Part 1: Forest Play: Curiosity Inspired Learning

5/1/2025 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Dave Verhulst

This is part 1 of a 2 part workshop. Please register for both part 1 and 2. Rediscover your childlike passion for the world and join us for a fun day of exploring nature and building connections. Grounded in the rhythms of the natural world, Forest Play is a successful outdoor program running in Canmore for 12 years. In this experiential session, Dave will share some of the core elements of the program that help children connect to nature, self, and others. In this 2 part workshop, you will:

• rediscover a child-like passion for the natural world

• experience what it is like to participate in a program based on the Coyote mentoring model

• be introduced to the natural learning cycle and essential routines that ground and reconnect us with the natural world.

From Play to Leadership: Empowering Youth through Recreation Opportunities

5/1/2025 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Presenter: Kaitlyn Mitchell

Youth recreation programs do more than just provide fun activities—they shape future leaders. Join us as we explore how recreation-based leadership opportunities empower youth to build confidence, develop skills, and become champions for wellness in their schools and communities. You'll hear from Sabrina, a young leader whose journey through a youth recreation leadership program led to her current role on the Ever Active Schools Youth Advisory Council. Sabrina will share her experiences, insights, and the impact of youth-driven wellness leadership. We'll also highlight the Youth Wellness Leadership Training available to help young people take action and lead the way in promoting active, healthy lifestyles.

Leaders in Training: Our Next Generation of Leadership

5/1/2025 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM

Presenter: Will Drake and Ange Moulaison-Doucette

Join us for an engaging workshop about a Leaders in Training (LIT) Program, where we'll explore the value of mentorship and leadership development in youth recreation. This session highlights:

•    The importance of Leaders in Training programs in developing confident future leaders while also supporting the growth of current camp leaders and supervisors.

•    How we have successfully established our LIT program and the key steps in its development and evolution.

•    How we transition LITs into Camp Leaders, ensuring a pathway from training to employment in recreation.

Whether you're looking to start an LIT program or enhance an existing one, this workshop will provide practical insights and best practices to support youth leadership in your community.

Understanding Neurodiversity: Embracing Inclusion and Accessibility

5/2/2025 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Presenter: Hannah Friedenberg

Neurodiversity recognizes that people experience and interact with the world in diverse ways, and embracing these differences is key to fostering truly inclusive spaces. This session explores neurodiversity and invisible disabilities, providing insights into common neurotypes such as ADHD, Autism, and ADHD, as well as coexisting experiences like sensory processing differences and executive dysfunction. Participants will gain practical strategies for creating inclusive programs and facilities, from clear communication techniques to promoting self-advocacy and reducing barriers. Whether you’re a recreation professional, educator, or community leader, this session will equip you with tools to better support neurodiverse individuals and build environments where everyone can thrive.