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Participation Patch

2023 SouthPark Mall Lock-In

Welcome to the 2023 SouthPark Mall Lock-In information page!  You can find all required forms and event updates here!  Be sure to check often—we’ll be updating this page to include all details about our biggest event of the year!

Our GSNEO Council Shop will be at the 2023 SouthPark Mall Lock-In! There will be variety of apparel, girl-friendly items and Girl Scout branded merchandise ranging from $.90 to $49. 

Hours for the GSNEO Pop-up Shop will be: 10 PM until 3:00 AM. GSNEO gladly accepts cash, checks and credit/debit cards. New for 2023--all purchases will qualify for tax exempt status! 

>>Helpful Hints for Check-In

Top Ten Things to Know

1. Registration

Event registration will open on November 1 and close January 16.  Those who register early get the benefit of a reduced price.  Registration orders completed by January 5 at 11:59 PM will be $40 per person.  Any order taken after January 5 at 11:59 PM will be $45 per person.  Registrations after the close date of January 16 will only be accepted in limited, difficult circumstances.  ALL registrations after the close date of January 16 will incur a $5 late fee per person. Registration opens on November 1st at 6 AM. Click here to register for the event.

2. SouthPark Mall Hold Harmless Form

SouthPark Mall requires a Hold Harmless form to be completed for ALL event participants – girls, adult chaperones, and volunteers on the night of the event.  This is an electronic form that must be submitted PRIOR to the event, and no later than February 1.  Parent/Guardian signatures are required for participants under age 18.  Those who do not submit the form will not be able to attend the event.

A link for the form will be include in your registration confirmation.  This email and link should be forwarded to ALL PARTICIPANTS that were registered in the order.  Each participant can then complete the form and click submit.  The form is available here for review and completion. 

Electronic forms allow us to generate a report to identify who has not completed this requirement. Email notification will be sent to those who need to submit the forms.

3. Event Volunteers

We need volunteers to help make our Mall Lock-In event a success!  We are no longer requiring each troop to secure a volunteer.  We’ve opened up this opportunity to any adults who would like to help AND Girl Scout Ambassadors who are interested in a different way to experience this event!  Go online and register for your choice of volunteer options and the date/time that works best for you.  Volunteers will be needed to pack and distribute t-shirts/wristbands/bags, assist with check-in for the event, and facilitate activity stations during the event.  THANKS in advance!! 

Register here for the volunteer shift of your choice!

Pre-Event Volunteer Shifts

Date Time
Thursday, February 9, 2023
 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday, February 9, 2023 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday, February 10, 2023
 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday, February 10, 2023 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, February 11, 2023 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday, February 11, 2023 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 12, 2023 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday, February 13, 2023 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday, February 13, 2023 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, February 16, 2023 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday, February 16, 2023 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Night of Event Volunteer Shifts

February 18, 2023 - Event Check-In 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
February 18, 2023 - Activity Station 9:00 PM - 4:00 AM
February 18, 2023 - Door Monitor
 9:30 PM - 5:00 AM

 

4. Early Pick-Up Option

Pick-up your event items (T-shirts/Wristbands/Bags) in advance to avoid long lines on the night of the event! Our GSNEO pick-up space is located in the old Papyrus retail space near the 1st floor main entrance at the north end of the mall--we're next door to Ann Taylor Loft.  A full schedule of early pick-up dates and times is listed below.  

Bring your RECEIPT FOR REGISTRATION – either printed or on your mobile device.  The receipt has a DETAILED INFORMATION section that shows how many girls and adults were registered, t-shirt sizes, and movie time selection.  This will help our team of volunteers to provide you with the correct items you ordered.  You will be able to pick-up for others, as long as you have their RECEIPT FOR REGISTRATION.  We’ll have you sign a master list to confirm that you have received everything.    

Here’s a full list of EARLY PICK-UP times to choose from.  For your convenience, we’ve offered additional weekend options February 9-16.  NOTE: Times have been updated to reflect mall hours. 

  • Thursday, Feb 9           11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Friday, Feb 10               11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, Feb 11           11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Sunday, Feb 12             1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Monday, Feb 13            11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday, Feb 15      11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Thursday, Feb 16          11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Can’t make it for any early pick-up options?  No worries – you can also check in and pick up on the night of the event! 

5. Check In

Check-in will be held from 8:00 PM - 9:45 PM at the Southeast Main Entrance. Park near this entrance by light poles #52 and #53. Enter through the Southeast Main Entrance doors - DO NOT ENTER through Dick's Sporting Goods or any other mall entrances. You will be re-directed to enter the Southeast Main Entrance doors.

There will be several check-in lanes with easy to find signage to help you check-in quickly and easily.  Lanes will begin near the entrance doors, and will wind around the hallway to the check-in point. 

Be sure all group participants have their individual QR code tickets available either printed or on their mobile devices. Individual QR codes can be found on the RECEIPT FOR REGISTRATION in the Ticketing section (click on 'download tickets to print' or 'display mobile tickets'). 

Groups that take advantage of Early Pick-Up will receive their EVENT WRISTBANDS when picking up t-shirts, etc. When you arrive, choose one of the GS PASS LANE to check-in. Have your wristbands ON and QR CODE ready to scan.

If you are not able to do early pick-up, choose one of the PICK UP WRISTBAND LANE(s).  You will receive your wristbands and be directed to the GSNEO space. 

 

6. Campsites

You can begin setting up your campsite space ONLY after the mall closes at 8 PM.  Be sure to keep your items contained along the edges of the hallway to allow walkways throughout the mall.  Please do not tape signs to store walls/windows.  HINT:  Bring as little as possible with you. The more you carry in – the more you have to carry out with tired girls!

PLEASE keep ALL mall lounge seating areas open for everyone to use throughout the night.  These spaces are not to be used for troop campsites.  Groups using these sites will be asked to move to a new location.  If we find group gear in these lounge areas and no troop member is available at the site, we may move your gear to the designated GSNEO retail space.  

7. Opening Ceremony

**NEW FOR 2023 -- Stores will be open beginning at 9 PM, so feel free to get some early shopping in before the opening ceremony at 10 PM!

We’ll start up the fun at 10 PM in the Mall Center Court.  This time allows mall guests to exit before our event begins – and time for you to set up your campsite and gather at center court to kick off the event!  After the opening ceremony, you’ll enjoy a full night of stage performances, activity stations, and shopping at participating stores!   

8. Banner Competition

Plan ahead to participate in the BANNER COMPETITION.

Banners should be dropped off at the GSNEO space. Drop off during any of the early pick-up times. Banners must be submitted to the mall by Wednesday, February 15 to be hung for the event. 

A panel of judges will determine the winning entries.  Winners will be posted at 3:00 AM at the center court stage for everyone to see throughout the rest of the event.  Banners will be removed at 4:30 AM and placed on tables behind the center stage area.  All banners must be picked and taken home with the troop.  Any banners not claimed before closing at 5:30 AM will be discarded.       

9. Departure

This year, we will not have closing announcements. Troops do not need to come to the center court area for a "Closing Ceremony." We're making this change so that late movie goers don't miss out on any activity.  All groups must collect their banners before departure. They will be available after 4:30 AM.  Any banners remaining after the event will be disposed of.  

We’ll begin departure at 5:00 AM. We ask that you clean your campsite and gather your items, leaving the space cleaner than you found it. We will provide trashbags to each group to assist you with cleaning your area.

Plan to stagger departures between 5:00 AM - 6:00 AM.  This will allow for less congestion at the exit door and the parking lot.  Do not plan to bring your vehicles to the door for departure, this will cause a traffic jam and unsafe walking space.  Plan to walk as a group to your vehicles in the parking lot. 

10. Event Rules

To be respectful of all participants, the following rules will be enforced during our event.  Please review this list with all girls and adults in your group.

  • Adults are responsible (as always) for their group’s behavior.
  • Lounge seating areas are not to be used as campsites.
  • Keep campsite areas contained to allow a walkway throughout the mall.
  • Keep campsite and common areas clean and dispose of trash.
  • Do not hang signs on walls or windows – they will be removed.
  • Wear shoes at all times (unless you are sitting/sleeping at your campsite).
  • No running in the mall – there are too many people for this.
  • No gymnastics – handstands, backflips, etc. are unsafe on concrete floors!
  • No throwing items in the mall or dropping objects from the upper floor.
  • Use elevator only when needed for transportation – not as a fun ride.
  • Use escalators safely – wear shoes, stand up, ride in correct direction only.

 

 

 

Other FAQs about the Mall Lock-In

Can we add girls after we register our troop/group for the event?

Yes, you can add people up until the close date.  However, it’s best to register the full group that is attending together.  Be sure to have all of your registration confirmations with you for the group you are picking up items for and for check-in.   

I have a girl/adult who can no longer attend the event. Can I give their ticket to another person?

Yes, you can make adjustments to your group if needed.  Please note that ALL participants (girls and adults) must be currently registered members of Girl Scouts in order to attend the event.  All adult chaperones who attend the event must also be approved volunteers with a completed background check. AND, all participants must complete the SouthPark Mall Hold Harmless form online.  These forms are due by February 1. 

We will not be able to make changes to the t-shirt sizes that were ordered.  If the new attendee is not part of your troop/group, you will be responsible for getting items to her (t-shirt, event wristband, etc.)

If you make changes to your group, please notify customercare@gsneo.org so that we can update our roster and make sure we have Hold Harmless forms submitted for the correct attendees.  We also need this information in the event of an emergency.   

I'm an adult chaperone, do I have to fill out the Hold Harmless form also?

YES – all Mall Lock-In participants must complete the hold harmless form.  Refer to question 1 for more information.

>>SouthPark Mall Lock-In Hold Harmless Form

Can we arrive late or leave early?

We understand that life sometimes doesn’t go according to plan, so we do allow late arrivals/early departures in limited circumstances only. 

Event check-in will be from 8:00 PM - 9:45 PM. If you need to schedule arrival after 9:45 PM, please contact GSNEO to make specific arrangements with the program team - reach out to customercare@gsneo.org.

If you have an emergency on the night of the event and need to leave early, GSNEO staff will coordinate check-out with you. A volunteer will be stationed at the check-out doors and will have access to our staff team. Remember, this is a lock-in event and participants should plan to stay for the entire event.

Where do we park and enter the mall?

Park in the southeast entrance near light poles #52 and #53. Entrance for the event is only through the Southeast Main Entrance doors. 

We want all cars to be in the same area for added security when entering and exiting.  Do not park in other areas around the mall.  You will not have access to enter or exit from other locations.

What can we bring to the mall event?

Bring as little as possible so you don’t have to carry too much!  It’s helpful to have sleeping bags or camp chairs to hang out at your campsite for the night. Many troops bring a small cooler with refreshments and card games or books for quiet time.

When can we set up our campsite?

You can begin setting up campsite spaces after the mall closes at 8PM.  Please do not set up prior to this time.  Also, do not use mall lounge seating areas as campsites.  All event participants should have an equal opportunity to sit in lounge areas throughout the night. 

Can we send family or friends to set up our campsite before 8:00 PM?

Please do not send family/friends to the mall early to secure a campsite for you.  In past years, some have staked a claim to comfy lounge areas as a campsite by sending others to hang out in these areas until the time of the event arrival. All comfy lounge areas must be available for all to use throughout the night.  Please respect these spaces and realize that many would like to sit here for a bit and relax or visit with others during the event. 

What do we get for the program fee?

Each girl/adult participant will receive a t-shirt, fun patch, performances, movie, and activities.  The event fee also covers staffing and safety/emergency personnel.  Food and snacks are not included. Several restaurants in the Food Court will stay open late during the event.  You are welcome to bring your own snacks/beverages.

Can I pick up my t-shirt and event goodies early?

Yes, absolutely – in fact, we encourage it!  This will help to limit long lines on the night of the event!

Here’s a list of days/times:

  • Thursday, Feb 9         11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Friday, Feb                  11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, Feb 11          11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Sunday, Feb 12            1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Monday, Feb 13           11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday, Feb 15     11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Thursday, Feb 16         11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where do we go for early pick up?

Pick-up your event items (T-shirts/Wristbands/Bags) in advance to avoid long lines on the night of the event! More details about the specific space are listed on the Early Pick-Up drop down menu. 

If I pick up my supplies early, do I have to check in on the night of the event?

Yes, all participants will enter through our check in lanes – but you have the benefit of already having your wristbands, so your group can enter through one of our FASTPASS lanes.  Check-in is at the Southeast Main Entrance.

If I haven't picked up my supplies yet, what should I do the night of the event?

To check-in, gather your group and enter the mall at the Southeast Main Entrance.  With your group together, choose one of the PICK UP WRISTBAND lanes to check in and receive your event wristbands.  You will then be directed to the GSNEO desginated area to pick-up your t-shirt and bag. Wristbands must be on before entry to the event.    

When and where should we drop off our banners for the Banner Contest?

Drop off banners to the designated GSNEO location during any of the early pick-up hours listed. Be sure to review all requirements for the Banner Competition. 

What movie will be showing this year?

This year's movie will be The Penguins of Madagascar! 

Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with undercover organization The North Wind to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine from destroying the world as we know it. Who doesn't love a group of spy-savvy penguins?!

Due to a conflict with a Marvel movie debut, the Cinemark Theater will not be available for multiple showings on the night of February 18th. We understand that a movie is a part of every successful sleepover, and have made arrangements to host The Penguins of Madagascar in the Center Court area. The movie will be projected on a large screen visible from both the lower and upper levels of Center Court. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to an amazing night of shopping, performances and activities.

What stores will be open? How late will stores be open?

We will post a list of open stores as we get closer to the event. Be sure to check out the SouthPark Mall Facebook page along with gsneo.org/mall for updates.

Is there quiet time or scheduled sleep time?

While we recognize sleep is important, the Mall Lock-In isn’t the event for calm, quiet, restful sleep.  With that said, be prepared for a 6+ hour party!

Can we ride the train and stuffed animals or use the playground?

The train and mobile animals will not be available on the night of our event due to space limitations and safety concerns.  The playground will be open to use, but will close at 2 AM.

Girl Scouts love SWAPS -- will there be a SWAPS station?

We will not have a designated location – but you can trade as you meet new friends throughout the mall event!  Plan ahead and make SWAPS to bring to the event!  

 

When and where will the opening ceremony be?

Opening events will begin at center court at 10 PM.  This will give time for mall patrons to exit when the mall closes at 8 PM – without being curious about our event, trying to hang out to enjoy the festivities, and being asked to leave by security. 

What time is the closing ceremony?

We will not be holding a closing ceremony. If you submitted a banner for the Banner Competition, please gather it at the Center Court stage beginning at 4:15 AM. Departure will begin at 5:00 AM. 

Can adults go outside or go to their car during the event?

We know that some adults need to step outside for a quick break (i.e. smoking).  Some may choose to stand outside, and others may choose to sit in their car, depending on the weather.  We will have volunteers (with security) at the Southeast Main Entrance to allow for these short breaks.  Please sign out and sign back in with the volunteer when you exit and re-enter.  You may take your child with you, as no children should be left unattended at the event.  

What time are we allowed to leave the event?

After the closing announcements, pack up your gear and be ready to head for home.  We have a large crowd for this event – so plan to stagger your departures to avoid a huge bottleneck at the exit.  Groups can begin departure at 5:00 AM.

Can we pull cars up to the overhang by the entrance to gather gear and participants?

NO -- Please do not send adults to bring the group vehicles to the entrance and pick girls up.  Girls and adults should plan to walk to the car in the parking lot.  This will avoid congestion and any safety concerns at the entrance.  Please keep your cars parked in the lot and walk your gear out.

Is there a lost and found for the night of the event?

YES, absolutely!  Lost and Found will be located in the designated GSNEO area. If you find something, please take it to this location.  If you’re looking for something, check here throughout the night.

Who do we contact for questions about the Mall Lock In event?

Contact Girl Scouts of North East Ohio at 800-852-4474 or email customercare@gsneo.org.  Please do not contact the mall. 

Where can I find up-to-date information about the Mall Lock-In?

SouthPark Mall has a Facebook event page where they post regular updates and take participant polls to help plan the night.  It’s a great place to ask questions of others who are attending!

You can also find any forms needed and updates on the Mall Lock-In event page at gsneo.org/mall. 

What security is in place for this event?

We take pride in making sure all of our Girl Scout events are safe and secure.  SouthPark Mall Security personnel (both uniformed and in plain clothes), officers from the Strongsville Police Department, SouthPark Mall staff, and Girl Scouts of North East Ohio staff will be monitoring the event.

If you notice something of concern during the event, please let us know so that we can address the situation.

If you have an emergency the night of the event, contact Mall Security Mobile 440-799-1580

Event Night Information

Participating Stores

Auntie Anne's (upstairs) - open until 2:00 AM

Admire My Wire - open until 1:00 AM

Aeropostale - open until 2:00 AM

Aerie - open until 12:00 AM

Asian Express - open until 12:00 AM

Bath & Body Works - open until 12:00 AM

Blended - open until 1:00 AM

Box Lunch - open until 12:00 AM

Build-A-Bear - open until 1:00 AM

Cafe Fresh - open until 1:00 AM

Charley's - open until 11:00 PM

Claire's - open until 2:00 AM

CLE Selfie Studio - Closing Time TBD

Dairy Queen - open until 12:00 AM

Froc It - Closing Time TBD

Icing - open until 2:00 AM

Learning Express - open until 1:00 AM

Lock N Load - Closing Time TBD

Lovisa - open until 12:00 AM

Lucky Mart - open until 2:00 AM

Macaron Paris Cafe - open until 1:00 AM

Painted Penguin - open until 2:00 AM

RC Toys - Closing Time TBD

Shop N Play - open until 1:00 AM

Toy Land - Closing Time TBD

Toyz Cart - Closing Time TBD

VR Immersive - open until 1:00 AM

FYE - open until 12:00 AM

World Trendz - open until 1:00 AM

Itinerary

Check-In

8:00 PM - 9:45 PM

Opening Ceremony

10:00 PM Center Court

Movie

2:00 AM

Banner Competition

3:00 AM

Departure

5:00 AM - 6:00 AM

Movie

This year's movie will be The Penguins of Madagascar! 

Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with undercover organization The North Wind to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine from destroying the world as we know it. Who doesn't love a group of spy-savvy penguins?!

Due to a conflict with a Marvel movie debut, the Cinemark Theater will not be available for multiple showings on the night of February 18th. We understand that a movie is a part of every successful sleepover, and have made arrangements to host The Penguins of Madagascar in the Center Court area. The movie will be projected on a large screen visible from both the lower and upper levels of Center Court. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to an amazing night of shopping, performances and activities.

We take pride in making sure all of our Girl Scout events are safe and secure.  SouthPark Mall Security personnel (both uniformed and in plain clothes), officers from the Strongsville Police Department, SouthPark Mall staff, and Girl Scouts of North East Ohio staff will be monitoring the event.

If you notice something of concern during the event, please let us know so that we can address the situation.

If you have an emergency the night of the event, contact Mall Security Mobile 440-799-1580

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170x320px_RightRail - Program Guide - 6
170x320px_RightRail - Program Guide - Spring Program Guide
170x320px_RightRail - Program Guide - Spring Program Guide