I don't understand the new registration process?

You can place a $25 deposit to hold your place, receive the early registration discount, and space the payment out - perfect for troops registering a group who don't have the full amount in the bank yet. Just click on "Get Tickets", and choose "DEPOSIT". You may register for workshops now, or later.

Do I have to put in a name if I am placing a deposit?

Yes. We need individual registrations and names for each person attending. The name can easily be changed later by contacting the registrar, Rose Callahan, at grandespring@gmail.com. You do have to fill out questions for each person at the initial registration so we know about special needs.

If I place a deposit, can I get a refund later?

Deposits are not refundable. However, if you want to transfer the deposit to another attendee to reduce their balance due, we allow that. Contact the registrar, Rose Callahan, at grandespring@gmail.com before April 7, 2026.

How do I complete my registration if I place a deposit?

To complete a registration, choose the "COMPLETE MY REGISTRATION" ticket matching your registration. It will have a price of the balance due, and you can choose workshops at that time if you have not already done so. Make sure you use the same attendee name at checkout as your original deposit.

Can I register fully without making a deposit?

Yes! If you want to do a complete registration in one transaction, just choose the "FULL REGISTRATION" ticket, choose your workshops, and proceed to the checkout page.

What happens if I have to cancel my registration?

Paid registrations are refundable up to the close of registration on April 7. We can't refund after that date because we have to pay council for all registrations then, and facilitators have purchased supplies based on registrations. Contact Rose Callahan at grandespring@gmail .com after then.

Can non-Girl Scouts attend?

We welcome registered teen Girl Scouts and Girl Guides (Canada). Girls must be registered with their council or be lifetime members to attend, for liability insurance reasons. Adult attendees do not have to be registered Girl Scouts.

Can rising Brownies attend?

No. Girls must be 11 at the time of camp to attend. Workshops are not designed for the level of assistance younger girls need, and younger girls will not have other girls of their own age to interact with.

Can I change my workshop?

Sometimes! Before registration closes, contact the registrar at grandespring@gmail.com. After April 7, you can change only if a workshop is canceled. You CANNOT change at camp - it's not fair to the facilitators and leads to overbooking, not enough supplies, empty rooms and chaos! Be kind.

Why do workshops get canceled?

We try to plan in advance, but sometimes scheduled facilitators suddenly become unavailable. Also, some workshops need minimum numbers of registrations to run properly. If a workshop is canceled, we will try to notify you as quickly as we can to pick another.

Do my teen and I have to attend the same classes?

You can register for the same classes , or for separate classes to follow your interests, or no classes if you just want to spend time together. The only class where both must attend together is Session 501: Saturday overnight backpacking.

Can I leave my car at the unit?

Only one car is allowed to be parked at each unit - the first aider's car. Everyone else is expected to park in the lot and use the wagons to transport gear. This is a safety rule of GSSEM, and the ranger will enforce it. (Facilitators can drop off supplies at the beginning of camp only)

What if I have special dietary needs, or need transportation around camp?

During checkout, you will be asked about both of these. We will have gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian meal options. If you have severe food allergies, talk to us about what you will need to bring. Transportation will be provided around camp for those who request it.

A packing list will be sent shortly before camp. Basic camp clothes (dress for the weather), outdoor and indoor shoes, toiletries, bedding, workshop supplies. Optional: SWAPS, special food items, service project items,1 gal drinking water, spending money for the auction.

I've never been to this camp before. How far will I have to walk?

Everything is within close walking distance - the lodges are 500-750 feet (0.1 - 0.14 miles) from the dining hall. Hiking trails (optional) are 0.9-2.0 miles long. Transportation is available for those with walking limitations.

Are you selling merchandise this year?

No, we are not selling T-shirts or tote bags this year. You will receive an event patch at check-in. Save your spending money for the auction!

Expand Your World - May 15 - May 17, 2026 Tickets, Friday, May 15

Overview

Welcome to Expand Your World 2026 sponsored by Order of the Silver Trefoil #36 Committee, an event for Girl Scout teens and adults .

Expand Your World 2026 is being held the weekend of May 15-17, 2026 at Camp Hawthorn Hollow, Columbus Michigan.

Join us for a weekend for registered Girl Scouts aged 11 - 17 accompanied by an adult. Leaders and Volunteers without teens are welcome too! The purpose of this event is to step out of our normal everyday lives and relax, join in on a hike, or learn something new! Come for the weekend or just for the day. Enjoy the workshops that interest you, catch up with or make new friends, and network with other leaders in Girl Scout camaraderie.

Location: GSSEM Camp Hawthorn Hollow is in Columbus, Michigan. It has a rustic wooded camp feel yet offers amenities of running water, flush bathrooms and heat in the lodges. Everything is within reasonable walking distance. Use this weekend to create new friendships, enrich your and your teen's lives, and bring new activities to your troop with workshops - or just get away and enjoy a beautiful Girl Scout camp!

Who Can Attend: Registered members of GSUSA looking for camaraderie, information, and fun. Members from all councils welcome, as are Canadian Girl Guides.

Adult troop leader or volunteer
Registered girl members aged 11-17 attending with a Parent/ Guardian. All girl members must complete a health form.
An adult with their Girl Scout-registered teen(s) can bring one additional Girl Scout member. For example, 1 adult could bring her daughter along with one other girl scout from her troop if the girl's parent can not attend. Girls attending with an adult who is not their parent/legal guardian will need a permission form. Links to forms will be sent with confirmation.

Cost: The $95.00 weekend fee includes housing, meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday breakfast), workshops, event patch, evening events and so much more. Basic workshops are included in the registration fee. For some workshops you may be asked to bring supplies.

We will be accepting registrations for Saturday Only participants. The cost for attending Saturday Only is $75.00 and will include lunch and dinner.

Early registrations and those who place a deposit get a discounted price of $90.00. Eventbrite fees will be waived for registration, but donations to cover this expense are always appreciated.

How To Register: NEW THIS YEAR! This year you can pay a deposit by March 3, 2026 and save your place . Only $25 per person is needed to reserve your spot, and you do not have to choose all your workshops at this time. Registrations must be finalized and the remaining balance paid prior to April 7, 2026. You may also register fully at any time, including choosing your workshops. Just choose DEPOSIT, FULL REGISTRATION, or COMPLETE MY REGISTRATION in the housing ticket section. Note, the deposit is non-refundable but can be transferred.

Discounted $90 early registration ends 11:59 pm on March 3, 2026. The regular price of $95 is available from March 4 through April 7, 2026. Registration CLOSES AT 11:59 PM ON APRIL 7, 2026. After that date, contact GrandeSpring@gmail.com for waitlist.

Read this entire screen and make a note of the classes you would like. Click on the orange box below to go to the "Get Tickets" page. Choose your lodging, then scroll down to choose one workshop in each session. After making these selections, you will go to a page to enter credit card information and answer some questions designed to help us make your weekend better. PLEASE REGISTER SEPARATELY FOR EACH ADULT AND SCOUT so that each person gets the proper workshops.

Volunteers Always Needed! We are always looking for volunteers to serve as Site Managers (must be Outdoor trained), First Aiders, Volunteer Greeters or help with ceremonies. Think you’d like to give it a try? Contact us at GrandeSpring@gmail.com or check the box at registration.

Lodging: All troop lodges have bunk beds, electricity, heat, running water, bathrooms with flush toilets, kitchens, stove & refrigerator.

Teens and adults attending together will be lodged together in the same buildings; we will also have an adults-only cabin. You will have a chance to list those that you want to share accommodations with. Choose your desired bedtime – early (11:00 pm quiet time), or late (midnight quiet time).

Arrival/Departure: Plan to arrive between 5:30 and 7:30 pm, Friday, May 15th. Campers arriving before 5:30 pm must remain in the parking lot. The weekend concludes at 12:00 noon on Sunday, May 17th. Saturday only and late Friday arrivals check-in on Saturday between 8:00 am and 8:45 am. Parking is restricted to the main parking lot - only one Emergency Vehicle is permitted to park by each lodge. Note: health forms are no longer required for adults, but you will be given an opportunity to enter health information at checkout. Please have a health form for all teens. Emergency contact info is mandated by state law.

Silent Auction: Silent Auction bidding for baskets will be available all day on Saturday:x your identity will be kept secret and bidding will conclude Saturday night. Start setting aside some mad money to bid up your new and old friends on our variety of auction baskets of new and gently used items. Basket winners will be revealed Saturday night after the auction chair has had time to total all the tally sheets. Baskets can be paid for and picked up after that time, either Saturday night or Sunday morning. We can accept cash or charge for payment of baskets. Auction proceeds help reduce costs for future camp events.

Service Project: This year our service projects will benefit the Macomb Foster Closet, who helps abused, neglected and abandoned children in foster care by providing necessities and a few extras. The no-sew tied blanket workshop will offer an opportunity for anyone who wishes to donate the blanket they make - sign up for this workshop if you wish to participate. We will also be collecting other items for them (no clothes please other than new packages of underwear), so start to collect them now! Suggested items are on their website at www.macombfostercloset.org/donate, and include baby items, books, toys, hygiene products, and school supplies. There will be a drop-off box in Handy Hall.

Special Events and Ceremonies: We have many activities scheduled for the weekend. This includes a bonfire with a SWAP session on Friday night, weather permitting. You will also not want to miss our Saturday evening special event. The schedule is jam-packed with workshops and activities for those who like to keep busy. You do NOT have to participate in all activities, and you may opt out of any workshop session if you want one-on-one time or just to rest. Please plan to attend the opening and closing ceremonies. A preliminary schedule will be included with your confirmation. The confirmation will be sent to the e-mail you give us at registration – please make sure it is correct so we can communicate with you! Your e-mail address will not be shared.

Deadlines: REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 11:59 PM ON APRIL 7, 2026. Refunds may be requested up to this date (note: deposits are not refundable). No changes in meals and workshops may be made after this date. You may transfer your entire registration (no changes in accommodations, meals or workshops) to another participant if a last-minute emergency means you cannot attend. We cannot give late refunds or switch workshops at camp because we are required to pay council in advance based on registrations as of that date. As well, facilitators will have planned and bought supplies based on registration numbers. For late registration, refunds or changes, please call the registrar, Rose Callahan, at 313 550-4974.

Workshops: This year workshops will all be on Saturday and are slightly shorter to have room for more fun! Register early for the best scheduling. If you are attending as an adult with teen, you can register for the same workshops to be together, or register for different workshops to match your interests.

Listings for Workshops and any applicable fees are below. Some workshops require you bring specific materials: see below for details. Workshops are subject to change if enrollment does not meet minimums or if facilitators are not available. Direct workshop program questions to: GrandeSpring@gmail.com

Workshops

Session I - Saturday 9:00-10:45 am

101 Musical Chairs Painting: Have fun creating a step-by-step painting with the help of 11 other Girl Scout friends. Each person will paint a section, then move to the next chair to work on another canvas when the music stops. At the end, take home one collaborative work of art. No painting experience is needed but a sense of humor and the willingness to put aside perfetionism is essential. Limit 12. Facilitator: Rose Callahan

102 Science of Happiness: Explore ways to be happy & discover what makes you & others around you happy. You will have an opportunity to spread happiness around camp as well. Don't worry, Be Happy! *Note: badge not included.

103 Reverse Tye Dye: Reverse tie-dye removes color from fabric using bleach or a color remover, creating patterns similar to traditional tie-dye but with the color being lifted from the original garment. The process involves tying a fabric into a desired pattern, applying a bleaching solution or color remover to the tied areas, neutralizing the bleach, then optionally applying new dyes to the exposed areas for a colorful, multi-toned effect. *Please bring a black100% cotton sweatshirt or t-shirt you wish to reverse tie-dye. Facilitator: Morgan Marshall.

104 Crosstitch: Needle crafts encompass a wide range of artistic techniques that involve using needles and thread (or yarn) to create decorative or functional items. These crafts often involve manipulating fabric, yarn, and other materials to produce intricate designs, textures, and even three-dimensional objects. You will be crosstitching a Girl Scout-themed pattern. Facilitator: Robin Ackerman.

105 Circle of Life - Wind Challenge: Let's fly up and away! Wind is everywhere. Come and try activities which will take you up and away from our Mother Earth. Be prepared to be indoors and out as you have fun in the wind. Come and Explore part 2 in the 4 part series from our sister Girl Guides in Ontario. Optional patches/rockers are available for $2.00 at check-in. Facilitator: Elizabeth Fenton.

106 Spa Morning for Teens: Learn the basics of how to take care of your skin thorough proper hydration and maintenance routines. Also learn the proper application of nail polish. Teens only. Signed waivers are necessary for product use. Facilitator: Kourtnei Muriel.

107 Open time: Choose this option to have an open slot to work on your own project, recreation time, quality time for adult and teen, or if you are teaching a workshop.

Session II - Saturday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

201 Holiday Ornaments: Do you like to decorate for the various fall/winter hoildays? Or give crafts as a gift? Then this class is for you. We will make some easy ornaments that you can hang for Halloween, Thanksgiving and fall holidays, or give to friends & family. Facilitator: Joyce Fronczak.

202 Get Marbled: We will use the art technique called marbling, where we float paint on water. We will be using this technique on either a tumbler or insulated water bottle. You get to choose one or the other. We will also be marbling on paper for different effects using shaving cream and watercolors. Come and enjoy and explore marbling. Limit 12. Facilitator: Shirleigh Vinson.

203 Healthy Snacks: If you are intrested in snacking and exploring various healthier substitutions or ingredients to eat better, than you will want to attend this class. We will sample some recipes, make protein balls and take home some recipes. Healthy eating can taste good too! Bring a beverage to wash down your samples. Facilitator: Cristina Lalik.

204 Outdoor Cooking: There's more than s'mores. Have you ever cooked in a pie iron? Made a foil dinner in a campfire? Cooked in a paper bag or a foil covered box? Explore some of the ways to cook outdoors, and then eat your creations! This session runs through and takes the place of lunch. Limit 12. Facilitators: Rose Callahan/Alegra Devour.

205 Archery: The GSSEM staff will teach girls and adults about the mechanics, anatomy and safety guidelines of the bow. Using a 12lb recurve bow, girls and adults will learn the basic of shooting a bow and arrow, and will be able to practice using the bow and arrows on the archery range. Limit 20. Cost $20.00/person.

206 Suncatcher Painting: Jump into the Cottagecore movement that follows a simpler, nostaligic life that is in harmony with nature. You will create a 6-inch plastic suncatcher out of a clear plastic CD using paints, stencils and your creativity. Facilitator: Sherry Pickett.

207 Open time: Choose this option to have an open slot to work on your own project, recreation time, quality time for adult and teen, or if you are teaching a workshop.

Session III – Saturday 2:15 - 4:15 pm

301 Pillowcase Sewing: Using basic sewing techniques, learn how to make decorative standard pillowcase that can be used for service projects or gifts. For each pillowcase bring cotton, cotton bland or flannel fabric in the following measurements: *3/4 yard of the "main" fabric. This will be the body of the pillowcase. *1/4 yard of "coordinate" fabric. This will be the cuff of the pillowcase. *3"-4" of an "accent" fabric. This will be a strip between the main body and the cuff. All pieces need to be the standard 42" -44" width. Bring scissors, and pins if you have them. Limit 8. Facilitators: Debby O'Grady/Debbie Helton.

302 Get Marbled: We will use the art technique called marbling, where we float paint on water. We will be using this technique on either a tumbler or insulated water bottle. You get to choose one or the other. We will also be marbling on paper for different effects using shaving cream and watercolors. Come and enjoy and explore marbling. Limit 12. Facilitator: Shirleigh Vinson.

303 Denim Things: You will make 2 projects during this class using denim fabric. If you have a particular denim you like or an old denim clothing item you could like to use- bring it! Otherwise we will supply you with the denim. You will make a bangle bracelet and a puffy heart charm that can be clipped onto a zipper or a keychain. Facilitator: Sherry Pickett.

304 Kool Things with Kool-Aid: It's not just for drinking! Dive into some recipes that use the mix in other ways. We will make some items in class, some will be on handouts to take home. And alternative uses for the flavored powder we all love will be given as well. Facilitator: Joyce Fronczak.

305 Healthy Snacks: If you are intrested in snacking and exploring various healthier substitutions or ingredients to eat better, than you will want to attend this class. We will sample some recipes, make protein balls and take home some recipes. Healthy eating can taste good too! Bring a beverage to wash down your samples. Facilitator: Cristina Lalik.

306 BB Guns: The GSSEM staff will teach girls and adults about gun safety, the anatomy of the BB gun, and how to fire a BB gun. Girls and adults will then fire BB guns on the range. Limit 20. Cost $25.00/person.

307 Open time: Choose this option to have an open slot to work on your own project, recreation time, quality time for adult and teen, or if you are teaching a workshop.

Session IV - Saturday 4:30 - 6:15 pm

401 It's Your Flag: We will discuss flag ceremonies, both daytime and evening, and flag retirement. What does the flag mean?What are the seven folds of the flag? Have you heard the Red Skelton Pledge of Allegiance? Learn some of the do's and don'ts of flag etiquette and proper flag ceremony presentation. Facilitator: Chris Spangler.

402 Reverse Tye Dye: Reverse tie-dye removes color from fabric using bleach or a color remover, creating patterns similar to traditional tie-dye but with the color being lifted from the original garment. The process involves tying a fabric into a desired pattern, applying a bleaching solution or color remover to the tied areas, neutralizing the bleach, then optionally applying new dyes to the exposed areas for a colorful, multi-toned effect. *Please bring a black100% cotton sweatshirt or t-shirt you wish to reverse tie-dye. Facilitator: Morgan Marshall.

403 Candy Making: Lets get together and make some candy. We will work on at least 2-3 different types of candy in class. Facilitator: Robin Ackerman.

404 No-sew Tied Blanket: This class will teach you how to make a throw or blanket with no sewing. Bring fabric scissors, 2 pieces of the same-size fleece material (2 yards each are suggested). If you do not wish to take your blanket home you can donate your blanket to the Macomb Foster Closet. Facilitator: Lisa Pelzer.

405 Pillowcase Sewing: Using basic sewing techniques, learn how to make decorative standard pillowcase that can be used for service projects or gifts. For each pillowcase bring cotton, cotton bland or flannel fabric in the following measurements: *3/4 yard of the "main" fabric. This will be the body of the pillowcase. *1/4 yard of "coordinate" fabric. This will be the cuff of the pillowcase. *3"-4" of an "accent" fabric. This will be a strip between the main body and the cuff. All pieces need to be the standard 42" -44" width. Bring scissors, and pins if you have them. Limit 8. Facilitators: Debby O'Grady/Debbie Helton.

406 Circle of Life - Earth Challenge: Listen to the earth its singing to me. Come out and look at the earth through new eyes using the arts to guide you to new ideas. Be prepared to be indoors and out no matter the weather. Come and Explore part 4 in the 4 part series from our sister Girl Guides in Ontario. Optional patches/rockers are available for $2.00 at check-in. Facilitator: Elizabeth Fenton.

407 Open time: Choose this option to have an open slot to work on your own project, recreation time, quality time for adult and teen, or if you are teaching a workshop.

501 Backpacking overnight: An introduction to backpacking. After this class, you will have the skills and confidence to lead an overnight trip into the woods with only the things you can carry. We will meet after dinner to learn how to pack our gear, and head out to the CHH tent camping site, set up our tents/hammocks, and enjoy a backpacking dessert around a campfire. Sunday morning we will enjoy a backpacking breakfast before packing our gear and heading back to Handy Hall in time for Sunday activities. Equipment will come from the GSSEM lending closet. This takes the place of the Saturday night activities. Teens and their responsible adult must attend together. Facilitator: Heidi Bowdich

Any questions about the event? Check out our FAQ below, or email GrandeSpring@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you in May!

Leah Benard, Director Expand Your World - 2026

Welcome to Expand Your World 2026 sponsored by Order of the Silver Trefoil #36 Committee, an event for Girl Scout teens and adults .

Expand Your World 2026 is being held the weekend of May 15-17, 2026 at Camp Hawthorn Hollow, Columbus Michigan.

Join us for a weekend for registered Girl Scouts aged 11 - 17 accompanied by an adult. Leaders and Volunteers without teens are welcome too! The purpose of this event is to step out of our normal everyday lives and relax, join in on a hike, or learn something new! Come for the weekend or just for the day. Enjoy the workshops that interest you, catch up with or make new friends, and network with other leaders in Girl Scout camaraderie.

Location: GSSEM Camp Hawthorn Hollow is in Columbus, Michigan. It has a rustic wooded camp feel yet offers amenities of running water, flush bathrooms and heat in the lodges. Everything is within reasonable walking distance. Use this weekend to create new friendships, enrich your and your teen's lives, and bring new activities to your troop with workshops - or just get away and enjoy a beautiful Girl Scout camp!

Who Can Attend: Registered members of GSUSA looking for camaraderie, information, and fun. Members from all councils welcome, as are Canadian Girl Guides.

Adult troop leader or volunteer
Registered girl members aged 11-17 attending with a Parent/ Guardian. All girl members must complete a health form.
An adult with their Girl Scout-registered teen(s) can bring one additional Girl Scout member. For example, 1 adult could bring her daughter along with one other girl scout from her troop if the girl's parent can not attend. Girls attending with an adult who is not their parent/legal guardian will need a permission form. Links to forms will be sent with confirmation.