Chapter Officer Retreat for Excellence

For every conference, chapters are required to submit specific information. Please fill out the forms below for each student and submit them to myGATSA prior to arriving at the conference.

It is the advisor's responsibility to ensure these forms are accurate and accessible. In an emergency situation, these forms potentially need to be shared with law and medical personnel.

The Advisor Contract and Advisor Emergency Contact Form only need to be submitted at the beginning of the season. Student Behavior Contract must be filled out for every student in attendance. Personal Liability and Media Release must be filled out by every person attending with your chapter including adults.

Having a positive attitude is of utmost importance in the learning process. Advisors are encouraged to bring students that display a positive attitude toward working and learning with others and represent your school in a positive way. The agenda is focused on bonding chapter members together and providing them with tools to take home and use for a successful school year.

• Participants will develop an understanding of their personal characteristics and leadership traits.
• Participants will build teamwork and team spirit with their local chapter officers.
• Participants will gain knowledge, understanding and the ability to implement their officer duties.
• Chapter Officer Teams will develop a local Program of Work designed to ensure a successful year in Georgia TSA.
• Participants will have the opportunity to earn their Statesman Award.
• Participants will increase their understanding of the responsibilities of being a Georgia TSA State Officer.

• TSA Chapter Officer Position Training led by state officers.
• Team building activities that can be taken back to chapter meetings.
• Local Chapter Program of Work development.
• Advanced Program of Work training for experienced chapters.
• Statesman Test opportunity before CORE.
• CORE Olympics and outdoor camp activities.
• Service project and fundraising demonstration activity.

All meals are included in the registration fee beginning with Friday evening dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, and concluding with Sunday breakfast. Chapters are on their own for breakfast and lunch en route to the camp. Advisors are responsible for entering special meal accommodations or food allergies in myGATSA registration.

Lodging is included in the registration fee. Participants are housed in cabin-style lodges used to create cohort groups. TSA staff places chapters in cabins, with separate cabins for girls and boys. Cabins have a large bath area and a separate room for advisors. Participants need to bring linens, a blanket or sleeping bag, a pillow, towels, and a beach towel for swimming.

The Statesman Award recognizes individual knowledge of Georgia TSA. Participants take a multiple-choice test before CORE during the posted testing window. Advisors must select that students plan to take the test when completing registration.  

The test must be administered by someone who is not the chapter advisor.  The proctor information must be entered into the testing section of MyGATSA.

As part of their registration fee, all participants will receive a Cohort Group Wristband that must be worn both days and a CORE T-shirt to be worn on Saturday. Comfortable clothes for camping are encouraged, such as blue jeans, shorts, T-shirts, tennis shoes and/or sandals for hiking. Dress clothing and high heels are discouraged. Bathing suits should be in good taste and covered while going to and from the lake. No bedroom attire is allowed outside of cabins.

Suggested Personal Supply List and Limited Cell Service

• Comfortable clothes for daily events
• Clothes for recreational activities
• Outerwear for cool or rainy weather
• Extra shoes in case one pair gets wet
• Umbrella, rain poncho, or hat
• Flashlight
• Alarm clock
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Large trash bags for dirty or wet clothes
• Personal grooming items
• Linens, sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow
• Towels and washcloth
• Money for the TSA store

There is virtually no cell reception at the camp. Emergency contact should be made through the Kaplan-Mitchell Camp Office.

The Final Awards Session will end by 10:00 AM Monday morning. Breakfast will be served prior to the final session. Chapters may leave for home immediately after the awards session.

The Kaplan Mitchell Retreat and Conference Center
70 Darom Lane
Clayton, Georgia

Chapters should follow posted arrival, parking, cabin assignment, luggage, drop-off, and pick-up instructions. Questions should be directed to Steve Price, Executive Director, or the Georgia TSA office.