Alabama Nature Teachers and Schools (ANTS) is an amazing new organization whose goal is to promote the love of the wild and the teaching of its value through nature-based education. ANTS brings together nature-based educators and schools across the state to join minds and initiatives for a better collaborative and inclusive state-wide nature-education effort.
ANTS will hold an inaugural conference this August to establish the organization and develop strategies for achieving its goals.
| WHERE | Camp McDowell, Nauvoo, Alabama |
| WHEN | August 12 – 14, 2022 |
| WHO | You are welcome to join the conference if: • You teach or administer a nature-based school. • You hope to start a nature-based school. • You are a parent of a child who is enrolled in a nature education program or you would love to see that happen! • You are interested in learning more about nature-based education. • You have read David Sobel’s work and are a fan! |
Tentative Agenda
Friday, August 12th
| 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Check-in | Camp McDowell Camp Store |
| 5:00 PM | Wine and charcuterie social | Phifer Hall |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner | TBD |
| 7:00 PM | Community Gathering, Explanation of Open Space Agenda | Phifer Hall |
Saturday, August 13th
| Before breakfast options: Yoga, hike, farm tour | ||
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast | |
| 9:00 – 10:15 AM | Keynote with David Sobel | Phifer Hall |
| 10:45 – 11:45 AM | Open Space Agenda Session #1 | Phifer Hall |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch | |
| 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Open Space Agenda Session #2 | Phifer Hall |
| 2:15 – 3:10 PM | Open Space Agenda Session #3 | Phifer Hall |
| 3:20 – 4:15 PM | Open Space Agenda Session #4 | Phifer Hall |
| 4:15 – 6:00 PM | Free time: Swim, Hike to Tiller’s swimming hole, Canoe, Hike across the swinging bridge | |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner | |
| 7:00 PM | Community Gathering, Music, Storytelling |
Sunday, August 14th
| 7:00 AM | Yoga | |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast | |
| 9:00 – 11:00 AM | Workshop with David Sobel | |
| 11:00 | Closing | Phifer Hall |