Get ready for a new Girl Scout year! - THE - Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council
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Golden
THE July/August 2018
The Official Publication of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council | Volume 44 Issue 3
Get ready
for a
new Girl
Scout
year!
Fall Product Program
Starts Sept. 22!
President of the Council
and Chair of the Board
Jean Janssen
Chief Executive Officer
Mary Vitek
Chief External Affairs
Connie Chavez
Visual Brand Manager
Joanne Pastalaniec
Troop #114035 learned a lot at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine &
Mission Statement Biomedical Sciences open house. See more photos on Facebook and on page 37.
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
Contents
movement, committed to understanding July/August 2018
our similarities and differences, building
relationships and promoting a dialogue of 4 From the Top
acceptance and respect. Each individual 4 Shop News
involved must uphold the tenet that Girl
Are you ready for the
Scouting is for all girls
Special Feature Fall Product Sale!
Circulation 5 Are You Ready for Girl Scouts? See the inside back
The Golden Link is published five times a year. It has cover for more
a circulation of more than 44,000. The Golden Link is
also available online at www.gssjc.org. The Golden
Features information.
Link reaches 26 Texas counties: Angelina, Brazoria, 10 Alumnae Group at SFA
Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, 11 Many Faces of Girl Scouts
Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, 12 Camping Badges for All Levels
Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, 13 Ode to Girl Scouts
Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, 13 2018 Annual Recognition Event
Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller and Wharton. To report 14 Gold Award Girl Scouts
address changes or if you have problems
receiving The Golden Link call Customer
Service at 713-292-0300. Activities Columns
15 Weekend Camp Activities 28 Adult Trainings
Deadlines
Deadline for submitting items is the first of the
16 Archery 34 Around Camp
month two months prior to publication. GSSJC 16 Backpacking 35 Moment in History
does not accept responsibility for unsolicited 16 Canoeing 36 Philanthropy
materials. Send news and photographs and 16 Environmental 38 Troop Program Ideas
Scrapbook photos to communications@sjgs.org. 16 Fine Arts 39 Service Projects
Advertisements
16 General Activities
20 Health
Advertising rates are available by calling
713-292-0384. Advertisements are accepted 20 High Adventure Council Scrapbook
in good faith that all the information is correct. 21 Highest Awards Page 37
Acceptance of advertising does not reflect 21 History
endorsement of services or goods by the Council. 22 Horseback Riding
The Golden Link is published five times a year 22 Sports
by Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, 23 STEM
3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098
713-292-0300
25 Travel Sign up for
26 Health And Safety Weekend
The Golden Link is also available to read online
Health and Safety Weekend
at www.gssjc.org On the cover: Troop #21721 traveled August 3 – 5.
to the University of Texas Austin for
Copyright ©2018. All rights reserved. the Introduce a Girl to Engineering See more information on page 26
Please recycle this publication. Day and the Girl Day STEM Festival.
July/August 2018 l The Golden Link 3
What a year it has been for the
Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council Girl Scout Shop News
(GSSJC)! The visit from Hurricane
Harvey in the fall was followed
by a rejuvenated spring filled with
SHOP CONTACT & CLOSINGS
For shop locations and hours, please visit
another successful Cookie Program girlscoutshop.com/san-jacinto-council
as well as the rodeo parade and our
win of Reliant’s boot decorating Shop hours can change due to emergencies, weather or other
contest. I am so proud of the girls factors. Please call before driving long distances.
that advanced at all levels to wrap
up the school year. Now, resident
Dee Hinkle and day camps are introducing our Bay Area Lake Jackson
Chair of the Board and membership to new skills and new 281-282-6077 979-297-5556
President of the Council friends. Soon, it will be time to
TOP
start thinking about plans for the Beaumont Lufkin
From
upcoming year. If Early Bird is any 409-832-0556 936-634-4688
indication, 2018-2019 is going to be
a great year! Houston Stafford
the
As you begin planning for 713-292-0247 281-670-5982
the upcoming year, do you know
where to go for help? GSSJC has Imperial Valley Westside
a Customer Service department 281-447-8870 281-822-4250
committed to providing you quality
assistance. Customers can be girls, Heading to camp this summer? Day camp and summer camp
volunteers, parents, prospective members, donors or anyone who packs are available. They include themed water bottles and
mascot, plus a backpack and more. The 2018 camp packs can
needs help or information about Girl Scouting.
be purchased when you register for your camp session, at the
Questions and concerns are captured in the customer
Houston Girl Scout Shop, online at girlscoutshop.com/san-
relationship management software from the moment you call. So jacinto-council or via email at gssjcshop@sjgs.org.
if you have a question, give them a call at 1-800-392-4340 Monday
through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Office Closures: GSSJC offices and shops will be closed July 4
or email them at customerservice@sjgs.org. The friendly voice
and Sept. 3. Several shops close or have shortened hours for the
on the other end of the line will either respond to your inquiry or
summer. All will be closed for one day for inventory. Check out
record the details and pass them to a subject matter expert who hours online or call before you go.
will follow up in a timely manner.
Now that you know how to get help with questions, do you
know where to go to get the materials you need for the upcoming
year? Now is a good time to try on last year’s uniform and see if
it’s time for a bigger size! Whether you need uniforms, books or New Leader Must-Knows!
supplies, they are all available in the shops at our service centers. Are you a new Girl Scout leader? Here are four things you need
To serve our membership, GSSJC maintains shops at eight to know for July and August!
locations throughout the council. The largest is in the Program
Place for Girls next to the Girl Scouts at 3000 Southwest Freeway.
1
If that’s not convenient, there are shops in Stafford, Beaumont, Keep in touch with your troop through the summer so your
Westside, the Bay Area, Lufkin, Imperial Valley and Lake Jackson. girls stay engaged with Girl Scouting. Some troops meet
Locations and hours of operations can be found at girlscoutshop. just once a month over the summer or gather for one or two
com/san-jacinto-council. If shopping in person is not convenient, fun activities, like a day of water games or participating in
you can also get uniforms and supplies delivered right to your a neighborhood Fourth of July parade.
home by mail. A wealth of Girl Scout merchandise is available
2
through the online shop. Have you renewed your troop for 2018-2019? If not, head
Now that you know where to get answers to your questions to gssjc.org, log in to your MyGS account and renew your
and where to get materials, there is one more important thing members under the Troop tab.
left to do before fall-training. It is always good to start the year
3
off feeling confident after attending training sessions that are The Fall Volunteer Conference is a great way for new and
crammed full of useful information! There are helpful online seasoned leaders to get ideas for troop meetings. It is also
sessions available at www.gssjc.org/volunteerbasics and additional a fun way for new leaders to see what camp is like and to
in-person training sessions available starting in July. Adult training network with troop leaders for across the Council. This
schedules can be found at www.gssjc.org/activities. Watch The event takes place in early November – watch gssjc.org/
Golden Link for additional adult training opportunities throughout activities for a registration link.
4
the year.
I hope you all enjoy the slower pace of summer and that our Fall Product Program is an easy way to earn money for
your troop. Troop Fall Product Sales manager trainings
girls have a wonderful time at their summer activities. Fall and the
start in August. Keep an eye on gssjc.org/fallproduct for
start of our new program year will be here in the blink of an eye!
complete program details soon.
4 July/August 2018 l The Golden Link
Special Feature
Are you ready for the new Girl Scout year!
First things first, have you renewed for the new
year? If not, stop what you're doing and and head to
gssjc.org and click on MyGs to get this year going.
Get to know your digital assistant – the Volunteer Toolkit
The Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) is a digital resource that supports troop leaders and co-leaders,
making the process of running a troop easier and more efficient. Check out some of the toolkit’s top
features below.
Finance tab updates
Through the VTK, troop leaders can:
By the way, we’ve
• Plan the troop’s calendar year rolled out the VTK's
• Email parents with one click Finance tab to meet your
• View the troop roster, renew girls’ membership, and update troop’s needs for annual
their contact information financial reporting! New
• View Daisy, Brownie and Junior Journeys and badges to
features provide the
plan for troop meetings ability to:
• Customize meetings by troop year with other badge and
Journey options
• Access instructions
• Access the VTK as a multilevel troop (troops with a mix
and links to helpful
of girls in Daisy, Brownie and Junior levels)
council financial
• Explore individual meeting plans that show a breakdown
documents
of every meeting, including a list of the materials needed,
• Enter your troop’s income and expenses in detailed
and editable time allotments for each activity within a
categories
meeting
• View your troop’s finance summary (automatically
• Record girls’ attendance at meetings and their badge and
calculated)
Journey achievements
• Add detailed notes on your troop's finances
• Add council or custom troop events to the troop’s calendar
• Timestamp and auto save information, so troop leaders and
• Enter the troop’s finances
co-leaders can both work on the financial report and see
• Easily locate resources, such as Safety Activity Checkpoints
who last saved the information
• Access activities that include a “Get Outside” option,
• Add your troop's bank information, including the bank
which provides alternative outdoor options
name, branch, last four digits of the account number, and
authorized signers for the troop’s checking account
What about parents? • Preview before submitting the troop financial report
Parents can access the VTK to see what their girl’s troop or
• Indicate your troop’s status for the next year (returning,
group is doing (e.g, meeting information and which badges and merging, disbanding, or unsure)
Journeys she is working on). Parents can also view the troop’s • Indicate your communities name and number
finances. • Attach any documents you wish to send (such as
supporting bank statements and receipts)
Once you submit your troop's finance report, parents will
have a read-only view of your income, expenses and financial
summary.
Try it out!
Log in to VTK by visiting gssjc.org and logging in to MyGS.
Then select the Volunteer Toolkit option!
July/August 2018 l The Golden Link 5
Special Feature
The 2018-19 Girl Scout Bucket List
Check the box on some of this year’s most exciting events and activities! Make
the most of your Girl Scout year by seeing how many events and activities you
can complete by the end of the Girl Scout year. More Girl Scout events and
activities for you and your troop can be found at gssjc.org/activities.
□ Bust a move with the Green Starlettes
□ Learn something new at Brownie Magic
□ Stay overnight with your troop at camp
□ Begin your Bronze, Silver or Gold Award project
□ Learn how to save a life in a GSSJC First Aid badge workshop
□ Invite a friend to your Girl Scout troop meeting.
□ Complete a community service project with your troop
□ Sell enough cookies to join the CEO Club
□ Celebrate World Thinking Day with your troop
□ Learn a team sport in the GSSJC Girl Scout Soccer Program
□ Show your thanks at Adult Recognition Event
□ Visit Camp Misty Meadows and make a new horse friend
□ Spend a week at summer resident camp
□ Make new friends at day/twilight camp
□ Raise money for your troop with the Fall Product Program
□ Tell someone why you love being a Girl Scout
The best way to start your Girl Scout year is participating in the Fall Product Program
Why Product Sales Matter How GSSJC uses Product Sales funds
A portion of the proceeds from each
When you told your friends and family you were joining item sold in our Product Sales programs
Girl Scouts, we bet they immediately asked you about your Girl goes to the Council, and this money
Scout Cookies! And who can blame them? Those Thin Mints are is invested directly back into our girls
delicious, not to mention refreshing, when you pull them out of
and volunteers. While it only costs $25
the freezer in July!
But the Girl Scout Cookie Program is about a lot more to join a Girl Scout, that money goes
than the cookies we sell – in fact, we have TWO product sales directly to GSUSA. It costs GSSJC $292
each year, and both directly benefit the troops who participate. to make Girl Scouting a reality for each
Here is a little info on both, why they matter so much, and how member. Our Product Sales programs
they fit into your Girl Scout experience. help offset this cost.
Our Product Sales programs Funds from Product Sales programs
GSSJC hosts two product sales each year. From late September to late November, help GSSJC:
girls can participate in the Fall Product Program. This is a friends and family sale where • Keep costs low for girl activities,
girls sell delicious nuts and candies as well as magazine subscriptions. Troops earn 25% such as workshops and summer camp
of the sale from each nut or candy item sold and $2 from each magazine subscription. • Offset the costs of trainings for
It’s a great way to earn start-up funds for your troop right away. volunteers, which are often offered
From January to March, GSSJC holds its annual Cookie Program (which turned at minimal or no cost to volunteers
100 in 2017!). Girls take initial orders from cookie customers in January, then deliver • Maintain our camp properties and
orders in early February. Troops are also encouraged to boost their sales by participating service centers utilized regularly by
in cookie booths from mid-February through late March. In 2017, 60 cents of the girls and volunteers, ensuring a safe
proceeds from each package sold went directly back to the troop. Plus, girls are learning and consistent experience, as well as
five valuable skills they’ll continue to use for a lifetime: goal-setting, decision-making, facilities like Program Place for Girls
money management, people skills and business ethics.
By the way - both programs have digital elements online and via mobile apps, so How to participate in Product Sales
girls can market their Fall Product or Cookie businesses by sending e-cards or emails, Training for both the Fall Product and
take orders on an app, track their sales and goals, and much more. Pretty cool, huh?
Cookie Programs will be available
online, and you can recruit other parents
How girls use their Product Sales funds
Girls decide how they will use funds earned from our Product Sales programs. to fill the roles of troop Fall Product
During the 2017-2018 membership year, troops earned more than $500,000 total from manager and/or troop cookie manager!
the Fall Product Program and approximately $2.8 million from the Cookie Program. It’s never too early to declare your role
Many troops use their proceeds to attend activities during the membership year, for either.
such as STEM workshops or sleepovers at area museums. They might also use their
funds to attend a week of summer camp or a week of day/twilight camp. Others use the Keep an eye out for our emails, read The
monies to go troop camping at their favorite camp. Golden Link or talk with your volunteer
Girls may decide they want to use their proceeds to pay for part, or all, of their Girl experience manager or local Community
Scout membership the following year. Others may put their funds towards a service service team to find out how your troop
project benefiting their favorite animal shelter. And many of our older girl troops opt can participate in these programs during
to save their funds, year after year, to take a trip together during their final year of Girl the year.
Scouting. How Product Sales funds get used is up to the girls!
6 July/August 2018 l The Golden Link
Special Feature
Troop Camping Made Easy
Step three: Schedule your stay
Girl Scouts have always understood the importance of nature
Once you’ve completed steps one and two, all that's
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 left to do is pick a location and date. Troops select a spot by
friends. Troop camping is available to all troops with the right sending the F-127 form (available at gssjc.org under Forms) to
training to keep you safe and aware of proper troop camping campreservations@sjgs.org, along with copies of your troop first
procedures. If you’ve ever wondered how you can get your troop aid and camp certification cards. Please allow for five to seven
in camp year-round, here is what you need to know: business days for your request to be processed. Camp reservation
payments are due two weeks after you receive confirmation and
Step one: Become camp certified are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Reserving your day or overnight camp stay is easy–with the Troop Camp reservation dates are provided two ways:
right training. GSSJC requires each troop that camps to have a Monthly draw placement – All requests received by the first
volunteer to attend camp training to become camp certified. Monday of the month for placement three months out will be
To become camp certified, you must attend one three-hour randomized and placed according to availability. See page two of
planning session hosted during weekday evenings. Once you’ve the F-127 for appropriate placement month.
completed your planning session, you may attend either a full- First come, first placed (Camp Corner) - After initial monthly
day, on-site camp training (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.) or an overnight on a placement is complete, requests will be placed on a first come,
Saturday. Once completed, you will receive an outdoor training first placed basis. These open spots are listed on the weekly
card as proof of completion. Camp Corner email. To be added to this list, send an email to
Sign up for your planning session by logging in to your registration@sjgs.org.
MyGS account and registering under Activities.
Tip: Make sure you have the right adult-to-girl ratio for your
Step two: Earn your first aid certification stay. You will learn all about this and additional planning
To attend camp with your troop, you are required to have at least considerations during your planning session.
one volunteer 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 We look forward to seeing you at camp!
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.
Troop Program Ideas for Your Year
Easy Ice Breaker Games Craft/Activity: Create a Mural
Help girls get to know each other and learn everyone’s names
with one of these fun and easy ice breaker games: Girl Scouts can team up with their sisters to create a mural that
tells their story in a big, beautiful way. Then they can share
M&M Game their message with pride by unveiling the completed work at
Give each girl a mini package of M&Ms for a meeting snack, a community center, school, or place of worship–and start a
but before they eat their treat they must share a fact about dialogue that inspires positive change in the world! If you don’t
themselves using the following color codes: get permission to paint on any walls, just grab a few large poster
boards, and when you’re done, hang them in your homes.
Red - Something about yesterday
Orange - Something you do well
Yellow - Something about your childhood
Green - Something you watch/listen to
Blue - Something you learned last week
Brown - Something you can’t live without
Name Chase
This game is a modified version of Duck, Duck, Goose. Have
the girls sit around in a circle facing each other. One girl is
chosen to be “it” to start the game.
Sing “Boom Boom Ta Ra Ra”
The girl who is “it” stands up and walks around the outside of Tune: Roll Out the Barrel
the circle tapping each girl on the head and saying their name, Give thanks for good friends,
with prompting if necessary. At some point when she taps a We have a barrel of fun.
child on the head, she will say the name of the group instead Give thanks for good food,
Daisies, Brownies, etc.) Don't waste one single crumb.
Boom Boom Ta-ra-ra!
The chosen girl must now jump up and chase “it” around the Sing out a song of good cheer.
circle, trying to tag “it” before she can sit down in her place. If Now's the time to give our big thanks,
she succeeds, “it” takes another turn. If she fails, she takes over For the friendship's here!
as “it.”
July/August 2018 l The Golden Link 7
Special Feature
Sing “She Wears a G”
One of our favorite traditions in Girl Scouts is singing! While
lots of our songs are silly, we have just as many with lyrics that
show off your Girl Scout pride. “She Wears a G” is a great one
to teach your girls. Haven’t heard it before? Ask someone in
your Community if they know the tune or find it on the internet.
She wears a G for generosity. Make your own box oven
She wears an I for interest, too. Excited about heading to one of our council’s 10 great camps this
She wears an R for real sportsmanship. fall? It’s a great experience for troops (and yes, even adults) of all
She wears and L for loyalty, for loyalty! ages! But now that you’re set to camp...what do you eat? Try out
She wears an S for her sincerity. this box oven as a fun alternative to cooking over a campfire!
She wears a C for courtesy.
She wears an O-U-T for outdoor life, outdoor life. In addition to being a cooking method requiring less set-up and
And that Girl Scout is me! clean-up, it’s also a great option for certain types of burn bans or
to try at a troop meeting at someone’s house.
Note: You should always check gssjc.org or call the council to
find out if there is a burn ban at camps before planning any meals
Snack/Recipe: Watermelon S’mores requiring fire. Burn bans are posted on the homepage when they
What’s better than s’mores? How about refreshing and are in place.
sweet s’mores with watermelon? Because August hosts both
watermelon and s’mores day, try your hand at making this Materials
delicious recipe. One large box (copy paper boxes are great, no lid needed)
Heavy duty aluminum foil
Ingredients: Four small tin cans
Graham Cracker crumbs 9x13 cake pan or small cookie sheet
Melted dark chocolate Charcoal chimney and charcoal
Slices of seedless watermelon Small rock to vent the bottom of the oven
Mini marshmallows
Directions
Instructions: Cover the inside of the box with two layers of foil. Be sure you
Place a watermelon rectangle on a plate. have no box showing anywhere. If needed, tape foil down on the
Sprinkle cracker crumbs over watermelon, followed by melted outside of the box.
chocolate and marshmallows.
Place a large sheet of foil on a level, not burnable, piece of
ground. Place the charcoal chimney on the foil and place a
fire starter and whole charcoals (one for every 40 degrees of
temperature, plus 1-2 for cold, wet or wind). Light the chimney
and wait about 20 minutes for charcoal to be ready.
Pull off the chimney and spread out charcoal to fit under pan
used. Place four small cans to support pan or cookie sheet and
lower box oven over all. Vent on side away from wind with the
small rock.
Cook for amount of time called for in recipe. If cooking for more
than 30 minutes, it may be necessary to replenish charcoal. Be
sure and lift the box straight up or you will “dump” the heat. No
peeking allowed! Anything you can cook in an oven at home can
be done in a box. Box ovens are great because anything you cook
in the oven at home can also be cooked in them! Just in case you
need a few suggestions, though, here’s two of our favorite box
oven recipes:
Box Oven Pizzas
English muffins
Pizza sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Your favorite pizza toppings
Cut English muffins in half. Add sauce, cheese and toppings.
There is still time to join your Bake on pan or rack in oven until cheese has melted.
friends at day camp!
gssjc.org/daycamp
8 July/August 2018 l The Golden Link
Special Feature
Ceremony: How to perform a
flag ceremony
When to Perform:
• Opening or closing meetings
• Opening or closing special events
• Beginning or closing a day
• Honoring a special occasion or special person
• Retiring a worn flag
Adults Planning Questions:
• Who will carry the flag?
• Who will be the color guards?
• Who will give the directions for the ceremony?
• What song will be sung? Who will sound the pitch
and start the song?
• Will a poem or quotation be included? Who will
say or read it?
• After the Pledge of Allegiance, will the Girl Scout
Promise and the Law be said?
• In what order will the parts of the ceremony take Commands for a Flag Ceremony
place? "Girl Scouts, attention."
• When will the group practice? "Color guard, advance."
• Where will the flags be placed at the end of the ceremony? "Color guard, post the colors.”
"Color guard, honor your flag."
"Please join us in saying the Pledge of Allegiance."
"Color guard, honor your flag."
When it is time to retire the colors, the commands are:
"Color guard, retire the colors."
"Color guard, dismissed."
"Girl Scouts, dismissed."
Handling the American Flag
Display of the American flag is governed by law to ensure that it will be treated with the respect due the flag of a great nation. This is
known as the United States Flag Code. Some of the rules most useful for Girl Scouts are:
• The American flag must be placed in the center, and higher, when displayed with a group of state, local, or organizational flags
flown from staffs. It may also be positioned to the right of other flags. (If girls were to hold the flag while facing their audience,
their right side would be the flag's own right.)
• When displayed from a staff in a house of worship or public auditorium, the flag of the United States must hold the position of
superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergy's or speaker's right as he or she faces the
audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergy or speaker or to the right of the audience.
• The flag is to be hoisted briskly and lowered slowly with dignity.
• The flag should never be allowed to touch anything beneath it, nor should it ever be carried flat or horizontally—always aloft and
free.
• Never use the flag as a cover or place anything on top of it.
• No disrespect of any kind should be shown to the flag of the United States. It should be kept clean.
• The flag, when carried in a procession with other flags, should be either on the marching right or, if there is a line of other flags, in
front of the center of that line.
• When you display the flag on a wall or in a window where people see it from the street, it should be displayed flat with the blue part
at the top and on the flag's own right (which is the observer's left).
• When displayed after dark, the flag should be illuminated.
For more information about flag ceremonies, see The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting.
July/August 2018 l The Golden Link 9
Features
Breaking Ground:
Girl Scout Alumnae
Organization Chartered
at Stephen F. Austin State
University
Congratulations, graduating Ambassadors! Your
future is bright and your years as a Girl Scout have
provided you with wonderful memories, lifelong
friends and the confidence to create your own path.
Now that you’re headed to college or a career, how
can you stay involved? You don’t have to wait until
you’re a the mom of a Daisy to discover the joys of
adult Girl Scouting!
This spring in Nacogdoches, four go-getters
found an answer to this question. With the guidance SFA Girl Scout alumnae distributing saplings at a Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful
Earth Day event.
of faculty advisor and Pine Village Community
Leader, Dr. Chay Runnels, they chartered a Girl Scout Alumnae Organization (GSAO) on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State
University to provide social, leadership and service opportunities for women on campus and to create awareness about the opportunities
that Girl Scouts can provide. As part of the charter, the girls also pledged to sponsor and mentor an older girl troop to meet on campus.
Gold Award Girl Scout and SFA GSAO President Cassie Givas says organizing this group is something that connects her to her
childhood. “Girl Scouts was a very constant and important part of my life growing up and being able to start a Girl Scout alumnae
chapter at my university is really special to me.”
For Vice President Mary Hediger the organization gives her a way to give back to Girl Scouts and connect with other former Girl
Scouts. “I really enjoy working with Girl Scouts at camps and such, but I haven't been able to volunteer with the organization as much
since starting college. I was excited to join the alumnae organization because I knew that it would be a group of women that I had
something in common with, something that I enjoyed.”
Givas, Hediger and fellow founding officers Secretary Kayla Lindsey and Treasurer Hannah Weaver began to promote the
organization through social media and events at SFA. Currently there are about a dozen members involved from diverse majors and Girl
Scout backgrounds. Weaver says, "I wanted to join the alumnae organization because of how much I loved Girl Scouts as a kid. Even
though I did not get to be in the organization long, the experience was amazing."
This spring the alumnae began their service work by sponsoring an older girl troop at SFA, including taking on-campus training that
allows them to work with minors on campus. “These young women provide a unique voice to our older Girl Scouts as well as a gateway
to limitless university resources that enhance our Girls’ Scouting experience,” says Janis Rizzo, Region 1 leadership coordinator and
SFA troop leader.
As an initial project, the alumnae worked with the Cadettes on their LiA Award, modeling how to plan and run an event for younger
girls. The alumnae incorporated their individual experiences related to their varied majors, such as the visual arts and theatre, in the
planning process. Runnels says, “The incredible thing about this program is that it provides leadership development opportunities for
older girls and alumnae alike, while promoting the lasting sisterhood of Girl Scouts."
The alumnae also volunteer in their local community, including distributing saplings at a Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful Earth Day
event. But some gatherings, like a recent game night, are just for fun. And this is just the beginning. Lindsey sums up the group’s goals
for next year when she says that she is looking forward to “expanding the organization, getting to know the older girls, and helping out
with upcoming events.”
Will you be attending SFA in the fall? Get in touch with the SFA Girl Scout Alumnae Organization and walk onto campus with a
ready-made group of friends! For more information email Dr. Chay Runnels at runnelsc@sfasu.edu.
10 July/August 2018 l The Golden LinkFeatures
The Many Faces of Girl Scouts: Tina Ruiz
Do what you love; love what you do. Augustina “Tina” are wasting our time.
Ruiz, Hispanic Volunteer Development Manager for Girl We decided to focus
Scouts of San Jacinto Council, saw no other option for her this program more on
career path. developing leadership
“When I came to this country, I was trying to get involved in moms in order to
again with Girl Scouts because I was a Girl Guide. For me, it become a role model
was the perfect job because my experience, my background, for the girls,” said Ruiz.
my entire life is around Girl Scouts,” said Ruiz. By the
Seventeen years ago, Ruiz immigrated to the United second year, the
States from Colombia. Being unfamiliar with the language and program had grown
customs of a new country, Ruiz learned English by listening significantly. In the
and taking classes at a local college. “My life in this country in third year, retention
the beginning was so hard. I saw barriers, and the language was had skyrocketed.
However, with great Tina Ruiz center with two of her volunteers.
a big one. That’s why I understand those moms,” said Ruiz.
The moms Ruiz refers to are her Hispanic volunteers. In success often comes great responsibilities. “There are many things
fact, Ruiz’s first experience with Girl Scouts of San Jacinto on my plate, but [what I always] bump on top is to communicate
Council was as a volunteer. That, in addition to her experiences with volunteers,” said Ruiz. “Most of them are facing difficult times
acclimating to American culture, led Ruiz to her current to accommodate, to understand different culture. Everything is so
position for which she is so perfectly suited. difficult. When you can find that person to at least ask you, ‘How do
“It’s a blessing to be [a] Hispanic Volunteer Development you feel today?’ – for them it’s important. They said, ‘I feel like Girl
Manager. When we started this program, it was to work with Scouts is taking care of me too.’”
the girls, but we discovered if we don’t work with moms, we Since first joining Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Ruiz’s
work has evolved into something much more than just a career. “For
me it’s not a job. For me it’s my passion,” said Ruiz. “I believe in
Girl Scouts because through many years involved in this movement,
I saw many generations – my daughters, even my granddaughters.
When I saw that, I believed that I had to share this great thing with
somebody else.”
When asked about the future, Ruiz remarked on returning to where
she began – volunteering. “I feel like I have time to share with more
people,” said Ruiz. “It’s going to be in Girl Scouts. Yeah, definitely!”
To meet more of the Many Faces of Girl Scouts, visit
www.manyfacesofgirlscouts.com
All-Day Camps at Program Place for Girls
Join us for day camp at Program Place for Girls in Houston for six weeks of fun! Earn badges, do arts and crafts and make new friends. Badge work
will focus on art, the outdoors and STEM. Snack will be provided, but a sack lunch is required. There will be field trips during the week and special
guest speakers. Times for weeks 1 – 6 are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The cost is $195 per week. Cost includes T-shirt, patch and mug.
Get ready to put on your dancing shoes, Learn to create easy and tasty snacks using
sing your best and shine! Play theater a variety of ingredients. You’ll sample
games with your new friends, learn some some of our staff’s favorite recipes from
dance moves and write a camp song. around the world and create your own
At the end of the week, you’ll put on a recipe booklet to take with you.
performance for the whole camp. Daisies: Participation patch
Daisies: Participation patch Brownies: Snacks
Brownies: Dance Juniors: Simple Meals
Juniors: Musician Cadettes: New Cuisines
Cadettes: Public Speaker
All-Day Camp at Camps Casa Mare and Agnes Arnold
Are you a writer, storyteller or want to Finish out your summer with a week of day
experience the magic in storytelling? camp at Camp Casa Mare or Camp Agnes
Learn storytelling techniques, become Arnold. Enjoy all the fun of day camp and
expert screenwriters and watch your resident camp in one week. Enjoy arts and
production come alive by the end of crafts, games, swimming, archery (Brownies
the week. and up) and working on your Outdoor Journey.
Daisies: Participation Patch Optional sleep-over on Thursday to experience
Brownies: My Family Story cooking over a fire, nighttime activities and
Juniors: Scribe singing around the campfire. Camp is from 9
Cadettes: Screenwriter Cost is $210, a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ask
about bus options to Casa from Program Place.
includes lunch.
July/August 2018 l The Golden Link 11Features
Six Camping Badges that Empower Girls through Outdoor Adventures
Have your girl start summer off right with an outdoor adventure!
It’s once again time for your girl to check her outdoor gear, restock her daypack and get ready to spend more time in the great
outdoors–like a Girl Scout! Whether she’s having camping adventures with her troop at Girl Scout camp, visiting a national park with
her family or even pitching a tent in her own backyard, there are so many ways to have a Girl Scout adventure. Learn more about these
badges in your levels badge book or on the Volunteer ToolKit.
Daisy Buddy Camper badge: Camping is a great adventure to do outdoors. Here she’ll play in nature, eat outside and sleep under the
stars with her family, friends or Girl Scout sisters. When she earns this badge, your Daisy will learn how to plan for a camping trip and
properly pack her outdoor gear, so she’s always Girl Scout prepared.
Brownie Cabin Camper badge: When your Brownie earns this badge, it’s a chance for her to spend time in nature and have fun with
friends or family. She’ll dive deeper into planning her camping trip, learn how to use camping gear, prepare a delicious meal in the
outdoors and try her hand at a new camping skill.
Junior Eco Camper badge: We already know it’s easy being green when you’re a Girl Scout and with this badge, your
Junior will not only learn the Leave No Trace Seven Principles but also how to apply them. She’ll plan meals with the
environment in mind, prepare a minimal-impact campsite and go on a conservation hike. Having fun and protecting the
environment at the same time? We’re in.
Cadette Primitive Camper badge: Primitive camping can be difficult, even for experienced campers,
but we know your Girl Scout Cadette is up for the challenge! Through this badge, she’ll step up her
outdoor skills–from planning a primitive camping adventure with her troop to gathering the gear
she’ll need to succeed.
Senior Adventure Camper badge: Girl Scouts are natural outdoor adventurers, and whether
your Girl Scout Senior likes to kayak, mountain bike or go rock climbing, why not combine her
passion with an overnight camping trip to make the most of her outdoor experience? Adventure
camping requires minimal equipment and gear because she’ll be active all day and possibly
moving campsites. And, thanks to this badge, your girl will know exactly how to
prepare for the challenge.
Ambassador Survival Camper badge: Is your girl ready to test her
camping skills with minimal supplies? Once she earns this badge, she will
be! She’ll learn what it’s really like to go off the grid, survive off the
land and explore the great outdoors with her crew. And she’ll not only
be prepared for future adventures outdoors but also be able to share
her knowledge with others.
Source: www.girlscouts.org
12 July/August 2018 l The Golden LinkFeatures
Ode to Girl Scouts
by Zaniya P.
Girl Scouts from seed to sprout O Girl Scouts
Amazing journey we found out Together we learn
Guided us on the right route Together we churn
Lead us up to the highest mount The assets generosity, compassion and goodness we earn
O my Girl Scouts Leaving Troop #19440
Look how much you have branched out You have always been my hero
Daisy to Brownie, Brownie to Junior, Moving up to Troop #883
day in and day out It will give me the key
Kindness, courage and respect are the To be a better me
qualities we will never doubt
Our Girl Scouts honor never burns out
2018 Annual Recognition Event Delights
Ann Temple Allen Lodge at Camp Agnes Arnold was packed with Girl Scout members
for this year’s Adult Recognition Event on April 21 honoring some stellar Girl Scout
volunteers! The breakfast, attended by 276, recognized 58 volunteers and staff for their
contributions and years of service to GSSJC. The poppy theme brightened up every corner
of the lodge hall and tables where cook volunteers and Green Angels served up a hearty
breakfast. Incoming Council President and Board of Directors Chair Dee Hinkle and Board
Member Pilar Grantham read membership year speeches while outgoing Council President
and Chair of the Board of Directors Jean Janssen pinned both membership pins and council
and national award pins.
This year’s event featured another very successful year for the Emerald Oaks
Community who received The President’s Award for the second year in a row, modeling
a high-functioning Girl Scout community in management, recruitment and retention,
marketing and fulfilling the Girl Scout mission. Congratulations!
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award
to Kathy Tamer who has 60 years (yes, 60!) of membership with Girl Scouts and 50 years
of adult volunteerism. She truly exemplifies what it means to have a lifetime in Girl
Scouts. Look for her portrait in the Girl Scout Center soon. A big thank you to the event
and recognition committees for planning this wonderful event!
Award presentations included:
Appreciation Pin Lifetime Achievement Thanks Badge
Cindy Kollias Kathy Tamer Jean Janssen
Delta Rhodes Ida Pearl McDonald
Diane Ragan Volunteer of Excellence Anna Nallie
Edna Chible Tanya Justice Jean Janssen, left, awards Kathy Tamer the
Rosalba Lopez Kristin Haney Continuing Service Pin Lifetime Achievement Award.
Larry Ellis Jo Blackburn
Vivienne Aceves Honor Pin Gail Rankin
Rochelle Salazar Donna Sisak Alice Bohlae
Tonya Curry Gay Smither Sandy Judson
Jim Lippert
Family Award Jamie Vasquez President’s Award
Stella & George Aselin Debbie Gonzales Emerald Oaks Community
Melody Cay-Rice
Years of Membership (YOM) & Years of Service (YOS) Pins
25 yom Portia Cook 30 yom Bonnie Homier 40 yom Lance Feldman
25 yom Melissa Hardy 30 yom Judy Syring 40 yom Linda Pau
25 yom Sandra Johnson 30 yom Leslie Syring-Bacerra 40 yos Melody Cay-Rice
25 yom Rachel Lee 30 yom & 30 yos Novella McGinnis 40 yos & 50 yom Frances Browning
25 yom & 25 yos Caudelia Gates 25 yom & 25 yos Sandy Judson 40 yom & 35 yos Anna Nallie
25 yom & 25 yos Patrina Carter 30 yos Debbie Gonzales 45 yos Ida Pearl McDonald
25 yos Noreen Wasserman 35 yom Phil Olsommer 45 yom Marianna Olivarez
25 yos Genevieve Walls 35 yom Iska Wire 50 yom Mary Jane Magill
30 yom Carrie Carter 35 yom & 35 yos Nancy Flatt 55 yom & 45 yos Nancy McGuire
30 yom Elena McCreery 40 yom Lynn Flournoy 60 yom Peggy Allison
30 yom Tasha McGinnis-Williams 40 yom Glenda Graves 60 yom & 50 yos Kathy Tamer
30 yom Joanne Olsommer 40 yom D'Anne Hawk
30 yom Karyn Smith
July/August 2018 l The Golden Link 13Features
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.
Faith A. partnered with Elijah Rising, a Kaitlin C. hosted four group sessions for
nonprofit organization that helps victims of adolescents dealing with social anxiety. During
human trafficking. Faith worked with the the sessions, Kaitlin coached participants on
organization to create a rehabilitation room on how to communicate while demonstrating the
Elijah Rising’s 84-acre property, Kendleton importance of social cues. To practice skills and
Farms. Together they: replaced windows and encourage teamwork, the groups went on fun
door; repainted walls and ceilings; provided outings, including a ropes course, an escape
new electrical wiring for the room; hung a new room, Urban Air and laser tag. Additionally,
lighted ceiling fan; and added new furniture, Kaitlin provided scrapbooks and pamphlets
bedding and décor to make the room a tranquil to parents outlining her curriculums, which
space where residents can relax and heal. detailed other ways to help improve children’s
social skills and calm anxiety.
Erin C. partnered with Making It Better, a Madeline D. recruited 10 volunteers to help
foundation established to help children who build a new, easily accessible indoor garden
lack positive role models and opportunities, at The Manor at Jersey Village. Through her
to address the gap in achievement between project, Madeline highlighted the value of
children with parental support and indoor gardening for healthy living within the
disadvantaged children whose parents could senior population. Continued maintenance of
not participate in early learning. Through her the garden will provide residents with fresh
project, Erin provided tools to support reading organic fruits and vegetables, stress relief and
success and taught curriculum to students in improved air quality. Madeline’s inspiration for
grades K - 5 during after school tutoring. She her project stemmed from fond memories of
also collected 200 books to provide summer gardening with her mother and grandmother.
reading materials for disadvantaged children.
Carmen G. worked with Special Pals, a no- Elizabeth Holland created a presentation
kill animal shelter in Katy, to help make the that combined videos and photos to address
environment more welcoming for families questions and topics for new team managers
looking to adopt. Carmen enlisted and of Destination ImagiNation (DI), a nonprofit
managed nine volunteers to help her clean, organization that promotes creative problem-
paint and decorate the facility. She also created solving skills. Every year, DI publishes
brochures with details about adopting a pet and international challenges to students who then
additional information on what new pet owners present their solutions at regional, state and
can expect when introducing their new furry international tournaments. As a long-time
family member to their forever homes. participant in DI, Elizabeth chose to help
younger, rising teams develop skills needed to
succeed for her project.
Cameryn M. raised awareness about the Parker M. worked with Lone Star Association
Life Hammer Safety Tool, an emergency for Behavior Analysis in Magnolia, an
hammer that includes a razor-sharp blade organization that assists people with
that can be used to break the windows of a disabilities, to improve their outdoor facilities.
vehicle. Cameryn believes her late aunt, who With support from 25 volunteers, Parker
died after accidentally driving her car into a revamped a nature trail on Lone Star’s campus
neighborhood lake, could have been saved if by clearing paths overgrown with brush and
she knew about the tool. Using skills acquired roots and constructing new bridges, staircases
from her audio video class, Cameryn created and wooden walkways. After completing
a video and brochure highlighting the features renovations, Parker and her team hid trinkets
and benefits of the tool. along the trail so patients could enjoy an
interactive outdoor activity.
Isha T. organized a career camp for middle Chelsea W. led a team of 21 volunteers to help
and high school students to expose them to a educate teens about breast cancer, breast exams
variety of potential career paths. Isha invited and the importance of early detection. Chelsea’s
professional women to share their experiences great grandmother and grandmother both passed
with the students. She also organized activities away from breast cancer. In a community
sponsored by the Junior Achievement to help the where the topic is often taboo, Chelsea hoped
participants find their passion and understand her project would help save a life by providing
how a career can help them achieve their lifestyle information her family members did not have.
goals. In addition, Isha coached the students in Nearly 100 teens, adults and volunteers were
stress management, study habits, organization, impacted by Chelsea’s project.
personal hygiene, dress code and interview skills.
14 July/August 2018 l The Golden LinkActivities
Girl and Troop Activities
Register for activities under the Activities tab in MyGS. Go to www.gssjc.org and select MyGS, log in to“Member Profile," then select Activities. If you have a
question about your activity, contact 713-292-0370 or 1-800-392-4340. If you have a problem with your login, contact Customer Service at 713-292-0300 or
registration@sjgs.org. Bring: For all events, bring Permission Slip F-204 and Medical Form F-185 for each girl and the Adult Emergency Form F-22 for each adult.
Attention Daisy Leaders! Look for the Daisy in this section for activities that Daisies can attend.
Weekend Camp Activity Registration Improved!
We have a NEW way to find expert-led and troop self-led activity availability at council camps! See the schedule of available activities listed
below, and learn how to register at bit.ly/wkndcamp. Come out for the day or ask your camp certified adult to reserve a camp unit for your troop.
Don’t see facilitated activities for the camp date you reserved? There are great ideas for girl-led outdoor programs in Camp Certification training
materials as well as your camp reservation confirmation. Does your troop have its own USAA certified instructor for archery or lifeguard for
swimming? Email your registration form and certifications to registration@sjgs.org, and we’ll let you know if the facility is available. Registration
closes 13 days before event.
Weekend Camp Activities Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17
Camp Agnes Arnold H H A, C, H H C, S, H A, S, C, H H
S, H C, H
Camp Casa Mare S S S A, S S S S A
Camp Misty H, S H, S H, S A, S, H, R*, L*, A, S, H, S, H, R*, L*, H A, R*, H, R,
Meadows R, L S, H R, L R, L L*, H L
Camp Robinwood S, C S, C S, C A, C, S S, C C C
Camp Myra S. Pryor C, S A, C, S C, S C, S A, S C, S C A, C
Camp Silver Springs S S S S A, S Z Z
Camp Wind-a-Mere A A
Camp Whispering Pines C C C C A, C C C C A, C
Lake Jackson Service Center A
Registration Opens Open now July 15 August 15
KEY: Archery–A Canoe–C Swimming–S Hikes–H Horseback Riding–R Love, Hug and Groom–L *Limited availability
Z–See page 20 for climbing wall and zip line options.
Archery: Available for Brownies (girls in second grade) or older. Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is available on Saturdays and
Sessions are for one hour and on Saturday only. Up to 12 girls per Sundays for Juniors through Ambassadors. Rides are for one hour
session can learn archery basics and spend some time practicing their and take place in either the arena or on a trail, depending on the skill
aim. These archery sessions are instructor-led meaning an instructor of the riders. Girls must arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled
will be provided for your group. Session times: Saturday at 9 a.m., 10 ride time. Appropriate attire includes long pants and boots with a
a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. smooth sole and 1/2 inch heels. Boots are available for ride time.
Helmets are provided. There is a weight limit of 200 pounds for all
If you have your own USAA instructor, submit a program registration horse riding sessions. Session Times: Saturday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m.,
form and appropriate certifications to registration@sjgs.org, and a 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
separate time will be reserved for your troop to do archery if available.
Love, Hug and Groom: Love, Hug and Groom is a non-riding
Canoeing: Spend some time paddling around the camp lake! Sessions activity to introduce girls of all ages to horse care. Girls will receive
are for one hour on Saturday only and for all ages. Canoing sessions a barn tour, introduction to horse care and a hands-on grooming
are not instructor led. Groups are required to provide their own opportunity with camp horses. Sessions are for one hour and are
ACA-certified or FOC-certified adult for these sessions. Copies of available on Saturday and Sunday. Session Times: Saturday at 9 a.m.,
certifications must be received at registration@sjgs.org at least two 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
weeks before the scheduled session. Groups without a certified adult
will be cancelled and refunded. Swimming: Need to cool off? Take a dip in the camp pool!
Session times: Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Swimming time slots are available for one hour on Saturday only
for girls of all ages. Note, these sessions are pool fun time and free
Hikes with Henry and Friends: If you want a fun way to introduce swim. These swimming sessions are lifeguard-provided (meaning
your girls to camp during the day, consider taking a guided hike. a lifeguard will be provided for your group.) Council Lifeguard
Foresters Henry Steitz and John Ross and a group of dedicated session times: Saturday at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. If you have your
volunteers conduct hikes that are both fun and informative. You own lifeguard, submit a program registration form and appropriate
haven’t really seen camp until you have toured it with these guys! certifications to registration@sjgs.org, and a separate time will be
These sessions are approximately two hours each and are for all reserved for your troop to swim if available.
ages. Cost includes a patch, and adults must register for the session.
Session times: August through October–10 a.m. at Arnold and Misty;
November through February–10 a.m. at Arnold and 2 p.m. at Misty;
March through May–10 a.m. at Arnold and Misty.
July/August 2018 l The Golden Link 15Activities
Archery Backpacking Orientation
Backpacking Orientation covers all the basic knowledge
required for troops and individuals wishing to go backpacking.
Archers in Motion (AIM): JOAD Program Don’t worry if you might be the only girl in your troop or
Archers in Motion (JOAD Club) is a special interest group for an individually registered girl who might be interested in
archery. The group meets once a month. Members shoot 30 arrows backpacking. You won’t be the only one! You will be in a group
to achieve JOAD Level 1. Much be age 8 or older. In order to qualify of new friends for the weekend.
for Advanced JOAD, a girl must complete all JOAD Levels. You will learn how to back a backpack, care for a tent,
and cook on your own personal stove. You will transfer your
Who: Any registered Girl Scout 8 year or older. camping gear to your backpack, hike two miles to the campsite
Where: Camp Robinwood, Willis and set up your tent, where you will be spending the evening
When: Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, for a real mini backpacking adventure! Enjoy the campfire,
March 10, April 14, May 12 savor dinner on your own stove, and settle in for the night in
Stay tuned for more information about Archery Weekend at your tent on the ground under the stars. After packing up your
Camp Robinwood from Sept. 7–9. Contact Laura Arrington, gear the next morning, your will hike two miles back to the
713-292-0324, larrington@sjgs.org for more information! main part of camp, say goodbye to your new friends and count
Join in on the archery carousel, see page 18 for details. down the days until your first weekend backpacking trip!
After successfully completing orientation, participants will
earn the GSSJC Backpacking Certification and can accompany
any of the existing Council backpacking groups on weekend trips.
Backpacking Who: Girl Scouts, age 11 through Adult
Day Hikes with the Backpackers Where:
When:
Treelake Camp Complex, Podville (Conroe)
10:30 a.m. on Saturday through noon on Sunday,
Step out and enjoy a day in nature, and get away from the
Oct. 13 – 14, Dec. 1– 2, Feb. 23 – 24
city! Join and meet fellow Girl Scouts, and explore a nearby
Cost: $20 per person, food and packing information will
forest or park. You will take a leisurely hike and start to learn
be provided in confirmation letter
some backpacking skills and tips along the way. Come on
Deadline: Two weeks before orientation date
one hike, or come on them all! Lunch and a day pack will be
Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org
provided to all attendees. This is a great way to get a taste for the
Note: You will be provided with a backpack, tent and
Girl Scout backpacking program.
stove to use during orientation.
Who: Girl Scouts, Juniors through Adult
Where: Oct. 6 – Lake Houston Wilderness Park
Nov. 3 – Herman Brown Park , Housotn
Jan. 26 – Armand Bayou, Pasadena Canoeing
April 6 – Brazos Bend State Park, Needville
When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Taste of Canoeing
Cost: $15 per person Learn how to canoe at this introductory course for Brownies
Deadline: Two weeks before orientation date thru Ambassadors with no previous training required. Canoe
Contact: Kaydee Tiemann, 713-292-0233, ktiemann@sjgs.org instructors and older girl canoe aides will teach girls waterfront
Note: Individually registered girls and troops are safety and basic canoe strokes. Canoeing is a great team-building
welcome. Lunch, backpacks and water bottles will activity and a relaxing and enjoyable way to enjoy the great
be provided. outdoors.
Who: Brownies – Ambassadors
When: September 15, November 3, January 26, March 16
Where: Camp Robinwood, Willis
When: Feb. 9 and April 6
Where: Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada
Canoe Certification
Adults, interested in taking your girls canoe? This training is
Camp sessions still available needed to take girls canoeing on council camp properties and is
for adults only. This certification will cover Level I training from
Sign up for a summer of fun. the American Canoe Association.
Look for more information at
gssjc.org/summercamp Who: Adults
When: Oct. 12 – 14
Where: Camp Myra S. Pryor, Nada
16 July/August 2018 l The Golden LinkYou can also read
