Leading Effective Adventure Programs Conference

We are pleased to announce the dates for our annual LEAP Conference 2024. LEAP brings together a wide range of adventure educators - from those using challenge courses at outdoor centres to those facilitating experiential education in the classroom. Our LEAP Conference provides our clients with access to leading presenters and workshop leaders in the experiential learning and adventure programming field. The LEAP Conference also provides opportunities for participants to share best practices while networking with other like-minded experiential educators.

We are pleased to welcome Chris Cavert back as our Playnote Leader and Feature Speaker. Dr. Chris Cavert is an internationally known adventure educator, speaker, blogger, podcaster, and trainer. He is a recipient of the AEE Karl Rohnke Creativity Award and has authored over a dozen team-building activity books. He focuses his teaching and training on how adventure education activities are used to develop pro-social skills in all ages.

"Inspiring. Very motivational, and an amazing reminder of why we do what we do."

Pre-Conference with Dr. Chris Cavert

Start LEAP early! Join us on February 28, 2024 for an afternoon workshop with our feature presenter Chris Cavert.

In this fun-filled afternoon, Chris will explore with us Foundations and Futures. Programming and navigating teambuilding programs are what we do – it’s not always easy, but we keep at it. For every program we are determined to make the “Perfect Try” (Rohnke), and “When we know better, we do better.” (Angelou). We keep going, supported by strong foundations and the hope for amazing futures. Let’s play together and explore how we keep going. What are our roles? What is our purpose? How will we help? How will we inspire? What’s the next drop we add to make more ripples of change? Everyone is welcome to join the conversation, grow, and have some fun!

Workshops

Purposeful Program Design

Dr. Chris Cavert, FunDoing

Experience easy-to-use tools for practicing purposeful programming for team-building experiences. Discover the 'Activity Determination Scale' (ADS) to help with sequencing and the “F.U.N.” Program Design model to blend activities on macro and micro levels. Considerations for educational roles, activity formations, props, transitions, and purposeful processing will also prepare you for purposeful programming. All facilitator experience levels can benefit from this hands-on, interactive workshop.

Inspection & Retirement of Climbing Equipment

Igor Stomp, Eyolf

Pre-use inspection and periodic monitoring of your challenge course and climbing equipment is an essential part of your risk management system. Learn directly from the manufacturer about the correct inspection procedures and retirement criteria for your life safety equipment.  Join Igor Stomp, President of Eyolf for this informative workshop.

New Ones I know and Use!

Dr. Chris Cavert, FunDoing

Join Chris for a FUN handful of new team-building activities (and one high-impact variation of a classic) suitable for almost any group. Low props, useful talking points, and high engagement. All facilitator experience levels are welcome.

Up to Standard: A Panel Discussion about Current Industry Standards

Brian Lisson, Adventureworks Associates, Inc. & Panel Members from ACCT, OPHEA & TSSA

Do you wonder what standards apply to your adventure program? Do you require a deeper understanding as to what the standards are really telling you? Attend this panel discussion and get your questions answered. While all applicable standards can be discussed, there will be a focus on ACCT, OPHEA,TSSA Zip Line Standards.  The panel presentation will be moderated by Brian Lisson, and will include Kathy Haras, speaking about ACCT Standards as well representatives from OPHEA and the TSSA.

Play Prologue

Dr. Chris Cavert, FunDoing

Stay and play just a little longer with ‘All Kindsa Cards.’ Simple props are powerful tools for deep connections. Chris will show you a handful of his go-to print-n-plays used for icebreakers, creative thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. And what you use is what you get – access printable downloads after the fun.

Tips & Tricks: Climbing Like A Builder

Matt Speer, Adventureworks Associates, Inc.

Challenge Course Facilitators climb to complete daily set-up, periodic monitoring, retrieve lost lazy lines and to execute rescues and assists. Matt will share some tips and tricks from the building site for climbing and positioning efficiently while at height. Be prepared to learn how to make your work easier by minimizing your effort while maximizing your efficiently. Matt will share strategies for moving and balancing more effectively while show casing some strategies using equipment that’s already on your harness!