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The RELC Summit uses an "Open Space" system to conduct the conference sessions. On Saturday evening, all participants come together to collectively suggest and select session topics. Summit organizers then create a session schedule for the following two days. Given this system, we invite you to bring management-level and program topics to the Summit to suggest as sessions.

All sessions have a discussion-based format so that everyone can contribute ideas and experiences. If you suggest a topic, you will be asked to facilitate the discussion by introducing the topic and creating a discussion among the participants.

The role of the facilitator is to create fair opportunities for sharing, keep the discussions on track, and make sure everyone has the opportunity to participate. Facilitated discussions are not presentations followed by questions and answers, nor the place where the facilitator is expected to answer all of the questions. Facilitated discussions are an advantage to the facilitator because the discussion requires less formal preparation, and the facilitator does not need to be perceived as the expert.

This system allows you to co-create your RELC Summit experience, and provides the opportunity for you to be an active participant rather than a passive listener. This is also an excellent way for you to get to know your peers and how similar organizations work.

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RELCs, ROEEs, COOLSs, Outdoor Schools...What are We?

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RELCs, ROEEs, COOLSs, Outdoor Schools...What are We?

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How do we identify as an industry? Can we still use 'residential' environmental learning centers? Are we outdoor schools? I look forward to a discussion to try and come up with the best fit for all of us. -Jen Levy

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What are best practices in gender inclusive housing? How do you approach this topic with the public? with staff? -Alex

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Maybe take a quick dip?

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Agree with see the ocean!  I would also like to purchase some Maine swag for my wife and kids. 

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Agree with see the ocean!  I would also like to purchase some Maine swag for my wife and kids. 

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We are always looking at how we can be more than a "trip".  Our biggest challenge is providing programming that becomes interwoven into the schools curriculum.

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We are always looking at how we can be more than a "trip".  Our biggest challenge is providing programming that becomes interwoven into the schools curriculum.

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Recently we have started a pilot program to provide leadership in Place-Based/Project-Based learning.  We are also entering a partnership with a local college to develop a program that provides cross-curriculum/interdisciplinary/topic-based education. 

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Recently we have started a pilot program to provide leadership in Place-Based/Project-Based learning.  We are also entering a partnership with a local college to develop a program that provides cross-curriculum/interdisciplinary/topic-based education. 

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Best practices for having staff and board represent the communities we serve

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Culturally Responsive & Inclusive Programming

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Culturally Responsive & Inclusive Programming

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The field of environmental education stems mainly from a white, Eurocentric, middle and upper class relationship with the natural world. How can our programs better serve our audiences and have their stories incorporated and celebrated?

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As a desert rat, I crave good East Coast seafood and beer. :)

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Will prices ever come down? How do I justify the situation to donors? How do I find new donors despite the challenging times?

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Making the time, being strategic, including everyone on our team, best practices for reaching our different constituencies

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New approaches to incorporating environmental learning into teacher preparation programs 

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New approaches to incorporating environmental learning into teacher preparation programs 

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Systems for performance based wage increases/bonuses. 

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Systems for performance based wage increases/bonuses. 

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I'd like to discuss what system folks are using to evaluate and determine performance based raises or bonuses. Specifically:
- What does the evaluation look like
- What criteria do you use to assess performance (ratings vs. longevity. vs. demonstrated competency growth, etc.)
- How do you ensure consistency across the organization
- What checks are in place to ensure fairness
- How do you train managers
- Best practices for communicating the system to staff
Colleen F (Eagle Bluff ELC)

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School bookings down significantly from pre-covid levels. Best practices for marketing to new schools or gaining back lost schools. 

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School bookings down significantly from pre-covid levels. Best practices for marketing to new schools or gaining back lost schools. 

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Colleen F (Eagle Bluff ELC)

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Having trouble finding good, qualified candidates as well as retaining them over seasonal contracts. Best practices for networking, resources for recruitment & how to incentivize returning seasonal employees

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Looking forward to seeing some of those beautiful forest landscapes against the ocean and waterways!

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I'm interested in a conversation about sourcing food for dining halls and on site farms for production.  What's working for you and what's not working.  Is growing your own food doable and efficient?
Scotty F

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In what innovative ways are RELCs using architecture and design to reinforce learning? Build relationship to/with place and people? Develop a sense of interconnectedness?

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Need broader language and a larger Frame

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Need broader language and a larger Frame

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Follow up to Jen's topic above...
Our work is so much more than what the general public thinks of when they hear 'education'.  We are bigger than the 'classes' we offer.  We are LIFE itself...that is, living, eating, learning, exploring, sleeping, connecting, growing (add more words HERE) together over several days.  We need bigger words for our work.  At Tremont, we have adopted the language of Regenerative Education, which complements our plans for a center with regenerative architecture, on land we manage with regenerative agriculture.  That is, practices that not only don't deplete energy, resources, spirits, curiosity, etc., but instead, they result in more life, more diversity, more ideas, more wonder, questions, and in general, a more sustainable existence.

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Hey colleagues, Portland Explorer is willing to book a private driving tour of lighthouses for sometime before we check in for the conference on 1/13 for up to 11 people. Total cost would be $399 so the more the cheaper. If you're interested, let me know asap. I probably need to book it by the end of the week. Thanks! Colin Waite - Tucson, AZ cwaite@arizona.edu or call/text (520) 869-3797

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Would love to get some instruments, drums, shakers, and make a joyful noise at some point!

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Where are folks finding staff for seasonal instructional positions? Where are those staff coming from, schooling or other industries? How do we advertise these seasonal jobs accurately and showcase the desirable qualities of Outdoor Ed? Why do people want to work for you? What does your hiring process look like from advertisement to arrival?

On-site staff housing, living where you work, and the type of company culture created through that dynamic. How does it evolve and what factors influence that positively and negatively?

We love our staff so much. How can we make them feel that? Sharing tactics to best support staff during their own journey of learning and growing through challenges, and how their own mental health and wellbeing comes into play every day. Staff appreciation and retention tools

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There are so many SaaS systems for small and large business that handle payroll, scheduling, etc, but shifting from "the old method" to new technologies is difficult especially when people are set in their ways and are reticent to learn new approaches. Additionally, many of these new systems do make work easier and more streamlined, but require so much acquired knowledge it can very easily become a full time job! How can we cut out the noise and use technology to our advantage?

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Maintaining relevance in a changing eco-tourism landscape. 

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Maintaining relevance in a changing eco-tourism landscape. 

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How do we maintain partnerships, work to build new ones, and forge ahead when the educational/learning vacation landscape is becoming increasingly crowded?

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Is anyone using Carvers Policy Governance model at their center? I’m exploring this model with our current Board President and Vice President and we’re all very excited about what we are learning. We would love to hear from another RELC about their experience with it. What are the pros and cons and how did you transition.

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How does social-emotional learning show up in RELC programs? Would love to get some common language around SEL and hear how programs are implicitly embedding SEL into their curriculum. Would love to also brainstorm ways to move from the implicit to the explicit.

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Our organization allows staff to self-select to share their pronouns and include them on their nametags. Curious as to whether others do this, if they have experienced any pushback from schools/guests related to this specifically and how they have worked through it, or what the plan is if there is ever negativity from guests.

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Any accredited programs, or programs with aspirations toward accreditation--anyone have interest in talking through some of the standards or sharing any nascent challenges/ sage advice related to the visit process?