The Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) is the only association focused solely on professional development and best practices for administrators of nature centers, overnight outdoor schools, and environmental learning centers.
The ANCA Outdoor School Summit brings together leaders from organizations that understand the unique opportunities and challenges of operating multi-day residential programs. By connecting professionals who share responsibilities such as providing lodging and food for participants, the Summit creates a collaborative environment for solving common challenges and building lasting professional relationships.
The Outdoor School Summit is designed to maximize collaboration and peer learning through two types of sessions: Open Space and Facilitated Discussions.
Open Space sessions are participant-driven. At the beginning of the Summit, attendees suggest topics they would like to discuss, and the group collectively builds the agenda for the following two days. These conversations focus on the issues, ideas, and challenges that matter most to participants.
Facilitated Discussions are planned in advance and led by experienced facilitators. These sessions provide structured opportunities to explore topics of broad interest and share effective practices. In these 90-minute sessions, all participants contribute to the discussion. Facilitators guide the dialogue but do not give a formal presentation.
Facilitated Discussion Proposals
This year, we are excited to invite participants to submit proposals in advance for Facilitated Discussions.
We will select a limited number of Facilitated Discussions and are interested in sessions on the following topics:
- Advocacy and civic engagement
- Budgeting and finances
- Facility management
- Fundraising
- Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Marketing and communications
- Outdoor School for All
- Program management and evaluation
- Risk management
- School partnerships
- Staff recruitment and retention
- Universal/accessible design and ADA compliance
Facilitated Discussions will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, January 16.
How to Submit a Proposal
Use the following form to submit a Facilitated Discussion proposal. The deadline for program proposals is October 2.
If your proposal is accepted, you will be asked to facilitate the discussion. You will have an additional opportunity to finalize session information after you receive your acceptance notice.
Please note that all facilitators must register and pay for the Summit as Participants or Sponsors.
If you have any questions or want to discuss your idea for a Facilitated Discussion, please contact ANCA Director or Programs & Member Services Daniel Auer at