Workshop presentations are at the heart of the VAAEC. Students can share their knowledge and experiences with others. Professionals bestow their wisdom and expertise on the up and coming students who will carry their legacy in the industry.
ALL OF US can learn, grow, and continue to improve how we do what we do, together. VAAEC workshops cover multiple topics:
ALL OF US can learn, grow, and continue to improve how we do what we do, together. VAAEC workshops cover multiple topics:
- Management, Programming, and Administrative (environmental stewardship, COVID-19 initiatives and accommodations)
- Technical Skills (climbing, paddling, hiking and backpacking, risk management, wilderness medicine)
- Career and Professional Development (networking, career planning, leadership development)
- Risk management and Wilderness Medicine
- Roundtable (group discussion of outdoor topics)
- OR Something New and Different!
Keynote 9:15am-10:00am
"The Outdoors are Better Together" by Xavier Duckett
"The Outdoors are Better Together" by Xavier Duckett
Workshop Session 1, 10:15am-11:15am
Media in the Outdoors and the Big Bad Wolf (Ark Dining Hall)
Presented by Jess Wiegandt, Documentary Filmmaker,
Jess Wiegandt Productions, JessWiegandt.com
What is the impact you seek to have in the world? Ok, wait, no. That’s a massive question that’s really hard to answer (goblin voice: answer it <3). From wanting to introduce others to the outdoors, stoke passion for conservation, simply have a grand adventure through life, or to eventually rule the world, each of us has a vision for what we’d like to do. Join award-winning filmmaker Jess Wiegandt in her workshop to explore the importance of storytelling, media, and how you as an outdoor professional fit into it all. Media and the outdoors can play in the sandbox together, and in this workshop, you’ll learn some basics in content creation that can make your résumé stand out in the crowd. Participants will learn the basics in photo/video media work such as standard camera settings, composition, and the frameworks of storytelling. Participants will understand the importance of inclusionary and sustainable storytelling. Participants will understand how to incorporate media skills on a résumé and will have access to a network of professionals looking to hire emerging guides.
Presented by Jess Wiegandt, Documentary Filmmaker,
Jess Wiegandt Productions, JessWiegandt.com
What is the impact you seek to have in the world? Ok, wait, no. That’s a massive question that’s really hard to answer (goblin voice: answer it <3). From wanting to introduce others to the outdoors, stoke passion for conservation, simply have a grand adventure through life, or to eventually rule the world, each of us has a vision for what we’d like to do. Join award-winning filmmaker Jess Wiegandt in her workshop to explore the importance of storytelling, media, and how you as an outdoor professional fit into it all. Media and the outdoors can play in the sandbox together, and in this workshop, you’ll learn some basics in content creation that can make your résumé stand out in the crowd. Participants will learn the basics in photo/video media work such as standard camera settings, composition, and the frameworks of storytelling. Participants will understand the importance of inclusionary and sustainable storytelling. Participants will understand how to incorporate media skills on a résumé and will have access to a network of professionals looking to hire emerging guides.
River Safety Essentials - Skills Practice Session (House of Pillars Conference Room)
Presented by Patrick Griffin, Owner of RVA Paddlesports
Facilitating rescues in a river environment are dynamic and challenging as situations can unfold rapidly. Learn the essentials of keeping you and your crew out of trouble on the water and industry techniques for assisting in rescuing and recovering those in distress. This is a scenario based crash course in river rescue basics so be ready to move around and ask questions! Students will know the three main types of river hazards and the differences between recreating on the river vs a pool. Students will understand heirarchy of rescue philosophy. Students will practice basic SWR techniques to retrieve victims in dry land scenarios.
Presented by Patrick Griffin, Owner of RVA Paddlesports
Facilitating rescues in a river environment are dynamic and challenging as situations can unfold rapidly. Learn the essentials of keeping you and your crew out of trouble on the water and industry techniques for assisting in rescuing and recovering those in distress. This is a scenario based crash course in river rescue basics so be ready to move around and ask questions! Students will know the three main types of river hazards and the differences between recreating on the river vs a pool. Students will understand heirarchy of rescue philosophy. Students will practice basic SWR techniques to retrieve victims in dry land scenarios.
Escaping the Belay (Gym)
Presented by Lester Zook, WILD GUYde Adventures, Owner/Guide, WildGUYde.com
This is a helpful skill for recreational lead climbers, particularly if you visit multi-pitch or remote areas. Your partner is leading above while you belay, and they take a catastrophic fall. They are dangling unconscious 60' above you. Lowering them in this state might result in further injury, so how do you get out of your belayer position to render or go for help while appropriately protecting them? Come and find out, and bring your harness, belay device, and cordalette if possible. Participants will learn the Mule Knot on a Munter and on a passive belay device. Participants will learn to tie a Kleimheist. Participants will practice executing a weighted belay escape sequence, and then a re-entry. Lester is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and an Instructor-Provider for the PCIA. He has been leading climbing adventures for 3+ decades, and has never needed to use a belay escape in dire straits (but he knows how).
Presented by Lester Zook, WILD GUYde Adventures, Owner/Guide, WildGUYde.com
This is a helpful skill for recreational lead climbers, particularly if you visit multi-pitch or remote areas. Your partner is leading above while you belay, and they take a catastrophic fall. They are dangling unconscious 60' above you. Lowering them in this state might result in further injury, so how do you get out of your belayer position to render or go for help while appropriately protecting them? Come and find out, and bring your harness, belay device, and cordalette if possible. Participants will learn the Mule Knot on a Munter and on a passive belay device. Participants will learn to tie a Kleimheist. Participants will practice executing a weighted belay escape sequence, and then a re-entry. Lester is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and an Instructor-Provider for the PCIA. He has been leading climbing adventures for 3+ decades, and has never needed to use a belay escape in dire straits (but he knows how).
Follow Your Dreams (Heritage Lodge)
Presented by Casey Tucker, owner of Vivid Earth Adventures, LLC
Are you called to a life of adventure and outdoor recreation? Do seasonal jobs speak to you? Are you pursuing non-traditional work and tired of hearing, “When are you going to get a real job?” Keep at it and follow your dreams! Join Casey to hear about his journey from college, hitchhiking, seasonal jobs, full time jobs, and finally starting his own business in outdoor recreation. Learn about the multitude of routes to take in outdoor work and gain some insight from a new entrepreneur. Join a discussion about managing money as an outdoor professional, especially in seasonal work. Have the conversation with friends and family about the work you’re pursuing. Talk through academic background vs experience in the world of experiential learning. Lots of room for questions and discussion to meet the needs of participants. Discuss various career opportunities in the outdoor industry and gain confidence in pursuing them. Gain insight into managing money as an outdoor professional/seasonal worker. Get some talking points for answering the question, “When are you going to get a real job?” Discuss the pros and cons of academic vs hands on experience and continuing education in the outdoor industry.
Presented by Casey Tucker, owner of Vivid Earth Adventures, LLC
Are you called to a life of adventure and outdoor recreation? Do seasonal jobs speak to you? Are you pursuing non-traditional work and tired of hearing, “When are you going to get a real job?” Keep at it and follow your dreams! Join Casey to hear about his journey from college, hitchhiking, seasonal jobs, full time jobs, and finally starting his own business in outdoor recreation. Learn about the multitude of routes to take in outdoor work and gain some insight from a new entrepreneur. Join a discussion about managing money as an outdoor professional, especially in seasonal work. Have the conversation with friends and family about the work you’re pursuing. Talk through academic background vs experience in the world of experiential learning. Lots of room for questions and discussion to meet the needs of participants. Discuss various career opportunities in the outdoor industry and gain confidence in pursuing them. Gain insight into managing money as an outdoor professional/seasonal worker. Get some talking points for answering the question, “When are you going to get a real job?” Discuss the pros and cons of academic vs hands on experience and continuing education in the outdoor industry.
Running an Adventure Club at a Community College is Not Easy (Retreat Center)
Presented by Bob Young, Adventure Club Advisor/Vice Pres. of Instruction & Student Services at Blue Ridge Community College.
Lessons learned from eight years of experience. The good, the bad, and the ugly! A lot of good, but it is hard work and fun. Presentation will provide information about how student organizations are started, organized and funded at a small community college. We will discuss activities that the Club has done, student leadership challenges, student recruiting methods, and the joy of seeing individuals try new adventures for the first time.
Presented by Bob Young, Adventure Club Advisor/Vice Pres. of Instruction & Student Services at Blue Ridge Community College.
Lessons learned from eight years of experience. The good, the bad, and the ugly! A lot of good, but it is hard work and fun. Presentation will provide information about how student organizations are started, organized and funded at a small community college. We will discuss activities that the Club has done, student leadership challenges, student recruiting methods, and the joy of seeing individuals try new adventures for the first time.
The "Right" Amount of Help: a Balancing Act (Ark Conference Room)
Presented by Mark Rainey, Associate Director, The Outdoor Learning Center at Horizons
Calling all who manage and supervise staff or want to one day! The workplace and workforce are ever-changing and so are expectations of assisting, coaching, and providing feedback. This begs the question, how do I help today’s staff and set them up for success now and long into the future without micromanaging, indulging, or abandoning them? Join Mark as he shares personal experiences and lessons learned as a director for an outdoor company and summer camp with the primary focus on how and when to provide help to staff and colleagues to create a healthy and productive environment for everyone to learn and grow. This session is intended to provide outdoor professionals with valuable insight, information, and inspiration to utilize in a way that best fits their leadership style, staff, and organization. Learn to balance the help you provide to staff and colleagues to create a healthy and productive environment for everyone. How a properly set up a communication and feedback network that will set you up for success from the beginning. Best practices for coaching today’s staff and how to set them up for success now and later.
Presented by Mark Rainey, Associate Director, The Outdoor Learning Center at Horizons
Calling all who manage and supervise staff or want to one day! The workplace and workforce are ever-changing and so are expectations of assisting, coaching, and providing feedback. This begs the question, how do I help today’s staff and set them up for success now and long into the future without micromanaging, indulging, or abandoning them? Join Mark as he shares personal experiences and lessons learned as a director for an outdoor company and summer camp with the primary focus on how and when to provide help to staff and colleagues to create a healthy and productive environment for everyone to learn and grow. This session is intended to provide outdoor professionals with valuable insight, information, and inspiration to utilize in a way that best fits their leadership style, staff, and organization. Learn to balance the help you provide to staff and colleagues to create a healthy and productive environment for everyone. How a properly set up a communication and feedback network that will set you up for success from the beginning. Best practices for coaching today’s staff and how to set them up for success now and later.
Workshop Session 2, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Virginia is for Outdoor Lovers:
Creating an Inclusive, Welcoming Environment for Everyone
(Heritage Lodge)
Professional Panel moderated by Kelli Williams (Virginia Tourism Corporation), with panelists Wirt Confroy, Xavier Duckett, and Jane Lammay.
Virginia’s exciting and diverse outdoor recreation experiences can be enjoyed by everyone. Join industry professionals Jane Lammay, Wirt Confroy (Virginia Tourism Corporation) and Xavier Duckett (Humble Hustle) for a panel discussion on how to welcome visitors to your destination, create a more inclusive and equitable experience, and market in an authentic and meaningful way. During this workshop, attendees will learn to: (1) build genuine connections and partnerships with key stakeholders and industry partners, (2) identify and leverage helpful resources, including best practices, marketing guidelines and research, and (3) apply the concepts to their own outdoor recreation interests, strategies, and venues. The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) stands behind its statement that “Virginia is for Lovers” stands for equity, diversity, and inclusion and has prioritized making all travelers feel welcome, safe and at home when they visit. Together, Jane and Wirt have been instrumental in launching VTC’s DEI resources webpage. The webpage serves to inform and guide Virginia tourism businesses, attractions and communities in the areas of research, development, partnership and marketing when developing and launching tourism programs and campaigns. They have also consulted DMO’s, restaurants and tourism-related business owners on inquiries regarding Black travel, LGBTQ+ travel, and accessible travel. Wirt actively manages the @visitgayva account on Instagram and has built a strong network of LGBTQ+ individuals and businesses across the Commonwealth. Jane has provided leadership in advocating for actions that prioritize Black travelers and elevate Black voices in the conversation on travel and tourism in the great outdoors. Xavier is the founder and CEO of Humble Hustle Co. and Humble Hikes, which seeks to empower youth by exposing them to the outdoors, providing education in environmental sciences, activism, and advocacy, and providing more representation of minorities in the outdoors.
Creating an Inclusive, Welcoming Environment for Everyone
(Heritage Lodge)
Professional Panel moderated by Kelli Williams (Virginia Tourism Corporation), with panelists Wirt Confroy, Xavier Duckett, and Jane Lammay.
Virginia’s exciting and diverse outdoor recreation experiences can be enjoyed by everyone. Join industry professionals Jane Lammay, Wirt Confroy (Virginia Tourism Corporation) and Xavier Duckett (Humble Hustle) for a panel discussion on how to welcome visitors to your destination, create a more inclusive and equitable experience, and market in an authentic and meaningful way. During this workshop, attendees will learn to: (1) build genuine connections and partnerships with key stakeholders and industry partners, (2) identify and leverage helpful resources, including best practices, marketing guidelines and research, and (3) apply the concepts to their own outdoor recreation interests, strategies, and venues. The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) stands behind its statement that “Virginia is for Lovers” stands for equity, diversity, and inclusion and has prioritized making all travelers feel welcome, safe and at home when they visit. Together, Jane and Wirt have been instrumental in launching VTC’s DEI resources webpage. The webpage serves to inform and guide Virginia tourism businesses, attractions and communities in the areas of research, development, partnership and marketing when developing and launching tourism programs and campaigns. They have also consulted DMO’s, restaurants and tourism-related business owners on inquiries regarding Black travel, LGBTQ+ travel, and accessible travel. Wirt actively manages the @visitgayva account on Instagram and has built a strong network of LGBTQ+ individuals and businesses across the Commonwealth. Jane has provided leadership in advocating for actions that prioritize Black travelers and elevate Black voices in the conversation on travel and tourism in the great outdoors. Xavier is the founder and CEO of Humble Hustle Co. and Humble Hikes, which seeks to empower youth by exposing them to the outdoors, providing education in environmental sciences, activism, and advocacy, and providing more representation of minorities in the outdoors.
A River Called Home - Protecting the Places We Play (Ark Dining Hall)
Presented by Jess Wiegandt, Documentary Filmmaker,
Jess Wiegandt Productions, JessWiegandt.com
"A River Called Home" is a short documentary following the journey of four women paddling the James River in Virginia. 350 miles; 4 women; 2 canoes; 1 river. Along the way, the paddlers sample water and work alongside a local high school biology class to study the water quality of the historic river. The release of the film coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. Join filmmaker and expedition leader Jess Wiegandt for a special screening of the film (just one week after its premiere at the National Paddling Film Festival!) followed by a Q&A where she'll discuss ecotourism, conservation filmmaking, and the importance of protecting the places we play.
Presented by Jess Wiegandt, Documentary Filmmaker,
Jess Wiegandt Productions, JessWiegandt.com
"A River Called Home" is a short documentary following the journey of four women paddling the James River in Virginia. 350 miles; 4 women; 2 canoes; 1 river. Along the way, the paddlers sample water and work alongside a local high school biology class to study the water quality of the historic river. The release of the film coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. Join filmmaker and expedition leader Jess Wiegandt for a special screening of the film (just one week after its premiere at the National Paddling Film Festival!) followed by a Q&A where she'll discuss ecotourism, conservation filmmaking, and the importance of protecting the places we play.
4 Steps to Creating a Risk Management Culture (Retreat Center)
Presented by Tim Slusser, Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation at University of Lynchburg.
This presentation is designed for to teach student leaders and outdoor professionals how to create a culture that values risk management with in their programs or organizations. it is one thing to teach risk management and decision making. it is another thing to get buy in from participants and staff. Take a complex topic and make it available to outdoor programs. Provide a step by step framework for outdoor programs to engage risk management conversions.
Presented by Tim Slusser, Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation at University of Lynchburg.
This presentation is designed for to teach student leaders and outdoor professionals how to create a culture that values risk management with in their programs or organizations. it is one thing to teach risk management and decision making. it is another thing to get buy in from participants and staff. Take a complex topic and make it available to outdoor programs. Provide a step by step framework for outdoor programs to engage risk management conversions.
Managing MWEEs - How to implement large grants for outdoor education (Ark Conference Room)
Presented by Matthew Scott & Nat Draper, James River Association
The James River Association is a non-profit that educated over 12,000 students in the 2021 year. In this session, participants will gain an insight into managing and implementing a ~$500,000 educational grant across 3 years and 2000 students. Attendees will learn about how to create and implement Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences (MWEEs) and how to teach teachers to allow them to develop their own programs. Attendees will also get hands-on demonstrations of mini-lessons, learn how to develop their own MWEEs, and find out how to apply for and manage educational grants.How do you teach MWEEs to teachers and students? How does an organization manage a grant this size? What tools can you use to effectively teach watershed education?
Presented by Matthew Scott & Nat Draper, James River Association
The James River Association is a non-profit that educated over 12,000 students in the 2021 year. In this session, participants will gain an insight into managing and implementing a ~$500,000 educational grant across 3 years and 2000 students. Attendees will learn about how to create and implement Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences (MWEEs) and how to teach teachers to allow them to develop their own programs. Attendees will also get hands-on demonstrations of mini-lessons, learn how to develop their own MWEEs, and find out how to apply for and manage educational grants.How do you teach MWEEs to teachers and students? How does an organization manage a grant this size? What tools can you use to effectively teach watershed education?
Base-Managed Belay Take-Overs (Gym)
Presented by Lester Zook, WILD GUYde Adventures, Owner/Guide, WildGUYde.com
This is a helpful skill for instructors in group (camp, school, club) climbing situations. You are leading a base-managed top-roping afternoon for a Scout troop, and one of your belayers gets stung by a wasp. How are you going to sub them out of their position while appropriately protecting the climber who is dangling on their rope above? Come and find out, and bring your harness and belay device if you are able. Participants will identify several scenarios where a belay take-over is warranted. Participants will learn to tie a Prussic knot and a Kleimheist. Participants will practice executing a weighted belay take-over. Lester is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and an Instructor-Provider for the PCIA. He has been leading climbing adventures for 3+ decades, and has executed lots of belay take-overs.
Presented by Lester Zook, WILD GUYde Adventures, Owner/Guide, WildGUYde.com
This is a helpful skill for instructors in group (camp, school, club) climbing situations. You are leading a base-managed top-roping afternoon for a Scout troop, and one of your belayers gets stung by a wasp. How are you going to sub them out of their position while appropriately protecting the climber who is dangling on their rope above? Come and find out, and bring your harness and belay device if you are able. Participants will identify several scenarios where a belay take-over is warranted. Participants will learn to tie a Prussic knot and a Kleimheist. Participants will practice executing a weighted belay take-over. Lester is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and an Instructor-Provider for the PCIA. He has been leading climbing adventures for 3+ decades, and has executed lots of belay take-overs.
Knots and Skills Refresh: Challenge Course (House of Pillars Conference Room)
Presented by Mike Ellsworth, Director of Outdoor Recreation, Liberty University
Do you want to add some useful knots to your knot toolbox? Are you getting ready for a busy spring season at your challenge course? Do you have some knots/skills to share? During this session, Mike Ellsworth, will teach a few key knots important in the challenge course world. He will also review several important skills like spotting, belaying and group communication. There will be time for group discussion and dialogue for sharing ideas. Participants will review a few key challenge course knots. Participants will review a few key challenge course skills including spotting, belaying and group communication. Participants will have an opportunity for engaging, fun dialogue about the challenge course.
Presented by Mike Ellsworth, Director of Outdoor Recreation, Liberty University
Do you want to add some useful knots to your knot toolbox? Are you getting ready for a busy spring season at your challenge course? Do you have some knots/skills to share? During this session, Mike Ellsworth, will teach a few key knots important in the challenge course world. He will also review several important skills like spotting, belaying and group communication. There will be time for group discussion and dialogue for sharing ideas. Participants will review a few key challenge course knots. Participants will review a few key challenge course skills including spotting, belaying and group communication. Participants will have an opportunity for engaging, fun dialogue about the challenge course.
Workshop Session 3, 2:15pm-3:15pm
Leave No Trace: The Science Behind the Practices (Gym Stage)
Presented by Dr. Jeffrey Marion, DOI, US Geological Survey, Virginia Tech, and author of the official book, "Leave No Trace in the Outdoors."
Leave No Trace is much more than picking up trash and digging catholes. This presentation provides a concise review of the science behind core LNT practices, including the variable resistance/resilience of herbs and grasses, the implications of the asymptotic use-impact relationship for the impact management strategies of dispersal vs concentration and "Best Practice" camping options (Dispersed Pristine Site Camping vs. Established or Designated Site Camping), why you should leave hatchets and saws at home, and how larger groups can avoid/minimize their resource and social impact. Dr. Marion is a Recreation Ecologist who was a founding member of the LNT Board of Directors, Chaired the committee that developed and refined the LNT principles and practices, and authored the official book "Leave No Trace in the Outdoors." Participants will develop a more thorough understanding of the comprehensive nature of the Leave No Trace principles, practices, and ethics. We will learn about the science of recreation ecology, which investigates the resource impacts of recreational activity in protected natural areas, and how it directly informs Leave No Trace practices. We will expand personal knowledge of compelling science-based reasons for learning, teaching, and applying Leave No Trace practices. See "Dr. Jeffrey Marion - Celebrating 50 Years of American Wilderness."
Presented by Dr. Jeffrey Marion, DOI, US Geological Survey, Virginia Tech, and author of the official book, "Leave No Trace in the Outdoors."
Leave No Trace is much more than picking up trash and digging catholes. This presentation provides a concise review of the science behind core LNT practices, including the variable resistance/resilience of herbs and grasses, the implications of the asymptotic use-impact relationship for the impact management strategies of dispersal vs concentration and "Best Practice" camping options (Dispersed Pristine Site Camping vs. Established or Designated Site Camping), why you should leave hatchets and saws at home, and how larger groups can avoid/minimize their resource and social impact. Dr. Marion is a Recreation Ecologist who was a founding member of the LNT Board of Directors, Chaired the committee that developed and refined the LNT principles and practices, and authored the official book "Leave No Trace in the Outdoors." Participants will develop a more thorough understanding of the comprehensive nature of the Leave No Trace principles, practices, and ethics. We will learn about the science of recreation ecology, which investigates the resource impacts of recreational activity in protected natural areas, and how it directly informs Leave No Trace practices. We will expand personal knowledge of compelling science-based reasons for learning, teaching, and applying Leave No Trace practices. See "Dr. Jeffrey Marion - Celebrating 50 Years of American Wilderness."
85 Failed Programs... and Counting (Ark Conference Room)
Presented by Matt Ross, Outdoor Recreation Manager for Franklin County (VA) Parks and Recreation, playfranklincounty.com.
Try something new, learn from your mistakes, then move forward with wisdom and knowledge. In this roundtable style programming workshop, we’ll discuss real life examples of how to build programs and why programmers shouldn’t be afraid of failure. We'll highlight the subjective nature of measures of success through the lens of 85 programming attempts to see what might work and what might not. Participants will build awareness of how measures of success may change over time and be able to define what success looks like for their unique programming needs. Learners will be exposed to numerous outdoor programming attempts and have opportunity to discuss how to build programs/events. Participants will be able to list basic building blocks of program development and gain insight and confidence necessary to make their programming idea a reality.
Presented by Matt Ross, Outdoor Recreation Manager for Franklin County (VA) Parks and Recreation, playfranklincounty.com.
Try something new, learn from your mistakes, then move forward with wisdom and knowledge. In this roundtable style programming workshop, we’ll discuss real life examples of how to build programs and why programmers shouldn’t be afraid of failure. We'll highlight the subjective nature of measures of success through the lens of 85 programming attempts to see what might work and what might not. Participants will build awareness of how measures of success may change over time and be able to define what success looks like for their unique programming needs. Learners will be exposed to numerous outdoor programming attempts and have opportunity to discuss how to build programs/events. Participants will be able to list basic building blocks of program development and gain insight and confidence necessary to make their programming idea a reality.
Trip Leader Training: Challenge and Support (House of Pillars Conference Room)
Presented by Candace Brendler, GA Adventure & TEAM Programs, James Madison University
This session will be a round-table discussion on trip leader training, with a focus on different ways that programs offer challenge and support to trainees and the pros & cons of each structure. Come join the conversation! At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Identify one way that their Trip Leader training program provides appropriate challenge to trainees; Identify one way that their Trip Leader training program provides appropriate support to trainees; Identify pros and cons of different Trip Leader training structures. Candace has 20 years of experience working in adventure recreation as a white water raft guide, kayak instructor, ski instructor, expedition leader, and trip leader trainer. Candace is currently JMU’s GA for Adventure & TEAM programs where she designed and taught the Trip Leader Training class. She also served as a trip leader trainer for Adventure West Virginia’s First-Year Trips program.
Presented by Candace Brendler, GA Adventure & TEAM Programs, James Madison University
This session will be a round-table discussion on trip leader training, with a focus on different ways that programs offer challenge and support to trainees and the pros & cons of each structure. Come join the conversation! At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Identify one way that their Trip Leader training program provides appropriate challenge to trainees; Identify one way that their Trip Leader training program provides appropriate support to trainees; Identify pros and cons of different Trip Leader training structures. Candace has 20 years of experience working in adventure recreation as a white water raft guide, kayak instructor, ski instructor, expedition leader, and trip leader trainer. Candace is currently JMU’s GA for Adventure & TEAM programs where she designed and taught the Trip Leader Training class. She also served as a trip leader trainer for Adventure West Virginia’s First-Year Trips program.
Go Underground! (Heritage Lodge)
Presented by Casey Tucker, owner of Vivid Earth Adventures, LLC
Learn more about the world beneath your feet and the caving adventures that await you and your program! Join us to discover a new love of caving and walk away with a knowledge of the cave & karst environment, whether your focus is personal adventure or group programming. There's so much to discover! Come away with a list of equipment needed for personal caving and institutional caving programs. Learn how Leave No Trace principles transfer to the cave & karst environment. Leave with an understanding of safe caving practices, risk management, and the need for high level risk awareness in remote, constricted environments. Gain insight in getting access to caves and landowner/conservancy relationships.
Presented by Casey Tucker, owner of Vivid Earth Adventures, LLC
Learn more about the world beneath your feet and the caving adventures that await you and your program! Join us to discover a new love of caving and walk away with a knowledge of the cave & karst environment, whether your focus is personal adventure or group programming. There's so much to discover! Come away with a list of equipment needed for personal caving and institutional caving programs. Learn how Leave No Trace principles transfer to the cave & karst environment. Leave with an understanding of safe caving practices, risk management, and the need for high level risk awareness in remote, constricted environments. Gain insight in getting access to caves and landowner/conservancy relationships.
James River Leadership Expedition (Ark Dining Hall)
Presented by Charles Johnson & Nat Draper, James River Association
The James River Leadership Expeditions (JRLE) is a year-long leadership program for all high school students who are interested in advocating for the future of the James River. The goal of JRLE is to engage, develop, train, and inspire participants in preparation of taking personal and community-wide action to address issues facing the James River. The JRLE is one of the best learning experiences for young people.A part of the JRLE, students will commit to helping communities realize the benefits from a healthy James River and support protecting it with their community capstone project. Come learn from the James River Association Education Staff. Learn how we provide expert instruction on paddling and camping skills, teambuilding, wildlife identification, water quality monitoring, history, river ecology, and policy.
Presented by Charles Johnson & Nat Draper, James River Association
The James River Leadership Expeditions (JRLE) is a year-long leadership program for all high school students who are interested in advocating for the future of the James River. The goal of JRLE is to engage, develop, train, and inspire participants in preparation of taking personal and community-wide action to address issues facing the James River. The JRLE is one of the best learning experiences for young people.A part of the JRLE, students will commit to helping communities realize the benefits from a healthy James River and support protecting it with their community capstone project. Come learn from the James River Association Education Staff. Learn how we provide expert instruction on paddling and camping skills, teambuilding, wildlife identification, water quality monitoring, history, river ecology, and policy.
The Need for Us... (Retreat Center)
Presented by Mike Ellsworth, Director of Outdoor Recreation, Liberty University
We know the value that outdoor programming brings to the student experience and our organizations, but it often becomes difficult to present qualitative and quantitative data to support our arguments. Between risk management concerns, low interest, and increased individual accessibility, it is becoming more difficult to make a case for our jobs. While budgets and resources get cut, this generation seems to be yearning for the benefits of diverse outdoor experiences more than their predecessors have... So, how do we advocate for our programming? In this presentation, Mike will be using a few key resources to summarize the need for diverse outdoor experiences that foster social skills, physical health, and general development in our young people. This presentation will help to draw your attention to academic sources and ideas. And to equip you to confidently advocate to your peers, administrators, and your students the benefits of your programs. Participants will be presented with a few explanations for the disconnect between administrators and programmers in the outdoor recreation industry. Participants will learn several “academic” and “business strategy” minded arguments for outdoor programs at their institution. Participants will be presented with several ways to advocate for their programs at their organization or institution. Mike says, "We have seen growth and buy-in from the University in recent years at LU. With one foot in Administration and one foot in Programming, I have a unique perspective that I feel is helpful to small business owners, programmers or anyone attempting to gain buy-in from the peers or supervisors. In the last 5 years, I have had to do a lot of advocating for our programming to keep pushing out quality programming."
Presented by Mike Ellsworth, Director of Outdoor Recreation, Liberty University
We know the value that outdoor programming brings to the student experience and our organizations, but it often becomes difficult to present qualitative and quantitative data to support our arguments. Between risk management concerns, low interest, and increased individual accessibility, it is becoming more difficult to make a case for our jobs. While budgets and resources get cut, this generation seems to be yearning for the benefits of diverse outdoor experiences more than their predecessors have... So, how do we advocate for our programming? In this presentation, Mike will be using a few key resources to summarize the need for diverse outdoor experiences that foster social skills, physical health, and general development in our young people. This presentation will help to draw your attention to academic sources and ideas. And to equip you to confidently advocate to your peers, administrators, and your students the benefits of your programs. Participants will be presented with a few explanations for the disconnect between administrators and programmers in the outdoor recreation industry. Participants will learn several “academic” and “business strategy” minded arguments for outdoor programs at their institution. Participants will be presented with several ways to advocate for their programs at their organization or institution. Mike says, "We have seen growth and buy-in from the University in recent years at LU. With one foot in Administration and one foot in Programming, I have a unique perspective that I feel is helpful to small business owners, programmers or anyone attempting to gain buy-in from the peers or supervisors. In the last 5 years, I have had to do a lot of advocating for our programming to keep pushing out quality programming."
