The Golden Link

September 2004 Volume 30 Issue 8

President of the Council and Chair of the Board
Cora Ann Blytas

Chief Executive Officer
Mary Vitek

Communications Coordinator
Beth Watkins

Communications Director
Suzanne Engelke

Communications Manager
Joanne Pastalaniec

Mission Statement
GSSJC: The premier organization for all girls _ building character, values, and skills for a lifetime.

Pluralism Statement
Embracing and promoting pluralism is an integral part of every activity and plan of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, not disconnected or separate projects. Only individuals willing to accept and be educated about the basic tenet that Girl Scouting is for all girls may serve in volunteer leadership or staff positions.

Circulation
The Golden Link is published 10 times a year. It has a circulation of over 44,000 for four issues and a circulation of over 15,000 for the other six issues. The Golden Link is also available on-line at www.gssjc.org. The Golden Link reaches 21 Texas counties: Angelina, Chambers, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, and Waller. 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 at the Council address or e-mail sengelke@sjgs.org.

Advertisements
Advertising rates are available by calling 713-292-0314. Advertisements are accepted in good faith that all the information is correct. Acceptance of advertising does not reflect endorsement of services or goods by the Council.

The Golden Link is published 10 times a year by Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098
713-292-0300
www.gssjc.org

by Cora Ann Blytas,
President of the Council and
Chair of the Board

Reflections on the best parts of Girl Scouting

I recently heard a homily which had the title, “Reflections, not Judgements.” The title intrigued me because instead of voicing criticisms, the theme focused on the positive aspects and you quickly got the picture of what the actual judgments were. So, with thanks to the priest for the idea, here are some of my reflections.

Whether the uniform is owned or borrowed, it delights me to see girls and adults in a complete uniform with insignia and pins correctly placed. We are a uniformed organization and this helps to set us apart from others. Wear it proudly!

At a Council meeting a group of Brownies proudly said the Promise in Spanish and English. It gave me goose bumps. Everyone should know the Promise and Law. Some of us have managed to learn several versions over the years. This is the cornerstone of Girl Scouting.

Singing is one of the great activities for girls and adults. It doesn’t matter whether it is a simple grace, a hiking song, or a rousing round, these songs will be remembered and the good times girls had while singing will become fond memories. Singing is for everyone.

If you ask a Brownie why she joined Girl Scouts she will generally say it is because she wants to go camping. Have you

ever seen girls at camp? They really do love it even if they are dirty and have mosquito bites. Our Council owns eight pieces of property that offer extensive program and experiences for girls to have fun. If you haven’t seen our camps you have missed an opportunity.

Our Law tells us to be a sister to all Girl Scouts. It warms my heart to see girls sharing, girls working together, or girls walking down a trail arm-in-arm. Real sisters!

I recently visited a troop activity where I met many parents and even grandparents. This troop was having fun and the families were participating right alongside the girls. Great photo opportunities and a good time was had by all.

I have made some of my best friends in this organization. Some of those friends are girls I had in my troop. Shouldn’t everyone have the chance to make new friends?

How can we keep the reflections as a positive experience? Volunteer to be a leader. Accept new girls in your troop. Involve parents. Have fun. Register as a proud Girl Scout for the new membership year.

Note: Thanks to Father Anastasios for the idea.