Date: Fri Oct 03, 6:00 PM EST - Sun Oct 05, 6:00 PM EST
Category:
- Adult Training
Level:
- Volunteers
Join us for O.W.L.S 2.0 - an Outdoor Weekend of Learning & Sisterhood at Camp Honi Hanta. Due to the overwhelming positive response from our first O.W.L.S. event last spring, we are bringing it back - bigger and better than before
This weekend will be full of new and improved workshops for volunteers at every level. Workshops will include outdoor adventure activities, Girl Scout traditions, personal development, leadership mentorship, and tons of opportunities for good ol' fashioned fun! There is also the opportunity to add-on outdoor training certifications or renew your Outdoor Camp Skills Certification.
Our facilitators have a wealth of knowledge, and they are anxious to pass it along to you. This weekend is not just for troop leaders - it's a retreat for all volunteers!
Here is a sample of some of the included activities and workshops:
Camp Songs and Skits: Traditional, Silly and Copy Me
Have you ever come across a list of Girl Scout campfire songs and thought, "Gee, this is great, if only I knew the tune!" Well, here's your chance. We'll kick off the event with a good ol' fashioned camp-wide sing-along. Join your fellow sisters and learn fun classic, traditional, and silly Girl Scout campfire songs and how to involve girls in planning fun and creative campfire programs with skits that foster social development of everyone.
Team Building Challenges
Take your team building skills to the next level. You will be given real world challenges and tools with specific guidelines and be tasked with a challenge. How well can your team face the challenge? Rotate through roles and learn about communication, leadership, collaboration and how you best work as a team while you laugh and (perhaps) struggle through the challenges. There will be opportunities to experience the Low Ropes Challenge Course at Honi Hanta or choose one of our mobile team collaboration challenges that can be conducted outside of a course at a troop meeting with your girls.
Archery Fun
Practice your aim with recurve and compound bows, just for fun. No experience necessary. Our archery instructors will be on hand to give you a tip or two on how to stand, hold and shoot a bow and arrow.
Kayaking Fun
Enjoy a kayaking experience down the river. No experience necessary. Some physical fitness is required for this session, but there is no need for swimwear.
There's More to Travel Than Disney
Explore some of the fun destinations throughout Florida and the Southeast US. We will cover itineraries, must do activities, budget, modes of travel, lodging, and helpful hints to troop travel outside of a Disney Resort.
Flag Ceremonies
A flag ceremony honors the American flag as the symbol of our country and all the hopes and dreams of its people. All flag ceremonies share one thing - respect for the flag. So come and learn proper Flag Etiquette and the different types of flag ceremonies your girls can perform.
Flag Retirement
Learn how to properly retire an American flag with a special ceremony that ends with retiring the flag and disposing of the ashes in a respectful manner.
Nature Hike and Camp Exploration
Explore what is available at Camp Honi Hanta property. Join us on a hike to explore camp as you learn how to experience the natural world, identify plants in a fun and unique way all while learning some key information about Leave No Trace concepts that you can use on your next adventure!
Higher Awards
Gold Award Girl Scouts are not just achievers; they are role models and real-life heroes. Learn how to be part of your Girl Scouts support team of trusted adults who can guide them through the challenge and ensure success, one step at a time. Our Higher Awards Coordinator will be on hand to answer questions and guide you through the best practices for supporting your Higher Award Girl Scout candidate.
Knots 101
Discover which knots to use - when and how - to easily teach them to your girls through this hands-on workshop. Remember, practice makes perfect. Leave this session with your own knot board and knowledge of the different techniques, tricks, and tips of tying knots.
GSGCF Travel
Embark on a journey of discovery with Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida travel! For troop leaders, parents and volunteers eager to explore new horizons with their girl scouts, this workshop offers a glimpse into the exciting world of travel opportunities available through the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida travel program. Hear about transformative travel experiences and get a basic introduction into the process and how your girls can apply all those accumulated cookie credits towards exciting travel adventures.
Climb that Wall and Zip that Line!
Climb the Honi Hanta Tower and ride the Zipline! Our council facilitators will open the Climbing Tower and Zipline for a few hours on Sunday to provide you with an adult only opportunity for personal achievement, self-confidence, fitness challenge and fun.
More Than S'mores
Looking for something new and more exciting to have for dessert while at camp? This is the class for you! Learn, make, and taste some new desserts and fun cooking techniques over a fire that do not involve S'mores.
SWAPS
SWAPS, Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere, is a tradition of Girl Scouts exchanging keepsakes, which started long ago when Girl Scouts first gathered for fun, song, and making new friends. SWAPS are still the perfect way for Girl Scouts to meet each other and promote friendship. In this workshop, get inspired and learn to make a few SWAPS of your own to take back to your troop for your service unit campouts, or other events.
There are two options to attend - Full weekend, including overnight stay at a cabin site, or Day Only participation.
Full Weekend
Includes all workshops and all meals on Saturday and Sunday, accommodation in one of our campsite cabin/bunk houses on both Friday and Saturday night, and a commemorative t-shirt. No meal will be provided Friday night. Campers are welcome to bring their brown bag dinner on Friday night and then join us in the Lodge for a Welcome Reception and come together activity. Participants must provide their own mess kit, refillable water bottle, sleeping bag, pillow, clothing, toiletries and flashlight.
Day Only
Includes all workshops and all meals on Saturday and/or Sunday, and a commemorative t-shirt. Participants must provide their own mess kit and refillable water bottle.
Optional Addons:
We will be offering certification opportunities both Saturday and Sunday. Space is limited. All courses will be offered in the same blended learning format as usual with online learning to be completed prior to the in-person session at camp.
Outdoor Camp Skills Certification (Full Certification) - Blended Learning - $30
Saturday 11 am to 4 pm plus 3 workshops
Learn the skills to lead and assist girls in planning, preparing, and experiencing outdoor camping. Adult troop volunteers are required to complete Outdoor Camp Skills Training before taking Girl Scouts on overnight camping experiences at any Girl Scout camps and public, private, state, or national parks. Participants will learn to demonstrate outdoor skills to girls, including outdoor cooking techniques, fire building and safety, dish washing procedures, Leave No Trace, knot tying, camp safety, and site orientation. Participants will review GSUSA Safety Activity Checkpoints, council property policies, and proper closing and cleaning procedures and pass an online exam prior to attending the in-person skills assessment session. The online module and exam can be completed at your own pace, takes approximately 2 hours to complete and must be completed prior to O.W.L.S. weekend. The in-person session will take place on Saturday from 11 am until 4 pm. The learner will then be responsible for completing 3 specific workshops during the O.W.L.S. weekend to complete the course requirements - Knots, Nature Hike and Camp Exploration, and Flag Ceremonies.
USA Archery Level 1 Certification - Blended Learning - $55
Saturday 8 am - 12 noon
Sunday 8 am - 12 noon
Training for Adults to earn USA Archery Level 1 Archery Certification. The course includes information about range safety, range setup, the steps of shooting, equipment and repair, programs and lesson plans. Graduates of the course will be well prepared to teach beginner archery programs to people of all ages and abilities in a variety of disciplines. The online course can be completed at your own pace, takes approximately 3 hours to complete and must be completed prior to O.W.L.S. weekend. The in-person session will last 4 hours.
Adult, Child and Infant First Aid/CPR/AED - Blended Learning - $30
Sunday 8 am - 11 am
Training for adults to become certified in Red Cross Adult, Child, and Infant First Aid, CPR, and AED techniques. The Adult, Child, and Infant First Aid/CPR/AED blended learning course equips Girl Scout volunteers to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children, and infants. The online course can be completed at your own pace, takes approximately 3 hours to complete and must be completed prior to O.W.L.S. weekend. The in-person session will last 2 hours.
Outdoor Camp Skills Recertification - Blended Learning - $30
Sunday 11 am - 3 pm
Sunday 2 pm - 6 pm
Participants will demonstrate knowledge of and ability to teach outdoor skills to girls, including outdoor cooking techniques, fire building and safety, dish washing procedures, Leave No Trace, knot tying, camp safety, and site orientation. Participants will review GSUSA Safety Activity Checkpoints, council property policies, and proper closing and cleaning procedures and pass an online exam prior to attending the in-person skills assessment session. The online module and exam can be completed at your own pace, takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and must be completed prior to O.W.L.S. weekend. The in-person session will last 4 hours.
Small Craft Safety Training: Canoe and Kayak - Blended Learning - $10
Saturday 8 am - 12 noon
Sunday 8 am - 12 noon
Participants will learn basic water rescue and the skills girls need for a successful canoeing or kayaking adventure. Skills learned include launching, carrying, entering the water, paddling, and maneuvering a canoe and kayaking in a small lake or river. You will be required to get in the water and capsize your vessel for this course. The online module and exam can be completed at your own pace, takes approximately 2 hours to complete and must be completed prior to O.W.L.S. weekend. The in-person session will last 4 hours. Participants will receive an email confirmation from the council regarding the course information after the registration closes and will be required to sign a Small Craft Safety Training: Canoe and Kayak Recipient Use Agreement prior to downloading the learning module materials.
Confirmation Email:
Will be sent out two weeks before
the event start date. Important: The confirmation email will include
required prework, packing lists, trainer contact information and
other important details needed to prepare for the day of the training.
Registration closes 09/11/2025. Refunds and cancellations cannot be processed after 09/11/2025.
All cancellation and refund requests must be received in writing by 09/11/2025 at customercare@gsgcf.org.
