MedievalTrio

Mountain Magic Leader Weekend 2017
A Medieval Faire at Misty Mountain!

Offered by the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc.

16th Annual Mountain Magic Adult Girl Scout Weekend

Camp Misty Mountain, Armuchee, Georgia

January 20-22, 2017

Printable PDF
Printable PDF

We’re delighted that you are interested in the Mountain Magic Adult Girl Scout Weekend! We have loads of fun in store for you and lots of new and exciting things planned. PLEASE READ THIS PACKET IN ITS ENTIRETY!! It should answer all of your questions. Remember, to ensure the best selection of classes and your first choice of units/sleeping accommodations, register EARLY! Classes and units/beds are assigned in the order that participants register!

Reservation Deadline: 11/30 - DISCOUNT WHEN YOU REGISTER BY 10/31!

Space is limited.  First come, first served.

PLEASE READ ALL PAGES FOR EVENT DETAILS!

 

EVENT OPTIONS

All options include a personalized event folder and weekend schedule, nametag/swap necklace, custom patch, meals (as indicated), unlimited coffee/tea/cocoa, a site map, and all weekend day and evening activities. Campers provide their own transportation (carpooling suggested).  Please note: some classes have additional fees, which may be paid before arriving at camp via PayPal or during check-in at camp (Cash Only); exception to this are the Camp Class Fees for Horseback Riding, Archery, and Riflery, and the Massages, which must be paid at time of registration. A limited number of scholarships are available; please let us know if you need specific assistance (see “Scholarships”, page 8). Classes, as well as cabins/beds are assigned in the order that participants register.  If you would like to be assigned to a cabin with a friend, note one roommate’s name on the registration form. Note: BOTH roommates must note each other’s name on the form! Detailed confirmations and weekend specifics will be sent to you in early January.

Check-In Friday anytime between 4-8 PM, Check-Out Sunday after 2 PM.   Includes five meals (Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch), Friday night entertainment, and overnight accommodations (two nights).

Register by 10/31: $75.00; Register 11/1 – 11/30: $85.00. 

Check-In Friday anytime between 4-8 PM, Check-Out Saturday 7-8:30 PM (NOTE: must vacate sleeping accommodations Saturday before 8AM to accommodate Saturday night campers checking in).  Includes three meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner), Friday night entertainment, and overnight accommodations (Friday night only). 

Register by 10/31: $60.00; Register 11/1 – 11/30: $70.00. 

Participant Check-In Saturday 7:30-9:30 AM, Check-Out Sunday after 2 PM. (NOTE: you may check into lodging accommodations during Saturday lunch hour and before first afternoon class). Includes four meals (Saturday lunch - Sunday lunch) and overnight accommodations (Saturday night only). 

Register by 10/31: $65.00; Register 11/1 – 11/30: $75.00. 

Participant Check-In Saturday 7:30-9:30 AM, Check-Out Saturday 7-8:30 PM. Includes two meals (Saturday lunch and dinner), no overnight accommodations. 

Register by 10/31: $44.00; Register 11/1 – 11/30: $54.00. 

Check-In Friday anytime between 4-8 PM, Check-Out Sunday after 2 PM. Includes your choice of four meals (Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch), and Friday and Saturday night entertainment. No overnight accommodations (on your own).

Register by 10/31: $60.00; Register 11/1 – 11/30: $70.00

DETAILED EVENT INFORMATION

Registration features for 2017!

Who May Attend

The Mountain Magic Leader Weekend may be attended by ANY currently registered Adult Girl Scout Volunteer (i.e., Lifetime Member or someone who has paid current annual dues).  You do not need to be a troop “leader” to join us!  Do you need to renew your annual adult registration? Are you a brand new volunteer? If so, visit the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta website at http://www.girlscoutsatl.org/ prior to registering for our weekend. Call the council office at 770-702-9100 for more information.

Make New Friends – “Bravehearts”

Don’t have a buddy to join you? Is no one else from your Service Unit attending? No problem!! Everyone at camp is very friendly. This weekend will be a great opportunity for you to Make New Friends and Keep the Old. We’ll have special recognitions and meet-and-greet opportunities for our guests that come alone. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be having fun with your new-found friends. When selecting your cabin preferences, you may also request to be assigned with other Bravehearts. Thanks for having the courage to try new things!

Site

Camp Misty Mountain is located in NW Georgia in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by a national forest with a 100-acre lake.  Facilities used during the weekend include: two-story dining hall, five winterized cabin units (heated buildings), archery & riflery range, and horseback riding facilities.   Each unit has a fire ring and outdoor program space. Units are wheelchair accessible, but those with mobility impairments may prefer to stay in units closest to the dining hall. Click here for more information about Camp Misty Mountain. NOTE: there is no wifi or cell service available at camp.

On-Site Accommodations

Misty Mountain is a Girl Scout CAMP! Cabins at Misty Mountain are somewhat “primitive” in nature, although every unit is heated and has flush toilets (so it’s not really “roughing it!”) Unfortunately, there is no “maid” service, nor is there a “porter” or other hotel amenities. If you have never camped at one of our Girl Scout Camps before, this will give you a good introduction to camp. We think that Misty Mountain is pretty plush when it comes to camping! ALCOHOL, FIREARMS, ILLEGAL DRUGS, and PETS ARE PROHIBITED. (Note: special permission has been obtained for the beer tasting class that is offered in 2017; alcohol may not be brought by participants).  Smoking is not permitted anywhere on Council property.

This weekend is a great way to meet new people and get new ideas.  We strongly recommend that you be open to cabin/bed assignment with people outside of your Service Unit. To encourage making new friends/networking at the event, participants will be limited to one roommate “buddy” request.  To share sleeping units with a buddy, you MUST both note each other’s name in the “roommate” section when you register.  If you are coming by yourself, you may request that you be assigned with other “Bravehearts”. Please list only one buddy. Learn about Camp Misty Mountain online.

Cabins/beds are assigned upon completion of your online registration form FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED! If you are requesting accommodations with a buddy, we will assign sleeping arrangements when the LAST roommate’s registration form is completed. Register early if you have a strong preference for unit and/or bunk (i.e., top bunk vs. bottom bunk).  Cabins closest to the dining hall and lower bunk beds will be reserved for those who have mobility limitations (limited spaces).  Please indicate any mobility impairment or limitations on your registration form so that we may accommodate your needs. If you use a CPAP machine, let us know so that we can ensure that your bed is located near an electrical outlet.

We offer Night Owl/Early Bird and warm/cool cabin choices.  Please indicate your preference on the registration form.  Participants who want to stay up after 10 PM should plan to socialize in the dining hall until ready to settle down in the units (so others are not disturbed). We will have games and puzzles set up in the dining hall – previous guests have enjoyed working on these and staying up into the wee hours talking/socializing!

Early Bird (early-to-bed): lights-out & quiet at 10 PM
Night Owl (late-to-bed): lights-out & quiet at midnight

Warm cabin: 76°

Cool cabin: 68°

Please indicate on your registration form the ONE THING that is most important to you:  unit, bunk, temperature, late/early, or being with a friend as we will use this information to place you if your first choice of accommodations is unavailable! Individuals registering with a buddy should select the same unit preference (warm/cool and early/late).

Please note that ALL UNITS will have classes in the common areas during the day and MAY have classes assigned in the common areas from 7-10PM. To avoid areas where a class may be assigned in the evening, you should select Blue Gill Bay or Shellcracker Cove (and request that you NOT be assigned in the leader room). These are the only units that have separate buildings for the sleeping areas and common areas. Blue Gill Bay and Shellcracker Cove MAY have classes assigned in one of the sleeping areas of the unit during the daytime only.  This means that if you want to be able to visit your sleeping area/bunk during the day, a class MAY be in progress.  Your personal items will not be disturbed, but if you think you might want to take a nap during the day, this may be disruptive for you.  Please note in the special needs area of the registration form if you do not want to be assigned to a sleeping area where a class may be assigned during the day.  We are hopeful that providing this information will help light sleepers choose an appropriate unit to ensure undisturbed rest. J We apologize for this inconvenience, but this is the only way we can offer the large variety of classes during the weekend.

Transportation/Parking

Vehicles may park in the main parking lot by the dining hall on paved surfaces only.  Please do NOT park in any grassy areas.  After checking in, you will be allowed to unload your car at your assigned unit (pending ranger approval), but you will then need to immediately move your car to designated parking spaces.  Carpooling is recommended – spaces are limited.  Please park in the designated areas only. Please leave cars parked in the parking lot the rest of the weekend – NO DRIVING AROUND CAMP!! (Note: accommodations will be made for those with mobility restrictions.)

Classes, Workshops, and Activities

Please go to our website at http://www.3leaves.org/mm2017/classes2017.html to see all of the classes that we will be offering this year. We have 28 new classes for this year! There are photos posted for many of the classes, along with detailed descriptions, class supply lists, length, class fee, and instructor name. Remember, to ensure the best selection of classes and your first choice of units/sleeping accommodations, register EARLY! We assign classes and units/beds in the order that registrations are received.

Our classes/workshops are designed to enhance your personal growth and program skills for leading girls. And, activities are just plain fun!  Our high quality sessions are presented by knowledgeable instructors and/or licensed professionals; some sessions may have an additional fee. You MAY NOT just drop in; you must be registered in order to attend a class.  The number of participants for each class/workshop/activity is limited. All are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please register for your 1st choice class choice during each time slot.  If your first choice is full, select that class to be added to the waitlist AND select your 2nd choice from one of the available classes. If your first choice class/workshop/activity is full and you are on the wait list, we’ll automatically register you for that class when space becomes available. REGISTER EARLY so you won’t be disappointed (and get a discount, too)!

There will be limited opportunities to “switch” classes once registered. When you receive your final confirmation packet in December, please pay close attention to the classes you are scheduled to attend. Please contact our registrar, Marie Wright, immediately if there are any discrepancies so that we may make adjustments prior to your arrival at camp. All class changes must be made no later than check-in so that we can provide our instructors with accurate class rosters and reimburse them appropriately. Instructors may NOT accept “walk-ins”.

Meals & Snacks

Meals will be cooked and provided cafeteria-style by the Misty Mountain staff in the Dining Hall.  We will be offering healthy “adult” choices and vegetarian options at all meals.  The weekend menu is posted to our website at http://www.3leaves.org/mm2017/menu2017.html.  Please note any special dietary needs or food allergies when you register so that we may try to accommodate you.  If you have unique dietary restrictions, please note these and you will be contacted with options. NOTE: meals may not be cooked in the camping units.  We do have refrigerators in the main cabin of each unit, and you may store some personal food items there. PLEASE, DO NOT EAT FOOD IN THE UNITS THAT DOES NOT BELONG TO YOU!! A snack table will be available all weekend long in the dining hall for all campers to share.  Each camper is asked to bring a snack for the snack table. You may help yourself freely to the food choices in the dining hall. J Remember to consider healthy choices, too!

Cell Phones/Pay Phone

Cell phones have previously NOT worked at Misty Mountain (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Metro PCS previously did NOT work at camp). A pay telephone is available at the pool, but communication with family members may be somewhat limited unless you cross back over the mountain.  We consider this a FEATURE of the weekend! J  Emergency phone numbers (for the camp ranger) will be provided in your confirmation packet in the unlikely event that family members need to reach you during the weekend.  Walkie-talkies will be available in each unit for communication with the camp ranger or First Aider for emergencies during the weekend.  Cell phones make good alarm clocks during the weekend.

SWAPS

Swaps are the tradition of Girl Scouts exchanging keepsakes. They were started long ago and were originally exchanged at National Girl Scout Senior Roundups (referred to as "Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere").  Swaps are still the perfect way for Girl Scouts to meet each other, promote friendship and remember a special event or Girl Scout Sister.  At our Leader Weekend many participants exchange Swaps to remember the friends and fun they share all weekend, but this is optional (however, you may not get any from others if you don’t have some to trade). 

Swaps can be simple or complex, cheap or expensive, whatever the maker desires.  They can be made from foam, paper, felt, plastic, or “recycled” materials.  Swaps usually tell something about the giver (where they are from, what they like) and often include contact information so the people they meet will remember them better.  They often represent the event theme (our weekend theme this year is a Medieval/Renaissance theme). So, make some to bring with you or you can make some at the weekend to exchange with other participants. Participants should plan to bring around 50-75 SWAPS.  Need more info? Visit http://www.3leaves.org/4715/Swaps.htm to learn more, see samples, or get some ideas!

We will be providing unique Swap necklaces to all participants. A Swap class will be offered on Friday night, and the instructor will stay after the class with glue guns, etc. if you don’t get to finish yours before you come.

Entertainment

When you plan your schedule for the weekend, be sure to schedule some time for fun!  Our Entertainment program will kick off Friday evening with a special opening welcome, followed by a get-to-know-you event at the Unicorn and Dragon Tavern, located in the dungeon.  No matter whatever else you’re doing that evening, drop by the lower level of the dining hall for meeting new friends, icebreaker games and swapping. (Coffee and tea will also be available.)  A special “roundtable” will be set up for our “Bravehearts” (see page 3).

Saturday after dinner we’ll have our tournament & village fair. You won’t want to miss this! We'll start with a contest for best costume and best unit banner; then, you'll have a chance to compete in medieval games, embroidery ring fling, or marshmallow catapult, plus try a new craft or two. You can silk-screen a shirt at our printing station, too! (see page 8.) Afterwards feel free to join our stargazing session and/or sing-a-long.

Sunday we’ll wrap up the fun with a short "Scouts Own" closing ceremony.  A selection of games, books, and puzzles will also be available for use throughout the weekend.  We want you to have a great time!

Camper Awards

We always have a great bunch of campers (we’re all Girl Scouts, after all!) but some attendees go over and above to make the weekend a great experience for everyone else. We’d like to recognize those individuals, so throughout the weekend you’ll have the opportunity to nominate your fellow campers for recognition.  Awards will be announced at mealtimes and names of awardees will be posted in the dining hall. Help us let everyone know who is truly a “sister to every other Girl Scout.” 

Service Project – Clothing/Toiletries Drive for “Out of Darkness”

Our philanthropy project for 2017 benefits Out of Darkness, a non-profit organization in Atlanta whose mission is to reach, rescue, and restore victims of commercial sexual exploitation. Through their varied programs, Out of Darkness is leading the way in rescuing and providing a safe haven for women and girls in the commercial sex trade on Atlanta streets. Their safe houses are committed to fulfilling the urgent needs of girls and women who come through their doors by providing medical care, legal services, counseling, job and parenting skills, and more.

In rescuing these victims, Out of Darkness has an ongoing urgent need for basic certain items that many of us take for granted but that are essential in the first steps to healing for these women and girls. For our 2017 philanthropy project, we will collect underwear and shoes. Per Out of Darkness, this is their most immediate need. Underwear should be new and in its original package and not opened. Various women's sizes are welcome. Shoes should also be new and unworn. Slip on shoes are perfect (stores like Five Below are a good place to get these). Various women's shoe sizes are welcome: sizes 5 to 10. As Girl Scouts, we welcome the opportunity to provide much needed items to women and girls who have nothing and by providing a new package of underwear or a new pair of shoes just for her, may be the first step in her healing process.

"Kodak" Moments

We’ll have a great “photo op” area and we’ll be taking group photos during the Saturday evening festivities. Please stop by the registration desk on Sunday and share your camera’s memory card with us before you leave. The best pictures will be featured in our scrapbook, too!

Weather

Temperatures have ranged from the low 30s to the low 60s, but we are in the mountains, so temperatures do vary (low/high averages are 29⁰/50⁰). You will be in heated units, although you will be walking around camp between classes; there are also some outdoor classes. In 2016, we did get some snow, but not enough to cancel our fun. We’ve never had to cancel our event, but we have had occasional rain. Plan to dress/pack accordingly and you’ll be fine! 

What to Bring

All participants should plan to bring personal gear/clothing, a sleeping bag or twin bed linens and a pillow, a towel/washcloth, toiletries, a flashlight (have it handy when you arrive to check in!) and class fees. You may also want to bring eyeshades/earplugs, especially if you are a light sleeper. You will need to bring basic craft supplies (as specified in your personalized class schedule), paper/pencil, sit-upon, camera, and other general items. Past participants have found it helpful to also bring a box and packing paper to take crafts home (optional). Remember to bring your completed Health History Form too. A personalized packing list that includes items needed for the specific classes you are scheduled to attend will be sent to you in your confirmation packet in December, along with the general packing list.

Discounts/Volunteer Perks

Discounts are given to our class instructors and to campers who work as a camp helper during one or more class timeslots. Instructors receive $10 off the registration fee. If you would like to teach a class next year, please let us know!  Camp Helpers will receive a $5 rebate to offset class fees. Camp helpers collect class rosters, take pictures, and assist the director. Note: this job involves walking around camp, so please consider this as this assignment may not be practical for those who are mobility impaired. Sign up to be a Camp Helper when you register! Volunteers will be placed first-come-first-served in the order registrations are received and there are limited opportunities.

Scholarships

Each year, we have many “fundraisers” that make specific assistance (scholarships) possible for weekend participants.  Scholarships (excluding class fees) are available to volunteers that reside in the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Council or to instructors regardless of council. (If you reside outside of this council, please contact your own council for possible scholarship assistance). In 2016, eleven scholarships were awarded, totaling $380. Thanks for helping make this weekend a possibility for ALL volunteers! NOTE: scholarships must be applied for AND APPROVED prior to registering for the weekend (you will receive a discount code that will be used at registration when approved).

Silk-Screening/Custom Shirts/Tote Bags

Silk-screening will be offered on Saturday night. You may print multiple items but you will have to get in line again for each item. The cost for screen-printing is $2 per item which you will need to bring with you on Saturday. Participant needs to bring t-shirt or other item with a flat blank surface of at least 12"x12". Small tote bags and t-shirts with pockets on the other side do not do well. This is a drop activity and is not connected to the silk-screening techniques class being taught during the day.

You will also have the option of pre-ordering/pre-paying for cool items with our current theme in our online store! This year, we are offering short, three-quarter, and long sleeve t-shirts, plus a stein and tote bag. You may visit our online store (reopening soon for 2017!) at any time to purchase your items. Items ordered by December 15th will be available at check-in. Orders placed after December 15th will be mailed to you after the event (additional shipping charge applied).

Optional Items for Purchase

You will pay for your lodging and meals at the time you register. You may pay for your classes via PayPal in January or bring cash to the event (exact amount will be detailed in your personalized confirmation letter in December). OPTIONALLY, you may also wish to bring some additional cash for sodas and/or your checkbook for our decoration auction (Sunday). These are OPTIONAL opportunities which we make available to you as a service.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

In our sixteen year history, we have never had to cancel our event due to inclement weather or other unforeseen events. But with that said, if we must cancel our event, no refunds will be given. Most of our fees are spent well before the event (location rental, food contracts, patches, supplies, etc.) If the event cancels, you will be notified by email and our website will be updated at least 24 hours before the event. We would be as heartbroken as you in the unlikely chance of cancellation! If we haven’t announced a cancellation at least 24 hours in advance, the event is ON!!

Did your plans change? Do you need to cancel?  Refunds (less a $15 processing fee) will be given for written cancellations only and must be postmarked/email date stamped no later than December 15th at 5:00 PM.  All refund requests should be emailed to mountainmagicleaderweekend@yahoo.com or mailed via U.S. Mail to Marie Wright. Substitutions will be allowed pending class availability (with a $15 processing fee).  Contact Marie at 404-915-2342 if you will be taking the place of someone else.

How to Register

READ this Registration Info Packet in its entirety! We are again offering online registration and payments! Visit our website, http://www.3leaves.org/MMLW, go to the Online Registration page, and click the link to be taken to our online registration site. Manual (paper) registrations will not be offered. Please contact us at mountainmagicleaderweekend@yahoo.com if you are unable to register online.

All registrations will initially be marked "Pending" until full payment is received for your Registrant Package (attendance, lodging & meals) and your registration form is reviewed by the registrar. Our registrar, Marie Wright, may be contacted at mountainmagicleaderweekend@yahoo.com if you have any questions. You will receive an email when your registration is confirmed.

Payment Options

Payments for the weekend registration must be made online by major credit card during registration. Be sure to print out your payment confirmation receipt. If you cannot pay via credit/debit card, or if you cannot register online, please contact mountainmagicleaderweekend@yahoo.com for alternate options (PayPal or check). Manual (paper) registrations cannot be accepted.

Specific assistance (scholarships) may also be available; see our website to download the financial assistance form. DO NOT register until your Specific Assistance is approved. You will be provided a one-time use discount code that you will use at the time of registration.

Class fees will also be required for classes requiring minimums that we must pay in advance (Horseback riding, Archery, Riflery, and Massages). You will pay these fees at the time of registration. These fees will NOT be refunded if you cancel after December 15th unless we can fill your spot. If we are able to fill your spot at camp, we will refund your money after camp is over.

More Information

Still have questions? Need help filling out your registration form?  Please contact Marie Wright at mountainmagicleaderweekend@yahoo.com or 404-915-2342. A welcome conference call for new participants will be held approximately two weeks before the event to answer last minute questions and make sure you know what to expect when you arrive. Details for participating will be in your confirmation packet.

We can’t wait to see you in January!