2025 West Regional Conference
Welcome to our West Regional conference, where we will be embracing the themes of healing and resilience, especially in the wake of the wildfires that have affected our Southern California community. As we come together, we celebrate not only our ability to bounce back from challenges but also the strength we find in each other. This event is a space for connection, growth, and renewal, where we support one another on our unique healing journeys and build a resilient future. We invite you to come engage, learn, and share much needed laughter and fun as we rise stronger together
Kym 831-234-2046
SCHEDULE:
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Friday April 25 |
Description |
Location |
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2:00-4:00 pm |
Registration and Lodging Check-in |
Community Room |
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4:00-4:30 pm |
Welcome and Orientation |
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4:30-6:00 pm |
Connection and Teambuilding Activity |
Car build (Fulcrum) |
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6:00-7:00 pm |
Dinner |
Community Room |
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7:00-10:00 pm |
Games, Small Group Activities, and Free Time |
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Saturday April 26 |
Description |
Location(s) |
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7:30-9:00 am |
Registration Check-in & Breakfast |
Community Room |
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9:00-9:30 am |
Opening Announcements or Activities |
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9:30 am-12:30 pm |
Open Space & Learning Sessions |
Field Space |
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12:30-1:30 pm |
Lunch |
Community Room |
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1:30-2:15 pm |
Keynote |
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2:15-2:30 pm |
Break and Networking |
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2:30-6:00 pm |
Open Space & Learning Sessions |
Field Space |
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6:00-7:00 pm |
Dinner |
Community Room |
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7:00-10:00 pm |
Fireside Stories, Star Walk, Games, Free Time |
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Sunday April 27 |
Description |
Location(s) |
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7:30-9:00 am |
Breakfast and Networking |
Community Room |
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9:30 am-12:15 pm |
Group Hike, Activities and Packed Lunches |
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12:15-12:30 pm |
Group Closing |
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WRAEE Planning Team Session, Closing, & Community Clean-up |
LODGING:
Lodging is included with registration fees!!
On-Site Lodging: Max 60 in beds on site overnight. Additional camping spaces are available.
Overnight guests need to bring a pillow, sleeping bag, and towel.
Site info:
Lawler Alpine Cabins are rustic Adirondack-style cabins. The compound has six cabins with bunks that house up to 10 people each. Hikers, climbers, and explorers will be amazed by the natural beauty of the San Jacinto mountains, which feature magnificent mature forests and incredible large rock formations. Year-round adventure awaits with each different season, bringing snow in the winter, incredible spring blooms, vivid fall colors, and cooler summer days.
• Hiking: River, Forest, Mountain
• Commercial Kitchen
• Community Room
• Heated Living Quarters
• Fireplace inside, Fire Ring outside
• Field for activities and sports
• Pure Artesian Well Water for drinking, cooking, bathing
• Hot water in restrooms, showers, and kitchen
• Seasonal River
Lodging is included with registration fees!!
Registration Rates
One-Day - $45
Includes conference programming for the selected day and meal(s) for that day:
Entire Conference (3 Days)
Includes conference programming for all three days and meals/lodging for the entire event:
Early Bird Registration (expires 3/31/25)
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AEE Member – $75
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Not-Yet-AEE Member – $85
Regular Registration
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AEE Member – $85
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Not-Yet-AEE Member – $95
Student Registration
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AEE Member – $30
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Not-Yet-AEE Member – $35
SERVICE CREW:
Want to save on registration? Volunteer on the West Service Crew team! Email us if you are interested in learning more wraeeconference@gmail.com . NOTE: DO NOT REGISTER UNTIL YOU RECEIVE THE DISCOUNT CODE. If you register prior to hearing back from us, you will NOT be refunded for the difference.
Scholarships
For folks with financial needs, please consider applying for one of our scholarships. Scholarships are funded by the donations AEE receives into the scholarship fund annually and therefore, may not cover the complete cost of registration. All applications must be submitted by March 31st, 2025.
Kim DeWit has been successfully integrating experiential education techniques in and out of her earth science, Spanish, and now accelerated English classes for over 15 years. While she currently resides in Boise, Idaho, she is originally from Carmel Valley, California in our region. She shares that it is because of the wise counsel and encouragement of her father, along with the general support and love of her mother, that she became a teacher after returning from the Peace Corps. She believes her success as an instructor is connected to incorporating EE, which encourages individual thinking, teamwork, collaboration, and self-esteem, all of which are crucial elements for successful learners.
She says: "After I graduated from high school my only plan was to join the Peace Corps. Once I got back from that experience I had no plan, no idea what I would do next. I returned to the Monterey Peninsula and got a job as a kayaking tour guide. It was my dad who helped me realize that education would be a good fit for me.... my dad passed away in 2013 after a steady decline, and my mom followed unexpectedly just a year later in 2014. As their only child I want their names and legacy to be carried into the future. For this reason I want to support students who are interested in any of the fields where experiential education can be found. Follow your passions, make your lives what you want them to be, and share your enthusiasm".
Donations
Donate to the AEE West Region!
Regions play a significant role in AEE by providing opportunities for members in a particular geographic region to learn and grow together. Regions meet regularly (in person or via Zoom!) to plan Regional events and generally work to elevate the capacity of Experiential Education in a particular geographic area. Regions are staffed entirely by volunteers who work hard to bring educational events to the community.
Please consider supporting the West Region with a donation!
Silent Auction
Showcase your product/service AND support the West Region by making a tax deductible donation to our silent auction!
If you are interested in donating something to the auction, please e-mail us wraeeconference@gmail.com
Donation Examples:
- Active Gear (water bottles, towels, etc)
- Outdoor Gear (hiking poles, backpacks, etc)
- Consulting Services
- Facilitator Games & Props
- Adventure/Educational Courses
- Clothing Items (jackets, hoodies, hats, etc)
- Books and other educational items
- Snacks (bars, candy, trail mix etc.)