Workshop presentations are the heart of the VAAEC. Students have the opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences with others. Professionals get the opportunity to bestow their wisdom and expertise on the up and coming students who will carry their legacy in the industry.
Keynote: Rená Koesler
Rená Koesler has an undying love and appreciation of the great outdoors. Her passion served her well as a former professor for Outdoor Education at Longwood University for three decades. Inspiring young and old to get outside, escape their comfort zones, and coach people to reach their “summit” is where Rená continues to make a difference. Although she now lives in Colorado, her community of Outdoor Adventure Educators in Virginia will always have a special place in her life.
Rená addressed the topic of community and provided insights into the value it has in your personal and professional growth.
Rená addressed the topic of community and provided insights into the value it has in your personal and professional growth.
Playnote: Steve Bobbitt
Steve joined James Madison University Recreation team in the fall of 2000 as the Coordinator of Adventure Programs and previously worked at East Carolina University, Blacksburg and Roanoke County Parks and Recreation. He has been serving as the Associate Director of Programs since the fall of 2007 where he works with the five main programming units which include 10 professional staff, 6 graduate assistants, and close to 400 student employees that make UREC the hub of the active JMU lifestyle
Workshops
Adventure + Harmony
Maxwell Barrett, James Madison University (WELLNESS INSTRUCTION - 129)
Throughout history people have tried to capture the sounds of nature and use them in a musical capacity. In this presentation I will go over a brief history of outdoor inspired sounds including instruments and works that try to capture the beauty of nature and then recognize the harmonies and music found in the outdoor world from the birds that fly over you to the whistle of the wind.
Adventure Matchmakers (Professional Networking Session)
Stacey Ellis & Kelli Williams, Lord Fairfax Community College (WELLNESS INSTRUCTION - 129)
This networking session will mimic a speed dating session. Under the guidance of the session leaders, attendees will be provided a list of networking prompts to initiate conversation. When the bell rings, pairs will have five minutes to make industry connections. At the end of the five minutes, a bell will ring, networkers will rotate, and a new connection will begin. The session will end with a time for personal and professional self-reflection. Ready, set, network!
Ambushed by Myself: Growing Beyond Several Unexpected Leadership Pitfalls
Lester Zook, WILD GUYde Adventures LLC (SPORTS FORUM 2)
The human element as a causative agent in adventure incidents is well documented. In this workshop, we turn the spotlight on the interior of the leader. Factors such as routine, competence, and social anxiety can nudge leaders toward mindlessness, and eventually disaster. Workshop attendees will first examine actual cases, and then participate in story-telling and introspection to deepen personal leadership awareness and competence. The goal is to become leaders who can guide our clients and friends safely, happily, and more competently in the outdoors.
Climbing is for Everyone: Adaptive climbing in an adventure recreation setting
Elizabeth Schaefermeier, Virginia Commonwealth University (ADVENTURE CENTER)
Climbing has grown in popularity over the past decade, and with it has come a much-needed push for inclusion in the sport. With it, adaptive climbing programs have been developed throughout the country, and use a combination of staff/volunteer training and equipment to provide access to adaptive opportunities and empower individuals. Join VCU Occupational Therapy doctoral student and JMU UREC Adventure alum Liz Schaefermeier for an interactive session about increasing physical access to climbing for people of all ability levels. Learn about disability etiquette, adaptive equipment, and climbing/belaying techniques as applicable to adaptive climbing.
Flight of the Gumby: From Gym to Crag
Michael Fisher, George Mason University (MEETING ROOM - 124)
With climbing growing in popularity from Insta celebs to the Olympics, more people are finding themselves on Nuttall Sandstone, polished Granite, and Gneiss rock than ever before. Join in to learn more about transitioning from an indoor to outdoor climbing lifestyle, crag etiquette, public lands, access and permitting, respecting native lands, and ways to create involvement with local climbing stewardship projects.
Get Wild, Get Creative
Patricia Lynn, Roanoke College (ADVENTURE INSTRUCTION - 135)
Outdoor activities are known to produce what is known as a "flow state." This presentation will discuss flow theory, how to foster it, and its relationship to creativity and the creative self. Understand how to incorporate these concepts into your outdoor program to develop innovative outcomes for participants and field staff alike.
Hook, Line, & Sinker: Make Your Marketing Plan Work for You
Teresa Zielinski, Shenandoah University (CLUB ROOM - 220)
Marketing plan, is it working the way you intended?
Shenandoah University’s Outdoor Program, SOAR, has recently reinvented our marketing strategy aimed at generating active trip sign ups and attendance. This interactive workshop will provide attendees the opportunity to think critically about their current marketing strategy, and brainstorm new ideas. Participants will be encouraged to participate in group discussion where attendees can learn from each other and their programs. The goal of this presentation is for attendees to leave with new marketing ideas, tools, and resources.
How to Teach A River Worthy Kayak Roll In A Pool
Karl Schmidt, Virginia Commonwealth University (MULTI-ACTIVITY POOL)
Just because you can roll a kayak doesn't mean that you can teach how to roll a kayak. Furthermore, learning to roll a kayak in a pool doesn't always set someone up for success once they are on a river. This hour long session aims to break down how to teach rolling a kayak and set our participants up for success on the river. This is a hands on, in-water session, that will focus on kayaking from an instructor perspective.
“If you build it they will come” - Structuring Your Work Environment for Success with Student Employees
Jon Bosley & Ben Johnson, University of Virginia (ADVENTURE INSTRUCTION - 135)
This session will focus on the interpersonal interactions between professionals and student employees in the outdoor industry from both perspectives. The outdoor industry is uniquely positioned to employ college aged workers who bring great amounts of energy and new ideas to the field. A work culture that is conducive to growth for these students is necessary for productivity and retention. We will be exploring the different factors that affect this balance, providing tools for reflection and assessment in your position whether it be student, or professional.
Initiatives Matter
Angela Head & Ana Mae Morrow, James Madison University (MEETING ROOM - 124)
The following presentation will focus on the importance of facilitating initiatives during challenge course and team building experiences for all people with a range of disabilities. The presentation will offer different examples of initiatives with variations for different goal outcomes such as building trust in the group, initiating the importance of collaboration and teamwork.
Next Steps - Preparing for a career in the outdoor industry
Joey Parent, Virginia Commonwealth University (SPORTS FORUM 2)
Do you want to build a career in the outdoors, but not sure what to do next? Turning your passions into a paying career is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make it all come together. This presentation will look at several different career paths in the outdoors and some steps you can take to move in the right direction.
Outdoor Experience is Not Just for the Outdoors
Katie Beach & Erin Burcham, Get2KnowNoke (WET CLASSROOM - 133)
A student’s experience in the outdoor adventure program does not just teach them skills for the outdoors, but also skills to succeed in any industry. As employers focus more on the “soft skills” in their hiring, learn how to engage students as well as more campus and community partners for your outdoor adventure trips by encouraging participants to harness their passion for the outdoors as meaningful experiences that translate to workplace success on a resume or in an interview.
Packrafts! An Introduction
Ryan Murphy, George Mason University (WET CLASSROOM - 133)
This session will introduce you to packrafts: what they are, what makes them unique, and how they can be incorporated into your program. Learn what packrafting is all about, explore some of the different types of boats out there, and talk about the unique opportunities these boats open up; from backcountry loops, to bikerafting, to urban exploration. We will have boats from Alpacka, Kokopelli, and DIY Packraft to compare. In addition to the equipment, we will examine unique ways to incorporate them into your program using trips from George Mason Outdoor Adventures as examples.
Selling the Outdoors- A Guide to Establishing Effective Marketing Plans for Outdoor Programs and Businesses
Adrienne Band, James Madison University (WELLNESS INSTRUCTION - 129)
The purpose of this presentation is to identify three steps that create an intentional marketing plan for outdoor programs and businesses. The first step includes creating an in-depth, flushed out target persona, which is a fictional character who best represents the intended target market. With this target persona, outdoor programs and businesses must then identify what makes them unique compared to their competitors. The second step is to develop a brand strategy. This includes defining what the brand stands for, what promises you make to your customers, and the personality you wish to convey through its marketing. The final step is to engage with the community through social media and other various marketing efforts, while building and maintaining consumer trust. Overall, each step builds off the one before, allowing outdoor programs and businesses to better market themselves. This three-step process simplifies marketing and establishes brand consistency, which will bring more awareness to local programs and opportunities in the outdoor industry.
Steps to Reaching Your Summit: How To Get Where You Really Want To Go
Rená Koesler, Formally Longwood University (MEETING ROOM - 124)
Perhaps you've climbed to the top of a mountain summit. The views are amazing and you feel really good about what you've accomplished. But, what about the summits in other areas of your life? What is dangling out there that you are wishing to pursue? Your summit may have nothing to do with a mountain summit but it is your dream, your call, your pursuit of a goal or your desire to overcome a challenge. This session will outline essential steps to get you closer and reach your identified summit.
Unpacking the Invisible Day Pack: Addressing Diversity and Inclusion in the Outdoors
Mattie Squire, Virginia Commonwealth University (ADVENTURE INSTRUCTION - 135)
Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are nothing new in the outdoor industry and outdoor education. However, outdoor programs at universities often continue to lack diversity. This presentation aims to explore historical and current problems behind this issue, as well as provide an activity and actions individuals can take to gain knowledge and increase inclusiveness at their institutions.
Using the Counterbalance Ascension for more than Rescues. Helping Heavy Climbers and getting better Climbing Photos
Samuel Albert, Virginia Commonwealth University & Lester Zook, WILD GUYde Adventures LLC (ADVENTURE CENTER)
This session will focus on the learning and further developing of based managed climbing skills such as the belay transfer and counter balanced ascending. This session will also focus on how climbing instructors can use these skills to help heavy climbers and get better trip photos.
WFR Review Speed Round
Karl Schmidt, Virginia Commonwealth University (CLUB ROOM - 220)
Time to brush off those wilderness medical skills! After a WFR course most folks wait two to three years, take the weekend long refresher, make a copy of their new card, and repeat. But, you never know when you're going to need your skills! Reviewing WFR skills doesn't need to be lengthy or painful. Join us for an action packed hour and get back up to speed so that you're ready to act.
Z-Drags for Everybody!
Guy deBrun, James Madison University (MAC 2)
The z-drag is a useful rope rescue technique with a variety of applications in climbing and paddling. In this workshop attendees will be introduced to the z-drag and have the opportunity for hands-on practice.
Maxwell Barrett, James Madison University (WELLNESS INSTRUCTION - 129)
Throughout history people have tried to capture the sounds of nature and use them in a musical capacity. In this presentation I will go over a brief history of outdoor inspired sounds including instruments and works that try to capture the beauty of nature and then recognize the harmonies and music found in the outdoor world from the birds that fly over you to the whistle of the wind.
Adventure Matchmakers (Professional Networking Session)
Stacey Ellis & Kelli Williams, Lord Fairfax Community College (WELLNESS INSTRUCTION - 129)
This networking session will mimic a speed dating session. Under the guidance of the session leaders, attendees will be provided a list of networking prompts to initiate conversation. When the bell rings, pairs will have five minutes to make industry connections. At the end of the five minutes, a bell will ring, networkers will rotate, and a new connection will begin. The session will end with a time for personal and professional self-reflection. Ready, set, network!
Ambushed by Myself: Growing Beyond Several Unexpected Leadership Pitfalls
Lester Zook, WILD GUYde Adventures LLC (SPORTS FORUM 2)
The human element as a causative agent in adventure incidents is well documented. In this workshop, we turn the spotlight on the interior of the leader. Factors such as routine, competence, and social anxiety can nudge leaders toward mindlessness, and eventually disaster. Workshop attendees will first examine actual cases, and then participate in story-telling and introspection to deepen personal leadership awareness and competence. The goal is to become leaders who can guide our clients and friends safely, happily, and more competently in the outdoors.
Climbing is for Everyone: Adaptive climbing in an adventure recreation setting
Elizabeth Schaefermeier, Virginia Commonwealth University (ADVENTURE CENTER)
Climbing has grown in popularity over the past decade, and with it has come a much-needed push for inclusion in the sport. With it, adaptive climbing programs have been developed throughout the country, and use a combination of staff/volunteer training and equipment to provide access to adaptive opportunities and empower individuals. Join VCU Occupational Therapy doctoral student and JMU UREC Adventure alum Liz Schaefermeier for an interactive session about increasing physical access to climbing for people of all ability levels. Learn about disability etiquette, adaptive equipment, and climbing/belaying techniques as applicable to adaptive climbing.
Flight of the Gumby: From Gym to Crag
Michael Fisher, George Mason University (MEETING ROOM - 124)
With climbing growing in popularity from Insta celebs to the Olympics, more people are finding themselves on Nuttall Sandstone, polished Granite, and Gneiss rock than ever before. Join in to learn more about transitioning from an indoor to outdoor climbing lifestyle, crag etiquette, public lands, access and permitting, respecting native lands, and ways to create involvement with local climbing stewardship projects.
Get Wild, Get Creative
Patricia Lynn, Roanoke College (ADVENTURE INSTRUCTION - 135)
Outdoor activities are known to produce what is known as a "flow state." This presentation will discuss flow theory, how to foster it, and its relationship to creativity and the creative self. Understand how to incorporate these concepts into your outdoor program to develop innovative outcomes for participants and field staff alike.
Hook, Line, & Sinker: Make Your Marketing Plan Work for You
Teresa Zielinski, Shenandoah University (CLUB ROOM - 220)
Marketing plan, is it working the way you intended?
Shenandoah University’s Outdoor Program, SOAR, has recently reinvented our marketing strategy aimed at generating active trip sign ups and attendance. This interactive workshop will provide attendees the opportunity to think critically about their current marketing strategy, and brainstorm new ideas. Participants will be encouraged to participate in group discussion where attendees can learn from each other and their programs. The goal of this presentation is for attendees to leave with new marketing ideas, tools, and resources.
How to Teach A River Worthy Kayak Roll In A Pool
Karl Schmidt, Virginia Commonwealth University (MULTI-ACTIVITY POOL)
Just because you can roll a kayak doesn't mean that you can teach how to roll a kayak. Furthermore, learning to roll a kayak in a pool doesn't always set someone up for success once they are on a river. This hour long session aims to break down how to teach rolling a kayak and set our participants up for success on the river. This is a hands on, in-water session, that will focus on kayaking from an instructor perspective.
“If you build it they will come” - Structuring Your Work Environment for Success with Student Employees
Jon Bosley & Ben Johnson, University of Virginia (ADVENTURE INSTRUCTION - 135)
This session will focus on the interpersonal interactions between professionals and student employees in the outdoor industry from both perspectives. The outdoor industry is uniquely positioned to employ college aged workers who bring great amounts of energy and new ideas to the field. A work culture that is conducive to growth for these students is necessary for productivity and retention. We will be exploring the different factors that affect this balance, providing tools for reflection and assessment in your position whether it be student, or professional.
Initiatives Matter
Angela Head & Ana Mae Morrow, James Madison University (MEETING ROOM - 124)
The following presentation will focus on the importance of facilitating initiatives during challenge course and team building experiences for all people with a range of disabilities. The presentation will offer different examples of initiatives with variations for different goal outcomes such as building trust in the group, initiating the importance of collaboration and teamwork.
Next Steps - Preparing for a career in the outdoor industry
Joey Parent, Virginia Commonwealth University (SPORTS FORUM 2)
Do you want to build a career in the outdoors, but not sure what to do next? Turning your passions into a paying career is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make it all come together. This presentation will look at several different career paths in the outdoors and some steps you can take to move in the right direction.
Outdoor Experience is Not Just for the Outdoors
Katie Beach & Erin Burcham, Get2KnowNoke (WET CLASSROOM - 133)
A student’s experience in the outdoor adventure program does not just teach them skills for the outdoors, but also skills to succeed in any industry. As employers focus more on the “soft skills” in their hiring, learn how to engage students as well as more campus and community partners for your outdoor adventure trips by encouraging participants to harness their passion for the outdoors as meaningful experiences that translate to workplace success on a resume or in an interview.
Packrafts! An Introduction
Ryan Murphy, George Mason University (WET CLASSROOM - 133)
This session will introduce you to packrafts: what they are, what makes them unique, and how they can be incorporated into your program. Learn what packrafting is all about, explore some of the different types of boats out there, and talk about the unique opportunities these boats open up; from backcountry loops, to bikerafting, to urban exploration. We will have boats from Alpacka, Kokopelli, and DIY Packraft to compare. In addition to the equipment, we will examine unique ways to incorporate them into your program using trips from George Mason Outdoor Adventures as examples.
Selling the Outdoors- A Guide to Establishing Effective Marketing Plans for Outdoor Programs and Businesses
Adrienne Band, James Madison University (WELLNESS INSTRUCTION - 129)
The purpose of this presentation is to identify three steps that create an intentional marketing plan for outdoor programs and businesses. The first step includes creating an in-depth, flushed out target persona, which is a fictional character who best represents the intended target market. With this target persona, outdoor programs and businesses must then identify what makes them unique compared to their competitors. The second step is to develop a brand strategy. This includes defining what the brand stands for, what promises you make to your customers, and the personality you wish to convey through its marketing. The final step is to engage with the community through social media and other various marketing efforts, while building and maintaining consumer trust. Overall, each step builds off the one before, allowing outdoor programs and businesses to better market themselves. This three-step process simplifies marketing and establishes brand consistency, which will bring more awareness to local programs and opportunities in the outdoor industry.
Steps to Reaching Your Summit: How To Get Where You Really Want To Go
Rená Koesler, Formally Longwood University (MEETING ROOM - 124)
Perhaps you've climbed to the top of a mountain summit. The views are amazing and you feel really good about what you've accomplished. But, what about the summits in other areas of your life? What is dangling out there that you are wishing to pursue? Your summit may have nothing to do with a mountain summit but it is your dream, your call, your pursuit of a goal or your desire to overcome a challenge. This session will outline essential steps to get you closer and reach your identified summit.
Unpacking the Invisible Day Pack: Addressing Diversity and Inclusion in the Outdoors
Mattie Squire, Virginia Commonwealth University (ADVENTURE INSTRUCTION - 135)
Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are nothing new in the outdoor industry and outdoor education. However, outdoor programs at universities often continue to lack diversity. This presentation aims to explore historical and current problems behind this issue, as well as provide an activity and actions individuals can take to gain knowledge and increase inclusiveness at their institutions.
Using the Counterbalance Ascension for more than Rescues. Helping Heavy Climbers and getting better Climbing Photos
Samuel Albert, Virginia Commonwealth University & Lester Zook, WILD GUYde Adventures LLC (ADVENTURE CENTER)
This session will focus on the learning and further developing of based managed climbing skills such as the belay transfer and counter balanced ascending. This session will also focus on how climbing instructors can use these skills to help heavy climbers and get better trip photos.
WFR Review Speed Round
Karl Schmidt, Virginia Commonwealth University (CLUB ROOM - 220)
Time to brush off those wilderness medical skills! After a WFR course most folks wait two to three years, take the weekend long refresher, make a copy of their new card, and repeat. But, you never know when you're going to need your skills! Reviewing WFR skills doesn't need to be lengthy or painful. Join us for an action packed hour and get back up to speed so that you're ready to act.
Z-Drags for Everybody!
Guy deBrun, James Madison University (MAC 2)
The z-drag is a useful rope rescue technique with a variety of applications in climbing and paddling. In this workshop attendees will be introduced to the z-drag and have the opportunity for hands-on practice.
