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.

Troop swimming is for you!

     Camp pools are available for troop swimming in April, May, September, and October. If you are troop camping and are looking for a way to cool off this is a perfect opportunity.
     Once it has been confirmed that you will be troop camping, the registrar’s office will send you a form with the option to troop swim while you are at camp. No hassles, no finding your own lifeguard, just register, pay your $12 for your troop and you will be assigned a one hour time slot to swim.
     What better way to cool off on a hot day? If you have any questions, contact Program Manager Sarah Boyd at 713-292-0269 or sboyd@sjgs.org.

Swimming

Swim Workshops are available for girls, ages 8 and up, to test their swim level skills in order to go canoeing (Red Cross Level III), sailing (Red Cross Level IV), or other aquatic activities that may require swim level cards. This would be a good time for resident campers to get their swim level cards they need before going to camp this summer. Contact the American Red Cross for a list of swim level skills.
During the workshops, the girls will have a review of the skills they need for Red Cross levels III and IV. Once they have completed the review, they will then be tested at their swim level. Swimming ability is tested and Red Cross cards are issued at the end of the workshop based on skill, proficiency, and endurance of the participant. There is no guarantee that a girl will earn a particular swim level. She MUST pass all of the skills for that swim level.
The Safe Boating Test cards are also offered at the Swim Workshops. Girl Scouts who want to canoe or sail, must have Safe Boating Test. If you are planning to take the Safe Boating Test, please be sure to bring: a bag for wet clothes, a spare pair of long pants, shirt, and shoes that you do not mind getting wet. The instructor has the right to mark an “Incomplete” on your Safe Boating Test card, if you fail to bring the above items. Prerequisite: Girl Scout MUST be able to swim 25 yards, swim across the deep end of the pool doing the crawl with rhythmic breathing, and be able to swim on their back across the deep end of the pool. ONLY those who can complete the “test” will be permitted to participate.