INSTITUTE FOR SELF ACTIVE EDUCATION
&
REUSABLE RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
11th Annual Leadership
2008
Training & Networking Retreat
&
CREATIVE REUSABLE RESOURCES
Developing and Connecting to - A Reuse Center
CREATIVE REUSABLE RESOURCES
Developing and Connecting to - A Reuse Center
Thank You
“I cannot tell you how excited and energized I felt walking away from this most amazing seminar. I was privileged to be a part of such a magnificent training opportunity! Thank you for your hard work on behalf of children, families, early childhood professionals, and the community!!! The speakers were the most amazing group of professionals gathered together in one place. There was an incredible sense of community that blossomed within the group. I walked away from the retreat transformed: Touched by those who attended, educated by those who presented and changed by experience. There are not enough words to express my THOUGHTS about the retreat: Invigorated, Challenged, Transformed, Delighted, Blessed, Exhausted, Educated, Enriched...”
~
Since I have been home and processing the weekend I can't help but
think how lucky I was to be a part of such a wonderfully enlightening
exeperience. I have talked nonstop about the retreat and how powerful
it was to be surrounded by so many people that feel so strongly about
play. I feel blessed to have met all of you and know that the
advocacy will stay strong.
think how lucky I was to be a part of such a wonderfully enlightening
exeperience. I have talked nonstop about the retreat and how powerful
it was to be surrounded by so many people that feel so strongly about
play. I feel blessed to have met all of you and know that the
advocacy will stay strong.
~
I returned home with such enthusiasm. I talked the entire drive back
to Cape and God bless those that rode with me. I called my mom and
cousin and just couldn't stop sharing. It was then that I realized
what an important journey I had been on. I think that after I left I
was able to begin processing on a more complete scale and it hasn't
stopped. Returning to work on Monday I spent much of the morning just
sitting and watching as the children played. I smiled and knew that
they were happy, they were learning
to Cape and God bless those that rode with me. I called my mom and
cousin and just couldn't stop sharing. It was then that I realized
what an important journey I had been on. I think that after I left I
was able to begin processing on a more complete scale and it hasn't
stopped. Returning to work on Monday I spent much of the morning just
sitting and watching as the children played. I smiled and knew that
they were happy, they were learning
~ .
Gosh, where do I begin? First of all, I think Fontbonne was the perfect place to hold the retreat. It allowed us the opportunity to meet in different locations for each activity which added variety as well as providing lodging and meals without having to leave campus (except, of course, for those who were from St. Louis). The progression of activities flowed beautifully, starting with the opportunity to re-discover play individually, then making the natural progression to cooperative play.
And using recycled materials as a medium was a perfect fit!!
The activities covered many different types of play. Some provided hands-on experiences such as dance, music and art while others provided theory, discussion and resources. Adult learning styles were taken into account when planning the sessions as evidenced by alternating the hands-on activities with lecture, video and discussion along with opportunities to reflect on the experience. The administrative team was committed, passionate and absolutely tireless!!! You all worked incredibly hard to provide the participants with this very valuable experience.
As a professional working with children and families I already knew how important play is to both children as well as their parents. But what I came away from the retreat was an increased determination and a renewed sense of urgency to spread the word about the value of play. As a trainer for PATNC's "Parents and Children at Play", I am now more prepared with new ideas, resources and a bag of wonderful blocks with which to talk to other professionals as well as families about play.
