CAEE 2024 Conference eeVoices: The Power of Stories

Join us for a lunchtime discussion of stories that uncover the contributions of ethnically and culturally diverse individuals to the advancement of the Natural Resource Industry. The objective of these narratives is to provide a counter-narrative to curriculum that often forgets or pushes these events or contributions to the margins.

Learn some new team building activities for small groups, large groups, and all ages. These activities are based on the Training Wheels team building activities developed by Michelle Cummings. Come play AND Learn!

Join us for engaging Brighspots to learn about three innovative programs.  Each presentation will be approximately 15 minutes with 15 minutes for questions at the end.

Trout in the Classroom-  Miles Groth, Ute Pass Elementary
Trout in the Classroom is a nationwide program sponsored by Trout Unlimited where students raise trout throughout the year from egg to fingerling before releasing them into a local creek. There are many opportunities for students to learn about water health, fish biology, watersheds, water chemistry and much more in a hands on way.

Connecting Latino Families to Nature- Alicia Lamfers and Jenny Tebbs, Calwood Education Center
Multilingual and multicultural groups have historically been underrepresented in outdoor programming and recreation. Cal-Wood Education Center set a goal to offer unique environmental experiences to those that would not otherwise experience nature and the Colorado mountains. Learn from how we engaged community organizations and intentionally developed programs for Latino families, growing from one family camp to 40. Discuss how you could replicate this program in your community.

Colorado Envirothon: A Career Technical School Organization for Environmental Sciences- Rose Banzhaf, Envirothon
Colorado Envirothon is a high school teams-based study of wildlife, forestry, aquatics, soil, and a current environmental issue, culminating in a two-day competition. Natural resource experts from numerous agencies share their knowledge and career path opportunities. We’ll explore how Envirothon will be a Career Technical School Organization in the upcoming years.

How we take care of ourselves physically and mentally is just as important as how we engage with visitors in our programs and the world around us. Learn techniques to care for your well-being. Take away strategies to help yourself and others feel more present and grounded.

How do you create wonder in your science education and EE programs? We will discuss and practice how to use props, pictures, observations and more. This interactive session is applicable to early career professionals, staff and volunteer trainers and anyone who wants to hone their skills and share their techniques.

We all have a story to tell! Nature inspires and provides the setting for any story. Learn how storytelling, picture books, loose parts, mindfulness, play, and joy support children in sharing their stories as they build community with each other and the world around them.