FAQs

Course-related Questions

What courses are offered at Macy? We offer courses for staff and volunteers in different areas such as Asset Management, Fund Development, Communications, Executive Development, Membership, Girl Scout Merchandise/Council Shops, Performance & Learning, Program, Volunteer Development, and a few computer-based membership courses. We also offer special conferences for volunteers with an emphasis on the outdoors and the arts.

How long is my class? Our courses run 1½ to 4½ days in length with 3½ being the most common length.  Usually the class starts at 9 a.m. on day one.  Sometimes the days can be long – running from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. – but you’ll always be engaged!

How many people are registered for the class? It depends on the size of the class. There is usually a minimum of 10 to confirm the class and it could go up to 20 or more participants.

At what time does the class end? Classes usually end at noon.

Will there be a free time? There may be free time on one of the evenings of the course; you will receive that information in your pre-course mailing.

Do you have an agenda? The instructor will send out an agenda with the pre-course mailing.

Can I leave early? That is up to the instructor.

Who is the instructor? Instructors vary depending on the course.

Macy Accommodations-related Questions

How much does it cost for a room? Single rooms are $275 per night depending on availability; double rooms are $175 per night. Room rates are subject to change, so please call Macy at 914-945-8000 for the most current rates.

Are meals included? Yes, meals are included in the price of your stay.

Will I be charged if I cancel? Yes, you will be charged the equivalent of one night's stay.

Travel-related questions

When can I make my travel arrangements?  Travel arrangements should only be made after you have received confirmation from GSUSA. 

Will someone pick us up at the airport?  Macy will make arrangements for transportation to/from the airport. Please call Macy to confirm pickup at 914-945-8000. 

How much is it to be picked up at the airport?  It depends how many people are sharing a ride.  Please be aware that the cost of the pickup is added to your folio at Macy and can be paid at the end of your stay.

Which airport is the closest to Macy?  Newark and LaGuardia are about the same distance from Macy; the airport in White Plains is the closest.

How far is Macy from the airport?  The closest airport, the Westchester County (or White Plains) Airport, is 25 minutes away. LaGuardia and JFK Airports are 45 minutes AND 1 hour away, respectively. Newark Airport in New Jersey is 1 hour and 15 minutes away.  

Do you have driving directions? You can also find them on the Macy Web site. 

Did you receive my accommodation/transportation form? You should have sent your accommodations/transportation form to Macy. Please call Macy at 914-945-8000 to confirm receipt of the form.

Registration and Payment Questions

When will I receive confirmation of my registration? You will receive information when the course is confirmed and when a course has reached the minimum number of required registrants.

Where do I find the registration form?  You can find the registration form on our online forms page. You can fax completed registrations to 212-852-8015, which is a dedicated fax machine for course registrations only.

What is my course code? The code depends on the course, and it changes yearly. You can find the code in your registration materials.

Once I complete my registration form, where do I send it? You can send it in by mail or by fax.

By mail:
420 Fifth Avenue,
New York, NY 10018
Attn: Cashier

By fax: 212-852-8015

How do I know you've received my registration?  As soon as a registration is received and entered into our system, you will receive a letter acknowledging receipt of your registration

How do I know if I'm registered in a course that won't be canceled?  We can never truly know if a course will be canceled. There are many factors that can contribute to a course being canceled. You can check the status of a course by calling 212-852-5732 or e-mailing esilveri@girlscouts.org.

Are we moving to an online registration system? And will it be safe to enter my credit-card information? Yes, online registration should be up and running shortly; please check back here periodically for updates.  It will be completely safe to use your credit card.

What financial assistance is available for councils to support adult learning? What’s Grants for Study? Grants for Study is a program that allows council and GSUSA staff to gain knowledge and skills to enable them to carry out the responsibilities of their positions with increasing competence and satisfaction.

My course was canceled.  How do I get my refund? Please contact Doris Casiano at tcasiano@girlscouts.org, or call 212-852-6524.

I was just informed that I am on a waitlist for a course. I already bought my NONREFUNDABLE airline ticket!  How can you help me? We always advise registrants to wait until they receive confirmation before purchasing airline tickets. If you have purchased your airline ticket and are told you are on a waiting list for a course, we will try to transfer you to the next available course. Unfortunately, any charges associated with changing dates of travel are the responsibility of the individual course participant.

I haven't yet been reimbursed for travel expenses. Who do I call to find out what’s going on?  Please contact Ebby Silverio at esilveri@girlscouts.org or call 212-852-5732.

Additional Macy-related Questions

Is the Certified Girl Scout Executive Officer Program still active? If so, what do I need to do to apply for certification? Please contact Nancy Moeller, Director of Council Learning Service, at nmoeller@girlscouts.org for full details.

Is the Instructors-of-Trainers certification program still active? It will be retired July 1, 2008. Please submit your thoughts and questions to IOTideas@girlscouts.org.

What is the Learning Incentive Awards program?
The Learning Incentive Awards Program is a unique opportunity for your council to expand its capacity through financial support for targeted learning at the Edith Macy Conference Center. Travel scholarship funds have always been available for council volunteers and staff who have completed an educational opportunity at Edith Macy Conference Center.  These funds have traditionally provided for transportation reimbursement (up to 90%).  In the last year, a small portion (30%) of lodging expenses has been reimbursed as well. The balance of the costs for attending one course (registration fees, travel and lodging) is generally more than $600.  Learning Incentive Awards will cover 90% of Transportation and 90% of Lodging (double or triple occupancy) at Macy. Each participating council may receive benefits totaling up to $10,000 through this program.

How It Works: As CEO of the applying council you must complete the Learning Incentive Awards Program application no later than one year following completion of the GSUSA Professional Development course, New Chief Executive Officers, at Edith Macy Conference Center. This form must be submitted to National Learning Services. Applications can be downloaded off our online forms page. For more information, please contact Nancy Moeller at nmoeller@girlscouts.org or call at 212-852-8584.