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).

NATWC would like to use this opportunity to welcome two new members to the Board of Directors: Lorri Hanna and Terry Collins.

Terry Collins is the Director of Operations at Academy Programs located in Fairmont, West Virginia and Lorri Hanna is the Co-Founder, President and Executive Director of Soltreks located in Two Harbors, Minnesota.  Both Terry and Lorri bring a wealth of diverse experience to NATWC.  Under the leadership of Steve Cockerham, Board Chair and with the support of the seated Members of the Board Terry and Lorri seek to bring the mission of  NATWC to therapeutic wilderness camps across the country and beyond.

Welcome Lorri and Terry. It is a pleasure to have you serve with us.

The NATWC 2010 Winter Newsletter, Around the Campfire, is available.

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

• NATWC New Member Service by: Linda Tatsapaugh
  NATWC has just launched a new service for our members. Our website now has a central calender for finding the many trainings and conferences…
• Welcome Back by: Phillip Rogers, Assistant Editor
  Well, now that our first newsletter was such a huge success how do we follow up? The only way possible is with a second!
• Winter in the Wilderness by: Steve Cockerham, Editor
  I remember going backpacking during the winter holidays. There is just something about backpacking in the winter that awakens the spirit of challenge…
• In Focus: Talisman Camps
  History, Philosophy and Profiles…

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

To submit a proposal, complete and return the form to the address listed in the document by April 30, 2010.  Please download and complete the following form for more information:  Call for Papers and Presenters

Conference details are on the NATWC Conference page here!

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.

We encourage members to let us know what’s out there.  If your program is doing a workshop that is open to others, you can spread the wealth of knowledge, and offset some of your training costs, too.  Smaller programs may be able to connect and share the cost of expensive trainings.  National and regional events put on by other organizations will be posted as well.  Members will be given priority, but we want to be as comprehensive as possible for the benefit of our members, so outside listings may be accepted as well.

All listings must be events that are open to others.  Consider offering a discount for NATWC members, and extend the value of membership for all.  To submit a listing, check out the Trainings page, and then go to the Contact page to send it in.  Thanks for sharing!