Leadership Summit 2026 is an exciting, volunteer-focused weekend designed to inspire, equip, and connect Girl Scout volunteers from across Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. Led by experienced staff and dedicated volunteers, this event offers engaging learning experiences that help you build skills, discover new resources, and prepare for a successful year of Girl Scouting.
Customize your weekend by choosing the registration option and sessions that best match your interests, experience level, and goals. With a wide variety of offerings—from beginners to advanced outdoor skills, certifications, volunteer support, networking, and more—there is something for everyone.
Whether you are a brand-new volunteer or have years of experience, the Leadership Summit is designed to support you where you are and help you grow with your troop. Each session is intended to strengthen your confidence, expand your toolkit, and leave you feeling energized for the year ahead.
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Attending on your own?
Our Buddy System is here to help you feel welcomed and connected throughout the weekend. Volunteers who opt in will be paired with another attendee for added support and connection.
If you’d like to be matched with a buddy—or serve as one—simply indicate your interest in the “Special Circumstances” section during registration.
It’s a meaningful way to live the Girl Scout mission and help ensure every volunteer feels at home.
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Interested in training adult volunteers?
If you’re passionate about helping adults build confidence in camping skills, becoming a Let’s Go Camping 2 (LGC2) trainer might be a great fit—and the Leadership Summit is a great place to get started!
Connect with staff to learn more about the Let’s Go Camping 2 trainer pathway, including an initial conversation with council staff, an in-person orientation at the Leadership Summit, and opportunities to shadow a training session.
Take a moment to complete the Council Trainer Interest Form, and we’ll follow up with more details.
Registration Information:
Registration opens: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Registration closes: Monday, Aug. 17, 2026
Event Details:
Friday, Aug. 28 - Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026
Camp Hawthorne Ridge
7755 Hawthorne Ridge Rd.
Girard, PA 16417
Schedule and Session Descriptions
Click to
view the full schedule and descriptions of the available sessions.
Who Can Attend?
The Leadership Summit is open to all Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania volunteers!
Throughout the weekend, you’ll find opportunities to learn, reflect, connect, and recharge. In addition to daytime sessions, evening experiences are designed to deepen learning, build relationships, and give you time to relax and enjoy camp.
Join us Friday evening to ease into the weekend with crafts, games, and meaningful conversations—or simply unwind after your day. Whether you’re hoping to meet new people or recharge in a welcoming space, there’s something for everyone.
Featured Experiences at Leadership Summit
- Council Connections
Join us on Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for Council Connections, a relaxed, come-and-go experience where council departments will share programs, resources, and upcoming opportunities designed to support you and your troop.
Grab your lunch, stop by a few tables, ask questions, and get to know the people behind the scenes. It’s a great way to make connections and learn more about how we work together to support girls and volunteers across Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania.
- Explore the Adventure Express
Get a first look at the new Adventure Express, an innovative mobile program unit designed to bring outdoor experiences directly to girls in their communities.
Explore activities like archery, hiking and backpacking, orienteering, safety hatchets, and snowshoeing—all created to spark curiosity, build skills, and inspire a love of the outdoors.
- Experience the Outdoors – Tent Camping
Curious about troop camping but not sure where to begin? Explore our outdoor camping kits, available to rent for future adventures, and visit a primitive campsite setup to see tents pitched and a sample campsite layout in action.
Want a more hands-on experience? Bring your own tent and enjoy a rustic camping experience during the Leadership Summit.
Looking to build your skills? Attend Let’s Go Camping 3 (LGC3) for guided, hands-on practice with tent setup, outdoor cooking, campsite planning, and leading girl-led outdoor experiences with confidence. (See Schedule and Session Descriptions for more details!)
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready to level up your outdoor skills, you’ll leave with new ideas, practical tips, and added confidence for your next adventure.
- Evening Experiences
As the day winds down, join informal roundtable conversations designed to spark ideas, answer questions, and strengthen your Girl Scout network.
Prefer something more low-key? Enjoy crafts, games, self-guided time around camp, or a one-hour swim session on Saturday evening—a refreshing way to relax and connect with fellow volunteers. Space is limited, and advance sign-up is required during registration.
Close out the day by participating in our Second Annual Eternal Flame Ceremony. If you joined us last year, we invite you to bring your candle back to help re-light the flame and continue this special tradition. New this year? You’ll receive a candle of your own—symbolizing the start of something meaningful to carry forward.
- Sunday Morning Hike: Falls Run Gorge Upper
Be among the first to experience Falls Run Gorge Upper, our new guided trail hike debuting on Sunday morning. Join this staff-led hike to explore camp trails, enjoy the outdoors, and pick up tips for leading troop hikes with confidence.
Whether you come to build new skills, connect with fellow volunteers, explore fresh ideas, or simply recharge at camp, the Leadership Summit is designed to leave you feeling inspired, supported, and energized for the Girl Scout year ahead. We can’t wait to learn, explore, and celebrate with you at camp!
The following are optional add-ons that require additional fees:
Short-sleeved, unisex T-shirt (limited S-3XL sizes available) |
$15 |
First Aid/CPR/AED (Saturday & Sunday) |
$60 |
Low Ropes/Sling Shot (Saturday) |
$15 |
Archery & Range Safety (Saturday & Sunday) |
$45 |
Youth Mental Health First Aid (Sunday) |
$40 |
Overnight Accommodations
If you’re staying overnight, we’ll assign you to a platform tent unit or cabin at check-in, grouping you based on your troop and service unit numbers. If you have any specific needs, we’re happy to help—special accommodations may be available, including indoor lodging, staying with fellow troop leaders, or other requests. Just be sure to note your preferences in the “Special Circumstances” section during registration.
