We always want to provide opportunities that are accessible to all our members, near & far, so our Keynote will be a virtual event. Friday evening, we will gather online to hear from our inspiring Keynote speaker: Joanne Duncan Principal, Ida Nason Aronica Elementary School . ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH in-person 10:30 AM - 3 PM* (* + more optional activities - see below)
This Fall, Bainbridge Island, WA will be the site of our in-person gathering, offering us everything from Puget Sound views with nearby hiking, walking, and relaxing in nature opportunities, to delicious dining options, as well as a variety of shops and bookstores. Plus, the incredible Bainbridge Island Art Museum is well worth the visit - with a kids museum, too.
TRAVEL TO Bainbridge Island, WA Whether by WA State Ferry or via the Peninsula, make your travel plans now. Camping at Fay Bainbridge is by reservation. Although early November isn't the busiest time of year for camping on the island, it's still a good idea to book your tent site, RV site, or cabin now.
Networks That Flourish (and how we cultivate them) will be the focal point of our time together this year. Although there is widespread interest in outdoor nature-based learning (ONbL), and all the stakeholders involved want the same thing at the core: safe, nurturing environments, where children have an opportunity to thrive and learn and grow... Even so, the gap in understanding logistics and best practices persists. We want to take steps to bridge that gap by cultivating common language and fostering clear communication and understanding with people in all the sectors of support, from partnering agencies to community members to funders to the parents & caregivers of the families we serve. The WaNPA Symposium this year is focused on creating thriving networks that support young learners in nature. As always, our Symposium will be a place where we learn together.