Keynote Address

Develop Yourself, Develop Your Community - 9:00am-9:50am
Presented by Tom Wilcox

From the beginning, Tom was motivated by curiosity, adventure, and the mysteries of inner space! After spending time at sea, he returned to Virginia to teach children and adults about marine life and study inland seas at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Tom now serves as Director of Engagement at Department of Wildlife Resources, where he manages the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program.

Workshops

Workshop Session 1 - 10:00am-11:00am

App-Based Community Engagement Programs
Presented by Susan Herndon-Powell, Outdoor Recreation Supervisor at Roanoke Parks and Recreation | Kat Andrew, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator at Roanoke Parks and Recreation
​
Stupidity Explored: Why Some People Get Hurt in the Outdoors
Presented by Lester Zook, Owner of WILD GUYde Adventures


COVID-19 and the Outdoors
Presented by Davis Tingle, Assistant Guide, Roanoke College

​​

Workshop Session 2 - 11:10am-12:10pm

New Permitting Requirements for DWR-owned or Managed Boating Access Sites
Presented by Eddie Herndon, Coordinator for Recruitment, retention and reactivation for the VA Department of Wildlife Resources | John Kirk, Access Coordinator for the VA Dept of Wildlife Resources | Tim Slusser, Outdoor Leadership Programs Coordinator from University of Lynchburg
​
Learning the Job: Working with Students with Disabilities
Presented by Christina Spohn, Outing Rental Center & Climbing Wall Coordinator, Virginia Commonwealth University; Katherine Cassels, Student Trip Leader & Outing Rental Center Attendant, Virginia Commonwealth University


You’re on Native Land
Presented by Mary Zook-Tapolyai, AmeriCorps VISTA, Appalachian Conservation Corps; Michelle Marsich, Associate Director, Appalachian Conservation Corps, Conservation Legacy
​ ​​

Lunch and Vendor Hall - 12:30pm-1:30pm

​​

Workshop Session 3 - 1:30pm-2:30pm

Quick Shifts to a Virtual World of Recreation
Presented by Stacey Ellis, Associate Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Lord Fairfax Community College | Kelli Williams, Social Media and Outreach Strategist for Lord Fairfax Community College


Empanadas as Expedition Fuel: How to Travel Patagonia on a Budget
Presented by Joey Parent, Assistant Director, Outdoor Adventure Program, Virginia Commonwealth University; Christina Spohn, Outing Rental Center & Climbing Wall Coordinator, Outdoor Adventure Program, Virginia Commonwealth University
​
Trip Leader Prep Course: COVID Edition
Presented by Danny Bavis, Graduate Assistant for Adventure and TEAM Programs, James Madison University
​

Closing Notes and Collaborative Play

Closing Notes and Collaborative Play - 2:40pm-3:00pm
Presented by Sam Albert, Mike Ellsworth, and Ana Mae Morrow

Come together as we close the 2021 VAAEC Virtual conference by thanking all of our participants, presenters, and vendors. We will also be announcing the location of our 2022 conference as well as giving out prizes. Finally, we will close with a fun virtual collaborative activity to stay connected to one another and share our passion for the outdoors with one another.
​

Conference Support

For assistance with Zoom or any other questions during the conference, please click here to Zoom with our support team.

VIRGINIA ADVENTURE EDUCATION CONFERENCE