T-shirt
Available in Unisex Crew Neck or Women's V-Neck
Sizes S-4X available
S-XL: $23.00
2X-4X: $25.00
Farnsworth Weekend is an energizing and informative event where you can learn new skills, games, songs, or just relax and have fun. New to Girl Scouts? Join us and meet other Girl Scout volunteers, share experiences, and exchange ideas. Bring a friend to share this experience!
The last day to process registrations is Friday, August 22. This deadline is necessary so that the organizers and presenters have adequate time to prepare for the weekend. Thank you for your consideration.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday are included in the cost for the full weekend. Two meals are included in the cost for those who only attend on Saturday; choose either breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner at registration. Meals will be served family style in the Dining Hall. Please indicate any dietary restrictions when you register for the event.
Friday dinner is not included, please plan to bring your own.
Sign up to stay overnight on either Friday and/or Saturday night. There will be no additional cost for staying overnight. You are welcome to bring your own tent if you prefer. Prior to the event, a more detailed confirmation will be mailed out to all participants which will include a link where you can select your sleeping accommodations. You will need to select a location for each night you are staying.
You can choose between the Bunkhouse, cabins, or tent units (or can bring your own tent). Priority for Bunkhouse will be given to those with medical and CPAP needs.
Camp Accomodations:
Camp Farnsworth Map
Troop Camping Guide
What to bring:
What to bring for workshops:
We have a limited selection of apparel available for ordering. Apparel can be ordered until August 10. We can not accept any orders after that date. We will NOT have any apparel available for purchase at the event.
T-shirt
Available in Unisex Crew Neck or Women's V-Neck
Sizes S-4X available
S-XL: $23.00
2X-4X: $25.00
Unisex Flannel Pants
Sizes S-4X available
S-XL: $35.00
2X-4X: $37.00
This item will only be ordered if the minimum number of all orders is met; otherwise the cost will be refunded.
Unisex Sweatshirt
Available in Pullover Hoodie or
Full-Zip Hoodie
Sizes S-4X available
S-XL: $42.00
2X-4X: $46.00
Unisex Flannel Shirt
Embroidered logo on front only.
Sizes S-4X available
S-4X: $45.00
This item will only be ordered if the minimum number of all orders is met; otherwise the cost will be refunded.
We are excited to welcome back the Farnsworth Weekend Silent Auction. This has been such a fun event in past years, we are happy to offer it once again.
For our weekend participants, the auction will be available during the day on Saturday, with final bids immediately following the luncheon awards ceremony. Stop by throughout the day on your way to your workshops and bid often! We will post all auction winners on signage within the dining hall, and you can pick-up your items and pay before you leave for the day. All items must be taken that day, our staff is unable to transport or ship items out. Payment onsite can be cash, check or credit card.
For our auction donors, please let us know what you are donating prior to Farnsworth Weekend so that we can properly promote it and print a bid sheet. We will need name of the item, approximate value, and brief description. You can mail or drop-off items at our Bedford office, or bring your items with you and give to staff when you arrive. If you have any questions about donating items, please contact customercare@girlscoutsgwm.org.
Friday, September 5 | |
Arrival and Check-in | 5:00 PM |
Farnsworth Weekend Newcomer Orientation - Dining Hall |
7:00-8:00 PM |
Welcome/Opening - Dining Hall |
8:00-8:30 PM |
Campfire, Games, and Socializing - Dining Hall |
8:30 PM |
Saturday, September 6 | |
Arrival and Check-in | 7:30-9:00 AM |
Opening Flag Ceremony | 7:45-8:00 AM |
Breakfast | 8:00-8:45 AM |
Session A | 9:00-11:15 AM |
Session I | 9:00-10:00 AM |
Session II | 10:15-11:15 AM |
Lunch | 11:45 AM-12:30 PM |
Volunteer Recognition Reception | 12:30-1:30 PM |
Session B | 1:45-4:00 PM |
Session lll | 1:45-2:45 PM |
Session IV | 3:00-4:00 PM |
Session V | 4:15-5:15 PM |
Checkout and Departure | 5:15-5:30 PM |
Closing Flag Ceremony | 5:30 PM |
Singing Porch | 5:45 PM |
Dinner | 6:00-6:45 PM |
Campfire | 7:15 PM |
Games and Socializing - Dining Hall | 8:00-11:00 PM |
Sunday, September 7 | |
Unit Kapers | All Morning |
Flag Ceremony | 8:00-8:15 AM |
Breakfast | 8:15-9:00 AM |
Session VI | 9:30-11:30 AM |
Evaluations, Checkout, Cleanup, and Departure | 11:30 AM |
We reserve the right to cancel workshops due to low enrollment or other circumstances.
Please note that when registering, be sure to click on both the Session Time and the workshop within the session time when making your selections (2 clicks per timeslot).
Farnsworth Weekend Newcomer Orientation
Join us for orientation, a virtual camp tour, and a special surprise for all our newcomers. We will answer any questions you may have about the weekend. Learn about Camp Farnsworth, camp traditions, and meet new friends!
Presenter: TBD
ARC Blended Adult/Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
In this blended learning, class participants must complete an online portion of training ahead of this in-person skills class. There is an additional $50 charge for this class to be paid separately.
Presenter: Ashley Jerome
Edible Archeology
An edible archeology project to introduce your troop to archeology, the study of the human past using material remains. These remains can be any objects that people created, modified, or used.
Presenters: Jade DeYoreo
Introduction to Zentangle©!
Anyone can be an artist! The Zentangle© Method combines mindfulness and simple strokes to create stunning non-representational, aka abstract, art pieces. The Zentangle© Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. This method also incorporates mindfulness, gratitude, and appreciation. This workshop will be led by a Certified Zentangle Teacher, CZT. You can discover your inner artist or refine your already developed art skills. No previous skills are required, all are welcome! It is important to start with the right supplies, please bring $8 to pay the CZT for your take-home starter kit.
Presenter: Ursula Stanley
Let's Go On a Hike!
Let’s take a hike to Seven Gables, one of Camp Farnsworth’s two primitive sites. This will be a moderate walk with some uphill walking, and some muddy areas. We will meet up at Sky Meadow, and will return along the lake, ending at the Program Center. Please bring a backpack with water and a snack, and layer-up in case of a change in New England weather! Please note that there is no running water out at Seven Gables.
Presenter: Sue DiSalvo
Woodworking
Did you ever want to try your hand at using power tools? Come vist the woodshop and make a useful take-home project (different than prior years). Bring work gloves and safety glasses. There is a $15 additional charge for this workshop.
Presenter: Camp Staff
Alcohol Ink Tiles
Create custom ceramic tiles using alcohol ink dyes. Dyes have an isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol base and can be manipulated in fascinating and unpredictable ways when mixed with other liquid mediums and applied to a nonporous surface. Make two tile coasters to take home.
Presenter: Sue Rochford
Escape Room Adventure
Test your wits by solving a series of themed escape room puzzles! Find clues, have fun, and then learn a little about how to create an escape room with a handy take home guide. Note for past participants: this will be the same gnome themed escape room from 2023.
Presenter: Janet Whatmough
Free Time
It’s your choice: sleep, read a book, sit in the sun, chat with friends, take a walk, etc.
Presenter: You!
Hatchet Throwing
Try out your lumberjack skills! Learn how to throw a hatchet, one of the oldest weapons. Learning how to handle them safely by aiming at targets for accuracy is also common today as a recreational and competitive activity. Learn how to safely handle these tools—tools that can be used in the great outdoors. Good throwing requires learning positive traits such as patience, determination, focus, attention to detail, discipline, and persistence, all skills that are key elements of leadership and confidence.
Presenter: Ashley Garen
Fun with Pie Irons
What is a pie iron and how do I use it? Come join us and experience the fun and versatility of pie iron cooking on a campfire, including how to clean and season your pie iron and some basic recipes. Come join us for a hot treat, conversation and fun with pie irons!
Presenter: Tara Pacht
New Leader Networking
Meet other new leaders, brainstorm meeting ideas and outings, and learn about the resources available to you as a Girl Scout volunteer.
Presenter: Amanda Powell
Sew a Rope Trivet
One of the latest sewing crazes is using rope (clothesline) to make trivets, coasters, baskets, and bowls. Learn to make a hot pad trivet with thread, rope, and scraps of cloth using a sewing machine. The trivets we will make are an easy and functional project that doesn’t take up a lot time and energy. This project not only makes a great gift, but is customizable. The techniques covered can also be applied to making the various other rope projects.
Presenter: Stephanie Gosselin
Waterfront: Boating
Try out different kinds of boating on Lake Abenaki. Practice your canoe and kayak fundamentals, then paddle out to explore Lake Abenaki at your own pace. Learn to balance and steer, then explore the coves of Lake Abenaki by paddleboard. Workshop is first come, first served on type of boat.
Presenter: Cassandra "Strings" Jillson and Sam Lucheck
Building Your Inclusive Troop
Join in a discussion about what inclusivity is, what it means, and how to be truly inclusive in your troop environment.
Presenter: Amanda Powell
Campfire Songs and Games
Remember the nostalgic days of singing songs and playing games by the campfire? Come join us for a fun time as we share our knowledge of songs and games while spreading Girl Scout cheer! You will have great ideas to bring back to your troops.
Presenter: Lexi Gregory and Terri Matott
Free Time
It’s your choice: sleep, read a book, sit in the sun, chat with friends, take a walk, etc.
Presenter: You!
Fun with Pie Irons
What is a pie iron and how do I use it? Come join us and experience the fun and versatility of pie iron cooking on a campfire, including how to clean and season your pie iron and some basic recipes. Come join us for a hot treat, conversation and fun with pie irons!
Presenter: Jesse and Tara Pacht
Gift Wrapping Japanese Style!
Gift wrapping using cloth has been done in Japan for centuries, yet it's a modern answer by being environmentally friendly to our planet! Using reusable cloths to wrap gifts can reduce the amount of waste paper and ribbon thrown away each year but tons, save money at the same time, and be stylish too! The workshop focus is learning multiple ways of tying cloths on different sized and shaped objects.
Presenter: Joan DeYoreo
Hatchet Throwing
Try out your lumberjack skills! Learn how to throw a hatchet, one of the oldest weapons. Learning how to handle them safely by aiming at targets for accuracy is also common today as a recreational and competitive activity. Learn how to safely handle these tools—tools that can be used in the great outdoors. Good throwing requires learning positive traits such as patience, determination, focus, attention to detail, discipline, and persistence, all skills that are key elements of leadership and confidence.
Presenter: Ashley Garen
Juliette's Legacy
Have fun learning ways to incorporate Juliette Gordon Low's memory all year, through games, traditions, ceremonies, patch programs and even connect with troops around the country with a traveling Juliette.
Presenter: Debb King
Outdoor Skills: Homemade Firestarters
Enhance your outdoor skills! Come learn how to make a few firestarters using recycled materials. Making firestarters is a fun activity to do with the girls in preparation for camping.
Presenter: Debbie Payne and Maggie McGarry
Troop Takeaways - STEM Programming
Join Cassandra "Strings" Jillson to try a variety of fun STEM activities from the STEM Month programs and learn how to bring them back to your troop. Try breaking open geodes and classifying rocks, completing LEGO challenges, and exploring the properties of paper.
Presenter: Cassandra "Strings" Jillson
Basket Weaving
Weave a simple basket of flat reed around a 1/2 gallon mason jar. Bring a regular (2-1/2 gal) bucket or larger, scissors, pencil, yardstick or ruler, and towel.
Presenter: Karen and Elizabeth Krah
Dig the Past
Participate in a real archeology dig at Camp Farnsworth. Explore the past and see what the dirt might be hiding! Learn how scientists figure out how people lived with just the clues that remain behind once those people are gone. We are learning the basics of archeology! Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty as there will be dirt! You will love doing these activities with your troops! Bring a trowel and knee pads if you have them.
Presenter: Jade and Joan DeYoreo
Junk Journaling: Creative Way to Relax
Relax and unwind! If you are feeling stressed and need to unwind and enjoy the present moment, or simply want to do something that does not require a lot of effort, then consider taking up jink journaling. We will make and decorate our handmade journals (glue books) in this fun new way of self expression. This is a great activity to take back to your troop!
Presenter: Patty and Cassie Levesque
Quick Fabric Cases
Make a storage case for pens, charging cords, scissors, rotary cutters, etc. Perfect for your next travel adventure! We will sew a quick storage case of contrasting fabrics, using fusible interfacing and a zigzag stitch to finish the edges. Good machine sewing project for girls!
Presenter: Sue Bates
Silk Screening Basics
Ever want to make your own troop T-shirts for a special occasion or event, or maybe make items to sell? Learn simple techniques to silk screen your own designs.
Presenter: Katie McGarry
Woodworking
Did you ever want to try your hand at using power tools? Come visit the woodshop and make a useful take-home project (different than prior years). Bring work gloves and safety glasses. There is a $15 additional charge for this workshop payable at weekend check-in.
Presenter: Camp Staff
Zentangle© Methos: Beyond the Basics
Anyone can be an artist! The Zentangle© Method combines mindfulness and simple strokes to create stunning non-representational, aka abstract, art pieces. The Zentangle© Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. This method also incorporates mindfulness, gratitude, and appreciation. This workshop will be led by a certified Zentangle teacher. You can discover your inner artist or refine your already developed art skills. It is important that you have the right supplies, bring your Zentangle basic starter kit if you have one. Bring $8 to pay for your a second take-home kit with additional supplies. Basic kits will also be available for purchase.
Presenter: Ursula Stanley
Fall Product Sale Training
Open to all volunteers wishing to participate with their troop in the Fall Product Sale. This is especially for new leaders or volunteers newer to the program. Topics cover navigation of the online platform, program theme, and program timeline.
Presenter: Robin Boyd and Todd Wingen
Free Time
It’s your choice: sleep, read a book, sit in the sun, chat with friends, take a walk, etc.
Presenter: You!
Girl Scout Songs and Games
Songs and games are great time fillers and helps build team work with your troop. Plan to be on your feet and have fun.
Presenter: Debb King
Mental Health and Behavior Management
Meet with a council staff member with 15+ years experience with supporting mental health challenges and crises, behavior management, and conflict resolution to ask questions and brainstorm ideas to support challenging situations in your troop.
Presenter: Amanda Powell
Outdoor Skills: Knot Tying
Enhance your outdoor skills! Knot tying is a special skill that can come in handy while camping. Come review some of the basic knots and learn how to teach them to your girls.
Presenter: Chris Haswell
Pellet Rifle Training
Our shooting range allows participants to learn and practice riflery skills using .177 caliber pellet rifles under the guidance of range-trained staff. Basic firearms safety and marksmanship training will be covered.
Presenter: Steve Boyd
Troop Takeaways - Outdoor Programming
Join Cassandra "Strings" Jillson to try a variety of fun outdoor activities and learn how to teach outdoor skills to your troop. Learn fire building through edible "fires" and real fires, knot tying with practical uses, and how to use GPS units to find the caches hidden around camp.
Presenter: Cassandra "Strings" Jillson
Beyond Thinking Day
Celebrated since 1926, World Thinking Day is a day of international friendship. It is an opportunity to celebrate the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting Movement for over 10.8 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 153 countries. How many have you explored or visited? Come learn about our five World Centers, come explore the opportunities they can offer our girls and you and see a traveling museum of vintage patches and books.
Presenter: Tara Pacht
Free Time
It’s your choice: sleep, read a book, sit in the sun, chat with friends, take a walk, etc.
Presenter: You!
Fun in the Outdoors: Nature Games
Looking for a way to engage and inspire your girls in outdoor adventure fun? We will try some favorite activities, like a scavenger hunt and tree identification and new ones, We will then discuss how to apply them to badge requirements. Have any activities that engage your troop? Bring them along to share!
Presenter: Carol Ritchie
Girl Scout Ceremonies and Traditions
Learn how to help your girls plan great ceremonies to celebrate special days and events in Girl Scouts. We will do a special Girl Scout Gorp Ceremony, so please be sure to specify any allergies when you register for the event.
Presenter: Debb King
Glass Etching
Learn how to decorate glassware with beautiful etching designs. We will be using an etching cream to create a unique etched glass piece and discuss safety while doing this craft. All supplies needed will be provided. Eye protection (glasses or safety glasses) is recommended.
Presenter: Stephanie Gosselin
Outdoor Skills: Fire building
"Enhance your outdoor skills! Knowing how to make a fire is one of the oldest—and most valuable—Girl Scout survival skills. Fire gives you the power to stay warm on a cold night, to cook outdoors, and to bring people together for songs and s’mores. Come learn various tips and tricks and try your hand at seeing who can make the best fire."
Presenter: Chris Haswell, Debbie Payne, and Gail Logan
Pellet Rifle Training
Our shooting range allows participants to learn and practice riflery skills using .177 caliber pellet rifles under the guidance of range-trained staff. Basic firearms safety and marksmanship training will be covered.
Presenter: Steve Boyd
Troop Takeways - Highest Awards
Join Ashley Garen for a Highest Awards workshop! Explore how Girl Scout opportunities support leadership growth and discover the important role you play. We will cover Take Action Projects, how to guide your Girl Scout in choosing one that aligns with their strengths and interests and have a group share.
Presenter: Ashley Garen
Archery
Learn archery fundamentals and safety while testing your skills! Practice proper form, learn to score the sport, and try a friendly competition.
Presenter: Ashley Jerome
Farnsworth Weekend Quilters - 2025 Quilt Block Exchange
Do you quilt or do you want to learn how to make a quilt block? Join us as we showcase quilts from last year’s Farnsworth exchange and discuss this past years exchanges. We will decide upon theme, colors, and other details. Ultimately, each participant will create unique and individualized quilt blocks to exchange with other participants. You will end up with enough quilt blocks to create your own wall hanging or quilt — or be creative and use them for a different purpose! For those who have never sewn quilt blocks before, there will be a demonstration on how to cut and sew fabric into the block chosen for this year's exchange. You will be making your quilt blocks at home for exchange at a later date (around March 2026).
Presenter: Renee Gosselin, Sue Bastes, and Stephanie Gosselin
Free Swim
Take an afternoon dip in the Camp Farnsworth's heated salt water pool.
Presenter: Camp Staff
Free Time
It’s your choice: sleep, read a book, sit in the sun, chat with friends, take a walk, etc.
Presenter: You!
Give the Climbing Tower a Try!
Climb out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to reach new heights as you tackle the 30-foot wall of Camp Farnsworth's climbing tower!
Presenter: Cassandra "Strings" Jillson and Sam Lucheck
GS SWAPS 101
What are SWAPS? And what are they used for? What has this got to do with Girl Scouts? SWAPS are a craft in which Girl Scouts trade with each other to promote friendship. Come try your hand making a few SWAPS and take away a lot of ideas.
Presenter: Pat Decker
GSGWM Alumnae Book Club Meeting
Have you heard about the GSGWM Alumnae Book Club? Several members of the Alumnae Association have been meeting monthly via Zoom for almost four years now to read and talk about books. Members decide on the book selection and we have explored several genres. This is a great opportunity to get into a regular reading routine, meet and talk with alums and maybe try some reading selections outside your normal reading material. The book that will be discussed will be Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Come see what it is all about!
Presenter: Janet Whatmough and Peggy Piette
Outdoor Skills: Simple Compass Games
Learning how to use a compass is a skill that everyone who enjoys the outdoors will find useful and can be essential if you walk in isolated areas or in more challenging conditions. Come learn some games and activities designed to teach your girls how to use a compass.
Presenter: Katie McGarry
Think Inside the Box
The Explosion Box we will be creating contains surprises which are revealed when opened. It can be used as a small present, a way to present badges/awards, a leader thank you or as a card to celebrate life's moments. Everyone will go home with a completed project and a template for future use.
Presenter: Patty and Cassie Levesque
Understanding Me, Understanding You
Green, orange, red, or blue, what is your "true color"? Learn more about your personality type and how to use your strengths to lead and learn. You will leave with the resources you can use with your girls to help them discover their personality types and how to use their strengths to work together as a group.
Presenter: Debb King
Candle Making: Science, Creativity, and Fun for All Ages
Explore the art and science of candle making for all age groups, Learn several different candle making techniques that you can use to create amazing candles using simple materials.
Presenter: Katie McGarry
Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms
In this workshop we will prepare and taste dishes made with an assortment of mushrooms with nutritional and medicinal benefits. Participants will also learn about the health benefits of mushrooms.
Presenter: Reneé Gosselin
Foraging 101 - How to Find Wild Edibles!
Thos workshop is for those who want to learn how to recognize what's edible in the world and learn how to harvest and use foraged foods. There will be samples for everyone to try/taste. We will go out and walk around to see what we can find at Camp Farnsworth.
Presenter: Joan DeYoreo
Free Time
It’s your choice: sleep, read a book, sit in the sun, chat with friends, take a walk, etc.
Presenter: You!
Introduction to Japanese Sashiko Stitching
Sashiko is a Japanese embroidery technique using a simple running stitch to create intricate geometric patterns, often on indigo-dyed fabric, It's a form of decorative reinforcement stitching, traditionally used for mending, reinforcing, or embellishing garments. The white thread on the dark fabric creates a visually striking contrast. We will use recycled denim for our dark fabric.
Presenter: Tara Pacht
Learning to Weave
Use a wooden weaving loom and fabric scraps to create your own mug rug or hotplate mat. Great workshop to learn what to do with those scraps of materials you don't want to throw away. Also a good activity to teach your girls.
Presenter: Sue Rochford
Making Yummy Baked Goods When Camping
Ever wish you could make muffins or biscuits, bake cupcakes or cookies when you're camping? It's very possible to have fresh baked goods, sweet or savory, at your next campout. Come learn about box oven cooking. Bring a large box, a roll of aluminum foil, and some masking tape and we'll show you how to make and use your own oven, which you will take home. And yes we will have some yummy treats!
Presenter: Chris Haswell, Debbie Payne, and Gail Logan
Needle Felting
Needle felting is an exceptionally addictive craft that you'll find surprisingly simple to begin with. It's easy to grasp the basics, environmentally friendly, and offers endless creative possibilities. Learn the basics of needle felting using barbed needles, a mat, and wool to create a 2-D scene on a felt or fabric background which can be framed in an embroidery hoop or a picture frame.
Presenter: Kim Lemear
Pasta Making - Gnocchi
Who does not love a good homemade pasta meal? Yum! Join Cassandra "Strings" Jillson to make a traditional Italian potato pasta from scratch! Participants will learn how to make gnocchi from potato, eggs, flour, and salt, and take home their pasta to cook.
Presenter: Cassandra "Strings" Jillson
Time with Tricia
Spend time with our council’s CEO and provide input on council efforts and future strategy. GSGWM is implementing long-range property plans, updating our strategic direction, and making decisions for our future. Learn the latest status on efforts and be part of the process! Questions welcome.
Presenter: Tricia Mellor
Torch It! - Woodburning
This workshop will focus on beginner wood-burning projects. Use torch paste to chemically burn images into wood with a heat gun. The process has no smell. We'll be making ornaments and signs to take home.
Presenter: Patty and Cassie Levesque