THE “101 CONFERENCE” AT YMCA CAMP KERN

Friday October 4th to Sunday October 6th, 2002

Peace with the planet….

Challenges to us, society, and the environment.

Please join us this year for our 28th annual workshop/conference. Enjoy a weekend outdoor education workshop designed to provide teachers (classroom as well as outdoor educators) with new activity ideas, inspiration, and a chance to meet other educators.

The theme this year is: “Peace with the planet. Challenges to us, society, and the environment.” Through our sessions, guest presenters, and other activities, we will explore various challenges people have faced both historically and presently. As with all 101 conferences, there will be an emphasis on our relationship with the natural world. In the words of one of our presenters: “ We cannot have peace among people without first having peace with the environment.”

This year’s conference features:

o  A Friday evening interactive performance by/with Michael Bashaw of the musical group Puzzle of Light. The audience will participate as a “group ensemble” using multiple instruments, ranging from the conventional to “natural found” objects. Enjoy this evening of good music and inspiration.

o  An optional Canoe/Raft trip on the scenic Little Miami River.

o  Over a dozen small group sessions to chose from. (See session schedule)

o  Dr. James Amon of Wright State University. On Saturday evening he will speak on the successes and challenges of wetland restoration in the Beaver Creek watershed.

Cincinnati Nature Bookstore with plenty of field guides, children’s books, and teaching guides.

o  Good times, rewarding experiences, and fine dining for all.

The cost is $65. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Moran at Camp Kern

Accommodations: We will be using heated cabins with centrally located bathhouses. Cabin sign up occurs during registration. You will need to bring a sleeping bag or bedding and clothes that will allow you to be outside and comfortable in any kind of weather. Guests are not permitted to bring alcohol onto the premises.

College Credit: One semester hour of graduate credit will be available from Ashland University. Fee: $183. Credit will be granted upon completion of all requirements (attending the entire conference and writing a summary of all sessions attended) For more information contact Gary Corn at 513-576-4174 or

Kern Data:

Address: 101 Conference, YMCA Camp Kern 5291 SR 350 Oregonia, OH 45054

Local Phone: 513-932-3756 x27 In Ohio: 1-800-255-5376 x27 Fax: 513-932-8607

e-mail: Web Site: www.campkern.org

Pre-conference Workshops On Friday Oct 4:

Archaeology as a Teaching Tool: Doing the Field Work led by Dr John White. This hands on workshop will show how to use the simplest “ archeology sites” as labs for teaching math, mapping, botany, biology, and writing. Limited to 12 participants. Fee is $35, includes lunch (no dinner) and Dr. White’s book. Workshop runs 9:00am to 4pm.

High Ropes and Rappelling. Led by Russ Wright, Leadership Director at Camp Kern. Participants will experience the challenge of a high ropes course obstacles and rappel off of a 60-foot high tower. Limited to 18 participants. Fee is $40, includes lunch (no dinner). Runs 10:00am to 4pm.

Conference Schedule

Friday Oct. 4

5:15 to 7:00 Registration

7:00 Welcome and Introductions

7:30 to 10:00 Michael Bashaw Performance

10:00 Snack

Saturday Oct. 5

7:00 Bird Hike (optional)

8:00 Breakfast

9:00 to 10:30 Session I

9:00 to 12:00 Canoe/Raft Trip (optional)

10:30 to 12:00 Session II

12:15 Lunch

1:00 to 1:30 Free Time

1:30 to 2:45 Scavenger Hike

3:00 to 4:30 Session III

4:30 Free Time

5:30 Dinner

7:00 Dr. Jim Amon’s Presentation

8:15 Night Stations

10:00 Snack

Sunday Oct. 6

7:00 Bird Hike (optional)

7:30 Light Breakfast

8:00 Chapel

9:00 to 10:30 Session IV

10:45 Brunch and Goodbyes

Sessions:

Low Initiatives Susan Condy, Camp Kern Outdoor Educator

Challenge yourself through a series of team building obstacles. Safety will be emphasized as well as ways to create similar activities in the classroom.

Pioneer Lifestyles Jim Viles, Associate Director of Outdoor Education at Camp Kern

Using a log cabin built in the 1830’s, we will examine pioneer life and how early settlers dealt with (as well as caused) challenges to their society, environment, and very survival. We will emphasize activities that can be replicated in the classroom.

Building a Community in the Classroom Cathy Knoop, 5/6 Grade Science Teacher

For learning to take place, a child must feel that he is part of a caring environment. We will discuss activities that help that help students develop an awareness of self and others so that they can establish a classroom community.

Little Miami River Trip Dave Moran, Miami Valley Project GREEN Note: this trip will take two session times

Enjoy an interpretive float down a scenic section of the Little Miami River. Topics will include water quality monitoring, geology, and local history. We will also explore challenges posed to the river by growing human impacts. We will be using “white water” rafts to insure a safe journey.

Orienteering and Survival Dan Popiella, Camp Kern Outdoor Educator

We will use a simple orienteering and survival course as a tool to teach group cooperation. The emphasis will be on how to put together a similar experience for students in any setting.

A Sense of Place Paul Knoop, Env. Educator, Natural Areas Consultant and Naturalist

A time to become more aware of the importance of being ecologically literate about the places in which we live- the geology, watershed, habitats, wild plants, and animals. This “sense of place” will bring about a greater understanding, appreciation, and, hopefully, a love of the land on which we live.

Time and the River Mark Cervello, Attorney and Anthropology Adjunct at Youngstown State Unv.

A discussion of the birth, development, and cultural use of rivers by prehistoric, early historic, and industrialized human society. Explore the vast influences rivers have on our biological, social, and economic well-being.

The Threats of Invasive Plants in Ohio’s Natural Habitats Jennifer L. Windus, ODNR Division of Wildlife

Invasive, non-native plants are impacting natural habitats throughout Ohio and the Midwest. Although many of these plants were introduced for good purposes, we now find them displacing native plants in woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and savannas. Many of these non-native plants are still available in the nursery industry and used for landscaping, although there are native alternatives available. We will talk about the most invasive, non-native plants in Ohio, how they are impacting natural habitats, and various methods of control. The session will include a Power Point presentation, handouts, plant specimens, and discussion of the topic.

Dirt Made my Lunch Sue Cope & Tracie Trim, Environmental Educators Miami Co. Parks

THANKS DIRT YOU MADE MY LUNCH! Experience the magic of the dirt connection as we transform you into "Dirt Detectives" and meet up with Nature's own "F.B.I. Agents" (fungus, bacteria and invertebrates of course!) as you explore the dirt factories of the forest. Then be prepared to revel in tasting the wild food treats growing throughout the forest and field dirt grocery store (if you have never eaten dirt fresh dandelions or licorice this is your chance!)

Volunteer Panel and Project Kevin Terrell, Camp Kern Outdoor Educator

“So what can I do to help?” We will discuss answers to this often asked question, emphasizing environmentally positive projects that students and adults take on. If time allows, we will move outside for some hands on practice at some simple projects such as tree planting, invasive plant control, erosion prevention, and hopefully more.

A Walking Tour and Lecture at Camp Kern’s “Sun Serpent” Dr. John White, Archaeologist

The archaeologist will discuss the details of the discovery and ultimate significance of these unique prehistoric astronomical markers.

The Elements of Life Tom Shisler, Naturalist at Wahkeena Nature Preserve

Needs or Wants? Many people do not know what makes our planet work (the essentials). During this session we will “discover” the elements of life, energy flow, cycling of materials and interrelationships.

Prehistoric Lithics: Turning Stones to Tools Dr. John White, Archaeologist

A hands-on discussion of prehistoric stone tools. What they were called? What they were used for? This talk will center on questions dealing with why certain rocks were chosen and others rejected and the mechanics of stone tool manufacture.

Population and Natural Resources Cathy & Paul Knoop

Our planet now harbors six billion humans and is adding another billion every 12 to 13 years. We will investigate numerous classroom activities relating to population growth, ecology, carrying capacity, loss of species, etc. Awareness of this issue is basic to a healthy planet.

Creating a Welcoming Garden for Kids and Families Doug Horvath, Interpreter with Five Rivers MetroParks

We will pull examples of the best garden installations and programs from the Children’s Garden at Wegerzyn Garden MetroPark to inspire a fish bowl style discussion on the challenge of creating a welcoming garden for kids and families.

Our State and National Forests of Ohio Standish Fortin, Sierra Club – Ohio Chapter

Ohio’s State and National Forests are the largest contiguous tracks of land in Ohio. For years people have advocated for an End to Commercial Logging on our public lands. As a result of this effort, a few areas have been protected from any extractive industries. Learn the facts about logging our public forests, and how it harms the local economy. We will end this session with a hands on effort to help protect your Forests.

Registration:

You may mail, fax, phone, or e-mail your registration. Conference Registration due by 9/27/02

Name (s):

Address:

e-mail:

Phone:

Please indicate if you are interested in the Saturday afternoon river trip. This is to get a rough idea of how many are going; you can always back out.

I will be going on the river trip Saturday afternoon. ______(yes or no)

Fees: $65 (Sat. only: $60) _____

$35 for Archaeology Pre-conference Session ______$40 for High Challenge Pre-conference Session _____

Total $______Please make checks payable to YMCA Camp Kern.

No confirmation will be sent. You will be notified only if space is not available.

Please be aware that outdoor activities often carry a risk of injuries that may not always be obvious. Please be aware of these risks and your ability. Ask for help when needed in order to eliminate the chances of injury.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN OCTOBER

Directions to Camp Kern:

From North Dayton: I-75 to State Route 63 Monroe/Hamilton (Exit 29). Turn left on OH-63 and proceed East for approximately 7 miles. At the Golden Lamb, continue through light on OH-123 and proceed approximately 4 miles, crossing over I-71. Turn left on State Route 350 (Country Kitchen and Clark Station sit at the corners.) Proceed 2.5 miles to YMCA Camp Kern entrance and turn right.

From Kettering/Centerville: 48 South into Lebanon. Turn left at the Golden Lamb (123 East.) Proceed approximately 4 miles, crossing over I-71. Turn left at State Route 350. (Country Kitchen and Clark Station sit at the corners.) Proceed 2.3 miles to YMCA Camp Kern entrance and turn right.

From Cincinnati: Take I-71 north to State Route 123/Morrow exit, exit 32. Turn right at top of the ramp. Go approximately 100 yards and turn left on State Route 350. (Country Kitchen and Clark Station sit at the corners.) Proceed 2.3 miles to YMCA Camp Kern entrance and turn right.

From Columbus: Take I-71 south to State Route 123/Morrow exit, exit 32. Turn left at the top of the ramp. Take S.R. 123 south to State Route 350. Turn left at S.R. 350. (Country Kitchen and Clark Station sit at the corners.) Proceed 2.3 miles to YMCA Camp Kern entrance and turn right.

Once in Camp: follow the paved road to the Singerman Lodge, the large tan building.