STEW 2019 - Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois
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STEW 2019
STEW is an acronym for Special Teaching Enrichment Workshops. While this program is designed
specifically for Girl Scout adults, Ambassador Girl Scouts are also welcome!
STEW is at Camp Dean in Big Rock, Illinois, from October 4–6, 2019. We hope the time you spend at STEW
is a fun learning and bonding experience with other Girl Scout adults! Participants have two options: spend
the entire weekend (Friday with registration opening at 6 p.m. until Sunday after our Rope Runners
Competition ending approximately at 1 p.m.) or attend Saturday only (9 a.m.–6:30 p.m.).
Here is all the information you need to make your weekend an enjoyable experience:
• Sleeping preferences and workshops are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Register promptly!
• Before choosing a workshop, review the supply list to be sure you have all the supplies needed to
participate.
Please indicate a first and second workshop preference and include it with your registration if you plan to
complete a paper form.
Sleeping Units
Sleeping accommodations include a bunk in a sleeping cabin or lodge. You may also pitch your own tent. All
sleeping accommodations are first come, first served. Outdoor units have limited access to electricity. There
will be limited refrigerator space for participants’ personal food. Latrines are nearby, and the shower house
will also be open for use.
A late-night gathering spot will be available at Dean Lodge for night owls who want to catch up with friends
until the wee hours of the morning.
Class Locations
Camp Dean will have some changes this year, and as GSNI’s Long Range Property Plans finalize and new
structures are built, we will keep you up to date on if your class locations will change or be renamed.
Meals
Meals are served cafeteria-style in Dean Lodge, with the exception of Saturday lunch. Saturday lunch
features a cooking workshop, or we will provide you with an opportunity to make a brown bag lunch. We will
make every effort to accommodate special dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten free, if we know
about them in advance.
Camp Kapers
Kapers are essentially chores. Volunteering with various housekeeping duties helps keep our costs low. If
staying the weekend, everyone participates in various kapers around camp. There will be kapers at each
meal. Everyone is responsible for kapers in their sleeping units before breakfast on Sunday and at their final
workshop location on Sunday morning.
Health History
Participants are asked to complete a Health History form and turn it in at the registration desk when they
arrive. Please place it in a sealed envelope. It will only be opened if there is an emergency. After the event,
all health histories will be shredded.
Final Confirmation
You will receive a final confirmation two weeks before the event that will include your schedule, packing list,
health history form, and camp map.
Get special discounts:
• Early Birds! Register by July 15, 2019, and receive a $5 discount!
• Bring a friend to STEW and receive a $5 discount! *Registrations must be mailed in together to
qualify for a bring-a-friend discount, and names must be entered online. Use discount code
BringAFriend when registering online.
• GSNI Voucher Eligible.
Final Registration Deadline: Friday, September 13, 2019,
or earlier if the maximum is reached. Register now!
Payment Methods:
• Make your payment by check, money order, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.
• Via Mail: STEW Registration, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, 353 Randall Road, South Elgin, IL
60177
• Via email: to customercare@girlscoutsni.org
• Register online
Need more information? Contact Customer Care at customercare@girlscoutsni.org or 844-476-4463.
Pre-order your turquoise STEW T-shirt
when you register!
STEW is turning 5 years old!
To celebrate, this year’s
schedule is non-stop! There
are more sessions and
activities than ever before!
Stay up to date with the
STEW 2019 event on
Facebook or look for
#STEW2019
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE, DESCRIPTIONS, AND SUPPLY LIST
Friday, October 4, 2019
6 p.m. Check In Opens
Welcome to the 5th year of STEW! Come check in at Dean Lodge to get your nametag, patch or bar, folder,
and more. Then head to set up your sleeping area with your personal belongings and sleeping bag.
Remember—the sun will set around 6:30 p.m. Those new to camp will want to get there early to take
advantage of the last bits of daylight. Dean Lodge will have cocoa, coffee, and tea throughout the evening.
There will be Green Light Specials at White Tail Lodge. Stop on by when you get a break!
8–9:30 p.m. Session A (Choose one)
A-1 Amazing Fill Ups in Cherry with Carol
Mason jar gifts are so much fun to give (and receive) and are so easy to make that even a Daisy can
do it! Cookies, soup, candles, and bath salts are just a few of the gifts that can fill these jars. This
hands-on workshop will give you lots of ideas and even a few to take home!
A-2 Basic Cupcake Decorating Skills in Dean Lodge with Erin
Are you in awe when you see beautifully designed desserts and wonder if you too can decorate a
cupcake that stunning ? Wonder no more! To prepare yourself for STEW's first-ever Cupcake Design
Challenge, learn and practice different piping techniques and color mixing skills!
A-3 Domestic Violence and Trauma Awareness Location TBD with Heidi
Have you ever wondered how trauma affects our families and kids? What exactly is domestic
violence, and does it really impact our families? As a leader, how can you help? We will answer these
questions and provide resources for you on how to best help your Girl Scouts.
A-4 Not Just for Eating! in Whispering Oaks with Ericha
What are you doing with that spoon? Learn tricks to transform ordinary silverware into one-of-a-kind
jewelry through simple bending and cutting. You'll never look at a fork the same way again!
A-5 Plates with Pizzaz in the Whispering Oaks Hutch with Patty
Have you ever had to look for a table arrangement you were trying to capture for your table decor and
just couldn't find the right accent dishes? Maybe for a special occasion or party? Pizzaz plates are not
just affordable but also great-looking as well. Come learn how to make decoupage glass plates with
fabric. Participants will be able to apply a second coat of Modge Podge to their plates during
downtime on Saturday, so they will be ready to give as gifts or decorate their tables as soon as they
return home!
A-6 Silver and Gold Location TBD with Sam
Did you know over one million Girl Scouts have earned their Girl Scout Gold Award or equivalent?
How do girls in your troop connect with a Silver and Gold Award project? What is needed to help
them be successful? Find out how to support your girls as they Go for the Gold, so they can join this
prestigious group of women!
A-7 Space Science 101 in Oak Grove with Michelle
Stuck on how to introduce your Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors to Space Science? This hands-on
session will give you loads of ideas on how to help them earn their Space Science badges and get
your girls hooked on looking up at the stars and moon! Use these ideas in a troop meeting, at camp,
or on a campout!
Friday Night Activities (drop in on none, one, or all!)
6–11:30 p.m. Green Light Specials in White Tail Lodge
Green Light Specials, Make and Takes, Fun Crafts to Do with Your Girls: no matter what you call them, these
quick crafts will inspire you to create something amazing! Green Light Specials will be open all day Friday
and Saturday for you to stop on by and make something while making new friends. If you purchased your
Rope Runner kit, you will be able to sand and paint it here, as well. Don’t forget to bring home everything you
made!
9:30–10:30 p.m. Cupcake Design Challenge in Dean Lodge with Erin
Put your creative skills to the test! Can you design a spectacular cupcake that would make anyone stop and
stare? Compete against your fellow campers for a great prize!
10:30–11 p.m. Star Gazing outside Whispering Oaks Lodge with Michelle
Make a simple stargazer with us and then join us in finding constellations in the night sky. Look through a
telescope at the moon's craters and learn about the Terminator. The stars are always extra beautiful when at
camp!
Saturday, October 5, 2019
8:15–9 a.m. Breakfast in Dean Lodge
Nothing says “good morning” like a hot breakfast prepared by the wonderful Kitchen Divas! Coffee, tea, hot
cocoa, and water will also be available to drink.
9 a.m. Check in for Saturday-only participants
Welcome to STEW! Come check in at Dean Lodge to get your nametag, patch or bar, folder, and more
before you begin your day with us.
9:30–9:45 a.m. Opening Ceremony and Welcome at the Flag Pole
outside Dean Lodge
We will take a moment to gather together in a simple opening ceremony and welcome, as we raise the flag
on the new day at Camp Dean. STEW participants will join in this all-camp activity before heading their
separate ways to their non-stop day of sessions and activities!
10–11:30 a.m. Session B (Choose one)
B-1 Basket Weaving in Cherry with Sue
Anyone can learn how to weave a basket! Make a woven reed basket in this hands-on class and
become hooked on basket weaving. What will your new basket hold?
B-2 Coding is COOL! in Whispering Oaks with Donna from STEM for Kids
Not only is coding cool, but it is also a blast! Join us as we explore the incredible world of computer
programming. Try your hand at coding and discover how it is just a way to bring your imagination to
life! Gain an understanding of why coding is so crucial for our girls and why STEM badges are helping
them form their future goals.
B-3 Fun with Photography in Oak Grove with Heidi
Learn photography techniques to enhance your photos. We will use digital and household product
filters and lens attachments to get creative photos. Bring your cell phones, tablets, or digital cameras,
and we will help you learn how to use tools provided on them to get unique, quality photos. B-4 Leading the Eco Badges at Council Circle with Samantha
Learning to appreciate and protect nature can be challenging for young girls. Discover fun and new
ways to help your troop earn the new Daisy Eco Learner, Brownie Eco Friend, and Junior Eco
Camper badges. Along the way, learn tips and tricks for earning the badges in a multi-level
environment.
B-5 Needle Felting Location TBD with Robin
Use a very scary looking needle to turn wool roving into something fun and maybe even useful! You
will have the opportunity to make an acorn, a pin, and either a pumpkin or woodland critter.
B-6 Target Sports in Pine Tree with Charlie
Come try air rifles, the latest offering in target sports from GSNI! Good shooting requires learning
positive traits such as patience, determination, focus, attention to detail, and persistence. After you go
through safety checkpoints, you will be able to practice using air rifles. This is not a training course.
Note: Target Sports will be repeated with Survival Bracelets during E-7 on Saturday afternoon.
B-7 Teaching Geocaching 101 Location TBD with Melissa and Nathan
Stuck on how to introduce your Girl Scouts to the interactive treasure hunt called geocaching? This
hands-on session will give you loads of ideas on how to help girls earn their Junior Geocaching
badge or simply get hooked on making and hunting geocaches all over the world! Whether in a forest
preserve, in parks, or even around town, there are geocaches near you! We will teach you how to get
your girls excited and searching!
B-8 Water Bottle Holders in Dean Lodge with Ericha
It's easy to stay hydrated with your very own water bottle holder! Come to this more advanced sewing
class to learn how to create a customized water bottle holder. You'll learn how to layer materials, sew
a drawstring, and more.
11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Session C (Choose one)
C-1 Beyond Pie Iron Basics at Council Circle with Carol
Pie irons are a versatile way to cook over a campfire, but most leaders only know how to make
pizzas, basic sandwiches, and fruit desserts with bread. This session will have many tasty options
that go beyond the basics and will surprise you with what you can cook in a pie iron! Bring your mess
kit.
C-2 Brown Bag Lunch in Dean Lodge with the Kitchen Divas
Would you like to kick your feet up? Have a picnic by the pond? Take a nap or maybe a hike? This
session is for anyone who doesn't want to take a cooking session and would love make a brown
bagged lunch instead. Fixings for sandwiches, chips, and a dessert will be offered. The rest of the
time is yours!
C-3 Campfire Classics Location TBD with Linda
Not sure what to teach your girls about campfire cooking? Do you need some ideas for tasty treats?
Join us for some delicious Campfire Classics! Bring your mess kit.
C-4 Chop to It Location TBD with Erin
Come learn how to safely introduce knife skills and kitchen sanitation to your troop! You'll learn how
to progress your girls through cutting a banana for a friendship salad to dicing an onion to cubing
meat for a kabob in this hands-on class. Meanwhile, you'll improve your own skills and enjoy a
delicious lunch with new friends! Bring your mess kit.
C-5 Dutch Oven Cooking in Cherry with Lesley
Learn techniques to take your outdoor cooking to the next level with Dutch Oven cooking and how to
care for your cast iron pieces. We will learn about making meals more challenging (and delicious!)
than chili and hotdogs! Bring your mess kit.
C-6 Foil-Wrapped Food in Dean Lodge Residential Kitchen with Michelle
Learn how to cook a variety of foil packet dishes, from breakfast to dessert and all meals in between!
These dishes can be cooked in an oven, on a grill, or over a campfire. Your troop will love this easy,
less-mess method of cooking and all these recipes happen to be gluten free! Bring your mess kit. C-7 Foods Around the World in Oak Grove with Mary Jo
Learn to take your troop around the world through food! Create international favorites to get your girls
hungry to learn more about their sisters around the world in this hands-on global feast. Bring your
mess kit.
C-8 One Pot Meals in Whispering Oaks Lodge with Maggie
Master the art of creating flavorful and delicious meals using only one pot! Try tasty recipes that are
simple enough for busy weeknights and special enough for guests.
1:45–3 p.m. Session D/Break Activities (come to none, one, or
multiple!)
Activities will be offered the entire time unless otherwise noted. You can sign up for one or more activities
during this time slot.
D-1 1:45–2:15 p.m. Casual Conversations – Leading a Multi-Level Troop in
Cherry with Samantha
It can be difficult to plan events for multi-level troops. Learn ways to both plan your year and events to
benefit all levels.
D-2 2:30–3 p.m. Casual Conversations – Loving VTK in Dean Lodge with Nicole
Are you looking for a digital assistant for your troop to help plan meetings and e-mail parents? Get
real-life tips from a Brownie leader who transformed from feeling "whatever" about VTK to truly loving
it!
D-3 2:30–3 p.m. – Casual Conversations – Reinvigorating Your Service Unit
at Council Circle with Linda and Michelle
Are you looking for ways to excite and ignite volunteers in your service unit? Learn ways to grow your
Service Unit Team, host exciting events, and engage parents on social media and emails with the
Service Unit Managers from Apache and Blackhawk.
D-4 1:45–3 p.m. Right on Target Activities in Pine Tree with Charlie and Friends
What do a slingshot, a tomahawk, and a bow all have in common? They all require you to hit the
target! Try your hand at some of camp's popular target sport offerings, including archery, for a variety
of age levels. Signed waiver required for archery and tomahawk throwing. Maximum of 12
participants.
No sign up required
• Green Light Specials in White Tail Lodge
Green Light Specials, Make and Takes, Fun Crafts to Do with Your Girls: no matter what you call
them, these quick crafts will inspire you to create something amazing! Green Light Specials will be
open all day Friday and Saturday for you to stop on by and make something while making new
friends. If you purchased your Rope Runner kit, you will be able to sand and paint it here as well.
Don’t forget to bring home everything you made!
• Self-Guided Hike around Camp Dean
Enjoy a beautiful hike around Camp Dean and see its 160 acres of wetlands and woods. Remember
to bring a buddy!
• Siesta in your sleeping unit
All this Girl Scouting can be exhausting! Feel free to rest in your sleeping unit during the break and
recharge, so you are ready to continue for even more activities and adventures throughout the
afternoon and evening!3:15–5:45 p.m. Session E (Choose one)
E-1 Bobbin Lace Location TBD with Kanella from L.A.C.E.
Members of the Lace Guild will provide information and directions for the making of the supplies
needed to bobbin lace. Learn the basic stitches of bobbin lace and receive patterns for simple
projects, bookmarks, friendship bracelet, and a key fob. Participants should leave with a completed
project and a packet of instructions for use in leading a program of their own.
E-2 Cybersecurity and Robotics in Whispering Oaks with Paula from Microsoft
Are you and your girls curious about the new STEM badges that were recently rolled out? This
session will cover unplugged activities leaders can easily do with their troops, materials needed,
concepts to understand and incorporate, Microsoft learning resources, and a list of free badge
workshops Microsoft offers that utilize coding programs and hardware to teach Cybersecurity,
Robotics, and Digital Art.
E-3 Dutch Oven Pies in Cherry with Lesley
Learn several methods of making pies directly in the Dutch Oven. We'll cover pie crust making and
the all-important fillings!
E-4 Israeli Self Defense at Council Circle with Michael from Krav Maga
You will learn how to stay calm and in control of your own fear and use it to your advantage in an
attack. You'll be mentally prepared for hand-to-hand combat against any sized attack. You will be
able to end an attack quickly, allowing you to escape to safety. You will effectively subdue, overcome,
and disable an attack. You will see how easy it is to learn and why Krav Maga is so popular!
E-5 Rope Runners: Races and Racetrack in Oak Grove with Ron
Come learn all about Rope Runners in this hands-on class! You'll build an easy-to-transport racetrack
and even practice racing on your new course which you can bring to your troop or service unit
competitions!
E-6 Sewing 101 in Dean Lodge with Patty
Learn how to use your sewing machine in this hands-on session. We'll cover sewing machine basics
and basic sewing skills in this class. Please bring your own sewing machine, if you have one.
E-7 Target Sports and Survival Bracelets in Pine Tree with Charlie and Sabrina
Come try air rifles, the latest offering in target sports from GSNI. Good shooting requires learning
positive traits such as patience, determination, focus, attention to detail, and persistence. After you go
through safety checkpoints, you will be able to practice using air rifles. This is not a training course.
Then, learn what’s with the “survival” part of a paracord bracelet. These versatile accessories started
in the military. They were an easy way to carry this very strong and useful cord to have on hand in
case you need it. Learn to make your own survival bracelet and different ways Girl Scouts can use it!
Note: Target Sports is repeated from B-6 from Saturday morning.
6–6:15 p.m. Flag Retirement Ceremony at Council Stage with Sabrina
The United States flag is a symbol of our nation. It should be treated with respect whenever it is flown and
when it is time for it to be retired. Participate in a special ceremony as we retire an American flag by
ceremoniously cutting, burning, and burying its ashes in a moving and memorable ceremony.
6:30 p.m. Goodbye, Saturday-only participants!
Thanks for joining us for the day! We hope you had a great time, and we’re sorry you couldn’t stay for longer
this year. Don’t forget to check out in Dean Lodge and complete the evaluation located inside your folder!
6:30–7:45 p.m. Dinner, and Dessert in Dean Lodge
After a busy day with all of us spread across Camp Dean, we will come together for dinner and delicious
dessert.Saturday Night Activities (drop in on none, one, or all!)
All day until 10:30 p.m. Green Light Specials in White Tail Lodge
Green Light Specials, Make and Takes, Fun Crafts to Do with Your Girls: no matter what you call them, these
quick crafts will inspire you to create something amazing! Green Light Specials will be open all day Friday
and Saturday for you to stop on by and make something while making new friends. If you purchased your
Rope Runner kit, you will be able to sand and paint it here as well. Don’t forget to bring home everything you
made!
9:30–10:15 p.m. Campfire, Ashes of Friendship, and Songs at Council Stage with Robin
Come experience a Girl Scout favorite with us—songs around the campfire! We will also have an Ashes of
Friendship Ceremony you can bring back to your troop so memories and fellowship from this fire are carried
forward!
10:30–11 p.m. Night Activities for Your Troop in Cherry with Carol
Did you know after just 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes can see almost as well as a cougar’s? Most people
do not believe this until they experience it for themselves. This session will be held after dark, so you can
experience this and a variety of activities and games to share with your troop! The whole purpose of night
activities and games is to get girls comfortable with the dark, and there are many fun ways to do that besides
a simple night hike in the woods on the way to your campsite!
Sunday, October 6, 2019
8–8:30 a.m. Personal Gear Loaded into Cars and Sleeping Area Clean-
up
While we don’t want to acknowledge our time at STEW will be ending soon, we do need the sleeping areas
cleaned up before our final sessions and Rope Runners Competition. Before coming to breakfast, please
load all your personal gear into the car except what you need that day. Then, like a true Girl Scout, return to
your sleeping area and leave the site cleaner than you found it. A site monitor will be at every sleeping area
to help coordinate kapers.
8:30–9:30 a.m. Breakfast in Dean Lodge
It’s the final meal that will leave you energized for the final session and closing ceremony and wondering
what will be on the STEW 2020 menu! It’s one last time for us to gather for a meal together as a whole
group.
9:45–11:15 a.m. Session F (Choose one)
F-1 Breakout Box in Cherry with Samantha
Break out boxes are hitting classrooms and troop meetings near you! Breakout takes the appeal of
the escape room and turns it inside out. Instead of being locked in a room, teams must figure out how
to get inside a tightly locked box. After you practice breaking into a box with your new Girl Scout
friends, you'll learn how to design your own!
F-2 Cybersecurity Badges in Whispering Oaks Hutch with Richard
Cybersecurity is an important issue in this day and age, and it is important for our girls to learn how to
protect themselves and others while online. But let's face it—issues and skills like these can be blandand boring and difficult to teach to kids. Learn games, crafts, and activities that will help your girls
become white hats and help protect their online world from the threats of cyber criminals.
F-3 emPOWERment in Whispering Oaks Lodge with Deborah
Have you ever taken an “affirmation bath”? You will in this session, and you won’t even get wet!
Learn techniques through self-esteem building activities that will develop self-acceptance and boost
confidence!
F-4 Flag Ceremonies: Inside and Out Location TBD with Sue
Color Guard, Advance! Come learn all about flag ceremonies, both for indoors and outdoors. You'll
leave with real world tips, loads of ideas, and confidence after practicing ceremonies yourself.
F-5 Pillow Memories in Whispering Oaks with Ericha
Over the years, your Girl Scouts (or even you) have collected dozens of T-shirts. What do you do with
all of them, especially those that are too precious to donate? Learn how to transform a favorite T-shirt
into a Pillow Memory! No sew and sewing machines options will be taught. Bring two T-shirts to
transform into pillows.
F-6 Scrapbooking in Oak Grove with Heidi
Scrapbooking preserves treasured memories for years to come! Paper tooling, embossing, adding
embellishments, and even learning about digital scrapbooking tools will be discussed. These
techniques will enhance and add tools to make your photo albums fun and inviting to see! Let us
share some fun ideas with you.
F-7 Wet Felting in White Tail Lodge with Robin
You thought you made a mistake when you accidentally shrunk your wool sweater. Come to this
class and find out how to use intentionally felt wool roving into amazing projects using soap and
water!
11:15–11:45 a.m. Final All-Camp Cleanup
With your fellow workshop participants, you’ll help tidy up the lodges, summer kitchens, and areas
surrounding your final workshop session. Remember to drop off your evaluation in Dean Lodge. Then, we
can have some good, clean fun with our final all-group activity!
12 p.m. Rope Runner Competition and Closing Ceremony at the Flag
Pole outside Dean Lodge
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for: the inaugural STEW Rope Runner Competition! How will your
design do? Is it the fastest? Will it make it down the track? You’ve never seen a derby competition with adults
until you’ve seen this! After the winners are announced and awards are distributed, we will lower the flag
one last time on STEW 2019 and eagerly wait until we all meet again.
See you soon!STEW Workshop Leader and STEW Crew Biographies Alishea Frye of Roscoe, IL is excited to return to STEW as one of the Kitchen Divas and join the STEW Crew this year. She has been a Girl Scout for twelve years, including one as an adult volunteer with Troop 3575. Alishea has previously attended STEW twice and can’t wait for her third year because, “I can learn new things” at this leadership weekend. Alishea is a fast food server and cashier who enjoys reading for fun. Come meet Alishea and try her delicious food during our all-camp meals at STEW! Carol Ayars of Prince Gorge, VA is happy to commute back to Illinois for one of her favorite weekends of the year—STEW! Carol is celebrating 35 years as a Girl Scout and 23 years as an adult volunteer. She is a CSA troop leader, part of STEW Crew, and a council trainer. Carol has attended STEW every year since it began and is looking forward to returning “to see all my Girl Scout friends!” Carol is a volunteer coordinator for her occupation. For fun, she enjoys camping, hiking, solving Sudoku, watching movies, baking, reading, cross-stitching, crocheting, and hanging out with friends. Come learn Carol’s tips for making unforgettable meals with pie irons, turning mason jars into something beautiful, or exploring the outdoors at night with your troop at STEW 2019. Charlie Qualls of Big Rock, IL has been man enough to be a Girl Scout for an impressive 35 years. He is GSNI’s VP of Property and IT, HSSE & Outdoor Programming. He is looking forward to leading sessions at STEW for the first time this fall. When asked what excites him for STEW 2019, Charlie said, "The same thing that always excites me at these events! People are trying something new or out of their comfort level." Come meet Charlie as he showcases the variety of target sports GSNI offers and introduces air rifles to camp. Christina Kirsch of Bloomingdale, IL is GSNI’s Camp Programming Manager who is looking forward to celebrating her 25th year as a Girl Scout adult while STEW celebrates its 5th birthday this October. She will also mark her 33rd year as a Girl Scout. Christina is the founder of STEW and is so excited for this annual event, “…so our volunteers can have an amazing experience and bring back ideas to their troop or service unit.” In her free time, Christina loves to watch her oldest son play baseball, have family game and movie nights, and plan vacations to Disney. Deborah Todd of Geneva, IL has been a Girl Scout for 13 years, including 3 years as a girl member. She is a Membership Support Specialist for GSNI and a Certified Professional Life Coach. She is looking forward to returning to STEW for her second year this fall. She thinks STEW is “a wonderful opportunity for adults to learn, have fun, and be social with like-minded adults.” For fun, Deborah enjoys singing in a sixty-voice chorale group, gardening, stock car racing, and attending music festivals. Donna Curtis of Rockton, IL has been a Girl Scout for 10 years, including 4 years as an adult volunteer. For fun, Donna loves to take walks, swim, read, watch documentaries, and spend time with her favorite people—her family. She runs her own small business, STEM for Kids, and is a GSNI Preferred Partner. Donna's company brings computer programming, engineering, and robotics to children and provides opportunities for STEM enthusiasts to partner with youth as their STEM Coach. 2019 will be Donna's first time at STEW, and she shares, "I am excited to share my love for STEM with the girls and leaders! I know it can be intimidating to some people, and I am thrilled to have a chance to dispel that feeling and help others discover the fascinating and challenging world of coding!" Come learn the basics of coding and more with Donna at Coding is COOL! at STEW! Ericha Lilly-Hosick of Hampshire, IL has been a Girl Scout volunteer for three years. She is a multi- level troop leader, the Broken Arrow Service Unit Manager, a member of STEW Crew, and a Council Facilitator. Ericha is a Personal Assistant who loves to sew, paint her nails, and do target sports for fun. This will be her second year at STEW, and she cannot wait to return to have the "chance to meet and network with others and a chance to teach something fun." Her workshops this year will be unforgettable and amazing! She will be leading one on creating jewelry from silverware and two sewing workshops.
Erin Ososky of Aurora, IL has been a Girl Scout for a decade and is thrilled to return to STEW for her second year. “I love teaching others and being able to learn new and different things.” She is very excited to rejoin Girl Scouts, since she had so many great memories as a girl and thinks it is great to make new connections. Erin loves to crochet and go on hikes. Erin is a Bakery Supervisor and a true professional when it comes to her sessions on Basic Cupcake Decorating Skills, Chop to It, or heading up our first ever Cupcake Design Challenge! Heidi Provo of Rockford, IL has been a Girl Scout for 16 years, including 15 as a volunteer. She is busy as the Creekview Service Unit Manager and the leader of two multi-level troops. Heidi simply can't wait to return to STEW for the fifth time this fall. "I LOVE STEW! I can't wait to share ideas, network with other leaders and spend time with my Girl Scout friends! There are great workshops, camping, crafts, networking, fun with friends, and amazing food! What more could I possibly want from a leader retreat?" Heidi is an educator who has training in domestic violence and trauma awareness, human trafficking awareness, and self-defense. For fun, Heidi loves to spend her free time with friends and family and working on crafts, photography, scrapbooking, cooking, swimming, and more. Come get to know Heidi and learn her tried-and- true tips for success in one of her workshops throughout the weekend on photography, scrapbooking, or domestic violence and trauma awareness. Kanella Diakoumis of Chicago, IL is looking forward to attending STEW and leading a workshop for her first time this fall! Kanella says she is "excited to share the technique of Bobbin Lacemaking with the younger generation." By trade, Kanella is an exercise physiologist and for fun, she loves lacemaking. Members of L.A.C.E., a GSNI Preferred Partner, are excited to join Kanella as they lead Bobbin Lace in teaching Girl Scout leaders the art of lacemaking! Come learn a new skill with them! Lesley Tennessen, better known to some as the Dutch Oven Diva, has been a Girl Scout for a total of 47 years, including 40 as an adult volunteer. She is an Outdoor Trainer with GSNI and can often be found sharing her love for Dutch Ovens with other leaders. Lesley has attended STEW every year since it began and has a list of reasons why she is excited for STEW 2019: its five year anniversary, learning and teaching outdoors skills and cooking, being around her fellow Kitchen Divas, being chief dishwasher, and spending time with all the STEW participants. When she isn't preparing delicious Dutch Oven meals, going hiking, or camping, Lesley is the Managed Services Coordinator for a specialized (EDI) consulting firm. Get to know Lesley and all her Dutch Oven secrets at STEW! Linda Strohschein of South Elgin, IL, is celebrating her 15th year as a Girl Scout, including 10 years as a volunteer. She stays busy as a CSA Troop Leader, Blackhawk Service Unit Manager, LeRoy Oakes Day Camp Committee Members, and Aide-In-Training Trainer. This will be her third year attending STEW, and she is looking forward to STEW 2019 for “great learning opportunities and fun connections with other leaders”. Linda is also an attorney and business owner. Come get to know Linda around the fire, as you enjoy cooking Campfire Classics with her! Maggie Sifuentes of Elgin, IL is looking forward to returning to STEW for her second year. "STEW is a great opportunity to meet new people and try new things while having a great time," she says. Maggie has been involved with Girl Scouting for five years and is currently a GSNI Recruitment Specialist. When she is taking a break from recruiting girls, Maggie enjoys gardening. Come get to know her better and warm up with some delicious meals with One Pot Meals! Mary Jo Hare has been a volunteer in the Southern Ogle Service Unit for many years. Mary Jo has a passion for the outdoors and loves to train leaders, so she can share her passion with others. Come get to know her during her Foods around the World session! Melissa Strutz of Elgin, IL is a first year Girl Scout and a Daisy leader who originally hails from Bettendorf, IA. She is looking forward to her first year at STEW to “meet other leaders and learn skills to
teach my Girl Scouts.” For fun, Melissa loves to read, explore downtown Chicago, explore genealogy, and listen to new music. Her background is in admissions and recruitment, but she is currently a stay-at-home mom to her 2 and 7-year-old children. Come learn the addicting skill of Geocaching with Melissa; she’s found over 500 caches in nine states! Michelle Rossi of Elgin, IL is excited to mark her 20th year as a Girl Scout, including eight as a volunteer, and return to STEW for the third year this October. She is an 8th grade bilingual special education teacher when she is not bleeding green with Girl Scout activities ranging from leading a Cadette troop at her middle school, volunteering as Apache’s Service Unit Manager, or coordinating details and posting on social media with STEW Crew. Michelle loves returning to STEW to meet other leaders and get so many ideas to bring back to her troop and service unit. She hopes to inspire more generations of young women to join her in the ranks of Gold Award Girl Scout. Come meet Michelle, as she cooks lunch with Foil-Wrapped Food or helps you introduce your troop to new badges with Space Science 101. Nathan de Rover of Brookston, IN is looking forward to attending STEW 2019! He can’t wait to “share the joy of geocaching” with Girl Scout leaders. Nathan is a fire sprinkler systems designer. For fun, he loves reading, building, participating in motorsports, and, of course, geocaching. Come learn how to Geocache with Melissa and Nathan! Nicole Karabetsos of South Elgin, IL has been a Girl Scout for nine years, including four as a volunteer. She is a Brownie Troop Leader, School Organizer, and part of STEW Crew. This will be her first- time attending STEW, and she can't wait to attend since she "heard so many great things about it." Nicole has her degree in Accountancy and is currently a stay-at-home mom. She loves crafting and learning new "life hacks". Come learn from one of Nicole's biggest life hacks—Loving VTK! Patty Graw of North Aurora, IL has been a Girl Scout volunteer for 35 years and is part of STEW Crew. This will be her fourth year attending STEW, and she is looking forward to "teaching new skills to leaders." Patty is a Proposal Specialist who loves to spend time with her granddaughters, sew, craft, read, and work in her yard. Come meet Patty and learn how to turn fabric into something wonderful during Plates with Pizazz or Sewing 101 during STEW 2019. Paula Brkich of Schaumburg, IL is excited to return to STEW for her second year. She thinks this is a “great way for adults to get together and learn!” She has been a Girl Scout for 10 years and is currently the Community Development Specialist at Microsoft. She hosts badge workshops and other fun events FOR FREE at the Microsoft Store. When not helping 21st century girls, Paula loves participating in outdoor recreation, knitting, and spinning yarn. Come learn all about Cybersecurity and Robotics with Paula and how Microsoft can make these badges so engaging for your troop! Richard Majewski of McHenry, IL has been Man Enough to be a Girl Scout volunteer for a year and has been working with a multi-level troop. He is looking forward to attending STEW for his first time in 2019 for "a chance to spread my excitement in teaching the girls about something new and exciting." Leading a workshop on the Cybersecurity badges is second nature to Richard who is a Senior Program Development Engineer for a prominent cybersecurity firm. For fun, he likes to learn new things, read, listen to music, and play games. He is always excited to share information about computer automation, computer security, and the benefits of future state technology. Come meet Richard and discuss Cybersecurity with him at STEW! Robin Witt of Plano, IL has been a Girl Scout volunteer for over 20 years and a proud Girl Scout for 33 years and counting. She volunteers as Aurora Service Unit Manager, leader for Troop 4686, Phillip’s Park Day Camp Director, and with STEW Crew. She is excited to return to STEW for the fourth year, because she loves “chatting and getting ideas from others.” For fun, Robin loves needlecrafts, playing with her grandbabies, and anything Girl Scouts. When not volunteering, Robin is a Provider Specialist at Optum. Back by popular demand, along with a new technique for the new year, Robin will be busy leading two felting workshops at STEW 2019—Needle Felting and Wet Felting.
Ron Hosick of Hampshire, IL has been Man Enough to be a Girl Scout volunteer for two years, working with a multi-level troop and now with STEW Crew. 2019 will be his first year fully participating in STEW, and he is especially "looking forward to teaching an exciting new competition process!" Ron is a heavy equipment operator who loves target sports, building things, and tending chickens. Come build a Rope Runners Racetrack with Ron at STEW! Sabrina Lewis of Orangeville, IL has been a Girl Scout for 23 years, including 10 as a volunteer. She stays busy leading her multi-level DBJC Troop 5410 and volunteering as a troop, fall product, and cookie coordinator and planning events. This will be her fourth time attending STEW, and she keeps coming back “to get to network with other leaders from across the council and to get new ideas for my multi-level troop.” For fun, Sabrina loves to relax, knit, camp, and visit with family. She works in a daycare and also volunteers as the secretary for the Orangeville Lions Club. Come meet Sabrina, as she teaches leaders all about Survival Bracelets or at our very moving Flag Retirement Ceremony before dinner on Saturday! Sam Hopper of Aurora, IL has been Man Enough to be a Girl Scout leader for the past nine years. He is a Cadette and Senior troop leader. Sam is excited to return to STEW for his third time this fall. He says it's "another year to learn and grow. Also, just hanging out with everyone is a blast!" Sam is a Manufacturing Accounting Manager who enjoys playing his bagpipes and leading Girl Scouts for fun. Come meet Sam and learn some great tricks for working with older girl troops who are looking at completing their highest Girl Scout awards in Silver and Gold. Samantha Majewski of McHenry, IL has been a Girl Scout for a total of 14 years, including two as an adult. She stays busy as a multi-level troop leader, the registrar of Arapaho Service Unit, and with STEW Crew. This will be her third year at STEW, and she highly recommends this weekend for new and experienced leaders. "I am excited for the wonderful networking opportunity and the chance to learn new skills to bring back to my troop!" Samantha considers herself a professional volunteer who stays busy with Girl Scouts and as a youth mentor with Home of the Sparrow. She enjoys reading, breaking out of escape rooms, solving scavenger hunts, and playing with her three dogs and three cats. Come learn how to break out of a box, get some tricks for managing a multi-level troop, or explore the world through the eco badges with Samantha! Sue Reimer of Aurora, IL has been a Girl Scout for 55 years, including 10 years as a girl. She is very involved with Girl Scouts, both locally and globally. She is a GSNI Trainer, Historian Chair, and part of the Recognition Committee. She is also part of the Pax Lodge Committee, the Green Hat Society, the Olave Baden-Powell Society, and the Juliette Low Society. This will be her fourth year at STEW, and she loves "to see everyone excited about learning and sharing their skills with their girls!" Sue is a world traveler, event coordinator, bake sale judge, and registered nurse who loves pretty much anything related to Girl Scouts, camping, crafting, and more! Meet Sue as she teaches Basket Weaving or how to lead Flag Ceremonies at STEW 2019.
STEW Frequently Asked Questions
Why is STEW held at Camp Dean every year? Why don’t we offer trainings or certifications?
The STEW Crew considered each GSNI property STEW stands for Special Teaching Enrichment
for this event and even considered rotating the Workshops. Our goal is not to replace trainings or
location of the event. It was decided Camp Dean certifications GSNI already offers. Our mission is to
provided the best layout with a short walking offer a changing variety of enrichment workshops.
distance between many outdoor sites with backup We considered offering trainings, but they do not fit
rain locations, various indoor spaces for workshops, into a 90-minute workshop structure. If we offered
and the ability to accommodate meals and sleeping trainings or certifications, we would also have to
spaces for 100 volunteers. price the weekend differently.
What am I paying for?
STEW is a council-sponsored program designed to sustain itself, budget-wise. This means we spend the
income as participants register. We don’t have the option to go over budget, and we don’t profit financially
from this event. Here is the breakdown of your $60:
• Weekend Materials: $9 (patch, handouts, cleaning supplies, general supplies, and registration fees)
• Workshop Fees: $20 (average session materials cost $5 per person; 4 sessions offered)
• Lunch Workshop: $8 (includes Saturday lunch)
• Weekend Food: $18 (Friday night snack, Saturday breakfast, dinner, dessert, and Sunday breakfast)
• All Camp Programs: $5 (Green Light Specials, break activities, Friday and Saturday night activities, and
more)
What food is being served in 2019? What about Sunday lunch?
We will offer coffee, tea, and lemonade all All that Rope Runner Racing may make you hungry!
weekend. Bring your own mug and water bottle. There are a number of nearby places within a few
Stay tuned for the latest menu updates on our miles where you could pick up something on your
STEW 2019 Facebook page. way home, including Walgreens, Jewel, Big Rock
Cafe, Rosati’s Pizza, Genoa Pizza, Jimmy John
Sandwiches, Culver’s, McDonald’s, and King Wok.
Why do the cabin doors squeak? How is phone service, internet, and electricity?
The bunk cabin doors squeak due to overuse There is very limited access to electricity in the
through the years and damage to the door and its sleep spaces. There is no internet access.
frame. The squeak is caused by wood rubbing Availability of phone service varies by carrier. AT&T
against wood. Camp Dean is willing to take and Verizon have spotty coverage; Sprint has
donations to quiet the squeak with a new decent coverage, and T-Mobile has no coverage.
replacement custom door at a mere $300 per door!
What do I need to bring?
Bring your usual camp favorites, including any supplies mentioned on the event descriptions, including a
mess kit for Saturday lunch.
What’s the difference between a “Session” and Why is everyone snoring?
an “Activity”? And when can I take a nap? This
Even if you NEVER snore, a little extra time in
seems exhausting!
nature or around a campfire might cause you to
Just like in years past, you can register for class become one of those campers who keeps everyone
sessions. New for 2019, we will also have activities! else up at night. Here are a few things to consider.
These are more casual and much shorter in length. Bring an extra pillow to prop up your head. Take
Green Light Specials will be open through 10:30 allergy meds before bed if your sinuses are stuffy or
p.m. on Saturday. You can take a nap whenever you have environmental allergies. Our best and
you need to! There will be an option to have no more economical solution will be to provide
activities during a session. We recommend marking disposable earplugs at check-in for anyone who
up the schedule with a highlighter—one color for wants them!
your first choice and another for your second choice
to help you with registering. You do you, Girl Scout
volunteer!Rope Runner Competition Have your heard about the latest craze racing through service units throughout GSNI? It’s Rope Runners! Rope Runner Racer If you already built a Rope Runner for another competition, feel free to bring it to race! If you don’t already have a Rope Runner or you would like to design another one, you can purchase a kit when you register for STEW. You will receive the kit at check in. The $10 price will include the physical Rope Runner and use of sandpaper, paint, paint brushes, Sharpies, pencil sharpener, hot glue, and wood glue. You will be able to build and decorate your Rope Runner whenever Green Light Specials are open in White Tail—Friday until 11:30 p.m. and Saturday until 10:30 p.m. Feel free to bring any extras or add-ons needed to customize your Rope Runner or help it race faster! Theme This year’s design theme is Halloween! Dress up your Rope Runner in a costume, decorate it in festive fall colors, or more to celebrate this theme. Rope Runner Competition On Sunday after the all-camp cleanup, we will gather for a camp-wide Rope Runner Competition! Bring your Rope Runner and your enthusiasm as they race down the track. Winners will receive awards and bragging rights…until next year. Did we mention there will be awards for design elements? Stay tuned for all the latest Rope Runner excitement on social media with #STEWRopeRunner
STEW 2019
Registration Form
Final Registration Deadline: Friday, September 13, or earlier if maximum is reached.
Name:
Troop Number: SU #
E-mail address:
Address:
City: State: Zip code:
Telephone Cell/Day/Evening:
I am a returning STEW participant! ___ 2nd Year, ___ 3rd Year, ___ 4th Year, ___5th Year
This is my first year attending STEW!
I will be racing in the Rope Runner Competition on Sunday at noon
I will be attending:
Entire Weekend (including the Friday night session!) …………………………………. $ 60
Saturday Only (9 a.m.–6:15 p.m.) ……………………………………………………….. $ 40
Discounts
Early Bird, registered by July 15, 2019 ……..………………………………………….. -$5
Bring a Friend, online discount code BringAFriend …………………………….…… -$5
Friend’s Name: _________________________________________
Adventure Allowance Code: ___________________________________________ -$10
Pre-Order STEW T-Shirt
STEW T-Shirt - Please Circle T-Shirt Size: AS, AM, AL, AXL ………………………..……. $ 15
2XL, 3XL, 4XL ………………………………… $ 20
Rope Runner Kit …………………………….…………………………………….……………… $10
Credit Card Payment Only
Total Due $_________
______________________________________________
Card number The final confirmation packet will be sent via
e-mail about two weeks before the event.
______________________
Expiration DateSTEW 2019
Preferences Form
PLEASE SEND YOUR PREFERENCE FORM WITH YOUR REGISTRATION
Name:
(Optional) Camp Name:
This form may be copied.
Lights Out! When do you plan to go to sleep? Register only one person per
form.
_____ Early Bird: 10 p.m. _______ Night Owl: 11:30 p.m.
Complete all information and return
to:
STEW Registration
Sleeping Arrangements: (Please indicate a first, second, and third choice.) Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois
353 Randall Road
Indoor: mattress on floor
South Elgin, IL 60177
Indoor: bottom or top
Or email this form to:
Indoor: bottom bunk only customercare@girlscoutsni.org
Outdoor cabin: bottom or top bunk
Outdoor cabin: bottom bunk only
I am pitching my own tent in Tent City.
Name of preferred roommate(s):
Workshop Selections: Please write in the name of your workshop choices. If no choice is indicated, we will
assume you have scheduled a free period. Before choosing, check the descriptions to see what supplies are
needed for the workshops you selected.
Session Time First Choice Second Choice
Session A Friday 8 p.m.
Session B Saturday 10 a.m.
Session C
Saturday 11:45 a.m.
(Lunch)
Session D
Saturday 1:45 p.m.
(Break)
Session E Saturday 3:15 p.m.
Session F Sunday 9:45 a.m.
Special Dietary Needs:
Other Special Needs (including mobility concerns and access to electricity for medical needs):You can also read
