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 Workshops
Taking place on Saturday (Jan 15) and Sunday (Jan 16), Field Workshops offer an opportunity to learn firsthand at nature education sites while connecting with your professional peers. Transportation is provided.
Most Field Workshops are from 9am to 12pm; times are listed in the descriptions. If the workshop ends at noon, you will eat lunch onsite at McDowell. Workshops that go past noon include a sack lunch.
You will need to select your Field Workshop choices when you register. Please note that space in Field Workshops is limited — we encourage you to register today so that you have your first pick of programs.
Camp McDowell: Behind the Scenes Tour
9am-12pm
Join us for an in-depth behind-the-scenes tour of McDowell! Learn about the five programs under the Camp McDowell organization umbrella and see how these programs share our 1,100 acre campus, and just one office building! We’ll stop by many of the campus buildings, each of our three dining halls, and our educational program’s seasonal housing (we know you’re curious!).
Farm Tour with McDowell Farm School
9am-12pm
Join Scotty Feltman, Director of McDowell Farm School, for a tour of our educational farm. During the tour, Scotty will introduce you to our livestock and discuss our rotational grazing systems and how it supports our programming with students. We’ll spend time in the garden spaces where you’ll get an in depth understanding of our composting systems and mixed vegetable production practices. Are you thinking about incorporating farming into your center or want a behind the scenes look at what it takes to make all this work? Maybe you want to hang out with some pigs. Here’s your chance! The majority of this tour will be spent outside and you might get a little bit dirty.
Participants must wear closed toe shoes.
McDowell High Ropes Experience
9am-12pm
Experience all three High Ropes Elements (climbing wall, trust swing, and power pole) we offer our guests at McDowell Environmental Center! These high ropes elements are taught and facilitated by trained instructors. Soar through the air, climb to new heights, and get your adrenaline pumping!
Participants must wear closed toe shoes.
McDowell Forests & Canyons Hike
9am-12pm
Take a hike with McDowell Environmental Center staff to see the forests, streams, waterfalls, and canyons that make Camp McDowell so beautiful and diverse. We’ll start by crossing the swinging bridge over Clear Creek, a McDowell must do, and explore the trails across the creek, along the way discussing the unique ecology and geology of this area. Along the way, we’ll see a reclaimed coal mine and discuss the impacts the coal mining in the area has had on the land.
This hike is approximately 2.5 miles, with some steep, narrow, and rocky spots, along with two ladders (up and down).
Canoeing on Clear Creek
9am-12pm
Join the staff from McDowell Environmental Center for a short canoe trip. Learn about the endemic species of our watershed and the history of Clear Creek as we explore the canyon by water! With no rapids or challenging sections, this enjoyable and easy canoe trip offers a unique perspective of McDowell. We’ll end with a short hike to the Clear Creek dam and a sandy beach, just downstream.
Participants must wear closed toe shoes.
Bankhead National Forest Hike
8:45am-12:45pm, a sack lunch will be provided
Take a hike in the Bankhead National Forest / Sipsey Wilderness, nicknamed “the land of 1,000 waterfalls.” Led by staff from Wild Alabama, a local non-profit dedicated to inspiring people to enjoy, value, and protect the wild places of Alabama through education, stewardship, and advocacy. Along the way, we’ll discuss the flora and fauna of the area, and the history of how the largest wilderness area in the state came to be.
This hike is approximately 4 miles round trip, including narrow trails, rocky sections, and elevation changes.
Fossil Site History & Search (Saturday only)
9am-12:30pm, a sack lunch will be provided
Join Dr. Bill Deutsch, author of Ancient Life in Alabama, to explore a 315 million year old fossil track site full of well preserved fossils just 30 minutes from McDowell. Unearthed in now abandoned coal mines, you'll get a chance to dig around for your own fossils and learn the history of the most prolific source of vertebrate trackways of its age in the world. After some time searching, Bill will help us ID the fossils we’ve found.
Participants will need to wear long pants and sturdy, closed toe shoes.
Unless otherwise noted, each Field Workshop is offered on both Saturday and Sunday.
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