Challenge Course Workshop

If you've been to Great Escape, you've experienced our hilarious and well, sometime raucous, live auction.  We ask participants to donate a prize package or hand made item, worth $25.00 or more, and we auction them off for the benefit of GSEM camps, especially our home camp since 2005, Camp Wabasso.

A couple of years ago we were able to donate $1500.00 to help build the Wabasso Challenge Course, and now it's ready to go.  GSEM staffer, GE committee member and all around bubbly enthusiasm champ Jill will be offering a chance to take the challenge as a GE workshop.  This is a great chance to experience what girls do at camp, and to realize how your auction donations and purchases benefit girls.  Oh yeah, and challenge yourself to be part of a team working together to accomplish a goal!  Space is limited so sign up soon.  (BTW,  there's  great blog entry on what a challenge course brings to a girl's camp experience at GSEM's Camp Runel's blog.)

Here's a summary of our donations to date!  

Great Escape, by running a fund-raising auction each year, has raised and donated more than $14,250  most of which has been earmarked for Camp Wabasso.  The money was used by Girl Scouts, Eastern Massachusetts to provide new tables and windows in the Dining Hall, chairs, a new chair rack in the Lodge and to purchase mildew-resistant paint, a dehumidifier and a new stove for the basement of the Lodge, making it cozier and user-friendly.  Among other items, more than 25 new mattresses were purchased for the camp cots; all Wabasso Girl and Adult campers can be grateful for these clean and comfy mattresses!  In 2013, we donated money to help buy new ceiling fans/lights for the theatre so that it can be used more often.  In 2014, we donated $1500 towards restoration of the Adventure Course at Wabasso.  This year we are donating $3,500 towards outfitting all the winterized spaces with new stoves and buying new cross country skis. 

Registration Update

We've had a strong start to registration - the best ever in fact!  Thanks to all of you who have registered.  Don't forget who gets the worm or the best workshops!  And no, you don't need to be a currently registered GS to attend! (Except for HS Seniors, of course.)

Shibori Indigo Dying Workshop

Shibori is the latest trend, and Indigo is the next big color.  See this article if you haven't already heard that news!  Because the GE committee is composed only of the youngest, hippest and trendiest greenbloods (and if you'll buy that, have I got a bridge for you!) we naturally have a Shibori workshop scheduled this year.  Taught by camp nurse, Donna, you'll learn how to turn pure white cotton articles into the latest in home accessories and clothing!  You'll need to sign up quickly, though, I think this workshop will be very popular!

All Systems Go!

Registration is open for Great Escape 2016!  We've got more outdoor workshops than ever before, up to date crafts - all the great stuff you see on Pinterest - two great books for the book club, and every participant will receive a really nice commemorative gift free!  And yes, the food will be better than ever!  Keep checking this blog as we highlight all the wonderful plans we've made, but remember, workshop space is limited so sign up now. 

Take advantage of the early bird discount if you sign up before August 1st ($10 off the $55 price) and if you bring a friend who has never attended before, there's a $5 bring a friend discount!

Real Soon Now!

Why isn't Great Escape registration open yet?  One reason is that workshops are still being created!  At today's Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, someone offered to create and teach two more.  Also we're still waiting on a description or two, and confirmation on time/schedule requests.

Oh, and at the Luncheon?  Our fearless leaders Pat'n'Paula, received the Thanks Badge II!  Congratulations to both of them, and thanks for all the hundreds of hours of work that went into earning those recognitions!  And what do you think they did after the luncheon?  Changed into their paddling gear and betook themselves and their canoe to the shores of Lake Cochituate.  Anyone remember which beer it was that was brewed there?

Workshops Live!

The 2016 Great Escape Workshop list is now available on the website at http://gsgreatescape.org/workshops/  Of course there are always last minute additions or deletions, but it's as set as it can be when dealing with our dear volunteer crews!  Registration will open soon, so start thinking about what you would like to take, and remember, some workshops fill up very fast!

Full descriptions are on the website, but here's a partial list.

Acrylic Painting

Adult Swim

Lake Swim

Book Art

Cupcake Pincushion

Icebreakers and Getting-to-Know-You Games

Pysanki Eggs

Betsy's Sewing Bee

Beginner's Facebook for Mobile

Coloring Books for Adults

Intro to Geocaching

Shibori dyeing

SWAPS

Terrific Chocolate Truffles

Zentangles

Challenge Course

Beyond the Knit Stitch

Canoeing for Relaxation

Dream Catchers

Planetarium Visit

What's SUP?

Yoga

Decoupage Lanterns

File Folder Scrap Books

Hand and Foot Game

Harmony Singing

No Sew Fleece Pillows

1,2,3 Crafts

Archery

Embroidery

 

First Fireside Chat!

No, it's not Franklin D. Roosevelt!  Instead, GSEM is starting an occasional event series aimed at Girl Scout Alumnae (any man or woman over 18 who has ever been a GS as a girl or adult.)

 

On June 2, GSEM is holding the first of a series of 'Fireside Chats' for Girl Scout Alumnae.   Hank Phillipi Ryan will be speaking on “An Inside Look at Mysteries, Television and the Mysteries of Television."  I was lucky enough to hear Hank speak at our GSEM Destination this summer - she's great!  Please gather your friends (especially young working women or those who might be home from college for the summer!)  Hope to see lots of you there.

DETAILS!
June 2, 2016, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Great Hall, Camp Cedar Hill, Waltham

Seating is Limited so RSVP today by calling 857-453-5329 or visiting http://bit.ly/21bjW1i  Questions? email alumnae@gsema.org