Leading the Way 2009 Info
(includes photo gallery, bios,
and breakout session materials)

Leading the Way 2010 Conference

Keynote Speaker:
Major Patricia Murray,
2010 California Air National Guard Field Grade Officer of the Year, Miss California 1992 and former Girl Scout.

Saturday, August 21
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Town and Country
Resort & Convention Center
500 Hotel Circle N, San Diego, 92108

Enhance your leadership skills, network with peers, share best practices and be the first to learn "what's new" at Girl Scouts.

All adult Girl Scout volunteers are welcome.

Questions? Send us an email and we'll get right back to you.

or download a registration form

2010 Leading the Way Breakout Sessions

Information on the breakout sessions provided below for your convenience. This page will be updated after the event with presenter contact information and session materials, if available.

From Clash to Compromise

Conflict and friction can surely make a mess of the best of intentions. If counting to ten is not working for you or your girls–don't miss this session. Gather tips for working through conflict. Sharpen your peace-keeper skills and gain a keener insight into living by the Girl Scout Law with ease. We'll even send you home with an exercise to do with your girls.

Presented by:
Lupe Jenkins, Trainer

Juggling Multi-Age Troops

How do you keep Daisies busy while you are working with Brownies? How do you bridge half a troop? Our experienced guest panel will present varied approaches to balancing multi-age troops. Receive handouts and worksheets for blending levels. These "pros" will share their success, tips and suggestions and close with a Q&A.

Co-presented by:
Sharon Crawford, Trainer
Brandy Wood
Natasha Bowman, Trainer
Kimberly Chambers

Traditional Girl Scout Songs (AM only)

Join song leader Cindy Moore to learn songs that have been a part of Girl Scouting's culture for decades. Learn how to teach songs to girls. Sing rounds that make beautiful harmony. Every voice is welcome (even those who think they can't sing) and lyric sheets are provided. Keep our musical heritage vibrant and pass it along to the next generation. Keep singing after all these years. We'll be 100 soon!

Presented by:
Cindy Moore, Trainer

Once Upon a Time... (PM only)

Girl Scout historian Linda Canada takes us on a magical Girl Scout history journey. Learn exciting stories about how Girl Scouts got started in San Diego--with stops through the years to present day--and share them with your troops. Hear about "Aviation Scouts" in the 40's and girls who served as tour guides in Old Town in the 70's. See vintage items, photos, uniforms and handbooks.

Presented by:
Linda Canada, Girl Scout Historian

Encampment Clinic

Get tips and best practices for running great encampments from someone who knows camp best–Resident Camp Specialist, Kirsten Kessler. Learn about camper councils–and how to organize successful ones so your encampments can be girl-led! Brainstorm themes. Get details about Encampment Support--experienced camp staff who can assist your encampment planning committee, lead activities or provide program support.

Presented by:
Kirsten Kessler

Girl Wars -- Strategies That Will End Female Bullying

Girl to girl aggression can start as early as 2nd grade. Learn how to "bully-proof" your daughter and the girls in your troop. Dr. Kakaiya will guide you through the issues that come up as girls begin to bully each other in groups. The dynamics are very subtle, but if detected early, bullying can be prevented. Learn numerous strategies that will help you create more balanced relationships among the girls in your troop.

Presented by:
Dr. Divya Kakaiya, Healthy Within

Just JUNK???

You've got a troop meeting in an hour and no supplies on hand... what do you do??? This class will kick-start your imagination and teach you to make some cute and super simple crafts using recycled "junk" and eco-friendly finds from around the house! You'll walk away with take home instructions for projects that Girl Scouts ages 5-95 will enjoy..

Presented by:
Sabrina Ingalls, Trainer

What to do instead of screaming!

Back by popular demand, this interactive session helps you have more fun with your girls while keeping your cool! It's packed with sure-fire leader skill-builders, strategies, games and FUN. Led by Jen Nation, Director of Program, learn how to really engage the girls and help them cultivate a feeling of community.

Presented by:
Jen Nation, Director of Program, Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council

Uniquely ME! Girl Scouts/Dove Self-Esteem Workshop

Foster positive self-esteem and help educate and inspire girls in this jam-packed session. Learn exercises that will help girls handle peer pressure, develop a positive body image, think critically about the influence of the media and develop healthy habits to take care of the body and mind. You'll leave with all the tools you'll need for troop meetings, a series of events or an all-day event for girls in grades 4-12.

Co-presented by:
Debra Kissner
Mary Streightiff, Trainer

Hit the Trail!

Want to go hiking, but need some advice? Even if you lead Daisies, we can help you get started with simple walks and beginner tips. Learn how to encourage your girls – and yourself – to get off the sidewalks and into the woods. Whether you want to head out for a day, a weekend, a week or longer, learn everything you need to know from experienced wilderness experts. Get guidance and handouts for setting up your own hikes and backpack trips.

Co-presented by:
Val Ross, Trainer
Anna Iadevaia, Trainer
Ann Funk

Journey 911

Learn it, live it, love it! Journey experts Sharmaine Hamilton and Mia Watson-Good are ready to guide you through the journeys with tips, tools and activities that will have you loving the journeys, too! How do you start a journey? How do you know when it's done? Can the girls work on a journey and badges at the same time? You'll get answers to these questions, and many more!

Co-presented by:
Sharmaine Hamilton, Trainer
Mia Watson-Good, Trainer

Troop Camping Progression

Want to try camping with your girls? Not sure where to start? Experienced leaders will share their tips how, years ago, they got their wiggly Daisies to become more and more interested in outdoor adventures. Learn how to design your troop's camping progression to match your girls' growing interests. Find out how to progress a troop from one with zero experience in outdoor activities to a one filled with wilderness experts.

Co-presented by:
Carol Stachwick
Andrea Tribolet

Be the Difference

Looking for community service ideas that go beyond collecting donated items? Meet the community service super-stars of Troop 8195. This troop knows how to "inspire forward." They practice random acts of kindness year around and can teach you to be creative philanthropists, too. Learn to brainstorm ideas, be inspired by the community around you, get results at the troop, service unit, or even the global level. Get involved!

Presented by:
Alison Lizarraga
Troop 8195

The Girl Scout Cookie Experience

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an integral part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, where girls Discover, Connect, and Take Action to Make the World a Better Place. In this workshop, learn tried and true methods to guide your girls through this program using the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Everyone loves Girl Scout cookies... let's make sure our girls walk away from this fun experience with valuable life skills!

Presented by:
Product Sales Team

Girl Scout Ambassadors:

Lora Funk, Sarah Allen, Loryn Posladek and Carly Hines