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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR TRAINFEST...

WHY TRAINFEST?

Because it is loads of fun and will fill you with new ideas for your troop! This event is for Girl Scout volunteers and is held in October at Camp Pisgah in Brevard, North Carolina. From Friday evening through mid-day Sunday, adults from all over the GSCP2P Council gather to enjoy all the best things about Girl Scouting. We offer you the opportunity to take certification courses such as Basic Camp Skills License and First Aid/CPR. You can also choose from a wide assortment of enrichment classes in troop leadership, outdoor activities and arts and crafts. Throughout the weekend, you’ll delight in delicious meals, meet and learn from other volunteers, make new friends and go home inspired and energized to lead your troop wherever they want to go.

This year’s theme is The Road to Oz, and we invite you to join us on the way to your “Emerald City,” that perfect troop meeting or activity. You’ll see ties to the story in our class lineup, our evening activities and even our service project benefitting foster kids; remember, Dorothy wasn’t raised by her parents. And perhaps, like Dorothy, you’ll discover when you reach Oz that you had the power to reach your goal all along!

REGISTRATION PROCESS:

Registration is easy via the online calendar at www.girlscoutsp2p.org. Expect an immediate e-mail response telling you that your registration has been processed. Please fully read that e-mail immediately. Make note of the contact information in case you have questions.

If you have trouble registering online, call 800-672-2148 and Customer Care can register you over the phone.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some workshops are limited in size. Assignments are 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 to meet the requirements.

CONFIRMATIONS:

About two weeks before the event, you will receive an e-mailed confirmation packet with check-in information, directions to camp, emergency phone numbers, a packing list and more. If your packet does not arrive, contact tia28768@gmail.com or mgstoudt@gmail. com to request a replacement.

REFUNDS: A refund, minus the registration fee, will be granted until September 12. A full refund is granted if GSCP2P cancels the event. A medical exemption will grant a refund, minus the registration fee, if cancellation is submitted prior to the first day of the event AND a doctor’s statement of the participant’s inability to participate is submitted. Refunds on T-shirts will not be issued after September 12, as the shirts will have been ordered.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Prepare for chilly weather. Most camp accommodations are in screened cabins with bunk beds. One of our units does not have outlets in cabins, but we will have a charging station set up in the bathhouse. Each bathhouse has hot water, showers and flush toilets; refrigerators are available in all unit shelters.

THE ED WHITMIRE

SCHOLARSHIP 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 Scholarship Fund was created in his honor, as a way of continuing his work of training and inspiring adult Girl Scout volunteers. 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 a scholarship 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! GSCP2P registered adults in good standing may apply for up to 50% off the base registration fee for Trainfest, plus up to 75% off the Basic Camp Skills License Course, First Aid/CPR Certification and Youth Mental Health First Aid. Other sessions and commemorative items are not covered by this scholarship. All requested information must be completed fully and submitted by August 29 in order to be considered for a scholarship. Once approved, a scholarship code will be provided to allow online registration for the learning event.

Use our online scholarship application by going to https://girlscoutsp2p.wufoo.com/forms/ ed-whitmire-scholarship-application/ No computer access? Scholarship applications may also be completed by calling 800-672-2148.

SILENT AUCTION, LIVE AUCTION & DOLLAR TABLE:

Over the years, we have raised thousands of dollars for the “Ed Fund” through our Saturday silent auction. After dinner on Saturday night, we’ll hold a live auction for a troop weekend at camp and for troop program baskets. 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 checkbook to the event! We encourage you to support the fund by donating items, too.

SERVICE PROJECT:

Each year, Trainfest selects a non-profit organization from the community to support through a service project. This year, we will be working with The Giving Tree, which collaborates with private agencies and DSS in all counties across North Carolina, offering support to foster and kinship care children. With the impact of Hurricane Helene, they have a tremendous need for new clothing. Specific needs include: Underwear, socks, bras, shorts, T-shirts, jackets, and shoes in all sizes. New items are preferred but gently used items are acceptable. Each child receives the items they need or request in a personalized “Bag of Hope.”

To learn more about The Giving Tree, visit www.thencgivingtree.org.

Also, during our Friday night activities, you will have the opportunity to create heartfelt and uplifting notes to accompany our gifts to the Giving Tree.

WHAT HAPPENS AT TRAINFEST?

You may check in for the weekend on Friday between 5-7:30 p.m. or on Saturday between 7:45-8:45 a.m. During the day on Saturday and on Sunday morning, you’ll join the classes you selected. All-camp activities are offered on Friday and Saturday evenings and we start Sunday with a Girl Scouts’ Own ceremony.

Friday evening activities at Trainfest will be a variety of different crafts that you make and take with you. Materials and directions will be provided with samples to help guide the less creative of us. All the crafts are appropriate for all grade levels.

Saturday evening at Trainfest will include dinner and a murder mystery game! Guests are invited to participate in a murder mystery dinner game that takes place in Oz. Based on the books by L. Frank Baum, our murder mystery game is a roleplaying party game that will transport everyone to the magical land of Oz. Feel free to dress as your favorite Oz character, bring your best detective mind-set and join us for some food, fellowship and fun!

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.

Icon Course Name

Basic Camping Skills License

First Aid/CPR

Youth Mental Health First Aider

should I choose this class? Prerequisites

Required five-year license for firebuilding, outdoor cooking or tent camping.

Overnight and Activity License (online, info below)

Required two-year license for many activities including camping and travel. None

Recommended three-year license. Learn to identify adolescents' mental health and substance abuse challenges and connect them with support.

PREREQUISITE ONLINE SAFETY COURSES:

Pre-Course Work (will be sent to participants)

A current Overnight and Activity License is required for all field trips and overnight events with your troop. You can complete your license online in gsLearn. Simply log into gsLearn through your MyGS Account and go to the Content Library. Use the search bar and search “Overnight” or browse and look for the Blue Owl. The Overnight and Activity License is a prerequisite for all camping courses and MUST be completed two weeks prior to attending Trainfest.

SESSION 1 WORKSHOPS

Saturday, October 4, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a workshop requires more than one session to complete, you must register for all other sessions.

TF 1.1 Free Time/ Instructing

This option should be selected for this period if you are an instructor or if you want free time during this session.

Cost: Free

TF 1.2 Youth Mental Health

First Aid, part 1

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents ages 1218. You’ll build the 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. This course is presented in a blended format and includes two hours of self-paced prework prior to attending the in-person class. Participants must complete their prework and attend the in-person session in order to become certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. This certification is good for three years.

Prerequisites: Course prework will be sent via e-mail.

Required: You MUST also register for TF 2.2, TF 3.2 and TF 4.2 to complete this course. Bring: Water bottle and snacks. A workbook is provided for notes.

Cost: $35

Facilitator: Emily Satterfield

TF 1.3 Basic Camping Skills License, part 1

The Basic Camp Skills License is required for camping with girls, covers basic skills such as fire building, Leave No Trace principles, safe knife use, planning and preparation of outdoor meals, sanitation, tent use and care. We'll also cover useful knots, and methods to teach these camping activities to girls. Prerequisites: Overnight and Activity License courses in gsLearn must be completed two weeks before the event. Required: You MUST also register for TF 2.3, and TF 3.3 to complete this course. Bring: Pocketknife, water bottle, eating utensils/plate/ bowl/cup in a mesh bag and wear appropriate clothing for an outdoor class

Cost: $15

Facilitators: Patti Hubbard and Cameron Tucker

TF 1.4 Finding Your Way

Can you find your way back to Kansas using a map and compass? Learn the basics of finding your way in the woods. Bring: Pencil, notebook, water bottle and snacks

Cost: Free

Facilitator: Tia Ramsey

TF 1.5 Acrylic Pour Poppy

Learn one technique of acrylic paint pouring to create a flower.

Bring: wear an apron or old T-shirt (paint can splatter)

Cost: $4

Facilitator: Dawn Gluck

TF 1.6 We’re (K)not in Kansas Anymore

Learn the basics of macrame to create a cute macrame owl.

Cost: $2

Facilitator: Susan Coe

SESSION 2 WORKSHOPS

Saturday, October 4, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a workshop requires more than one session to complete, you must register for all other sessions.

TF 2.1 Free Time / Instructing

This option should be selected for this period if you are an instructor or if you want free time during this session.

Cost: Free

TF 2.2 Youth Mental Health

First Aid, part 2

Required: You must also register for TF 1.2, TF 3.2 and TF 4.2 to complete this course.

Cost: Covered in TF 1.2

TF 2.3 Basic Camping

Skills, part 2

Required: You must also register for TF 1.3 and TF 3.3 to complete this course.

Cost: Covered in TF 1.3

TF 2.4 First Aid/

CPR, part 1

Learn basic first aid and lifesaving skills to earn First Aid/CPR certification. Participants can use those skills to provide and teach basic first aid to their girls. A First Aider is required for activities outside your troop meeting place.

Required: You MUST also register for TF 3.4 and TF 4.4 to complete this course.

Bring: Pencil, notebook, water bottle and snacks

Cost: $45

Facilitator: Maureen Stoudt

TF 2.5 Winter Sowing

Has the price of seedlings caused you to want to grow your own, but you don’t have a heated greenhouse or grow lights or space for growing seedlings inside? Learn how to winter sow your seedlings in a milk jug for very little cost. Bring: gloves (optional), two clean, clear (not white) 1-gallon milk jugs or water bottles

Cost: Free

Facilitator: Tana Poole

TF 2.6 Courageous Sock Lions

Sew a stuffed animal from socks. Help your girls as they learn how to hand sew, make an item for a craft or earn the toy maker badge.

Bring: Reading glasses (if needed), sewing scissors and needle threader

Cost: $7

Facilitator: Jean Smith

TF 2.7: When Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

Join our workshop to explore self-care, a transformative skill sometimes misunderstood as selfish. Learn to break free from exhausting cycles and empower yourself to embody joy in all relationships. Discover how to extend this vital practice to those you lead.

Bring: Pencil/pen and an open heart

Cost: Free

Facilitator: Julie Cole

SESSION 3 WORKSHOPS

Saturday, October 4, 1:50 - 3:20 p.m.

Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a workshop requires more than one session to complete, you must register for all other sessions.

TF 3.1 Free Time / Instructing

This option should be selected for this period if you are an instructor or if you want free time during this session.

Cost: Free

TF 3.2 Youth Mental Health

First Aid, part 3

Required: You must also register for TF 1.2, TF 2.2 and TF 4.2 to complete this course.

Cost: Covered in TF 1.2

TF 3.3 Basic Camping Skills License,

part 3

Required: You must also register for TF 1.3 and TF 2.3 to complete this course.

Cost: Covered in TF 1.3

TF 3.4 First Aid/ CPR, part

Required: You must also register for TF 2.4 and TF 4.4 to complete this course.

Cost: Covered in TF 2.4

TF 3.5 Holiday Table

Runner, part 1

Learn how to measure, cut and sew fabric to create a festive table runner. We’ll cover sewing machine basics plus tricks and tips.

Required: You MUST also select class TF 4.5

Cost: $5

Facilitator: Dawn Gluck

TF 3.6 SWAPS

Tiny crafts called SWAPS have long been made and traded among Girl Scouts when they meet new friends. We’ll make several SWAPS and share ideas for many more in this fun, hands-on class.

Bring: Scissors

Cost: $2

Facilitator: Melinda Zullo

TF 3.7 Knots: Useful and Decorative!

Learn six useful knots and at least one decorative knot to help your girls earn the various level Camper badges.

Cost: Free

Facilitator: Tana Poole

T-shirtS: TAKE HOME A SOUVENIR FROM YOUR TRIP TO OZ!

This year's commemorative T-shirts will be black 50% cotton/50% polyester with a green printed design. They are available in short and long sleeves. Shirts are sized S through 3XL, and come in short or long sleeves. No extras will be ordered, so order yours with your event registration if you don’t want to be left out!

SESSION 4 WORKSHOPS

Saturday, October 4, 3:35 - 5:05 p.m.

Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a workshop requires more than one session to complete, you must register for all other sessions.

TF 4.1 Free Time / Instructing

This option should be selected for this period if you are an instructor or if you want free time during this session.

TF 4.2 Youth Mental Health

First Aid, part 4

Required: You must also register for TF 1.2, TF 2.2 and TF 3.2 to complete this course.

Cost: Covered in TF 1.2

TF 4.3 The Surprising Secret Skill to Empower Others

Discover the surprising secret skill that elevates your ability to empower others. Gain practical insights and tools to foster genuine empowerment through appropriate control management.

Cost: Free Facilitator: Julie Cole

TF 4.4 First Aid/ CPR, part 3

Required: You must also register for TF 2.4 and TF 3.4 to complete this course.

Cost: Covered in TF 1.4

TF 4.5

Holiday Table

Runner, part 2

Required: You must also register for TF 3.5 to complete this course.

Cost: Covered in TF 3.5

TF 4.6 Thinking Day

Enjoy fun and engaging activities, games, and crafts to celebrate Thinking Day, Girl Scout Birthday, and Juliette Low’s Birthday.

Bring: pencil, paper, scissors

Cost: Free

Facilitator: Sandy Hoffer

TF 4.7 Watercolor Poppies

Surely there are flowers along the Yellow Brick Road! Learn how to paint poppies using watercolor and then help your girls earn a fine arts badge. This is a beginner watercolor class; all supplies are provided.

Cost: $7

Facilitator: Jean Smith

SESSION 5 WORKSHOPS

Sunday, October 5, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a workshop requires more than one session to complete, you must register for all other sessions.

TF 5.1 Free Time / Instructing

This option should be selected for this period if you are an instructor or if you want free time during this session.

Cost: Free

TF 5.2 Toto's Basket, part 1

Dorothy carried Toto in her basket and now you can too. Learn how to weave a reed market basket with a handle so you can help your girls earn an arts and crafts badge.

Required: You MUST also register for TF 6.2 to complete this course.

Cost: $12

Facilitator: Jean Smith

TF 5.3 Poppy Wreath, part 1

We will have a great time turning burlap ribbon into a beautiful poppy wreath that you’ll be proud to hang on your front door.

Required: You MUST also register for TF 6.3 to complete this course.

Cost: $20

Facilitator: Sandy McDonald

TF 5.4 I'd Go Back to Kansas for This Cake!

We will make two chocolate cakes: a one-bowl, no-fuss recipe from the time of Wizard of Oz and a fancier one that’s good enough to tempt Dorothy to return immediately to Auntie Em’s house.

Bring: Apron (optional) and a small box for leftovers

Cost: $3

Facilitator: Susan Coe

TF 5.5 Honor the Flag

Conducting a proper and respectful flag ceremony has long been a part of “doing my duty… to my country.” Practice flag ceremony protocol, from a simple ceremony to open a meeting to outdoor ceremonies with a flagpole to the proper way to retire a worn flag. This class could help girls earn the Girl Scout Way and Celebrating Community badges.

Bring: Wear comfortable outdoor clothes

Cost: Free

Facilitator: Tia Ramsey

TF 5.6 The Pieces are Coming Together

Create a mosaic picture frame for your meaningful photo or drawing and build your confidence through guided conversation.

Cost: $15

Facilitator: Victoria Smith

Bring back a surprise for your Girl Scout at home or treat yourself!

TRADING POST:

Stock up on Girl Scout merchandise! The Trading Post will be open select times during Trainfest.

GIFTS THAT KEEP GIVING:

The silent and live auctions are a Trainfest favorite! There are bargains to be found on the dollar table in the Dining Hall all day long too! Over the years, we have raised thousands of dollars for the “Ed Fund.” The Ed Whitmire Scholarship Fund assists volunteers with expenses for learning sessions.

SESSION 6 WORKSHOPS

Sunday, October 5, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Some workshops are limited in size. Assignment is made on a first come, first served basis. If a workshop requires more than one session to complete, you must register for all other sessions.

TF 6.1 Free Time / Instructing

This option should be selected for this period if you are an instructor or if you want free time during this session.

TF 6.2 Toto's Basket, part 2

Required: You must also register for TF 5.2 to complete this course.

Cost: Covered in TF 5.2

TF 6.3 Poppy

Wreath, part

2 Required: You must also register for TF 5.4 to complete this course.

Cost: Covered in TF 5.4

TF 6.4 No One Came in First!

Not every game has to have a winner. We’ll explore some games that require cooperation rather than competition.

Cost: Free

Facilitator: Susan Coe

TF 6.5 Is ALF-Hood for You?

Have you wondered what it takes to be a council Adult Learning Facilitator/trainer? Would it surprise you to know you don’t have to be an expert? Learn what it takes, the experience, expectations and responsibilities. Show your interest without committing.

Cost: Free

Facilitator: Kim Stikeleather

SWAPPING:

Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere or Share With A Pal...no matter what you call them, SWAPS are a fun part of Trainfest! Don’t miss out! For ideas and etiquette, search “SWAPS” on www.girlscoutsp2p.or

SWAPS TIPS

⬥ SWAPS shouldn’t be edible - no 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's 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. We recommend 30-40 SWAPS.

⬥ Forgot your SWAPS? Swap a hug!

⬥ Always say thank you!