What is Upcycling?

Deb writes:  If you've looked at the GE workshop list (here) you'll see that two, this year, are about upcycling materials.  Upcycling is an addition to the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle mantra that all GS are familiar with.

Upcycling (a term so new that spellcheck doesn't recognize it) is re-using a common material to make a fancier article.  I will be teaching a workshop on how to convert common tee-shirts into glamorous items - not just grocery bags, but jewelry and elegant apparel. Last winter I wore one of my creations to a restaurant and the waitress could not stop exclaiming at how different and eye-catching it was! I won't tell you more, come and be surprised at how easy it is to upgrade your wardrobe and make great gifts for others.

Sue will be turning plastic grocery bags - and we all have a stash of those! - into - well - I don't really know what she'll make but I have seen some of the possibilities she's come up with, so I am sure the class will be fabulous.

REGISTER here and join us - learn something new!

Pysanky Egg Workshop!

Louise writes: I love experimenting with the colors for my Pysanky eggs just as much as I love dying Easter eggs.  I find geometric designs easier to work with but have created my own design.  The glossy finish gives it that final touch of the true work of art that it is.  Check out the website below to see how the process works, for some design ideas, and the meaning of colors and symbols.  Then come and play!

Eggs!

REGISTER! for GE

See Louise's work!

My First Live Auction: The Perfect Picnic Basket

Danielle writes:  My first Great Escape was my first experience with a live auction. I didn't know what to expect, but I brought my check book just in case. Kaye, the auctioneer, encouraged the crowd with her fabulous bid-calling. A few items piqued my interest, but I didn't win anything at first.

Then I saw it. Someone had donated an antique wooden picnic basket filled with DVDs and candy, but I only had eyes for the basket. It was exactly like one my mom had.  I knew I had to have it. I bid, there was a counter bid, I bid again, another counter, I upped the ante, and -- finally! -- it was all mine. The basket lives in my living room and makes occasional picnic trips with me. Every time I look at it I think of my mom and of my first Great Escape. It makes a great story when people say, "Oh my, where did you get that?!"

Don't forget to REGISTER for GE 2013, October 4 - 6.

Service Team Retreats

How important is your Service Team to the success of your town or city’s Girl Scout program?  Others may not realize how hard the SU team works, but we do!  Enjoy the crisp fall New Hampshire air and Girl Scout camaraderie as you get to know each other better and make your plans for another successful year.

Sign up to join us for Great Escape Weekend! 

We offer quiet meeting space to accommodate your group at no extra charge!  If you like, GSEM facilitators will provide ideas for team-building games and activities.

Register at http://gsgreatescape.org/registration/

Contact Paula at gsgreatescape@yahoo.com. for more information on SU retreats.

Early Bird Deadline August 1st

I always think that summer will last forever.  But August 1st is just days away!  Register for GE by August 1st to receive your $10 discount.

REGISTER

Break Your Cell Phone Addiction the Frugal Way!

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/fashion/a-trip-to-camp-to-break-a-tech-addiction.html?hpw

The New York Times article above is about a weekend camp in California, where you can pay $450 to break your addiction to your smartphone, etc.  The conditions are Spartan, and the food is vegan.

Or, you could come to Great Escape!  The conditions are better, the food is wonderful, and if you sign up before August 1, it's only $45.00.  We won't take your phone, either.  Tough dilemma, but I think you'll make the right choice!

Click here to register.

Every Great Escape Is A Reunion!

From Paula:  I’ve become rather thoughtful about reunions in the past two days.  As background, my husband celebrated one of life’s milestones at the College of the Holy Cross yesterday.  It was a jam-packed day of meeting former classmates who chatted about their lives over the 40 years since graduation on their way to where they are now.  It’s the time of year.  Spring brings us endings and beginnings:  pre-school sign-ups and kindergarten graduations, good-byes to high school friends anticipating college, tech schools or work, college grads – adults now – heading to grad school or job interviews...and looking years ahead to reunions of their own.

How time flies!  I remember many special reunions of my own, anticipating with pleasure seeing people I meet each year and relishing new connections with a love of Girl Scouting that we share without saying a word.  Great Escape is a time for catching up, looking back and looking forward.  Maybe “escaping” is what we must do to get there – all the logistics and strategizing to leave home for the weekend, but once there, it’s a reunion of everything we love rolled into food, fun and laughter.

There’s an emotional tear here and there while saying congratulations, good luck, best wishes and much success, and a pat on the back to the proud parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers who have supported and encouraged family and friends to reach for the stars.  I wish you many smiles.

See you in October!

Register now at: http://gsgreatescape.org/registration/