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GENERAL SESSION – 9:00am – 9:30am
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Description
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Opening Session
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Welcome to the 2026 Volunteer Learning Conference! During this time, we’ll share council updates and information about plans for the new membership year.
Audience: All Guests
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WORKSHOP SESSION 1 – 9:40 am – 10:50 am
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Workshop
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Description
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Courageous Conversations: Transforming Conflict into Collaboration
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Unleash your inner peacemaker and turn challenging moments into opportunities! In this hands-on workshop, attendees will master a practical, objective framework to tackle conflict head-on with confidence. Through real-life scenarios, you’ll discover how to approach tough conversations with courage and clarity, unlocking creative solutions and positive outcomes. Say goodbye to the fear of conflict and hello to a skill set you can use immediately to inspire growth, strengthen relationships, and lead with confidence. Transform your mindset and leave with tools, ready to handle any challenge that comes your way!
Audience: Adults (18+)
Presenter: Brenda Episcopo, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York
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Girl Scouts Celebrates Faith
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Girl Scouts celebrates faith, this class will share ideas on how to partner with faith communities to offer the My Promise/My Faith award and PRAY awards for Girl Scouts.
Audience: Adults (18+)
Presenter: Pam Johnson, Angela Pearson, Rebecca Harley, Experienced Girl Scout Volunteers
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Mastering Camp Magic ※
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Join our GSGATL outdoor experts to learn about the benefits and opportunities when bringing your Girl Scouts to camp! From campfires to kayaking, there’s sure to be something for all levels. Camp is a place where Girl Scouts can unleash their inner girl and discover that they can accomplish anything. Our engaging programs and activities are designed with girls’ interests in mind, so they can grow their passions and take healthy risks in a safe, supportive environment.
Audience: All Ages
Presenter: Andi LaPolt, Camp Timber Ridge Director & Linda Archer, Camp Meriwether Director
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Powered by Purpose: Launching Girl-Led Experiences Through Product Programs
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Join us for an engaging and practical session focused on helping girls take the lead through Treats & Keeps and Cookie Season. Product programs are about more than earning funds, they are opportunities for girls to build confidence, set goals, make decisions, solve problems, and shape their own Girl Scout experience.
Audience: All Ages
Presenters: Sarnethia Sykes & Jaylin Gamble, Product Program Team
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From Daisy to Ambassador: How Humane Education Can Support Girl Scouts
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Do you need unique and interesting resources for pet & animal-themed badges and programs? Learn how humane education connects to the Girl Scouts mission and how it can help girls learn courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place. We will discuss connections to social-emotional learning, academics and STEM. This class will be facilitated by a 501c3 Director & member of the Association of Professional Humane Educators.
Audience: Adults (18+)
Presenter: Silver Comet SU
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Girl Scout Challenge
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For Junior or Cadette Girl Scouts to learn from Senior/Ambassador Girl Scouts. Our VIT’s have orchestrated a fun activity session so that our volunteers can be engaged during their workshops!
Audience: Juniors & Cadettes
Presenter: Volunteers in Training (VIT’s)
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WORKSHOP SESSION 2 – 11:05 am – 12:15 pm
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Workshop
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Description
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Plenary: Welcome to Our Troop: A Panel of Seasoned Leaders
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New to troop leadership or looking for fresh ideas? Join experienced troop leaders as they share practical tips, lessons learned, and advice on creating a successful, girl-led troop. Bring your questions and leave inspired, connected, and ready for your next adventure.
Audience: Adults (18+)
Facilitator: Jessi Lestelle, Juliette Coordinator
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Safety First!
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Join this session to learn key safety and risk management guidelines for Girl Scout activities. Explore important topics such as contracts, insurance, liability, and accident and incident reporting to help ensure your troop experiences are safe, fun, and successful.
Audience: Adults (18+)
Presenters: Helen James & Yolanda Gandia Drummings, Risk & Business Operations Team
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Inclusive Physical Activity Workshop
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Ensuring that all girls, regardless of physical or cognitive differences, have equal access to the physical, social, and emotional benefits of movement.
Audience: Seniors, Ambassadors & Adults (18+)
Presenter: HealthMPowers
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Mental Health
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In this session, volunteers will be guided through an arts-based personal communication activity. The focus will be on emotional regulation and effective communication. Volunteers will practice and leave with two interpersonal effectiveness skills and up to three emotional regulation skills they can use when working with Girl Scouts, supporting caregivers, collaborating with co-volunteers, and navigating everyday relationships.
Audience: Adults (18+)
Presenter: Cabbagetown Art Center
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Slime Store
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Girl Scouts use their creative entrepreneurial skills as they redesign and test variations of slime, learn how to market their favorite product and pitch their business idea to friends.
Audience: Juniors & Cadettes
Presenter: Discover Science Center
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GENERAL SESSION – 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm
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Description
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Lunch & GS Con
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Box lunches (selected during registration) will be available for a fee in the food hub. The deadline to select a meal is September 8th.
During this time, we invite you to also visit our partner and council group tables at GS Con.
Audience: All Ages
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WORKSHOP SESSION 3 – 1:15 pm – 2:25 pm
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Workshop
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Description
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Plenary: Ceremonies & Traditions
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Discover how ceremonies and traditions can create memorable, meaningful experiences for Girl Scouts of all ages. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore ways to incorporate Girl Scout traditions throughout the Girl Scout year.
Audience: All Ages
Presenter: Trudy Rudert & Kathy Lewis, Volunteer Council Trainers
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Time Management: How to Prevent Burnout
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Leading others while balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. In this interactive workshop, participants will discover practical strategies to prioritize what matters most, manage competing demands with greater confidence, and recognize early signs of burnout before they become overwhelming. Attendees will leave with actionable tools they can immediately apply to create a more sustainable, energized approach to volunteering and everyday life.
Audience: Adults (18+)
Presenter: Daphne Valcin, CEO Valcin Strategic Solutions
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Getting Your Troop Outdoors: Simple Adventures Beyond Camp
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Looking for new ways to connect girls with the outdoors beyond traditional camp experiences? Discover creative ideas, easy-to-implement activities, and local destinations that make outdoor adventures accessible for every troop.
Audience: All Ages
Presenter: Dee Komro, Volunteer Council Trainer
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From Younger to Older: Embracing the Next Leadership Journey
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Moving from leading younger girls to working with older Girl Scouts can feel like a big shift. Many leaders have questions about stepping back, encouraging girl-led decision-making, and adapting their leadership style as girls gain independence. In this session, we'll explore practical strategies for supporting older girls, fostering leadership, and creating troop experiences that empower girls to take the lead. You'll leave with greater confidence, fresh ideas, and tools to help your troop thrive through every stage of the Girl Scout journey.
Audience: Adults (18+)
Presenters: Melanie Jackson & Kimberly Murray, Experienced Girl Scout Volunteers
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Free Block – GS CON
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Skip the classroom and use this workshop block to spend some time at GS Con, learning about our different partners and opportunities to engage Girl Scouts this year!
Audience: All Ages
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Achieving Excellence: Navigating Girl Scout High Awards
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Join our informative Girl Scout High Awards Information Session to explore the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award prerequisites, requirements, approval process, and recognition! In this fast-paced learning experience, you'll gain valuable insights into helping your girls pursue these prestigious awards. This year's presentation will include information on the Leadership Awards. This is your opportunity to have all your High Awards questions answered and discover how to help your troop members make their mark in the world of Girl Scouting.
Audience: All Ages
Presenter: Treva Reddick, High Awards Leadership Coordinator
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WORKSHOP SESSION 4 – 2:40 pm – 3:50 pm
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Workshop
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Description
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Plenary: Insights: A Panel of Older Girl Scouts
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Join us for this insightful session, where you’ll hear from a few of our seasoned Girl Scouts. They’ll share their favorite experiences, challenges that they’ve faced and overcome, and their perspective on the future of Girl Scouting.
Audience: All Ages
Facilitator: Charisse Taylor, Leadership Development Manager (6th – 12th)
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Open Partner Block
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We’ve reserved this last block of workshops for our program partners who are presenting at GS Con.
Audience: All Ages
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Free Block – GS CON
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Skip the classroom and use this workshop block to spend some time at GS Con, learning about our different partners and opportunities to engage Girl Scouts this year!
Audience: All Ages
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Sign On