2026 Leaderee Volunteer Learning Event
September 25-27, 2026 | Keyauwee Program Center, Sophia, NC
Registration Deadline: September 10, 2026
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! Join us for two overnights and four catered meals during the weekend OR just for the sessions you’re interested in. New this year: all items are a la carte.
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.
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 10 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 2026 commemoratives will be a patch, lanyard, short-sleeved t-shirt and charm. Prices are listed on the registration form and must be ordered with registration. Don’t forget your pin can hang up to seven Leaderee charms! Other items available include “My mom went to Leaderee” patches, bandana 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 10.
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!
SWAPS:
Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere to Share With A Pal... no matter what you call them, SWAPS are a fun part of all the Volunteer Learning Events! Don’t miss out! SWAPS are tokens of friendship exchanged among Girl Scouts. Each one is distinctive, capturing the essence of a Girl Scout, their troop or a memorable event. For ideas and etiquette, search “SWAPS” on Pinterest. 30-40 SWAPS should be adequate. Remember, 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 SWAPS so your new friends can reach you.
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 on Saturday. The first gift will be given out prior to lunch on Saturday with the second gift prior to dinner on 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:
Financial assistance for adult training assists volunteers with expenses for learning sessions. Over the years, we have raised thousands of dollars for the 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:
Earn the Lifesaver Patch at 2026 Leaderee! There are five pieces of this patch program. Patch pieces will be available at the Girl Scout Mobile Shop Saturday night in the dining hall.
GSCP2P Gives Clothing: Family Room Foster Care Resource Center provides love, encouragement and support to foster families and the children in their care. Please bring a new set of pajamas size 2T-adult XL for foster children in our area.
GSCP2P Gives Back: To go along with the pjs, we’ll also be collecting new or gently used books to donate to the Family Room Foster Care Resource Center. To be sensitive to the background of the kids receiving them, books should have no writing in them (especially personal inscriptions) nor be about families. Family Room specifically requests culturally diverse books.
GSCP2P Gives Blood: The Red Cross donor bus will be at Leaderee on Sunday, September 27th from 8am-12pm. Sign-ups will be sent out with the confirmation packet. The community will also be invited to donate as the bus will be parked in the parking lot near the entry shelter.
GSCP2P Gives Food: We invite you to check out food pantry options in your area at findhelp.org! Rather than keeping any food donations close to camp, we ask you to donate non-perishables to your local food banks.
Do a Good Turn: Check out the activities in the dining hall Friday night to “Do a Good Turn” in our community!
LEADEREE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday, September 25
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 trying out activities from different patches/ badges or playing games together.
NEW! A LA CARTE
Choose your own adventure! Stay for the weekend or only come for a couple classes, order the catered meals or bring your own, customize your Leaderee experience. Whatever you decide, there’s lots of fun to be had!!!
Sleeping arrangements:
Tent, Cabin or Lodge $5/ night
Meal options:
Saturday breakfast
$8
Eggs, bacon, sausage, veggie/ turkey options, biscuits, hashbrowns, coffee, OJ
Saturday lunch $10
Sandwich and salad bar, tea, lemonade
Saturday dinner
$15
Taco and salad bar, tea, lemonade
Sunday breakfast
$7
Grits/ Oatmeal/ Yogurt bar, coffee, OJ
Saturday, September 26
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 - 1:30 p.m.
Flag Retirement
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Session 3 Workshops
4 - 6 p.m.
Session 4 Workshops
6:15 - 7:30 p.m.
Dinner
(Second Secret Buddy gift)
7:30 - 10 p.m.
Evening Program
Mobile Shop will be open in the dining hall from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Place orders to pick up ahead of camp arrival or do some shopping in-person.
Sunday, September 27
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
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR ADULT TRAINING
Financial assistance for adult training is available to enable registered Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont (GSCP2P) volunteers to attend courses that will benefit the girls they guide. This financial aid may provide assistance to reduce the cost of Basic Camping Skills License Course, First Aid/CPR Certification and Youth Mental Health First Aid to $15. This year, you will not need to apply as the price will be reduced for all participants.
Each year, this fund is fed and nurtured by fundraising at our three Adult Learning Events. If you have donated or purchased items offered at the auctions at these events, thank you!
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
First Aid and CPR
Youth Mental Health First Aid
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 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 is required for all overnight events and field trips with your troop. 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. Use the search option to keyword search “Overnight” and look for the blue owl. The Overnight and Activity License is a prerequisite for all camping courses and should be completed two weeks prior to attending Leaderee.
SESSION 1 CLASSES
Saturday, September 26, 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 and First Aid 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 and 3.2 to meet the requirements for certification.
Cost: $15
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 and mess kit (plastic or metal dishes/ silverware in a mesh bag)
Cost: $15
Facilitator: Tina Barber
LE 1.4 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. This certification is good for three years.
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.
Postrequisite: You must register for LE 2.4 and 3.4 to meet the requirements for certification.
Cost: $15
Facilitator: Emily Satterfield
LE 1.5 ABCs of GS
Learn the language of Girl Scouts! This session covers common acronyms and terms to help leaders stay informed and confident in Girl Scout conversations.
Cost: $2
Facilitators: Lisa Willett, Kasey Holcomb and Brenda Newsome
LE 1.6 Attaching Badges to Vests
Struggle to attach patches to Girl Scout vests? We'll go over various methods to get those badges and patches on. Feel free to bring vests and patches needing attachment!
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Vicky Ringiesen
LE 1.7 Higher Awards
Come get all the information on Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards from a seasoned troop leader. Also, learn about the Leadership Awards replacing the Journey prerequisite.
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Beth Steelmon
LE 1.8 Archery
After learning the safety rules, let your arrows fly at Keyauwee's archery range. Will you get a bullseye?
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Nikki Currie
SESSION 2 CLASSES
Saturday, September 26, 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
and First Aid
Certification, part 2
You must also register for LE 1.2 and 3.2.
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 YMHFA, part
2
You must register for LE 1.4 and 3.4.
Cost: Covered in LE 1.4
LE 2.5 50 States of Girl Scouting
Find out what each state’s Girl Scout council has for council own patch programs. You will receive a flash drive with patch program details from each of our 50 states. We’ll try a few fun activities from the patches. Bring: Scissors
Cost: $5
Facilitator: Jill Guthrie
LE 2.6 No-Sew Bandana Bag
Come and enjoy learning a no-sew activity to take back to your Girl Scouts - Bandana Bags! We’ll tie sides together of bandanas to create a bag while tying in a way to teach about knots. We will also get to know each other and talk about our troops.
Bring: Scissors
Cost: $3
Facilitators: Tyffany Fugitt and Katee Utter
LE 2.7 Lead Where you are Planted: Voices of Leaders of Color
Join us for an inspiring and honest panel conversation featuring leaders of color who are making an impact right where they are. Through real stories, shared experiences and practical insights, this session will highlight the power of leading in your own community and creating opportunities for the next generation. Whether you’re a new leader or have years of experience, you’ll walk away encouraged, equipped and reminded that meaningful leadership doesn’t require a perfect setting—just a willing heart and a commitment to show up. Because when we lead where we’re planted, we grow stronger together.
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Doneka Dillard
LE 2.8 Slingshots
Try your hand at slingshots using different projectiles. These are an activity girls of all ages can enjoy at camp! Can you get a bullseye?
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Evelyn Freeze
LE 2.9 Boating
Take a lap around Lake Early. You’ll have the choice of paddleboat, canoe or kayak.
Cost: $3
Facilitators: KPC Staff
COMMEMORATIVES:
All commemoratives will be a la carte. Pick up your 2026 The Great Pajama Jam patch, lanyard, t-shirt and charm. Also available at registration is the Leaderee pin (includes 2026 charm), tote bag, bandana and "My Mom went to Leaderee" patch.
SESSION 3 CLASSES
Saturday, September 26 1:45 - 3:45 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 CPR
and First Aid
Certification, part 3
You must also register for LE 1.2 and 2.2.
Cost: Covered in LE 1.2
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 1.4 and 2.4.
Cost: Covered in LE 1.4
LE 3.5 Cast Iron Cooking
Don't let cast iron intimidate you! Learn maintenance and cooking hacks so that you'll look like a pro.
Bring: Oven mitts
Cost: $5
Facilitator: Trefoil Guild
LE 3.6 Lollipops
Have a sweet tooth? Learn to make lollipops for any occasion. Add edible flowers for teas or use holiday molds to make your creation stand out. Create and decorate your own.
Cost: $5
Facilitator: Evelyn Freeze
LE 3.7 Flag Ceremonies, History and Retiring
Learn the history of our flags, their role in our country's culture and flag ceremony etiquette for Girl Scouts. Practice drill and ceremony commands and perform a flag retirement. Bring: Any flags needing retiring
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Nikki Currie and Brenda Newsome
LE 3.8 Stepping/Line Dancing
Enjoy dancing, but feel like you need guidance? Want to learn some line dances? Not sure you have rhythm, but want to step outside your comfort zone in a safe space? Lots of fun, laughs and maybe a little sweat.
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Cheri Jones
LE 3.9 Climbing Wall
Can you make it to the top to ring the bell? Come give it a try!
Cost: $7
Facilitator: KPC Staff
SESSION 4 CLASSES
Saturday, September 26, 4 - 6 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 Kumihimo
Kumihimo is the traditional Japanese art of braiding silk cords. Learn the basic braid or try an advanced one to make bracelets. You'll get a pattern book and foam disk to take home so the fun never stops.
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Jan McManus
LE 4.3 Rope Runner Derby
Decorate your rope runner and transform it into anything you want it to be. Runners will race down the rope track for the fastest time. Check out design inspiration ahead of time at www.roperunners.com.
Bring: Any specific craft items you'd like to include in your design
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Marie Roberts
LE 4.4 Sourdough 101
Make, bake and take! Learn the basics of what you really need to bake your own bread, how to feed your sourdough starter and taste some baked goodies. You'll go home with a dried sourdough starter that will last for years until you are ready to use it.
Bring: Apron
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Christine Hanichak
LE 4.5 Pillow Fights and Pillow Talks
Dreading overnights? Learn how to plan overnights for different levels, the issues that commonly occur and how to overcome them.
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Vicky Ringiesen
LE 4.6 Time Filler Games
Discover easy, no-prep games perfect for filling spare minutes at meetings, trips or camp. Leaders will learn and play several fun activities they can take straight back to their troops.
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Kasey Holcomb
LE 4.7 Self-defense
Learn some easy self-defense skills you'll hopefully never need in real life.
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Joy Hughes
LE 4.8 Mah Jongg
Learn the rules and try your hand at winning a game of American Mah Jongg.
Cost: $2
Facilitators: Helene Bayona, Beth Smith and Alice Gray
LE 4.9 Canning Basics
Always wanted to know how to save those perfectly ripe summer fruits and veggies for winter? Take your canning knowledge up a level.
Cost: $10
Facilitator: Stesha Warren
SESSION 5 CLASSES
Sunday, September 27, 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 Troop Sleepover Success
Learn practical tips for planning a fun and successful troop sleepover, from menus and timelines to games and activities to keep the night running smoothly.
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Kasey Holcomb
LE 5.3 Coat Hanger Trees
Need a small tree to place on a desk or bedroom to get in that holiday spirit throughout the house? Come and create a tree using metal coat hangers and garland. Add some lights, maybe some small/mini ornaments and you are all set!
Bring: Scissors and hot glue gun
Cost: $15
Facilitator: Brenda Newsome
LE 5.4 SWAP Hangers
Ever wanted to know what to do with all the SWAPS you collect? Come make and decorate your own SWAP holder to save all your tresasures.
Cost: $3
Facilitators: Evelyn Freeze
LE
5.5 Where can you go as a Girl Scout?
Answer: EVERYWHERE! Learn all about permissions, finances, world centers and even get a Savannah itenerary and budget.
Cost: $2
Facilitator: Beth Steelmon
LE 5.6 Macrame
Take those knot tying skills to the next level and create with them. Dating back thousands of years and becoming popular during the 70s, macrame is here to stay!
Cost: $3
Facilitators: Marie Duke
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! For ideas and etiquette, search “SWAPS” on www.girlscoutsp2p.org.
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!
