“THE BRIDGE”

THE WALNUT CREEK SERVICE UNIT NEWSLETTER

JUNE, 2004

FROM YOUR SUD

I hope that everyone is getting a bit settled since school is out.  I just want to let you know, that a lot of us will be attending the Service Team Conference on June 26^th at Manor High School.  At this conference, we will be learning new ways to do things, getting dates for the upcoming year’s events from Council, and receiving trainings in our different job arenas.  This is over at 5pm and we want to invite any of you – parent, adult troop leader, or even girls, to join us at Ninfa’s Restaurant, Hwy 183 and IH35, next door to Frost Bank, at around 5:15 or 5:30pm that Saturday, to share your insights and ideas for this upcoming year’s calendar of events.  We always are open to your suggestions to improve our program at Walnut Creek, and to ensure that we are delivering the best program that suits the needs of the girls in our community.  We will come away from this meeting, with a Calendar of Events for the 2004-2005 year and will be sharing that, via email, with everyone.  You are invited to be a part of making the choices that we will offer to our girls.  This is not just for leaders!  We are all a part of something bigger, and our teamwork shows that we are doing something incredibly right here at Walnut Creek! Come and listen in to see how things are planned, or voice your opinion.  You are important to all of us and all of the girls we serve.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call me (Penny) or email me:  452-5176, pennypetrich@hotmail.com

If you are in another SU and have received this email, you are also welcome to come share and attend any of the events that we plan next year.

Have a very blessed summer! Pen 

Mercedes-Benz USA Launches Scholarship Program –

Deadline: June 11, 2004

Mercedes-Benz USA has launched a national scholarship program to provide educational assistance to students who will be the first in their families to attend college.

The program, Drive Your Future: The Mercedes-Benz USA Scholarship Program, will make $500,000 in funding available to students through support from MBUSA and the fundraising activities of its dealers.

Graduating high school seniors who will be the first in their families to attend college or vocational school are invited to apply for one-time, $2,000 scholarships. Three students in each state will receive scholarships in addition to students from various youth organizations.

More than 250 scholarships will be awarded in 2004.

Scholarship applicants will be evaluated based on academic achievement (a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher),

financial need, demonstrated leadership, and participation in school and community activities. Honors, work experience, goals and aspirations, and unusual personal or family circumstances will also be considered.

Detailed program information and application forms are available from the Mercedes-Benz USA Web site.

RFP Link: http://www.mbusa.com/drivefuture

NCAA 2004 Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships
Saturday, June 12
 
Girls and boys ages 10-18 are invited to attend a FREE NCAA sponsored YES (Youth Education Through Sports) Clinic on Saturday, June 12th, 2004, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The morning will include instruction in track and field events, life skills, and a parents' session addressing topics important to student-athletes and their families.
Visit
http://www.texassports.com/mainpages/tk_pages/2003_04/ncaa/clinic.html
for an application or more information.
 
Cool opportunity...

Who: Girls who are ready for an adventure in nature!

Ages: 11-13

Where: Beautiful Central Texas

When: June 13 to 18

Fee: $395  (remember -  cookie credits can be used towards this!)
How often have you wished that you were out exploring instead of staying home over the summer vacation?  Come join the McKinney Roughs adventure team, as we explore the natural wonders of Texas, learn new skills, make new friends, and create memories.  This incredible six day journey begins at McKinney Roughs then treks through numerous state parks and natural areas, wrapping up the week with an exhilarating canoe trip on the San Marcos River.

Activities include:

- Rappelling

- Rock climbing

- Hiking

- Learn the basics of conservation and natural studies

- Learn the basics of geology

- Canoeing




For more Information please call:      

McKinney Roughs Nature Park

1884 Highway 71 West

Cedar Creek, Texas 78612

1-512-303-5073, ext 8002                        

1-800-776-5272, ext 8002                 

The Edge Day Camps (computers)

Volunteers needed for Edge Day camps

Session I- Needs 2 Adults and 2-3 Teen Aids

CyberExporer- This camp will use computers, Intel microscopes, robotics, and science to explore the world around us. We have two presenters coming. One will teach robotics and the other will demo ham radios.

Date: June 7-11   8 am-3 pm.  3-5 is extended care. I will need at least one other safety wise adult and one teen (16-17) so stay for that.

Session II-Needs 1 Adult and 1-2 Teen Aids

Art Series- We will be quilting, making T-shirts, creating art with a computer, as well as graphic design. Digital camera will be used as well as the computers. This is a fun camp for those who love computers and arts and crafts.

Date: June 14-18   8 am-3 pm.  3-5 is extended care. I will need at least one other safety wise adult and one teen (16-17) so stay for that.

Session III & IV Need 2 Adults and 2-3 Teen Aids

Dell Grant Day Camps- These girls are part of the Dell Community Connected Grant. The goal of these camps is to give them a chance to explore computer software, and digital cameras/graphic design. The girls will be able to create a T-shirt with their picture or a picture of their friends. We will also be making Power Point Presentations. Some of these girls are new to Girl Scouts and will need to be taught Camp Songs and Opening/Closing Ceremonies. This is a great way to give back to Girl Scouts what was given to you.

For more information call Linda Holloway, Edge Program Executive-512-407-7391

Silver Stars Girl Scout Appreciation night

July 31

7:00 PM

SBC Center San Antonio

For only $11 or $17 (you decide) you will receive a lower level game ticket for a Silver Stars game vs. west coast rival LA Sparks, a FREE

San Antonio Silver Stars t-shirt, a food voucher for a hot dog, soda & ice cream , Plus, FREE parking in Lot 4.

Seats are assigned on a first come first serve basis, no refunds or exchanges.  Invite all your friends and families to join you.

Deadline to order is July 22, 2004.

Call Chanson Douglas 210.444.5099 or write cdouglas@sbccenter.netto order or if you have access to attachments use the file below as an order form and fax to 210.444.5699

Freecycling – (thanks to Elizabeth Wrightsman for sharing)

Hello all. I hope everyone's summer is getting off to a good start. I wanted to share with everyone a wonderful yahoo group for the Austin area. Some of your troop parents may benefit from this group, too. A few of my parents already knew about it. I have gotten a nice bookshelf, a bread maker and supplies for our new kitten from the group. Everyone loves FREE. I have also been able to get rid of stuff that I didn't need anymore (so this is a perfect reason to do a little spring/summer cleaning). I love it!!! Check it out.

AustinFreecycle http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AustinFreecycle/
From the group's home page: "Freecycling lies somewhere between the garage sale and the dump, and is much cooler than either. It's an innovative concept that harnesses the power of the Internet to do what the Internet does best -- eliminate the middleman and empower the individual. Unlike traditional charitable organizations that accept people's castoffs and sell them for low prices in thrift shops (or end up taking them to the dump anyway), freecycling allows for personal contact between donor and recipient -- each gets exactly what they want, and nobody is considered a 'charity case.' (Indeed, many freecyclers both give and receive items on a regular basis.) It's a perfect consumer-friendly circle: no overhead, no intermediaries, no money changing hands, no waste and no catch, and everyone's happy. The Austin Freecycle Network serves the greater Austin, Texas area, including neighboring towns. (Those OUTSIDE the area must explain why they want to join!) The Austin Freecycle Network is modeled after the Tucson Freecycle Network, the original freecyclers. Find out more about this VERY fast-growing international movement at www.freecycle.org."

Check it out if you have time.

Elizabeth Wrightsman/Brownie Troop 172

emw1@flash.net

New Place to Camp?? (I received this by email and am sharing, Pen)

Greetings, trip leader,

For your next weekend camping expedition, why not experience someplace new and different! Ideal for Scouts, Explorers, Venturers, girls, boys, and families, Rancho Richey Refuge is an easy hour's drive from both Austin and San Antonio.

Tired of crowds? RRR remains uncrowded and undiscovered--you'll likely get the entire 183 acres and mile of Guadalupe River all to yourselves. In addition, a variety of youth programs are available for earning badges, patches, and pins.

We're booking reservations now for this spring, summer, and fall, so it's a great time to sign up. Please click the web link below for pictures and more information.

Sincerely,
Howie Richey

Rancho Richey Refuge
http://www.io.com/~zow/rancho.htm
512/383-TXTX

Lifeguard Training Options

Hi ladies-

If we end up having a lot of responses from people that want to do the Lifeguard training, there is another option if peolle can pay the price. I have included the website to check out. They have lots of openings and different trainings for people to take at different stages of their efficiency and desire.

Just a thought....

Pen

To all UT Faculty, Staff and Students-
The 2004 UT Aquatic Safety Program Schedule is now available, and registration has begun.  The program is part of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education and offers courses in health and safety, such as Lifeguard Training, CPR, First Aid and many others.

Check our website for a complete list of classes and for registration information.  Classes start soon and space is limited.

http://www.utexas.edu/education/kinesiology/utasp/

For additional information contact Cara at carama@mail.utexas.edu.

- -- Cara M. Aguirre
Administrative Associate
Department of Kinesiology and Health Education
University of Texas at Austin
Bellmont 222
1 University Station D3700
Austin, TX 78712
phone: 512-475-9022
fax:512-471-8914
carama@mail.utexas.edu

Parent/Child Earth Camp – 5 days of Watershed and Aquifer Activities

Session I – June 7-11

Session II – July 12-16

Girl Scouts have discounted rate of $15 and safety Wise adults are free.  Great deal!!

Contact Sara Heilman at 974-3540 for your reservations or email sara.heilman@ci.austin.tx.us for more info

Spirit Reins Horse Camp – info flier below

To all fellow Girl Scouts:

Although this is not a Girl Scout summer program, Spirit Reins has done quite a bit of work with troubled children and their families.  This summer Rhonda is trying something different.  My family and I have done quite a bit of volunteer work for her and support her efforts to teach (and reach) kids through her horses.  Below is a little something I have been sending to people I know with children.

Rhonda Smith is a very good friend of mine and a very nice person.  My daughter spent last summer at the ranch with Rhonda, before this program was set up, and loved it.  As a matter of fact, we board our horse at the ranch and it's a wonderful place.  As you can see, Rhonda is looking for older girl (and adult) volunteers as well as participants to the program.  Please feel free to contact Rhonda directly to discuss any questions you might have.  I can't think of a better place to have my daughter spend her summer. 

Julie Wright - Troop 1270
Georgetown, TX
(512) 536-4580
(512) 536-4598 - Fax

                          Partnering with horses to change lives

__________________________

Spirit Reins’ “All About Horses!!!” 7 Week Summer Program

Learn about what it takes to own a horse:

- Horsemanship and Riding Lessons

- Grooming Techniques

- Proper Tack and Tack Care

- Barn Management (Feeding, Keeping, etc.)

- Ground Work with Young Horses

o Halter Training

o Round Penning

- “Adopt” a horse – each student will be given the opportunity to “adopt” a horse on the ranch as their own to apply all the skills they learn in a practical way during the program

Special Learning Opportunities:

- Veterinarian and Farrier Care demonstrations / opportunities to help

- Field trips to horsemanship clinics and horse shows (participation fees for clinics will be in addition to the cost of the summer program)

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Activities that help to teach and improve:

- Problem Solving                                           -  Communication

- Teamwork                                                   -   Leadership Skills

Riding Lessons:

- English, Western, Lower Level Dressage

o $20 per lesson - 2 lessons per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays)

Trail Rides:

- $10 per trail ride

- 1 per week (Fridays) – requires student to take 1 lesson per week to participate

End of Summer Showcase

- Handling and Riding show at the ranch for students to showcase what they’ve learned

Details for Parents:

Who?         Participants must be between the ages of 10 – 18 yrs. old

When? 

- June 21^st – August 6^th

- Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (drop off time is flexible, but everyone must be picked up by 6:00pm)

Where?      2055 C.R. 284, Liberty Hill (just 20 minutes West of Georgetown and 40 minutes NW of Austin)

How Much? 

- Total of $150 per week (includes 2 lessons and a trail ride)

- Price does not include lunch, please plan on bringing sack lunch

- Pricing is based on a sliding scale, please call for additional details

For more information, and to register for the program, please contact Rhonda Smith or Emily Brown at 512-515-0845, or send an email to info@spiritreins.org.