Archery

Bull’s-eye

     Individual and troop archery instruction is offered at Camps Casa Mare, Misty Meadows, Silver Springs, Robinwood, Agnes Arnold, and Whispering Pines. Instruction is based upon individual skill level and prior experience. Brownies through Seniors can participate. If you have tried archery and liked it, this is the way to strengthen and improve your skills. All instruction takes place on the archery range so dress for the outdoors. No prerequisites are necessary. Troops that are camping or willing to take a day trip should consider taking part in this exciting activity.
     The Bull’s-eye program continues to grow and the activity includes a program patch or rocker for each girl who participates. If it is your first time to participate in a Bull’s-eye session then you will receive a patch. If you have already participated in the Bull’s-eye program before, you will receive a rocker to begin to build your own Bull’s-eye. Once your troop has participated in the event, please contact Program Manager Nicole McInnes at nmcinnes@sjgs.org or 713-292-0353 for your patches to be mailed.
     Troops should be at the archery range at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. Arriving late will result in less time to participate.

Archery Instructor School

     The Council is offering you an opportunity to become a certified Level 1 National Archery Instructor. In addition to teaching other girls throughout the Council, you can also schedule the archery range for your troop and service unit events. Bring food for lunch, drinks, pencil, and paper. All hours must be taken to receive credit for the course.

Backpacking

General Backpacking Information

     Love the outdoors? Want to spend more time outside? Join Backpacking! Girl Scouts have monthly weekend trips from October to April in Eastern and Central Texas. With experience, backpackers have opportunities to go on summer trips to exciting places like the Colorado and New Mexico Rockies and the Ozarks. Backpacking groups are a great way for new backpackers to gain skills by learning from experienced backpackers, and it’s an excellent way for both experienced and novice backpackers to meet people who share the same interests and love for the outdoors. Don’t worry if you might be the only girl in your troop 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! And don’t worry if you don’t have all the gear. Arrangements can be made to rent equipment at the Girl Scout Center through a backpacking group coordinator. To join in the fun, or for more backpacking information contact at Nicole McInnes at 713-292-0353 or nmcinnes@sjgs.org.

GSSJC Backpacking program upcoming events
* Backpacking Orientations – September 24-25, October 22-23
* Goonies (Novice Backpackers Trip) – October 15-16
* Backpacking Rendezvous 2006 – April 1-2
*l Monthly Backpacking Trips starting in October

A Backpackers Story, Part 1

     Mary Sue was sitting in the back seat of her mother’s car. She was looking forward to this weekend for a month; she was going to learn how to backpack. Alex, a girl in her troop, had taken the orientation last time and told her how much fun she had. Alex told her all about the Goonies trip and more. Mary Sue had been camping before but never backpacking and couldn’t wait any longer. This is her story.
     I got to Camp Camwood and saw a lot of other girls around. I was a little scared about not being here with my troop. I headed towards the crowd to check-in. When I got to the table, I gave one of the adults my name; they handed me a bag with a folder and some rope in it. She told me to head over to Dave who would fit me for a pack. They had packs and tents stacked up in the back of a silver truck. I stood there waiting for my turn and when it came, Dave held a pack up against my back. Then I tried it on, and after they made a few adjustments, it fit pretty good. It was red and really small. I was getting nervous because there is no way I would be able to fit everything from my duffle bag in that little backpack!! I was told that we would all learn how to pack things in the pack, and what we really needed to take backpacking. I got a tent and I will get a tent buddy later after everyone gets here. I had my bag of stuff, my tent, and pack so I said goodbye to my mom and asked her to be back here around noon tomorrow. There were still people checking in so I went over to someone teaching knots. I sat down and starting playing with my rope. Kris taught us how to tie a clove hitch, sheep shank, and bowline. After awhile the adults introduced me to Deb, she is a Juliette and also here by herself. We talked for a bit, and then more girls joined our conversation. Many of us were here by ourselves. I made a lot of new friends in those few minutes. Then a whistle blew and it was time to start the sessions.
My first session was…. — More Next Issue!!