UPDATE!

11/20/09 6 pm

Registration is now closed. We had an overwhelming interest and registration was completely full (including alternates) in less than 18 seconds! If you were not able to register for the girl scout events, you are still more than welcome to attend Open House as a member of the general public, which is free of charge! Due to the technical difficulties we experienced this year, we will be changing the registration process for next year into a lottery system. Thank you for your understanding and support of our Open House!

If you signed up and received an email that you are an alternate, you can log in here to check your status. If other people drop out, your status should automatically change from being an alternate to being registered. Contact girlscouts@cvm.tamu.edu if you have any more questions!

Click here to log in.

Girl Scout Open House Facts

Q: How do I register for my girl scout for Open House?

A: Registration will open here at 10:30 am on Friday, November 20th, 2009. Registration will be online only. Please be aware that it will fill up within minutes, so make sure to start at 10:30 am to ensure your girl scout will be included. You will need to have on hand: contact information for the troop leader/parent responsible and number of girls that you want to register. If registration is full and you register anyway, you will be placed on the alternate list.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Registration costs $7 per girl and includes a badge. Commemorative patches may be available for an extra fee. This event is entirely run by volunteers and is non-profit, so we are unable to waive the fee for anyone.

Q: Registration filled up and my girl scout didn't get in…what now?

A: Make sure she is on the alternate list. Often, troops are unable to make it and we will fill their spots with girls on the waiting list. If we still don't have room for her, you should come anyway. Open House has many fun activities that she can participate in. If she is interested in veterinary medicine, this will give her an opportunity to see the school, talk to vet students, sit in on an admissions Q&A, and learn lots of fun facts about animals. We do this program every year, so she can always come next year!

Q: What badge does my girl scout earn?

A: Juniors and Cadettes can earn the Veterinary Science badge from the Girl Scouts of Central Texas Council. As of right now, we do not have a program for younger/older girls. We may or may not be offering a commemorative patch depending on cost/interest for those who cannot earn a badge. We are, however, more than willing to work with you if you want to try to make Open House work for another badge (i.e. try-it). We recommend starting early if you are going to try this. You can find information on Open House activities here on the Open House website. For the Juniors/Cadettes, badge requirements and pre-event requirements will be emailed out with the registration packet.

Q: What levels of girl scouts can earn a badge?

A: Juniors and Cadettes can earn a badge. Brownies/Daisies/Seniors may be able to purchase a commemorative patch.

Q: What special benefits do girl scouts receive by registering?

A: Registered girl scouts will be able to earn the veterinary science badge as long as they meet the requirements. Girl scouts will have a special presentation given by a faculty member/veterinarian here at Texas A&M. Also, we will reserve girl scout-only rooms for Teddy Bear Surgery, which could dramatically reduce the wait for the girl scouts. Girl Scouts will have a self-guided tour to complete to fulfill the badge requirements.

Q: What should I bring to Open House?

A: Leaders should bring cell phones or walkie talkies, a first-aid kit, and emergency contact information for each girl. We recommend a leader:girl ratio of at least 1:5. Each girl should wear her girl scout uniform as there will be 8,000 people attending this event and it is much easier to find one another if girls are in uniform. Each girl should also bring sunscreen, a water bottle, a clipboard, comfortable shoes, money for drinks and snacks (a concessions stand that benefits the first year veterinary class will be available all day), a teddy bear or other stuffed animal, and a pencil or pen. A camera would also be a good idea. Souvenirs are also available throughout the day, and proceeds benefit veterinary student organizations. See the Open House website for a sneak preview! Many events are outside, so be prepared for the elements.

Q: How to I get to College Station, TX?

A: Check the Open House website under maps/directions.

Q: Where do I park?

A: Parking maps will be available online and signs directing you to Open House reserved lots will be in place on the day of the event. Please pay attention to where you park because it is a university and campus police will ticket or tow you if you are parked in a permit-only lot without a permit. It can take up to 10 minutes to walk to the vet school from the lots, so give yourself plenty of time to arrive on time!

Q: What is Teddy Bear Surgery?

A: Teddy Bear Surgery is always a favorite with Open House attendees. Participants will don a gown, mask, gloves, caps, and shoe covers and enter a real surgery suite to perform surgery on a stuffed animal (BRING YOUR OWN!!!) of their choice. The "surgeons" decide what procedure will be performed and are assisted by veterinary student surgeons. All Juniors will be assigned a time for Teddy Bear surgery and Cadettes may acquire a time by request. Please be on time! This is a very popular event, and if your group does not make their scheduled time, they will have to wait in the public line, which can be hours long! No exceptions!!!

Q: What can I do at Open House?

A: Keep checking back on the Open House website for more information!

Q: Can I purchase any souvenirs?

A: A student-run store will be available with vet school memorabilia. You can make your purchases by cash, check, or credit card the day of the event.

Q: My daughter/scout is interested in vet school. How can she find out more about the requirements?

A: There will be a vet school Q&A and a vet student panel the day of the event. Also, this is an event put on entirely by vet students to educate people about what veterinary medicine is all about. Find someone in a green t-shirt and ask away…we love to talk about vet school!

Q: Can I bring other family members?

A: Yes! However, we will only have room in the presentation and Teddy Bear Surgery for registered girl scouts and their leaders.

Don't see your question answered? Email raroach@cvm.tamu.edu and we will do our best to help you out. Please be patient for a response as we are students and do have exams and other assignments to complete in addition to this event. Thanks so much for your interest and we look forward to seeing you on March 27, 2010!

Sincerely,

Regina Roach, Melinda Wood, and Kelsey Spell

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