2025 Leaderee Volunteer Learning Event
September 26-28, 2025 | Keyauwee Program Center, Sophia, NC
Training Financial Assistance Requests Due: August 11, 2025
Early Bird Registration Deadline: August 11, 2025
Registration Deadline: September 8, 2025
WHAT IS LEADEREE?
Created to show appreciation to the hardworking adult volunteers of Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont, Leaderee is an adult camporee full of fun, friends and fellowship! For over 40 years, adult Girl Scout volunteers have been gathering at our beloved Keyauwee Program Center to take trainings, do arts and crafts, mingle with other adults, relax and learn new skills to take back to their troops.
Come join us for a fun celebration to energize your batteries and kick off the new Girl Scout year with new and old friends and fresh ideas! Event includes two overnights, four catered meals, event patch and lanyard and lots of free classes.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR LEADEREE... REGISTRATION PROCESS:
Volunteers can register themselves online via MyGS. Expect an immediate e-mail response telling you your registration has been processed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a class/training requires more than one session to complete, you must register for each session to meet the requirements.
Don’t let finances keep you from joining us at Leaderee! Apply for Training Financial Assistance through The Ed Whitmire Fund. See page 5 for more information.
CONFIRMATIONS:
About two weeks before the event, you will receive a confirmation packet with directions to camp, emergency phone numbers, what to bring, when to arrive and more! If your packet does not arrive, contact gsp2pleaderee@gmail.com to request a replacement.
REFUNDS*: No refunds will be given after September 8, as commemoratives will have been ordered and final head counts given to instructors and caterers.
*GSCP2P Refund Policy
A full refund is due if GSCP2P cancels the program/event/session (or cannot place a ‘save your spot’ registration to selected session and an alternate session has not been selected).
A medical exemption will grant a refund, minus the registration fee, if cancellation is submitted prior to the first day of the session AND a doctor’s statement of participant's inability to participate is submitted. A written request must be submitted no later than two weeks after the start of the missed session with the doctor's note to be honored.
COMMEMORATIVES:
The 2025 commemoratives will be a shortsleeved T-shirt and charm. Prices are listed on page 13 and must be ordered with registration. The Leaderee pin comes with the 2025 charm and can hang a total of seven charms!
Other items available include “My mom went to Leaderee” patches, neckerchief and tote bag to top off your Leaderee swag. Charms, pins and patches from previous years will be available during the weekend while supplies last. NO commemorative refunds after September 8.
SNACK TABLE:
Bring a snack to share with everyone! You will be assigned a type of snack in your confirmation packet. The snack table is always a Leaderee favorite!
SECRET BUDDIES:
Bring three different, individually wrapped gifts to be a part of the secret buddy festivities. Your Secret Buddy’s name and gift tags will be handed out at breakfast Saturday. The first gift will be given out prior to lunch Saturday with the second gift prior to dinner Saturday. After Sunday breakfast, everyone will gather on the Dining Hall deck to reveal themselves as buddies and exchange the third gift in person. Gifts should not exceed $15 in total.
SILENT AUCTION, LIVE AUCTION AND DOLLAR TABLE:
Training Financial Assistance through The Ed Whitmire Fund assists volunteers with expenses for learning sessions. Over the years, we have raised thousands of dollars for the “Ed Fund” through our silent auction open Friday and Saturday. There is also a live auction after dinner Saturday night. Don’t miss out on the bargains found on the dollar table in the dining hall all weekend long. Be sure to bring your cash, cards and checkbooks to the event! If you are interested in donating items to the auction, please contact the committee at gsp2pleaderee@gmail.com. Items may be dropped off at the Triad Service Center or brought to the event.
SERVICE PROJECT:
This year, we will be coordinating with American Red Cross to collect blood to help the 6.8 million estimated people who need blood each year in our country. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. Sign up to donate by selecting classes LE 3.10 or LE 4.10 between lunch and dinner on Saturday!
LEADEREE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday, September 26
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Friday Check-in
(Unit assignments, Secret Buddy assignments, social time and SWAPS)
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Craft/Game Night in the Dining Hall*
*This year there will not be any workshops scheduled for Friday night so that participants can arrive at their leisure and enjoy some social time while learning new crafts and playing games together.
Saturday, September 27
7 - 8:45 a.m.
Breakfast and Morning Flag Ceremony
7:45 - 8:45 a.m.
Saturday Check-in (Unit assignments, Secret Buddy, social time and SWAPS)
Classes start at 9 a.m.
9 - 10 a.m.
Session 1 Workshops
10:15 - 11:45 a.m.
Session 2 Workshops
Noon - 1 p.m.
Lunch (First Secret Buddy gift)
1:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Session 3 Workshops
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Session 4 Workshops
6 - 7 p.m.
Dinner
(Second Secret Buddy gift)
7 - 10 p.m.
Evening Program
Mobile Shop will be open in the dining hall 6:30 - 8 p.m. Place orders to pick up ahead of camp arrival or do some shopping in-person.
Sunday, September 28
7 - 8:15 a.m.
Breakfast
8:15 - 8:30 a.m.
Third Secret Buddy Gift and Reveal
8:30 - 9:15 a.m.
Pack Up, Clean Up and Unit Kapers
(All gear removed from units and loaded in carts. Carts will be taken to the entry shelter once unit passes cleaning inspection.)
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Session 5 workshops
Noon Departure from camp
TRAINING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE ED WHITMIRE FUND
Ed Whitmire was a dedicated trainer for both the Pisgah and Hornets’ Nest Girl Scout councils for many years. After his death in 2005, the Ed Whitmire Adult Learning Financial Aid Fund was created in his honor as a way of continuing his work of training and inspiring adult Girl Scout volunteers. Each year, the fund is fed and nurtured by fundraising at our Adult Learning Events. If you have donated or purchased items offered at the auctions at these events, YOU are helping to continue Ed’s work. Thank you!
If you receive training financial assistance to attend learning events, you are also helping to continue his legacy. Please don’t let financial issues keep you from the fun, fellowship and training available to you here at GSCP2P! P2P registered adults in good standing may apply for up to 50% of event registration (not commerative items) and up to 75% of licensed courses offered. All requested information must be completed fully and submitted by the early bird registration deadline (August 11) in order to be considered for financial assistance. Once approved, a credit will be applied to your online registration for the learning event.
Use our online Training Financial Assistance application by going to https://girlscoutsp2p.wufoo. com/forms/pdgs6dj0f99shr. No computer access? Training Financial Assistance applications may also be completed by calling 800-672-2148.
WHAT CLASSES SHOULD I CHOOSE?
There really is no “should” when it comes to course selection - you are free to select as many or as few as you like. We encourage you to take classes that interest you as well as impact your troop in a positive way. The icons below will appear beside the course descriptions to help clarify requirements for completing licenses.
Basic Camping Skills License
Basic Camping Skills License Renewal
Required five-year license that covers useful outdoor skills like fire building, simple cooking over a fire, knots and tents.
Prerequisites: Overnight and Activity License (online)
Required five-year license update to keep license current.
Prerequisites: Overnight and Activity License (online) and Basic Camping Skills License (formerly Camping License)
First Aid and CPR
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Required two-year license for many activities outside of troop meetings including camping and travel.
Recommended three-year license. Learn to identify adolescents’ mental health and substance abuse challenges and connect them with support.
Prerequisite Online Safety Courses:
An Overnight and Activity License (formerly Be Safe, Be Ready) is required for all overnight events and field trips outside of normal troop meetings. This is an online, self-paced course available in the Content Library of gsLearn. You’ll find gsLearn via the left menu bar of MyGS in My Account. This must be completed two weeks prior to the event.
SESSION 1 CLASSES
Saturday, September 27, 9 - 10 a.m.
Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a class/training requires more than one session to complete, you must register for all sessions.
LE 1.1 Free Time
Select this option if you are instructing, not taking a class, having FOB (feet on bed) time or volunteering during Session 1.
Cost: Free
LE 1.2 CPR Certification, part 1
Current CPR certification is required of a troop adult before participating in certain activities. The certification is valid for two years.
Postrequisite: You must register for LE 2.2 to meet the requirements for certification.
Cost: $20
Facilitator: Lisa Young
LE 1.3 Basic Camping Skills License, part 1
Basic Camping Skills License covers fire building, outdoor cooking and overnight camping basics.
Prerequisite: Overnight and Activity License (see page 5 for details).
Postrequisite: You must register for LE 2.3 and LE 3.3 to meet the requirements for certification.
Bring: Pocketknife
Cost: $10
Facilitator: TBA
LE 1.4 Basic Camping
Skills
License
Renewal, part 1
Camping licenses must be renewed every five years. If you earned your license prior to September 2020, take LE 1.3, 2.3 & 3.3 Basic Camping Skills License. If you have never taken camp license courses, this class is not for you.
Prerequisites: Must have earned Camp License after September 2020 AND renew Overnight and Activity License online two weeks prior. This is a renewal course only.
Postrequisite: You must register for LE 2.4 to meet the requirements for recertification.
Bring: Pocketknife
Cost: $10
Facilitator: TBA
LE 1.5 Youth Mental Health
First Aid, part 1
YMHFA teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents ages 12-18. You’ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to young people who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.
Prerequisite: This course is presented in a blended format and includes two hours of self-paced prework prior to attending the in-person class. Participants will be sent the link for the prework two weeks prior to class. This certification is good for three years.
Postrequisite: You must register for LE 2.5 and 3.4 to meet the requirements for certification.
Cost: $35
Facilitator: Emily Satterfield
SESSION 1 CLASSES CONT.
Saturday, September 27, 9 - 10 a.m.
Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a class/training requires more than one session to complete, you must register for all sessions.
LE 1.6 Basic Sign Language
Learn a little bit of basic American Sign Language including the Girl Scout Promise.
Cost: Free Facilitator: Amber Morrison
LE 1.7 Roundtable Discussion
Come and learn from each other. Bring any questions or situations you have come across over the past year, or especially cookie season, and ask seasoned leaders.
Cost: Free
Facilitator: Tyffany Fugitt and Katee Utter
LE 1.8 Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Create your own nature-inspired keepsake! In this session, we'll use pressed flowers to design unique bookmarks— perfect for gifts or marking your favorite reads.
Cost: Free
Facilitator: Kasey Holcomb
LE 1.9 The Inclusive Leader
In this course, volunteers will be led through an exploration of "bad behaviors," what these behaviors could be communicating, and ways to meet the child's needs while also fostering inclusion and consideration of all the girls' needs. The course attendees will walk away with practical tools to implement during their next troop meeting.
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Angie Gehrt
SWAPPING:
Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere or Share With A Pal...no matter what you call them, SWAPS are a fun part of Leaderee! Don’t miss out!
50-75 SWAPS should be adequate.
SWAPS Tips
⬥ SWAPS shouldn’t be edibleno cookies or candies. Skunks, mice and even bears like edible SWAPS!
⬥ Include your name, e-mail address, etc. on your SWAP so your new friends can reach you.
⬥ SWAPS frequently have pins so they may be worn on a hat, sash, ribbon or jacket, although they can also be patches, necklaces, bracelets...
⬥ SWAPS may depict the theme of the event, represent one of your interests or share something about your hometown - the sky is the limit!
⬥ Check out YouTube, Pinterest and other social media sites for ideas.
⬥ Be courteous! Swap with everyone. It’s nice to give SWAPS to someone who doesn’t have any to trade.
⬥ Carry extra SWAPS so no one is left out.
⬥ Forgot your SWAPS? Swap a hug!
⬥ Always say thank you!
SESSION 2 CLASSES
Saturday, September 27, 10:15 - 11:45 a.m.
Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a class/training requires more than one session to complete, you must register for all sessions.
LE 2.1 Free Time
Select this option if you are instructing, not taking a class, having FOB (feet on bed) time or volunteering during Session 2.
Cost: Free
LE 2.2 CPR Certification, part 2
You must also register for LE 1.2.
Cost: Covered in LE 1.2
LE 2.3 Basic Camping Skills License, part 2
You must also register for LE 1.3 and 3.3.
Cost: Covered in LE 1.3
LE 2.4 Basic Camping Skills License Renewal, part 2
You must also register for LE 1.4.
Cost: Covered in LE 1.4
LE 2.5 YMHFA, part 2
You must register for LE 1.5 and 3.4.
Cost: Covered in LE 1.5
LE 2.6 Adventure Hike
Join us for a scenic, one-mile hike that’s perfect for ablebodied adults looking for a little adventure! This guided trail includes three creek crossings where you'll use a rope for balance as you step across rocks. We’ll stop along the way for group photos, so bring your smiles and sense of adventure! Sturdy shoes recommended.
Cost: Free
Facilitators: Lisa Willett and Christy Bolick
LE 2.7 Scandinavian Star
Create a beautiful double sided, no-sew woven fabric star.
Bring: Hot glue gun
Cost: Free
Facilitator: Christine Hanichak
LE 2.8 Basket Weaving
Come out and learn basic basket weaving skills and make your own small basket.
Cost: $3
Facilitator: Krystal Tenkate
LE 2.9 Recycled Jewelry
Make your own paper wrapped bangles and boho pair of macramé earrings using simple materials that you can find in any craft store and around the house.
Cost: $7
Facilitator: Molly Miller
LE 2.10 Boating
Take a lap around Lake Early. You’ll have the choice of paddleboat, canoe or kayak.
Cost: $3
Facilitators: KPC Staff
COMMEMORATIVES:
Your registration includes the Together We're Better Leaderee 2025 patch- and new this year is the Leaderee lanyard! Add the 2025 shortsleeve T-shirt with the Together We're Better design printed on the back, charm and other commemoratives when registering online.
SESSION 3 CLASSES
Saturday, September 27, 1:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a class/training requires more than one session to complete, you must register for all sessions.
LE 3.1 Free Time
Select this option if you are instructing, not taking a class, having FOB (feet on bed) time or volunteering during Session 3.
Cost: Free
LE 3.2 First Aid, part
1
Current first aid certification is required of a troop adult before participating in certain activities. The certification for this class is valid for two years.
Postrequisite: You must register for LE 4.2 to meet the requirements for certification.
Cost: $20
Facilitator: Lisa Young
LE 3.6 Quirky Camp Cooking
Is your troop tired of foilpack cooking or having soup? Come try some crazy new methods of cooking for your troop menu. The food items may not be new or crazy, just the method is. This is an enhancement to the cooking methods you learned in Basic Camping Skills License.
Bring: Pot holder or oven mitt
Cost: Free
Facilitators: Trefoil Guild
LE 3.8 Garden Stepping Stone
With only a couple items, you can make a beautiful garden stepping stone that will last for years to come!
Cost: $5
Facilitator: Karmel Massey
LE
3.9
Climbing Wall
Can you make it to the top to ring the bell? Come give it a try!
Cost: $10
Facilitator: KPC Staff
LE 3.10 American Red Cross Blood Donation
Donate blood to those in need in our area. (See page 3 for details.)
LE 3.3 Basic Camping Skills License,
part 3
You must also register for LE 1.3 and 2.3.
Cost: Covered in LE 1.3
LE
3.4 YMHFA, part 3
You must register for LE 1.5 and 2.5.
Cost: Covered in LE 1.5
LE 3.7 Upcycled Picture Frame
LE 3.5 Beaded Mini
Succulent
Make and take two mini potted succulents made of beads and wire that will “live” forever.
Cost: $6
Facilitator: Christine Hanichak
You’ve tried paper quilling? Well, if you roll paper in tight coils and use them to cover a tired picture frame, it becomes a whole new, cute frame to fill with your favorite photo (and a perfect project to try out with your troop.)
Bring: Paper cutter and hot glue gun
Cost: $4
Facilitator: Molly Miller
Cost: Free
Facilitator: American Red Cross
SESSION 4 CLASSES
Saturday, September 27, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a class/training requires more than one session to complete, you must register for all sessions.
LE 4.1 Free Time
Select this option if you are instructing, not taking a class, having FOB (feet on bed) time or volunteering during Session 4.
Cost: Free
LE 4.2 First Aid, part 2
You must also register for LE 3.2.
Cost: Covered in LE 3.2
LE 4.3 Junk Mail Journaling
LE 4.4 Knitting
Learn to cast on, cast off and the basic knitting stitch. Yarn will be provided.
Bring: Knitting needles of any size if you already have them (size 8 is typical); however, there will be knitting needles to borrow for the class.
Come create a Junk Journal using your junk mail envelopes. Instead of throwing away your junk mail, save it for a fun craft. Save all your envelopes from bills, birthdays or holiday cards. Save the subscription cards from your magazines. If able to bring a GS Cookie Box (extras to share) we can use them for this craft. Bring old magazines and pull out words, colors on pages, images you like, shapes or just bring a few of your old magazines. Old maps, newspapers from somewhere you vacationed, postage stamps, scrapbook papers (full sheets or just scraps) and scraps of wrapping paper you like. Anything paper we can find a use for!
Bring: Papers and paper trimmer for scrapbooking
Cost: $5
Facilitator: Jill Guthrie
Cost: Free
Facilitators: Tyffany Fugitt and Katee Utter
LE 4.5 Card Making
Make and take paper pieced greeting cards. No need to buy those expensive ones at the store anymore!
Cost: $8
Facilitators: Helene Bayona and Linda Jordan
LE 4.6 Diamond Painting
Diamond painting, also known as crystal art, is the process of applying tiny resin rhinestones to a pre-printed design. In this class, we will make a paper hanging window decoration.
Cost: Free
Facilitators: Beth Smith and Alice Gray
LE 4.7 Flag Ceremony
Learn indoor and outdoor styles of flag etiquette, how to open and close a ceremony, flag retirement ceremony and flag facts.
Cost: Free
Facilitator: Trefoil Guild
LE 4.8 The Art of Chain Maille
Use the same techniques as ancient armorers to craft some fun earrings and/ or an amazing “atom ball” ornament. Master traditional patterns or go wild and freestyle — learn how linking simple circles combines beauty and strength.
Bring: Reading glasses to see small pieces.
Cost: Free
Facilitator: Jan McManus
LE 4.9 Archery
Check out the archery range at Keyauwee. Learn the basics and try your hand at getting a bullseye.
Cost: $5
Facilitator: Evelyn Freeze
LE 4.10 American Red Cross Blood Donation
Donate blood to those in need in our area. (See page 3 for details.)
Cost: Free
Facilitator: American Red Cross
SESSION 5 CLASSES
Sunday, September 28, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a class/training requires more than one session to complete, you must register for all sessions.
LE 5.1 Free Time
Select this option if you are instructing, not taking a class, having FOB (feet on bed) time or volunteering during Session 5.
Cost: Free
LE 5.2 Rope Runners
Come learn about, create and race a Rope Runner. It’s a wonderful blend of Girl Scouts tradition, creativity, and science!
Cost: $12
Facilitator: Brenda Newsome
LE 5.3 SWAPS
Have fun creating some SWAPS and learning about the history of SWAPS at the same time. Who doesn’t love Special Whatchamacallits
Affectionately Pinned Somewhere to Share With A Pal?
Bring: Scissors, safety pins and glue sticks.
Cost: $3
Facilitator: Jill Guthrie
LE 5.4 Adapting Learning Styles
Learn a trick or two on how to adapt badge work to fit the needs of all girls.
Cost: Free
Facilitators: Tyffany Fugitt and Katee Utter
LE 5.5 Terrariums in a Jar
Join us for a fun, hands-on session where we'll transform ordinary glass jars into beautiful mini terrariums. All supplies provided—just bring your creativity!
Cost: Free
Facilitator: Kasey Holcomb
LE 5.6 Cookie Craziness:
Surviving Your First Cookie Season Leader led tips and tricks for handling your first cookie season, beyond the basic training council provides.
Bring: Your questions!
Cost: Free
Facilitators: Lisa Willett and Christy Bolick
Don’t let finances keep you from joining us at Leaderee! Remember, you can apply for Training Financial Assistance through The Ed Whitmire Fund! See page 5.
