External Affairs Officer Connie Chavez Visual Brand Manager Joanne Pastalaniec Mission Statement GSSJC: Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Pluralism Statement Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is a pluralistic movement, committed to understanding our similarities and differences, building relationships and promoting a dialogue of acceptance and respect. Each individual involved must uphold the tenet that Girl Scouting is for all girls. Circulation The Golden Link is published five times a year. It has a circulation of more than 44,000. The Golden Link is also available online at www.gssjc.org. The Golden Link reaches 26 Texas counties: Angelina, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller and Wharton. To report address changes or if you have problems receiving The Golden Link call Customer Service at 713-292-0300. Deadlines Deadline for submitting items is the first of the month two months prior to publication. GSSJC does not accept responsibility for unsolicited materials. Send news and photographs and Scrapbook photos to communications@sjgs.org. Advertisements Advertising rates are available by calling 713-292-0314. Advertisements are accepted in good faith that all the information is correct. Acceptance of advertising does not reflect endorsement of services or goods by the Council. The Golden Link is published six times a year by Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098 713-292-0300 The Golden Link is also available to read online at www.gssjc.org/publications
Troop #111016 planned to leave all their worries behind during their campout at Camp Agnes Arnold. See more Scrapbook photos on page 39.
Contents May/June 2019
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From the Top Shop News
Get outside and go to camp! Learn about the new outdoor badges, how to go to camp, camp progression and more! Page 5
Special Feature 5
Let's Go To Camp!
Features 13 14 15 15 16 17
The Many Faces of Girl Scouts Be A National Delegate Recruitment News Success to Significance Silver Award Recipients Congratulations Gold Award Recipients
Activities
18 Camp 18 Environmental 19 Fine Arts 20 General Activities 21 Health 24 Highest Awards 24 History 25 Sailing 25 Sports 26 STEM 31 Swimming 31 Travel
Columns
32 Adult Trainings 35 Around Camp 36 Philanthropy 37 Service Projects
Council Scrapbook Page 39
Health and Safety Weekend is coming in August. See more information on page 22.
Did you know...The Golden Scoop, a monthly Council email to all parents, has information you need, fun tips and more. Be sure your correct email is in our system. For help, contact Customer Service at 713-292-0300 or customerservice@sjgs.org.
Copyright Š2019. All rights reserved. Please recycle this publication.
May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 3
My term as Chair of the Board and President of the Council is almost half over. The old saying “time flies when you’re having fun” has definitely been true. Reflecting on the last year, it has been filled with making new friends (but keeping the old ones), learning so much more about how the council that I thought I already knew works, Dee Hinkle and some personal growth that Chair of the Board and required me to remember that I President of the Council have the “courage, confidence and character” to serve as the leader of the council’s volunteers. I’ve made some observations over the last year. The first is actually a reinforcement of what I already knew. Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) has the BEST volunteers. So many of my counterparts across the country struggle to recruit volunteers, but not GSSJC. Our adult membership is increasing year after year. So thank you to all of you who help deliver the experiences that develop our members into young women who make the world a better place. I’ve also seen many demonstrations of the benefits of our programs. At one end of the spectrum, was my visit to a cookie booth on a cold, wet day. Despite the weather, our girls were in cuteness overload! They were eager to tell me I needed to buy "all these cookies" so they could go camping. They helped one another when one struggled to make correct change. All of this was under the watchful eyes of the volunteers who make it all happen. As I walked to my car, I could hear them giggling. Learning while having fun-now that is a successful program! At the opposite end of the program benefit spectrum are our Gold Award Girl Scouts. Over my almost 10 years on the board, I’ve watched some of them develop from giggling girls at the cookie booth to the leaders and problem solvers of tomorrow. The quality of the GSSJC program is demonstrated by the fact that we have had a National Gold Award Girl Scout for two years in a row! All of their achievements that would not have been possible if it were not for the volunteers that support GSSJC. I have one final observation. Early Bird Renewal is now open. With the school year coming to a close and everyone planning for summer camp and family vacations, it is easy to put Girl Scouts ‘on hold’. However, this is a great time to recruit new members. The extended membership allows new members to attend summer camp and join a troop without having to re-register in the fall. Participation in Early Bird allows both troops and council staff to plan more effectively for fall programs. So please consider renewing before you take that summer break and ask a friend to join you. Thanks again to all of you and I hope to see you at yearend events like Success to Significance or the council Gold Award Ceremony or at one of our resident or day camps this summer.
From the
TOP
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May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
Girl Scout Shop News SHOP CONTACT & CLOSINGS For shop locations and hours, please visit girlscoutshop.com/san-jacinto-council
Shop hours can change due to emergencies, weather or other factors. Please call before driving long distances. Bay Area 281-282-6077
Lake Jackson 979-297-5556
Beaumont 409-832-0556
Lufkin 936-634-4688
Houston 713-292-0247
Stafford 281-670-5982
Imperial Valley 281-447-8870
Westside 281-822-4250
Office Closures: May 27 and July 4. Several shops have alternate summer hours. View our shop hours online or call before you go.
New Leader Must-Knows!
Are you a new Girl Scout leader? Here are some things you need to know for the next few months.
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Early Bird runs May 1 - June 14! Renewing your troop early helps ensure a smooth start to the next membership year. See gssjc.org/renew for details. Resident and day camp sessions begin June 16 and run through Aug. 2. There is plenty of time to sign up your Girl Scout for a week of adventures to jump into summer 2019! Go to gssjc.org/summercamp for details. Volunteer-run day and twilight camps also take place this summer from May 30 – Aug. 2. Find more information at gssjc.org/daycamp. Summer is a great time to take a training you may have been too busy for during the school year. Look for information on gssjc.org under the Activities tab for this summer’s Leadership Train-Ins taking place June 15 and July 20.
Save the Date! Membership Year Kickoff – August 10 S'more Girl Scout Fun and Leadership Get ready for 2020! New this year, an all inclusive day of resources to launch you and your troop experience into the new Girl Scout year! Plan to attend and hear the latest news from Council, join the pep rally, check out vendors and partners offering Girl Scout experiences, and participate in new workshops and enrichments. Bring your troop leadership team and get excited for s'more fun for a brand new year! Look for information in the July/August issue of The Golden Link and online soon. Contact: Gina Murphy, gmurphy@sjgs.org, 713-292 0215.
Special Feature
Explore the great outdoors with Girl Scouts all year long
For more than a century, camping has been a rich tradition and cornerstone of the Girl Scout experience and today San Jacinto Council remains committed to getting every girl outdoors. When girls join our organization, we know they want to have fun with their friends while making new ones, create memories together and have exciting adventures at camp. And the good news for them? Girl Scouts is the best place around to do all the above – and more. When it comes to camping and outdoor adventures, especially, Girl Scouts is the place for girls. In fact, according to the Girl Scout Research Institute, girls benefit from four key long-term outcomes when they participate in our outdoor programming. 1. Outdoor competency 2. Outdoor interest 3. Outdoor confidence 4. Environmental stewardship Whether your Girl Scout wants to spend a lazy weekend by the Bay at Camp Casa Mare, test her courage on the Challenge course at Camp Silver Springs or take a conservation workshop at the Nature Center at Camp Agnes Arnold, we have an outdoor experience waiting for her. In this issue of The Golden Link, you’ll learn more about some of our outdoor offerings, plus hear from two troops on why camping is an important part of their Girl Scouting experience.
Outdoor progression in Girl Scouts
Celebrating the great outdoors has been a part of Girl Scouts since the very beginning. Many of the badges the first Girl Scouts earned were tied to learning and refining outdoor skills - and that hasn't changed in our 100+ year history. Today's Girl Scouts learn these skills through our Outdoor Progression. Progression allows girls to learn the skills they need to become competent in the outdoors, including how to plan and organize outdoor activities. Acknowledge a girl's mastery of an outdoor skill and invite her to challenge herself further by taking that next step up and out! Outdoor fun can be endless when girls lead.
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Special Feature Special Feature
The 5 C’s of why camp is valuable for today’s girls First, let’s get real. We are very busy these days, and a big “C” in our lives is choice! There are many choices for how girls can spend their time after school or during the summer. How can you even begin to decide what’s the best use of time and money to keep your girl engaged and entertained during the summer months? Well, we are here to tell you why Girl Scout camp in particular is a valuable experience in five simple C’s. 1. Community: At camp we encourage healthy communication and building authentic relationships through a spirit of sisterhood and encouragement. Our counselors facilitate intentional activities so girls learn better communication skills and how to make new friends. (Of course, we keep the old because, as the song goes, when it comes to friends one is silver and the other is gold.) 2. Challenge by Choice: If we always stayed in our comfort zone, we would never make progress in our lives. At camp we provide a safe and structured environment for girls to engage in new challenges. We also practice challenge by choice because we recognize everyone has different levels of comfort and as long as they are stepping outside of their respective comfort zones, then progress and growth is taking place. 3. Cut Off: Cell phones, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and texting. Does your Girl Scout spend any time on any of these? We love technology as much as anybody, but camp is a special technology-free zone where girls can get unplugged and be totally focused on their community around them and the natural environment. 4. Counselors: The biggest impact on whether or not a girl will have a positive experience at camp is held in the hands of her camp counselors. Our counselors include Girl Scouts from our council, local college students and even international counselors! Our staff completes a week-long intensive training where they learn how to keep campers safe, both physically and emotionally, while providing an amazing summer camp experience. Counselors in specialized areas like lifeguard, archery, challenge course, canoing, etc. receive additional training throughout the year. 5. Caring: At camp, girls will not just learn hard skills, like how to row a canoe or ride a horse. They will learn soft skills that will serve them the rest of their lives, like how to manage time, how to communicate and, most importantly, how to learn to care for those around them. By facilitating the opportunity to learn empathy skills, girls will leave camp truly ready to make the world a better place. Ready to camp? There are still great sessions available this summer! Visit gssjc.org/summercamp to check out our catalog, camp information and register today.
Troop Camping Made Easy Girl Scouts have always understood the importance of nature in a child’s development. There are few things as impressionable as a girl’s first time to camp and spending that time with her friends. Troop camping is available to all troops with the right training to keep you safe and aware of proper troop camping procedures. If you’ve ever wondered how you can get your troop in camp year-round, here is what you need to know: Step one: Become camp certified • Reserving your day or overnight camp stay is easy–with the right training. GSSJC requires a camp certified registered adult volunteer to help troops prepare and accompany them when they go camping. A troop leader or other GSSJC registered volunteer may take the training to become the camp certified volunteer for the troop. To become camp certified, you must attend one three-hour planning session hosted during weekday evenings. Once you’ve completed your planning session, you must attend a full-day, on-site camp training. • Once you have completed your planning session (referred to as the In Town), you attend the AT Camp training associated with the In Town training date. There are 2 options for camp training. Camp Certification that is a planning session plus a one day At Camp session. Or you can choose Camp Certification with Extra Experience that includes a planning session and an overnight stay at camp. Sign up for your planning session by logging in to your MyGS account and registering under Activities. Step two: Earn your first aid certification • To attend camp with your troop, you are required to have at least one adult in your group who is first aid-certified. GSSJC hosts monthly training for adults, but you can also become certified through another approved agency. We cannot accept expired certifications. Make sure to renew your certification every two years. • Sign up for a first aid certification course at gssjc.org, or go to redcross.org to find training courses near you. Step three: Schedule your stay Once you’ve completed steps one and two, all that's left to do is pick a location and date. Troops select a spot by sending the F-127 form (available at gssjc.org under Forms) to campreservations@sjgs.org, along with copies of your troop first aid and camp certification cards. Please allow for five to seven business days for your request to be processed. Camp reservation payments are due two weeks after you receive confirmation and are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Troop Camp reservation dates are provided two ways: • Monthly draw placement – All requests received by the first Monday of the month for placement three months out will be randomized and placed according to availability. See page two of the F-127 for appropriate placement month. • First come, first placed (Camp Corner) - After initial monthly placement is complete, requests will be placed on a first come, first placed basis. These open spots are listed on the weekly Camp Corner email. To be added to this list, send an email to registration@sjgs.org. • Tip: Make sure you have the right adult-to-girl ratio for your stay. You will learn all about this and additional planning considerations during your planning session. 6
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Special Feature
Meet the new outdoor badges released in 2018 Girl Scouts introduced a whopping 23 new badges, and seven are focused on building girls’ outdoor skills and know-how. For each Girl Scout level, the Outdoor Journey is anchored by the newest Girls’ Choice badge: Troop Camping. Since 2015, Girl Scouts of the USA has invited girls to voice their opinion and vote for a new badge—and every year when the votes have been tallied, they’ve selected an outdoor theme! The Troop Camping badges follows Art in the Outdoors (2016) and Outdoor Explorer (2015), proving that today’s girls want to challenge themselves, learn more about the natural world and continue the Girl Scout tradition of having exciting outdoor experiences. The outdoor badges and experiences are progressive, which will allow girls and troops to learn new skills, put the skills to use, and build on their knowledge year after year. From their first steps on a woodland path as Daisies to going survival camping as Ambassadors, girls will take the lead by planning their trips, practicing survival skills, and pushing themselves as they have unforgettable adventures. For Daisies Outdoor Art Maker: This first-ever badge for Daisies expands the Art in the Outdoors badge category to every grade level. Girls explore color and sound, challenging them to observe nature like an artist and preparing them to create their own outdoor art! Troop Camping–Buddy Camper: Daisies start their camping journey by researching and writing a camping plan. By the time they’re heading home, they’ve learned how to prepare a simple meal, tie a square knot, stay safe outside, and protect nature–all while becoming comfortable hiking and camping! For Brownies Troop Camping–Cabin Camper: Brownies work together to research and write a plan in preparation for their troop camping trip. Once they head out, they learn all about camping gear and cook a simple meal outside. Girls walk away with foundational camping skills like following the Leave No Trace philosophy, building a fire safely, and tying a clove hitch knot. For Juniors Troop Camping–Eco Camper: Juniors choose their trip and write a camping plan that includes what gear to bring, a budget, and how to prepare for campsite weather and terrain. Before setting out, they learn the seven Leave No Trace principles that they will practice throughout their outdoor adventure. Girls have the chance to make a meal using a solar box cooker, select the perfect campsite, and take a conservation hike– all while learning to protect nature. For Cadettes Troop Camping–Primitive Camping: Tackling activities such as backpacking, canoeing, or kayaking without the comforts of home is the goal for Cadettes while they earn this badge. Their trip will incorporate the basic skills they’ve already learned, like selecting gear, budgeting, and planning for weather and terrain (all while incorporating the Leave No Trace principles in everything they do). While camping, girls have the chance to prepare a dish from a faraway land, learn primitive camping skills like using a hatchet and building a shelter, become acquainted with water-purification basics, and tie a monkey fist knot.
For Seniors Troop Camping–Adventure Camping: Mountain biking and kayaking are options for Seniors who are ready to go adventure camping. They’ll get ready by packing the appropriate gear, creating a budget, and monitoring the site’s weather and terrain. Every girl will learn wilderness first aid and physically prepare for an adventure trip. At the campsite, they’ll practice using a topographical map and compass and study meteorology to predict weather patterns and potential hazards. To preserve their memories and document the adventure, girls are encouraged to journal and take pictures. For Ambassadors Troop Camping–Survival Camper: The survival camping trip is the perfect way for Ambassadors to prove their grit and learn to safely survive any emergency situation. Girls use their experience and knowledge to prepare a fully developed trip plan. At the campsite, they will start a fire with basic tools and find their way using landmarks and the sun. Girls will also be able to use their creativity to document their time as survival campers, whether through journaling, drawing, or photography. During every part of their experience, they’ll draw on the skills they have developed over the years to have a rich, rewarding outdoor adventure. For more information about the new badges, visit girlscouts. org/ourprogram or access the Volunteer Toolkit. The Volunteer Toolkit helps parents and volunteers easily plan meetings and activities; keep track of important information; and, ultimately, make it easier to support amazing experiences for girls!
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Special Feature
From Girl Scout Camp to Real-World Champ: How Girl Scouting in the Great Outdoors Builds Female Leaders
For more than 100 years, Girl Scout camp has brought girls unmatched outdoor adventure full of learning (key skills! life lessons!), challenge (ropes courses! rapids!), and, of course, a whole lot of friendship and fun. At camp, Girl Scouts’ leadership takes center stage as they dive into age-appropriate activities they love–enabling them, at every turn, to discover their values and their passions, connect with others from a range of backgrounds and take action to make a meaningful difference in their world. In summer 2018, the Girl Scout Research Institute collaborated with the American Camp Association (ACA) to explore whether the skills, behaviors, and attitudes youth learn at camp carry over to other parts of their lives. Survey responses from over 700 adults who attended camp as kids–424 alums of Girl Scout camp and 286 alums of non–Girl Scout camps–provide compelling evidence that Girl Scout camp sets girls up for success! 1. Girl Scout camp helps girls develop important life skills and positive characteristics. Campers build important socioemotional and leadership skills they need to become successful adults. The majority of Girl Scout camp alums say their camp experience was central to the development of their sense of self, positive values, challenge seeking skills, healthy relationships and leadership skills! 2. What girls learn at Girl Scout camp lasts far beyond their camp experience. Responsibility, an appreciation for diversity, the ability to persevere, and willingness to try new things were rated by camp alums as most important to their daily lives today and learned primarily at camp. This finding suggests camp experiences are distinct from other learning environments, such as home and school, and can help youth build important skills that serve them in many areas of their lives. 3. The more time spent at Girl Scout camp, the greater the benefits. Those who attend Girl Scout camp for a total of ten weeks or more over the course of their youth report greater development of all skills and characteristics measured than do those who attended for nine weeks or less. 4. Girl Scouts who participate in counselor-in-training programs or who work as seasonal camp staff for one or more years also report greater benefits. These individuals are more likely to say that camp helped them learn leadership, teamwork, confidence and perseverance. Whether they attend for a day, a week, or longer, and for one summer or several, at Girl Scout camp so many girls are given –firstrate opportunities to learn and explore, expand their horizons, and have unforgettable fun with friends old and new–all under the guidance of caring, trained adults committed to helping them unleash their remarkable leadership potential. And as From Girl Scout Camp to RealWorld Champ! confirms, these memorable experiences provide girls with benefits that serve them long after the campfires of their youth are behind them. To learn more, visit girlscouts.org/research.
Our first camping trip: a Q&A with Troop #134127 As Daisies, Troop #134127 might be young, but they are ready to tackle new challenges and experience new things in Girl Scouting – including camping for the first time! If your troop hasn’t yet held their first camping trip, you can get the inside scoop in this quick Q&A, plus tips for making your experience a success! What made your troop excited to go camping for the first time? Our Daisy troop was super excited about their first overnight camping trip because it would be like a big sleepover. How did the girls prepare for camping? To help our girls be prepared, we took them on a day-only trip to Camp Casa Mare in advance so that they could see the camp to become more familiar with it. When our overnight camp day came they were more at ease because they had been there before, plus it had most all the amenities of home with indoor dorms, kitchen and bathrooms. What did your weekend at camp look like? Our girls enjoyed making crafts and playing games outdoor and inside. They enjoyed setting up their bunk areas, hiking around the camp, and they loved the chance to do camp chores. (Surprising!) They loved cooking, sweeping and doing the dishes. What are your troop’s future plans for camping? Our troop’s future plans are to experience other council camps! What piece of advice would you give to another first-time camper troop? We would advise other troops to always have backup plans just in case and remember to allow the girls some free time to just be themselves and have fun. Get your troops out and experience every council camp you can. Kids love being outdoors, and council camps are a great, safe environment for them to come alive and experience things they just can't at home or in meetings.
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Camping Pros: a Q&A with Troop #111034
Special Feature
The Juniors in Troop #111034 might have just finished fourth grade, but they are camping experts. The members make it their goal to camp at least once a month. What makes your troop excited to go camping? Caroline (girl): We get to do fun activities like canoeing and archery. Emma (girl): We get to hang out with each other and have fun! Lazaria (girl): Doing fun things like making s’mores, playing gaga ball, being outside with just the girls. Sleeping in cabins, tents and tree houses. Madison (girl): All the fun adventures, we go on like seeing different water or hiking. Charla (leader): I think they love the responsibilities and independence they have while at camp. They seem truly excited to be in charge of themselves. Plus, I think they like just getting to be their selves at camp and let go and have fun. Give us a quick overview of what a typical weekend at camp looks like. Emma (girl): We go to Whataburger for dinner as a troop. When we get to camp and unload, we do capers. On Saturday, we get up and get ready for the day. Then we start making breakfast, clean up and do kapers. We do badge work or activities. We make lunch and do afternoon kapers. In the afternoon, we finish badge work if we have any and then have turtle time. Then we make dinner and get ready for bed. On Sunday we pack up, eat breakfast and then do out checkout kapers. How does your troop prepare for camping? Lazaria and MicTricetie (girl/ parent): Our troop leader picks camping dates, badge work that needs to be done at a meeting before camp is done at meetings prior to camp. There is a meeting for camping Girl Scouts to vote on meals then create a shopping list. The troop leader pulls names for who is bunking with who and who is carpooling with who. The leader also gives girls a packing list, and girls are responsible for packing all of their gear. We do a troop trail mix every camp out - each girl brings one item she would like to add and at camp each girl puts in a few scoops of the ingredients she likes in her snack cup. After all girls have filled their cup the remaining ingredients are put in a large bowl for the remainder of camp and the girls refill their snack cup with troop trail mix. As a troop leader, what do you see your girls learn during their weekends at camp? What challenges do you see them overcome? Charla: I have seen the girls learn how to pack themselves for a weekend based on the packing list they helped create for the troop. When they forget something, they learn not to miss that from the list again. Christine (parent): I have seen these girls grow into strong young ladies who will one day prove to be amazing leaders in their future endeavors. Girls as young as 9 and 10 years of age have taken the lead in organizing badge work for younger Girl Scouts as well as helping their peers earn badges by selecting a meeting to run. hat piece of advice would you give to another troop that wants to start camping? Charla: Take your camp training and start your progression early because it takes time to get the girls prepared. Find other troops that camp and reach out to them with questions. Explore the camps as day trips first if necessary so then you will know where they would enjoy going when they are ready to camp. If you are the leader and camping doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, talk to your parents and find someone to fill that role. Don’t let the girls miss out on an experience just because it might be out of your comfort zone. Anything else to add about camping? Charla: We are so lucky to be part of GSSJC and to have the camping opportunities for our girls that we do. Get your girls outdoors! Don’t be scared to ask questions and look to other troops for advice. Don’t be afraid to fail too because the girls will learn from how you react to your own mess-ups.
Where Troop #111034 has camped this year
The girls in Troop #111034 set an ambitious goal for their year: camp every single month! Here is a look at where they’ve camped this year, at time to The Golden Link publication deadline. August 2018: Camp Whispering Pines, Garrison - Stayed in Troop Cabin #1 - Hiked trails around camp September 2018: Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe - Stayed in the Fishing Village - Two dads helped the girls work on their camping badge - Girls went fishing, some for the first time, and everyone caught a fish October 2018: Camp Misty Meadows, Conroe - Stayed in Martha Madeley cabin unit - Every girl brought a parent with them - Girls earned their Horseback Riding badge November 2018: Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe and Galveston Boat House - Stayed in Goody’s Treehouses for Think Like a Citizen Scientist weekend - Girls performed opening flag ceremony for event - Attended Geocaching 101 at Galveston State Park - Took a night walk on the beach to search for ghost crabs December 2018: Camp Wind-A-Mere, Alvin - Stayed in teepee unit - Started Outdoor Art Explorer badge by taking photos around camp January 2019: Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada - Stayed in Lavaca cabin unit - Finished Outdoor Art Explorer badge - Helped first-time campers by playing games, singing songs and hosting a campfire February 2019: Camp Casa Mare, Seabrook - Stayed in Port dorm - Led Brownie troop in earning Making Games, Pets and Painting badges March 2019: Camp Silver Springs, Conroe - Stayed in Windy Woods - Two dad taught girls to set-up a tent - Girls slept in tents overnight to prepare for April 2019 camping troop to Huntsville State Park May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 9
Special Feature
Summer camp at
Agnes Arnold | Casa Mare | Misty Meadows
2019
Why Camp Matters
Week 1 June 16-21
We live in a world of screens, smartphones, laptops, TVs and tablets. And sometimes you just want to get away from it all. We get it.
Week 2 June 23-28
Our staff are friendly and caring and will help guide your girl through our progression programs as well as encourage her to take healthy risks and experience new things that help build essential life skills, including:
Week 3 June 30-July 3 Week 4 July 7-12
• • • •
Interpersonal and social skills Conflict resolution and collaborative teamwork Critical thinking and problem solving Confidence and independence
Camperships (camp scholarships) available, check online.
She'll play, explore, build, discover who she is and have the time of her life.
Week 5 July 14-19 Week 6 July 21-26
Parent Webinar:
First-time or returning camper? Have some questions about camp? Want to know more about camp life? Join us for a parent webinar from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on May 16.
Week 7 July 28-Aug. 2
Week 7 resident camp is only available at Camp Misty Meadows. Camps Arnold and Casa will have a week long day camp available Mon. - Fri. See gssjc.org/summercamp for details.
Here are a few sessions available at camp. For the full list of sessions go to gssjc.org/summercamp.
Camp Agnes Arnold
Located near Conroe, Camp Agnes Arnold offers a wide variety of classic camp activities, including archery, nature hikes, arts and crafts and much more! Shadow Lake is the main attraction, giving campers 35 acres of cool, refreshing fun–girls can canoe, fish, swim, explore nature and more around the lake. Campers can focus on camping, outdoor adventures or canoeing and water fun during their Flower Power– Daises Weeks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 Price: $310 Welcome to Camp Arnold and the great outdoors! In this session designed just for Daisies, campers will explore all camp has to offer, including canoeing or paddling a corcl on Shadow Lake, arts and crafts, silly camp songs and swimming in the pool. These are two-night sessions. Weeks 1 and 5 are Sunday through Tuesday. Weeks 2, 4 and 6 are Wednesday through Friday. Firelight and Fairytales– Brownies Weeks: 1, 3, 5 Price: $440 (Wk 3 $370) If you like eating s'mores, singing songs, playing games, swimming, paddling a corcl, cooking outside and listening to fairytales, this session is for you! Join us for a week of camp fun and outdoor exploration, taking in all camp has to offer during this mystical, magical time at camp. Enjoy canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, and more.
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Water Works– Juniors Weeks: 1, 5, 6 Price: $440 Stay cool during the hot summer with aqua aerobics, water volleyball, swimming and more! Also paddle around Shadow Lake and explore everything the lake has to offer! Girls will also do archery. Camptastic-Brownies Weeks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Price: $310 Love traditional camp activities but prefer a shorter camp session? This is the session for you! Experiment with outdoor cooking, sing songs around the campfire and learn all about the cool things nature has to offer. Also explore canoeing, paddling a corcl, swimming, and arts and crafts. These are two-night sessions. Weeks 2, 3, 4 and 6 are Sunday through Tuesday. Weeks 1 and 5 are Wednesday through Friday.
Special Feature
Camp Casa Mare
Nestled on Galveston Bay, Camp Casa Mare’s bay side paradise offers a wide variety of camp activities for ocean lovers and landlubbers alike! For older campers, sailing is the main attraction–girls can learn beginning sailing skills or hone their skills on the water. Campers of all ages can focus on STEM activities, art projects or take field trips to local attractions in Galveston or Houston. Masters of Disaster-Brownies Weeks: 1, 5 Price: $490 Become a master of earth, wind and fire. Explore the science of weather and how to be prepared. The planet is a wonderful place, let’s learn more about it. Hands on experiments, scavenger hunts and more await you as we work on team work, creativity and leadership. Prepare to get a little messy! Girls will also enjoy traditional camp activities like swimming and archery. FrankenBrownie Week: 3 Price: $420 (Sun-Wed) (NEW week added) Week: 4 Price: $490 Have a tasty time as you channel your inner mad scientist! Experiment with slime, green marshmallow treats and ooey gooey fun. Practice your best mad scientist laugh and get ready for a hairraising time. Girls will also enjoy traditional camp activities like swimming and archery.
Taste of Sailing-Cadettes-Ambassadors Weeks: 2, 3, 6 Price: $530 (Wks 2&6) $460 (Wk3) New week added This is the perfect session for anyone wanting to be introduced to sailing. You will learn aspects of sailing, including knot tying and nautical terms. Top off the week as you set sail on a sunfish with an experienced skipper. Girls must have a Red Cross Level 4 Swim Card. The Safe Boat Testing will be conducted at camp and girls must be able to pass the Safe Boat Test to continue with session. Girls will also enjoy traditional camp activities such as swimming and archery along with this sailing course. No previous sailing experience is needed to attend. Seafarers–Cadettes-Ambassadors Week: 1 Price: $610 Did you ever want to learn how to sail big boats? Join us for a week of sailing and exploration! Visit marinas and sail makers and take day trips on big boats. Learn about the different types of boats and the skills necessary to sail them. Prerequisites include being a member of Mariners in good standing with Sail Aide rating. Girls will also enjoy traditional camp activities such as swimming and archery
Camp Misty Meadows
Located in Conroe, TX, Camp Misty Meadows offers a quality horseback riding program in a summer camp setting. Sports and games are ideal ways to demonstrate the five Girl Scout outcomes: sense of self, challenge seeking, positive values, healthy relationships and community problem solving. Our program features beginning to advanced horseback riding lessons. Firecrackers Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors Week: 3 Price: $325 The Fourth of July is this week and that's reason enough to party! Girls will experience an all camp obstacle course, Fourth of July parade, visit the horses at the barn, design and shoot a two-liter bottle rocket and celebrate in style with their firecracker buddies. Round out your week at camp with traditional activities like archery, swimming and games. Camp check out is Wednesday, July 3.
Fantastic Fencers– Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors Weeks: 2, 5, 7 Price: $ 510 Spend the week learning this fast-paced, exciting sport. As you challenge your opponents, electronic equipment will keep track of who’s winning the battle. Professional instructors will teach you the finer points of lunging, footwork and blade work. Round out the week with traditional activities like swimming, archery and arts and crafts.
Games and Goalz-Brownies Weeks: 1, 4, 6 Price: $450 This session is for the sports enthusiast! Girls will compete in a series of games including gaga ball, capture the flag and steal the bacon. While competing, girls will learn about playing fair, team building and including everyone. This session includes plenty of traditional camp activities like swimming and arts and crafts.
Aim High! Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors Weeks: 1, 4, 6 Price: $460 Aim high and hit the mark with this session all about targets. Girls will work on improving their skills in archery, rifle shooting, tomahawk throwing, lawn darts and more. Girls will also try their hand at orienteering to sharpen their seeking skills. Don't forget the games, pool and other camp activities.
She’s Got Game– Juniors Weeks: 2, 5, 7 Price: $450 Girls will improve their sports skills and team work by playing a new sport or physical game each day, including Frisbee golf and human foosball. Girls will also work on communication and teamwork by participating in a geocaching session and team building games. In addition, girls will participate in swimming, archery, arts and crafts and other camp activities.
Home on the Range-Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors Weeks: 2, 4 Price: $835 Spend the night at Camp Misty Meadows before hitting the road to the Texas Hill Country. Girls will work on their riding skills while visiting a dude ranch. Days filled with western entertainment and chuck wagon meals will leave you longing for more nights on the trail.
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Special Feature
Day Camp at Program Place for Girls
Day Camp End of Summer Bash at Camp Agnes Arnold or Camp Casa Mare
Camp is from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost is $200 per week. Week 4 will not meet on Thursday, July 4. The cost for that week is $160. Register online at gssjc.org/summercamp. For questions about day camp, contact daycamp@sjgs.org. 12 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
Week: July 29-August 2 Price: $210 Not ready to go to resident camp? Enjoy all the fun of day camp and resident camp in one week! Your days will be filled with arts and crafts, games, swimming and archery (Brownies and up). There will be an optional sleepover on Thursday to experience cooking over a fire, nighttime activities and singing around the campfire. Camp is from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch and snacks are provided everyday. For overnight campers, Thursday night dinner and Friday breakfast and lunch are provided. There will be bus service from Tomball area to Camp Agnes Arnold. There will be bus service from Program Place to Camp Casa Mare for an additional $80. 25 girl minimum.
Check out the volunteer run day/twilight camps being held all over the council this summer at gssjc.org/daycamp.
Features
Features
The Many Faces of Girl Scouts: Amanda Montour Amanda Montour’s eyes sparkle with pride as she continues to teach the girls about water safety and reminisces on the Coast Guard Harvey rescues she was a part of, particularly the dog rescues. She steps from behind the podium to show the girls in the audience the safety vest. It’s very different from the vest the girls wear out when they sail. This vest is much bulkier and heavier. This vest belongs to Coast Guard pilot, Lt. Amanda Montour. According to her, mentoring is what she loves to do, it is her passion. She knows the importance of exposing girls to careers that are normally aimed toward males.“I’m very passionate about mentorship and leadership because I know how important it was to me growing up, especially as a young girl,” said Lt. Montour. “I know how important [it] is to see someone who looks like you doing a job that maybe you would want to do someday. It’s hard to picture yourself if you’ve never seen anybody who looks like you doing it.” It was no easy feat for Lt. Montour to reach her pilot status within the Coast Guard. She encountered the word ‘no’ many times in her career. However, those encounters helped her draw inspiration and strength to work harder. “One of the things I like to share with the girls most often is my story and that I feel like I shouldn’t be where I am right now,” said Lt. Montour. “I shouldn’t have been [graduating from the academy], technically. People [also] told me that I was too small to play softball in college and, so, I went to the coast guard academy and I played softball in college and was an all American.” Lt. Montour is very proud of her past and she hopes that girls can learn from her and take their future into their own hands and rise to the challenge. According to her, it was her desire to serve her country and work hard that helped her overcome the obstacles. Now she hopes she can show girls that anything is possible.“I think being able to be a woman doing a job that is typically a male dominated job, I wanted [the girls] to see me,” said Lt. Montour. In addition to mentoring girls from the mariner program, Lt. Montour also learns about sailing from the girls she volunteers with. “They give me a sense of purpose and my relationship with them has been student-teacher because they’ve
been teaching me to sail,” said Lt. Montour. “I’m not a sailor myself and I’ve tried to teach them somethings along the way too but I think I get just as much out of it, honestly, as they do.” She beams with joy whenever one of her mentees asks for her advice on various topics. “I love it! I love it when the girls reach out to me afterwards if they have a question or anything like that. just because I know sometimes resources can be a little bit limited for women who are looking to enter a career like mine,” said Montour. Lt. Amanda Montour is filled with passion for her job and for mentoring the mariners who dream of someday entering a male dominated field like hers. “I feel very passionate about service. In that, your rent for living your life on earth is your service to others and so I think that finding something that you’re passionate about to give back and if it’s with the Girl Scouts, great!” said Montour. GSSJC provides many volunteering opportunities in unique capacities, and we bet you know a friend or two who might be interested in lending their talents. Encourage them to visit makeadifference.gssjc.org to begin the volunteer process!
To meet more of the Many Faces of Girl Scouts, visit www.manyfacesofgirlscouts.com.
Attention Graduating Seniors!
Your Girl Scout journey doesn’t have to end here. Join our free alumnae organization and get access to exclusive events, activities and opportunities. Visit: gssjc.org/alum to join today!
Early Bird is here!
Take the next step to discover new badges, new journeys and new adventures. Renew your membership for 2020–starting May 1 and earn a FREE patch! Visit gssjc.org/renew. Girls are a force to be reckoned with, and we can help unleash more of that unstoppable potential–all in a place that’s all about girls and always will be.
May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 13
Features
Have you ever considered being a National Delegate?
Represent GSSJC at the 2020 National Council Session/55th Convention of Girl Scouts Oct. 21 – 23, 2020 in Orlando
Here is what a girl and adult National Delegate from Columbus, Ohio had to say after serving as a delegate. “During the Ohio Convention, I had the opportunity to meet Girl Scouts from all over the country. As a group, we participated in voting in a parliamentary system and made real changes that will benefit future Girl Scouts to come. Not only did I get to be a part of Girl Scouts as a whole, I also made friends with the girls I traveled with. I’m very grateful for the travel experience, and the impact we all made together.” Taylor Bruce, 2017 Girl National Delegate
“Being chosen to represent GSSJC as a National Delegate was a opportunity that I was honored to accept. To see fellow volunteers and Girl Scouts from near and far come under one roof to seek knowledge and make a difference all for the best interest of a great organization was a memory that I will forever cherish. The camaraderie between volunteers, the exhibition halls, the guest speakers, and watching our Girl Scouts be heard was absolutely amazing. I hope by sharing my experience with volunteers it will encourage others to do the same.” Tisa Ahmed 2017 Adult National Delegate
The application for the National Delegate position may be found online at bit.ly/delegate2020. The submission deadline for adults and girls (14 years or older in October 2019) is June 30, 2019. You may also use the paper form below.
APPLICATION FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL DELEGATE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: June 30, 2019
GSSJC is eligible to send over 30 voting delegates, as prescribed by a formula established by the Girl Scouts of USA. If you are interested in serving as a delegate, please complete this application and mail it to Attn: Board Development Committee, GSSJC, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77098. The Committee will review applications and select a slate of national council delegates and alternate delegates. National council delegates are elected at the Annual Meeting in April 2020. You may go to www.gssjc.org to access an electronic form or contact Laurie Sparks at lsparks@sjgs;.org. Delegates are required to: • Attend orientation and preparation meetings prior to the National Council Session. • Plan to attend all sessions in Orlando, Florida. • Be willing to report back to Council membership. • Serve as a national council delegate for the next three years and be willing to attend any additional National Meetings called. • Be a citizen of the United States of America as required by the GSUSA Congressional Charter. • Be a registered member of the Girl Scouts and 14 years of age or older.
GSSJC will pay the registration and travel expenses of its voting delegates. Non-voting members are welcome and encouraged to attend as visitors, but are responsible for their own expenses.
Please neatly complete the following information to be considered for a national delegate position: Name:____________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________ City: _________________________ ZIP:________________________________ Home Phone:____________________ Work/Alternate Phone:_______________________ Cell:__________________________________________________ Region: __________________________________________________ Community:_____________________________________________________________ Please complete this section for statistical purposes only. RACE/ETHNICITY:_____ Native American or Alaskan Native _____ Asian American _____ Black or African American _____ Hawaiian or Pacific Islander _____ White _____ Hispanic or Latina _____ Multicultural American • Other ____________ AGE GROUP: ____14-17 yrs. ____18-29 yrs. ____30-39 yrs. ____40-49 ____50-59 yrs. ____60+ yrs. Are you a U.S. citizen? ____Yes ____No (Required in the GSUSA Congressional Charter.) I agree that I will carry out the responsibilities of a delegate as described and to represent Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council as an informed delegate. Signature: ____________________________________________________________________Date:____________________ What you need to turn in: 1. GIRL SCOUT EXPERIENCE: Attach a record of your Girl Scout experience, including position and dates (or F-122 Adult Volunteer Service Record). 2, OTHER VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS: Attach a list of other relevant volunteer experience including position, organization and dates. 3. SELECTION CRITERIA: While the Committee will consider a number of factors in making its ultimate selection, the committee will also specifically seek candidates that model one or more of the characteristics and skills outlined below, with no one or combination of characteristics and skills being weighted more than the others. Please self-assess your experience in each area (check one box per row). Skills:
Significant Experience
Some Experience
No Experience
Strategic Thinking Communication Policy-Influence/Policy Making Experience Knowledge of Girl Scouting Decision Making Adaptability Team-Building 4. TOP SKILLS: Using a separate sheet of paper, please identify your two top skills from the list above and provide a specific example detailing a time you demonstrated each one. 14 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
Features
Recruitment News Daisy Launch begins May 1!
Incoming kindergarteners (girls currently in Pre-K) can register for the 2019-2020 extended membership year and participate in both this membership year and next for $35! Extended year membership will be available to all new girls beginning May 1 and ends June 30.
Are you a recruitment volunteer in your Community?
Join us at one of our new recruitment trainings this summer- Saturday, May 4 or Saturday, June 22 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Girl Scout Center. See page 32 for more information.
Troop Expansion beginning Aug. 1, 2019 Did you know that only 12 percent of our troops are open for online registration, forcing many parents/caregivers to choose to travel across town to join a troop or even to choose not to participate in Girl Scouts due to the misconception that there are no Girl Scout opportunities near their homes or schools? How sad girls are denied the awesome Girl Scout troop experience that you provide to your girls! Did you know? GSUSA research shows troop leaders with 12 girls or more have better meeting and activity attendance. Games and team building activities are more fun and troops enjoy a diversity of ideas, personalities and voices. Troops with at least 12 girls have more potential adults to help with safety ratios, fill troop committee positions and assist with transportation. Additionally, these troops have more success with girl leadership
because there are enough girls to create patrols or divide into groups to plan troop activities. Finally, troop leaders of 12-girl troops report higher satisfaction overall in their troop leadership experience. Girls need Girl Scouts more than ever before, and GSSJC wants the best for both our girls and adults. We want to make sure that more girls are able to join Girl Scouts and be placed into a troop. Beginning on August 1 troops with less than 12 girls will automatically have girls spots displayed online to meet a 12 girl troop minimum. If leaders have a special circumstance that prevents troops from taking up to 12 girls, leaders must submit opt-out request beginning June 15. Opt-out request should not be submitted prior to June 15. Requests of opt-out considerations can be submitted via email to customerservice@sjgs.org. These will be reviewed case-by-case.
Don’t miss your chance to join us at our 9th Annual Success to Significance Luncheon On Friday, May 10 we will celebrate those who exemplify the values of Girl Scouting and help raise tomorrow’s generation of women leaders. We are excited to be joined by distinguished and decorated military veteran, Girl Scout Alum and First Class recipient (now known as the Gold Award) Admiral Michelle J. Howard. In 1999 Admiral Howard became the first African American woman to command a ship in the Navy. In 2014, she was the first woman to become a four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy and the first woman to be appointed to the position of vice chief of naval operations. In addition to receiving countless awards, Admiral Howard is also the first African American woman to reach the rank of three and four-stars in the Armed Forces. We are excited to welcome her as she is the true definition of what it means to be a G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk taker and Leader). To join us at Success to Significance, visit gssjc.org/s2s or contact Diane Likeness at dlikeness@sjgs.org or 713-292-0346 Ticket Sales end Friday, May 3! Friday, May 10, 2019 10:30 a.m. – noon Registration and Networking Café Noon – 1:30 p.m. Program and Lunch May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 15
Columns
Around Camp
Be careful when playing in or around a lake, river or the bay!
The council has many camps and each one is unique and special. Did you know that some of our camps have lakes and are bordered by a river or bay? We have Lake Ann at Camp Robinwood, Shadow Lake at Camp Agnes Arnold and the Hamill Foundation Lake at Camp Myra S. Pryor. The Colorado River borders Camp Myra S. Pryor and Camp Casa Mare and the Galveston Bay House share Galveston Bay. While water is beautiful to watch and maybe even walk barefoot along the edge, it must always be respected. Many of us have experienced playing, swimming and cooling off in a pool. You can usually see what’s underneath the water in a clear pool. A river, lake or the bay is much different, and you can’t often see the bottom so it’s hard to know how deep the water is. Most rivers and bays have strong currents that cause the bottom to change from day to day. One day the water is calm with a shallow bottom and the next day the same spot may have a deep hole. Even experienced swimmers can get in trouble. What should you do if you see someone in trouble? First, stop, think and keep calm. Don't jump in after them - a drowning person is very strong and will cling to anything that they can. They could quickly pull you underwater too! Shout for help and get someone to find an adult volunteer immediately. Shout to the person in trouble ’to keep their arms in the water and kick their legs’. Do not get into the water--try and reach them from the bank using a rope, pole, tree branch, clothing tied together or anything else that can extend your reach. When reaching from the bank lie down to avoid being pulled into the water. If you cannot reach them then throw something for them to hold onto to stay afloat such as a plastic container, life jacket, throwable floating device or ball. If the person in trouble is too far away, do not attempt to rescue them. Wait for adult volunteers or emergency services while calming and reassuring the person in the water. What should you do if you’re in trouble? Keep calm and call for help. Try to stand up. If the water is too deep but near land, try to swim to safety. If you can’t get to land keep signaling for help while slowly treading water to preserve heat and energy. Once you’re safe, find an adult volunteer and tell them what happened so they can check you out or take you for medical attention. Tips for protecting your skin all year round. If you’re near rivers, streams, lakes, ponds or the seaside, • Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or here are a few things you should remember: higher. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant • Always be accompanied by a buddy and adult. Stay close to or waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply your group and stay in sight at all times. generously and evenly to all exposed skin. Be sure to not to • Don’t jump or dive in - you don’t know how deep it is going miss your lips, ears, around eyes, neck, hands and feet. to be especially if the water is not clear. • Reapply at least every two hours, more often if some of the • Wear something on your feet. There may be sharp rocks, product may have been removed while swimming, sweating or shells, broken glass etc. under the water. towel-drying. • Don’t splash water at other people or push them over • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection. messing around can be dangerous. Tightly woven fabrics and dark colors, such as deep blue and • Cover any cuts and scratches with water proof bandages. black, or bright colors, such as orange and red, offer more • Follow the water safety rules that are posted and you have protection. If you can see light through a fabric, Ultraviolet learned in the past. (UV) rays can get through too. Water makes fabrics more • Learn to swim. It could save your life. translucent, so do not rely on a wet T-shirt. • Wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your neck, ears, scalp and face. Get a 3-4 inch brim that extends all around the hat. • UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes. Follow these simple sun basics to protect your skin and keep you from getting a painful sunburn.
Nature Trivia
What is the state tree of Texas? If you guessed pecan, you are correct! Pecan trees can live a long time and grow over 100 feet tall. Native Americans relied on pecans as an important food staple; they gathered wild pecans and combined them with fruits and vegetables (including beans, corn, and squashes), created an energy drink with pecan milk, used ground pecan meal to thicken meat stews, and included roasted pecans as part of their travel supplies to sustain them along the journey when food was scarce. Besides producing the delicious pecan nut, pecan wood is used in agricultural implements, baseball bats, hammer handles, furniture, wall paneling, flooring, carvings, and firewood. Here’s a question for next time: What do Queen of Hearts, King of Hearts, Jack of Hearts, Millionaire, Crimson, Trio and Nova have in common? Want more guesses? How about Charleston Gray, Black Diamond, Jubilee, Allsweet and Crimson Sweet? Okay, last hint, Desert King, Tendergold, Yellow Baby and Yellow Doll?
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Features
Congratulations Gold Award Girl Scouts The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting; it recognizes girls in grades 9-12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects. Since 1916, girls have successfully pursued the highest award, an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their communities and the world. Sarah C. renovated an elementary school’s vegetable garden that was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey. With the help of 14 community volunteers, Sarah pulled weeds, removed old soil and disinfected the area. They then relined the space with a weed barrier, replaced the soil and fenced the garden. They also assembled a bench in the front of the garden, so teachers would have a place to sit during their garden lessons. The garden is used to teach second and third grade science lessons.
Sophie M. revamped the parking lot and raised awareness for traffic safety at St. Joseph On the Brazos Catholic Church. After researching Texas traffic laws, Sophie created a brochure to share information on these laws with people in her community. She then power-washed and repainted the handicapped spaces and sidewalks in the parking lot. Additionally, Sophie held several workshops for teenagers in her church and local school to further demonstrate the importance of adhering to traffic laws and practicing safe driving techniques.
Jettie C. started an annual feminine hygiene product collection called “Help the Girls. Period” through Dulles High School’s student council. After learning that many women struggle to afford the high and recurring costs of feminine products, Jettie led a team of 16 volunteers to help collect 213 packages of various items including pads and tampons. She donated the products to East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. Jettie also ran a campaign to educate the community and raise awareness of feminine hygiene product needs.
Angel S. created a website to address the issue of teen stress. She led four volunteers in developing resources that included tactics for managing various adolescent pressures. She also created a pamphlet and a presentation on what stress is. Additionally, Angel developed an action-step-plan to help teens recognize and cope with stress. After realizing that both she and her peers were struggling to recognize signs of stress, Angel wanted a way to help herself, her peers and others in the future.
Audrey H. developed an expandable nature journal to encourage engagement with nature. She worked with Houston Audubon’s Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary to assemble a journal of plant and animal observations, which included leaf rubbings, nature games and local animal profiles. Campers use the journal during nature walks to document their experiences. Audrey’s project helped camp staff learn that campers were interested in technology-free experiences. Audrey also created a how-to video, which she shared with neighboring nature centers and sanctuaries.
Khushi V. created “SMART Art Workshop,” a program that teaches special needs children fine arts at The Christ Church School in Sugar Land. She led a team of six volunteers to help teach the children various creative mediums such as sketching, water color and acrylic paint. For her project, Khushi partnered with Empower and Excel, a nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged communities give back to the community. Khushi’s work earned her a merit award from The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.
Vanshika J. taught basic hygiene and ways to avoid common, preventable sicknesses to refugee children from Mexico and Nepal. She led five volunteers in helping more than 30 children between the ages of 4 and 13 learn about the importance of hygiene. Vanshika’s lessons not only helped the students but also their families, as the children passed on the information they learned to their loved ones. Her project helped the children return to school with better hygienic practices and renewed confidence.
Troop #123072 donated handmade toys and pillows for animal residents of the Houston Humane Society to earn their Bronze Award.
May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 17
Activities
Girl and Troop Activities Register for activities under the Activities tab in MyGS. Go to www.gssjc.org and select MyGS, log in to“Member Profile," then select Activities. If you have a question about your activity, contact 713-292-0370 or 1-800-392-4340. If you have a problem with your login, contact Customer Service at 713-292-0300 or registration@sjgs.org. Bring: For all events, bring Permission Slip F-204 and Medical Form F-185 for each girl and the Adult Emergency Form F-22 for each adult. Attention Daisy Leaders! Look for the Daisy in this section for activities that Daisies can attend.
Camp Family Camp Memorial Day Weekend
Registered Girl Scouts and their families can spend Memorial Day Weekend in the great outdoors at Camp Robinwood! Escape the wilds of public camping and enjoy safe and secure Girl Scout accommodations in a platform tent or cabin. You can even bring your extended family and stay in one of our dormitories! Bring your tackle box for some fun fishing, take a turn in canoe on our lake, or go for a swim in the afternoon in our pool! We encourage troops to share this opportunity with their girls’ families and this event is not designed for troops! Who: Girl Scout current members and their immediate and extended families. This is not a troop event. When: May 24 – May 26 Where: Camp Robinwood Cost: $40/participant (girl and adult) No program fee for ages four and under. Accommodation Fees: Go to gssjc.org/activities Bring: Personal camping equipment (suggested packing list is available after registration), food and cooking utensils. Deadline: May 13 Contact: Stephanie Moore, smoore@sjgs.org, 713-292-0300
Environmental
Letterboxing at Camps
Letterboxing is a super cool cross between a treasure hunt, art, navigation and exploring interesting, scenic places as you follow clues to a hidden box containing a stamp and a logbook. It’s like hiking with a prize at the end! There are letterboxes hiding at Girl Scout camps waiting for you the next time you go camping. Many of our camps have letterboxes, and new ones are being added regularly. We always need new troops or groups to place new letterboxes at camps too. We have to set up new boxes as weather and curious critters make the boxes disappear. For a complete list of clues or information on how to set up new letterboxes, contact Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
Armand Bayou Workshops
Girl Scouts are invited to earn a badge or complete a Journey step at Armand Bayou Nature Center. Visit this astonishingly beautiful part of the Texas Gulf Coast and become aware of how Armand Bayou Nature Center, nestled in the Clear Lake Area, is working to preserve the wetlands prairie, forest and marsh habitats. Visitors can learn about our plant and animal inhabitants, bird-watch, hike or view our live animal displays of snakes, alligators, turtles, hawks and bison. Girls will learn about our wildlife, flora and fauna and much more. Join us and experience everything nature! Who: ⓓⓑⓙ Where: Armand Bayou Nature Center, Pasadena Cost: $17 Wear: Closed-toed shoes - no sandals or flip flops. Dress appropriately for weather - rain or shine. Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
Nature Center Workshops
Workshop Brownie Wow 1,2,3 Junior Flowers Junior Animal Habitats Dasiy Between Earth/Sky
Who: ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ and their chaperones Where: Camp Agnes Arnold Nature Center, Conroe Wear: Closed-toed shoes and dress appropriately for weather, rain or shine Cost: $10/girl
Wild About Wolves
Spend some time enjoying nature and visiting camp! Camp Agnes Arnold Nature Center has an ongoing workshop series featuring some amazing programs. A GSSJC Nature Center patch will be given out as well. There’s one for each program, collect them all!
Back to the Bone There are more than 65,000 species of animals classified as vertebrates! Join us for this Nature Center workshop all about animals with back bones. This session includes specimens and live animals-such as a rabbit or a snake. When: May 11, 10:30 a.m. – noon or 1 – 3 p.m. Bee Smart Thanks to pollinators like bees, we have a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants. Without them, our plates and gardens would be dull and boring. Come find out about bees and why they’re so great! When: May 18; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 18 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
Date Time May 11 1 – 3 p.m. May 11 9 a.m. – noon May 25 9 a.m. – noon May 25 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Welcome to the wolf pack! Juniors can complete the Animal Habitats badge and Seniors can complete the Voice for Animals at the St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary. This facility is a volunteerrun nonprofit that cares for non-releasable wolves and wolfhybrids in a safe, loving environment. The sanctuary is also committed to educating the public on conservation efforts and the downside to owning exotic pets. This session includes a facility tour to meet the animals that call this place home as well as the badge workshop with a unique twist and focus on these majestic creatures. Who: ⓙ ⓢ and their chaperones Where: St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary, Montgomery When: Juniors – May 25 Seniors – May 11 Time: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost: $22/girl, $11/adult, badges included for girls Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Fine Arts
The 3 Musketeers at the Alley Theatre Day
Snap Happy
Attendees will enjoy a special backstage look at the costumes and sets that the Alley creates to bring the Three Musketeers to life! Following the tour, Girl Scout’s will be able to attend a sword fighting activity presented by the Houston Sword Sports and participate in a hands-on activity: Dynamics and Duels: Exploring Character Statue and Sword Play Workshop. Finally girls will attend the matinee performance of Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers.
Take a look through the lens and explore what it means to take a winning photo. Your photos show others how you see the world so hone in on your artist skills with any type of camera. Juniors will earn and receive their Digital Photographer badge. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓙⓐ and their chaperones Houston Center for Photography Juniors: June 2 July 14, Aug. 11: 1 – 3:30 p.m. or 3:30 – 6 p.m; May 12, 1 –3:30 p.m. $45/girl; free for adults Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
Matilda The Musical
Brownies – Ambassadors Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Avenue, Houston June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. $20/girls, $32/adults and tagalongs Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Christian Youth Theater presents “Matilda the Musical”. Learn an exciting song and a fun dance in a pre-show workshop and discover theater history and drama techniques. Then perform what you have learned on stage for your leaders and guests at the end of the workshop. After having lunch with your troop or family, come back and enjoy the show with your group. After the show, you will have the opportunity to meet the cast and get autographs. Who: Where: When:
ⓓ ⓑ ⓙ ⓒ ⓢ ⓐ chaperones The Crighton Theater, Conroe May 25
Time: Cost: Contact:
Workshop, 9 a.m. – noon; matinee performance, 2 p.m. $32/girl to include the workshop and performance; $16/adult or tagalong (matinee performance only). Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Fine Arts Workshops
Do you have a zest for art? Do you enjoy playing with clay, making your own jewelry, painting, drawing or fancy some photography? Explore the world of visual arts in these workshops. Create original artwork and earn badges!
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢ Who: Bring: Smock or apron for art classes Cost: See below, free for adults Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 Badge Workshop Cadette Comic Artist Cadette Woodworker Daisy Outdoor Art Maker Brownie Painting Brownie Potter FA: Unicorns Cadette Screen Writer Br Outdoor Art Explorer Cadette Public Speaking Brownie Potter Jr Outdoor Art Creator Senior Textile Artist Junior Book Artist Brownie Painting Junior Scribe Junior Drawing FA: Camping Gear Senior Collage Artist Junior Flowers FA: Beach Wear
Date May 18 June 1 June 1 June 7 June 7 June 8 June 8 June 11 June 15 June 16 June 18 June 22 June 22 June 29 July 6 July 9 July 13 July 13 July 23 Aug 10
Time 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 1 – 3 p.m. 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon 10 a.m. – noon
Place Program Place Program Place UHCL UHCL UHCL Program Place Program Place Rienzi Izzie's Jewels Rienzi Rienzi Program Place Rienzi Program Place Program Place Rienzi Program Place Program Place Rienzi Program Place
Cost/girl $25 $25 $18 $18 $18 $22 $25 $15 $25 $15 $15 $25 $15 $25 $25 $15 $22 $25 $15 $22
Outdoor Art Badges–(Daisies- Ambassadors) Explore the outdoors and use what you see and hear to make different kinds of art projects. Brownie Potter Badge – Crafts made with clay have been around for thousands of years. Work your way through this badge to become a clay artist yourself. Brownie Painting Badge–Artists take what they see and make it beautiful. Learn to paint and color your world in super strokes and see what your imagination can do. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Junior Book Artist Badge–Explore the art of bookbinding and book artistry while you learn to make different kinds of books! Junior Drawing Badge–Experiment with different materials and learn techniques to make your own drawings even better! Junior Flowers Badge- Discover the science and uses for different flowers and learn all of the things flowers can do! 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! Cadette Woodworker Badge–Swing a Hammer, use a level and making something for yourself! Girls will learn how to use some basic tools to create a take home piece! Senior Collage Artist Badge–Create a collage using textile art and make a project of your very own! Senior Textile Artist Badge–Get ready to turn colors, textures and fabrics into a work of art. Learn about the basics of textile art and bring home a project of your own! Fashion Academy (FA) – (Juniors- Seniors) -Have you dreamed of being a famous fashion or costume designer? Or maybe you would just like to learn how to sew to up-cycle used clothing.
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Activities
General Activities Cadette Weekend Girl Planning Board
Would you like to help plan GSSJC’s biannual Cadette Weekend event? Girls will have an opportunity to plan this popular event for their peers. They will be able to create a theme and decide what activities this event will include. The Sky is the limit! Girls will need to attend planning/work meetings as well as be present the for the event. Who: Where: When: Cost: Apply: Contact:
ⓒ
Meetings at Girl Scout Center; Event at Camp Agnes Arnold Meetings August-March; Event April 24-26, 2020 $15 (covers food and lodging for event) Fill out the online GPB application (on GSSJC Forms page); due 7/30 Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
GIRLtopia Journey
GIRLtopia is your invitation to envision a perfect world- a utopia - for girls. On this journey, you will create an ideal community where girls' values, needs, and interests are respected and celebrated- always! and along the way, you might discover that when you can envision a change, you can make it happen! You're invited to create your vision as an art-project and earn your Visionary pin (a component of the Journey - pin not included). This Journey will cover every step but the Take Action project of the Journey. The girl's book and some meals are included in the price. Who: ⓢ When: June 8 – 9 Where: Spring Branch Presbyterian Church Cost: $55/girl Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Girl Scout Leadership Institute (GSLI)
Be inspired and equipped to pursue educational and career goals through interacting with successful leaders in a variety of industries! Girls will be exposed to career opportunities through visiting local businesses and organizations, job shadowing, and networking with industry leaders. Girls will receive the latest information and instruction from experts in the field, communicate with female role models, and gain professional skills related to their interests. Who: ⓢⓐ Where: See online for dates and locations Cost: $10/girl Contact: Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209
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Recipe for Success Sow What? Journey Series
Feel like getting down to the root of the issue? Recipe for Success will take you on the Sow What? Journey to help you learn all there is to know about your food network, your food print, the importance of growing and eating local and more! Spend time at Hope Farms and dig your hands into the opportunity to change the community around you. Who: ⓢ, adult chaperones Where: RecipeHouse and Hope Farms When: June 10 – 14, 9 a.m. – noon Cost: $165/girl, free for adults Min./Max.: 10/20 girls, 2/6 adults Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: In order to complete the Journey, the girls must attend each day of the series. Contact Ashley Reinhardt with any scheduling conflicts. Program will be Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - noon and will alternate between RecipeHouse and Hope Farms. Girls will receive the Sow What? Journey book on the first day of the series. Registered girls will be emailed a schedule before the series begins. Girls will eat and prepare lunch together every day. Harvest Award pin not included. Chaperones are free to attend and must be a current member with a background check.
It’s Your Planet, Love It! Journey Weekend
Cadettes will work on Breathe!, Seniors will work on Sow What? and Ambassadors will work on Justice. Girls will complete all bookwork at camp and do the framework for their Take Action projects. They’ll just need to complete their Take Action projects once they get home. Breathe! is all about the air in the atmosphere. Sow What? is all about the food and Justice is all about the power of advocacy. Journeys are an important prerequisite for anyone going for a Silver or Gold Award, so come have fun at camp while completing your session. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓒⓢⓐ
Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada June 14 – 16 $45/girl, $20/adult; includes meals and traditional camp activities like swimming, canoeing and archery Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353
A Very Harry Halloween
It’s Third Year at Hogwarts School and the prisoner of Azkaban has escaped! Join us at Camp Whispering Pines where girls will be sorted into houses and compete for the House Cup by playing Quidditch, attending Hogwarts classes, and more! Due to high demand, we are excited to be offering this campout on two weekends this fall. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact: Note:
ⓒⓢⓐ, and adults Camp Whispering Pines, Garrison Oct. 4 – Oct. 6 and Nov. 1 – Nov. 3 $45/girl; $25/adult Alexandra Reilman, 936-634-5813, areilman@sjgs.org Registration will be available online on July 15.
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Carousel
Camp with your Girl Scout troop at these fun-filled weekends! Program is provided; you just prepare your girls for the camping experience and bring your own meals and camping supplies. Carousel is a perfect introduction to camping for your troop’s first time and a great event to attend more than once as each Carousel is unique. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Girl Scout troops Who: and Girl Scout ratio of adults only; GSSJC reserves the right to refund adults that exceed this ratio because space is limited. Priority is given to the girls. Bring: Troops are responsible for providing a camp certified adult, current CPR/first aider, first aid kit, simple meals, personal camping equipment and SWAPS. Cost: $28/participant (girl or adult) includes patch Deadline: Two weeks before event Contact: Registrars, registration@sjgs.org, 713-292-0370 Min./Max.: 50/150 Registration for Sunday AIM/JOAD activities is separate from the Carousel weekend. Girls wanting to participate in both must register for these programs separately. When Where May 17 – 19 Camp Robinwood June 14 – 16 Camp Robinwood July 19 – 21 Camp Robinwood
Theme Circus Fun with Dumbo and Friends Pollinator Pals TBA
Program Aide Training
Program Aide is a teen mentoring award for Cadettes. Program Aides are in high demand. Program Aides work with younger girls in a variety of settings from day or twilight camps to one-time events. If you are interested in a leadership experience specifically designed for working with younger Girl Scouts, this is for you. The training covers leadership skills and shares a variety of techniques for working with younger girls including program, craft and game ideas. All Cadettes who have finished one Leader-in-Action (LIA) award are eligible to register for this training. If you plan to be a Program Aide at any of the day or twilight camps, you must complete Program Aide training prior to the camp date. Who: ⓒ Where/When: Lone Star College, Cy Fair; May 19, 1 – 6 p.m. Program Place for Girls, June 23, noon – 4 p.m. Cost: $10/girl Contact: Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353
Exploring Careers in Law
Interested in law? At this event you will learn about how laws affect you today, what areas of law exist, and explore career ideas and opportunities the field has to offer. you will also get to met a panel of attorneys and law enforcement who will be there to share their experiences and answer questions. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
Wanted: Carousel Host Troops!
Calling all interested older girl troops! Want to host a carousel? Want to earn extra money? Consider hosting a carousel for a leadership and money earning opportunity for your older girls. This is a fun way for troops to earn extra money towards their troop programs while serving other girls. Carousel is an exciting twist to traditional troop camping where a host troops serves as camp counselors to coordinate the Saturday camp activities. Carousel host troops provide great program for our camp carousel weekends. Eligible host troops can earn $3 per girl attending the carousel session. Pick a weekend and a theme, and the girls and adult volunteers in your troop prepare a fun day of activities for other troops at camp. Contact: Registrars, registration@sjgs.org, 713-292-0370 for available dates.
Wall Street 101
Did you know that you have the power to fund your future? Someday you will want to make a big purchase, take out a loan or own a credit card. At this event, you will learn from female finance executives who have the experience to guide you, trade stocks in the finance center simulator and make decisions that matter! Girls will work on elements of their financial literacy badges: Financing My Future, Buying Power, Budgeting and Good Credit. Where: When: Cost: Contact:
Rice University May 18, 9 – 11:30 a.m. $10/girl; free for adults Lola Akapo, lakapo@sjgs.org, 713-292-0353
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
ⓒⓢⓐ and adults
University of Houston July 18, 6 – 8:30 p.m. $10/girl, free for adults Megan Dodd, mddodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209
Health Career Exploration at MD Anderson
Are you interested in a career in health care? Explore opportunities at MD Anderson by participating in a variety of breakout sessions and presentations from experts with a focus on cancer prevention. During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to hear from a keynote speaker, engage in a Q&A with women in the medical profession, get involved in discussion groups, and tour the facility. Breakfast is included. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓢⓐ and adults MD Anderson, Houston May 11, 8 a.m. – noon $15/girl, free for adults Megan Dodd, mdodd@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209
My Best Self Workshop
Laughter is the best medicine! We invite Brownies to experience a new way to exercise. Laughter yoga is an activity that lets girls have fun while learning ways to live stress-free. Brownies will earn and receive their My Best Self badge. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓑ and their chaperones Program Place for Girls, Houston May 11, June 15, July 27; 10 – 11:30 a.m. $16/girl; free for adults Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 21
Activities
Health and Safety Weekend 2019
Join us at this annual event where adults and girls can participate in workshops and trainings pertaining to health and safety. It might be first aid, swim testing, canoe training, tips from law enforcement or something else – either way, you’ll leave the weekend (or just Saturday) after having fun, hands-on learning. See below for session descriptions. When registering, optional add-ons of overnights or meals ($5 each) will be available. Who: ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ, adult When: Aug. 3–5 Where: Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 Registration, registration@sjgs.org, 713-292-0370 Archery Instructor School: For adults and girls aged 16+. If you want to facilitate archery for your troop, Community or Region, this is the training for you. Learn everything you need to know about shooting archery and facilitating girls on how to shoot safely. $85
Session
Who
What
Archery Instruc- Adults tor School
Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Babysitting Certification
Cadettes
Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Canoe Certification Training
Adults
Fri. 7 p.m. – Sun. 11 a.m.
Eco Learner
Daisy
Sat. 1 – 4 p.m.
First Aid Badge Workshops
Brownies, Juniors
Sat. 1 – 3 p.m.
First Aid/CPR/ AED Trainings
Adults
Blended: Sat. 9 –11 a.m. or 1 – 3 p.m. Full: Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Girl-Planned and Girl-Led Program
Adults
Sat. 10 –11a.m. or 1 – 2 p.m.
Healthy Living Badge Workshops
Brownies, Juniors, Seniors
MBS: Sat. 1 – 4 p.m. PwP: Sat. 1 – 4 p.m. WH: Sat. 9 a.m.–noon
Locavore for Beauty
Cadettes, Seniors
Sat. 9 a.m. – noon
Program Aide Instructor Training
Adults
Sat. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Program Aide Training
Cadettes
Sat. 1 – 5 p.m.
Locavore for Beauty: Cadettes and Seniors come together to complete requirements from the Eating for Beauty and Locavore badges. Girls will discover healthy eating habits as well as where to source food that is grown nearby. $15
SAC Tips for Troops
Adults
Sat. 9 – 10 a.m. or 3 – 4 p.m.
Safety for Girls
All levels + Adults
Younger: Sat. 9 a.m.–noon Older: Sat. 1 – 4 p.m.
Program Aide Instructor Training: Adults who wish to facilitate Program Aide trainings are welcome to attend this session. We will cover the basics in the morning, break for lunch, then get hands on practice training girls in the afternoon Program Aide session. Program Aides and Program Aide instructors are in high demand for council trainings and day camps. $15
VIT (Volunteer-in-Training)
Seniors, Ambassadors
Sat. 9 a.m. – noon
Babysitting Certification: For girls 11 and older. Learn the basics of babysitting; how to take care of a baby, feed a baby, change a diaper and more. Girls will learn how to market their new skills, important child development milestones and how to stay safe on the job. $45 Canoe Certification Training: This training is needed to take girls canoeing on council camp properties and is for adults only. Must be able to demonstrate swimming skills Friday night. Includes overnight accommodations, 3 Saturday meals, and breakfast Sunday. $85 First Aid Badge Workshops: These workshops will cover material in the applicable Girl Scout level's badge. A first responder will also be on hand to show the girls an ambulance and fulfill the requirement of learning about emergency care. $15 First Aid/CPR/AED Trainings: Red Cross Standard First Aid is great for everyone to know. This certification allows an adult to serve as a level 1 first aider and covers minor bumps and scrapes up to strokes and heart attacks. Students will be prepared to save a life. Participants can choose the Full Training option where everything will be done in-person; or choose the Blended Learning option where participants complete components on their own before the weekend. This session is completely done in person. $65 or $55 Healthy Living Badge Workshops: Whether it's My Best Self for Brownies, Practice with Purpose for Juniors, or Women's Health for Seniors, these badges all offer a look at how girls can stay healthy. Separate sessions will be offered by level. $15
Program Aide Training: This Teen Mentoring Program is geared towards Cadettes who have completed a LiA (Leader in Action) award. Girls will learn how to work with younger girls and serve as a leader. Program Aides are in high demand at council and community events and they play a major role at day camps too. $20 Safety for Girls: This unique workshop will allow girls and adults to learn what it means to stay safe in their day-to-day life (from a law enforcement office) and what it means to stay safe outdoors (from a Texas Game Warden). Participants will listen to one, eat lunch, then listen to the other. There will be a session for younger girls + adults and a session for older girls + adults. $15
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Swim Level All levels Testing Sessions
Sat. 9 a.m. – noon or
Working Together Works
Sat. 11 a.m. – noon or 2 – 3 p.m.
Adults
1 – 4 p.m.
Swim Level Testing: Come get your swim level testing and safe boating cards. This session is designed to test girls of any Girl Scout level for swim level testing through the Red Cross levels 1-6. We will also administer the GSSJC Safe Boating Test. Girls who wish to canoe in Girl Scouts require a level 3 swim card and those who wish to sail would need a level 4 swim card. This session is designed for beginners through advanced girls but not intended for non-swimmers. $20
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Badge Workshops The Night at the Health Museum
Enjoy a fun overnight experience at The Health Museum. Play a life-health trivia game show, and explore the museum at night. Dinner is optional (at an extra cost). Breakfast is included in the registration price. If you did not choose a dinner option, then please plan on bringing your own. Cost: $50/girl; $50 adults, two badges included Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
First Aid and Heathy Living
Nothing is more important than good health, and as women we have unique health issues at every stage of our lives. Girls will learn about their health by playing games, build each other up and explore the museum at night. Cadettes will earn their Science of Happiness badge, and Seniors will earn their Women's Health badge. Both levels will earn their First Aid badge. Who: When:
ⓒⓢ
May 17 – 18
First Aid and STEM
This exciting overnight will teach girl how to keep their bodies healthy while engaging into STEM activities. Juniors will earn Staying fit and Home Scientist badge. Brownies will earn My Best Self badge and their Detective badge. Who: When:
ⓑ ⓙ May 17 – 18
Dr. Girl Scout
Pretend you are a doctor for a day with the Little Medical School. During this activity, girls will learn the ins-and-outs of what it takes to care for their bodies. Daisies will earn the Gloria petal while Brownies earn the My Best Self badge. Daisy petals are not included as they are sold in a set. Daisies will receive a fun patch instead. Brownies will receive their My Best Self badge. Who: ⓓⓑ and their chaperones Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: June 15, July 13, Aug. 10; 10 a.m. – noon Cost: $18/girl Min/Max: 10/20 Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
Red Cross Babysitting Training
This training covers everything from the business of babysitting (advertising, interviewing, charging, budgeting) to proper activities while on the job (developmental stages for kids of all ages, activities to do with the kids, etc). It also covers how to handle behavioral problems and what to do in an emergency. Although some basic information on what to do will be included, this is not a first aid/CPR/AED course. Who: ⓒⓢⓐ girls 11 and older Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston When: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; May 11, June 29, July 13, August 3 Cost: $45 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Pet Vet
Houston Food Bank Workshops
Who: ⓑ and their chaperones When: June 15, July 13, Aug. 10 Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $18/girl Min/Max: 10/20 Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
Clover Daisy Petal Workshop Learn how to use your resources wisely in this Clover petal workshop. Talk about Clovers Story, make a collage of ideas, and practice being resourceful, just like Clover. Who knows more about being resourceful than the Houston Food Bank! Hear about the organization's mission and what they do to serve families in Houston every day. Clover petal will be earned but not provided as Daisy petals are sold as a set. Petal not included in the price of the event.
Whether they’re cute and cuddly or slimy and scaly, pets are so much fun! If you hope to have a pet someday, this badge workshop will help you make sure it stays happy and healthy. Learn all about an animals’ body language, sleeping habits, feeding schedules and more. Brownies will earn and receive the Pets badge with the Little Veterinarian School.
Eating For You Cadette Badge Workshop Nutrition isn't just about maintaining a healthy weight; eating well helps you inside and out. Choosing the right foods can help you sleep better and stress less. The Houston Food Bank's mission is to get the right foods into the hands of Houstonians everywhere. Badge requirements will be met and the badge will be provided at the event.
Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
ⓓ and their chaperones Houston Food Bank July 20, 10 – 11:30 a.m $18/girl, free for adults Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
Bring your friends to camp! Sign up at gssjc.org/summercamp. ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 23
Activities
First Aid Badge Workshop
Participants will tour the medical facility, make a small first aid kit, and speak with doctors and nurses on staff. They will also get to see a real working ambulance (subject to availability when not on a call). Meet your neighborhood medical team and earn a badge while you’re at it! Girls will earn their respective First Aid badges. Badges will be given out at the location based on the level listed in the girl's Girl Scout record.
ⓑⓙ Who: Cost: $18 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 When/Where: May 10 Lifesavers ER, Tomball 4:45 – 6 p.m. May 16 Kingwood Neighbors Emergency Center 6 – 7:30 p.m. May 22 Pearland Neighbors Emergency Center 6 – 7:30 p.m. June 8 Baytown Neighbors Emergency Center 9 – 10:30 a.m. June 14 Lifesavers ER, Tomball 4:45 – 6 p.m. June 16 Kingwood Neighbors Emergency Center 1 – 2:30 p.m. June 29 Pasadena Neighbors Emergency Center 9 – 10:30 a.m. July 12 Lifesavers ER, Tomball 4:45 – 6 p.m. July 14 Pearland Neighbors Emergency Center 1 – 2:30 p.m. July 20 Crosby Neighbors Emergency Center 9 – 10:30 a.m. July 21 Baytown Neighbors Emergency Center 9 – 10:30 a.m. July 27 Pasadena Neighbors Emergency Center 9 – 10:30 a.m. August 3 Kingwood Neighbors Emergency Center 9 – 10:30 a.m. August 9 Lifesavers ER, Tomball 4:45 – 6 p.m. August 11 Porter Neighbors Emergency Center 1 – 2:30 p.m. August 17 Pearland Neighbors Emergency Center 9 – 10:30 a.m.
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
Join us for this training designed to equip troop leaders, advisors and parents who are looking to support Cadettes through the process of earning the Silver Award. Topics include project guidelines, submission deadlines and coaching tips. Who: Adults Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston When: Sept. 28 1; 10 – 11:30 a.m. (Check online for more dates) Cost: $5/person Contact: Megan Dodd, silveraward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209 24 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
Gold Award Orientation
All girls who plan to earn their Gold Award must attend Gold Award Orientation to get started on the process. Adult Gold Award Orientation is offered on the same dates, at the same times and same locations as the girl orientations. Register the same way you would register for the girl session. No drop-ins! Please be prompt. Girls are encouraged to complete one Senior or Ambassador Journey before attending orientation. Who: ⓢⓐor girls in grades 9 – 12 and adults Where/When: Girl Scout Center, Houston June 23, 2 – 4 p.m. July 27, 10 a.m. – noon Cost: $5/person Deadline: One week prior Contact: Megan Dodd, goldaward@sjgs.org, 713-292-0209 Important reminder: As of Jan. 1, 2019, the Gold Award process has moved to an online platform, Go Gold Online. Girls will still work with their Gold Award mentors and receive their approval on their Project Proposals, before they submit to council via Go Gold. The deadlines for submitting Gold Award Project Proposals and Final Reports are the first and fifteenth of each month. This ensures that your project will be reviewed at that month's meeting. For more information, vistit www.gssjc. org/goldward.
History Juliette’s Tea Party
Want a fun way to spend the afternoon? Council History Committee volunteers host an old-fashioned tea party, and they invite you to attend! Learn etiquette from the Victorian Era (1800s), enjoy tea and sweets, make something special to take home and play games typical of Juliette Low’s era. Girls may wear a Girl Scout uniform or fancy party dress! Who: ⓓⓑⓙ Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: May 16, Aug. 15; 4:45 – 6 p.m. Cost: $15/girl (includes patch and tea cup) Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: This is not a parent and me opportunity, but parents are welcome to wait in another room during the event.
Wonderful Wednesdays
The Council History Committee is excited to provide some summer fun for Juniors! Wonderful Wednesday sessions will be a great way for girls to discover and explore fun topics while making new friends. Participants will earn and receive the badge. Who: Juniors Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston When: 1 – 4 p.m. Cost: $12/girl Min./Max.: 5/20 Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338 Note: This is a drop-off event. Title Outdoor Art Explorer Detective
Date June 10 June 12
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Tour the Goodykoontz Museum of Girl Scout History
Sailing Activities at Camp Casa Mare
Where: 3000 Southwest Frwy, Houston If you love Girl Scouts and want to help teach others about our narrative, you can become a Goodykoontz Museum tour guide, or docent! Cadette and up can pair with a mom or leader. Email museumtour@sjgs.org for more information.
Mariner Weekends
The museum is fun and educational for girls and adults. It features timeline panels and interactive displays from the start of the Council in the 1920s until today. NEW: Register online at gssjc.org/activites. To book a tour during the week, please email museumtour@sjgs.org troop number, troop leader name/phone/email, preferred tour date/time, girl program level and number of girls/adults.
Juliette’s Treasure Chests
These kits hold a variety of items – from girl or adult GSUSA uniforms through the decades to international girl uniforms! There is also a treasure chest filled with materials to transport girls back to the time of Juliette “Daisy” Low. Who: ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Cost: $12 + $25 deposit for Treasure Chests Reserve: Use reservation form, which includes information on the reservation process, at gssjc.org/museum Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org, 713-292-0338
Sailing Tall Ship Elissa Programs Overnights
A night outside sleeping under the stars. Girl Scouts can experience a sailor’s life from the days of old in a special overnight adventure aboard the Tall Ship Elissa. After a tour of the Elissa and a video presentation, the overnight Girl Scout crew learns some hands-on sailor skills. Girls will help set one huge staysail, work on master rope craft and knot making. During the night, the girls will follow one of the oldest traditions of the sea, keeping watch over the Elissa and Galveston Harbor.
ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ(must be at least 8 years old) Who: Where: Tallship Elissa, Galveston When: May 25 and June 8 Check in: 6:30 p.m. Check out: 9 a.m. next day Bring: Sleeping bag (air mattresses, if desired), pillow, change of clothes Cost: $45/person Min./Max.: 30/40; 1 adult/5 girls Deadline: Register and submit payment at least five weeks prior to event date. (Event fills fast!) You must cancel at least 30 days before planned date. Note: Eat dinner before arrival. Breakfast will be served aboard Elissa, and snacks will be provided. It's a Sailor's Life Day Program
This three-hour program includes a tour of the Elissa, set a sail dockside, personalize a flag to fly on the Elissa and learn some hands on traditional seamanship. Who: When: Cost:
For more information on all sailing at Camp Casa Mare, please contact the volunteer sailing coordinator at sailing.coordinator@ gmail.com and/or the volunteer sailing instructor at instructor. coordinator@gmail.com. Look for our exciting sailing programs this spring! Introduction to Sailing, Mariner Weekends, Instruction Weekends, Basic Sailing and more. Unsure if you will like sailing? Brand new to sailing? Resister for a spring Introduction to Sailing session and find out! The sea adventure awaits you.
Mariners can participate in Mariner-only weekends. They have the opportunity to practice their sailing skills in a relaxed setting while having fun. These weekends are typically themed. A Mariner is a girl who has completed Basic Sailing (Red Cross Basic Sailing or Small Craft Safety Sailing.) Mariners spend the weekend at Casa Mare and eat, sleep and sail. Four to eight dorm chaperones are also required for these weekends. When: May 17 – 19 Friday check in is 7 p.m. and Sunday check out is 2 p.m. Cost: $45/girl, all meals are included
Sports Green Starlettes Drill Team
If you love to dance, this team is for you! The Green Starlettes do not require previous dance experience and do not have tryouts. All girls, grades 4-12, who are interested can be a part of the team. The Green Starlettes creates a non-competitive atmosphere for the girls to practice dance techniques, team spirit and valuable leadership skills. We have 11 divisions to choose from, so find one near you! Teams meet once a week to practice for parades and events.
ⓙⓒⓢⓐ Who: Cost: $38/girl Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269 OR Theresa Alexander at green_starlettes@yahoo.com Dance Workshops with Green Starlettes
You’ve seen them perform all over the council and now it’s your chance to take a class with the award-winning Green Starlettes! Meet the members of the team, learn a dance or two and then perform as a group. Brownies will work on their Dance Badge while Juniors work on their Staying Fit Badge. The Green Starlettes also accepts Juniors on the team, so this is a great way to meet the dance team if you’re interested in joining! Who: ⓓⓑⓙ Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston When: June 29; 10 a.m. – noon Cost: $14/girl Contact: Heather Vandivort, hvandivort@sjgs.org, 713-292-0269
ⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ(must be at least 8-years-old) May 18; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $30/person Min./Max.: 10/30
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 25
Activities
STEM
Rifle Program General information for all three activities listed below
ⓒⓢⓐ must be 12-years-old Who: Where: Camp Robinwood, Willis When: May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 10 Cost: $8/session Deadline: Two weeks prior to event Step 1: Introduction to Rifle Program
Trained instructors will guide you as you first learn basic firearm safety and the proper way to handle a rifle. You will receive your own pair of safety glasses and learn to shoot at the bench rest position. A completed Rifle Program Permission Slip (F-601) is required for participation. This form is only needed once. It will be held on file for future rifle sessions. Time:
Min./Max: 4/12
noon – 1:30 p.m.
Step 2: Rifle Marksmanship
After you have attended your Introduction to Rifle Program session, you may register for any Rifle Marksmanship session. At these sessions you will learn more shooting positions and how to improve your shooting skills in each. Remember to bring your safety glasses. Time:
Min./Max: 4/12
1:30 – 3 p.m.
Step 3: G.R.I.T.: Girls, Rifles, Instruction and Training Rifle Special Interest Group
If after attending any Rifle Marksmanship session you decide you would like more from your rifle program experience, then the Rifle Program Special Interest Group could be for you! At these sessions you will learn more about how to use the rifle, how to improve your accuracy through shooting position form and how to work within a team. Inter group and individual competitions could be part of your session. The group at each session will help decide on the day’s activities. Remember to bring your safety glasses. Time:
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Min./Max: 5/18
Geocaching
Join the fun with this high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. GSSJC has units available for rental. The cost is $10 per week with a $25 deposit per unit. Use the units locally, in some state parks or even in some of our camps. Currently geocaches are set up at Camps Myra S. Pryor, Misty Meadows, Silver Springs and Agnes Arnold. If your troop is interested in setting up new geocaches at any of our camps, you can use our GPS units at no cost! Who: Contact:
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ
Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 713-292-0338
26 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
Roller Coaster Badge Workshop
Put engineering in motion! In this workshop hosted by Challenge Island, Daisies delve into engineering and motion by building and testing a roller coaster. Girls will explore how roller coasters work and how to design, build, and test a new construction as well.
Who: ⓓ When: June 15, 9 – 11 a.m. Where: Idea Lab – Spring Branch Cost: $23
Cybersecurity Day for Daisies
Welcome to the world of cybersecurity! Learn how information and people are connected, what privacy means online, and how to use your skills to uncover problems and find solutions. Through Cybersecurity Day for Daisies, you’ll know how to stay safe online and have fun using your investigative skills. Who: ⓓ Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $8/workshop Topic/When: Cybersecurity Basics July 27, 10 – 11:45 a.m. Cybersecurity Safeguards July 27, 12:30 – 2:15 p.m. Cybersecurity Investigator July 27, 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
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. Daisies will earn their Board Game Design Challenge badge through this workshop. Who: ⓓ When: May 11, 9 – 11 a.m. Where: Idea Lab - Bellaire Cost: $23
Space Science Explorer
Get ready to blast off on an adventure! This new badge is out of this world. Daisies will explore the sun, observe the moon, and meet the stars. Participants can expect hands-on activities and they will receive the badge at the end of the workshop. The best part is - parents are invited back at the end for a space show!
ⓓ Who: When: July 21, 9 – 11 a.m. Where: Idea Lab - Pearland Cost: $23
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Model Car Badge Workshop
Home Scientist Badge Workshop
Who: ⓓ When: August 17, 9 – 11 a.m. Where: Idea Lab – Spring Branch Cost: $23
Who: When: 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. Badge is provided to attendees.
You’re a scientist every time you do an experiment. In this workshop, you’ll find out where science has been hiding in your home through density, static electricity, and more. Be a kitchen chemist and play with science at Idea Lab. A badge is provided in the cost of this workshop.
ⓑ
May 18, 9 a.m. – noon/Idea Lab – Spring Branch\ Aug. 25, 9 a.m. – noon /Idea Lab-Pearland $23
Mechanical Engineering Day
Challenge your inner engineer! Work with professionals at Lone Star College to work through the design process and create different builds. Girls will brainstorm, design, build, and test creations like a roller coaster, race car or paddle boat, depending on their level. The day will include workshops for all three badges. A badge will be earned and provided in each session.
ⓓⓑⓙ Who: Where: Lonestar College – University Park Campus When: July 27 Daisies: 10 a.m – 3:15 p.m. Brownies/Juniors: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $10/session Think Like a Programmer Journey
Discover how creativity can help you solve a difficult problem. During this workshop, you will find out how to persist and think about things in a new way; you'll even discover what coding and algorithms are. Find out how every-day problems are resolved by programmers - and try it out yourself. Girls complete all Journey requirements except the Take Action Project and receive the Think Like a Programmer Award. Level Daisy Brownie Cost: $23
Date/Time Where June 22, 9-11 a.m. Idea Lab – Energy Corridor July 13, 9-noon Idea Lab – Bellaire
Save the Dates!
We know many troops plan now for the summer and early fall, so please see below for dates that may be of interest to your troop members. Robotics competition team registration May 19 – Aug. 4, Daisies –- Ambassadors Space Out September 14, Brownies Think Like an Engineer Camp Weekend November 15 – 17, Juniors Forensics Weekend December 6 – 8, Cadettes
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Fling Flyer Badge Workshop
Brownies will learn about the forces that affect flight as they design, build, and test a fling flyer. Through this workshop hosted by Challenge Island, girls learn how to design, investigate, and revise after each assessment. Brownies will earn their Fling Flyer Design Challenge badge through this workshop. Badge is provided to attendees. Who: ⓑ When: June 8, 9 – 11 a.m. Where: Idea Lab - Pearland Cost: $23
Think Like an Engineer Journey
Learn how engineers use the Design Thinking Process to solve problems in this hands-on workshop. Some of the activities include building a water collection tool and a device that will launch a small ball toward a target. Girls complete all Journey requirements except the Take Action Project and receive the Think Like an Engineer Award. Who: ⓑ When: August 10, 9 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab – Bellaire Cost: $23
Computer Expert Badge Workshop
Computers help you do so much. Brownies who sign up for this workshop will be able to learn about the basics of using a computer - including how to make art, share information and find incredible facts. Badge is provided to attendees. Who: ⓑ Where/When: May 25, 9 – 11 a.m.; Idea Lab – Energy Corridor June 23, 1 – 3 p.m.; Microsoft – Baybrook Mall July 27, 9 – 11 a.m.; Idea Lab – Spring Branch August 18, 1 – 3 p.m. Microsoft – Baybrook Mall Cost: varies by location
May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 27
Activities
Cybersecurity Day for Brownies
Welcome to the world of cybersecurity! We use computers every and they are also a part of our lives in many other ways that aren’t as easy to see - computers power streetlights, air conditioners, planes, and much more. Cybersecurity is the way we protect all those computers—and ourselves. Through Cybersecurity Day for Brownies, you’ll know the basics of cybersecurity, what privacy means, and how to protect yourself when you’re on a computer.
ⓑ Who: Where: Program Place for Girls, Houston Cost: $8/workshop Workshop When Cybersecurity Basics July 20, 10 – 11:45 a.m. Cybersecurity Safeguards July 20, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Cybersecurity Investigator July 20, 2:45 – 4:45 p.m. Race Car Badge Workshop
Product Designer Badge Workshop
Explore and create innovations in the Children’s Museum Maker Annex! You will get the chance to investigate what makes products great, how to improve products already on the market, and more. The best part is that you will be able to be an innovator yourself and troubleshoot your solution.
ⓙ Who: When: May 18 or August 3, noon – 2:15 p.m. Where: Children’s Museum of Houston Cost: $15 Balloon Car Badge Workshop
Get blown away by this new Junior badge. Energy surrounds you every day. In this workshop, learn to harness potential and kinetic energy. Also learn how air interact with objects and how you can use it to your advantage. After designing a power source for a car, you will get to test it out. A badge is provided in the cost of this workshop.
Picture Yourself behind the wheel while you test a car of your own construction. You will be challenged to design a car that can speed past the others. Brownies will earn their Race Car Design Challenge badge through this workshop (badge provided).
Who: ⓙ When: May 18, 9 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab - Pearland Cost: $23
Who: ⓑ When: August 18, 9 – 11 a.m. Where: Idea Lab – Energy Corridor Cost: $23
Think Like an Engineer Journey
Inventor Badge Workshop
Learn how to utilize 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. Girls complete all Journey requirements except the Take Action Project and receive the Think Like an Engineer Award.
Do you ever wonder what it takes to come up with a new kind of phone or a new way to power a lightbulb? This workshop will help you discover how inventors make new things! The best part will be that you get to become an inventor yourself while you discover creative ways to think and experiment. Badge is provided to attendees.
Who: ⓙ When: 9 a.m. – noon; June 1 at Idea Lab-Bellaire July 28 at Idea Lab-Pearland Cost: $23
Who: ⓑ When: June 29, 9 – 11 a.m. Where: Idea Lab – Pearland Cost: $23
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? Badge is provided.
Space Science Overnight Get ready to blast off on an adventure. During the event, girls will see the sky in a new way – like a space scientist does! They will investigate the moon, explore the solar system, discover how they can look at space, and learn more about stars. Girls will receive their Space Science badge at the end of the workshop. Who: When: Where: Cost:
ⓑⓙand Girl
Scout ratio of adults June 14 – 15 Space Center Houston $65/girl, $55/adult
28 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
Digital Photographer Badge Workshop
Who: Juniors Cost: varies by location When Where June 16, 9 a.m. – noon Idea Lab – Bellaire July 14, 1 – 3 p.m. Microsoft – Baybrook Mall August 11, 9 a.m. – noon Idea Lab – Energy Corridor
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: July 20, 9 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab – Energy Corridor Cost: $23 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Cybersecurity Day for Juniors
Welcome to the world of cybersecurity! When you’ve earned these badges, you’ll know how to stay safe and keep information private when you’re online. You’ll also learn investigative skills that will help you spot problems and vulnerabilities in the cyber world. Do you love to solve puzzles and figure out mysteries and break codes? Then you’ll love learning about cybersecurity–and how you can use your skills to keep people safe. Who: ⓙ Where: Program Place for Girls Cost: $8/workshop Topic When Cybersecurity Basics June 22, 10 – 11:45 a.m. Cybersecurity Safeguards June 22, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Cybersecurity Investigator June 22, 2:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Entertainment Technology Badge Workshop
Connect to your favorite entertainment through exploring the technology behind it! Technology isn’t always computers and screens – it is also how things are made and tested. Discover a hands-on approach to technology through constructing an animation, experimenting with centrifugal course and making 3D glasses. All badge steps are completed, badge provided to attendees. Who: ⓙ When: June 22, July 27, or August 24; noon – 2:15 p.m. Where: Children’s Museum of Houston Cost: $15
Paddle Boat Badge Workshop
Dive into this new Junior badge! Engineer your way through designing, building, and testing a boat that floats in this workshop. You will also get a chance to explore a way to make your boat move through the water and assess how well it works. Badge is provided to attendees.
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: June 9, June 29, July 13, July 28, or Aug. 24; 1 – 3 p.m. Where: Microsoft - Baybrook Mall Cost: $15 Woodworker Workshop
Make stylish or useful things for yourself and others in this fun woodworker workshop! Develop and refine your do-it-yourself skills with a hammer, saw, level, and creating a fantastic and unique piece of your own design. Girl Scouts have been learning about woodworking for over 100 years and now you can too!
ⓒ Who: Where: Children’s Museum of Houston When: July 13, noon – 2:15 p.m. Cost: $15 Catching Flight Drone Workshop Explore aeronautics and astronautics by learning from experts in the field. Discover the science behind flight, and build their own drone! The cost of this activity includes a drone the girls will get to take home with them.
Who: ⓙ When: July 14, 9 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab – Spring Branch Cost: $23
ⓒⓢⓐ Who: Where: Creativity Shell Makers space, Kingwood When: July 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cost: $40
Crane Design Badge Workshop
Room Makeover Workshop
Construct some fun with this new Junior badge! Explore simple machines and then use your knowledge to build a crane prototype that you will test with household items like batteries, pennies, marbles, and more. Expand your design and make it even better with adjustments after brainstorming with fellow Juniors. Badge is provided to attendees. Who: ⓙ When: August 24, 9 a.m. – noon Where: Idea Lab – Bellaire Cost: $23 Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
In this workshop, you’ll discover design concepts and fix-it tactics needed to turn a simple space into a creative statement! You’ll develop some serious DIY flair by combining color, texture, glue, and paint while getting hands on and engineering great pieces for your room. You will get the chance to paint a small wooden piece you’ll bring with you, sew or glue a fabric accent, build something, and make an old item new again! Badge is provided to girl attendees. Who: ⓢ Where: Children’s Museum Houston When: July 20, noon – 2:15 p.m. Cost: $15 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 29
Activities
Think Like an Engineer Camp Weekend Girl Planning Board
Would you like to help plan GSSJC’s annual Think Like an Engineer Camp Weekend event? Girls can plan this weekend that explores engineering principles through a theme of their choosing! Girls will need to attend planning/work meetings as well as be present the for the event. Who: Where: When: Cost: Apply:
ⓒⓢⓐ
Meetings at Girl Scout Center; Event at Camp Agnes Arnold Meetings July – October; Event November 15 – 17 $15 (covers food and lodging for event) Fill out the online GPB application (on GSSJC Forms page); due 6/30
Forensics Weekend Girl Planning Board
Would you like to help plan GSSJC’s annual Forensics Weekend event? Girls can plan this weekend at camp that explores forensics science through a theme of their choosing! Girls will need to attend planning/work meetings as well as be present the for the event. Who: Where: When: Cost: Apply:
ⓒⓢⓐ
Meetings at Girl Scout Center; Event at Camp Casa Mare Meetings July – November; Event December 6 – 8 $15 (covers food and lodging for event) Fill out the online GPB application (on GSSJC Forms page); due 6/30
Robotics Competition
GSSJC’s robotics teams compete through the international FIRST organization where girls build and code models and robots that compete against other teams in the area. Competition begins in September and will end between December and March, depending on the level and success of the team. Please review the online signup page for detailed information about what girls do during the competition season.
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Who: Cost: price varies by level Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 Note: Separate sign-ups will be available for the informational sessions and the teams Important Dates: May 18: Informational Meeting for Adults June 15: Expo for Girls and Adults May 19 – August 4: Team signup period. Signing up toward the end of the sign-up period leaves placement subject to available team spots which may not be in your geographic area. May 19 – July 31: Teams, once full, may begin meeting on a TBD-by-team schedule over the summer. Location, day of week, and time of meetings are set by coaches and will vary by team. August 1 – August 16: Team registration will be wrapping up (registration ends August 4) and teams will be finalized through the first 2 weeks in August. Team formation – end of season: Teams meet weekly; location, day of week, and time of meetings are set by coaches and will vary by team. Teams may meet less often over the summer if the team is formed early. Girls and parents should expect that teams will meet at least once a week (typically on a weekend) for 2-4 hours depending on the level. Robotics Competition Team Informational Meeting for Adults
Senior and Ambassador Cookie Business
Have you ever wanted to know how to run a bakery or run your own business? This workshop will teach you how to handle challenges and problem-solve while keeping positive values when running a business. While you are there, you even get to decorate cookies! Seniors will work towards their Buying Poser and Business Etiquette badges and Ambassadors will work toward Research and Development and Profit and Loss badges. Who: ⓢⓐ When: June 18, 3–5 p.m Where: Michaels Cookie Jar, Hosuton. Cost: $15/girl Contact: Julia Shank, jshank@sjgs.org 30 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
This informational meeting is for adults and troop leaders of girls who have not completed in a Girl Scout robotics competition team before, or who are progressing a level. Competing on a robotics team is a fantastic way for girls to explore collaboration and fun science topics while honing their engineering and coding skills. Although we will form teams from girls whose parents don’t attend this meeting, it is recommended and highly encouraged that parents or leaders attend this meeting to understand the commitment and content of the program. This meeting will go over timing, commitment, content, what girls do, what a typical season looks like, and more! We ask that no girls attend, as this is strictly informational. If girls are interested, there is an expo for them in June. Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact:
Adults/Leaders of Daisies – Ambassadors (no girls, please) Girl Scout Center May 18, 1 – 3 p.m. Free (all adults must register) Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271
ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Activities
Robotics Competition Team Expo
This expo is for girls and adults to explore what competitive models and robots look like at the level they would complete in. They will also have the chance to meet and talk to girls and coaches who have competed. Attending the expo for girls is not required but is highly recommended if they have not previously competed in competitive robotics. This expo is NOT to be attended in place of the informational meeting, but as an optional supplement. Who: Where: When: Cost:
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ, adults
Program Place for Girls June 15, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free (participants must register online to attend)
Robotics Special Interest Group
Work with other girls your age to learn and expand your knowledge of how robots are built and how they work. This is a year-round, non-competitive opportunity where girls get the chance to build robots, discover how to code them, and have leadership opportunities, such as facilitating robotics badge classes to their peers. Girls will work with differing equipment based on their grade; younger girls explore WeDo Lego kits and older girls investigate Mindstorms Lego kits. Who: ⓓⓑⓙⓒ Where: Program Place for Girls, monthly meetings Cost: $20 Note: Membership in the Special Interest Group is independent from the competition teams. Girls can do both but are highly encouraged to look at their commitments and availability before signing up for this group and a competition team.
Robotics Badge Workshops
Robots can do so much. They can aid in anything from helping you with your chores to exploring the ocean or Mars. Every day, they are used for amazing things and in these workshops, you will find out how. Robots are built and programmed in different ways to meet a goal. Explore these topics in workshops hosted by the Robotics Special Interest Group. Where: Program Place for Girls or Children's Museum, Houston Cost: $10 or $15 Level Badge Date/Time ⓓ What Robots Do May 19, 2 – 4 p.m. ⓓ How Robots Move May 26, 2 – 4 p.m. ⓓ Design a Robot June 8, 2 – 4 p.m. ⓑ Programming Robots June 15, 2 – 4 p.m. ⓑ Designing/Showcasing Robots June 22, 2 – 5 p.m. ⓙ Programming Robots June 29, 2 – 4 p.m. ⓙ Designing/Showcasing Robots July 13, 2 – 5 p.m. ⓒ Designing Robots June 8, noon – 2:15 p.m. ⓢ Designing Robots Aug. 10, noon – 2:15 p.m.
Contact: Kelli Cavenah, kcavenah@sjgs.org, 713-292-0271 ⓓ-Daisy ⓑ-Brownie ⓙ-Juniors ⓒ-Cadettes ⓢ-Seniors ⓐ-Ambassadors
Swimming Swimming
Swim Level Card and Safe Boat Card Testing Earn your swim level card and/or your safe boat card for aquatic activities that may require them. Question on whether an aquatic activity requires the card or not, please review Safety Activity Checkpoints. Question on what each swim level test is, please contact Carrie Seals at cseals@sjgs.org. This is not a swim lesson. This is a swim test session.
ⓓⓑⓙⓒⓢⓐ Who: Where: Weekley YMCA, Houston When: May 11, May 25 Cost: $20 Bring: Swim suit and a towel. If participating in the safe boat test, also bring clothes you can wear in the pool over your swim suit and closed toe shoes that you can wear in the pool. Contact: Stephanie Moore, smoore@sjgs.org, 713-292-0299 Registrars, registration@sjgs.org, 713-292-0370 Lifeguards Wanted! Are you an American Red Cross certified lifeguard age 18 or older? Would you like to earn extra money on the weekends? You pick when and where! GSSJC is in need of year round lifeguards. Contact Stephanie Moore at smoore@sjgs.org. Lifeguard Certification
Obtain your official American Red Cross Lifeguard certification. This training will include the proper use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Training consists of pool and classroom time. Upon successful completion of the course, a Lifeguarding and CPR/AED certification will be awarded. This is valid for two years. Participants must pass the following prerequisite skills: 300 yds swim, brick retrieval from 10 feet depth and two-minute tread. Who: Girl Scout Adult Volunteers When/Where: May 18 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) at Camp Casa Mare, Seabrook; June 7 – 9 at Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe Note: Check back two weeks before the event start date for activity confirmations with more information about this training event.Contact Stephanie Moore at smoore@sjgs.org.
Travel Coming Soon – Future Council Trips
Each year, GSSJC hosts trips for girls to explore both near and far. In 2020, we will be hosting a trip to Austin as well as a trip to Washington, D.C. – and we will also open a sign-up for a 2021 trip to Costa Rica! Stay tuned for more information. Girl Scout levels will vary by trip. Contact travel@sjgs. org with questions. May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 31
Columns
Adult Trainings
SAVE-THE-DATE 2019 Fall Volunteer Conference November 8-10, 2019 at Camp Agnes Arnold Mark your calendar for the premier volunteer training event of San Jacinto Council. Experience a full weekend of workshops, activities, networking, and fun. Whether you are new to Girl Scout leadership or a seasoned volunteer, this event will encourage and enthuse you with a transfusion of Girl Scouting spirit. It will be a weekend you won’t forget! Registration starts this summer. Check the July/August issue of The Golden Link for more information. Contact: Porscha Jackson, pjackson@sjgs.org, 713-292-0285.
Recruitment Placement Development Day Be a Girl Scout Champion!
Successful recruitment of girls and adults makes Communities stronger by adding more volunteers to support events and service team roles, as well as contributing service and take action projects. Be inspired, be challenged, be informed, and leave ready to contribute to your best membership year ever. This transformational day is for the entire recruitment team, placement liaisons, school organizers, renewal specialists, roster specialist, and waitlist IRG specialists and anyone interested in serving in these roles. Where: Girl Scout Center, Houston
9 – 11 a.m.
Cost: $12
Recruitment Overview: Create excitement and get your recruitment team charged up to meet the challenges of back to school recruiting. Discover tips and techniques to add sparkle to your “meet the teacher” and rally displays and create enthusiasm for your next recruitment event. An overview of recruitment materials, an update on market competition, and proven techniques like girl talks, marketing strategies, and volunteer recruiting techniques are all included in this workshop.
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Online Registration DEMO & Q&A: Discover what a non-member finds when they are directed to register online. You will be observing a demo of searching for troops and adult roles with time to get your questions about this process. This session will also include a Q&A session with the placement staff. Renewal Specialist: Your role as renewal specialist is all about keeping your volunteers and girls engaged in troop program. Developing a strategy for your community to make Early Bird and On-Time renewal registration meet the needs of the families and members is a key component of the role. During this course you will learn communication tips and retention strategies for currently registered members and lapsed members. Also covered are best practices in partnering with your community leadership team, service team and staff to reach the retention goals.
32 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
When: May 4 or June 22; 8:30 check-in, classes 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Waitlist IRG Specialist: Your role is to offer opportunities for girls on the waitlist and individually registered girls to participate in Girl Scout program. Learn how to access templates and resources for waitlist meetings, need a troop leader meetings, and build a team to deliver successful waitlist meetings to girl
1 – 2 p.m.
Online Registration DEMO & Q&A (see above description) Renewal Specialist (see above description) School Liaison Team Lead: Harness the power of volunteers already associated with individual schools to benefit both organizations. School liaisons can collect important dates, smooth the way for a positive relationship, and provide opportunities for Girl Scouts to shine at their school. Team leads will receive a school liaison meeting guide for positive preparation for working with the team. Make It – Take It: Bring your own tri-fold board or poster board to make a professional, creative display for your recruitment events. We will provide inspiration and some graphic pieces for this enjoyable workshop.
1:45- 3:45
Placement Liaison: This class will focus on how to work closely with the Community engagement manager, placement specialist staff and the waitlist IRG specialist to ensure all girls are placed in a troop that fits their needs or have access to Girl Scout program. Topics include how to manage the online troop opportunity list, tracking current membership, openings, troops with no leaders and strategies for encouraging adults to step up to troop leadership.
2:15-3:45
Recruitment Playbook 2.0: This course is designed for recruitment team leads. Learn how to build a successful year round recruitment strategies for your Community. Included in this course are tips on creating your recruitment toolkit, checklists for successful events, and how to best collaborate with volunteers in the newly created roles. Roster Specialist: The course is designed for the Community Roster Specialist role. Topics include supporting the Community Leadership Team and Service Team members with accurate information provided by the Looker platform and how the role interacts with the duties of other Service Team Members. Included in this course are tips on how to download rosters to an Excel spreadsheet and maneuver information as needed by Service Team. Volunteer must already be proficient in using spreadsheet applications and comfortable in an internet based data management platform. Make It – Take It (See above description)
4 – 5 p.m.
Making It All Work: Understand how to leverage your Community service team roles to move girls and adults from online registration to successfully function troops. Gain an understanding of how committing to a productive troop opportunity development meeting in the spring launches your recruitment planning for successful troop formation and placement the following membership year. This session will bring your entire Community service team together and build on knowledge obtained in other classes throughout the day.
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Summer Train-In Days Saturdays, June 15 or July 20
Check in begins at 8 a.m.; first class begins at 8:30 a.m. Cost: $15 for each day Place: Girl Scout Center, Houston Note: Lunch is not provided. Lunch break will be 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. Please, no children at this event. Childcare is not offered and classroom space for children is not available during the sessions. Daisy Brownie Program Leadership TrainingThis training is an interactive classroom course designed for leaders who are NEW to the troop leadership role working with girls in grades K-3. Leaders will learn how to work with girls in a girl-led, learning by doing environment that will incorporate Girl Scout program from two levels – Daisy and Brownie. Participants can see the progression in characteristics of each age group and learn about earned awards, troop government, field trip and service project readiness, ceremonies, and more with the use of available program resources. This course includes information about the National Program Portfolio presented in “Getting Started with the Girl Guides and Journeys.” Beyond Journeys & Badges for Older GirlsHigher awards, leadership awards, and special interest groups are some of what makes Girl Scouting in middle and high school unique and life changing. Explore what is available to Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors that will keep them coming back. Round out the course with valuable discussion among leaders and volunteers working with girls of this level. Building Awesome Daisy Brownie MeetingsDaisies and Brownies are ready to take on the world and you can help them get there with well-organized, fun-filled meetings. This hands-on class will help you develop meetings that calm the chaos by harnessing the tools of games, crafts, songs and tapping into your prime resource - parents! Look forward to a happier you and more fun for the girls. Celebrating Girl and Troop Achievements When is the proper time to present badges/ awards to girls? How do we encourage girls to move to the next level? Do we recognize Girl Scouts partnering with our local communities? Join us for the answers to these questions and explore ways to celebrate these achievements. Extended Troop Travel and Finance– Is your troop ready for a trip of three nights or more? Learn how to guide older girls in planning their grand adventure. Progression, paperwork, troop contracts, financing and more will be the focus of this workshop. *For leaders of older Girl Scout Juniors through Ambassadors. Getting Started with the Girl Guides and Journeys-Are you overwhelmed with where to start when using the program resources with girls? Join us in this workshop to understand how the National Program Portfolio materials are the tools that help you support the Girl Scout Mission and Program. Learn about the earned awards - badges, journeys awards and other recognitions. These materials help make Girl Scouting unique and provide progression in developing skills and leadership in girls. This information is duplicated in the Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training.
Girl Scout Traditions in the 21st Century Do you know the Girl Scout Handshake, Motto, Promise and Law and how to teach it to the girls? Learn about traditions in Girl Scouting (to include investiture/rededication; Girl Scout holidays and more), not only what they are but what gave birth to them. It promises to be lots of fun. Girl Progression in Finances- As girls progress in the program levels, finances is no exception. Discover ways to guide girls in the everyday workings of their troop finances, budget for activities and their annual goals. Learn strategies for stepping back and letting the girls take the lead! Make the World a Better Place-How can service become more than parents picking up canned goods to donate? Learn to inspire girls to plan meaningful service projects, guide them to discover the root cause of an issue, and how to elevate simple service to a take action project? Come to this workshop and walk away with a better understanding of the difference between a Service Project and a Take Action Project and gain ideas for service for all Girl Scout levels. Money Management for Troops – Are troop finances a mystery to you? Do you understand what all the paperwork is for? This course will provide basic information to help you and the girls manage the troop account. You will also get information on when and how you can apply for money-earning activities; solicit troop donations or receive a volunteer involvement grant from an employer; and how to stay in good standing with the Council as a leader/advisor. For Troop Leaders/Treasurers!
Partnering with Girl Scout Juniors- Adults new to the troop leadership role or who are moving from the Girl Scout Brownie level are encouraged to attend this course. This interactive classroom course designated for the Girl Scout Junior leader will provide specifics on working with girls in grades 4-5 and includes various forms of troop government, characteristics of the girls, the girl/adult partnership, tips on girl planning and more. Information on the National Program Portfolio is presented in the course “Getting Started with the Girl Guides and Journeys" and is NOT included. Partnering with Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors- In this interactive classroom course, leaders will learn their role as an advisor to girls who are in grades 6-12. Gain insight on how girls this age think, guide them in girl See planning and when to step back so girls can develop leadership skills. Discover ways to
become teen savvy, how to talk to girls about the 3 T’s (Touchy Teen Topics) and the importance of maintaining confidentiality with troop members. Note: Information on the National Program Portfolio is presented in the course “Getting Started with the Girl Guides and Journeys. Information on earning the Silver Award is now in a separate course and is NOT included. STEM Journey Overview (All Levels) –Have you wanted to Think Like An Engineer, Citizen Scientist, or Programmer? Come explore the new STEM Journey and Badge requirements for all levels and learn how to introduce the Take Action Project to complete a full Journey. Get ready for your own hands on fun in this session. Silver Award Orientation– This training is designed to equip troop leaders, advisors and parents who are looking to support Cadettes through the Silver Award process. Topics include project guidelines, submission deadlines, and coaching tips. Sing Along With Me– Join us for an interactive workshop of singing! Learn a variety of songs: silly, traditional, action and more. Leave with lots of fun to take back to your girls. Recording device allowed – audio only. Team Building Games-Learn some tips and tricks for encouraging leadership and cooperation between your girls. Experience team building activities and the portable spider web activity taught by Camp Silver Springs Ropes Course facilitators. What to do Instead of Banning Cell Phones– This course is about strategies for getting Girl Scout Juniors - Ambassadors to own the expectations, behaviors and discipline in their troop. Adults tend to get frustrated when girls miss planning meetings and come only to the fun, when girls appear to be texting during meetings instead of contributing, and other older girl behavior. Discuss ideas to guide girls to create the behavior contract they want for full ownership of their troop as well as how to begin letting go as a troop leader.
next page for schedule for each day.
May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 33
Columns
June 15 Course Timeline 8:30 – 12:15 p.m. 9 – 10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m
July 20 Course Timeline
(1A/B) Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training (3A) Girl (2A) Make the Progression in World a Better Finances Place(2B) Team Building Games
(3B) Beyond Journeys & Badges for Older Girls
(1C) (2C) Getting Celebrat- Started with ing Girl Girl's Guide&Troop Journey 3:15 – 4:45 p.m. (1D) Building Awesome Daisy Brownie Meetings 1:30 – 3 p.m.
3:15 – 5:15 p.m. (2D) Partnering with Girl Scout Juniors
(3C) Girl Scout Traditions 21st Cent.
(3D) Partnering with Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
(1A) Partnering with Juniors
9 - 10:30 a.m. (3A) Sing Along with Me
(2A) Partnering w/Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors (4A) Building Awesome Daisy/ Brownie Meetings
10:45 a.m. – (1B) STEM (2B) What to do (3B) Celebrating 12:15 p.m Journey Overview Instead of Banning Girl and Troop Cell Phones Achievement 1:30 – 3 p.m. (1C) Make the World a Better Place 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
(2C) Beyond Journeys and Badges for Older Girls
(3C) Getting Started with Girl Guides and Journeys
(2D) Extended Troop Travel and Finance
(3D) Money Management for Troops
(B4) Girl Scout Traditions in the 21st Century
(4C&D) Daisy Brownie Program Leadership Training (1D) Silver Award Orientation
Use the (#) to register for that course
Training Calendar May Date 4 8 8
June 15 22
July 20
Day Saturday Wednesday Wednesday
Course Name Recruitment Placement Development Day First Aid/CPR/AED Blended Primeros Auxilios
Location GSC GSC GSC
Time 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m 8 a.m. – 3 p.m
Cost $12 $55 $55
Saturday Saturday
June 2019 Summer Train In Recruitment Placement Development Day
GSC GSC
8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m 9 a.m. – 5 p.m
$15 $12
Saturday
July 2019 Summer Train In
GSC
8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
$15
Location Legend/Directions to Get to an Adult Training AA: Camp Agnes Arnold – Conroe: I-45 North, exit League Line Road. Go east to Hwy 75 and turn left. Camp is on the right. ATC: Adult Training Center, Camp Agnes Arnold and Misty Meadows – Conroe: Exit I-45 at League Line Road. Go east to Hwy 75 and turn left. Camp is on the right (Camp Agnes Arnold). Follow the signs in camp to Camp Misty Meadows. Adult Training center is on the right before arriving at Camp Misty Meadows. BSC: Beaumont Service Center (Foundation of Southeast Texas) – Beaumont: 700 North Street, Suite F: I-10 East, take exit 855A for US-90 toward downtown, turn left at North Street, building is on the left. 34 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
CASA: Camp Casa Mare – Seabrook: I-45 South to Nasa Road 1 exit. Turn east onto Nasa Road 1, continue 8 miles, crossing Highway 146 in Seabrook, onto Second Street. Continue east to the end of Second Street at Todville Road. Turn left on Todville Road and go approximately 3 miles to camp (on your right). GSC: Girl Scout Center – Houston: 3110 Southwest Freeway: Hwy 59 (south of downtown) Located on freeway feeder road (north side) between Kirby Drive and Buffalo Speedway. Exit Kirby Drive both ways. LUF: Ann Temple Allen Girl Scout Center – Lufkin: 1202 College Drive: US 59 North, turn at FM 819 (at Angelina College) and go two miles. Turn left at the Lufkin Center. WAM: Camp Wind-A-Mere – Alvin: I-45 South, exit FM 517. Turn right on McFarland Road.
Columns
Why I Give: Genevieve Walls Philanthropy
“I have had many heroes in my life, and I am grateful for each one of them,” says Genevieve Walls. Walls is a mother, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) board member and retired administrator/juvenile probation officer. “For me, my earliest memory of Girl Scouts was from my mom who frequently shared her volunteer experiences with me prior to my Brownie years. Unknowingly, she guided me on a path to Girl Scout volunteerism and now, GSSJC board membership. She taught me how to build on my strengths and share this with others,” says Walls. Walls wanted to mentor similarly. She claims she always knew if she had daughters they would be Girl Scouts. She has witnessed firsthand how Girl Genevieve Walls, center, with her daughters Scouts helps girls overcome fears and be the best they can be. She led both of her daughters’ troops ranging from 1993 until 2011. “It is rewarding to watch the girls grow from enjoying her first camping experience, making new friends and growing their leadership skills through a broad scope of Girl Scout programs,” Walls says. Now, Walls and her two daughters are Lifetime Members of Girl Scouts. "I also want to do more in the future and leave a legacy to GSSJC so that girls can continue to benefit from this premiere organization. That is why I joined the Juliette Gordon Low Society and included GSSJC in my will. I know this will help build female leaders of tomorrow and make the world a better place,” Walls states. One of the simplest ways for you to make a future gift is to include GSSJC in your will. If you have already made GSSJC on of your nonprofit beneficiaries in your will, please share this with us. For information, contact Diane Pavey at dpavey@sjgs.org or 713-292-0277.
Thank You, GSSJC Donors! Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2019 $10,000-$24,999 Senior Harry E. Bovay Jr. Foundation RSM US LLP $5,000-$9,999 Cadette Brian and Mary Gedelian Girl Scouts of the USA Gulf Coast Medical Foundation Patty and Randy Keys The Trull Foundation $1,000-$4,999 - Junior Amegy Bank of Texas M. D. Anderson Foundation M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Jessica W. Antel The AWTY International School BASF Corporation BNSF Railway Foundation BoyarMiller Meg Britton BXS Insurance Cadence Bank Anna B. Charlton
Craig & Heidt, Inc. Francisco Diaz ExxonMobil Alisa Fraga-Kautzmann Pilar Grantham Lam D.E. Harvey Builders Castlen Kennedy KPMG LLP Kroger Company Legacy Community Health McGinnis Lochridge Cassandra McZeal Tejas Office Products Inc Michelle and Joseph Raab Reliant, an NRG Company Kathryn Sanders Vanessa Skrabanek Karen and Ken Soh Southwestern Energy Co Anne Speed Sutlift & Stout Texas Children's Hospital Troop #125076 Carol Warren West Houston Airport Cathy Wining-Thomas and Jim Thomas
$250-$999 - Brownie Atlas Sling Company, Inc. Sue Burnett Marisa Costa Mairi Cox Cornelie J. Dotson Gensler Mary J. Godinich Angela Hampton Claudia W. Hayslip Michelle Hunter Valerie Jalufka Sandra A. Judson Terry E. Kite Mary Beth McCormack Ron Carter Autoland Sewell Automotive Companies Mimi Spruiell TXU Energy Jamie L. Vazquez Mary Zappone
In Memory of Jack Kenneth Coffelt Beverley J. Bolen Vickie Bolen Bud & Keith Cammack Lou Cammack and Cathy Lowry Carolyn Deuel Alice Gunter Sandy Hancock Linda Hofer Jennifer Ragsdale Mimi Spruiell Kimberley Stengel
In Memory of Margaret Winkler Cynthia Laverty Ballesteros (Troop #5419) Carrie Horstmann Kohl Kelly Fitzgerald Kotzur Shannon Mills Mapes Honorariums In Honor of Fiona Strawbridge Anne Strawbridge
In Memory of Ms. TW Curry Mary Beth McCormack
In Honor of The Transwestern Companies and their great leaders D.E. Harvey Builders
In Memory of Cathron Deutsch Mary Feldman Larry King
In Honor of Jamie Vazquez Swanson Law Firm, PLLC
Memorials In Memory of Ann Clark Carol Warren
In Memory of Judy Kunkel Terry E. Kite
In Honor of Michael Yee Bechtel, Inc.
In Memory of Diane Curry Sherry Hollier
Great care has been exercised to ensure the proper recognition of our donors. If an error or omission does occur, we apologize and hope you will bring it to our attention. Contact Suzanne Boak at 713-292-0273 or sboak@gssjc.org. Honorariums listed are $25 and above.
May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 35
Columns
Service Around Council
Troop #134127 went door to door for a “Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat” canned food drive. Troop #27078 hosted a photobooth at the annual BACH Roll ‘N Stroll fundraising event for children with disabilities or developmental delays.
Troop #111105 learned how to make sleeping mats for the homeless out of plastic shopping bags, a project that helps both the community and the environment.
Troop #129115 sang Christmas carols and passed out goodies to residents of a local nursing home over the holiday season.
Troop #114098 made no-sew blankets for the furry patients of Just Cats Veterinary Services.
Troop #136001 visited a local senior citizens home on Valentine’s Day to perform for and interact with residents. 36 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
Columns Troop #134127 placed wreaths on grave sites of veterans for Wreaths Across America.
Troop #883 got up before the sun to pass out water to grateful runners at the Chevron Houston Marathon.
Troop #127127 used troop funds to prepare 120 sandwiches and bagged lunches for the homeless the Emergency Aid Coalition.
Troop #9663 volunteered their expert skills at the Cookie Rally Festival.
YOUR NEXT FUN ADVENTURE IS AT MAIN EVENT!
GIRL SCOUTS
ALL ACCESS
PASS
INCLUDES: Bowling, Billiards, Laser Tag, $10 in arcade game play, 2 slices of pizza & a medium soft drink.
PATCH INCLUDED! Private Room UPGRADES available for bridging ceremonies. This self-serve package requires advance booking and a 50% deposit. Price does not include tax. Laser Tag has a height requirement of 48� to play. Final headcounts are due no later than 5 days in advance. Activities vary by location. Contact your local center for additional details.
ONLY
20
$
95
PER PERSON
May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 37
Scrapbook
Send your photos to ations@ communic clude In sjgs.org. in the # p oo tr your e. lin t ec subj
Sending in your photos does not guarantee placement in Golden Link.
GSSJC Scrapbook See your pictures on Facebook! Find your photos in a monthly scrapbook album on our page: facebook.com/gssjc
Alida of Troop #129017 and Carolyn of Troop #129173 spent the holidays with their grandmother Judy, a former English Girl Guide who participated in a World Thinking Day ceremony attended by Lady Olave Baden-Powell.
Girl Scouts from the Mariners Special Interest Group had a great time at the basic sailing session at Camp Casa Mare.
Troop #22292 warmed up their vocals before caroling at a local retirement community over the holidays.
Troop #136001 proudly marched downtown in the MLK Parade.
38 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
Mackenzie L. of Troop #18963 participated in the National American Miss Pageant, winning the title 2018 Miss (South) Texas Jr. Teen.
Scrapbook Troop #28250 enjoyed earning the Outdoor Art Explorer badge at Armand Bayou Nature Center.
Troop #27078 attended a workshop at Angleton Library where they earned their Engineering and Rollercoaster Design Challenge badges using the library’s STEM kits.
Troop #111016 worked on their Geocaching badge with Ranger Kris and Ranger Ross of the Harris County Precinct 4 Parks and Trails. Troop #111034 discovered new things at the Galveston Island State Rangers Beach Exploration event. Troop #114191 competed in the FIRST Lego League Jr. Expo at the Houston Children’s Museum.
Troop #111105 completed a letterboxing workshop during a visit to San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site.
Troop #136001 got bullseyes during an archery session at Camp Casa Mare.
May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 39
Scrapbook Troop #143029 were flying high at the Fling Flyer badge workshop.
Johnna T. of Troop #132026 had the privilege of leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the Harris County Swearing-In Ceremony of Clerk Dr. Diane Trautman, a Girl Scout alum.
Troop #149027 were super excited at their first cookie booth of the 2019 season.
Troop #147025 visited the Simulation Center at Texas Children’s Hospital to learn about nurses’ jobs, lifesaving skills and to meet Elsa the therapy dog.
Troop #156077 braved cold temps to ride their Girl Scout Cookie inspired float in the 71st Annual Valentine’s Day Parade in Palacios, TX.
40 May/June 2019 l The Golden Link
Troop #114202 enjoyed visiting and learning from members of the Spring Fire Station.
Scrapbook
Scrapbook Troop #122008 had a blast at Overnight on the Elissa.
Troop #114202 chose to celebrate their friendships on Valentine’s Day.
Troop #127014 were excited to attend Meet the Teacher night at Katy Elementary School. Troop #125076 enjoyed trail signs, scavenger hunts and healthy snacks while earning their Hiker badge.
Troop #134127 spent a day at Camp Casa Mare learning camp progression skills.
Troop #129085 earned their Making Choices Leaf at Trader Joe’s by learning the difference between wants and needs and how to budget for food. May/June 2019 l The Golden Link 41
Camp with your family on Memorial Day or Labor Day Weekend! Registered Girl Scouts and their families can spend Memorial Day Weekend in the great outdoors at Camp Robinwood in Willis. Escape the wilds of public camping and enjoy safe and secure Girl Scout accommodations in a platform tent or cabin, or bring your extended family and stay in one of our dormitories. Bring your tackle box for some fun fishing, take a turn in a canoe on our lake or swim in the pool in the afternoon. We encourage troops to share this opportunity with their girls’ families, but this event is not designed for troops.
Select your accommodations Select the number of tents/cabins needed to accommodate your family. None of these accommodations are air conditioned, and outlets are not guaranteed for any unit. Please bring battery operated fans as needed. Tent (Cost: $20 for 4 beds) – canvas-sided platform tent with four wooden beds and mattresses, kitchen shelter, wash stand, fire circle and latrine (camp’s central shower house with flush toilets available) Cabin (Cost: $30 for 4-6 beds) – six wooden beds and mattresses, (one cabin has four wooden beds) outdoor kitchen shelter, wash stand, fire circle and latrine (camp’s central shower house with flush toilets available) Troop Camp Cabin Dormitory (Cost: $100 for 28 beds) - equipped with 25 mattresses for floor, small bedroom with one wooden bed and one wooden bunk bed, indoor kitchen and bath facilities and fire circle Lakeview Dormitory (Cost: $100 for 20 beds on one side of dorm, two sides available) – 17 wooden beds and mattresses per side, one bedroom with three wooden beds and mattresses, indoor kitchen and bath facilities and fire circle
Schedule/costs for Memorial Weekend Check In: Friday, May 24, 4 – 9 p.m. Check Out: Sunday, May 26 by noon Program Fee: $40/person (in addition to lodging fees) – FREE for ages 4 & under Pool and lake close at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 26
Schedule/costs for Labor Day Weekend Check In: Friday, Aug. 30, 4 – 9 p.m. Check Out: Sunday, Sept. 1 by noon Program Fee: $40/person (in addition to lodging fees) – FREE for ages 4 & under Pool and lake close at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1
To register, go to gssjc.org/activities and search for Family Camp 2019. Please review our refund policy (see activity listing for policy). By registering for this activity, you acknowledge that you understand the refund policy.
What to bring
Personal camping equipment (suggested packing list available after registration) and unit roster from the family camp information attached after registration is completed. Families must bring and prepare their own meals. Camp kitchen equipment in NOT available for use. Also bring permission slip and medical form and adult emergency form.
?
Questions
Stephanie Moore, Outdoor Experience Manager 713-292-0300 or smoore@sjgs.org Registration questions 713-292-0370 or registration@sjgs.org
Raising Awesome Girls 7 Ways Summer Camp Brings Out Her Best Summer is when some of the most fun childhood memories are made, but did you know that it’s also an awesome opportunity for your girl to grow, learn, and become her best self? Here are seven amazing benefits your girl will get from her summer camp experience. 1. She’ll make new friends There’s nothing quite like giggling over games in the bunk or singing songs with new besties around a campfire. That’s why it’s actually good to send her to camp where she might not know many (or any) other girls! Having a diverse group of friends, not just kids she knows from school, will broaden her horizons and help her see her own worth, too. 2. She’ll see all she can be In an all-girl environment like Girl Scout summer camp, girls are more comfortable trying new outdoor activities, and they get to take the lead every single time—meaning there’s plenty of room at the top for your girl to take charge and flex her muscle, both when it comes to outdoor adventure and crucial leadership skills that will last her a lifetime. 3. She’ll turn off her phone and tune in to nature Getting out in nature, soaking up the sun, or dashing inside during a sudden downpour is way more exciting than any app she might have on her phone and is all part of the adventure of camp. Unplugging for a while will keep her more present and truly enjoying every moment instead of simply watching it from a screen. 4. She’ll grow her grit The truth is, she might scrape a knee or elbow while she’s away—and that’s a good thing! When she learns to get back up after minor setbacks, like scrapes and bumps, she’s building her resilience and learning that she’s a lot tougher than she thinks. 5. She’ll meet new mentors Having a variety of awesome role models will help your girl see the many ways to be successful and happy in life. And the incredibly supportive staff and counselors at your girl’s summer camp are ready to step up to the plate and inspire!
6. She’ll gain independence Being away from home—especially if that’s a new thing for her!— might be a bit intimidating to both your daughter and you. But having that time away to explore and try activities on her own will make her more self-reliant and able to discover new things to share and teach you when she returns home. 7. She’ll have tons of time for play Playtime is anything but a waste of time. In fact, studies show that play allows the neurons in a child’s brain to form new connections—and that this rewiring helps boost emotional intelligence, decision-making skills, creativity, and problemsolving abilities. The truth is, sending your girl off to camp is one of the best gifts you can give her. The fun, outdoor adventure, and friends will enrich her life and—perhaps without her even noticing—give her the courage, people skills, and leadership chops to succeed at whatever she sets her mind to.
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We want every girl to succeed. That’s why GSSJC is happy to bring you Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.’s Raising Awesome Girls, an online publication to help you and your Girl Scout answer questions, face challenges and find solutions to daily life. For more articles like this, visit www.girlscouts.org and find Raising Awesome Girls under the “For Adults” tab.
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 6743
Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council 3110 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77098-4508
Resident Camp Week 1 June 16-21 Week 2 June 23-28 Week 3 June 30-July 3 Week 4 July 7-12 Week 5 July 14-19 Week 6 July 21-26 Week 7 July 28-Aug. 2
Camps session are now open. Register with a new and improved system. We also have new programming at all three camps (Camps Misty Meadows and Agnes Arnold in Conroe and Camp Casa Mare in Seabrook). We live in a world of screens, smartphones, laptops, TVs and tablets. And sometime you just want to get away from it all. We get it. Our staff are friendly and caring and will help guide your girl through our progression programs as well as encourage her to take healthy risks and experience new things that help build essential life skills.
For more information or to register go to gssjc.org/summercamp
Day Camp Join us for day camp at Program Place for Girls in Houston and work on badges, sing new songs, experience the outdoors and make new friends. Camp sessions will focus on the arts, the outdoors, STEM and crafts. Snack will be provided, but a sack lunch is required. There will be a field trip during the week, and we will have special guest speakers. Camp is from 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Mon.- Fri. Cost is $200 per week. Week 4 will not meet on Thursday, July 4. The cost for that week is $160. *Week 8 will be available at Camp Casa Mare or Agnes Arnold. Buses will be available. Register for day camp at gssjc.org/ activities. For questions about day camp, contact daycamp@sjgs.org.
Week 1 June 10-14 Week 2 June 17-21 Week 3 June 24-28 Week 4 July 1-5 Week 5 July 8-12 Week 6 July 15-19 Week 7 July 22-26 *Week 8 July 28-Aug. 2
Volunteer run day camps are also available around the council. See the March/April issue of The Golden Link for information.