Volunteer Retreat 2023

• Saturday only registration click here.
• Overnight registration click here (includes Saturday and you’ll select add-on options).

Girl Scout Volunteers – join us for a weekend of training, making new friends, and a whole lot of Girl Scout fun at Camp Sacajawea. Volunteer Retreat 2023 is your weekend to learn more about leading your troop, experience Girl Scout traditions, learn more about the great outdoors and how to be the leader you want to be for your troop. You’ll learn from other volunteers and staff and get to experience a weekend at camp! Watch for session selection closer to the event, so you can pick which topics you’d like to experience and learn more about! The main training day is Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. check-in through 5:00 p.m. and there are add on opportunities for both Thursday and Friday nights!

• Location: Girl Scout Camp Sacajawea – 638 L Ave, Boone, IA 50036
• Cost: Saturday only – $30 (includes lunch and dinner)
• Check-in: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday evening OR 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning

Add on options:

• • Thursday and Friday night – $20 ( Thursday night overnight accommodations, Friday breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
  • Friday night – $10 (overnight accommodations, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
  • First Aid/CPR or Youth Mental Health First Aid Course Friday only ($35)*

*CPR classes are scheduled for 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 3:00PM on Friday, October 20. Youth Mental Health is scheduled from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM with a 1-hour lunch on Friday, October 20.

Registration for CPR/First Aid Certification or Youth Mental Health First Aid will be separate and will include pre-work that must be completed before the class. You will be able to indicate your interest in CPR training or Youth Mental Health training when you register for the retreat and we will follow up by email with the registration link later this summer.

Registration closes at 5:00 p.m. on September 22, 2023

FAQ:

Q: Can I choose who I room with or where I stay?
A: During registration, select your overnight option from the dropdown and you will be prompted to provide your buddy and lodging request. We will do our best to accommodate all requests, but cannot guarantee lodging assignments. Buddies must be mutually requested by both adults for the request to be honored.

• Troop House: AC/heat, bathrooms with showers, kitchen, large shared sleeping space
• Windy Ridge: AC/heat, bathrooms with showers, shared sleeping space
• Whistling Oaks: AC/heat, bathrooms with shower, outdoor picnic shelter space, shared sleeping space

Q: What if I can’t go all weekend?
A: That’s ok! The retreat on Saturday, October 21, runs from check-in at 8:00 a.m. to a 5:00 p.m. dinner and group campfire. Staying at camp overnight Thursday/Friday before is optional for attendees. If you will need to arrive late or leave early on Saturday, please email us at info@gsiowa.org.

Q: What can I use to pay for my registration?
A: All payment methods are available – PayPal, credit card, e-check, and gift card (Program Credits) just as they are for any other event registration.

Q: What if my plans change? What if I end up wanting to spend the night?
A: Registration is open until September 22, so if things change please reach out to us at info@gsiowa.org and we will do our best to accommodate any additional time you’d like to add to your registration. Refunds for GSGI program event registrations will be issued if the cancellation request is received at least 10 days prior to the event start date. No refunds will be issued if a registration is cancelled less than 10 days prior to the event start date. For the full cancellation policy, visit girlscoutsiowa.org/refunds.

Q: What are we going to be doing?
A: The retreat will be a mix of camp experiences such as hiking, exploring camp, and even a campfire for those who want it! There will be two general sessions and two break-out sessions on Saturday that focus on creating different outdoor experiences for girls, troop-level training, and how to help you feel more comfortable and prepared to create new girl-led experiences as you start the new Girl Scout year. You will also get to experience different Girl Scout traditions, from ceremonies and songs to what girls experience when they go to camp! Finally, you can meet new friends or catch-up with old ones, there will be free time throughout the weekend as well.

Q: What if I’d like to help?
A: There will be some opportunities for volunteers to help during parts of the retreat. If you’re interested in helping you can let us know during your registration or email us at info@gsiowa.org.

Q: Can I bring my Girl Scout?
A: This is an adults-only retreat. All attendees must be a registered adult member for the 2023-2024 membership year with a current background check on file.

Q: What should I bring?
A: Here is a suggested packing list for you:

• Dress for the weather (layers!)
• Closed-toe shoes
• Socks
• Water bottle
• Notebook and pen for note taking
• Book for reading
• Small backpack/day pack
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen

For Overnight:

• Pajamas
• Shower flip-flops
• Towels
• Toiletries
• Flashlight & extra batteries
• Single-size sheet to cover mattress
• Sleeping bag/blanket and pillow

Still have questions? Reach out to us at info@gsiowa.org!