Annual canoe race event to promote water education

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

Volunteerism Opens Doors for Girl Scout

This past Saturday marked the 20th anniversary of the Girl Scout event Race on the River and the 5th anniversary of participating in the race for Girl Scout Chynna. What brings her back each year to help out and compete in this annual race? According to her, Girl Scout events such as this one allow her to gain courage, confidence and character in her life endeavors. Through Scouting, Chynna has taken an active role in her community by volunteering with local troops, programs and events. The satisfaction of lending a helping hand is not the only benefit she receives from her involvement. Her role in Scouts has brought many scholarship opportunities her way and a chance to attend school in Australia in 2012. Chynna also adds that when it comes to meeting new people, Girl Scouts is a great way to make long-lasting friends. GSCTX is thrilled at Chynna’s accomplishments and how her time in Girl Scouting allowed her to flourish into a successful individual.

For more information on Race on the River and to view 2010 photos, please visit gsctx.org and flickr.com/GSCTX.