The Teton Summit - Workshops

Summit Workshops - Thursday, August 21, 2008

Morning Workshops - Thursday, August 21, 2008

Nature Playscapes for Children
Natural areas designed for play inspire children to explore independently, interact spontaneously and are rich settings for informal learning. In this workshop, Dr. Louise Chawla will present background research on the importance of nature play as well as recommended design elements for a nature playscape. Learn from nature centers that have implemented successful nature play areas and design a nature playscape for your center.

Dr. Louise Chawla, University of Colorado, Boulder
Louise Chawla brings to her job as a Professor in the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado a background in child development and environmental psychology. Her work relates to children’s experience of both natural environments and the public spaces of cities and towns, with a focus on the opportunities that these places can afford for positive development. As a Fulbright Scholar at the Norwegian Center for Child Research, she initiated a revival of the Growing Up in Cities project of UNESCO which engages young people in documenting and improving urban communities.

Marketing Trends, Techniques and Tools
Brand Communications and Development
This workshop will center on brand-focused, systematic approaches to your marketing communications programs. Participate in a hands-on clinic on identifying your audiences, messages and the best vehicles available to achieve your development goals through marketing, public relations and social media channels.

Keith Peters
Keith’s background includes 17 years as a Nike Executive with assignments as running events manager (U.S.), Director of Athletics (global), Director of Public Relations (U.S.), Director of Communications (Europe) and founder of nike.com. Keith left Nike in June, 2001 to create kpcomm.biz and focus on helping clients present their products, programs and services to their customers in informative, useful ways.

Mike Geraci
Mike is Director of Base Camp Communications, an interactive public relations agency that specializes in the adventure sports and travel industries. Mike has developed and managed PR and social media campaigns for Backcountry.com, Powerbar, Shimano, Gregory Packs, Princeton Tec and other category leaders. He has lived in Jackson since 1989.

Sustainable Construction – Lessons Learned
Buildings are being constructed with sustainable methods, materials and mindful decisions. However what are the true goals, guidelines, costs and benefits toward building “GREEN”? Join this experienced group of architects and directors to hear the stories and advice they gained from their examples of environmentally-conscious designs. A guided tour of the Jackson Campus will be included.

Jack Shea, Executive Director, Teton Science Schools
Arne Jorgensen, Principal, Hawtin Jorgensen Architects
Dave Goldberg, Principal, Mithun Architects
Buffy Cheek, Executive Director, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Bo Glover, Executive Director, Environmental Nature Center

Risk Management and Insurance
Knowledge for Nature Centers
The climate of risk awareness is changing. Consider and discuss issues of risk management and insurance know-ledge with professionals that work closely with a variety of nature centers. Delve into tangible site challenges and use scenarios as a tool for learning insurance and current legal perspectives of a scene.

Catherine Hansen-Stamp, Legal Consultant
Catherine presents on a regional and national basis regarding matters important to the recreation and adventure industries. She works with organizations in the field to interpret law, as well as assess risk and insurance needs. Catherine has also authored and consulted in large-scale efforts in the field of outdoor activities and education.

Cole Schlack, Insurance Agent/Broker, for CBI Insurance Agency
CBI Insurance has been in the business of hard to place risk over 25 years. CBI specializes in five different areas of organization, one of which is the Experiential Education. Cole started the Experiential Education Insurance Program five years ago to assist this class of business in finding quality insurance coverage.

Afternoon Workshops - Thursday, August 21, 2008

Eco-Tourism – Program Design
Ecotours can be a significant addition to your nature center’s program selection, income and educational impact. Whether day, multi-day or traveling itineraries, these unique programs require very careful planning, budgeting and marketing in order to optimize their true potential. They may also open opportunities for partnerships, as well as “friend-raising.” Learn how to design ecotours that work
for your organization.

Gordon Maupin, Executive Director, The Wilderness Center
David Watson, Director of Wildlife Expeditions, Teton Science Schools
Tom Hissong, Education Coordinator, Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm

Technology and the Outdoor Classroom
What is technology’s place in the outdoor classroom —enhancement or hook? See for yourself what technology can add to outdoor learning through replicable models in the field. Learn from successful examples of broadcasts, podcasts, audio and information systems that entice and interest learners of all ages.

Mike Nicklas, Deputy Director of Interpretation, Grand Teton National Park

Teton Science Schools’ Program Leadership, Graduate Program, Youth Programs and Conservation Research Center

Leadership Skills for the New Leader
Are you a naturalist by training; new leader by position? Based on best practices and research within our profession, this interactive workshop will enhance your leadership skills. Discover key attributes and skills toward successful personal and organizational leadership. Share common stories and challenges. Create your own personal leadership plan during this dynamic workshop.

Dr. Corky McReynolds
Charles “Corky” McReynolds, PhD, is Associate Professor of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin/Stevens Point, and Director of Treehaven. Corky teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in strategic planning, management and leadership and has facilitated and trained facilitators for strategic planning and leadership processes at nature centers, state agencies and national organizations. His research, teaching and consulting focuses on leadership and enhancing organizational change through effective individual and group processes.

Capital Campaign Experiences
This workshop will feature a panel of experienced administrators directly involved in recent past and present capital campaign efforts. Gain insights from their stories, design ideas from their successes and note-worthy wisdom from their difficult lessons learned.

Renee Burslem, Director of Community Relations
& Fundraising, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center

Ben Klasky, Executive Director, Islandwood
Heather Marks, Director of Advancement, Teton Science Schools