Program Activities

Aquatic / Health and Safety Weekend
Canoeing, first aid, CPR, swimming, life guarding, and more is held during summer training at Camp Agnes Arnold for Girl Scout Brownies and older.  For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Archery
Learn about archery and perfect your skills with the year-round Bulls-eye program. Available to Brownie Girl Scouts, individuals and/or troops earn the Bulls-eye patch, and earn rockers for subsequent sessions. More experienced archers can join Archers in Motion (AIM), a special interest group for girls 8 and older that meets once a month. For more information, contact George Ann Barrett at 713-292-0313 or gbarrett@sjgs

Baby-sitting Classes
A Red Cross babysitting course is designed to teach girls how to handle emergencies, prevent accidents and recognize child development and abilities, and to instill competent baby-sitting practices. Basic first aid and rescue breathing skills are included in this year-round program for Girl Scout Juniors-Adults. For more information, contact Kathy Elliott at 713-292-0224 or kelliott@sjgs.org.

Backpacking
Backpacking groups organize weekend trips on a monthly basis from September to May and extended trips for resident camp sessions. Not only is backpacking a great way to keep fit, but it is also a great way for novice backpackers to gain skills and to meet people who share the same interests and love for the outdoors. Girls age 11 to adult may participate in the backpacking program. For more information, contact Rebecca Tirrell at 713-292-0353 or rtirrell@sjgs.org.

Big Boats
Imagine sailing in a 24' to 27' sailboat on Galveston Bay!  Troops are able to sign up for day experiences of 3, 4 or 5 hours, provided they have appropriate Red Cross Level IV swim cards and Safe Boating Test cards.  Boats are captained by certified volunteers.  Program is offered during the school year.  For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Bridging Girl Scout Junior Event
This event is exclusively for girls in the fifth grade who are bridging to Girl Scout Cadettes. Participants will get a preview of the interest groups and activities available to older girls, and gain hands-on experience with the programs, along with a wealth of information on all the older girl programs. For more information, contact the Program Department at 713-292-0300.

Canoeing
Second Year Girl Scout Daisies and older may go troop canoeing year-round at Camps Robinwood, Agnes Arnold or Whispering Pines with a certified leader, or they may participate in the Council’s canoeing and paddling workshops. Summer time also brings many canoeing opportunities during Camp Agnes Arnold resident camp sessions. For more information, contact the Program Department at 713-292-0300.

Career / Technology Events
Girls 11-17 (Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors) explore careers with topics that may include resume writing or interview etiquette to meeting professionals in different fields.  To volunteer your professional group or for more information, contact Melinda Gaskill at 713-292-0232 or mgaskill@sjgs.org.

Carousel
Troop camping is year-round fun for second –year Girl Scout Daisies and older.  Each weekend is planned with a unique theme and held at one of the GSSJC camps.  Girls may participate in activities such as swimming, canoeing, paddle boating, hiking, and archery. For more information, contact Rebecca Tirrell at 713-292-0353 or rtirrell@sjgs.org. 

College Crawl
During one jam-packed week, high school girls experience life on a college campus first-hand. Participants travel by bus to colleges and universities in Texas, and spend time touring campus, talking to students and learning about the admissions process. For more information, contact the Program Department at 713-292-0300.

College IPA Days
Sam Houston State University and the University of Houston offer Interest Project Award workshops to Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors in the spring and fall. For more information, contact the Program Department at 713-292-0300.

Council History Committee
(not just events)
The Council History Committee offers docent guided tours of the Goodykoontz Museum of Girl Scout History in the Program Place, directs Treasure Chest and historical Girl Scout uniform resource kit development, serves as Program Place for Girls Event hostesses (including Juliette Low Tea Parties), develops the S’More about GSSJC patch program, and functions as the archival trained keepers of the council’s history.  To donate Girl Scout memorabilia, volunteer to serve as a museum docent or event hostess or for more information, please contact Melinda Gaskill at 713-292-0232 or mgaskill@sjgs.org.

Council Library
The Council Library is filled with books containing troop meeting program ideas, songs, and information.  Adult volunteers and girls of all ages are welcome to check out books for two weeks.  To donate books or for more information, contact Melinda Gaskill at 713-292-0232 or mgaskill@sjgs.org.

Council Patch Programs
These patch programs are special recognitions for girls developed when girls, volunteers, or staff members discover areas of interest not included in the Girl Scouts of the USA recognition programs. For more information, contact Kathy Elliott at 713-292-0224 or kelliott@sjgs.org.

Council Planned Trips
GSSJC plans trips across the USA for second-year Girl Scout Juniors and to international destinations for girls age 14 and older. For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Council Puppetry Troupe
GSSJC puppets have personality! Girl Scout Juniors through Ambassadors take on these personalities as they bring contemporary issues to life for audiences. Puppeteer training includes girls learning lip-puppet synchronization, gestures and posture.  To learn about the next training or to schedule a performance, contact Melinda Gaskill at 713-292-0232 or mgaskill@sjgs.org.

Counselor-In-Training (CIT)
GSUSA’s Girl Leadership Training requires (CIT) two weeks of core training, followed by a week of internship in a camp setting for girls 15 and older. For more information, contact Kathy Elliot at 713-292-0224 or kelliot@sjgs.org.

Creative Writing (formerly Kappa Delta Share a Story)
Girls of all ages can write and illustrate their own books for the Kappa Delta Share a Story patch program, and Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors can participate in writing workshops that allow them to explore poetry, fiction and playwriting. For more information, contact Jamie Williams at 713-292-0269 or jewilliams@sjgs.org.

Day/Twilight Camps
Make new friends and experience new adventures at camp. Day / Twilight camps offer a wide variety of fun activities for girls of all ages, including earning Try-Its and badges! For more information, contact Liz Henri at 713-292-0233 or ehenri@sjgs.org.

Destinations
(formerly STUDIO 2B Destinations)
Individual girls 11-17 can apply for trips to fabulous destinations. National and international
opportunities await Girl Scouts and Girl Guides throughout the world. For a list of trips, go to http://www.studio2b.org under the Escape Section. For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Earth Day
Earth Day emphasizes the necessity for the conservation of the world’s natural resources and building solutions to reverse the negative effects of human activities on the earth. For more information on this annual spring event for Girl Scout Brownies and Juniors, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Earth P.A.C.T.
Girls earn Try-Its and badges at workshops given by a specialty group of girls 12-17 (Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors) known as Earth P.A.C.T. (Plant, Animal, Conservation Team). For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Engineering, Science, Technology Day
Many companies open their doors to teach girls about science and math during special days for Girl Scouts. For more information on these programs for Girl Scout Juniors and up, contact Julie Deeter at 713-292-0203 or jdeeter@sjgs.org.

Environmental Awareness
Girl Scouts of all ages learn about their environment through troop, service unit and Council events. Community partners offer activities at their locations while volunteers and staff may plan workshops on subjects such as animal tracks and plants at the Camp Agnes Arnold Nature Center or the Program Place for Girls.  For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Equitation
There are multiple opportunities for girls of all ages to participate in horse activities. Troops camping at Camps Silver Springs, Agnes Arnold, Robinwood, or Misty Meadows can register for “Weekend Camper Riding” sessions and take a trail ride or work in the ring. Girls 13 years of age or older can become SPURS (Super People Using Riding Skills) and be involved with the equitation program. There are also opportunities during resident camp for third year Girl Scout Brownies-Ambassadors.

Weekend equitation experiences are offered 10 to 12 times each year for girls who are in fifth grade or above at Camp Myra S. Pryor.  Program activities begin on Friday evening, and conclude shortly after noon on Sunday.  Three levels of activities (Saddlehorns, Rustlers and Wranglers) are offered, providing built-in progression of both horse knowledge and riding skills.  Girls who have completed all three levels, and who are at least 13 years old, may attend the Horse PA Weekend Training if they are interested in teaching horse skills to younger girls who attend the Camp Pryor program weekends. 

For more information on any of these activities, contact George Ann Barrett at 713-292-0313 or gbarrett@sjgs.org. 

Family Camping
Camping can extend to the entire family. Camp Whispering Pines, located in Garrison, has spaces for family campers, and additional GSSJC camp properties may welcome family camping during designated times of the year. For more information, contact Kathy Elliott at 713-292-0224 or kelliott@sjgs.org.

Fencing
Through collaboration with the Bayou City Fencing Academy, girls can receive professional instruction on how to master the skills of this exciting sport. Two hour instruction classes can be offered on weekends as well as mid-week classes for home schooled girls. For more information, contact Megan Eason at 713-292-0283 or meason@sjgs.org.

First Aid Classes
Safety first—and it starts with knowledge provided by the American Red Cross for girls 8 and older. For more information, contact Kathy Elliott at 713-292-0224 or kelliott@sjgs.org.

GAM
This nautical-themed day event is held in odd-numbered years at Camp Casa Mare.  It includes events designed for Girl Scout Brownies through Ambassadors.  For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Girl Planning Boards
Girls have a democratic and creative leadership role in the planning of events that affect them. For more information, contact the Program Department at 713-292-0300 or look to The Golden Link for council and service unit level events that need girl planning board members.

Girl Scout Brownie Magic
Plan for a day of magical fun! Set aside a Saturday in the fall for this event—troops can experience camp, learn Girl Scout ways and songs, and learn a little science-based magic. For more information, contact Jamie Williams at 713-292-0269 or jewilliams@sjgs.org.

Girl Scout Cadette Weekend
Held in even-numbered years, this event is designed for Girl Scout Cadettes, or girls ages 11 to 14. Coordinated by a girl planning board, participants can expect anything from activity rotations to random, free-roaming fun. For more information, contact Jamie Williams at 713-292-0269 or jewilliams@sjgs.org.

Girl Scout Daisy Discovery Day
Designed especially for second-year Girl Scout Daisies, this event introduces them to Girl Scout traditions. For more information, contact Kathy Elliot at 713-292-0224 or kelliot@sjgs.org.

Girl Scout Senior Senate
Girl Scout Senators meet regularly to develop, promote, administer, and evaluate Girl Scout program opportunities for girls in grades 9 to 12. For more information, contact Rebecca Tirrell at 713-292-0353 or rtirrell@sjgs.org.

Golf
Girl Scouts of all ages have the opportunity each month to try their hand at learning all the basics of golf by participating in these no-cost sessions offered by qualified instructors. Girls who have
advanced past the basic level will play on a course. For more information, contact Megan Eason at 713-292-0283 or meason@sjgs.org.

Green Starlettes Drill Team
Green Starlettes offer dance clinics for troops as well as opportunities for individual girls to join the Green Starlettes Drill Team. The girls, 6th grade and older, often perform at university and council events or at professional events such as half-time performances with the Houston Comets and Rockets.  For more information, contact the Program Department at 713-292-0300.

Health Initiatives
Girls of all ages explore health topics like nutrition, physical activity and women’s health. Activities focus on emotional, physical and mental health. For more information, contact Julie Deeter at 713-292-0203 or jdeeter@sjgs.org.

High Adventure - Challenge Course
Camp Silver Springs is the location for the Council’s challenge course. The Challenge Course is a
wilderness-type experience in a fixed setting.  Low ropes elements will first challenge your troop through a series of real and imaginary obstacles by way of cooperative games, group initiatives, trust-building games and a variety of structures (usually 12-18 inches off the ground) that test physical strength, stamina, agility, balance and flexibility.  A second day on the ropes course may progress to the high elements where you might be flying down the Zip Line, climbing the cargo net or leaping off the pamper pole. It’s a day of challenge and team building for troops aged 12 and up. For more information, contact Rebecca Tirrell at 713-292-0353 or rtirrell@sjgs.org.

Leader-In-Training (LIT)
LIT is a program for older girls. Girls take an active role in all aspects of troop or interest group planning, implementation, and evaluation. For more information, contact the Program Department at 713-292-0300.

Lifeguards
Girls (16 years and older) and boys (18 and older) can become certified as a Lifeguard. Paid camp positions are available during fall, spring, and summer seasons. For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org

Nature Center Workshops
Whether girls are spending the weekend at camp, or just want to enjoy a camp setting for an afternoon – they should head to the Nature Center at Camp Agnes Arnold for mini nature workshops. Led by a naturalist, troop of all ages can explore astronomy, amphibians and more! For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Our Own Council’s
Troops have developed fantastic try-its, badges, and interest projects to share. For more information, contact Kathy Elliott at 713-292-0224 or kelliott@sjgs.org.

Our Own Troop’s
These unique try-its, badges, and interest projects programs can be developed at the troop level. They are an excellent motivator and opportunity to organize and learn. For more information, contact Kathy Elliott at 713-292-0224 or kelliott@sjgs.org.

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 U.S.S. Elissa, docked at Pier 21 in Galveston. For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Parades
Performing in a parade is an American tradition, one that gives Girl Scouts great visibility. For more information, contact George Ann Barrett at 713-292-0313 or gbarrett@sjgs.org.

Pen Pal Program
Girl Scouts of all ages can write to sister troops during the year. Fill out Form F-333 and mail to GSSJC to get started! For more information, contact Darlene Wafer at 713-292-0281 or dwafer@sjgs.org.

Pro Sports
Sport clinics for girls of all ages are often organized during the year with various local professional sports teams.  For more information, contact Megan Eason at 713-292-0283 or meason@sjgs.org.

Program Aide
Girls age 12 and older can learn how to relate to younger girls, and to effectively lead them in program, along with completing a specialty that can run the gamut from arts and crafts to archery, equitation Day Camp and canoeing. For more information, contact the Program Department at 713-292-0300.

Quarter Notes — a Chorus for Girl Scout Juniors and Cadettes
Girls enjoy a wonderful aspect of Girl Scouting – singing – while serving as the training ground for girls to participate in the Take Note Council Choir.  Girl Scout adults who enjoy singing and wish to coordinate a Quarter Notes Chorus in their area will help include more girls in this wonderful memory building/friend making aspect of the movement.  The chorus rehearses three times during the year and performs at a variety of community events.  To volunteer to lead a local group or learn more about rehearsals, please contact Melinda Gaskill at 713-292-0232 or mgaskill@sjgs.org.

Red Cross Instructors
Training courses are for girls, age 17 and older, and adults. Become an instructor in an area where GSSJC needs help:  First Aid, CPR, Baby-sitting, and more.  For more information, contact Kathy Elliott at 713-292-0224 or kelliott@sjgs.org.

Resident Camps
Camps Agnes Arnold, Casa Mare, and Misty Meadows offer a variety of themed sessions for Girl Scouts of all ages. For more information, contact Kathy Elliott at 713-292-0224 or kelliott@sjgs.org.

Sailing
The sailing program has opportunities for older girls to become Mariners (Mariners are girls who have passed the Red Cross Basic Sailing certification) through Instruction weekends, Aquatics weekends and resident camp. All opportunities are offered at Camp Casa Mare in Seabrook. For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Scholarships
The GSSJC Emerald Circle Merit Scholarship, Elks National Foundation Annual Scholarship, and Statewide Gold Award Scholarship are available to graduating Girl Scout Gold Awardees. For more information, contact Linda Pau at 713-292-0218 or lpau@sjgs.org.

Scrapbooking
Girls learn basic scrapbooking skills and build upon their current knowledge. If you love pictures and want to learn more about making creative photo albums, then this is for you. For information on workshops or to volunteers, contact Melinda Gaskill at 713-292-0232 or mgaskill@sjgs.org.

SCUBA Diving/Marine Ecology
A new program is being developed for girls 11-17 (Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors). For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Shutterbugs (formerly Photography Workshops)
GSSJC has a special photography lab used during intensive weekend training at Camp Agnes Arnold. For more information, contact Jamie Williams at 713-292-0269 or jewilliams@sjgs.org.

Senior Girl Scout Recognition Event
This annual spring event recognizes Gold Awardees, graduating Ambassadors, 10-Year Pin recipients, and the Emerald Circle scholarship recipients. For more information, contact Linda Pau at 713-292-0218 or lpau@sjgs.org.

Service Projects
Service is the cornerstone of Girl Scouts and can be a monthly program for all troops.  Project ideas are shared on the council website and in The Golden Link Service Corner column. Troops report their projects regularly using Form-269.  To share a new project or for information, contact Melinda Gaskill at 713-292-0232 or mgaskill@sjgs.org.

SPURS
(Super People Using Riding Skills)
SPURS is a program designed for seventh through twelfth grade Girl Scouts. Five levels can be achieved by attending and assisting sessions year round at Camp Misty Meadows. For more information, contact George Ann Barrett at 713-292-0313 or gbarrett@sjgs.org.

Statewide Gold Award Ceremony
This is a prestigious annual summer event held in Austin to honor the past year’s Gold Award recipients. For more information, contact Linda Pau at 713-292-0218 or lpau@sjgs.org.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Positive, interesting projects offer experiences in math, science, and technology. Current special interest groups include astronomy and robotics.  For more information, contact Julie Deeter at 713-292-0203 or jdeeter@sjgs.org.

Swim Level Testing
Girls of all ages can sign up for swim stroke workshops offered by the Council to improve their swimming skills. For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at 713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Swimming
Girls of all ages can swim with their troop while visiting Camps Agnes Arnold, Misty Meadows, Whispering Pines, Silver Springs and Myra S. Pryor.  For more information, contact Melissa Hardy at
713-292-0376 or mhardy@sjgs.org.

Take Note Council Choir
The choir of 30+ young women is a Girl Scout Cadette through Ambassador singing group that rehearses monthly at the Program Place for Girls and learns songs in 4 part a cappella harmony.  Sponsored by Houston Horizon Chorus of Sweet Adelines International (SAI), this partnership allows girls the opportunity to perform as their guest entertainers as well as perform at a variety of Council and community events, including Dickens on the Strand in December in Galveston.  Auditions are required as a learning tool, as all girls become part of the Choir. 

To learn about the next audition or for more information, please contact Melinda Gaskill, 713-292-0232 or mgaskill@sjgs.org.

Teen Weekend
This fun-filled weekend event is planned by the Senior Senate and held in odd-numbered years. For more information, contact Rebecca Tirrell at 713-292-0353 or rtirrell@sjgs.org.

Theatre
Theatre workshops are held with various existing theatre groups for Girl Scouts of all ages. Girls have the opportunity to earn badge requirements while learning basic acting skills, theatre games, dance and musical theatre. For more information, contact Jamie Williams at 713-292-0269 or jewilliams@sjgs.org.

Troop Camping
Troop camping requires planning and training for all ages. Set a date and fill out a troop camping registration form. For more information, contact George Ann Barrett at 713-292-0313 or gbarrett@sjgs.org.

University Sports
Local universities such as Rice University or the University of Houston offer clinics for Girl Scouts of all ages. Clinics offered during the year may include basketball, soccer, volleyball, or softball. For further information, contact Megan Eason at 713-292-0283 or meason@sjgs.org.

Vintage Fashion Show
For almost 20 years, the Vintage Fashion Show has offered audiences a fun and educational comparison on the national Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. uniform designs and how they’ve kept up-to-date with the current fashion.  Volunteer models are registered girls and adult volunteers.  The 30 – minute show is available for groups and can be customized.  To volunteer to serve as a model/dresser, to donate clothing/uniforms or to book a performance, please contact Melinda Gaskill at 713-292-0232 or mgaskill@sjgs.org.

Visual Arts
Explore drawing, painting, sculpture, etching and much more in these art workshops for Girl Scout Brownies and older. Mostly Try-It, badge or IPA-centered, these workshops expose girls to the world of visual arts. For more information, contact Jamie Williams at 713-292-0269 or jewilliams@sjgs.org.

World Thinking Day
February 22, the birthday of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell, is a special day for girls of all ages to think about other Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world with love and friendship. For more information, contact Melinda Gaskill at 713-292-0232 or mgaskill@sjgs.org.

For additional information on these and other activities, contact the Program Department.