The Outdoor School Summit is a conference like no other. If there is one professional development opportunity that is a must-have for anyone in this industry, this is it!
— Summit Participant
Sessions
Open Space Sessions
The Outdoor School Summit uses an "Open Space" system to conduct conference sessions. On Saturday of the Summit, 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 session 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. These sessions are not presentations followed by questions and answers, nor the place where the facilitator is expected to answer all of the questions. Such sessions 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 collaboratively create your 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.
Open Space sessions were highly effective for this group of people. This was my first time experiencing this type of collaboration and it is by far the most value I've ever received from a conference.
— Summit Participant
Facilitated Discussions
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.
We are currently accepting proposals for Facilitated Discussions. Learn about submitting a proposal here.
Field Trips
Taking place on Saturday (Jan 15) and Sunday (Jan 16), Field Trips offer a unique opportunity to explore nature education sites in the region alongside your peers. Transportation is provided. We will post detailed Field Trip information in August.
Networking
Here's where you can build a network of professional relationships that will strengthen your work throughout the year — but don't worry, you won't be milling about in a stuffy environment. The culture of the Summit is engaging, welcoming, and fun, and those qualities shine in our evening networking activities.
Great to focus on professional development with my EXACT peers — they truly get it.
— Summit Participant