volunteer retreat weekend 2013 (formerly rsvp)

VolunteerRetreatLogo

 

Event Description

A weekend just for you, our valued volunteers!  No matter which Girl Scout Pathway you’ve chosen to volunteer with, our Volunteer Retreat Weekend is for you.

It is a weekend of opportunities with workshops and seminars that you select for personal enrichment, ideas for your troop or other pathway, networking and socializing. You will enjoy fabulous seminars and workshops that prior attendees have suggested while also getting the chance to participate in team building opportunities and workshops with physical activities. Workshop and Seminar descriptions below.

This annual event is held at our beautiful Mah-Kah-Wee Program Center located in Chuluota. This is an outdoor camping center which limits motorized vehicle traffic. Participants will be walking from their accommodations to their activity centers throughout the weekend and enjoying the scenic and peaceful environment.

There are two ways to attend:
Entire Weekend
Friday evening through Sunday noon. Includes workshops, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday breakfast.

Saturday Only
All day. Includes workshops, lunch, and dinner.

Event Details

WHEN: April 12 – April 14, 2013
WHERE: Mah-Kah-Wee Program Center | Chuluota, FL
REQUIREMENTS: Must be a registered Girl Scout Member to attend
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 25, 2013
FEES:
Entire Weekend: $45
Saturday Only: $36
Royal Blue T-Shirt (optional): $12
Patch (optional): $2

For more information, please contact:
Patty Muller, Volunteer Learning and Development Manager
pmuller@citrus-gs.org
Direct: 407.228.1603
Toll Free: 800.367.3906 x1234

 

Workshop/Seminar Descriptions

Retreat workshops will be 1.5 hours long and seminars are 3 hours long. Both workshops and seminars are subject to change or cancellation. You will indicate class preferences during the registration process.

(D) Daisy (B) Brownie (J) Junior (C) Cadette (S) Senior (A) Ambassador

Archery
In this class, you will learn the basic archery shooting techniques and archery range procedures. Recurve bows will be provided for the class, but if you have your own, feel free to bring it (no compound bows please). This class is taught by a Level 3 certified coach and National champion. Additional Fee: $2 NOTE: this is a class for learning the basics – not a certification course (BJCSA)

Accordion Scrapbooks
Learn to create a unique, accordion style scrapbook. They “look” complicated, but the trick is in the way you fold the paper. This craft is simple enough for most age levels (some help will be needed by younger girls) and the scrapbooks make cute gifts and are great to preserve memories of those special GS events. (ALL)

Basic Ceremonies
This class will cover the purpose and tradition of ceremonies, describing and practicing some basic ceremonies, and planning a ceremony for Sat. night. (ALL)

Butterfly Gardens
Learn how to attract butterflies to your yard and have them return often throughout the year. Great fun for children of all ages. (ALL)

Button Bracelets
Do you have extra buttons lying around? Are you looking for a new craft idea to use them? Attend this workshop and see how to make those buttons into a beautiful, unique bracelet. Each one is different and special in its own way. An easy project to share with younger girls too. (ALL)

Cake Pops
Cake Pops are the latest rage. Learn how to prepare and decorate these little confections and ensure delight at your next birthday party or troop/group meeting. (ALL)

Canoeing
Come enjoy some relaxing moments on our beautiful Mah-Kah-Wee Program Center Lake. Learn the basics of canoe safety and then take off two-by-two in canoes just because you can. This class is not a canoe instructor class. Additional Fee: $3

Cardio Dancing
This is a cardio dancing class that incorporates elements of Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton, and Hip-hop, and features exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Students will first focus on a single step while learning a routine, then adding arm movements to work the upper body. “When you’re moving to music, you become more free and relaxed: because it’s like being on a dance floor”. So come and join the club of those that dance their extra inches off.

Crafts for the Craft Impaired
Cannot craft with the likes of Martha Stewart? Come to this workshop and learn some mad skills in the crafting department. You will surprise yourself as to how easy it is. (ALL)

Crafts for Younger Girls
Are you a Daisy or Brownie volunteer looking for some new ideas? Come to this workshop to learn to make crafts for little or no cost. (DB)

Dream Catchers
In this workshop, learn all about dream catchers, which are handmade objects based on a willow hoop on which is woven a loose web. The Dream Catcher is then decorated with personal and sacred items such as feathers and beads. Also learn the meaning behind the Dream Catcher Legend. (BJCSA)

Ductogami
Come have some fun and learn how to make some unique projects out of duct tape. Wallets, purses, bags – the things you can do with duct tape is endless. (JCSA)

Dutch Oven and Other Outdoor/Camping Cooking Styles
This class will display various Dutch oven methods/uses/recipes, care and selection of Dutch ovens, along with a solar cooking display, and various charcoal cooking options. Participants will be able to sample food that has been prepared at the display and will be given a handout. Must be Outdoor Skills I & II Certified (JCSA)

Environmental Programs
We have many environmental programs available at Mah-Kah-Wee Program Center. Learn the ins and outs of Amanda the Armadillo and our Mailbox trails. You will learn how to share these programs with your troops/groups. (ALL)

Faith Awards
Learn about what types of faith-based awards girls can earn and how you can help them reach their goals to earn these awards. (ALL)

Flag Ceremonies
Course will examine basic principles in presenting a flag ceremony, with overview given to style, manner and protocol of presentation. Course will also provide optional components/ideas to facilitate a Girl Scout Flag Ceremony. You will be able to assist us with one or more flag ceremonies during our weekend. (ALL)

Folded Fabric Star
Participants will make a wall hanging that looks quilted. It will be framed in an embroidery hoop when finished. Choose your own color palette. Only basic sewing skills are needed.

Free Swim
The Mah-Kah-Wee pool is a great place to cool off or just hang with some of your new friends. Bring your beach towel for hanging out on the pool deck or slide in for some cool refreshing pool time. Maybe you’ll even find someone to play Marco Polo with you!

Girl Scout Flower Pot
Create your own little Girl Scout out of two clay pots. This fun craft is easy and can be used as a centerpiece or room decoration. Great for awards ceremonies, gifts or any Girl Scout occasion. (ALL)

Girl Scout Songs
Do you like to sing? Whether you are a new or experienced volunteer, attend this workshop and learn/share all sorts of traditional and more modern Girl Scout songs. (ALL)

Girl Scout Traditions
Go beyond the basics of the Girl Scout Traditions that bind and tie us together. This class includes hands-on activities with games, songs, crafts, history items and much more. (ALL)

Glass Etching
Learn to use a crème and tools to make beautiful etched glass. (JCSA)

Ideas for Older Girls
Do you ever run out of clever, fun, and trendy crafts for your “Older” girls? We have a few new tricks up our sleeves. You will get new tools and resources on craft ideas and projects that older girls love to do by doing them ourselves. (CSA)

Jewelry Making – Advanced
Add some pizazz to your jewelry. You will learn how to work with chain and how to make pendants. With the Wire Wrapping you can make beautiful items from bracelets and earrings to Dragonflies and Spiders. (CSA)

Knitting – Beginning
Ever wanted to learn how to knit? Want to learn the beginning steps of scarfs, blankets, gloves, etc? Then attend this workshop. Knitting is not just for Grandma anymore. (JSCA)

Leave No Trace Principals for Kids
Know Before You Go – Choose the Right Path – Trash Your Trash – Leave What You Find – Be Careful With Fire -Respect Wildlife – Be Kind to Others. (ALL)

Letterboxing
Letterboxing is an intriguing “treasure hunt” style outdoor activity that combines a mix of treasure hunting, art, exploring and collecting. You will receive the information needed to share with your girls what letterboxing is all about, how to start letterboxing and create your own signature stamp. You will also receive information about the Letterboxing Adventure for Mah-Kah-Wee Program Center to search for letterboxes hidden on the MKW grounds.

Line Dancing
Are your girls into line-dancing and you want to learn the steps? Maybe you sat on the sidelines at the latest wedding because you missed out on this craze somehow. Join us and learn some of the latest line dancing moves! (ALL)

Living History of Girl Scouts
Discover 70 years of Girl Scouting, highlighted by meeting the late World Chief Guide, Lady Baden-Powell. Can you identify Girl Scout uniforms from the past?

Mail-box Trail
Interested in exploring the mail-box trail on your own? Take off with a friend at your pace to see what our mailbox trails are all about. (ALL)

Mosaic Knitting
Mosaic knitting allows the knitter to create intricate designs by knitting in two colors simultaneously. This is a simple technique that will allow you to make some really fun projects. Needles and yarn will be provided to allow you to make a mosaic knitting swatch. If you want to start on a project, please bring two skeins of mid weight acrylic yarn like Vanna’s Choice or Red Heart. You should be confident in both the knit and purl stitches before you take this class. (CSA)

Polymer Beads
Can’t find just the right bead for your project? Learn how to make it yourself. From faux gemstones to flowers and anything in between by using Polymer clay. It’s play dough for grown-ups. (CSA)

Property 101
Is your troop/group interested in utilizing one of our Council Properties? Maybe you just want more information about our properties? Please join us as we discuss the facilities, their availability and the registration process for reserving our properties and many outdoor program activities. A brief tour of areas that you might not already be using this weekend will be available. Please note, this is NOT camporee director training. (ALL)

Recycled Fashion
We will be recycling old tee shirts into new items such as tops and accessories. Headbands, broach pins, and bags, are all possible. (JCSA)

Recycled Night Lights
Create a lovely night light out of an empty Crystal Light container and some scraps of fabric. (JCSA)

Satin Projects
Learn how to turn any boring binders into a precious fabric cover for photo albums or old baskets into a precious matching basket and add picture frames and more to your collection. No sew craft projects are perfect for any age group and do not require a ton of skill or expertise. There are just a few techniques to learn. So bring your favorite fabric and make a statement. (BJCSA)

Self-Awareness/Self Defense
Students will participate in discussion of how to avoid being a victim of crimes and dangerous situations. Class will also involve students’ physical participation in self-defense techniques. There is NO age limit or physical limitations to be able to participate in this class.

Sign Language
Learning a new Language is fun and exciting. Join us on a little adventure of Basic American Sign Language. Maybe we can open a window of adventure for you and your troop/group.

Soap Making
This class teaches the basics of the melt & pour method of soap making, using molds made of recycled materials (a great way to “use resources wisely). Participants will learn how to melt, color and scent the soap and will get to create two bars of soap, plus a “soap on a rope”. (ALL)

STEM
Are you afraid to tackle a science project on your own? Here are some activities to do with your troop/group to encourage them and you to explore all of our exciting Council STEM programs. (ALL)

Story Telling
Story Telling can be easy, fun and doable! Stories and techniques for storytelling to share with your girls. Maybe you just want to hang out and hear some great stories! (ALL)

Stress & Time Management
We all have a million things going on in our lives. Women today perform many different roles – mother, daughter, friend, Girl-Scout volunteer, etc. each role requiring time and energy. Yet, somehow we are able to get it all done (most days) and keep our stress to a manageable level (usually). In this session participants will leave with a toolbox of exercises and tips for time and stress management that they can implement in their daily lives and share with the girls in their troops/groups.

Succeeding with Difficult People
In our daily lives, we must sometimes accomplish tasks while working with “Difficult People”, people whose troublesome behavior is habitual and who drive us “up the wall” more often than not. Join us to explore ways to cope better and accomplish more.

Teacup Artistry
Want to create your own special teacup? Then teacup artistry is just for you. You will be able to paint a teacup and take it home to use. (JCSA)

Techniques for Painting Children
In this class you will learn easy techniques for painting tattoos, which the adults can teach to the girls for fun troop/group activities and possible money-earning opportunities. (JCSA)

Tie/Dye Hula Hoop Rugs
Learn a new way to tie-dye using sharpies and alcohol. Use t-shirt and hula hoop to create a beautiful rug. (JCSA)

Tin Punch
Participants will make a teacher-themed tin punch project. It will be the size of a mason jar lid.

Water Aerobics
Join us at the Mah-Kah-Wee pool for some light aerobic exercise in our refreshing setting. A great way to start your day!

Yoga
Yoga is a personal development system that promotes physical, mental and spiritual wellness through the use of specific breathing techniques, physical movements and meditation/relaxation exercises. First time or experienced, come join us for a quick yoga session.

SEMINARS (3 HOURS)

First Aid/CPR
Participants learn to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies, such as burns, cuts and scrapes, sudden illnesses, head, neck and back injuries, and heat and cold emergencies. They learn how to perform CPR and other breathing and cardiac emergencies for adults. Additional Fee: $25. You will receive both your First Aid and CPR certification.

Challenge Course
The Challenge Course is an adventure recreation program, which offers participants the opportunity to engage in a series of activities involving mental, physical and emotional risk-taking. It consists of problem-solving activities, games, initiatives, and a series of ropes, cables, and logs used to simulate challenges. The team building activities of the Challenge Course are available and participants may choose to progress beyond these activities, challenging themselves to progress from the low to the high elements of the course. The course involves planned sessions in which participants examine and share common reactions, insights and emotions such as joy, fear, fatigue and compassion. In the Challenge Course setting, participants can explore solutions in a non-threatening manner. Morning: Highs and Lows Additional Cost $12; Afternoon: Lows only Additional Cost $7

Compass
Do you know how to use a compass? Would you be able to work yourself through a compass course? Come join this seminar to learn these skills and pass them on to your Scouts. Mah Kah Wee has all the tools you will need to have hours of fun with your girls. (JCSA)

Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) is one of the required leadership trainings as a volunteer with Girl Scouts of Citrus. Girl Scout Leadership Experience is part of the National Program Portfolio which has two main parts- the National Leadership Journeys and The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting. This course will help volunteers get a better understanding of the National Program Portfolio as well as other program pieces that are available to them.

Geocaching
Geocaching is a treasure hunt using a GPS. Come and learn how to geocache with your troop/group. We have all the tools you need to experience this world-wide phenomenon in the safe environment of camp. This could be a day or weekend activity. There are 41 caches on the property. (JCSA)

Savannah Bound
Information for all troops/groups considering a trip to our Founder’s Birthplace.

Volunteer Essentials
Volunteer Essentials is one of the required leadership trainings as a volunteer with Girl Scout of Citrus. It will guide you through everything you need to know as a Girl Scout Volunteer. From taking trips and staying safe, to managing finances and program materials, all of your Girl Scout basic questions are answered!