If you have an presentation you would like to have considered, you may contact Angie as well.  There are still two slots available.

Thanks!!

Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University >>

The dates for the conference remain the same – September 19-21.  Updated conference information will be available by June 25, 2010.  As always, questions or comments can be directed to Angie Senic Shockely at asenic@eckerd.org or by calling 304-308-1571.

In an effort to relocate the conference, I have spent a good deal of time in Nashville and I have to comment on how impressed I have been with the cooperative efforts of the people and businesses in the Nashville area.  They have worked very closely to help each other recover from the devastating flood, said to be the worst in 100 years.  It only solidified Nashville as a perfect home for the NATWC Conference.  Service to community and caring about our colleagues are at the heart of NATWC, and I don’t know that I’ve seen a better example of these values than Nashville, TN over the past several months.

We are excited for the conference and have several wonderful presentations lined up.  We will once again have international representation at the conference and are excited to be a part of worldwide growth in outdoor and wilderness therapeutic programming.  There will also be ample opportunities for networking and socializing so that the best ideas can be shared!  We look forward to seeing you in Nashville!

Nashville Marriott Vanderbilt

Located on the Vanderbilt University campus, Marriott Nashville is one of the area’s premier hotels. Offering outstanding accommodations on the city’s West End Avenue, guests will enjoy this Nashville luxury hotel’s proximity to Vanderbilt Medical Center Hospital, area universities, downtown Nashville, Centennial Park and the famed Parthenon. In addition, this luxury hotel in Nashville offers a wide array of amenities designed to make the time guests spend with us even better. They include: Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the hotel, 32-inch flat-panel TVs, upgraded bath amenities and sophisticated furnishings. Our Nashville luxury hotel’s two Concierge levels and private lounge provide additional amenities. While at Marriott Nashville, guests can enjoy our indoor pool, savor the tantalizing contemporary American cuisine served in Latitude or host a flawless event at our state-of-the-art conference space. Experience an exceptional luxury hotel in Nashville, TN, and discover all that Music City has to offer.

Another certification that parties involved in planning a child’s educational future is whether or not they have academic credibility as well. Look for the endorsement by the state and regional accreditation surveyor like SACS or another region specific service.

NATWC, IECA , and NATSAP do a solid job in presenting  and reporting on the latest successes in program accreditation, both sound resources.

The more questions you ask when you are planning the path for a child and their family the better. Educate yourself on the pros and con’s of each school or program, and then ask more questions!!!!

Stay in touch!!!!

The NATWC 2010 Spring Newsletter, Around the Campfire, is now available.

Inside this issue you’ll find articles and photos such as:

• The New NATWC by: Steve Cockerham, Editor
• Soltreks: A Woman’s Journey; Letter by a Soltreks participant
• In Focus: Academy Programs

“I began to create a vision of how I might work to shape my life into something more whole, more healthy…”

Download and read the 2010 Spring NATWC Newsletter (PDF file).

Conference details are on the NATWC Conference page here!  As always, you may contact Angie Senic Shockley directly with any questions or comments. And, if you subscribe to the NATWC website you’ll receive the updates via email automatically when they are published.

Sandy will be available throughout the conference to introduce NATWC to non-members. NATWC is offering a special membership for Educational Consultants and Sandy will be at the conference to let you know all about it.

Stop by the NATWC booth at the Swap and chat with Sandy and while you’re there look for the other NATWC members who will be in attendance at IECA: Linda Tatsapaugh, Talisman Camps; Steve Cockerham, ETSU; Jeff Holloway, Aspen Education; and Holly Hunter, SafePassage Adolescent Services.

• Individual therapy, also known as talk therapy
• Gender-specific group therapy
• Family therapy

Teens who enter a residential program will generally participate in all of these, along with group exercises to build communication, cooperation, and coping skills. The most important aspect of any therapeutic program is regular evaluation of the therapy’s efficacy, or effectiveness.

You can read the rest of the article at Eckerd Academy here.

The conference is being held on Jekyll Island at the Villas by the Sea Resort.  Conference rates for room/condo reservations are still available.

There are many training opportunities available during the conference and CEUs will be awarded.  The Annual NATWC Challenge is an opportunity for you and your company/program to shine as we compete in running, biking and swimming events.  The Board of Directors will be hosting a cookout and networking event on Sunday evening.  Eckerd Division of Private Academies is hosting a Low Country Boil on Tuesday evening – featuring delicious food prepared by “chef in hiding” Tim McMahon.

We will also be honoring one of our founding members on Tuesday afternoon.  Don’t miss this opportunity to thank a legend of outdoor treatment in person!

If you have any questions . . . get in touch with Angie Senic Shockley at asenic@eckerd.org or 304-308-1571.

The Executive Board is made up of: Linda Tatsapaugh, Chairman; Steve Cockerham, Vice Chairman; Micah Wheat, Treasurer; and Sandy Schmiedeknecht, Secretary.  For more information on these and the other Board Members go to the new page dedicated to the Board of Directors and spend some time getting to know your Board.