August 2005 Volume 31 Issue 7  

How to get swim cards

     In order to do any small craft activity on Council property using Council’s boats, girls must have an ARC Learn to Swim certificate or equivalent as well as a GSSJC Safe Boating Test Certificate. Girls wishing to sail must have an ARC Learn to Swim Level IV certificate or equivalent plus a GSSJC Safe Boating Test certificate. Girls wishing to canoe on flat non-moving water must have an ARC Learn to Swim Level III certificate or equivalent plus a GSSJC Safe Boating Test certificate.
     Red Cross certificates can be obtained by attending the August Aquatic Weekend’s Swim Stroke Workshops, or through Swim Workshops offered each month at Kingwood Athletic Club or Dad’s Club Aquatic and Fitness Center.
     GSSJC Safe Boating Test (SBT) certificates are also required. The test may be given by any certified ARC Water Safety Instructor, ARC Lifeguard, ARC Lifeguard Training Instructor, ARC Fundamentals of Canoeing, or ARC Basic Sailing Instructor. Those giving GSSJC SBTs may obtain certificates at the Council office. Instructions for the test are on the back of the certificate. GSSJC SBT’s are given at Aquatic Weekend’s stroke workshops, or during resident camp. Hint: When obtaining swimming certificates, do the SBT also.
     If you have any questions on how to obtain a swim card or SBT, contact Sarah Boyd at 713-292-0269 or sboyd@sjgs.org.

NOTE: Mariners need service hours

Service hours are earned when giving service to the GSSJC sailing program. To obtain service hours, Mariners must perform service at an event sponsored by the GSSJC sailing program. Service hours may not be obtained on Mariner Weekends or for Mariner special events. Service hours may be used immediately towards ratings, or “banked” for future use. Check with the Mariner Coordinator for information.

Day sailing on Council big boats

Sail the day away on Galveston Bay, on one of San Jacinto Council’s Big Boats. The Council has four sloops ranging in size from 22- 27 foot and are captained by trained, experienced and certified volunteers. Troops can sail on the Lois Goody, La Haina, Snow White, or First Mate, depending on the size of your group attending.

Who: Girls with an American Red Cross Level IV swim card and the Council’s Safe Boating Test card are eligible to sail.
Where: Troops will meet at Pier 5 of the Watergate Yacht Club in Kemah, 1500 Marina Bay Drive, Clear Lake Shores
When: August 13, August 27, September 10, October 8, October 22, November 5; Sailing time is 9 a.m.- noon.
Bring: Sunblock, hat/cap, bottled water, snacks, trash bags (please take your trash with you). In addition, bring copies of swim cards and Safe Boating Test cards with you on the day of your sail.
Min/Max: 4/varies
Cost: $30 per boat
Register: Use the Program Registration Form, also send copies of swim card and Safe Boating Test card with registration.
Event Code: 10-56-10-6240
Deadline: Two weeks notice must be given for any cancellations or refunds. Refunds or alternate dates may be arranged due to inclement weather.
Contact: Sarah Boyd at 713-292-0269 or sboyd@sjgs.org.
Note: PFD’s (personal flotation devices) are supplied on the boats and girls are required to wear them. The boats generally can accommodate 6-8 girls per boat, depending on the age level. Troops should factor in the Boat Captain, First Mate, and troops leader(s) when reserving the boats.
Pages 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61