GSCTX Blog

Out & About - February

2012-02-08T17:10:00.001-06:00

Girl Scouts Go Green: The national Girl Scout Forever Green initiative encourages girls to go green and discover ways to improve their environment. Local Pflugerville Girl Scouts answered that call earlier this month with GSCTX Etta Moore. 100 Girl Scouts came together to plant 100 trees in 100 seconds. For ideas and more information on the Forever Green initiative, click here.

It's Summer Camp Time!

2012-02-08T16:24:00.003-06:00

It’s never too early to start planning your summer! GSCTX offers fun day and resident camp sessions perfect for every girl. Discover your crafty, sporty or techie side while gaining great friendships! The time is now to sign up for Girl Scout camp.

Before you sign up, here are some quick tips and info to help get you started. This year, resident camps will be held at Texlake, Kachina and Wood Lake! Camp will run from Sunday through Saturday. More programs = more fun! All water sports including sailing and water skiing will be offered exclusively at Kachina this summer due to low lake levels at Lake Travis. For the first time ever, Wood Lake will offer a rock climbing camp to Cadette through Ambassador level Girl Scouts!

In addition to day camp being offered at Zilker, we will also host day activities at Camp Wood Lake this summer. This program will offer transportation from the Brownwood Program Center to Wood Lake for your convenience.

Have some free time this summer? Join us and your daughter at camp! We need Program Aides and Counselors-in-Training. Zilker is also looking for adult volunteers. Volunteer one week and your daughter get a free week at camp. All three resident camps are looking for RN’s or higher to work in the Health Center. If you work one week with us, we will also give your daughter a free week at camp plus a stipend. Inquire today with Camps Coordinator Caroline Key.

-Caroline Key

P.S. In honor of our 100^th year, Cabela’s is offering special camp discounts to all Girl Scouts. Check out their deals!

Year of the Girl Campaign Launches Today!

2012-01-31T15:36:00.001-06:00

January 31st marks the launch of the Girl Scouts centennial celebration. 2012 begins the Year of the Girl campaign coupled with a larger cause campaign, ToGetHerThere.org focused on balanced leadership in one generation.

This morning, Katie Couric interviewed our National CEO, Anna Maria Chavez, and spoke with GMA host Robin Roberts about Girl Scouts. Check out the full interview here.

Out & About - January

2012-01-12T17:24:00.001-06:00

Creative Christmas: Troop 482 paid a visit to their local assisted living home in Cedar Park this past holiday season. The Cadette troop made and decorated festive pins for the residents to wear. During their stay, the girls sang a variety of holiday music and spoke about the upcoming 100^th Anniversary. A few of the girls had the honor of conversing with a 95-year-old resident who started with Girl Scouts in the beginning. Thank you Troop 482 for giving back this holiday season! Did you or your troop give back during the holidays? Share with us onFacebook!

Toys for Tots: More than 100 San Marcos Girl Scouts showed up last month to participate in a local toy drive. The drive was hosted by Marine’s Toys for Tots and the foundation collected truckloads of toys. Since 1991, the foundation has collected 81.3 million toys and made lots of less fortunate kids have a happy holiday. Great job girls for helping collect toys!

Out & About - December

2011-12-06T15:25:00.001-06:00

Robotics Win: Both the GSCTX Belton/Temple and Kyle/Buda robotics teams competed in the Central Texas FLL Qualifying Rounds this past month and walked away winners! ‘G3’ (Kyle/Buda) won an award for their research presentation and ‘The Globotics’ (Belton/Temple) won 1^st place for robot design. Both teams received a ‘Golden Ticket’ invitation to the championship rounds in January. Awesome job, ladies!

Veteran Day Parade: Girl Scouts of San Marcos participated in the local Veteran’s Day Parade this past month. The girls’ float was sponsored by ‘Green Guy Recycling’ and was made entirely of recycled materials. The purpose of the float was to remind friends and family they can improve the environment and protect natural resources by ‘Reducing, Reusing and Recycling.’ To learn more about go green initiatives, visit the Girl Scout Forever Green website.

Girl Scouts of Central Texas Attend National Convention

2011-12-06T12:19:00.001-06:00

Nearly 50 Central Texas Girl Scout staff, delegates and supporters attended the Girl Scouts National Council Session 52^nd Convention in Houston, TX from Nov. 10-13. The three-day convention offered several activities including the organization’s centennial celebration on Saturday, hundreds of seminars and the organization’s business meeting where GSUSA welcomed its new Chief Executive Officer, Anna Maria Chavez.

The event also featured appearances by such role models as award-winning journalist Katie Couric, newscaster Robin Roberts of Good Morning America, gospel singer Yolanda Adams and first African-American female combat pilot Vernice Armour.

“Our council was inspired by all the amazing women, girls and speakers that attended the National Convention,” says Etta Moore, Girl Scouts of Central Texas Chief Executive Officer. “As we prepare to celebrate our 100^th anniversary in 2012, Girl Scouts of Central Texas will continue develop girl leaders for this country and for this world.”

For the past century, Girl Scouts have been an iconic American organization, committed to service and leadership.

To learn more about the past, present and future of Girl Scouts and for a complete list of local 100^th anniversary events, please visit www.gsctx.org. Connect with Girl Scouts of Central Texas on Facebook and Twitter.

-Kandace Fierro

Last Chance to Vote Etta for Mother Ginger!

2011-11-29T11:09:00.001-06:00

We've said it before and we'll say it again - vote GSCTX CEO Etta Moore for the role of Mother Ginger in Ballet Austin's production of The Nutcracker! Voting ends tomorrow so spread the word to all of your friends via word of mouth and online. Having Etta star as Mother Ginger for the December 22 performance would be a great way to kick off the 100th year of Girl Scouts! Be sure to vote today and tomorrow.

Vote for Your Favorite Austinite

Vote ONCE A DAY, EVERY DAY through Nov 30 for your favorite community leader - the person with the most votes wins! The winner will be announced by email Dec 1.

The Community Leader Mother Ginger Contest

Ballet Austin's Mother Ginger Contest recognizes and celebrates an unsung hero of the community who is generous, respected, influential and adored in the community: a way to help honor a dedicated, giving Austinite for community service that goes above and beyond. Through an online nomination and selection process, we've narrowed the list to several finalists. Now it's YOUR turn to decide who is crowned Mother Ginger for the Dec 22 performance.
Prizes

•Starring role as Mother Ginger for the Dec 22, 7:30pm performance of The Nutcracker

•VIP treatment with their own 'celebrity' dressing room

•Box seats for friends and family to witness their debut

•Discounts for other guests to see the Dec 22 performance

•Ballet Austin Gift Basket filled with surprises

•Photo and video of the winner's performance

#GirlScouts100 - Let the Celebration Begin!

2011-11-16T16:29:00.001-06:00

Central Texas Girl Scouts discuss the 52nd National Convention with Kandace Fierro, Public Relations Specialist for GSCTX. For more photos and full coverage of the convention, search #GirlScouts100 on Twitter!

Honor Local Women with Nomination

2011-11-16T15:45:00.001-06:00

Give thanks this holiday season to extraordinary women in your community! GSCTX is now accepting nominations for Women of Distinction events in Austin, San Angelo, Brownwood and Killeen.

The coveted award honors women who have distinguished themselves as outstanding members of their community and who can serve as role models to all Girl Scouts, girls and adults alike.

"Women of Distinction events allow Girl Scouts to formally recognize women who illustrate the values of Girl Scouting: courage, confidence and character," says Etta Moore, CEO for the Girl Scouts of Central Texas. "Their accomplishments motivate volunteers to remain committed to our girls' futures and inspire girls to set and achieve ambitious goals. Together this is how we build strong communities."

Central Texans are strongly encouraged to nominate women leaders from their community as Women of Distinction. Past honorees have excelled in the areas of business, education, government, communications, health care, sports, volunteer services, multicultural activities and Girl Scouting.

Nomination forms can be completed online at www.gsctx.org. Forms are also available for download online and at our Girl Scouts of Central Texas offices. The nomination deadline for San Angelo and Brownwood is December 31, 2011. The nominate deadline for Austin and Killeen is January 11, 2012.

-Kandace Fierro

View photos from last year's events on our Flickr account!

Out and About - November

2011-11-09T16:26:00.001-06:00

Take A Seat: Troop 4808 from Forest Trails Service Unit placed second in their division for their entry at the Round Rock Chalk Walk and Arts Festival last month. The contest encouraged eager participants to use their creative vision and decorate a chair. The uniquely decorated chairs were judged and then auctioned off with proceeds going to the Round Rock Area Art Council’s community programs. Great job, girls!

Sister Girl Scouts: Our friends from the San Jacinto Girl Scout council didn’t hesitate when they heard of the devastation the wildfires left on many in the Bastrop area. Troop 18998 collected and donated items including camping gear to the local troops. The girls also made t-shirts for girls affected by the fires to wear with slogans like ‘A Sister to Every Girl Scout’ and ‘I Love Girl Scouts’ on them. Thank you ladies! Your help means a lot.

Interview with Oldest Living Central Texas Girl Scout

2011-11-09T14:35:00.001-06:00

With the 100th Anniversary approaching, GSCTX set out to find Girl Scouts with more than 50 years of service to the organization. During our search, we found the oldest living Girl Scout in Temple, Texas. Mary Alice Marshall will turn 103 this December and while her interests have turned to other things like serving on the Texas Symphony Board, Mary Alice will always consider herself a Girl Scout.

Mary Alice was born and raised in East Texas. She started piano lessons at age five and from there, “music became [her] life.” After graduating with a degree in music, she joined Temple College as a music teacher. Her passion for music stayed with her throughout her career and when she decided to retire from teaching, she knew still wanted to incorporate it into her new endeavors.

When her daughter joined Girl Scouts in the 1970’s, so did Mary Alice. She served as a Song Leader at camps and volunteered with her daughter’s troop. Shortly after joining the girl leadership organization, Mary Alice was elected president of the Hillsboro Council. Along with a friend, Mary Alice heard of open land in the area and decided to go through the application process with the government to secure use of the land. Upon approval, the council named it Camp Kachina and it still serves local Girl Scouts to this day. Mary Alice “is very pleased to know [she] played a part in getting the camp” and it was one of the things she is more proud of doing during her time as president.

Mary Alice sees the strong leader her daughter has become and her success is due in part to what she learned as a Girl Scout. Of Girl Scouting, Mary Alice says that it “is a strong program to this day and programs for youth are now more important that ever.” It was an honor to meet with Mary Alice and hear all her stories – both Girl Scout and beyond. Take note from Mary Alice and join us in the year 100! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Visit GSCTX on YouTube.

Grown-up Girl Scout Camp!

2011-11-08T10:58:00.001-06:00

Girl Scouts has always held a special place in my heart. I was a Girl Scout from kindergarten through my senior year of high school. My older sister currently helps run a troop which my niece belongs to and I couldn’t be more proud. For all these reasons and more, I listened up when my sister told me to enter one of the GSCTX Twitter contests. I entered the contest and with random luck, I won two tickets toS’more Soiree! I, of course, planned to take my sister and together we planned our weekend as we impatiently waited for the days to go by.

I hadn’t been to the location of the event, Camp Texlake, since my last year of high school. Driving there, I remembered the countless visits with my troop, the old Starcke Lodge, my favorite view and all of the fun I experienced when I went there.

Once my sister and I checked in, we went out to do some walking. It was so cool to be there with my sister! We were never in Girl Scouts at the same time, but I love that she and my niece can experience the same fun and great things about Girl Scouts that I did growing up. We walked by the ‘singing trees’ and I visited the old Starcke Lodge. Lots of great memories there!

As the day’s activities began, I ran into my old troop leader Sue. She was one of the two women who led my troop for all those years. We have many memories together and seeing her there really made my weekend. Aside from all the fun I had in Girl Scouts, I learned a lot and I credit my time there in helping me become the woman I am today. I feel this is an organization all girls should experience.

S’more Soiree was everything I could have imagined and more! My sister and I did horseback riding together and afterwards, I had a spa treatment. At the end of the day, I went on a hayride. I particularly like being able to go by places around the camp I’d been to as a kid, being able to see some new things and also see how Camp Texlake has changed over the years. If you ever go, make sure camp staff, Princess, does your tour! She truly embodies the great spirit of Girl Scouts and has great stories!

As the day came to an end, my sister and I headed back to the lodge for dinner and a concert with Sarah Hickman. The food was great, the S’more martinis were better, and Sarah Hickman was so much fun! It was so cool to see women of all ages gather to enjoy the evening and come together in the spirit of Girl Scouts. I would definitely go back to S’more Soiree. I will always consider Girl Scouts as some of the best times of my life.

-Kristy Hilbig

For more photos of S'more Soiree, check out our Flickr account!

Project Recruitment

2011-10-25T12:14:00.002-06:00

Girl Scout Cadette Raedell P. recently completed her Silver Award for her project, 'Recruitment.' The purpose of the project was to ensure that Girl Scouting was available to every girl in her area who was interested in joining the organization. Raedell organized and held recruitment events that consisted of introducing the foundations of Girl Scouting, earning badges, connecting with other Girl Scouts and more. Raedell served as a resource at these events and helped the girls and their parents with the process. More than 40 girls attended and they are all currently being placed in troops. Great job, Raedell! For more on her story, read the Cedar Park Citizen.

Mission Accomplished!

2011-10-12T10:08:00.003-06:00

Troops around Central Texas expressed interest in participating in the Girl Scout Firehouse Challenge this past month after hearing about Oak Hill Service Unit's desire to revive the challenge. Several of you were inspired by their story and decided to show appreciation to your local firefighters by providing delicious meals. Girls also collected donations for those affected by the wildfires. Here are a few submissions we recieved from troops. GSCTX could not be more proud of these awesome ladies. If you did anything in September to support this cause, we would love to hear about it! Submit your stories to us.

Troop 234 paid a visit to their local fire station to personally thank them for their service and pay tribute to the first responders of 9/11.

Troop 311, 396, 1332, 1456, 1504 from Westlake raised more than $4,000 for those affected by the wildfires. All donations were sent to the American Red Cross to aid in the relief efforts.

Troop 788, 833 and 1546 honored Austin firefighters by providing a special meal to them. The girls were even invited to share the great food with them.

Troop 1021 went to the Georgetown fire station on 9/11 to show support and thanks to the firefighters.

Troop 2253 collected hundreds of stuffed animals and books for Bastrop wildfire victims.

Girl's Guide Launch!

2011-10-11T12:36:00.000-06:00

More than 400 people joined us on October 1 for the official Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting launch party in Austin and over 2,000 guides were distributed bringing the overall total of guides sold to 3,000. This event was the first time many of you had the opportunity to take a look inside the guides and see what they were all about. We thank you for your participation and the positive feedback we have received on the guides. Several of you voiced that you were excited to incorporate the guide into the new program year and we are just as excited to hear your stories and help you through the process.

Due to the positive response, most guides are currently sold out nationwide at this time. The point in time that you ordered your guide will determine when your order is filled. Guides are arriving in multiple shipments to our local shops and staff will contact you when your order is available for pick up. The shop is still accepting order forms for guides, which can be found here. All orders are expected to arrive by mid-December.

Thank you again for your excitement in the new Girl Scout year. We can't wait to see and hear about all the exciting trips, events and activities that you are planning for your troops.

Horseback Riding Lessons Now Offered at Camp Texlake!

2011-09-30T10:26:00.004-06:00

Beginning in October, GSCTX Camp Texlake will offer horseback riding lessons on the camp grounds to children 5 and up as well as adults. Lessons range from beginner to intermediate and will be conducted by a certified instructor with several years experience. Interested parties can schedule private, semi-private (3-5) or small group riding lessons.

For those who love horses and seek more than just riding lessons, you can now also adopt a horse. For a small fee, horse lovers can select a horse to adopt and in turn receive visitation days where they can groom, bathe, learn basic ground work and more about how to care for horses in general. If you choose to participate in the program, you can receive riding lessons for a reduced price. Up to two adopters can adopt a horse together. Children 5 and up must be accompanied by an adult at all times when with the horses.

For more information on scheduling riding lessons or adopting a horse of your own, contact Equestrian Program Specalist, Tyler Peterson by phone (512-264-1044) or email.

Texas Girl Scouts Share Experience and Skills with Senior Citizens

2011-09-27T10:32:00.003-06:00

San Angelo Girl Scouts were recently featured on the national Girl Scout Blog for their work with senior citizens. Check out their story below.

In Texas, the San Angelo Standard-Times reports on the mutually beneficial relationship senior citizens can share with youth through storytelling and skill sharing. Area Girl Scouts recognized this decades ago, and created programming around girls visiting senior living facilities.

"They make a connection in their community across generations, which makes a difference in the person's life," said Stacy McGuire, member services-regional lead of San Angelo Girl Scouts' El Camino Service Center.

Different programs have been in place throughout the past few decades. McGuire said that currently, Girl Scouts can earn a "Community Caring" patch, which centers on a positive nursing home experience for the girls. Girls are encouraged to visit nursing homes, retirement homes, and senior centers, and participate in activities such as singing, games or crafts.

"I like to see their faces," said Charlotta Robinson, 15, a Cadette Girl Scout in Troop 5115. "They tell us they're having fun when people come to visit."

Robinson said that she's visited retirement homes four or five times over the past three years, both with Girl Scouts and her church youth group. She said the visits have taught her how important it is for seniors to have family nearby.
"Some of the people there don't have family, and they miss seeing them," she said.

Do Girl Scouts in your area interact with the Senior community?

Firehouse Challenge

2011-09-07T16:41:00.000-06:00

Starting next week, Oak Hill Service Unit will show thanks to a few hundred hardworking firefighters by providing dinners to their local firehouses. Their goal is to eventually feed every firefighter in the Austin, Round Rock and Georgetown area and it sounds to us like they are the right Girl Scouts for the job!

The challenge was born back in 2002 when a few Oak Hill Girl Scouts and leaders decided to honor the memory and service of the 9/11 first responders by cooking some meals for two firehouses near them. Next Monday, they plan to do it all again but this time, on a much larger scale.

“Connecting in service and tradition – these are the things that Girl Scouts have sought since the earliest days,” said Oak Hill Troop Leader Kimbol Soques. “Firehouse Challenge is a terrific way to honor the people who put themselves in harm’s way on our behalf and to weave our girls into our nation’s history.”

Oak Hill encourages and invites other service units to join in on the challenge. They are welcome to help with the efforts already in place or start a firehouse challenge of their own. If you are getting involved in any way, please share your story with us. We would love to feature these stories for the month of September!

To all of our fellow Girl Scouts,

2011-09-07T09:23:00.000-06:00

We continue to reach out to volunteers and Girl Scout families affected by the recent fires in our council area. Because the needs are immediate, we are asking that donations listed on be dropped off at the Kodosky Program Center in Austin. These needs include but aren’t limited to bottled water, Gatorade, protein bars, diapers, baby wipes, and pet food. Please consult the KVUE website for a complete list. We ask that our volunteers continue to consult our website, Facebook and Twitter for regular updates. We intend to ask Service Unit Directors for information on Girl Scout families affected by the fires and will respond appropriately based on their individual needs.

Please continue to keep displaced families in your thoughts and prayers.

Etta Moore
CEO, GSCTX

Annual canoe race event to promote water education

2011-09-06T12:58:00.000-06:00

Girl Scouts of Central Texas will partner with local organizations to teach the basics of water conservation at the 21st annual Race on the River, a Concho River canoe race, on September 17.

Several hands-on activities provided by Upper Colorado River Authority, City of San Angelo and Girl Scouts of Central Texas will guide attendees toward a greater awareness of water and ways that they can help conserve. Event sponsors, H-E-B, San Angelo Standard-Times, KIXY and Atmos, will host a special program that explains how attendees can be proactive in their home, school or business. All events will be held at or near the Girl Scout El Camino Program Center, 304 W. Avenue A.

“We are trying to be proactive this year given our current water situation here in the Concho Valley. In partnership with these local companies, we can make a significant impact while doing something fun,” says James Pidgeon, Girl Scouts of Central Texas Development Executive. “This is what being a Girl Scout is about. Everybody wins when you do something very simple and easy to save water.”

The event is free to the general public. Girls and boys in grades 6 – 12th can participate in a canoe race. A balsa wood boat race is available for those in K-12th grades; the school with the most spirited balsa wood boat will be rewarded with a Girl Scout cookie party. Race on the River participants are also encouraged to take an Online Pledge stating their commitment to conserve water.

Fun leadership experiences, like the Race on the River, are the essence of Girl Scouting. Through girl-driven programs, individual learning opportunities and community connections, Girl Scouts develop leadership skills that will help them throughout life.

For more information about the race or to support Girl Scouts of Central Texas, contact James Pidgeon at JamesP@gsctx.org or (325) 655-8961.

-Kandace Fierro

Meet Your PC Series: Fabi & Robin

2011-08-18T10:22:00.001-06:00

Fabi Payton runs the show in Bryan/College Station! She happily and enthusiastically serves Brazos, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, Milam, Burleson counties. Contact Fabi for all your membership needs in Area 3.

Q: What are you interests?

A: I love to try new things, listen to my music really loudly (so I can’t hear myself being off tune) while driving down country roads, and laugh a lot.

Q: What is your favorite part about the job?
A: My favorite part about my job is all of it! BUT the girls are the icing on my Girl Scout cupcake…the quirkier the better. They make me laugh and I love to laugh.

Q: Why did you decide to join the Girl Scout staff?
A: I joined the Girl Scout staff to join a group of people that believed that ALL girls are exceptional and that together they can make this world and exceptional place. I LOVE Area 3!!!! Whoop!

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Meet Brownwood membership specialist, Robin Wheeler! Robin is in charge of Brown, Coleman, McColloch, Comanche, Erath, Hamilton, Mills, Mason and San Saba counties. Live in these areas and have Girl Scout questions or comments? Robin can help!

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I really enjoy the time I have to read and relax.

Q: What is your favorite part about the job?

A: My favorite parts about my job are interacting with the girls and seeing how the program changes their lives. I love knowing I have something to do with that.

Q: Why did you decide to join the Girl Scout staff?

A: I am a Lifetime Member, and I know how Girl Scouts affected my life and I wanted to have the opportunity to make that change in other girls’ lives.

Meet Your PC Series: Darlene & Michelle

2011-08-12T10:25:00.001-06:00

Darlene Rodriguez is the membership specialist for the Killeen/Temple area and serves Bell, Lampasas, Burnet, Llano, Coryell, Hill, Fort Hood, Blanco and Gatesville counties. Contact her if you are from this area!

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I enjoy art, travel and gardening. Quality time with my family is a must.

Q: What is your favorite part about the job?

A: I love meeting new people in my community. It gives me the opportunity to share and learn new things.

Q: Why did you decide to join the Girl Scout staff?

A: Soon after I started working for Girl Scouts, I discovered the friendships and unity that Girl Scouts creates in women and girls. That’s why I work for Girl Scouts.

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Michelle Rhodes works in our Waco office and is responsible for Bosque, Limestone, McLennan and Falls counties. If you live in this area, feel free to reach her for all membership-related comments.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I like to spend time with my kids and husband, shop, travel and get on Facebook.

Q: What is your favorite part about the job?

A: I love to place girls that seem to need Girl Scouting the most.

Q: Why did you decide to join the Girl Scout staff?
A: I loved spending quality time with both of my daughters as they grew up in Girl Scouts. I loved it so much I wanted to be a part of the recruiting experience.

Meet Your PC Series: Karen

2011-08-10T11:21:00.003-06:00

Three cheers for Pathway Coordinator Karen Stewart! Karen is a true Girl Scout at heart. For three years now, Karen has worked at the GSCTX office in Austin and was a volunteer for many years before her time as an employee. She serves Williamson and Travis counties.

Q: What are your interests?

A: Camping, water-sports, spending time with my daughter, and making jewelry.

Q: What is your favorite part about the job?

A: Working with the girls in water-sports and water safety. I have been teaching water safety for more than 30 years.

Q: Why did you decide to join the Girl Scout staff?
A: I was an active volunteer and Service Unit Director. After retiring as a city employee, I decided to follow my passion and work for Girl Scouts. It just seemed it be the right fit for me!

Troop 891 Travels to St. Louis!

2011-08-09T10:46:00.002-06:00

Troop 891 recently hit the road to St. Louis, MO to take in the sights and sounds as well as to educate themselves on the world around them. The girls recently took an interest in wind and weather while working on the It’s Your Planet – Love it! Breathe Journey and decided to visit Joplin, MO along the way to witness the devastation the tornados left on the community. Moved by what they saw, the girls have decided to make a video on tornado awareness for their Take Action project. On the way back home, they also visited a Texas rest stop equipped with a storm shelter and educational displays on Texas tornados.

During the trip, the troop visited a variety of places. They started with the Louis and Clark History Museum and took a segway tour along the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers to view the spot Lois and Clark began their famous expedition. The girls also encountered some scary weather but it cleared up in time for them to enjoy the Gateway Arch and take a few photos as well.

In their last few days in St. Louis, the Girl Scouts headed over to the Third Degree Glass Factory to watch demonstrations of glass blowing and even took a class on working with hot glass! After the lesson on glass art and a safety lesson too, everyone had a chance to work with molten glass in and out of the furnace. They spent their last day at the City Museum. The museum was made entirely of recycled materials and had a tunnel system the girls could climb in and around. They finished off their day by making custom troop shoelaces and rode a Ferris wheel on the roof top!

Sounds like a fun and educational trip, girls! We can’t wait to view your video.

Meet Your PC Series: Leti & Kim

2011-08-05T11:05:00.002-06:00

Say hello to Leti Alvarez and Kim Peña! They both work as Pathway Coordinators in the Austin office and serve Travis, Hays, Gillespie, Caldwell and Bastrop counties. Contact them for more information on service units in these areas. Leti habla español.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I love yoga! I teach it to young girls and adults. It keeps me balanced and fit. I’m also an avid traveler. I speak four languages, and I lived in Madagascar for three years. I will return there this summer to hike the rainforest and take toothbrushes to the children.

Q: What is your favorite part about the job?

A: I love to spend time with the girls, facilitate new troops, and create new and exciting programs such as the Water Series camp.

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Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I’m all about Girl Scouting, but during my time off, I enjoy hosting craft parties, baking, and spending time with my husband and two dogs, Nibbler and Acho.

Q: What is your favorite part about the job?

A: Working with volunteers. I love seeing adults interact with the girls. It truly is an amazing and gratifying experience.

Q: Why did you decide to join the Girl Scout staff?

A: I wanted a job where I could give back and make a difference. Empowering young girls is rewarding.