2026 Trainfest Brochure

2026 Trainfest Volunteer Learning Event October 9-11, 2026 | Camp Pisgah, Brevard, NC Early Bird Registration Deadline: August 27, 2026 Registration Deadline: September 24, 2026 1

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 Camping 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:

NEW! A LA CARTE

If you have trouble registering online, call 800672-2148 and Customer Care can register you over the phone.

MEAL OPTIONS: Saturday Breakfast: $8 (full hot breakfast) Saturday Lunch: $10 (hot and cold items) Saturday Dinner: $12 (Murder Mystery Dinner) Sunday Breakfast: $6 (hot and cold items)

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.

Choose your own adventure! Stay for the weekend or only come for a couple classes, order the meals or bring your own; no cooking is available. Customize your Trainfest experience. Whatever you decide, there’s lots of fun to be had!

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.

Please make sure to note any food allergies on the registration form.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Pick your accommodations when you arrive. For $5 a night, you can choose to stay at a yurt, cabin or in Westfeldt. 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 some unit shelters.

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CONFIRMATIONS:

SILENT AUCTION, LIVE AUCTION & DOLLAR TABLE:

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.

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 Saturday silent auction. There is also a live auction after dinner Saturday night 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 checkbooks to the event! We encourage you to support the fund by donating items, too.

REFUNDS: A refund will be granted until September 24. A full refund is granted if GSCP2P cancels the event. A medical exemption will grant a refund 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.

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 Department of Social Services in all counties across North Carolina, offering support to foster and kinship care children. 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.”

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.

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.

Originally named in honor of Ed Whitmire, a dedicated leader and trainer in Pisgah Council, the Financial Aid 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, YOU are helping to continue Ed’s work.

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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 role-playing 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 mindset 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.

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Course Name Basic Camping Skills License

Why should I choose this class?

Prerequisites

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

Overnight and Activity License (online, info below)

First Aid/ CPR

Required two-year license for many activities including camping and travel.

Youth Mental Health First Aider

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

This is a hybrid course. The online portion MUST be completed prior to the in-person skills course.

Pre-Course Work (will be sent to participants)

PREREQUISITE ONLINE SAFETY COURSES: 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.

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SESSION 1 WORKSHOPS

Saturday, October 10, 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 1.3 Basic Camping Skills License, part 1

TF 1.5 Poppies, Poppies Will Make Them Sleep

The Basic Camping Skills License is required for camping with girls, covers basic skills such Follow the yellow brick road... as fire building, Leave No Trace straight into a poppy field! This principles, safe knife use, planning class is designed especially and preparation of outdoor meals, for those who want to bring a TF 1.2 Youth sanitation, tent use and care. little Oz magic and STEM learnMental Health We'll also cover useful knots and ing back to their troops. You'll First Aid, part 1 methods to teach these camping create your own vibrant, swirlYouth Mental Health First Aid activities to girls. ing poppy using pourpainting teaches you how to identify, unPrerequisites: Overnight and techniques, exploring color, derstand and respond to signs Activity License courses in gsLearn movement and artistic expresof mental health and substance must be completed two weeks sion. This session models how use challenges among adolesbefore the event. to turn art into STEM. cents ages 12-18. You’ll build Required: You MUST also register for Bring: Wear an apron or old the skills and confidence you TF 2.3 and TF 3.3 to complete this T-shirt (paint can splatter). need to reach out and provide course.

Cost: $7 initial support to young people Bring: Pocketknife, water bottle, Facilitator: Kari Hatley who are struggling. You’ll also eating utensils/plate/bowl/cup learn how to help connect them in a mesh bag. Wear appropriate to appropriate support. This TF 1.6 We’re (K)not in course is presented in a blended clothing for an outdoor class.

Kansas Anymore format and includes two hours Cost: $15 Get creative and put those knot Facilitators: Patti Hubbard and of self-paced prework prior to tying skills to good use. Learn Cameron Tucker attending the in-person class. the basics of macrame to create Participants must complete a cute macrame owl.

TF 1.4 Honor the Flag their prework and attend the in-person session in order to be- Conducting a proper and respectful Cost: $4 come certified in Youth Mental flag ceremony has long been a part Facilitator: Susan Coe Health First Aid. This certifica- of “doing my duty… to my country.”

TF1.7 Thinking Day Fun Practice flag ceremony protocol, tion is good for three years.

Enjoy fun and engaging from a simple ceremony to open Prerequisites: Course prework activities, games and crafts to will be sent via e-mail. Required: a meeting to outdoor ceremonies celebrate Thinking Day, Girl with a flagpole to the proper way You MUST also register for Scout Birthday and Juliette to retire a worn flag. This class TF 2.2, TF 3.2 and TF 4.2 to could help girls earn the Girl Scout Low’s Birthday. complete this course.

Bring: Pencil, paper and Bring: Water bottle and snacks. Way and Celebrating Community scissors. badges.

A workbook is provided for Cost: $2 Bring: Wear comfortable outdoor notes.

Facilitator: Sandy Hoffer clothes.

Cost: $15 Cost: $3 Facilitator: Emily Satterfield Facilitator: Tia Ramsey 5

SESSION 2 WORKSHOPS Saturday, October 10, 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

TF 2.5 Winter Sowing

TF 2.7 The Yellow Brick Road: Beginner’s Guide

Has the price of seedlings This option should be selected caused you to want to grow Learn how to prepare yourself your own, but you don’t have a and your girls for a hike in for this period if you are an heated greenhouse, grow lights the woods. Learn some fun instructor or if you want free or space for growing seedlings activities and games to play time during this session. inside? Learn how to winter Cost: Free while on the trail to earn your sow your seedlings in a milk jug hiking badge. for very little cost.

Bring: Wear comfortable TF 2.2 Youth Bring: Gloves (optional), two outdoor clothes.

Mental Health clean, clear (not white) 1-gallon Cost: $2 First Aid, part 2 milk jugs or water bottles.

Facilitator: Susan Coe Required: You must also register Cost: $2 for TF 1.2, TF 3.2 and TF 4.2 to Facilitator: Tana Poole complete this course.

Cost: Covered in TF 1.2

TF 2.3 Basic Camping Skills License, 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 New Girl Leadership Awards

Learn how to help girls practice ways to lead their team and in their community.

The new Leadership Awards are about building skills for real impact and having the confidence to turn ideas into action. Whether they're figuring out what leadership means, working with a team or leading a group, these awards are designed to help girls explore what leadership means to them as they work toward earning the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

Cost: $2 Facilitator: Kim Stikeleather

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: $9 Facilitator: Jean Smith

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SESSION 3 WORKSHOPS

Saturday, October 10, 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

TF 3.4 Holiday Table Runner, part 1

TF 3.7 SWAPS

Tiny crafts called SWAPS have long been made and traded This option should be selected among Girl Scouts when they for this period if you are an Learn how to measure, cut meet new friends. We’ll make instructor or if you want free and sew fabric to create a several SWAPS and share ideas time during this session. festive table runner. We’ll cover for many more in this fun, Cost: Free sewing machine basics plus hands-on class. tricks and tips.

Bring: Scissors Required: You MUST also Cost: $4 TF 3.2 Youth register for TF 4.4.

Facilitator: Melinda Zullo Mental Health Cost: $7 First Aid, part 3 Required: You must also register Facilitator: Dawn Gluck for TF 1.2, TF 2.2 and TF 4.2 to TF3.5 Haunted Forest complete this course.

Tree of Life, part 1 Cost: Covered in TF 1.2 Follow the yellow brick road... straight into the shadows. You'll TF 3.3 Basic create your own enchanted Camping Skills Tree of Life pendant using License, part 3 wire-sculpting techniques to Required: You must also register twist branches, shape sturdy for TF 1.3 and TF 2.3 to complete roots and add details like this course. sparkling "apples" or emerald Cost: Covered in TF 1.3 accents. This session models how to turn art into STEM learning by incorporating engineering concepts along with the full design-thinking process.

TAKE HOME A SOUVENIR Required: You MUST also FROM YOUR TRIP TO OZ! register for TF 4.5.

This year's commemorative Cost: $7 T-shirts will be black 50% Facilitator: Kari Hatley cotton/50% polyester with a green printed design. Shirts TF 3.6 Knots: are sized S through 3XL. No extras will be ordered, so Useful and order yours with your event Decorative! registration if you don’t want Learn six useful to be left out! knots and at least one decorative knot to help your Short Sleeve (S-XL): $10 girls earn the various level Short Sleeve (2X-3X): $13 Camper badges.

Long Sleeve (S-XL): $17 Cost: $2 Long Sleeve (2X-3X): $19 Facilitator: Tana Poole 7

SESSION 4 WORKSHOPS

Saturday, October 10, 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 4.4 Holiday Table Runner, part 2

TF 4.7 Watercolor Poppies

Required: You must also register Surely there are flowers along for TF 3.4. the Yellow Brick Road! Learn Cost: Covered in TF 3.4 how to paint poppies using watercolor and then help your girls earn a fine arts badge.

TF 4.5 Haunted Forest This is a beginner watercolor TF 4.2 Youth Tree of Life, part 2 Required: You must also register class; all supplies are provided.

Mental Health Cost: $9 for TF 3.5.

First Aid, part 4 Facilitator: Jean Smith Required: You must also register Cost: Covered in TF 3.5 for TF 1.2, TF 2.2 and TF 3.2 to TF 4.6 Multi-troop Magic complete this course.

Struggling with how to handle Cost: Covered in TF 1.2 a troop with girls in multiple age levels? Learn how to TF 4.3 Hybrid manage your troop with help First Aid/CPR from others. We’ll discuss how Hybrid First Aid/CPR certito structure the troop and how fication involves completing co-leaders can help so no one an online portion (self-paced person carries all the load! theory) and then a mandatory Bring: Pen and paper. in-person skills session with Cost: $2 an instructor for hands-on Facilitator: Jennifer Ballard practice and final assessment, resulting in a 2-year certification.

Prerequisites: Once you have registered, you will receive log-in to the ECSI platform to complete lessons, interactive activities and quizzes at your own pace. After finishing the online portion, you will print a completion form. Bring this form with you and give it to the instructor for the handson skills demonstration. Upon successful skill competition, you will receive your official card.

Bring: Completion of online course certificate and towel or sit-upon to kneel on.

Cost: $15 Facilitator: Maureen Stoudt 8

SESSION 5 WORKSHOPS

Sunday, October 11, 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: $14 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: $22 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: $4 Facilitator: Susan Coe

TF 5.5 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.

Cost: $2 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: $17 Facilitator: Victoria Smith

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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!

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 3040 SWAPS. ⬥ Forgot your SWAPS? Swap a hug! ⬥ Always say thank you!

SESSION 6 WORKSHOPS

Sunday, October 11, 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 5.3 to complete this course.

Cost: Covered in TF 5.3

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

MOBILE SHOP: Stock up on Girl Scout merchandise! The traveling shop will be open during select times at Trainfest. You may also pre-order through the Council Shops and pick up at Trainfest.

TF 6.4 Hybrid First Aid/CPR

Hybrid First Aid/CPR certification involves completing an online portion (self-paced theory) and then a mandatory in-person skills session with an instructor for hands-on practice and final assessment, resulting in a 2-year certification.

Prerequisites: Once you have registered, you will receive log-in to the ECSI platform to complete lessons, interactive activities, and quizzes at your own pace. After finishing the online portion, you will print a completion form. Bring this form with you and give it to the instructor for the handson skills demonstration. Upon successful skill competition, you will receive your official card.

Bring: Completion of online course certificate and towel or sit-upon to kneel on.

Cost: $15 Facilitator: Maureen Stoudt

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 Adult Training Financial Assistance.

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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: $2 Facilitator: Kim Stikeleather

TF 6.6 What to Do Instead of Screaming!

Uncover leadership skills you need to keep from going crazy and start enjoying Girl Scouts again. We will discuss how to manage a group, cope with troublemakers, empower volunteers, lead without controlling delegation, analyze problems, self-care and boundaries! Every participant receives “What to Do Instead of Screaming” by Myra Nagel.

Bring: An open mind and an open heart plus tools for note taking.

Cost: $7 Kindle or $12 Paperback Facilitators: Amy Barnes and Rebecca Grooms