Mountain Magic Leader Weekend

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. We have full weekend, partial weekend, and day options available.

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 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”). Classes will fill, and cabins/beds will be assigned, in the order that participants register. Detailed confirmations and weekend specifics will be sent to you in early January.

Friday evening through Sunday lunch. Includes 2 nights lodging, 5 meals, great classes, Saturday evening entertainment and tons of fun!

Friday evening through dinner on Saturday. Includes 1 night lodging, 3 meals, great classes, and tons of fun!

Can't stay the night? Come for Saturday classes! Includes 3 meals, great classes, and tons of fun!

Saturday morning after breakfast through Sunday lunch. Includes 1 night lodging, 4 meals, great classes, Saturday night entertainment, and tons of fun!

TRAINERS ONLY. You are a trainer only coming to teach your class on Saturday OR Sunday and not take any other classes. Includes 1 meal.

DETAILED EVENT INFORMATION

New for 2020!

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

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 solo guests. 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: We are OUT of cell phone range, so it’s important to study directions before you lose phone service.

On-Site Accommodations

Misty Mountain is a Girl Scout CAMP, not a hotel! 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!”). 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! SMOKING, ALCOHOL, FIREARMS, ILLEGAL DRUGS, and PETS ARE PROHIBITED 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 another solo guest. 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).

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 10:30 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 10:30 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 7-10:30 PM. 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. We apologize for this inconvenience, but this is the only way we can offer the large variety of classes during the weekend.

Transportation/Parking

Carpooling is recommended – parking spaces are limited. 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. EXCEPTION: You may not drive to Echo Hill. Those staying in Echo Hill may drive to the back of the dining hall to unload, take items up the elevator in the dining hall, and across to the unit. Alternately, wagons are provided in the parking lot so that you may bring your personal items to the unit. Please let us know if you need assistance you’re your personal items. 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.) Please park in the designated areas only.

Weekend Agenda

During the weekend, there will be lots of time for learning as well as fun. Arrive any time after 4PM on Friday. The Opening Ceremony on Friday night begins at 7PM, followed by Friday evening classes. At 9:30 PM, all participants will go to their respective sleeping units for get-to-know-you activities (including games, snacks, team building activities, and general housekeeping items). After 10:30, night owls can reconvene in the dining hall for late night fun/SWAPS. On Saturday, we’ll have classes all day, followed by dinner and the wonderful activities our Entertainment committee has in store, including a costume parade. Finish up with silk-screening and evening activities! On Sunday, we’ll have even more classes, followed by lunch and our closing ceremony. Visit http://www.3leaves.org/mm2020/WeekendAgenda.html for the complete agenda.

Offered Classes, Workshops, and Activities

Please go to our website at http://www.3leaves.org/mm2020/classes2020.html to see a detailed listing of all of the classes offered this year. There are 49 different classes offered, including 23 NEW classes for this year! We are supporting the GSGATL focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) initiatives by offering 6 classes, helping to ignite girls’ natural curiosity and creativity while they build critical thinking and problem solving skills. We are also focusing on the Great Outdoors, offering 12 Outdoor classes, and Older Girl Training, offering 3 sessions! Look for these icons:

Detailed descriptions, class supply lists, length, class fee, and instructor name are posted, along with photos for many of the classes. Remember, to ensure the best selection of classes and your first choice of units/sleeping accommodations, register EARLY! Classes fill up and units/beds are assigned 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. During online registration, you will select your first choice class during each time slot. If your first choice is full, you should select an alternate choice from the available classes AND request to be added to the waitlist for your first choice class. (You will be contacted if a space becomes available in your waitlisted class). 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/mm2020/menu2020.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: personal 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. Remember to consider healthy choices, too!

Cell Phones/Pay Phone

We are out of cell phone range at Misty Mountain (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Metro PCS do 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 often represent the event theme (our weekend theme this year is Wizard of Oz). 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 Saturday morning if you’re new to this. If you don’t get to finish yours before you come, finish them in the dining hall Friday night or during free time.

Entertainment

We will kick off the Saturday night Entertainment with our annual costume parade! Everyone is invited to participate! Bring your costume from home, or maybe make one at camp! You are also welcome to just come to enjoy & applaud!

Following the costume parade, we’ll have an ice cream social, play games, socialize, and do some quick free crafts! We’ll also offer Screen-printing, a Sing Along, Star Gazing, and Puzzles & Games (including Mah Jongg).

Service Project – Hospitality House for Women

This year we will be helping out the Hospitality House for Women, which is located in Rome, GA. They are a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. Through crisis intervention, steadfast support services and community collaboration, Hospitality House for Women Inc. offers a safe, nonjudgmental vessel through which our community and our survivors learn the possibilities and the importance of leading safe, self-sufficient, nonviolent lifestyles. They are in need of many personal and household items, with the highest need for:

· Women's hygiene items and toiletries - we do not need tooth brushes, tooth paste or shampoo and conditioner at this time

· Baby items: bottles, extra nipples, diapers- size nb especially, diaper ointment, baby shampoo etc.

· Anything you need to maintain your home is what our families need to establish theirs.

“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. You may just find some of your photos featured in our Scrapbook. Stop by the Scrapbook table in the dining hall to view past year books and to get information on how you can purchase a digital copy of these books.

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

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. All participants should plan to bring personal gear/clothing, a sleeping bag or twin bed linens, and supplies noted on your personalized 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 (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 2019, seventeen scholarships were awarded, totaling $640.00. 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).

· Bottled water - may be purchased throughout the weekend for 50¢ each. They are located in the coolers in the dining hall. Scout’s honor – please use correct change.

· Decoration Auction – Many of our weekend decorations will be included in a silent auction on Sunday. See a member of our decorations committee for more information.

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 $1 per item (Initial $1 fee is collected for silk screening at check in; bring additional money with you on Saturday if you are having more than 1 item done). Participant needs to bring a pre-washed t-shirt or other item with a flat blank surface of at least 14"x14". Small tote bags and t-shirts with pockets on the other side do not do well.

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 tote bag.You may visit our online store at http://www.3leaves.org/mm-common/store/MMLWstore.html at any time to purchase your items. Items ordered by December 21^st will be available at check-in. Orders placed after December 21^st will be mailed to you after the event (additional shipping charge applied).

Optional Items for Purchase & Silent Auction

You will pay for your lodging and meals at the time you register. You may pay for your classes using CASH ONLY at 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 bottled water and for our decorations silent auction (Sunday). These are OPTIONAL opportunities which we make available to you as a service.

Silent Auction – Our decorations silent auction will take place after lunch on Sunday. All proceeds from the silent Auction will go to the Mountain Magic Scholarship fund.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

In our eighteen 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 $25 processing fee) will be given for written cancellations only and must be postmarked/email date stamped no later than 30 days prior to the event 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 $25 processing fee). Contact Marie at 404-915-2342 if you will be taking the place of someone else.

How to Register

Online Registration

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

All registrations will initially be marked "Pending" until 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.

Note Special Needs

You MUST indicate any mobility impairment or physical 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 assigned bed is located near an electrical outlet. Please also note any special dietary needs or food allergies when you register so that we may try to accommodate you. Note: If you have unique dietary restrictions, you will be contacted with options. 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.

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.

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 15^th 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.

Specific Assistance (Scholarships)

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.

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.