The Golden Link - November/December 2003 Volume 29 Issue 10 

Backpacking

Backpacking orientation
(Age 13 _ adult)

Girls and adults will master the basics of backpacking in this orientation. The course covers equipment needed, what to bring, how to pack, how to cook on the trail, and backpack and tent usage. Participants will learn to: gather information to prepare for the trip, pitch a tent, tie a sleeping bag to a backpack, and cook on a sterno stove. Each participant will pack their own backpack and go on a short hike, then pitch their council tent for spending the night under the stars. This course prepares girls to backpack with a Council group or with a troop. Adults must complete the Adult Backpack Training course to be certified to take girls backpacking outside of a Council-sponsored backpack group. The fee covers equipment rental (both backpack and tent), backpack manual, and nylon rope. A packing list and more information will be sent with your confirmation.

Date: February 28 - 29
Time: Saturday 9:30 a.m. - Sunday noon
Place: Camp Camwood, Hockley
Fee: $10, due two weeks prior to event
Event Code: 10-56-05-6240
Register: Use Program Registration Form
Contact: Deban Becker, 713-292-0203 or dbecker@sjgs.org

Backpacking News

Backpack equipment is available for rent at the Girl Scout Center. You must hold a current Adult Backpack Certification and you will be asked to show your Adult Backpack Training Certification card when you rent the equipment. If you do not have this certification, you may join a backpacking group on their weekend trips and they will coordinate renting the equipment. The tents rent for $2.50 per weekend and the packs are $2 per weekend and a deposit of $50 is needed to cover costs for damages, if necessary. When returning equipment, the backpacking trip evaluation form must be completed in order to receive deposit. Backpacking equipment can be rented through the Clerical Dept. at the Girl Scout Center in Houston.

Adult Backpack Training

This course is designed to qualify adults to take girls backpacking. Adults must also complete Standard Troop Camping training before taking this training. The course will explain Girl Scout procedures on taking girls on backpacking trips and include information on backpacks, tents, trails (including the best trails available in the Houston area), forms, orienteering, first aid, and equipment. Training will be held at the same time as the Backpacking Orientation for girls. A packing list and more information will be sent with your confirmation.

Date:

February 28 - 29

Time:

Saturday 9:30 a.m. _ Sunday noon
Place: Camp Camwood, Hockley
Fee: $10, due two weeks prior to training
Event Code: 10-56-05-6245
Register: Use Program Registration Form

Backpacking Groups

The backpacking groups in GSSJC have organized weekend trips scheduled on a monthly basis from October to April and sometimes a summer trip. These 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 people who share the same interests and love for the outdoors. Don't have all the necessary backpack equipment for group weekend trips? No worries. Arrangements can be made to rent equipment at the Girl Scout Center through a backpacking group coordinator. For information on backpacking with a backpacking group, please look in The Golden Link or Web site in October for a list of backpacking group coordinators or attend one of the two backpacking orientations listed this fall. Backpacking groups welcome all novice and experienced backpackers. Don't worry if you might be the only girl in your troop/group or a Juliette who might be interested in backpacking. You won't be the only one! Sign up for an orientation and join the fun!


Mostly Outdoor Little Events (MOLE)

If your troop is going to be camping and you're looking for great, fun activities to do around camp, then MOLE is the answer! Mostly Outdoor Little Events will be coming to a camp near you. The sessions will last for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and activities can range from wagon rides, lashing, etc. Fees for this program are $10 per troop.
Dates for upcoming MOLE events are:
Nov. 8   Camp Misty Meadows   Outdoor Cooking
Dec. 6   Camp Agnes Arnold   Fire Building
Jan. 10   Camp Casa Mare   Knots
Feb. 7   Camp Robinwood   Astronomy
Mar. 6  

Misty Meadows

  Lashing

Apr 3

  Camp Agnes Arnold  

Pond Study

May 8  

Camp Silver Springs

  Orienteering

Troops who have registered for troop camping are eligible to sign up for scheduled events. If you are interested in participating in a particular session, send in a Program Registration Form indicating the date you want. Be sure that the session you want is on a weekend when your troop will be troop camping at that camp.

For more information contact Deban Becker at 713-292-0203 or dbecker@sjgs.org.

Program tidbits
Career & Technology Fair


Who: Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts
When: Saturday, February 14, 2004
Where: University of Houston Central Campus, Houston

Look for details on Council Information Network (CIN) at www.gssjc.org in November.

2004 Engineering, Science & Technology Day-February

Who: Brownie-Senior Girl Scouts
Cost: $5/girl, Safety-Wise adult ratio free

Information will be on CIN in January.

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