Farnsworth Weekend
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Farnsworth Weekend 2026
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
Friday, September 25 - Sunday, September 27, 2026
Camp Farnsworth
Thetford, VT
Open to all Girl Scout adults.
Welcome!
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!
Meals 
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.
Overnight Accommodations
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:
- Bag or backpack
- Closed-toed shoes
- Jacket or sweatshirt
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Water bottle
- Health History Form
- Workshops supplies as indicated
- Optional: Snacks (if you are staying overnight in one of the tent units, these should be stored in your vehicle).
- Optional: overnight gear depending on chosen accomodations
Apparel Orders
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.
Coming Soon.
Silent Auction
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.
Schedule of the Weekend
| Friday, September 25 | |
| 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 26 | |
| 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 27 | |
| 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 |
Friday Session 0: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
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
Saturday Session A: 9:00 - 11:15 AM
This is a 2.25-hour session. If you choose a workshop from this session, do not choose workshops from Session I and Session II.
Building Your Own Escape Room!
In this double-session workshop, you will test your wits by solving a short escape room puzzle. Then you will participate in a simplified version of creating an escape room: brainstorming, planning, building your own puzzle, and testing those built by others. Note the short sample session has been presented at Farnsworth Weekend before, but the new part is learning the techniques and resources to build and create your own ecape room. This can be a great activity for your troop!
Presenter: Janet Whatmough
Crochet Basket for Beginners
In this workshop you will learn how to create a small crochet basket (approximately 6"x 6"). You will also learn the basic adjustable pattern to be used to make different size and/or shape baskets. Never crocheted before? No problem! This will get you started by using a basic stitch to create and finish a basket this weekend. Fun and easy for your troop to learn also!
Presenters: Stacy Olyha
Fragrance Fun! Make Your Own Scents!
Learn how to make your own distilled essential oils from common plants and fruits!
Presenter: Jade DeYoreo
Let's Try Batik!
Rooted in rich Indonesian tradition, batik uses wax and dye to form striking, detailed design on fabric. Learn foundations of batik techniques and craft a coloful wall hanging to take home.
Presenter: Katie McGarry
Macrame Gnomes
Love tying knots? Come learn some basics of macramé and make a cute hanging gnome decoration. Also a good activity to do with your troop.
Presenter: Margo Houde
The Great Apple Adventure
Join us for a fun-filled apple adventure! You'll taste different varieties, learn apple history, and create delicious treats together. We'll share recipes and activity ideas tailored for every Girl Scout level — from Daisies to Ambassadors. It's a great way to connect with other leaders, pick up fresh ideas for your troop, and enjoy some tasty samples. Come hungry, leave inspired!
Presenter: Debbie Payne and Carol Ritchie
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
Saturday Session I: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
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
Archery: Beginner Level
Learn archery fundamentals and safety while testing your skills! Practice proper form, learn to score the sport, and try a friendly competition.
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!
Fun with Pie Irons - Beginner
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
Gentle Yoga
Start your yoga journey in this beginner-friendly class designed for those new to the mat. Learn basic poses, breathwork, and alignment at a slow, supportive pace. Options for mobility needs are always offered. Build confidence, improve flexibility, and leave feeling comfortable, capable, and at ease. Participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver when they arrive at this workshop
Presenter: Maggie McGarry
Just Bands
Like to crochet, but struggle keeping the right tension? Learn a fun and easy way to crochet with rubber bands! In this worksop you will learn how to make a small purse with Rainbow Loom bands and a hook. A fun activity for your troop!
Presenter: Laurie Himes
Kinusaiga
Kinusaiga (ki-noo-sigh-gah) is a 20th-century Japanese art form that transforms fabric scraps into beautiful, mosaic, quilt-like pictures. This no-sew technique is friendly for all experience levels and takes only basic instruction and materials to achieve beautiful results! Fabric scraps are tucked into slits in foam to create textured scenes withput needles, thread, or glue. There is as additional $10 charge for this workshop.
Presenter: Joanne Dickie
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
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: Camp Staff
Saturday Session II: 10:15 - 11:15 AM
Archery: Advanced Level
Know your way around a bow and arrow? Sharpen your skills and try a friendly competition with other archers.
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!
Fun with Pie Irons - Advanced
Know all about pie irons, like how to season, clean, and cook with them? Ready to take it to the next level? Come join us for a delicious treat and pie-iron fun with a variety of pie-iron shapes and creative recipes!
Presenter: Tara Pacht
How to Run Hands-on Troop Activities
This workshop will teach you how to utilize kinesthetic learning skills to offer hands-on activities for your troop. Giving youth the opportunity to interact with different materials and environments helps build confidence and critical thinking skills. You will have the opportunity to try some hands-on activities yourself.
Presenter: Amanda Powell
Migration Game and Other Nature Activities
Go on a short “Un-Nature Walk” to see how good your eyesight is (can you find the animals and items that don’t belong?), and then roll the dice and “fly” through a life-size board game out in the field to play with your girls to teach them about the different obstacles and challenges birds encounter as they migrate to warm places like South America! As time allows, we will introduce and discuss other nature games your girls will enjoy while outside!
Presenter: Sue DiSalvo and Vera Kirk
Swiss Fabric Hearts
Create these pretty heart ornaments out of Swiss traditional fabric from Meiringen, Switzerland, near Our Chalet. Ideally you should bring your own sewing machine (please know how to use it) athough we will have a couple available.
Presenter: Joanne Dickie
Troop Takeaways - STEM Programming
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: Girl Experience Staff
Saturday Session B: 1:45 - 4:00 PM
This is a 2.25-hour session. If you choose a workshop from this session, do not choose workshops from Session III and Session IV.
Easy Chocolate Treats
Chocolate lovers, this workshop is for you! Learn how to make, dip, and decorate oreo truffles. Explore ways use molds to create favorites such as peanut butter cups and chocolate lollipops. You get to keep everything you make! Gluten-free and peanut-alternative substitutions can be accommodated. There is an additional $12 charge for this workshop.
Presenter: Amanda Olyha Ferreira
Nature's Grocery Store - Foraging for Beginners
The answer to what you can eat depends on where and when you are outside! This workshop is for anyone curious about their surroundings in the wild. and willing to try new things. By the end of the workshop you will be armed with knowledge of what to look for and how to use what you find. Samples will be provided and then a walkabout to see what we can find at Camp Farnsworth for ourselves.
Presenter: Joan DeYoreo
Patriotic Star Crochet Lap Blanket
This project is for the intermediate crocheter who knows how to cast on, single chain, and slip stitch. The pattern is very intuitive and we suggest red, white, and blue yarn, but you can really make it any color you want. See What to Bring List for specific details.
Presenter: Jen Dickie
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
Stack the Deck Placemats
Using fat quarters and fusible batting, you will learn an easy technique to make it possible to quilt without using a walking foot. During this workshop you will make four placemats. If there is time, we will show you how to do some optional decorative stitching if your sewing machine supports that. Be sure to check the What to Bring list for the list of needed supplies. Ideally you should bring your own sewing machine (please know how to use it) athough we will have a couple available.
Presenter: Sue Bates
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 as additional $15 charge for this workshop.
Presenter: Camp Staff
Saturday Session III: 1:45 - 2:45 PM
Ceremonies and Traditions
Review some important traditions in Girl Scouts such as bridging and rededication ceremonies, flag ceremonies, the Girl Scout sign and hand shake, camp names, and SWAPs! This high level overview will help you leave with the building blocks you need to incorporate ceremonies and traditions for your troop.
Presenter: Amanda Powell
Free Time
It’s your choice: sleep, read a book, sit in the sun, chat with friends, take a walk, etc.
Presenter: You!
Glass Etching
Learn how to decorate glassware with beautiful etching designs. We will use 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: Homemade Fire Starters
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
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
Try a variety of fun outdoor activities and learn how to teach outdoor skills to your troop. Learn firebuilding 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: Camp Staff
Yoga
Link breath to movement in this energizing vinyasa yoga flow. Build strength, improve flexibility, and stay present as you move. Come ready to flow, sweat, and leave feeling grounded, strong, and refreshed. This class is all levels, from beginner to advanced. Participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver when they arrive at this workshop.
Presenter: Maggie McGarry
Saturday Session IV: 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Free Time
It’s your choice: sleep, read a book, sit in the sun, chat with friends, take a walk, etc.
Presenter: You!
Leatherwork
Learn how to make a leather mystery bracelet, often called a magic braid. Great activity you can take back to your troop.
Presenter: Sam Rochford
Mental Health Round Table
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: 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: Debbie Payne
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/Leadership Awards Overview
Explore how Girl Scout opportunities support leadership growth and discover the important role you play as a volunteer. We will cover Take Action Projects, the new Leadership Awards line-up, and how to guide your Girl Scout in choosing an award that aligns with their strengths and interests.
Presenter: Maddy Jezerski
Yin Yoga
Unwind in this calming yin yoga class with long, supported holds that target deep connective tissues. Move slowly, flocus on the breath, and allow time for stillness and release. Poses will be held fully supported for 3-5 minutes. Suitable for all levels. Participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver when they arrive at this workshop.
Presenter: Maggie McGarry
Saturday Session V: 4:15 - 5:15 PM
Fabric 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 cloth to wrap gifts can reduce the amount of waste paper and ribbon thrown away each year by 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
Farnsworth Weekend Quilters - 2026 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 year's 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 2027).
Presenter: Sue Bates, Stephanie Gosselin, Joanne Dickie
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: Camp Staff
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 five 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 "The Magnolia Palace" by Fiona Davis. Come see what it is all about!
Presenter: Janet Whatmough and Peggy Piette
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 such positive traits such as patience, determination, focus, attention to detail, discipline, and persistence, all skills that are key elements of leadership and confidence.
Presenter: Camp Staff
If You're BOARD, Play a Game!
Jump in for laughs, friendly competition, and classic games like Monopoly, Trouble, and more favorites. Then get creative and learn how to turn a board game into a life-sized adventure you can play with friends. Come have fun with us! Bring these ideas back to your troop!
Presenter: Lexi Gregory and Terri Brodeur
Learn about GSGWM's 3D Printer Programs!
Learn about the council's 3D printer programs! We'll start with the beginner program, learning how to make a trefoil necklace. If time permits, we can also take a peek at the intermediate custom coasters program. Participants will need to bring a laptop and a mouse, participants without these items will be unable to completely participate in the activity. If you would like your object to be printed, there is an additional $15 fee. Our 3D printed objects will not be printed same-day, as the printer lives in the Bedford office. Printed items can be picked up from any council location once ready, or they can be shipped to you for an additional $15.
Presenter: Maddy Jezerski
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
Troop Takeaways - Entrepreneurship
Dive deeper into the Fall Product and Girl Scout Cookie programs to learn how to use these great money-earning opportunities as an opportunity to teach your Girl Scouts about financial literacy, marketing, budgeting, and how to make a sales pitch.
Presenter: Amanda Powell
Sunday Session VI: 9:30-11:30 AM
Blending Teas and Tisanes
Learn about global tea traditions and medicinal tisanes (herbal teas) while tasting freshly brewed teas. Then make your own tea mix to take home from assorted teas, herbs, fruits, and roots.
Presenter: Renée Gosselin
Campfire Cooking
Make delicious snacks without dirtying any dishes! These easy treats and hearty dinners are quick to put together, and easy to make. Yummy ideas to bring back to your troop!
Presenter: Jade DeYoreo
Candlemaking: 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
Free Time
It’s your choice: sleep, read a book, sit in the sun, chat with friends, take a walk, etc.
Presenter: You!
Hex Sign - Phases of the Moon
Hex signs are a prominent form of Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. Hex signs are the iconic imagery of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This beautiful and unique Phases of the Moon hex sign comes in a kit directly from an art center in Lancaster County. After laying out your hex sign, you will paint each piece and then glue them into place. There is an additional $35 charge for this workshop.
Presenter: Joanne Dickie
Knot Boards
Learn to tie commonly used knots. Make your sample knot, choose its spot on your varnished board, and tack it in place. Voila! Your very own knot board you use as a prop to teach your troop all about knots!
Presenter: Chris Haswell
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 start at the Recreation Building side porch, go up by Sky Meadow and return back along the lake to the Recreation Building. 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
Orienteering Basics
Come learn the ins and outs of orienteering! This important life skill can be adapted for girls of all ages. This course will cover how to read and orient a map, find controls, and set up your own course.
Presenter: Kate Rochford
Painting with Wool
Use wool roving to create a scenic picture. The technique allows you to “paint” with the wool fibers using a felting needle and a foam pad. Your will have a choice of scenes from which to pick.
Presenter: Kim Lemear
Quilt as You Go Hand Quilting
"This workshop focuses on hand stitched quilting, no sewing machine necessary. The Quilt-As-You-Go method allows you to layer the block, batting, and backing, and quilt it right then and there. This means when you finish a block, it is completely done and will be ready to piece together to make a fabulous completed quilt!! This is a great skill to learn to bring with you while you travel, watch a movie, listen to the birds, or teach your troop, etc. We will also have time to blend in some slow stitching embellishments such as sashiko or geometric design.
Presenter: Tara Pacht
Teaching Girls to Sew
Learn how to teach your girls to sew by learning a straight stitch, blanket stitch, and how to sew on a button while making a felt Christmas ornament
Presenter: Sue Rochford
