NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY (NPLD) is Saturday, September 18. Girl Scouts can plan their own event or join one that has already been developed. See www.npld.com for a list of planned events. Girls can work for just a few hours or all day. The deadline to register for this event is September 7. At registration leaders will receive a free NPLD poster, brochures, and certificates to use at a recognition ceremony. Girls may submit photographs in the NPLD Girl Scout Photo Contest. For more information, go to www.npld.com or contact Patti Pride at 202-261-6474 or e-mail pride@neetf.org.

FOR CHILDREN’S EYES: ILLUSTRATING LIFE’S LESSONS is on display from September 29 through January 15, 2005 at the Holocaust Museum Houston. Large, colorful panels from children’s books reveal the process of accepting diversity and making friends. This exhibition, geared to young children, includes daily readings from selected books. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. The Holocaust Museum Houston is located at 5401 Caroline Street in Houston. For information contact 713-942-8000 or www.hmh.org.

PUPPET FESTIVAL The Greater Houston Puppetry Guild will present the Annual Houston Puppetry Festival from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 18 at Cypress Creek Christian Community Center, 6823 Cypresswood Drive in Spring. Puppetry enthusiasts, librarians, teachers and anyone, including children from 6 years and up, are invited to register. Participants will be able to make puppets to take home. There will be puppet workshops and shows, a puppet parade, and a banquet. For prices and to register call Jean Pirtle at 281-437-0961 or see the On-The-Go section of June/July Golden Link.

NEW PATCHES for the Catholic Religious Recognition programs are available. They do not replace the official medals that are presented upon satisfactory completion of the programs but like all patches, they may be worn on jackets, hats, etc. The patches are exact replicas of the medals. Patches are $3 each. They will be available in September and orders may be placed by calling Virginia Reed at 713-468-1497 or by e-mail at vbreed@msn.com. Order by program name: The Family of God (Brownies), I Live My Faith (Juniors), The Marian Medal (Cadettes), and The Spirit Alive (Seniors).

SAILING ENTHUSIASTS will enjoy the Annual In-The-Water Boat Show scheduled for September 30 through October 3 at Watergate Marina, Clear Lake Shores,
30 minutes south of Houston, east of I-45 on Highway 518. See hundreds of sailboats and powerboats in the water and on land and visit dozens of booths featuring nautical related products and services. The event is sponsored by the Boating Trades Association of Metropolitan Houston. Call 713-526-6361 for information on the boat show.

FREE PIONEER DAY will be Saturday, November 6 at Jesse Jones Park for all Girl Scouts, friends, and families. For more details, visit www.cp4.hctx.net/jones.

WORKING ON A MUSIC BADGE? The Bay Area Bluegrass Association is sponsoring a bluegrass music festival on September 18 at the League City Civic Center. Beginning at 5 p.m., the whole family can enjoy bluegrass jam sessions, then a stage show featuring local and guest bands. Sandwiches, soft drinks, and snacks are available. Admission is free. For information call 281-332-3287.

FALL KIDS FESTIVAL will be September 18-19 on the Kemah Boardwalk. It will be two fun-filled days of activities: ice cream making, face painting, pony rides, clowns, magic shows, live music, mad scientist, kids midway caravan, street performers, and more. Call 281-334-9880 for information or visit www.kemahboardwalk.com.

TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE EXPO takes place October 2 and 3 at the Texas parks headquarters in Austin. This is the state’s largest all-outdoor recreation festival offering youth of all ages a chance to learn about and do a wide range of activities like catch a fish, shoot clay targets, scale a climbing rock, get close to wildlife, mountain bike, or check out the latest in camping and outdoor gear. The expo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free. Youth under 17 years old are eligible for the Outdoor Kids Challenge prize drawing. Youth group members may earn an Expo Patch for volunteer service. Register at the Entry Tent to get a volunteer assignment. Participants can earn an hour of service work, receive a patch, and help the Expo stay clean. For more Expo information visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/expo or call 800-792-1112 after September 1. For youth group information contact Gerald Averill at 512-389-8081 or e-mail Gerald.Averill@tpwd.state.tx.us. Leaders’ Guides for Girl Scouts will be online after September 1 as well as on-site at the Visitor Information Tent.

NEEDING CRAFT IDEAS? Check out these Web sites for hundreds of ideas of fun and easy crafts to do with troops: www.makingfriends.com, www.familyfun.com.

LAND’S END OFFERS GIRL SCOUT ADULT UNIFORMS Available uniform pieces are: short and long sleeved polos, supima tee, turtleneck, mock turtleneck, fleece crewneck, and chino pants or shorts. Call 1-877-312-1767.