1. food and drink
2. desserts and baking

Golden
LINK
THE
November/December
2014
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for 2015!
The Official Publication of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council | Volume 40, Issue 6
President of the Council
and Chair of the Board
Mary Ryder
Chief Executive Officer
Mary Vitek
Marketing/Communications Director
Connie Chavez
Graphics 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 six 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 Membership Credentials 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 to The
Golden Link to jpastal@sjgs.org. Send Scrapbook
photos to menzor@sjgs.org. .
Advertisements
Advertising rates are available by calling
713-292-0384. 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.thegoldenlink.org
Copyright © 2014. All rights reserved.
Please recycle this publication.
Troop #3450 recently enjoyed a weekend at Camp Misty Meadows.
See more Scrapbook pictures on Facebook and on page 36.
Contents
November/December 2014
4
4
From the Top
Shop News
Special Feature
Adult
Recognitions
5Cookies!
Features
Adult Trainings
14 BP works with girls on careers
15 Volunteer Awards
17 Gold Award
Page 29
Columns
Activities
19 Special Events
21Archery
21Backbacking
22Camp
22Environmental
23 Fine Arts
25History
25Horses
26Sailing
26Sports
27STEM
27Swimming
28Travel
Thank a volunteer
today! January 15 is
the deadline to get in
nominations. Learn
more on page 15.
31 Around Camp
32 Moment in History
33Philanthropy
35 Service Projects
Council Scrapbook
Page 36
www.
thegoldenlink.
org.
The Golden Link is always
available online at www.
thegoldenlink.org. Also
available is Troop Program
Ideas. This is published
every other month only
online.
On the cover
It’s cookie time! The best, and tastiest, time of the year is
almost here. This issue has everything you need to know
before the program begins January 10.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
3
Discover, Connect, Take Action –
Girls Change the World. This was
the theme of the National Council
Session/53rd Convention in Salt
Lake City in October. GSSJC was
represented by a delegation of
50 people including girls, adult
delegates, official visitors and
alumni. We reviewed the work of
Mary Ryder
the past three years, voted on the
Chair of the Board and
proposals, elected our national
President of the Council
board and discussed the future of our
movement, including the importance
of the outdoor leadership experience
that we offer to girls. Each of us is
energized and looks forward to sharing
the details of the convention as we
connect during the rest of this year.
Next, it is almost that time of
year again…and you too can be a
part of the largest girl-led business
in the country, the Girl Scout Cookie Program. The foundation
is in place for an amazing cookie sale throughout GSSJC! Door–
to-door order taking begins on January 10. But before we think
about the future, I want to thank each of you for leading the way
during 2014. GSSJC earned first place in cookie sales within
GSUSA by selling more than 391,000 cases, raising more than
$13.8 million to support local programs and troop activities for
our girls.
As we look to the future and a new goal of selling more than
409,000 cases, I am thrilled to share that we have enhanced the
tools and products for the upcoming year. See the cookie section
in this issue for all the exciting details.
Our volunteers are already getting ready to help our girls
develop their leadership and financial literacy skills. GSSJC
launches its Troop and Community Cookie Manager training
in early November. This training is required each year in order
to cover all the program enhancements. Our Product Sales
Operations Team and staff continue to make the program easier
for the girls, parents and volunteers, knowing that everyone has a
very busy schedule. Our team has worked extra hard this year on
the girl rewards to enhance the quality of items available in the
2015 program.
Have you heard about our new Customer Engagement
Initiative (CEI)? GSSJC is one of 11 councils that has partnered
with GSUSA to automate the process of girls and volunteers
signing up to participate or volunteer in Girl Scouts. You will
begin to hear more about this exciting project and next year when
you sign up for Girl Scouts you will be able to do it quickly and
efficiently on your tablet. This key initiative will help us reach
a number of goals within our strategic plan, Vision 2020, in
particular that of growing and retaining our membership and the
use of technology.
In closing, I hope to see you at one of our camps, programs
or at one of the three Mega Drops in early February as we embark
on our 64th cookie sale at GSSJC.
From
the
TOP
4
November/December 2014 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.
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS: Nov. 27 - 29,
Dec. 24 - Jan. 1, 2015
Bay Area
281-282-6077
Lake Jackson
979-297-5556
Baytown
281-424-5193
Lufkin
936-634-4688
Beaumont
409-832-0556
Stafford
281-403-4766
Houston
713-292-0247
Westside
281-822-4250
Imperial Valley
281-447-8870
Stay warm this winter!
Shop at your local council shop for your
very own fleece jacket!
(Also available in white.)
Make sure to accessorize with a
Girl Scout cap, scarf or gloves!
We’ve gone wacky!
Join us for Wacky Week! The first week of each month, visit
your Girl Scout Shop during Wacky Week and receive special
markdowns, promotions, sales and more. You won’t want to miss
it! Watch this page in The Golden Link for more information and
reminders.
Special Feature
What Can a Girl Do?
Lead the Change
Leading the change sounds like a
huge job, but that’s what Girl Scouts do
every day. They make positive decisions,
help people in need and take care of our
planet among other things. And the Girl
Scout Cookie Program helps girls make all
this happen. Through the Cookie Program,
girls are given limitless opportunities to
make their world a better place.
The program also teaches girls to be a
leader for change by learning the 5 Skills:
goal setting, decision making, money
management, people skills and business
ethics. These are skills that girls will carry
with them for a lifetime of success.
Many of today’s premier female
leaders got their start by selling Girl
Scout Cookies. In fact, 64 percent of
women in leadership positions in civic
and organizations were once Girl Scouts.
TV Journalist Katie Couric, labor leader
Linda Chavez-Thompson and Mrs. Fields
Cookie founder Pam Fields are just a few
of the amazing women who once took part
in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. When
your daughter participates, she’s learning
valuable skills that will last a lifetime and
who knows? Maybe one day she’ll be the
business owner, prominent journalist or
CEO that girls look up to.
We’re #1!
Everything is bigger in Texas, and the Girl Scout Cookie
Program is no exception. In 2014, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto
Council had the largest sale in the country – approximately
4.6 million packages of cookies were sold by GSSJC Girl
Scouts right here in southeast Texas. That’s a lot of Thin
Mints, Shortbread and Peanut Butter Sandwiches!
If your daughter was one of the 28,547 girls that participated in last year’s Cookie Program, congratulations – her stellar money management,
people and business skills helped achieve this impressive accomplishment.
Let’s keep the momentum going! In the following pages, you will find everything
you need to know to kick off the 2015 Girl Scout Cookie Program. From all the important
dates to how you can help your daughter reach her goals, everything you need to be a top
cookie seller is there.
GSSJC was excited to be named the largest sale in 2014 – let’s make it happen it
again in 2015! With our amazing Girl Scout cookie bosses who know how to run a business like, well, nobody’s business…we had no doubt we’ll repeat achieving the country’s
largest sale again.
Girl Scout Cookie Program!
Fun with Purpose – Cookie Program Activities
ABC Bakers has created a series of program
activities for troops to prepare girls for the Cookie
Program. There are 4-5 sessions, depending on
the troop’s grade level. The number of sessions
is flexible! Troop leaders can combine them
into fewer meetings, or stretch them out over
more than five meetings. Mix and match the
components, or skip things that don’t work
for you and your troop. Choose the age level
and get started with session one right away!
Find the details on these activities online at
abcsmartcookies.com/sample-session-plans.
What did you like the most
about selling cookies?
Cadette- Knowing that I’m
earning money for my troop
so we can go do fun things
together
2015 Cookie Program Dates to Remember
December 22
January 10
February 7 – 14
February 18
February 20
March 29
Digital cookie sale begins
Order card sale begins
Cookie deliveries
Cupboards open
Cookie booth sales begin at 4 p.m.
Cookie Program ends
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
5
Special Feature
Your 2015 Cookie
Line-Up!
Here are the Girl Scout Cookies you’ll find
available in GSSJC this year:
Caramel deLites
Vanilla cookies topped with caramel, sprinkled
with toasted coconut and laced with chocolate
stripes.
Cranberry Citrus Crisps
Crisp cookie made with whole grain, full of tangy
cranberry bits and zesty citrus flavor.
Lemonades
Savory slices of shortbread with a refreshingly
tangy lemon flavored icing.
Peanut Butter Patties
Crispy vanilla cookies layered with peanut butter
and covered with chocolate coating.
Peanut Butter Sandwich
Crisp and crunchy oatmeal cookies with creamy
peanut butter filling.
GSSJC Cookie
Sale
Survey
This summer GSSJC surveyed more
than 300 Brownie through Ambassador
girls about their experiences during the
Girl Scout Cookie Program. Questions
focused on the 5 Skills girls learn during
the Cookie Program: goal setting,
decision making, money management,
people skills and business ethics. GSSJC
Girl Scouts excel at all of these:
Shortbread
Traditional shortbread cookies.
What did you like the most
about selling cookies?
Junior - Everything- talking to
people, helping them select the
cookie, setting goals, sending
thank yous and doing math.
Thanks-A-Lot
Shortbread cookies dipped in rich fudge and
topped with an embossed thank you message in
one of five languages.
Thin Mints
Crispy chocolate wafers dipped in a mint
chocolate coating.
87% of Brownies and Juniors learned how to make a sales plan
87% of Brownies and Juniors could explain how they used cookie funds
88% of older girls felt they set realistic sales goals based on market information
92% of older girls felt comfortable talking to adults about why they are earning funds
96% of Brownies and Juniors agreed they learned about the cookies so they could answer customer questions
97% of all girls felt that it is important to them to deliver the cookies when promised
How do girls learn skills like these? Evidence from the Girl Scout Research
Institute (GSRI) suggests that girls who complete badge work, practice selling with
their friends and family and attend troop/group meetings about selling cookies are
more likely to develop the 5 Skills associated with the Cookie Program. Of girls
responding to the survey, 72 percent attended troop/group meetings about the sale.
More than half of Brownies through Seniors surveyed earned at least one badge and
87 percent of Juniors earned the Cookie CEO badge.
GSSJC also asked girls if they attended Cookie College. Girls who did, sold
more boxes on average. In fact at the end of Cookie College last year, 92 percent
of girls felt prepared for the Cookie Program. Cookie College gives girls the
opportunity to develop their goal setting, decision making, money management,
people skills and business ethics before the sale even starts.
6
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
NEW! Gluten Free Trios
Chocolate chips nestled in a gluten free peanut
butter oatmeal cookie. This will only be available
for order through COCOdirect.
Special Feature
How to get your Girl Scout started
Managing the Cookie Program on top of soccer games, dance recitals and important school
What did you like the most
work can be a challenge. But participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program provides girls
about selling cookies?
with a leadership experience that helps them build skills they will use today and tomorrow. The
Junior - It was good practice for
cookie sale began as a way for Girl Scouts to fund their activities more than 90 years ago. The
being a future business woman.
purpose hasn’t changed today. As the largest girl-led business in the country, the Girl Scout Cookie
Program is a unique opportunity for girls to become leaders in their own lives and in the world
around them.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is also a great opportunity for families
See the inside
to discuss being responsible with money. It is not just the largest girl-led
front cover
business in the country; it’s also the largest financial literacy program for girls.
of this issue
Financial literacy – knowing how to make, manage, spend and invest money
for training
– is a critical skill that impacts the quality of your Girl Scout’s future. The Girl
information.
Scout Cookie Program activities are designed to help your Girl Scout move toward a financially independent future.
Use this checklist to help your Girl Scout stay on track and meet deadlines and to help your
Girl Scout reach her goals.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Make sure your Girl Scout is registered for the 2014 – 2015 membership year.
Complete the Parent Permission and Responsibility form: Attend your troop’s cookie meeting. It’s
important to understand what your Girl Scout’s responsibilities will be during the Cookie Season.
This is also a great time to volunteer to help with cookie booths or delivery.
Help With Goal Setting: Sign up your Girl Scout for COCO (Cookie Command) to help her track
and reach her goals. COCO can be found at abcsmartcookies.com.
Go Over Safety Guidelines: A list of Safety Guidelines can be found on p. 8
Practice Makes Perfect! Use the How to Sell Girl Scout Cookies on p. 10 to help your Girl Scout get
the most out of her cookie experience.
Celebrate Her Success! Check on her progress throughout the sale. Celebrate with her when she
reaches a milestone in her goal.
Let your friends and family know how proud you are of your Girl Scout and her participation in the Cookie Program.
Hints for success
Whether you’re the troop leader, troop cookie manager (TCM) or a parent, you play a vital role in helping the girls in your troop have a
great Cookie Program experience. Here are a few suggestions to help the girls enjoy their role in the 2015 Cookie Program.
Before the Cookie Program
•
•
Be sure that all of your girls are
currently registered as Girl Scouts.
Only girls’ names that are registered
for the 2014 – 2015 membership year
will appear in Snap. Compare the
girls’ names listed in Snap to the troop
roster from troop management in the
eBiz site. If a girl’s name is missing
in Snap, verify her registration with
your community registrar. If she is not
registered, ensure that her membership
registration is completed as soon as
possible.
With your troop cookie manager,
set the date, time and location for
girl/parent cookie training. Most
troops conduct this training during a
regularly scheduled troop meeting.
Consider helping at the training–
introduce the troop cookie manager
and assist as needed in the training.
•
•
•
Review Safety Guidelines for selling
cookies, listed in this issue of The Golden
Link, and share this with the girls.
With input from the girls and the troop
cookie manager, plan and carry out troop
cookie activities: set troop goals and help
girls set individual selling goals.
Ask the girls to decide how the troop
will use the proceeds from the Cookie
Program.
During the Cookie Program
•
•
•
Keep in touch with the TCM on a
weekly basis. Ask the girls how the
Cookie Program is progressing by
making time to discuss the Cookie
Program at each troop meeting.
Keep a receipt book so receipts can
be issued if a girl turns in money to
a member of your leadership team
instead of the TCM.
With the TCM, make plans to celebrate
the troop's successes–goals reached,
what the girls have learned, etc.
•
•
•
With the girls, plan how to thank the
TCM.
Have the girls make notes for their
parents/guardians, thanking them for
supporting their efforts in the Cookie
Program process.
Work on the program level Financial
Literacy and Cookie Business Badges
from the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting
and the Cookie Sale Activity Pin.
After the Cookie Program
•
•
•
At the end of the cookie season,
assist the TCM in completing final
paperwork, verifying the amount
of the troop's proceeds, making
deposits to the troop and Council bank
accounts and dealing with any extra
cookies that may be left over.
Working with the TCM, make sure
that the girls receive their rewards in a
timely manner.
With the girls, evaluate the Cookie
Program process and complete an
online survey.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
7
Special Feature
Parent’s guide to a successful cookie season
Dates to remember
December - January 10
• Attend the parent/guardian cookie meeting
• Complete the Parent Permission and Responsibility Form
• Help your Girl Scout set goals, record on the order card.
• Discuss safety procedures and sale guidelines
• Encourage and support your Girl Scout by practicing sales techniques with her and help identify potential customers.
December 22
• Virtual cookies sales begin. Use COCO (Cookie Command) at abcsmartcookies.com to send an e-card to friends, family and your previous customers.
• Download the new COCOmobile app (see p. 9) and begin using COCOdirect.
January 10
• In person order-taking begins at 9 a.m.! Don’t take in-
person orders early.
• NO money is collected for orders! Money can be collected for Virtual Cookie Share.
Before January 24
• Check with your troop cookie manager (TCM) for the deadline to place your initial cookie order. Your TCM will collect all orders. Don’t forget to print any online orders!
• Encourage your Girl Scout to continue accepting orders for cookies, even though she has turned in her order card. Use the small order card or ask for an additional order card. Extra cookies will be available from the troop to fill additional orders.
February 7 – 14
• Troop cookie managers (TCM) need your help at cookie delivery sites. If you are available, offer to help your Girl Scout troop pick up their cookies.
• When you pick up your Girl Scout’s cookies, all order cards will be returned to you along with an envelope for collecting money.
February 7 – March 29
• Deliver cookies and collect money. All checks should be made payable to GSSJC. Checks are limited to $120 per person.
• If a customer refuses delivery or you are unable to reach a customer after three tries, please sell the cookies to another customer. Cookies cannot be returned.
• Order additional cookies if needed.
• Turn in money as you collect. Go with your Girl Scout, count the money with her as she turns it in, and obtain a receipt for your records.
February 20 – March 29
• Cookie Booth Sales
March 29
• Cookie Program ends
March 30
• Deadline to turn in all outstanding cookie money. Count the money with the TCM and obtain a receipt for your records.
Early to mid-May
• Receive girl rewards from the troop cookie manager
8
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
Safety Guidelines for girls and parents
What did you like the most
about selling cookies?
Senior - Telling people how
proud I am that I am a
Girl Scout!
Every parent and guardian
knows the world can be a scary
place. The good news for Girl
Scout families is that girls’
safety has been a priority within
the Girl Scout organization
since it was founded in 1912. By
following safety basics, parents
and volunteers can ensure that
the Cookie Program is not only
a fun learning experience for
girls but also a safe one.
Show you are a Girl Scout
Wear the Girl Scout membership pin, vest or sash or other Girl Scout
clothing to identify yourself.
Buddy up
Always use the buddy system. Not only is it safe, it’s more fun!
Be streetwise
Become familiar with the areas and neighborhoods where you will be
taking orders for Girl Scout Cookies. Avoid accepting anything larger
than a twenty dollar bill.
Partner with adults
Adults are required to accompany Daisies, Brownies and Juniors
whenever they are taking orders or delivering cookies. Cadettes, Seniors
and Ambassadors must be supervised by an adult when selling doorto-door and must never sell alone. A minimum of two adults must be
present at a cookie booth at all times with the girls.
Plan ahead
Always have a plan for safeguarding money. Avoid walking around with
large amounts of it or keeping it at home or school. Give money to your
troop cookie manager to deposit as soon as possible. Don’t forget to get
a receipt.
Do not enter
Never enter the home of a person when you are selling or making
deliveries. Never go up to a car on a street or follow a customer into a
building or alley.
Sell in the daytime
Sell only during daylight hours, unless accompanied by an adult.
Know about the digital cookie program
Learn the about the digital cookie program and read and sign the Internet
Safety Pledge at: girlscouts.org /program/ gs_cookies/cookie_activity.asp.
Make sure you have adult permission and supervision for online activities.
Protect privacy
Girls’ names, addresses or email addresses should never be given out
to customers. Instead a designated adult’s telephone and/or group email
address overseen by an adult should be given for reorders.
Be safe on the road
Follow safe pedestrian practices, especially when crossing at
intersections or walking along roadways. Be aware of traffic when
unloading cookies and passengers from vehicles.
Special Feature
The digital cookie program – there’s an app for that!
The digital cookie program allows girls to experience the cookie sale in a digital environment.
Your favorite COCO tools are just an app away!
COCOmobile is designed for Girl Scouts. It lets girls set cookie
sale goals, track their sales progress and even take orders using
their free app on an iOS or Android mobile device. Girl can get
cookie information right at their fingertips. They will be able to
enter, view and edit order; check to see if orders have been paid
and delivered; track their recognitions program progress; and
email order confirmations directly to their customers.
COCOdirect is a feature within the COCOmobile app that allows
customers to purchase special bundles of Girl Scout Cookies
via the girl’s mobile device. Customers can choose from three
selections: a six-pack of one variety, a twelve-pack of any one
variety, or an eight-pack sampler that includes one of each variety.
Payment will be made by credit card, and the cookies will be
shipped directly to the customer or the address designated by the
customer. COCOdirect brings the Girl Scout Cookie Program into
the world of online sales!
COCOdirect offers two ways for girls to take orders.
1. Using COCOmobile – ABC’s proprietary girl ordering app
2. Using COCO Online Marketing – Girls can send an e-Card to friends and family that includes a secure link to COCOdirect.
When you are in COCOmobile, you can use your special
COCOdirect menu option
to take orders. COCOdirect
customers can have cookies
shipped directly to them and
pay via credit card. There is
NO money collection and NO
girl delivery for sales made
through COCOdirect.
How was your experience
with COCO?
Cadette - I found it very helpful
and helped me keep my eye on
my goal. It made me want to get
my goal and know how close I
was to getting it.
To use the app, the girl must
have internet access to take the order. Girls take the customer
order using the easy order screen. Customers can order 6 of one
variety, 12 of one variety or an 8 pack sampler that includes one of
each variety, except the gluten free cookie.
How to download the App:
1. Go to the App Store or Play Store from your mobile device
2. Search for the COCOmobile app
3. Click download to load it
Use COCO Online Marketing to send e-Cards!
Follow these steps to use this effective way to reach customers.
1. Register for COCO via abcsmartcookies.com
2. Login to COCO using username and password
3. Select Online Marketing and click on ‘Send an e-Card
4. Choose the COCOdirect e-Card
5. Choose the contact name(s) and add a message
6. Preview the card and press send
7. Email with a link to COCOdirect will be sent. They can place order and have it shipped directly to them.
How was your experience
with COCO?
Junior - This was the first year
I used the COCO app to help
sell cookies. My customers
were so impressed to see the
nutritional information at their
fingertips
How
to use COCO
ABC’s Cookie Command, or COCO, is a web-based business center where girls can manage their
cookie activities online! This tool is full of useful features and activities to help girls get the most
out of their cookie experience. Note: This is ABC’s web-based platform and is not the same as
COCOmobile. COCOmobile is the app a girl can download to take orders, track goals and deliveries
and more.
Set and track goals
•
•
•
Research shows girls who
set goals are more successful
in the Girl Scout Cookie
Program!
Girls determine their individual cookie goals
They record their progress toward goals, and set stretch goals along the way
Girls choose which recognitions they want to earn and see the ones they can earn if they sell at a higher level
Create a plan
COCO makes developing and working on an activity plan even
more fun for girls.
• Girls determine what activities they will undertake as part of their cookie program
• Each activity is tied to one of the 5 Skills
• Girls earn and collect “5 Skill Bling” when they complete planned activities
Marketing Tools
Girls can use these tools, such as e-cards, to reach their
customers.
• Girls can import a contact list and save this information from season to season
•
•
•
•
Girls customize and send e-cards to friends and family
Friends and family place orders online (girls must still collect the money and deliver the cookies)
The site stores e-mail addresses from the e-cards for the girl to use next year
Customers receive an automated thank you card when an order is placed
COCO Dashboard
All of a girl’s COCO activities are summarized on her “My
Dashboard” page which included:
• Her name, picture (if uploaded), goals set and reached, recognitions she can earn, activities planned and earned and any virtual badges earned
• How her sales compare to others in her troop
• Cheers she has received from her teammates
Troop Dashboard
COCO is an ideal place for troop cookie managers to
communicate with girls. COCO’s troop page allows troop cookie
managers to post messages about the cookie sale to girls and
monitor the troop’s progress. Troop cookie managers can help
girls set goals and cheer them on! To set up your troop’s Cookie
Command Center go to abcsmartcookies.com.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
9
Special Feature
What did you like the most
about selling cookies?
Cadette- Knowing that I’m
earning money for my troop
so we can go do fun things
together
Tools for Troops
2015 “Lead the Change” Clip Art
Looking for theme clip art for your troop
activities, cookie booth posters and more? Find
these resources online at flickr.com/photos/
abcbakersvolunteergallery/sets. The clip art can also
be accessed at the top of each abcsmartcookies.com
webpage, right next to the YouTube and Facebook
icons, a flickr icon can also be found for art gallery
access.
Cookie Boss Videos: Ready to give your troop full of Cookie Bosses that last feelgood, motivational push they need before setting off to take orders on Jan. 10? Head to
girlscouts.org/program/gs_cookies for some fun, inspiring videos.
The Girl Scout Cookie
Activity Pin
All girls who participate in the Girl
Scout Cookie Program are eligible to
earn the annual Cookie Activity Pin,
which recognizes the 5 Skills” learned
and practiced in the program. When they
earn the pin, invite girls to share their
accomplishments in each of the 5 Skills.
Here is how girls achieve the 5 Skills
through the Girl Scout Cookie Program:
•
10 Steps to Cookie-Selling Success
How to Sell Cookies: Everyone knows how tasty Girl Scout Cookies are, but a lot of
people don’t know what we learn by selling them. We’re talking about things like goal
setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics–stuff we
need to know to be successful. This year, we made a super-simple guide to help you get
the most of your cookie-selling experience.
•
•
Say hello
Just say "hi." It gets everything off on the right foot. Make eye contact. It can be kind of
weird looking people you don’t know in the eye and talking to them. But it’s a big part of
building trust and respect for others. It says, “Hey, we’re serious about what we’re doing!”
Ask if she’s a Girl Scout
You’ll be surprised at how many Girl Scouts are out there. More than 59 million women
have been part of Girl Scouts. Ask what it was like for them.
•
Share your goal
You and your team have set goals and made decisions about what you’ll do with the
money you earn. Maybe you’re going to a place you haven’t been or supporting a cause
you care about. Whatever it is, let people know. They’ll be impressed.
•
Show off your inventory
Everyone has a favorite cookie, but there are a lot of different ones. So be prepared to tell
them about all the cookies in your inventory.
Point out our new package design
The cookie boxes have a new look in recent years and tell the story of what Girl Scouts
do. Show your customers the new boxes and ask what they think.
Talk about money
Money is a big responsibility. Even if you get help from a volunteer, you have to make
sure you have a role in handling it and managing it. And you need your customers to
know how you plan to use the money you earn. So make sure they know.
Share why you’re a Girl Scout
Everyone joins Girl Scouts for a different reason. Whether it's to make friends or
accomplish big things–or both–let people know.
Find out how you did
Your cookie business is hard work. Always welcome tips on how to be better at it. And if
they don't tell you, find out! After the sale, ask the customer how the sale went and what
you could’ve done to make it better.
Say thanks
Saying "thank you" is easy. And it means a lot to the people buying cookies.
10
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
Goal setting: have girls share personal
learning goals and personal sales goals
based on group goals. Have them keep a
record of accomplishments each year
Decision making: have girls develop a
basic business plan for the cookie sale.
Work as a team to decide where they
will sell cookies and how they will use
the money earned.
Money management: have girls develop
a budget for accomplishing at least one
of the goals. Use the budget to help
determine sales goals. Make sure the
girls knowhow the money earned in the
Girl Scout Cookie Program helps them,
the troop and the council.
People skills: have the girls practice an
“elevator speech” for customers about
what they are selling, why they are
selling it, and why customers should
purchase. Have them make a list of
potential customers including customers
from last year.
Business ethics: have the girls discuss
how living the Girl Scout Promise
and Law applies to participation in
the Girl Scout Cookie Program as a
businesswoman.
The 2015 Cookie Activity Pin will be
available for purchase at the Girl Scout
Shop and is a different color every year.
For this year’s complete guidelines, visit
girlscoutcookies.org and under “For Cookie
Sellers” click on “Program resources” and
scroll down to find the PDF.
What did you like the most
about selling cookies?
Cadette - Happy customers who
knew their money was going to a
good cause
Special Feature
What did you like the most
about selling cookies?
Cadette - I like the
responsibility and getting to
learn how to become a good
sales person
Be a Super Troop
Success comes from having goals. When
we set goals, we are more likely to achieve
them. Research shows that troops who set
goals reach higher sales levels. Setting a troop
and individual girl goal will help your troop
become a Super Troop. Girls should work
together as a team to set a troop goal. By
working together, instead of competing, they
can achieve their goal.
Your troop can be a Super Troop by meeting the following requirements:
1. Meet GSSJC's guidelines for a troop, as defined by having five or more girls
from more than one family.
2. Register all girls participating in the Cookie Program by Jan. 10, 2015 (or prior
to the girl selling cookies if she joins after the sale begins).
3. Reach a per girl average of at least 245 packages.
4. A minimum of three registered girls must participate in the sale.
5. Conduct cookie booths and report the sales in the Cookie Booth online site.
Girl Scout Daisy troops are exempt from this requirement.
6. Have no discrepancy reports and all paperwork turned in to Community
Cookie Manager on time.
Troops achieving Super Troop status will receive a $25 Cookie Dough card which
can be used in Council shops or for Council-level programs or events. In addition,
each member of the troop who sold cookies will receive a Super Troop patch.
Earn the Goal Getter Patch
The Goal Getter Patch Program is designed to help girls work together as a
team. Girls work closely with their adult volunteer to earn this patch. Patches can
be purchased in the Girl Scout shop. What is a Goal? A goal is something you tell
yourself that you are going to do. To help your troop and your girls set their goals
and earn their patch, complete the following requirements.
1. Choose your goal: Set a troop goal based on what activity the girls would like
to participate in with the funds. It might be attending a STEM workshop, going
to resident camp for a week or saving it for a future troop trip. Determine the
number of packages of cookies that must be sold in order to fund the troop
activity that was chosen. Then divide the number of packages by the number
of girls selling so that each girl will have her individual goal. Use Cookie
Command (COCO) to help set these goals: abcsmartcookies.com/coco-cookiecommand. Tip: Keep goals realistic – make it one your girls can reach.
2. Be prepared – Learning Goals: Learn all you can about Girl Scout Cookies.
Practice what to say when selling with your troop. Discuss safety rules.
3. Use your calendar – Chart your Goals: Have each girl pick a special day to
reach their goal. They can even draw a big cookie on that day in their calendar.
Help them choose milestone dates along the way to track their progress. Use
the Goal Tracker found in COCO to track progress.
4. Celebrate: Give yourselves credit for a job well done! While many goals will
be accomplished, achieving the troop goal is not a requirement to earning the
patch. When the sale is complete, print your personal achievement certificate at
abcsmartcookies.com/coco-cookie-command.
Girl Scout Cookie Program
Fun Facts
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The first national Girl Scout Cookie sale
was held in 1936.
Over the years, cookie varieties have
come and gone in response to changing
consumer tastes. However, Shortbread
has been around from the early days.
The only modification to this traditional
favorite has been two “facelifts” – one
in 1979 and one in 2010, both to mirror
updates to the Girl Scouts Servicemark.
Thin Mints is the top-selling Girl Scout
Cookie in the United States!
In 1948, a total of 29 companies were
licensed to bake Girl Scout Cookies.
Today there are two official Girl Scout
Cookie bakers. ABC Bakers has been
an officially licensed Girl Scout Cookie
baker for more than 75 years.
Each season, Girl Scouts sell close to 200
million packages of Girl Scout Cookies.
Caramel deLites are the second-bestselling Girl Scout Cookie and one of the
top five of cookies sold in the United
States, annually. (That includes cookie
brands sold year-round!)
For every box of Girl Scout Cookies
you buy, more than two-thirds of your
purchase price is put to use by Girl Scout
councils in your community.
People who may be following diabetic
diets can find dietary exchange
rates listed on the order card or at
abcsmartcookies.com.
Thin Mints, Thanks-A-Lot, Lemonades
and Peanut Butter Patties Girl Scout
Cookies are all vegan.
Thanks-A-Lot Girl Scout Cookies
speak five different languages–English,
Spanish, French, Chinese and Swahili!
Thanks-A-Lot are 10 years old this
year!
ABC’s cookies are made with pure
vegetable shortening and all eight
varieties are kosher. Kosher certification
is provided by the Orthodox Union
Rabbinical supervision. Each package is
marked with the circle UD emblem.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
11
Special Feature
Cookie Promotional Items for Sale at Trainings
Everyone who attends training has the option of purchasing some great “Lead the Change” cookie-related items. Even if you aren’t
attending the training, take advantage the opportunity in your area to add these items to your personal collection!
“It’s Cookie
Time”
cookie
apron
$9
“It’s Cookie
Time” small car
“Thank You for Your
magnetSupport” roll labels
$3
$4
“Lead the Change” T-Shirts (bright blue)
(YS – adult XL) $10; (adult 2XL – 3XL) $12
“It’s Cookie Time” large
car magnet $7.50
Oversized cookie boxes
(set of 5) $10
“Lead the Change”
envelope
$3.50
“Lead the Change”
messenger bag
$12
Thank you bags
(pack of 25)
$3
“It’s Cookie Time” banner $5
“Lead the Change” eco tote
bag $4
“I Sell Girl Scout Cookies”
stop sign large car magnet
$5
“YUM!”
cookie
stickers (roll
of 100) $4
12
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
“Cookie Time”
rounds (set of 3)
$18
“Hurray, It’s Girl Scout
Cookie Time” yard sign
$8
Girl Scout fabric table cloth
$15
Special Feature
Put your creative touches on the mascot for the 2015 Cookie Program!
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
13
Feature
BP encourages Girl Scouts to think outside the box
with energy careers
BP opened its doors to Houston-area Girl Scouts to
show that there’s more to energy careers than meets the
eye, and it all begins with a natural curiosity and love for
science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The career day was spearheaded by women leaders in
BP’s North America Gas & Power (NAGP) business unit to
help educate girls, ages 10-13, about STEM-oriented careers
and expose them to various leadership roles at BP. “Our
STEM Leadership Day is about a year in the making,” said
Regan Wynn. “Many of us are former Girl Scouts or have
daughters who are, and we know that by giving back, we’re
making an important investment in each girl’s future.”
STEM is a focus area for the Girl Scouts on a national
level, and also for BP, to encourage girls to explore the
world of STEM within the context of leadership. Girl Scout
Leadership Experience Manager Mary LeMaster noted that
such events serve as a form of early intervention. “Girls this
age are at a critical stage in their education. Research tells
us that if girls don’t show a real interest in math and science
before high school, they probably never will. We want to get
girls on the STEM path now to close the knowledge gap,”
LeMaster said.
During the four-hour event, the 40 Cadettes and Juniors
from area troops learned how BP applies STEM in a variety of
business areas -- from drilling to scientific research, computer
technology, market analytics and trading. Participants were also
exposed to BP’s values, which are similar to the Girl Scouts’
pledge to show respect and courage.
Learning by doing
For an icebreaker,
the girls worked
on jigsaw puzzles
that got them
used to the idea of
speaking up. When
they discovered
puzzle pieces
were missing,
they reached out
to teams at other
tables for help.
The collaboration
continued during a
marshmallow tower activity, as each group raced to build
the tallest, sturdiest structure made of spaghetti sticks, tape
and a single marshmallow on top.
NAGP Commercial Training & Development
Manager Denise Giordano led a trading simulation game
to introduce the girls to the laws of supply and demand.
The point value of the chocolate coins they traded changed
throughout the game as breaking news flashed across the
screen about market conditions.
The lesson was then put into real-world context with a
visit to the trading floor, where the girls could see the stock
exchange-style environment in which NAGP trades energy
commodities. The BP Upstream Learning Centre’s hands14
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
on area was another tour stop, followed by a discussion
about energy conservation practices in action at Helios
Plaza.
Girl Scouts is so much
more than cookie
sales and camping.
It’s an organization
that teaches girls
skills for life.
Math is everywhere
Girl Scouts were introduced to Katie Dollinger, a
natural gas trader featured in a BP recruiting commercial
they viewed. “Growing up, I was pretty good at sports. I
played volleyball, basketball and competed in track and
field sports, you name it. But I had a secret. I really loved
math and I’ve loved math my entire life.”
Dollinger challenged the group to apply math to solve
everyday problems, such as calculating how much you
need to save to buy an iPhone, how many points to win
a game or how to budget your time. “Even if you don’t
choose it for a career, math is the foundation of everything
you do,” she said.
The girls also met Dawn Constantin, who made a career
change from engineering and discovered that the doors of
opportunity will open when you follow your interests. “I
wanted to build pipelines until I realized I didn’t really like
my job, but I still liked math. Part of what I do in my job
today is try to predict what’s going to happen in the future,
like meteorologists do with the weather.”
Constantin observed, “The best part about STEM
Day for me was when I saw girls grow more courageous
throughout the event. One Cadette was extremely shy
at first and reluctant to share her thoughts outside of the
small table group. Yet, within an hour, she was holding
the microphone and describing her lessons learned to the
entire room.”
Another NAGP employee Cynthia Nguyen, reflected
on her experience as a past troop leader saying, “Girl
Scouts is so much more than cookie sales and camping.
It’s an organization that teaches girls skills for life.
Their activities teach about leadership, teamwork, selfconfidence, goal-setting and problem-solving. We use all
these skills on the job at BP, so the sooner we can reach
and teach girls, the better prepared they will be to work in
this exciting field. There’s no limit to what girls can do,”
Nguyen said.
For more STEM workshops like this, check out the
Program Activities section in this issue of The Golden
Link and visit the activity registration site.
Feature
Adult
Recognitions
SAVE THE DATE!
The Spring Recognition
Event/Annual Council
Meeting will be April 18 at
Camp Agnes Arnold.
Girl Scout volunteers participate in Girl Scouting because they believe in the program, not
because they seek recognition or a reward. However, they want to feel valued - take time to say “thank
you.” A verbal thank you for a job well done, a handwritten note, a yard sign telling everyone passing
by that “a Great Girl Scout Leader Lives Here” or a framed picture of the troop are wonderful ways to
recognize volunteers.
Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council also has formal awards for volunteers who go above and
beyond, who exceed expectations, whose contributions are significant and whose performance is
outstanding. These volunteers whose efforts are sincerely focused on making the Girl Scout experience
good for girls are people to appreciate. Listed on the next two pages are the criteria, pictures and
procedures for nominating volunteers for these awards.
How to nominate a volunteer
Do you know an outstanding adult who is deserving of recognition? Here is a step-by-step guide that will assist in making that Council/
National award become a reality.
1
3
Obtain the appropriate
application form.
A complete nomination packet includes:
l Nomination Application Form (F-54, F-57 or F-116)
l Three letters of endorsement, one from you and two from others (F-54a)
l Volunteer Service Record (F-122), one for each nominated adult.
These forms may be found in service unit files or in Volunteer Records at the Council office
l Community Award Nomination Form (F-116)
Find these forms at www.gssjc.org.
2
Fill out form completely
and accurately.
Make sure you include how long the nominee has given service to
GSSJC and highlight specific contributions.
Helpful hints for completing
award forms
The forms are judged by what is written in the
letters of endorsement and the candidate’s Volunteer
Service Record, GSSJC F-122. The nomination
should clearly state why the person’s work is
noteworthy and above that expected for the position.
Nominations cannot be considered if
candidates have not completed training for
positions requiring training.
Provide specific examples. Broad examples do
not provide a clear picture of the person’s work.
You may submit more than three letters of
endorsement for one candidate, especially for the
more prestigious awards. You may want to ask
more than three people for endorsements to ensure
you get three back in time for submittal.
Include accomplishments, specifying
whenever possible about the impact on the
audience receiving the service. Provide details
of accomplishments, not a list of the number of
committees that person is involved with.
Obtain three letters of
endorsement
Write a letter of endorsement and identify two additional registered
adults (one may be a staff member) who know the nominee who will agree
to write a letter of endorsement.
Hint: Make sure to include volunteers and staff whose endorsements
will reflect each of the aspects of the nominee’s service (i.e. trainers,
community volunteer, Council committee, etc.). The nominee’s
volunteer supervisor is a great resource.
4
1.)
2.) 3.) Submit a complete
nomination packet
Mail: GSSJC, Adult Recognition Committee,
3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098
Fax: 713-292-0340; if faxing, call Judy at 713-292-0254 to verify receipt of nomination packet
Email: jsyring@sjgs.org; if you have any questions, contact Judy Syring at 713-292-0254
Membership and Years of Service pins
Membership Numerals – Recognizes the years an adult has been a
Girl Scouts member, girl plus adult years. There is a nominal fee for
these pins.
Years of Service – Recognizes the years an adult who has been a
registered, active member of Girl Scouts, given in increments of 5
years.
If you are eligible for a Membership Numeral or Years of Service pins,
let the community administrators or their designee know. Communities will submit
orders for the Membership Numeral and Years of Service pins to be presented at a
community/region event or meeting. Either pin of 25 years and higher may be received
at the Spring Adult Recognition Event.
Deadlines for Awards:
DeadlineAward
Presentation
January 15
Council/National Awards GSSJC Rec. Event
February 15
Council/National Awards Community Event
Six weeks prior Council/National Awards
Other events
Aug. 15 – Dec. 15 President’s Award
GSSJC Rec. Event
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
15
Feature
National and Council Awards
Appreciation Pin – This award is for the candidate that
has provided outstanding service to a geographic area
or program delivery audience in a way that furthers the
Council’s goals. The service goes beyond the expectations
for the position.
Volunteer of Excellence – This award recognizes those
volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while
partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement
the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) through use
of the National Program Portfolio or who have contributed
outstanding service in support of the council’s mission delivery to girl
and adult members.
Honor Pin – This award is for the candidate that has
provided outstanding service in two or more geographic
areas or program delivery audiences in a way that furthers
the Council’s goals. Candidate may have already received
the Appreciation Pin, but it is not a criteria. The service goes beyond the
expectations of the position.
Thanks Badge – This award is for the candidate that no other
award is appropriate. The candidate has provided outstanding
service that benefits the total Council or entire Girl Scout
Movement. Candidate may have already received the Honor
Pin or Appreciation Pin, but it is not a criteria. The service goes
beyond the expectations of the position.
Thanks Badge II – This recognition is for the candidate
who has already received the Thanks Badge and has
continued to perform at the same high level for an extended
period of time or increased their sphere of influence or
used their skills to move into another field of endeavor.
The outstanding service benefits the total council or entire Girl Scout
Movement. The service goes beyond the expectations of the position.
President’s Award – This award recognizes the community who
meets the 10 criteria points on the President’s Award Nomination
form, GSSJC F-76. It recognizes the efforts of a geographic area or
program delivery team in moving their area toward achievement of
the Council’s goals during a membership year. Documentation and
materials supporting the nomination must be included.
Outstanding Leadership Team Award –Does
your Troop Leadership Team meet the requirements?
This award recognizes the outstanding efforts of any
troop, special interest group, or a pathway leadership
team that meets the specific criteria listed on the
GSSJC application form.
The deadline for the award nomination packet is March 1. The
application for this recognition can be located on our Council’s website.
Click on “Forms” at the top of the home page, then under options choose
Volunteer Experience. Scroll down until you find Leadership Team
Award.
There are also many other National and Council Awards that are
offered. Volunteers participate in Girl Scouting because they believe in
the program. Take the time to say “thank you” to that volunteer and make
her or him feel valued.
16
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
The Key Award – This is Girl
Scouts of San Jacinto Council’s
own recognition instituted in 2006
upon the merger with Girl Scouts
of South Texas. This award is for
the candidate that has given distinguished service to girls and
adults in GSSJC. The service goes beyond the expectations of the
position in one membership year.
Continuing Service – This is Girl Scouts of San
Jacinto Council’s own recognition instituted in 1978.
It is given to an outstanding volunteer who has
already received the Thanks Badge and has continued
to serve our Council above and beyond the position(s)
they hold. The service goes beyond the expectations of the
position.
Lifetime Achievement – This recognition is Girl
Scouts of San Jacinto Council’s own. It is for the
candidate who has received the Thanks Badge II
and has continued to perform at the same high level
for an extended period of time. This candidate has
given outstanding service to our Council above and beyond the
position(s) held for many years. Portraits of the recipients may
be seen on the third floor of the Girl Scout Center.
Family Award – This recognition is GSSJC’s
own. It recognizes adult family members who have
contributed above and beyond the expectations of
the positions they hold. For example, a family could
be comprised of: wife and husband, mother and
adult daughter(s), grandparent and adult daughter(s),
sisters (adults).
Community Awards
Certificate of Appreciation – This recognition
is for a community building, business, church or
non-registered adult who has given service to the
Council/community for several years. (First level
of Community Awards)
Walnut Plaque – This recognition is for a
community building, business or non-registered
adult who has given service to the Council/
community for many years. The candidate may
have received the Certificate of Appreciation
level, but it is not a requirement. (Second level of
Community Awards.)
Laser Plaque – This recognition is for a
community building, business or non-registered
adult who has given service to the Council/
community for many years. The candidate may
have received the Certificate of Appreciation and
Walnut Plaque level of Community Awards, but it
is not a requirement. (Third level of Community
Awards.)
Feature
Congratulations Gold Award recipients
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 answered the call to
Go Gold, an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their communities and the world.
Claire C. created a
series of book kits and
workshops to support
her local library’s
summer reading
program for children.
She hoped to support
literacy by providing
her library with
valuable resources lacked due to decreased
funding. Claire is a sophomore at the John
Cooper School.
Allison H. refurbished
a room at Child
Protective Services.
Her renovation
included redesigning
and redecorating
a room for family
visitations. Through her
project, Allison hoped
to give families a friendly environment for
their visitations. She is a junior at Klein
High School.
Jennifer Jones wrote
a diabetic cookbook
with recipes focused
on using commonly
available ingredients.
She distributed print and
electronic copies of her
cookbook to the Katy
Christian Ministries
Food Pantry and to the nutritionist at the
Houston Food Bank. Jennifer is a 2014
graduate of Taylor High School.
Srini S. created hygiene
kits of students at rural
schools in India and
wrote a book in Gujarati
and Hindi about good
hygiene geared towards
children. She also wrote
and directed a video
in Gujarati and Hindi
about good hygiene for children. Srini is a
junior at Seven Lakes High School.
Hannah S. renovated a
visitation room at Child
Protective Services.
She repainted the room,
installed a book corner
and DVD player and
received donations
of furniture and toys
to better the room.
Hannah is a junior at Klein High School.
Julie S. established a
drama club at Boys and
Girls Country. She led
a weekly meeting for
four months and taught
students writing and
performance skills. The
club culminated in a
performance at the Boys
and Girls Club’s Spring Festival. Julie is a
junior at Concordia Lutheran High School.
Bronze, Silver and Gold Award Projects around the Council
Troop #10831 earned
the Bronze Award by
researching bluebirds,
their habitats and
houses and then building
several bluebird houses
for Friends of Texas
Wildlife.
Members of Troop #26145 earned the Bronze Award
by throwing a superhero-themed party at the Ronald
McDonald House-Galveston. The girls also sewed
superhero capes for the kids.
Members of Troop
#26145 earned the
Bronze Award by
building and installing
tree identification signs
at Camp Wind-A-Mere.
Troop #132004 earned the Bronze Award by collecting
donations of toys and food for BARC.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link 17
Feature
Bronze, Silver and Gold Award Projects around the Council
Troop #10890
earned the
Bronze Award by
making “Bedtime
Bags” for the
Houston SPCA.
Troop #27228
earned the Bronze
Award by spending
time visiting
with residents at
Autumn Leaves
Memory Care
Residential Center.
Troop #147012 earned the Bronze Award by planting
and growing a vegetable garden, then donating the
produce to Interfaith Ministries.
Girl Scout Dana
W. earned the
Silver Award by
painting a mural
to encourage
students at
her school
to practice
their TRIBES
behavior
agreement.
Troop #28156 completed their Bronze Award last spring
and have since earned a Keep Texas Beautiful Youth
Award for their project. The girls worked on a series of
environmental projects to earn their Bronze Award.
Troop #17450,
earned the
Bronze Award.
They donated
homemade dog
treats, blankets
and toys to a local
animal shelter,
CAP.
Troop #8647
held a pet
supplies drive
to earn the
Bronze Award.
18
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
Troop #7547 earned the Bronze Award by improving a
patio area at the church where they hold troop meetings.
The girls pressure washed the patio, added patio bricks
and added a walkway.
Activities
Girl and Troop Activities
How to Register: Online registration can be completed at www.gssjc.org. Select “Program/Training Registration” under the Helpful Links
section. Once on the registration site, click on Activities. If you have a question about your placement in an activity, contact 713-292-0370. If
you have a problem with your login, contact the Customer Service Help Desk at 713-292-0310 or customerservice@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.
Girl Scout Cookie University
Get excited for cookie time! Girls will learn how to rock their
cookie business through fun game show activities. Each level
will work towards earning a participation patch. Enjoy a funfilled day of enhancing the skills that will help you grow into
leaders in your own lives, leaders in business and leaders in the
world:
Who:
Brownies to Ambassadors (Individuals and troops); Girls will be separated by level.
When/Where:10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Check In begins at 8:30 a.m.)
December 6 – Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 2425 Nall Street, Port Neches
December 13 – Camp Agnes Arnold, Conroe
Jan. 3 – Houston Community College-Stafford
4-6:30 p.m. : November 22 – Rice University
6100 Main Street($15)Cads-Ambass only
Cost: $10 /girl ($15 for Rice location) includes a fun patch. Adults are free but Girl Scout ratio must attend to supervise girls.
Contact: Chaquisha Mosley at 713-292-0227 or cmosley@sjgs.org.
Registration: Mary Tisdell 713-292-0318 or mtisdell@sjgs.org.
Movie Night with Region 12 - Bring a
friend!
Grab a friend, head to Cinemark 18 and join GSSJC for a Girl
Scouts-only showing of the newest remake of Annie! This special screening is for Girl Scouts and potential Girl Scouts only.
We have rented out a theater just for you! Come find out more
information about what Girl Scouts has to offer and enjoy a
movie with your friends. The cost includes movie ticket, snack
voucher and patch. Cadettes will earn requirements towards the
Screenwriter Badge.
LIA-WOW Weekend with Region 12
Brownies
Girl Scouts working on their Leader-in-Action award invite
Brownies to attend this fantastic day session at Camp Casa
Mare. Brownies will explore the world of water- learning to
love, save and share water! Through several fun activities,
Brownies will increase their water wisdom, work on their
Journey awards and even take a pledge to be good earth
ambassadors by conserving a precious resource!
Brownies (with proper adult ratio)
Who:
When: February 7
Where: Camp Casa Mare
Cost: $20
Deadline: Two weeks prior to event
Contact: Liz Atton, 713-292-0269, latton@sjgs.org
Notes: Large Brownie troops may be split in order to keep our
rotation groups similar in size.
Cadettes
Come join us for this fantastic weekend of fun! Cadettes are
invited to work on their Leader-in-Action Award while working
with Brownies on their Wonders of Water Journey.
Who: Cadettes (Looking for dorm moms too to chaperone)
When: February 6-8
Where: Camp Casa Mare
Cost: $35
Deadline: Two weeks prior to event
Contact: Liz Atton, 713-292-0269, latton@sjgs.org
Notes: Our maximum capacity is 150 Cadettes; however, in
order to get the essence of the LIA award, there needs to be
a good ratio of Brownies to Cadettes. In order to monitor the
ratio, we will start with 50 Cadettes and continue from there up
to 150. If the session shows a waitlist, we encourage you to sign
up for the waitlist. As Brownies sign up, we will increase the
number of available Cadette spots and will pull participants off
the waitlist.
Who: Cadettes-Ambassadors and adults
When: December 22, 6 p.m.
Where: Cinemark 18, League City
Cost: $20
Deadline: Two weeks prior to event
Contact: Liz Atton, 713-292-0269,
latton@sjgs.org
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link 19
Activities
GAM 2015, Girls and Mayhem:
Anything Goes!
Join GSSJC for a fun-filled day at Camp Casa Mare! Juniors
through Ambassadors are invited to this day filled with games,
fun, competition and more.
Who: Juniors through Ambassadors
When: April 11
Where: Camp Casa Mare
Cost: Girls: $18, Adults $13
Registration:Opens January 2 at 3:45 p.m.,
Deadline: Two weeks prior to event
Contact: Liz Atton at 713-292-0269, latton@sjgs.org
Cadette Weekend
GPB
Come join the Girl Planning
Board for Cadette Weekend, thought of for girls by girls. Join
us as we plan for 2016 Cadette Weekend!
Girls in 7-11 grade during the 2014-2015 school Who: year
Where: Monthly meetings at the Girl Scout Center with retreats at camp
Deadline: January 12
Register: Send to Sam Fergeson: a short essay (200 words or less) answering this question: Why do you want to be on this planning board?
Contact: Sam Fergeson, 713-292-0309, sfergeson@sjgs.org
This is not a troop activity
Note:
Gold Award Orientation
All girls who plan to earn their Gold Award must attend
Gold Award Orientation prior to submitting their initial Gold
Award application. Adult Gold Award Orientation is offered
on the same dates, at the same times and same
locations as the girl orientations. You register
the same way you would register for the girl
training. No drop-ins! Girls are encouraged to
complete one Senior or Ambassador Journey
before attending orientation.
Who: Seniors and Ambassadors or girls in grades
9-12 and adults
Where: Girl Scout Center
When: Dec. 6, 10 a.m. – noon; Jan. 25, 2-4 p.m.; Feb. 21, 10 a.m. – noon; March 14, 10 a.m. – noon
Cost: $5 per person
Deadline: One week prior
Min./Max.: 10/60 (girls), 10/30 (adults)
Contact: 713-292-0300 or goldaward@sjgs.org
Gold Award Orientation is also available online as a home
study. Deadline for submitting Gold Award applications is the first
and the 15th of the month and the deadline for final paperwork
is the first of each month. This ensures that your project will be
reviewed at that month’s meeting. If you wish to present at that
meeting, contact your Gold Award Advisor. Visit GSSJC Gold
Award online at: http://resources.gssjc.org/resources/goldaward
20
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
New and Free Journey/
Badge Resources
Contact Mary LeMaster, 713-292-0357, mlemaster@sjgs.org
for questions or to receive curriculum.
Junior Product Designer Badge
Have fun and explore the wonderful world of science using
GSSJC’s Junior Product Designer Badge. This badge activity
will complete all the requirements for the Junior Product
Designer badge. It can also be used in conjunction with the
Junior aMUSE Journey.
Who: Juniors
Where: Can be hosted wherever the troop meets or at a GSSJC camp
When: Program can be completed in a day or over a few troop meetings
Cost: Curriculum is free, although the facilitator will be expected to provide supplies
Note: The activities found in this program are similar to the
ones found in the Junior Girl Guide Product Designer badge.
However, these activities have been revised and updated
to reflect the modern scientific method by GSSJC’s STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Committee.
Ambassador Justice Journey
Calling all Ambassadors! Are you ready to advocate for your
community? The purpose of this Ambassador Leadership
Journey program is to bring justice to your community. By
doing so, you have the potential to create a larger impact and
spread justice through your county, your Council, your state
and maybe even the world! Prepare for your Gold Award and
complete the Public Policy badge; as you explore local issues
using this one of a kind GSSJC justice program. You can
complete this program independently or with a group of your
fellow Ambassadors.
Who: Ambassadors
Where: Ambassadors will complete this program in their local community.
When: Program can be completed in 30 hours, or over the span of two months.
Cost: Curriculum is free, extra supplies not included
Note: Girls must have access to the Internet to complete this
Journey. This program includes all of the steps to complete the
Justice Journey, with the exception of the Take Action project.
Girls are expected to complete their Take Action project
independently.
Activities
Archery
Archers In Motion- AIM
Interest Group JOAD Club
The archery interest group AIM (Archers In
Motion) follows a program from USA Archery. It has
an individual program called JOAD (Junior Olympic
Archery Development). The club will meet once a month so that
members may shoot 36 arrows to try to attain specific JOAD and
GSSJC shooting levels. These are based on age and distance. There is
also instruction on the JOAD Xperience program each month.
Shooting record sheets for each day and personal data will
be recorded on the member information sheet. Certificates will be
awarded for bull’s-eyes scored and levels achieved. Pins will be
presented to those in attendance at the end of the year program. This
is an individual sport. Although members from troops may ride
together and compete, there is no guarantee they will shoot at the
same time. Age is a factor and different ages shoot from different
distances. Each member (or minor’s parent) will be required to sign a
NAA Athlete Code of Conduct and liability waiver.
Parents may not go on the range for any reason. Girls should
be dropped off and picked up at the end of the session. Should
distance be an issue in leaving your daughter, check with the
coordinator for alternative ideas.
Who: Any registered Girl Scout 8 years and older (JOAD age is as of December 31 of current year)
Where: Camp Robinwood
When: Nov. 16, Dec. 21, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 15,
April 19, May 17; 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Cost: $4
Deadline: Two weeks prior to event
Contact: George Ann Barrett at 713-292-0313 or gbarrett@sjgs.org
Backpacking
Backpacking Weekend Trips
Once you’ve completed Backpacking Orientation, join us for a
trip! The Backpacking Interest Group hosts three backpacking
trips a month from October through May. Backpacking groups
are a great way for novice backpackers to gain skills by
learning from experienced backpackers, and it’s an excellent
way for both experienced and novice backpackers to meet more
girls who share the same interests and love for the outdoors. If
you don’t have all the necessary backpack equipment for group
weekend trips, arrangements can be made to rent equipment
through the trip coordinator. So get out on a trip and join the
fun!
Archery at Camp
If you have tried archery and like it, this is the way to strengthen
and improve your skills. All instruction takes place on the archery
range, so dress for the outdoors. No prerequisites are necessary.
Troops that are camping or are willing to take a day trip should
consider taking part in this exciting activity. Troops should be at
the range at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. Arriving late
will result in less time to participate. Instruction is based upon
individual skill level and prior experience. Due to limited space,
adults may not register for these sessions.
Who
Brownies through Ambassadors
Min./Max.:5/12 per session
Cost: $6 per participant
Deadline: Two weeks prior to event
Contact: George Ann Barrett, 713-292-0313, gbarrett@sjgs.org
Time:
Pick one of these sessions: hour-long sessions start at 9 a.m., last session starts at 5 p.m.
When/Where:
MistyCasa ArnoldPryor WP SS WAMRobinwood LJ
Nov 8
Nov 22
Dec 6
Jan 10
Feb 7
Feb 21
Mar 14
Mar 28
April 11
April 25
May 9
May 23
P
P
P P
P
P
P P
P P
P
P
P P
P P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Backpacking Orientation
Orientation covers all the basic knowledge required for troops
and individuals wishing to go backpacking. Don’t worry if you are
the only girl in your troop who might be interested in backpacking.
You will be in a group of new friends for the weekend. Adults will
be in separate training. Girls will be divided into groups, troop
mates might not be together.
You will learn how to pack a backpack, care for a tent and
cook on your own personal stove. You will transfer your camping
gear to your backpack, hike two miles to the campsite and set up
your tent, where you will be spending the evening for a real mini
backpacking adventure! Enjoy the campfire, savor dinner on your
own stove and settle in for the night in your tent on the ground
under the stars. After packing up your gear the next morning, you
will hike two miles back to the main part of camp, say goodbye to
your new friends and count 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.
Who: Where: When: Cost: Contact: Note: Girl Scouts, age 11 through adult
Treelake Camp Complex, Podville (Conroe)
9 a.m. on Sat.–noon on Sun., Jan. 24-25 or Feb. 28-Mar. 1
$15 per person, food and packing information will be provided in confirmation letter
Jamie Williams, 713-292-0224, jewilliams@sjgs.org
Backpack, tent and stove provided for orientation use.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link 21
Activities
Camp
Guided Hikes at Camp
If your troop is camping at Camps
Agnes Arnold, Misty Meadows,
Robinwood or Silver Springs or if
you want a fun way to introduce your
girls to camp during the day, consider
taking a guided hike. Foresters Henry
Steitz or John Ross conduct hikes
that are both fun and informative.
You haven’t really seen camp until
you have toured it with it with these guys!
When: Who: Cost: Min./Max.:
Saturdays throughout the year
Girl Scouts of all ages; Girl Scout ratio of adults
$3 per person; includes patch
5/25
Is your troop camping at a one of
the Council camps?
Access the new troop camp prices on the resources site:
http://resources.gssjc.org. Click on resources and then
“Chapter 5-Camping” under links. This document also has
maps of camp, information you need before you go and
program opportunities at camp.
Environmental
Armand Bayou Workshops
Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) is working to
preserve the wetlands prairie, forest and marsh habitats
surrounding Armand Bayou right in our backyard! Visit this
scenic part of the Texas Gulf Coast and reconnect with nature.
Visitors can learn about plant and animal inhabitants, bird
watching, hike on the Nature Center’s trails or view live animal
displays of snakes, spiders, hawks and bison.
General information for all badge or Journey workshops:
Armand Bayou Nature Center,
Where:
8500 Bay Area Blvd., Pasadena
Min./Max.: 10/20 (for each workshop)
Note:
Registration fees do not include badges; no charge for leader or co-leader.
Prices listed below are per girl.
Deadline: One week prior to event
Contact: Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org Registrar: 713-292-0370
Level
Activity
Date
Time Cost
Daisy
Between/Earth Sky Dec. 6
9 a.m.-noon $20
Daisy
Between Earth/Sky Jan. 10 1-2:30 p.m. $15
Daisy
Daisy Flower Garden (1)Feb. 7
1-2:30 p.m. $15
Daisy
Daisy Flower Garden (4) Feb. 14 1-2:30 p.m. $15
Brownie Hiker
Dec. 6
1-3 p.m.
$15
Brownie WOW (1,2,3)
Dec. 13 1-3:30 p.m. $20
Brownie
Hiker
Jan. 17 1-3 p.m.
$15
Brownie Bugs
$15
Jan. 24 1-3 p.m.
Brownie WOW (1,2,3)
Jan. 31 1-3:30 p.m. $20
Brownie
Hiker
Feb. 21 1-3 p.m.
$15
Junior
Animal Habitats
Dec. 13 9 a.m.-noon $20
Junior
Animal Habitats
Jan. 10 9 a.m.-noon $20
Junior
Get Moving (3)
Jan. 17 9 a.m.-noon $20
Junior
Flowers
Jan. 24 9 a.m.-noon $20
Junior
Animal Habits
Jan. 31 9 a.m.-noon $20
Junior
Get Moving (3)
Feb. 21 9 a.m.-noon $20
Set Up New Letterboxes at Camp
We need troops or groups to help set up letterboxes at our camps. What is letterboxing? 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! We have to constantly
set up new boxes as weather and curious critters make the boxes disappear.
Here’s the idea: someone hides a waterproof box containing at least a logbook and a carved rubber
stamp. The hider writes directions to the box, called “clues” or “the map.” Then comes the hunter with clues
in hand, carrying at least a pencil, her personal/troop rubber stamp, an inkpad and her personal/troop logbook.
When the hunter successfully deciphers the clues and finds the box, she stamps the logbook in the box with her personal/troop stamp and
stamps her personal/troop logbook with the box’s stamp. The box logbook keeps a record of all its visitors, and the hunters keep a record
of all the boxes they have found in their personal/troop logbook. The hunter then seals everything tightly and re-hides the box where she
found it. If you are interested in setting up new boxes at camp, please contact Melissa Hardy at mhardy@sjgs.org or 713-292-0376.
Interested in 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 state parks or even in some of our
camps. Currently geocaches are set up at Camps Wind-A-Mere, 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! For information or to reserve units,
contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.
22
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
Activities
Houston Arboretum and Nature
Center
Badge Workshops
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a 155-acre urban
nature sanctuary. Pond, forest and meadow habitats help you
learn about nature right in the middle of the city. There is a
naturescape play area for non-Girl Scout siblings who are
accompanied by parents.
Date
Dec. 13
Dec. 13
Jan. 17
Jan. 17
Feb. 21
Feb. 21
Dec. 13
Jan. 17
LevelWorkshop
Cost
Time
Br
WOW
$20
9-11:30 a.m.
Br WOW
$20
12:30-3 p.m.
Br
Bugs
$15
9-11 a.m.
Jr
Animal Habitats$20 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Jr
Geocacher
$20
9 a.m.-noon
Jr
Geocacher
$20 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Cad Breathe
$20
9 a.m.-noon
Cad Breathe
$20
9 a.m.-noon
Where: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center,
4501 Woodway Dr.
Min./Max.: 10/20
Deadline: One week prior to event
Contact: Melissa Hardy, 713-292-0376, mhardy@sjgs.org
Note: Wear weather appropriate clothes and closed-toed shoes.
All workshops include indoor and outdoor activities. Badges
are not included in the price of the workshop.
Sims Bayou Workshops
Birds and Bayou Badge
Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center is on the
southeast side of Houston. Indoor teaching
areas include the log cabin or the bayou barn. There is a small
nature gift shop and a play area for non-Girl Scout siblings who
are accompanied by parents.
Who:
Brownies and Juniors
Where: Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center, 3997 River Dr.
Dates: Jan. 31; 9 a.m.-noon
Cost:
$13 per girl; no charge for adults
Deadline: One week prior to event Min./Max.: 10/20
Contact: Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org
Note: Badges are not included with the workshop fee. All workshops involve indoor and outdoor activities. Workshops are
rain or shine. Girls should not wear sandals or flip-flops.
Fine Arts
Art workshops
Do you have a zest for art? Do you enjoy playing with clay,
making your own jewelry or creating drawings and paintings?
Explore the world of visual arts in these workshops. Create
original artwork and also earn badges.
Where: Bring: Cost: Deadline:
Contact:
Program Place for Girls
Smock or apron
$21 per girl, Girl Scout ratio of adults free
Two weeks before workshop date
(Instructor) Emily Anmuth, www.timeforarthouston.com Sam Fergeson at 713-292-0309 sfergeson@sjgs.org
Activity
Holiday craft
Holiday craft
Holiday craft
Jeweler badge
Holiday craft
Level
Daisy
Brownie
Brownie
Junior
Junior
DateTime
Dec. 13 1 – 3 p.m.
Dec. 6 9 a.m. – noon
Dec. 13 9 a.m. – noon
Nov. 15 9 a.m. – noon
Dec. 6 1 – 4 p.m.
Izzie’s Jewels Jewelry Project
Join a local custom jewelry designer (and entrepreneur) to learn
all about designing and creating custom-made jewelry! Design
your own bracelet, express your creativity and learn all about the
mechanics of making jewelry. Choose from various materials to
make your custom piece. This bracelet will be one of a kind!
Who:
Juniors – Ambassadors, Girl Scout ratio of adults
Where: Program Place for Girls
When: Jan. 10, March 7 from 10 a.m. – noon
Cost: $21
Min./Max.: 15/20
Deadline: Two weeks before the workshop date.
Contact: Sam Fergeson at 713-292-0309 or sfergeson@sjgs.org
(Izzie’s Jewels) Lauren Stewart, 832-605-2770, lauren@izziesjewels.com
Note: Juniors will earn the Jeweler Badge
Brownies want to join the fun too?
Jewelry Project for Brownies: Dec. 6, Feb. 21 and April 11;
10 a.m.-noon
It’s not too early to think about your
summer adventures at camp!
The 2015 Summer Camp Catalog will be in the mail and
online by the end of November. Sign up early to get
your favorite session.
See you at camp!
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link 23
Activities
Painting workshops
Come clay with us!
Want to explore the wide world of painting and mixed media?
Are you working on your MEdia Journey? Come get inspired
while you explore your creative side and prepare yourself for
your MEdia Journey through painting! Bring your imagination,
creativity and canvas!
Use the medium of clay to explore and experiment with your
creativity! These workshops are designed to improve girl’s
knowledge and abilities with clay.
Who: Where: Bring: Cost: Deadline:
Contact: Cadettes and Seniors
Program Place for Girls
Canvas (11”x14”), smock or apron
$21 per girl
Min./Max.: 8/25
Two weeks
Samantha Fergeson at 713-292-0309 or sfergeson@sjgs.org; (Instructor) Ann Bell,
281-330-3827, artist@annbell.net
Vision Board
In this class you will learn how to express yourself visually
through a vision board, while deciding what is important and
what you want in your life. You can hang your vision board
where you’ll see it every day, to help keep you focused on your
goals. Once you’ve determined what is important to you, you
are better equipped to filter out undesirable media messages.
When: Bring: Sunday, November 16, 1-4 p.m.
11” x 14” canvas, smock or apron, mementos, things that inspire you (quotes, pictures of goals etc.), picture of yourself and family.
Painting Basics
Mystified on how to get started in the wide world of painting?
In this class, you’ll learn basic painting techniques, including
mixing colors and composition. Put your creativity to work as
you work on original paintings. Abstract, concrete and anything
in between goes here. You can use your new painting skills to
make posters or pictures to support the attitudes you want to
see more of in the world.
When: Bring: Sunday, December 7, 1-4 p.m.
11” x 14” canvas, smock or apron
Shutterbugs
Learn black and white photography!
Learn composition of photography, creativity and how to
develop your own pictures in a dark room. Have you taken
Shutterbugs I before? Come back and improve your skills and
have even more fun!
What/When: Shutterbugs I–8 p.m. Friday – 4 p.m. Sunday: Jan. 9-11; Feb. 6-8; May 8-10
Who: GSSJC girls 7th grade and older
Where: Camp Agnes Arnold
Bring: 35 mm camera (if available), 1 yard of cotton fabric, Personal gear for a campout, rain poncho, stuffed animal, food for the weekend (mess kit for cooking food, cup, plates, utensils, etc.)
Cost: $30 per girl Min./Max.: 4/11
Deadline: Two week prior to the session
Contact: Sam Fergeson at 713-292-0309, sfergeson@sjgs.org
Note: Limited number of loaner 35 mm cameras are available.
Please make your meals simple- we don’t want to spend all our
time cooking!
24
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
Where:
Martin Galleries 2731 Whispering Fern, Kingwood
Cost: $21 per girl, Girl Scout ratio of adults free
Deadline: Two weeks before workshop date
Min./Max.: 10/15
Contact: Sam Fergeson at 713-292-0309 or
sfergeson@sjgs.org
Note: Activities are for girl only. Pieces will be fired after dry time,
allow two weeks. Brownies will earn the Brownie Potter Badge
ActivityLevel
Potter Badge Brownie
Potter Badge Brownie
Potter Badge Brownie
Potter Badge Brownie
Potter Badge Brownie
Potter Badge Brownie
Potter Fun Junior and older
Potter Fun Junior and older
Potter Fun Junior and older
Potter Fun Junior and older
Potter Fun Junior and older
Potter Fun Junior and older
Date
December 6
January 10
Feb. 7
March 28
April 11
May 9
December 6
January 10
Feb. 7
March 28
April 11
May 9
Time
10 a.m.-noon
10-noon
1-3 p.m.
1-3 p.m.
10-noon
10-noon
1-3 p.m.
1-3 p.m.
10 a.m-noon
10 a.m.-noon
1-3 p.m.
1-3 p.m.
Quarter Notes Chorus
The Quarter Notes Chorus is an opportunity for girls to enjoy
a sisterhood of Girl Scout singing and serves as the training
ground for girls interested in the Take Note Council Choir.
Singing with sisters and friends is just one more wonderful
memory building aspect of the movement.
Who: When: Where: Cost: Contact: Girl Scouts in grades 4-6 who love to sing and share their music with others. Chorus is not a troop activity; individual girls are encouraged to attend.
Rehearsals fourth Sundays (unless holidays), 2 – 4 p.m., beginning in January
Program Place for Girls
$15/girl per year, fee covers costs for printing, folders, music, postage, T-shirt and other fees.
(Volunteer Chorus Director) Beth Watkins, takenotesingers@gmail.com; Sam Fergeson,
713-292-0309, sfergeson@sjgs.org
Take Note Auditions
All girls audition individually for the purpose of evaluating
how the girls singing ability would best fit into the choir.
Girls sing a song of their choice, a cappella (with no
accompaniment), in front of a member of the directing team
to help determine the voice placement and part assignment for
the girls. To schedule and audition, contact volunteer Choir
Director Beth Watkins, texsings@comcast.net; Auditions are
scheduled, no drop-ins.
Who: When: Where:
Cost: Contact:
GSSJC girls 7th grade and older
January 11, 2:30 p.m.; Remain for the 3-5 rehearsal
Program Place for Girls
$25/year, $20 performance shirt, pay at audition
Sam Fergeson at 713-292-0309, sfergeson@sjgs.org
Activities
History
Horse Program
Tour the Goodykoontz Museum of
Girl Scout History
General information for all horse
programs
The museum is fun and educational for girls/troops
and adults and features timeline panels and interactive displays
from the start of the Council in the 1920s until today.
Event Code: 10-56-09-6235
Deadline: Three weeks prior to the event
Register: Register online; those camping on site will have priority placement
Contact: George Ann Barrett at 713-292-0313 or gbarrett@sjgs.org
Where: 3000 Southwest Freeway, Houston
Museum Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday;
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, closed Sundays
Saturday tour times: 9:20 a.m., 10:45 a.m. or noon
Request a tour at least four weeks in
advance by emailing girlscoutmuseumtour@
sjgs.org with troop number, troop leader’s
name, telephone number, tour date and time,
girl program and age level, number of girls
and number of adults.
The self-guided tour is available
anytime. Be sure to return the booklet to the
docent desk so others may use it.
Juliette’s Tea Party
Take a step back in time and join the Council
History Committee as they host an old
fashioned tea party! Learn manners from the
Victorian Era, enjoy tea and sweets, make something special
to take home and play games that Juliette Lowe would have
played.
Daisy, Brownie or Junior girls
Who:
When:
Nov. 20 or Dec. 4; 4:30-6 p.m.
Program Place for Girls
Where: Min. /Max.: 10/20
Cost:
$15 per girl (includes patch and teacup and saucer)
Wear:
Party clothes or costume from Victorian Era, gloves and hat optional
Deadline: Two weeks prior
Contact: Mary LeMaster at 713-292-0357 or
mlemaster@sjgs.org
Mother* Daughter Holiday Event
Celebrate the holidays like Juliette Gordon Low! Learn
traditional holiday crafts that Juliette would have used to
decorate her house while sipping hot chocolate and enjoying
some girl time. Girls and their Moms will also be playing 19th
century games and creating an old fashioned tree garland just
like Juliette! *Mother or your favorite female mentor.
Who: Juniors and their mothers
When: Dec. 6, 1 – 4 p.m.
Where: Program Place for Girls
Cost: $10 per person
Wear:
Your favorite holiday sweater or dress
Contact: Mary LeMaster, 713-292-0357, mlemaster@sjgs.org
Notes: Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Please notify
Mary with any food allergy concerns.
Safety first! All equine programs are staffed with
volunteer adults and older girls who have had Council training
in safe handling of horses and riders. Our program is based
on the skills and safety guidelines of ACA, American Camp
Association and CHA, Certified Horsemanship Association.
There is a weight limit of 200 pounds for all participants in
troop riding and riding badge workshops. Please be advised, all
girls wishing to ride will be weighed prior to riding.
Adults: The appropriate ratio of troop adults as specified
in Safety Activity Checkpoints, including the troop’s certified
first-aider, must accompany all participants and remain in the
area while activities are on going.
What to wear: Long pants and socks, shirt with sleeves
covering the shoulders. Helmets and boots are available. Girls
bringing their own helmets must show a SEI certification label;
boots must be smooth-soled with at least a 1/2” heel. Lug soles
are not allowed.
Volunteer! Want to help with the program? Every
potential adult who wishes to become involved in the
equitation program must have a completed “Volunteer
Application” and an approved criminal background check
on file with Council Volunteer Records Department and be
a registered Girl Scout in good standing prior to attending
the equitation training for adults. Call George Ann for more
information on how you can help!
Weekend Riding
Troops/groups (Juniors and older) camping at Camps Misty
Meadows, Agnes Arnold, Silver Springs or Robinwood who
wish to ride during their camping weekend should send in
the “Request for Riding Form” included with their camp date
confirmation immediately on receipt. Please note: this is a
request for riding and does not guarantee that your troop/group
will participate. These are one hour ride periods, either in an
arena or on a trail, depending on the skill level of the riders
(determined by the volunteer head instructor in charge during
the ride). Either a Saturday or Sunday (morning) ride time may
be requested. Even though you may not be camping at one of
the camps nearby Camp Misty Meadows, Girl Scouts can still
go horseback riding. Troops and individuals should arrive at
the barn, 30 minutes before their scheduled ride time.
Who:
Juniors through Ambassadors
Where:
McNair Equestrian Center – Camp Misty Meadows
Weekends September-May
When:
Min./Max.:2/12 riders per one hour session
Cost:
$15 per participant
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link 25
Activities
Riding/Dorm Staff
If you want to work with horses, GSSJC needs riding staff
at the McNair Equestrian Center in Camp Misty Meadows.
SPURS Training for Adults is offered over a weekend and
is a hands-on training. All trainees should bring food for the
weekend, personal camping gear including bedding. Every
adult who wishes to become involved in the equitation program
as a volunteer must have a completed volunteer application and
an approved criminal background check on file with Volunteer
Experience and be a registered Girl Scout in good standing
prior to attending the equitation training for adults.
The equitation program also welcomes all registered
adults who may enjoy a weekend at camp with Girl Scouts ages
12 and older but prefer not to work with horses. Every troop
camping weekend during the year, the SPURS girls need two
adults as dorm staff, one of whom must be a currently certified
first aider.
Who:
Adult Girl Scouts, men or women
Where:
McNair Equestrian Center – Camp Misty Meadows
When:
Nov. 14-16, Dec. 19-21
Time:
8 p.m. Friday – 1 p.m. Sunday
Min./Max.:2/6
Cost:
$20 (includes scarf)
Love, Hug and Groom
This program is offered to individual girls or troops in GSSJC.
All girl program levels may participate. Girls receive a barn
tour, introduction to horse care and hands-on grooming
opportunity with camp horses during one hour periods at Camp
Misty Meadows. Either a Saturday or Sunday (morning) time
may be requested. Troops and individuals should arrive 30
minutes before their scheduled time.
Who:
Where:
When:
Cost:
Daisies through Ambassadors
McNair Equestrian Center – Camp Misty Meadows
Weekends through May
$5 per girl
Min./Max.: 4/25
Sports
Rice Athletics Workshop
Join Rice athletic groups for fun and lessons on staying fit
and great sportsmanship. Juniors and Cadettes will have the
opportunity to gain knowledge and skills by touring the athletic
facilities and participating in games and workshops with the
athletes. Cost also includes lunch and Rice Basketball game.
Make sure to wear athletic wear and tennis shoes.
Who: Juniors through Cadettes
When:
January 31; 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: Rice University
Cost: $12
Deadline: Two weeks prior to event
Contact: Nazia Frank, 713-292-0338, nfrank@sjgs.org
Registration: Opens December 1
Note: Practice with a Purpose and Good Sportsmanship badges
not provided. Badges may be purchased online or at shop.
26
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
Sailing
To get sailing information
Volunteer sailing program coordinator:
sailing.coordinator@gmail.com
Volunteer instructor coordinator:
instructor.coordinator@gmail.com
GSSJC Council Office:
Jamie Williams – jewilliams@sjgs.org or 713-292-0224
Registration contact – 713-292-0370
Note: All sailing is weather permitting­­– refunds are not issued
for weekends when we cannot sail due to weather.
Overnight on the Tall Ship Elissa
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 sailing skills. Girls will help
set one of Elissa’s huge staysails, and they work with the ship’s
volunteer crew to master rope craft and seagoing knots. During
the night, girls will follow one of the oldest traditions of the sea
- keeping watch over the Elissa and Galveston Harbor.
Brownies-Amabssadors;
Who: When: Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 27, March 21
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: $40 per person
Min./Max.: 30/40; 1 adult/5 girls
Deadline: Register and submit payment at least five weeks prior to event date. (Event fills fast!) You must cancel at least 30 days before planned date.
Contact: Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org
Note: Eat dinner before arrival. Breakfast will be served aboard
Elissa, and snacks will be provided.
Riflery
Would you like to become a part of the growing sport of
riflery? Start with learning the sport in Basics, then move on to
Markmanship.
Who:
Where:
Cost:
Contact:
Deadline:
Girls 12 years and older
Camp Robinwood
$7 per girl
Min./Max: 6/12
Lisa Cearfoss at 713-292-0233 or lcearfoss@sjgs.org
Two weeks before the date selected
Basics: Have you ever wanted to learn how to safely handle a
rifle? Here is your chance to learn the basics of shooting, the proper
way to handle a rifle and develop your marksmanship skills.
When:
10-11 a.m.; Dec. 13, Jan. 10 , Feb. 14
Marksmanship: If you have already taken the Introduction
to Riflery, you can sign up for a marksmanship class. Join us to
practice your marksmanship and learn other shooting positions.
When:
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 14
Activities
STEM
The Science of Dermatology
Ever thought about becoming a doctor? Ever wondered why
the media makes such a big deal about how bad the sun is?
Ever wondered how your skin quality effects your overall
health? Find answers to these questions and more at this
exciting Science of Dermatology workshop. Suzanne Bruce
and her team of doctors will be discussing the exciting world
of medical school while hosting hands on activities that relate
to the sun, science, and our health. Don’t miss out on this
sunsational opportunity!
Who: Cadettes
Where: Suzanne Bruce & Associates, 1900 St. James Place, Suite 550, Houston
When: December 6; 9:30-11 a.m.
Min/Max: 10/20
Cost: $10 girls
Deadline: One week before the event
Bring: Suzanne Bruce Image Release (sent with confirmation email)
Contact: Mary LeMaster, 713-292-0357, mlemaster@sjgs.org;
Note: This program is being held in the offices of Suzanna
Bruce so space is very limited. It is highly recommended that
the girls be dropped off and picked up. Parking garage with free
parking is onsite if adults would like to stay.
Host a booth at the Annual
Girls Exploring Math and Science
(GEMS) Event at HMNS
Girls teaching girls to expand their horizons! The Houston
Museum of Natural Science needs groups of Girl Scout Juniors
to Ambassadors who are enthusiastic about sharing their science
and math knowledge to host a booth at GEMS 2015. Put on
your thinking caps and apply to be a booth host today!
Who: Juniors to Ambassadors
Where: Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston
When: Application due Jan. 14, event held on Feb. 21
Min./Max.:Four girls per booth, plus one adult
Cost: $40 per group of four girls
Contact: HMNS- Kelsey Friedemann, 713-639-4766, kfriedemann@hmns.org
Mary LeMaster, 713-292-0357, mlemaster@sjgs.org
Note: Girls can fill out the booth application and review the booth rules online at: www.hmns.org
Astronomy Special Interest Group
An exciting group for older girls (grades 6-12) who are
interested in astronomy and who enjoy camping, developing
programs and teaching younger girls. Learn leadership and life
skills while having fun.
Who: Cadettes to Ambassadors
Where: Program Place for Girls
When: Meetings are held the first Sunday of every month
Cost: Free
Contact: Mary LeMaster, 713-232-0357, mlemaster@sjgs.org
Rosie Haffemann (volunteer partner),
rosiehaf@windstream.net
Swimming
Swim Level and Safe Boating Card
testing sessions
These sessions test swim level skills in order for girls to go
canoeing (Red Cross Level 3), sailing (Red Cross Level 4)
or participate in other aquatic activities that may require
certification. Girls will also be tested to receive their Safe
Boating Cards. This card combined with a swim level card
is required for canoeing and sailing. For this test, girls will
be required to be in the water, wearing pants, T-shirt and
shoes. Each session is two hours. Note: Girls must be able to
swim the length of the pool. For swim level and safeboating
requirements check the website-forms, then search swim level.
Bring: Swim suit, towel, T-shirt, long pants, shirt, shoes Cost: $20
Min./Max.: 5/20
Contact: Lisa Cearfoss at 713-292-0233 or lcearfoss@sjgs.org
Dates: Summer’s Swim Academy (2112 Carolina, League City) Dec. 13, 10 a.m.
Pearland Rec. Center and Natatorium
(4141 Bailey Road) Dec. 13, Jan. 24, March 14, May 23; 9 a.m.
Join the GSSJC activities email
distribution lists!
When leadership or program
activity opportunities for Girl Scouts
come up with a short deadline,
GSSJC wants to be sure that you
receive the information.
Have your name included on
one of three special Girl Scout
Distribution Lists. There is a list for
general program information, one for
leaders of girls ages 5-10 and one for
girls ages 11-17 and their advisors.
To join, send an email to
jewilliams@sjgs.org stating: “Add
me to the Girl Scout (general, ages
5-10 or ages 11-17) Distribution List.” That’s all you have to do!
Then sit back and wait for emails announcing special, spur-of-themoment opportunities in which your girls might like to participate!
Note: the email newsletters are not designed to replace the CIN.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link 27
Activities
Travel
Trip Planning 101
Learn the right way to plan for you
next travel adventure and tour
Hostelling International’s
(HI) Morty Rich Hostel in
Houston. It’s an exciting
place to discover and
you may meet people
from all over the world
that are traveling through
Houston.
Girls will:
•
Perform steps involved in trip planning
Understand hostelling
•
•
Use travel guidebooks and create a travel budget
Access transportation and lodging options
•
•
Develop awareness of travel safety
Learn to pack efficiently and effectively
•
Program presented by Hostelling International
Who:
Girl Scouts aged 11-18 plus Girl Scout ratio of adults
When: Dec. 6 from 1-3 p.m.
Where: Hostelling International - Houston, Morty Rich Hostel
Min./Max.: 10/27
Cost: $8/girl participants; Girl Scout ratio of adults free
Deadline: One week before workshop
Contact: Sam Fergeson, 713-292-0309, sfergeson@sjgs.org
Note: Program content is for girls.
Destinations deadline November 10
A Destination is your chance to go somewhere new, do
something different and meet people from everywhere you
can imagine! A Destination is any experience, regardless of
distance or length of time, which provides a girl 11-18 with
an opportunity to expand her personal experience beyond her
everyday scope. Events typically range in length from 3-10
days. There’s something for everyone-you may choose to
write and direct your own film, climb mountains, dive undersea,
work with girls with disabilities or protect fragile ecosystems.
Some Destinations sites include, Hollywood, Alaska, San Diego,
Nevada, Yosemite National Park, Peru, Ireland and more!
Girls traveling on Destination are eligible to receive
a scholarship from GSSJC to assist with the cost of the
Destination. In order to qualify as a recipient, you must
participate in the Girl Scout Fall Product and Cookie program.
You also agree to remain active in Girl Scouting for the next
registration year, and share your Destinations experience at
Council when requested.
All original applications, references and a $20 processing
fee must be received at the Houston Girl Scout Center, Attn:
Destinations Coordinator, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston,
TX 77098 no later than 5 p.m. by Monday November 10. For
more information visit www.girlscouts.org/destinations
Who: Deadline: Contact: Note: 28
Girls ages 11-18
Applications due November 10 at 5 p.m.
Sam Fergeson, 713-292-0309, sfergeson@sjgs.org
Girls only travel on Destinations; trips are staffed by qualifies adults from the sponsoring organizations.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
Recipe for Success
Level Badge
DateTime Cost
Brownies Healthy Snacks Dec 14 1-3 p.m.
$22
Juniors Simple Meals Nov. 9 1-3 p.m.
$22
Cadettes New Cuisines Dec. 13 10 a.m.-noon $22
Seniors
Locavore (Healthy Holiday)
Nov. 8 1-3 p.m.
$22
Where: RecipeHouse, 4400 Yupon St., Houston
www.recipe4success.org
Cost: $22 per girl/adult; *Adults who are registered for the class participate in the class. Other adults will not be allowed to stay.
Min./Max: 12/18 (girl/adult ratio differs according to class – please look when you register online)
Deadline: One week prior to event
Contact: Nazia Frank , 713-292-0338 or nfrank@sjgs.org
Registrars, 713-292-0370
Note: All participants will be emailed confirmation details,
at which time they will be asked to email Susie Mullen,
susie@recipe4success.org, any food related allergies or
physical or mental challenges the chefs would need to be
aware of for a smooth class. Wear comfortable clothes
appropriate and closed-toed shoes.
We Can Do It Weekend: Region 14
The weekend will mix traditional camping activities
with several “how-to” sessions teaching modern survival
skills. Sessions will include Poppin’ Hoods (car care
and maintenance) You Better Work! (resume writing,
interviewing skills) Cuisine Queens (Preparing a basic meal
with an underground twist) and So What, You Can’t Sew?
(Learn basic stitching, reattaching buttons, fixing a hemline
and mending). Girls will earn requirement towards the
Cook and Naturalist Legacy badges of their level.
Who: Cadettes through Ambassadors
When: December 5-7
Where: Camp Misty Meadows, Conroe
Cost: TBD, check the online registration for price
Contact: Liz Atton LAtton@sjgs.org or 713-292-0269
Register: Online (search ‘We Can Do It’)
Deadline: Two weeks prior to the event
Trainings
Register for most trainings online at https://gssjc.ebiz.uapps.net/vp/ then click on “activities.”
For training registration questions, contact Betty Morgan at 713-292-0238.
Crazy Quilt 2015
Camp Misty Meadows, Conroe
March 28, 2015
2015
Join us for a patchwork of fun enrichment courses.
Indoor and outdoor activities will be offered. Adults
attending this event will leave with great program
ideas for both troop and day/twilight camp for girls
of all ages. Seniors and Ambassadors are welcome to
attend! Here are just a few of the types of courses to be
offered:
All NEW Pocketful of Program #12
Games
Songs
Troop T-Shirts, IDs and More
Iron Chef
Crafts
Garden Fun
SWAPS
Ceremonies
And nore …
The Emerging Markets Department is proud to have a Volunteer
Experience Support Team, “V.E.S.T.,” as GSSJC’s first official
group of bilingual facilitators at GSSJC. Passport to Girl Scouting,
First Aid/CPR, babysitting, product sales and many more trainings are
now available in Spanish to support Hispanic Community Engagement
throughout the Council. To learn more about this team, contact Agustina
Ruiz at 713-292-0394 or aruiz@sjgs.org.
See all upcoming training on
the calendar on the next page!
So mark your calendars and be on the lookout for the
full course schedule in the January/February issue of
The Golden Link.
Register for most trainings online
at https://gssjc.ebiz.uapps.net/vp/
then click on “activities.”
For training registration
questions, contact Betty
Morgan at 713-292-0238.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
29
Trainings
Training Calendar
November
Date
1
3
8
8
8
15
15
15
15
15-16
16
Day
Sat.
Mon.
Sat.
Sat.
Sat.
Sat.
Sat.
Sat.
Sat.
Sat-Sun
Sun.
Course Name
PLT - Daisy/Brownie Level Training
Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 1 In Town (At Camp11/15&16)
Cadette Leadership
Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 3 - At Camp (In Town 10/27))
Outdoor Refresher
First Aid/CPR/AED
Passport to Girl Scouting
Event Basics
Weekend Event Planning
Camping, Standard Troop Opt 1- At Camp (In Town 11/3)
Day Camp Director Update
Location
ATC
GSC
ATC
WAM
WAM
FMC
GSC
GSC
GSC
ATC
GSC
Time
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
7 - 10 p.m.
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
9 a.m. - noon
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
noon - 2 p.m.
Cost
$6
$20
$6
None
$20
$55
$6
$6
$6
None
$10
Date
3
6
9
13
13
Day
Wed.
Sat
Tues
Sat.
Sat.
Course Name
Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 3 - In Town (At Camp 12/13)
Day Camp Director Training
Passport to Girl Scouting
First Aid/CPR/AED
Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 3 - At Camp (In Town 12/3)
Location
GSC
GSC
GSC
GSC
ATC
Time
7 - 10 p.m.
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost
$25
$10
$6
$55
None
Date
6
10
10
10
10
11
11
13
17
24
Day
Tues.
Sat.
Sat.
Sat. Sat.
Sun.
Sun.
Tues.
Sat.
Sat.
Course Name
Location
Time
Camping, Standard Troop Opt 3. - In Town (At Camp 1/17 ) KSCC
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Day Camp Director Training
ATC
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Passport to Girl Scouting GSC
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Event Basics
GSC
9 - 11:30 a.m.
Weekend Event Planning
GSC
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Camping, Standard Troop Opt 3 - In Town (At Camp 1/24) ATC
2 - 5 p.m.
Day Camp Director Update
GSC
noon - 2 p.m.
Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 3- In Town (At Camp 1/24)) GSC
7 - 10 p.m.
Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 3 - At Camp (In Town 1/6) WAM
8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 3 - At Camp (In Town 1/11 or 1/13) ATC
8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Day
7
7
10
12
17
21
28-1
28
28
28
28
Course Name
Location
Time
Sat.
Camping, Standard Troop Opt 3 In Town (At Camp 2/21)
LJSC
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sat. Day Camp Director Training
GSC
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tues
Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 3 In Town (At Camp 2/21)
WAM
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Thurs. Passport to Girl Scouting
GSC
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Tues
Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 1 In Town (At Camp 2/28-3/1) GSC
7 - 10 p.m.
Sat.
Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 3 At Camp (In Town 2/7 or 2/10) WAM
8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sat-Sun. Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 1 At Camp (In Town 2/17)
ATC
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sat.
Outdoor Refresher
ATC
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat.
Program Leadership Training for Daisies and Borwnies
GSC
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sat.
Jump into Juniors
GSC
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sat. Cadette Leadership
GSC
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Date
Cost
$25
$10
$25
$6
$20
None
None
$20
$6
$6
$6
Day
8
21
21
28
30
Course Name
Location
Time
Sun.
Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 3 In Town (At Camp 3/21)
WAM
2 - 5 p.m.
Sat. Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 3 At Camp (In Town 3/8)
WAM
8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sat. Outdoor Refresher
WAM
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat. EVENT: Crazy Quilt
MM
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Mon.
Camping, Standard Troop Opt. 3 In Town (At Camp 4/11)
SMLC
7 - 10 p.m.
Date
Cost
$25
None
$20
MM
$25
December
January
February
March
30
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
Cost
$25
$10
$6
$6
$6
$25
$10
$25
None
None
Columns
Around
Camp
New things to
enjoy at camp
2014 was a busy year for
building things at camp. We
added the Hamill Foundation
Welcome Center, Mamie
E. George Activity Center,
DeSanctis Family Gathering
Pavilion and Madison
Charitable Trust Town Square
at Camp Myra S. Pryor. The
bridge attached to the pavilion is perfect for bridging ceremonies
and was donated by the Craig Family. During this first phase of
development we also added a new shade structure at the George
Pool, a ½ acre pond and the Kevin C. and Monica Maby King
Windmill at the entrance and a watering trough and hand water
pump near the town square and kitchen shelters donated by the
family of Kathy and Wayne Richards. Our new infirmary was busy
serving resident summer campers at Camp Misty Meadows. The
new infirmary was made possible through the generous support
of The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, Texas Children’s
Hospital and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. We renovated the
Ranger’s House at Camp Wind-A-Mere with new flooring, updated
bathroom plumbing, kitchen appliances, A/C & heating system and
fresh paint. A double-wide entrance gate, wider road and turnaround road will make travel easier and can accommodate larger
buses. And, at Camp Casa Mare we made significant repairs to our
wooden boat ramp due to damage caused by strong winds, rain and
waves. The wooden ramp was as good as new just in time for the
girls to launch the Sunfish sailboats for summer camp.
These were some of the projects that were completed this
year and we’d like to give a heartfelt thanks to our donors, board,
volunteers and senior leadership for their continued support this
year. Many of these new additions to our camps will be enjoyed by
young girls and volunteers for years to come.
How to use a camp ice machine
Winter is always a good time to talk about ice. Did you know
there is a right and wrong way to use an ice machine? The Council
provides ice machines for your convenience. We want your stay
at camp to be comfortable and stress-free. When using an ice
machine, NEVER scoop ice with your hands! ALWAYS use the ice
scoop provided for this purpose. The Texas Department of State
Health Services frowns on anyone, anywhere, anytime putting their
hands into the ice bin that more than one person or group will be
using. This may sound a bit harsh, but consider that, especially in
a camp environment, everyone’s hands may not always be as clean
as they should be. You or others could be sharing germs–colds or
other illnesses by scooping ice with bare hands.
Don’t do it. Another thing to keep in mind is that ice is
provided to supplement the ice you brought with you to camp.
Our ice machines cannot keep up with the demand if everyone
fills their ice chests when they get to camp instead of starting the
weekend with a full load and then supplementing their supply as it
melts. Be considerate of your fellow Girl Scouts in how much ice
you SCOOP from the bin. Take only what you need and everyone
will have plenty.
Where am I?
Do you know which camp this building is
located in and what it is?
Are honey
bees
endangered?
Beekeepers
first sounded
the alarm about
disappearing bees in 2006.
Seemingly healthy bees were
abandoning their hives never to
return. Researchers estimate that
nearly one-third of all honey bee
colonies in the country have vanished.
Without bees to pollinate many of our
favorite fruits and vegetables, the United
States could lose $15 billion worth of crops.
The list of crops that simply won’t grow
without honey bees includes many of
our favorite foods like apples, cherries,
grapes, peaches, pears, strawberries,
almonds, peanuts, avocados, cucumbers,
carrots, cantaloupe, honeydews and the list goes on. Why are the
bees leaving? Scientists believe a combination of factors could be
making bees sick, including pesticide exposure, invasive parasitic
mites, an inadequate food supply and a new virus that targets
bees’ immune systems. Here’s how you can help. Plant a bee
flower garden. Basil, brazos blackberry, bulbine, duranta, mexican
heather, rosemary and single and semi-double bloom roses grow
well in our area. Don’t use pesticides. Bees get thirsty--a bird bath
with some stones in it for them to crawl on works well. Buy local,
raw honey that is from hives that are not treated by chemicals.
Raw honey is healthy for you. These are some things you can do
to bee good to our bees.
Here’s a question for next time: What bird can fly the highest?
Picture Answer: This structure is the Lavaca cabin unit 3 at
Camp Myra S. Pryor. Rotten wood was replaced, doors reinforced
and the entire outside was painted. The cabin can comfortably
accommodate 16 girls and 4 troop leaders.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
31
Columns
Cookie program important from the beginning
by Council History Committee volunteer Marlene Edwards
Moment
in History
With another year
of the Girl Scout Cookie
Program about to kick off
in 2015, it’s fun to take a
look back in history. The
earliest known mention of a
Girl Scout cookie sale was
by the Mistletoe Troop in
Muskogee, Okla. They baked and sold cookies in their high school
cafeteria as a service project. The year was 1917, and the proceeds
of the sale were used to buy khaki handkerchiefs and ingredients
for making candy to send to soldiers.
Word spread rapidly as the first known troop in Houston to
sell cookies was Daisy Troop #1 who, in 1918, made cookies in
their leader’s kitchen and sold them at Studewood Park near White
Oak Bayou. They were able to buy a bugle, a basketball and a tent
for camping. By 1925, Houston Girl Scouts were baking cookies in
the window of W.C. Munn, a department store at Travis and Capitol
in downtown Houston. They would package them in small wax
paper bags with a sticker on them and sell them on the street outside
of the store. It is interesting to note that such a beloved and familiar
part of American culture began in the kitchens of girl members.
The earliest known sale of commercially baked cookies on
record was the sale by Paris, Texas Girl Scouts in 1928. They sold
600 dozen cookies at cost and baked for them by a local baking
company. Enthusiasm for the cookies spread, and by the end of
1937 more than 125 councils throughout the country were holding
annual cookie sales.
The 1930s were a very active time in our Council and
nationwide. Girl Scout cookie sales were officially sanctioned,
and bakers were licensed to bake Girl Scout Cookies. When
sugar became unavailable for cookies during World War II, ever
industrious Girl Scouts instead sold calendars as a fundraiser.
In 1950, San Jacinto Council held its first large scale cookie
sale. This was the first sale in southeast Texas of commercially baked
cookies. Cookies, which cost 21 cents per box to make, sold for 40
cents per box. Two cents of every box went to the troop. This sale was
inaugurated because the Community Chest (now the United Way)
allotment dropped six percent for all of their agencies. Profits from the
cookie sale were needed to make up the budget deficit. Foley’s and
Joske’s department stores served the cookies in their restaurants. The
profit for Council was $21,000, and these funds were used to build a
Mariner unit at Camp Tejas and a primitive camping outpost unit for
older girls at Camp Agnes Arnold.
Since the early 1950s, the use of a theme has been a
wonderful promotion. “Cookies for Camping” was one of the
early themes. All of the proceeds of the sale were used to fund
camps. At this time our Council camps were new and needed
development. By 1952, the cookie sale goal of 20,000 boxes was
exceeded by more than 10 percent. The
cost of a box of cookies at this time in
history was 50 cents. Junior and senior
high school Girl Scouts could now
sell in booths. The Carr Consolidated
Biscuit Company provided all flyers,
stickers, planning books, letters
to parents and other supplies for a
successful sale. In 1953 girls who sold
32
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
at least 53 boxes were to become members of the “53 Club” and
received one day at Camp Tejas or Camp Robinwood as a prize.
The “53 Club” had 889 members, but later this club was forbidden
by GSUSA because it put too much pressure on the girls. In 1954,
cookie sales increased 35 percent over the prior year with 205,000
boxes of cookies sold.
The 1963 cookie sale was a success with a resulting profit
of $129,000 that funded new facilities at our camps. The barn at
Camp Casa Mare was converted to a troop camp facility named
The Barnacle. A new office was added at Camp Robinwood and
an infirmary/troop camp cabin combination was built for Camp
Peach Creek, plus the horse barn there was enlarged. By 1965 girls
sold more than 500,000 boxes of cookies, and in 1972 the Council
saw its first million box cookie sale, which brought many camp
improvements.
In 1974 more than half a million boxes were sold. The
Council’s top seller was a Brownie who sold 512 boxes. This sale
enabled the Council to build a new swimming pool at Camp Agnes
Arnold, the second pool built at that camp. By 1975 cookies were
selling for $1.25 a box, and sales were up 16 percent. By 1981
sales increased almost 30 percent, and the top seller sold nearly
1,000 boxes!
In 1984 the cost of a box of cookies was $2 and troops earned
15 cents per box sold. By 1985 cookie materials were available
in Spanish for the first time. Sales continued to increase, and the
direct deposit of cookie money began. This new system was very
well received by the Council. By 1988 GSSJC was the largest
council in the nation, and we were number one in cookie sales.
Now sales were up 15 percent, and the top seller sold more than
2,000 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies at $2.50 per box.
In 1990, Girl Scout Cookie ice cream was licensed for the
first time. It was this year that the Houston Cookie Sale Kick-Off
event included female chefs teaming with a Girl Scout to create
a dessert using Girl Scout Cookies. Events were also held in
Beaumont, Lufkin and Nacogdoches. Mattress Mac, a well-known
furniture dealer in Houston, gave a sales seminar for cookie
sellers this year. Also in the 1990s, GSSJC became number one in
membership in the United States, and this was the first time our
Council sold more than three million boxes of Girl Scout Cookies.
By 1998 the high seller sold more than 2,000 boxes. In 1999 a
Cookie Sale Kick-Off event was held at the Girl Scout Center and
provided activities for girls that included rides in a wagon pulled
by Dagwood and Blondie, two Belgian horses from Camp Misty
Meadows. There was a party for highest sellers at Camp Agnes
Arnold celebrating the success of the 50th cookie sale. Top seller
sold more than 2,500 boxes of cookies at $3 per box.
Most recently in 2014, more than 28,500 girls participated
in the Girl Scout Cookie Program and sold more than 4.6 million
packages of cookies at $4 per box. This year also saw the first-ever
digital cookie sale with girls opting into utilizing the COCO Direct
app. GSSJC also piloted a wildly popular gluten free cookie. In
the past 10 years, a major emphasis has been put on the valuable
skills girls learn by participating in the sale, known as the 5
Skills. These include: money management, decision making, goal
setting, business ethics and people skills. As the Cookie Program
continues on, the Council looks forward to not just helping girls
learn these skills but also earn the funds they need to explore a
STEM workshop, attend summer camp or travel the world.
Columns
Ways to Give
Philanthropy
Where Are They Now?
The Emerald Circle has been awarding
scholarships since 1996, and more than 350
girls have received funding to help defray
college costs in recognition of their stellar
success in earning the Gold Award.
The Emerald Circle is proud of the
accomplishments of these scholarship recipients and wants to reconnect with them
to discover all the wonderful things they
have been doing after college graduation.
To do that, your help is needed to locate
them, especially those who graduated from
high school between 1996 and 2010.
Send information or any clues you
may have–such as recipients or parents’
email address, mailing address, or telephone number, along with their year of
high school and college graduation if
known–to EmeraldCircle@sjgs.org. You
may also contact Outreach Chair Connie
Stone at 713-665-1665 or conniestone14@
hotmail.com to provide information or if
you have questions about the “Where Are
They Now?” project.
In addition to your annual personal gift to Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, below are
some simple ways to financially support GSSJC. Share these opportunities with your
friends and colleagues!
Kroger: It’s time to relink your Kroger card to GSSJC! GSSJC is part of the Kroger
Community Rewards program that donates $1 million annually to local nonprofits. Visit
krogercommunityrewards.com to link your Kroger Plus Card to Girl Scouts, and a portion
of your purchase will be donated to GSSJC. You only have to sign up once, and you’ll
be a supporter of GSSJC for the next year. You can search for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto
Council by name or by the organizational number 83762.
Shop for a Cause: Amazon: You can support Girl Scouts every time you shop on
Amazon! GSSJC is now part of the Amazon Smile Program that donates a portion of
eligible purchases to a nonprofit organization of the customer’s choice. Make sure you
shop via http://smile.amazon.com/ and search for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council to
link your Amazon account to us. Your charity of choice will be listed at the top of the page
while you shop and stored in your account for future purchases.
Randalls: The Randalls Good Neighbor Program donates one percent of customers’
purchases to up to three nonprofit organizations of their choice. Visit the courtesy booth at
your local Randalls to fill out the enrollment form and indicate charity #519. Your account
will be linked to GSSJC. You only have to sign up once! You can also call 713-292-0231
to request the form from the Council.
iGive: Help Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council every time you shop online at more than
1,500 stores. The iGive Button makes it simple. Just use the following link to sign up
to support GSSJC: www.igive.com/Xnuchv. You only have to sign up once, and your
donations will be automatically processed when you shop at qualifying online stores.
Employer Contribution Match: An employer contribution match is a great way to
increase the impact of your gift. Check with your human resources department to see if
your employer participates in matching gifts. If your employer does participate in matching
gifts, complete a matching gift form available from your employer and mail it to: Girl
Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Attn: Development Dept., 3110 Southwest Fwy., Houston,
TX 77098. For questions, contact Suzanne Boak at sboak@sjgs.org or 713-292-0273.
United Way: If your corporation participates in the annual United Way campaign and
you contribute to that campaign, you can designate your United Way gift to Girl Scouts
of San Jacinto Council by noting that on your United Way campaign form. If you do not
work for a corporation who participates, you can participate by completing the United
Way form provided by GSSJC at the same time that you make your annual personal gift
to GSSJC. If you have friends, colleagues or professional relationships who share in the
mission of Girl Scouting, we welcome those referrals to have the opportunity to share the
Girl Scout story with them.
For questions, contact Beth Shea at bshea@sjgs.org or 713-292-0321.
Why I Give . . .
Kent and Elizabeth Hutchison
“We know what it is like to nurture girls and see them grow.
We have witnessed the Girl Scout leadership mission in action in our
community. My own daughter has benefited. We also believe if you
give something, you’ll get something in return…more future female
leaders.”
The Hutchison’s have included GSSJC in their will. Consider
joining the community of people who want GSSJC to span
generations.
For more information, contact Diane Pavey at 713-292-0277. We
respect your privacy. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
33
Columns
Thank you GSSJC donors!
July 1-August 31, 2014
$25,000+ Ambassador
United Way of Greater Houston
Estate of Claire B. Lampard
$10,000 - $24,999 Senior
BMC Software
Comerica Bank
John P. McGovern Foundation
Nestlé USA
Shell Oil Company
$5,000 - 9,999 Cadette
Fluor
Lubrizol
Texas Capital Bank
United Way of Angelina County
$1,000 - $4,999 Junior
The Dow Chemical Company
Dorothy M. Goodykoontz
Kroger Company
Lowery Community Service Grant
Nacogdoches County United Way
Texas Comptroller
Truist
United Technologies
United Way of Brazoria County
Wood Group Management Services Inc
$250 - $999 Brownie
Camp Agnes Arnold Camp Bucks
Camp Casa Mare Camp Bucks
Camp Misty Meadows Camp Bucks
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
ConocoPhillips Inc
Cindy A. Dewstow
Dawn D. Donaldson
ExxonMobil
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce
Melinda C. Henry
Sheila Hutchings
Microsoft Matching Gifts Program
Deborah E. Pickering
Sybil F. Roos
Mary K. Ryder
Safeway Inc US Corporate
Brenda P. Tirrell
Troop #25189
United Space Alliance
United Way of Galveston Inc
Marguerite Woung-Chapman
Donors listed are $250 and above.
Honorariums are $25 and above. We thank all
our donors for their generous gifts. If you have
questions about a listing, contact Suzanne Boak
at sboak@sjgs.org or 713-292-0273.
Memoriams
In memory of Davis Gross
Nancy Giffhorn
In memory of Penny Harp
Ranvae Baker
Buffalo Trail Community
Hope Fletcher
Dorothy M. Goodykoontz
Rosemary Haffemann
Martha B. Hatcher
Irene Liberatos
Nancy McGuire
Theresa Modgling
Linda M. Ross
Louise Rugaard
Mary R. Smith
Aimée R. Sproles
Troop #20187
In memory of Faye Rollins
Deborah E. Pickering
Honors
In honor of Ellie McVicar
Kathy Rapp
In honor of Mary Vitek
Mary K. Ryder
Philanthropy troop meeting activities
Philanthropy – it’s a big word for something Girl Scouts do incredibly well. As they
strive to make the world a better place through their service projects, badge work and
higher award projects, they are embracing the philanthropic spirit. Without philanthropy,
Girl Scouting wouldn’t exist.
Teach your troop more about this important topic by utilizing these troop meeting
activities. Ask girls what they think philanthropy means before providing a definition.
Define philanthropy as giving of your time, talent, and treasure to make the world a better
place. For younger girls, you can discuss the Brownie Elf and her good deeds.
Discuss examples of philanthropy that girls have observed in their own lives and ask
girls to:
o Write a story or draw a picture sharing an example of philanthropy
o Keep a growing list of “good deeds” that they observe
o Look for articles that describe acts of philanthropy
o Keep a diary of their own good deeds and acts of philanthropy of their family
Girls can interview a family member, and then share what they learned from their
interviews:
o What causes do you support?
o Why do you participate in this activity?
o What are some benefits to the people you help?
o What are some benefits to you?
o How does this benefit the community?
Ask girls about their communities. This can include their school, neighborhood,
clubs, organizations, city and, of course, Girl Scouts. Guide them to the conclusion that
philanthropy can affect our whole country, and that girls can make the world a better
place through philanthropy. Have the girls encourage their parents to participate in the
family giving campaign. For more information and materials, contact Sally Swanson at
sswanson@sjgs.org or 713-292-0346, or visit gssjc.org and click on the “Donate” image.
34
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
Save the Date
Just Desserts “A Night at the Movies”
Thursday, January 22, 2015
6 – 8 p.m.
Magnolia Hotel Houston
1100 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002
Tickets will be available to the public
for $30.
5th Annual Success to Significance
Luncheon
Thursday, April 23, 2015
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Downtown
1200 Louisiana St. Houston, TX 77002
Tables starting at $2,500 and individual
tickets starting at $150.
Visit the events section at
www.gssjc.org or contact
eadkison@sjgs.org for more info!
Columns
24th Annual International Candlelight Vigil and Rally for Homeless Youth
Girl Scouts are invited to attend this event to hear stories of teens and young adults that have benefitted from
Covenant House Texas’ services. As a service project, girls are asked to bring new or gently used clothing, gloves,
coats, umbrellas and rain gear to donate to Covenant House Texas.
Who: Girl Scouts, family and friends
When: November 20, 7 -8 p.m. (tours of Covenant House Texas available 6 - 7 p.m.)
Where: Covenant House Texas, 1111 Lovett Blvd., Houston
Bring: Gently used clothing, gloves, coats, umbrellas and rain gear
Contact: Carolyn Garrard, 713-630-5619, cgarrard@covenanthouse.org
Note:
This upbeat evening celebrates the kids who have come off the streets and brings awareness to the ones still there. Covenant House Texas’ kids will share their stories of courage. Evening includes music and refreshments.
Troop #20284
volunteered at the
Houston Police
Department’s
annual food drive.
Brownie Emma D.
donated her hair to
Pantene Beautiful
Lengths. This is her
second time to make
a hair donation, and
previously Emma
donated her hair to
Locks of Love.
Troops #2086 and #2300 gathered 30 gallons of can tabs
for the Ronald McDonald House.
Troop #13006 hosted a birthday party for two troop
members and in lieu of gifts, the girls collected more
than 150 pounds of food for Klein UMC and Northwest
Assistance Ministries.
Troop #16027 donated toiletries to Cypress Assistant Ministries.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
35
Scrapbook
GSSJC
Scrapbook
hotos
Send your p
sjgs.
r@
to menzo
your
e
d
u
cl
org. In
e
troop # in th
e.
lin
subject
Sending in your photos does
not guarantee
placement in Golden Link.
See your pictures on
Facebook! Find your
photos in a monthly
scrapbook album
on our page: facebook.com\gssjc.
Ambassador Troop #1577 from Friendswood went on an eightday trip to Orlando in July. The troop had set a long term goal
five years ago, to go on a BIG trip and swim with dolphins.
This goal was met on the day we visitied Discovery Cove! In
addition, we visited five other theme parks: Universal Studios,
Islands of Adventure, Wet and Wild, Sea World and Aquatica.
What great memories to share together as they close out their
Girl Scout school years!
Troop #16241
enjoyed a weekend
at Camp Agnes
Arnold where they
learned to canoe.
Troop #13495 used funds earned during the Cookie
Program for a sleepover at the Houston Zoo.
Girl Scouts
attending Yellow
Rose Twilight
Camp had a great
time this summer
earning four
badges.
Troops #2086, #6008, #131006 and #2096 participated
in a flag retirement ceremony.
36
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
Scrapbook
Girl Scouts Maeve,
Allison and Kylee
recently celebrated
becoming Mariners
after completing
their basic sailing
requirements.
Troops #142034 and #142023 encouraged girls
to become Girl Scouts at their school’s “Meet the
Teacher” event.
Troop #35591 enjoyed
earning their Good
Sportsmanship badge.
Girl Scouts in Troops #142001
and #14052 enjoyed becoming
friends and learning about
astronomy at Spaceout.
Troop #8394 recently received CPR training.
Troop #14030
enjoyed a potter
workshop at
Program Place.
Troop #28173 had a blast visiting San Antonio. The
girls used funds earned during the Girl Scout Cookie
Program to pay for their trip.
Girl Scouts
attending the
Astronomy
Interest Group’s
Spaceout weekend
had a great time
learning about
constellations, the
solar system and
lunar phases.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
37
Scrapbook
Troop #2644 recently celebrated bridging to seniors in Galveston.
Troop #7527 enjoyed a visit to San Antonio. The girls paid
for their trip using funds earned during the Girl Scout Cookie
Program.
Troop #132006 enjoyed a “camp in” to kick off their 2014-2015 year.
38
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
Scrapbook
Troop #17518
recently completed
the Wonders of Water
Journey by hosting
an event at a local
park for family and
friends.
Troop #16007 recently held a bridging ceremony.
Troop #28005
recently visited
Destin, Florida after
saving funds from the
Cookie Program for
three years.
Girl Scouts from
Sienna Plantation
recently attended
a Club Etiquette
class.
Troop #20370 enjoyed a trip to Dewberry Farms.
Troop #27078 enjoyed a recent visit to Galveston Island.
Girl Scouts Monica
F. and Briseyda H.
attended a rally to
encourage girls to
become Girl Scouts.
Troops #21215, #21421
and #21173 completed
their First Aid badge
and enjoyed a tour of
Memorial Hermann’s
ER and Life Flight.
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
39
Troop #23256
enjoyed touring
City Hall during
the summer.
Troop #13405 participated in the Interhospitality
Network program by cooking dinner for two homeless
families.
Troop #7547
used their
funds earned
from the Girl
Scout Cookie
Program to
spend a weekend
camping at Lone
Star Yogi.
Troop #119003 completed their first service project by
participating in the Houston 22Q event at the Houston
Zoo.
Troop #13405
enjoyed spending
a weekend in the
Fishing Village
at Camp Agnes
Arnold.
Troop #9129 learned
about oil painting at
the Happy Easel in
Nacogdoches.
Troop #11955 recently enjoyed
a weekend at Camp Agnes
Arnold.
40
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
41
Troop #16241 enjoyed a weekend at Camp Agnes Arnold where they
learned to canoe.
Troop #13495 used funds earned during the Cookie
Program for a sleepover at the Houston Zoo.
42
November/December 2014 l The Golden Link
We need you to make this a great year!
Sign up to be a 2014-2015 Troop Cookie Manager
New Troop Cookie Managers
If you have never had Troop Cookie Manager training before, join us for this practical, worthwhile and
motivating training. If you cannot attend classroom training, online training will be available.
Returning Troop Cookie Managers
Choose either the classroom training or the online version of
Troop Cookie Manager Training. Online training will be available
early December.
How to Register
Registration is required no later than one week prior to the training.
Online registration can be completed by accessing our Council website
at https://gssjc.ebiz.uapps.net/VP/default.aspx. If you have difficulty
registering for the course, contact Customer Service customerservice@sjgs.org or call 713-292-0300.
If you cannot attend the chosen session, contact the Council office at 713-292-0239 to cancel. You
can leave a message 24 hours a day. By canceling in advance, you allow others to register for the
training.
No walk-ins please! Non-registered participants place a burden on other participants, the trainers and the training location. Trainers
may be unable to provide materials for non-registered participants. Remember, this training is for adults only; childcare facilities are
not available at training locations.
Requirements to be a Troop Cookie Manager
All troop cookie managers are required to take training annually, be a currently registered adult member of
Girl Scouts and have an approved volunteer application and criminal background check.
ATA
BSC
Casa
GSC
HCUMC
SCCC
TCM Classroom Training Schedule
Saturday, November 8
10 a.m. – noon
GSC
Sunday, November 9
2 – 4 p.m.
GSC
Monday, November 10
7 – 9 p.m.
GSC
Thursday, November 13 7 – 9 p.m.
HCUMC
Saturday, November 15
10 a.m. – noon
ATA
Monday, November 17
7 – 9 p.m.
SCCC
Thursday, November 20 7 – 9 p.m.
Casa
Saturday, November 22 10 a.m. – noon
BSC
Friday, December 5
10 a.m. – noon
GSC
Saturday, December 6
10 a.m. – noon
GSC
Thursday, December 11
7 – 9 p.m.
GSC
Tuesday, January 6 10 a.m. – noon
GSC
Tuesday, January 6
7 – 9 p.m.
GSC
Ann Temple Allen Service Center, Lufkin
Foundation for Southeast Texas, Beaumont
Camp Casa Mare, Seabrook
Girl Scout Center, Houston
Holy Covenent United Methodist Church, Katy
Spring Creek Community Center, Spring
Take your training online!
After you register (see above)
go to etraining.gssjc.org.
Training will be available in early
December and will remain available until
the end of the sale.
2015 Cookie Sale Rewards
All ite m s a re su bj ec t to s u b s t i t u t i o n wi t h a n eq u a l o r g r eater va l u e.
See your cookie order
sheet for complete
information on Girl
Recognitions, including
the cookie dough option.
Sports Bottle
New this year, recognitions are
NOT cumulative. See below for each
1-44
earning level. Every girl selling cookies
Participation
Patch
will earn a patch. Girls selling 1-44 will
receive the participation patch, girls
selling 45 and above will receive the
theme patch.
Journal
PackagesItems
45-79
Sports Bottle
80-129
Sports Bottle;
Six-Color Pop Pen
130-164
Six-Color Pop Pen; Journal
165-199
Journal; Cross-Body Zipper Bag
200-299 Cross-Body Zipper Bag; Polar Bear Ring; Small Polar Bear
300-399 Cross-Body Zipper Bag; Polar Bear Ring; Large Polar Bear
400-499 Polar Bear Ring; Backpack;
Large Polar Bear
500-649 Polar Bear Ring; Varsity Duffle; Large Polar Bear
650-849 Polar Bear Ring; Blanket; Varsity Duffle; Large Polar Bear
Feather Fashion; Blanket; 850-999
Varsity Duffle; Large Polar Bear
1000-1249 Feather Fashion; Blanket; Camera; Large Polar Bear
1250-1499 Bebe's Beats; Blanket;
Camera; Large Polar Bear
1500-1999 Jacket; Blanket; Camera; Large Polar Bear
Jacket; Blanket;
2000+
Tablet; Large Polar Bear
45+
Theme Patch
Six Color Pop Pen
Polar Bear
Ring
Cross-Body
Zipper Bag
Small
Polar Bear
Large
Polar Bear
Backpack
Feather
Fashion
Varsity Duffel
Digital Camera
Size/Brand to be determined
Blanket
Bebe’s
Beats
Tablet
Size/Brand to be
determined
EARLY
GIRL REWARD
Jacket
All girls who sell at least 168 packages on the initial
order will receive a Polar Bear Wood Necklace
with their initial delivery.
Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council
3110 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77098-4508
A United Way Agency
Top 5 Reasons you should
ABS LUTELY
participate in the 2015 Cookie Program
1
2
3
4
5
Life Skills: The Cookie Program helps girls develop unparalleled leadership skills that will stay
with them for life, including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and
business ethics.
It’s EASY to participate! Your designated Troop Cookie Manager can access training in person in
a classroom or online at a date and time that’s most convenient! And digital resources like COCO
will offer girls web-based resources to track and manage their businesses.
Financial benefits: Your troop will earn money to help offset
the cost of activities, outings, program supplies and so much
more!
Girls can earn fabulous awards! There’s a special theme every
year and girls can work toward earning special awards.
Your girls will THANK YOU for it! Nearly 80 percent of all
women business owners were once Girl Scouts; and many
successful business- women today say they got their start
selling Girl Scout Cookies.Thanks to caring volunteers, LIKE
YOU, girls who participate in the Cookie Program gain courage,
confidence and character to pursue their dreams!
Ready to get started??
Look in this issue for all the
information you need for a great year!