April 7-9, 2006
(Rocky Mountain YMCA, Kananakis, AB)
April 21 - 23, 2006
(Bark Lake Leadership Centre, Haliburton, ON)

 

   Updated: April 17, 2006

Pre-announced Workshops - Alberta

The symposium's very own Enhanced Virtual Space structure allows for sessions to be prepared and announced well in advance, as well as for sessions to be created on-the-spot (especially in response to participant requests).  The pre-announced sessions come from a combination of regular participants and featured industry experts whom we specifically asked to form part of our core of presenters.

It's important to remember that the list below is only a small fraction of the sessions that will be offered this year.  Under V-Space, we won't have the final list of workshops and sessions until the symposium is underway.  This format, while having its own very definite structure, allows for the flexibility of sessions being created by participants, either ahead of time or in the moment as needed.  You don't have to present anything if you don't want to - there are plenty of practitioners who will take on that role.  Trust the process.  It works.

CEEPS 2006 WEST Workshops Announced So Far

A number of attendees have already let us know what they intend to present at CEEPS 2006.  Here's a tiny glimpse of what you can expect:

	Corporate EE meets Corporate Technology - Andrew Welch Corporate experiential training professionals already know that when it comes to clients, we typically go into 'their' world and then bring them to 'ours'.  This session is all about using more of 'their' world.  We will look at automated proposal creation, software-driven EE initiatives, on-line surveys and assessment tools, internet resources, and other leading-edge uses of technology to raise our own productivity, effectiveness, and appeal.  This session will capitalize on the presenter's 30 years of programming experience.
	Theming and End-to-End design: How to make sure every moment of your program contributes to the outcome - Trent Schumann
	Team-building with Drumming - Judy Atkinson What you will be experiencing in this workshop is a worldwide growing phenomenon that is being embraced by leading companies to promote and develop cohesive teams, workplace wellness, and empowerment.  Companies like Starbucks, Motorola and Southwest Airlines are utilizing these workshops.  In Calgary, Judy has conducted drum circles with Telus, Enmax,  Petro Canada, Talisman, and many more.   If you search “Drumming Circles” on the web today, there are over 79,000 results that come up.  Drum circles are a metaphor for a healthy work environment.  All the skill and technology in the world won’t improve profits if you are not taking care of your talent and not working as a team.  Synchronicity is the key to higher productivity, better relationships, great morale and happy, committed employees.
	Grab Life by the Balls! - Jeff Willis and Mike Kent

Great Balls of Fire! Big, tiny, coloured, bouncy and huge balls are the tools needed to have unlimited interactive play and to reflect upon one’s life.  This is a workshop where you get to play and have fun by playing with balls.  Over 12 ball games and activities will be taught throughout the workshop experience.

Looking at workshop topics from past years will give you an idea of sessions we have gained from in the past, but we don't presume to know the learning needs of our participants ahead of time for this year.  If you have a particular interest that you don't see listed, you can always request a session and it will be created.  If you think you might want to share your knowledge, it might be helpful to know what people will be looking to learn...

Why are practitioners attending this year?

Here are some of the interests already expressed by those registered for 2006:

	I would like to become more aware of how other practitioners/administrators are promoting wellness/curriculum/risk management through experiential activity.  I could share information/experience in a variety of areas: canoe/ ski/bike/Bison hunting - all with school groups. - Outdoor Ed. Consultant, Yukon
	It would be very useful to learn more about Corporate teambuilding and how to properly conduct a debriefing.  I also wonder about any techniques available to convince management of their ROI for sending employees to teambuilding events. - Training Business CEO, New Brunswick
	I'd like to exchange ideas, outdoor games (used for personal development), and get to know the Canadian way of using experiential learning in practice. - YMCA Trainer, Netherlands
	I am coming to expand my educational skills to work with youth in my community. - Student nurse
	I want to network with others.  I would like to see something on conflict management/conflict resolution. - College professor
	Things I am looking for from this conference: - inspiration! - ways of using EE techniques in a workshop setting (for 120 participants!) - transferring some of my outdoor education skills to more structured,   workshop-style formats - learning more about risk management for outdoor programming (developing   protocol, knowing what resources are out there, learning about the "industry   standards" are) - developing short outdoor experiences and 2-day field trips with a strong   component of "sense of place", and connection to nature - ideas for developing a game that explores "world water issues" Outdoor/Environmental Educator
	Networking and all the information that I find on all topics in the field of facilitating and activities. - EE Practitioner, BC
	The Dutch would like to share a YMCA Approach with Youth at Risk: Risk Optimisation (not the same as dangerous) as a task for Youth Institutions. Challenge youngsters to let them make their own decisions for life (with Outdoors and theoretical background).  There are more items we can share: multi complex outdoors exercises for business groups. - Training Department Coordinator, Netherlands
	I want experiential education ideas for classes, and to do some networking.  - College professor
	Using outdoor activities as a reflective practice tool.  Outdoor activities that help participants address complexity and complex challenges. - Programming Director
	I'm interested in finding out more about activities that require minimal equipment or can use equipment easily sourced on site.  I'm trying to reduce the weight of my luggage! - Training Company President
	I would like to learn how to enhance our current corporate teambuilding initiatives. - Kinesiologist, Moncton
	I am interested in outdoor recreation and youth work. I would mostly like to learn and make contacts for my future career plans. - Youth Worker

Why did practitioners attend last year?

	I am interested in learning more about what teachers need out of a field trip provider. - Youth Program Director
	Networking, new program ideas, see what's happening in the industry. - Manager, Corporate Learning Organization
	Would love to get more information on measuring effectiveness. - Industry-based OD Specialist
	I would like to see workshops on the following: journal writing, knitting, green living. - Secondary School Teacher
	We are working heavily on creating/revising risk management documents and procedures, which could be a helpful topic for us.  Finding new and creative ways to transfer learning back to campus/real life would also be an interesting discussion. - College Outdoor Ed. Program
	We are always interested in hearing the best practices and ideas other programs have in terms of food menu items for extended trips and equipment. - College Outdoor Ed. Program
	Marketing Experiential Programs; Incorporating experiential education with formal education. - University Continuing Education Coordinator
	I hope to gain some new ideas of specific nature-related activities/games for various age groups; ways of demonstrating certain ecological/other concepts in ways that various ages can relate to, and in ways that are entertaining and exciting.  Also to hear about specific programs that are successful and walk us through examples of what is covered & how, etc.  Hope to make some new contacts with others in the field of Environmental Education to facilitate future sharing of info./partnerships. - Zoo Program Coordinator
	I hope to connect with other educators & exchange ideas about experiential/ hands-on interpretation/education. Get an idea of what other people in areas other than zoo education are doing & brainstorm on effective ways to use our unique organizations to educate our participants. Also to gain some momentum & energy & inspiration! Topics I am interested in: PRACTICAL examples of successful activities/programs; using nature/outdoor locations to educate - new ideas & theories, successes & failures; effective learning (educating for ACTION vs. just to know things). - Coordinator of Volunteers
	1. To increase my knowledge & networking with other experiential educators; 2. Interested in attending any meditation &/or drumming sessions. - School Board Environmental Educator

Do you have more questions about the workshops that might be presented?

Do you think you might want to present one or lead a discussion?

Check out our Frequently Asked Workshop Questions!

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