Mountain Magic Casino Night

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!! A printable version which includes the registration form may be found here. This packet should answer all of your questions. 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.

NEW FOR 2011!

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, payable at camp during check-in (cash only). A limited number of scholarships are available; please let us know if you need specific assistance (see Scholarships). Classes, as well as cabins/beds are assigned in the order registration forms are received. If you would like to be assigned to a cabin with a friend, submit UP TO FOUR individual reservation forms together in the same envelope (note requested roommate name(s) on the reservation form). Detailed confirmations, personalized class schedules, and weekend specifics will be sent to you in early January 2011.

OPTION 1: Weekend Pass With Lodging
Check-In Friday anytime between 4-9 PM, Check-Out Sunday after 2 PM. Includes five meals (Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch) and overnight accommodations (two nights). Register by 11/14: $65.00; Register 11/15 – 12/15: $75.00.

Check-In Friday anytime between 4-9 PM, Check-Out Sunday after 2 PM. Includes four meals of your choice. OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS ARE NOT PROVIDED. This is a great option for locals and others who wish to come to the event but stay overnight elsewhere. A Service Unit may reserve the Farmhouse Unit directly through council ($100, accommodates up to 20) and combine a SU camporee with the weekend festivities. Other off-site lodging is available – see the Off-Site page for more info.

Check-In Friday anytime between 4-9 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) and overnight accommodations (Friday night only).

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).

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.

DETAILED EVENT INFORMATION

Who May Attend

The Mountain Magic Leader Weekend may be attended by ANY currently registered Adult Girl Scout or Girl Guide Volunteer (i.e., Lifetime Member or someone who has paid 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, please send a completed Adult Registration Form, a $12 check payable to “Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta,” and a Volunteer Application (forms available at http://www.gsgatl.org/forms/default.asp) directly to the council prior to registering for our weekend. Call the council office at 770-702-9100 for help.

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 range, adventure course, and horseback riding facilities. Each unit has a fire ring and outdoor program space. All units are wheelchair accessible. For more information about our site and to view a virtual tour of Camp Misty Mountain, visit http://www.3leaves.org/council/cmm.htm.

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! This is a Girl Scout facility, so ALCOHOL, FIREARMS, ILLEGAL DRUGS, and PETS ARE PROHIBITED. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on Council property.

This weekend is a great way to meet new people and get new ideas. We recommend that you be open to random cabin/bed assignment individually. However, if you wish to share sleeping units with a specific person or group of up to four people, you MUST submit all individual reservation forms together in the same envelope. Groups larger than four persons should split the group into four or fewer per group. We will do our best to accommodate your wishes. We have a virtual tour of Camp Misty Mountain online so you may view the camp.

Cabins/beds are assigned upon receipt of your registration form FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED! 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 are reserved for those who have mobility limitations (limited spaces). Please indicate any mobility impairment or limitations so that we may accommodate your needs.

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 as groups 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.

Off-Site Accommodations

If you would like to participate in weekend activities (classes, meals, etc.) but prefer to stay elsewhere, you should sign up for OPTION 2 (Weekend Pass, Off-Site Lodging) when registering for the weekend.

The Farmhouse (a winterized unit at the North End of Camp Misty Mountain) will be available for a Service Unit (or group of 10 or more friends) to reserve separately. It will accommodate up to 20 people and costs $100 for the weekend. Reserve this unit directly with the council office like you would for troop camping. It is a 20-30 minute walk or very short car ride from the main camp.

1. Camp Sidney Dew (Northwest Georgia Boy Scout Camp), chstone@bsamail.org
(Click the offsite lodging link above for more info about this camp.)

4. Other motels in Calhoun or Dalton (Jameson Inn, La Quinta, Country Inn & Suites, others)

5. James "Sloppy" Floyd State Park, Summerville, GA 30747 1-800-864-7275 / 1-706-857-0826

6. Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn, GA 30738 1-800-864-7275 / 1-706-657-4050

Transportation/Parking

Vehicles will be allowed to park in the main parking lot by the dining hall on paved surfaces only. You may 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 highly recommended – spaces are limited. Please park in the designated areas only.

Weather

Temperatures have ranged from the low 30s to the low 60s, but we are in the mountains, so temperatures do vary (last year the low was 46⁰ and the high was 56⁰ – low/high averages are 29⁰/50⁰). You will be in heated units, although you will be walking around camp to get from class to class; there are also some outdoor classes. So far, we have never been snowed out, 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. You will need to bring basic craft supplies, paper/pencil, sit-upon, camera, and other general items. 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 January, along with the general packing list.

Classes, Workshops, and Activities

Our classes and workshops are designed to enhance your personal growth and program skills for leading girls. Activities are just plain fun for you! All of 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. Visit our website to view classes offered this year. Please note your 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd class choice during each time slot. Every effort will be made to give you your first choice. If your first choice class/workshop/activity is full or cancelled, we’ll place you in your next choice. 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 confirmation packet in January, please pay close attention to the classes you are scheduled to attend. Please contact our camp director, Lianne Griffin, 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

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 will be posted online soon. Please note any special dietary needs or food allergies on your registration form so that we may try to accommodate you. If you have unique dietary restrictions, please note these on the reservation form and you will be contacted with options. NEW THIS YEAR: meals may not be cooked in the camping units. Also, please DO NOT EAT FOOD IN THE UNITS THAT DOESN’T 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 to the food choices in the dining hall. J Remember to consider healthy choices, too!

Cell Phones

We have found that cell phones DO NOT work at Misty Mountain. Once you cross the mountain, there is no cell service (Verizon, AT&T, and Metro PCS for sure). 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 “Casino Night”). Usually Swaps will have a pin so it can be attached to a swap hat or the special necklace we provide for all participants at check-in. 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 75-100 SWAPS. Need more info about swaps? Visit http://www.3leaves.org/4715/Swaps.htm to learn more, see samples, or get some ideas!

Entertainment

Our Entertainment Committee has been working overtime to make sure you have plenty of fun during the weekend. On Friday night, there will be an opening ceremony at 8PM. Following that, participants can take part in a “Get Acquainted” game, take classes, or make and trade swaps with others. After dinner Saturday, we will have a Variety and Talent Show with individual and team skits. Costumes are optional, but lots of fun! Start planning now for individual &/or group entries for the Saturday variety show & skit night. Afterward, take additional classes, or stay to network with others. Stargazing will be offered both Friday and Saturday nights (weather permitting). Camper Awards will be given throughout the weekend (nominated by our participants). On Sunday, we’ll have a Scouts Own in the morning and a closing ceremony after lunch.

“Kodak” Moments

We’ll have a great “photo op” area and we’ll be taking group photos at check-in. 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!

Marketplace/Badge & Sash/Roundtable Discussions

For 1.5 hours after the lunch hour on Saturday, groups will rotate through a “Marketplace”, visit the Badge & Dash, or participate in Roundtable Discussions. During Marketplace, participants and instructors may sell GS, crafting or class related items. We expect there may be SWAP kits, activity handouts, Service Unit/Troop fundraisers, etc. Anyone who would like to participate as a “vendor” will need to sign up in advance on the class registration form to secure a table. There will be limited spaces available, and they will be assigned first come first served. We’ll be including a listing of what’s for sale in your confirmation and check-in packets.

The Badge and Sash will be present with a variety of items for purchase (check and credit card only). You may pre-order specific items through the Badge & Sash and they will be brought to camp for you to pick up. Watch for details in your confirmation packets and on our website.

Tables will be set up for roundtable discussions, by age level, to give volunteers an opportunity to network with other leaders and share ideas. We’ll have some discussion topics pre-planned and will share all the great ideas with all participants.

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 Lianne 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 if you are mobility impaired. Sign up to be a Camp Helper on your registration form. Volunteers will be selected, first-come-first-served in the order registrations are received and there are limited opportunities.

Screen Printing

Screen printing will be offered on Friday night. Each person will be allowed to print one item. Select any pre-washed light/bright colored item (sweatshirt/tote bag/t-shirt/pillow case) to be printed; an 8x10” printable area is needed for the “Girl Scout Green” (Kelly Green) ink image. Items may be painted on Saturday evening for a small fee for supplies (provided).

Scholarships

· Sodas and 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 “auctioned” off on Sunday. See a member of our decorations committee for more information.

· Custom Scrapbook - We will be taking pictures all weekend, and we’re asking participants to share their best photos with us. Participants will have the option to pre-order a beautiful, custom designed 20-page 7x5 soft cover scrapbook of the weekend for $20 (includes 7% sales tax). 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this album will be donated to our scholarship fund. Books will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after the event.

Profits from our soda sale, decorations auction, and scrapbook sale make specific assistance (scholarships) possible for weekend participants. In 2009, NINE scholarships were awarded, totaling nearly $450, and in 2010, THREE scholarships were awarded, totaling over $130. Thanks for helping make this weekend a possibility for ALL volunteers!

Optional Items for Purchase

Include payment for the event (for lodging/meals) at the time you register. Bring cash to pay for the classes chosen (exact amount will be detailed in your personalized confirmation letter in January). OPTIONALLY, you may also wish to bring your checkbook or some additional cash for sodas, Marketplace, the scrapbook, our decoration auction (Sunday), and painting for your screen printed item (Saturday). These are all OPTIONAL opportunities which we make available to you as a service.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Need to cancel? Refunds (less a $10 processing fee) will be considered for written cancellations only and must be postmarked/email date stamped no later than December 15, 2010 at 5:00 PM. All refund requests should be emailed to mmmwright@yahoo.com or mailed via U.S. Mail to Marie Wright. Substitutions will be allowed pending class availability. Contact Marie at 770.682.5904 if you are taking the place of someone else.

How to Register

READ the Registration Info Packet in its entirety! Download and print the Mountain Magic Reservation Form (pages 19-21 of the info packet) and the Girl Scout Health History Form. Complete all forms and mail them with your payment to:

Please send your paperwork via US mail. We cannot accept your registration and health forms via email or fax.

Payment Options

You may pay by personal check or money order payable to “Mountain Magic Leader Weekend.” Payment may also be made online by major credit card or bank account debit using PayPal. If paying online, be sure to print out your payment confirmation receipt. Please mail your confirmation receipt or your check with the Mountain Magic Reservation Form and Girl Scout Health History Form to complete your registration. Specific assistance (scholarships) may also be available; see the forms page to download the financial assistance form. Do NOT include class fees at this time. Weekend details listing your class schedule, including a supply list and class fees to be paid at camp, will be sent with your final confirmation packet in early January 2011. You will pay your specific class fees for the classes you are registered to take at check-in.

¬Main			For a printable (pdf) version of this info packet, including the registration form click here.
		Mountain Magic Casino Night What happens on the mountain stays on the mountain! Offered by the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc. 10^th Annual Mountain Magic Adult Girl Scout Weekend Camp Misty Mountain, Armuchee, Georgia January 21 - 23, 2011