2015 Northeast Regional Conference
Berkshire Outdoor Center YMCA
Becket, MA
http://www.bccymca.org
April 17 – 19, 2015
Call For Proposals
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
Everyone has a story to tell; where we come from, what we’ve discovered on the way,
where we want to go next. When you share your story you grow our field. Come to Becket,
MA and be part of AEE’s Northeast Regional Conference: Tell us your story!
Andrew Jillings, Convener.
Proposal Deadline: JANUARY 11, 2015
No late proposals will be accepted
On-line application available at: http://www.aee.org/northeast
No mail or email proposals will be accepted
Workshop Coordinators
Blake Keogh: blake.keogh@gmail.com
Andrew Jillings: aeespartacus@gmail.com
About AEE
The Association for Experiential Education (AEE) is a nonprofit, international, professional membership
association whose mission is to develop and promote experiential education. AEE was formed in the
early 1970s and now has close to 1,400 members in 30 countries worldwide.
The association is committed to supporting professional development, theoretical advancement, and
evaluation of experiential education worldwide. Our intent is to contribute to making a more just and
compassionate world by transforming education.
AEE does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical
ability, or professional affiliation in matters of employment or application for membership.
Our diverse membership consists of individuals and organizations with affiliations in education,
recreation, outdoor and adventure programming, the environment, mental health, youth
development, programming for people with disabilities, service learning, and organizational
development.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
If you would like more information about the conference please contact us.
Conference Convener
Andrew Jiillings: aeespartacus@gmail.com
Workshops
Blake Keogh: blake.keogh@gmail.com
Andrew Jiillings: aeespartacus@gmail.com
Preconference Workshops
Jason Leach: jason.leach@unh.edu
Hilary Joy Pitoniak: hjpitoni@hamilton.edu
AEE Northeast Regional Chair
Chris Ortiz: cortiz@high5adventure.org
Proposal Process
THE REVIEW PROCESS
 Your proposal will be read and scored by up to four
reviewers.
 The host workshop committee makes the final decision
on accepted workshops based on reviewer scores and
feedback, as well as the number of proposals received.
 We will contact you by March about your proposal.
REVIEW CRITERIA
The review panel will use the framework listed below to
score each proposal. Please familiarize yourself with the
framework.
CRITERIA 1
Significance and value of topic and content to the
conference thematic strand, the field of experiential
education, and to the intended audience (40%)
Is the proposal topic relevant/timely/critical/of interest for the
designated strand and/or AEE conference participants in general?
Does the workshop integrate theoretical foundations and
innovations?
CRITERIA 2
Skills and purpose clearly developed (30%)
Are the ideas fully and thoughtfully developed? Are tangible
skills/outcomes for participants identified?
CRITERIA 3
Workshop design/format (10%)
It is recommended that workshops incorporate experiential
components. We realize this factor may not be appropriate for
some presentations, such as sharing the results of your research,
however, experiential learning is the cornerstone of AEE, and it
affects the learner’s cognitive structures, attitudes and values,
perceptions and behavioral patterns. Experiential learning
conceives of the learner as an active participant in creating
personal knowledge. It is interactive and encourages learners to
discover knowledge rather than be informed. Experiential learning
is best received within a supportive, accepting and caring social
environment that embraces several different learning modalities
in order to effectively reach people with different learning styles.
CRITERIA 4
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
It is our hope that we will work in partnership with you to
ensure an excellent experience for you and your workshop
participants.
If your workshop is accepted,
YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US…

Prompt confirmation of your workshop’s acceptance.
Notification date is early March 2015.

Timely responses to communication from you.

Regular updates on registration, conference program
and schedule changes, deadlines and other issues that
may affect your presentation.

Publication of the workshop abstract, presenter bio(s)
and contact information in the conference program.

Support and guidance if requested.

A well-managed on-site experience to create an
environment that enables you to provide a high-quality
learning experience.

Evaluation and feedback from workshop participants.

An opportunity to provide feedback to us on the
process.
WE EXPECT PRESENTERS TO…

Submit no more than two proposals. Please note that
due to the volume of submissions, we may only be able
to accept one of two proposals.

Be able to present workshops in any workshop time slot
on either Saturday, April 18 or Sunday, April 19. Please
do not submit a proposal unless you will be able to
present during any of the conference dates or times.

Respond promptly to communications from the
workshop committee.

Indicate if you intend to use your own audiovisual
equipment during your experiential workshop so that
we can be sure the room is properly equipped.

Prepare and copy sufficient handouts and materials for
the maximum number of participants (as designated on
your proposal application).

Register for the conference by the registration deadline
at http://www.aee.org/northeast.

Present the workshop that has been approved by the
workshop committee.
Does the proposer have the necessary expertise and/or
qualifications to present the proposed workshop?
All presenters must register for the conference. Presenters
are given a discounted registration fee, which includes all
meals at the conference. All co-presenters must register at
regular conference rates.
CRITERIA 5
All presenters are expected to pay for their own housing.
Qualifications/expertise (10%)
Other factors (10%)
Does the proposed workshop fill an anticipated gap?
In years past, we received fewer proposals in the following areas:
diversity, research, technology, universal adventure-based
programming, corporate training and development, and
advanced practitioner-related topics.
Do reviewers think the workshop should be offered?
How does the workshop fit into the theme?
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: January 11, 2015
Proposal Application
Do NOT submit proposals by email, mail or fax. We will ONLY accept electronic proposal submissions
made through the Northeast AEE website http://www.aee.org/northeast.
AEE NORTHEAST REGIONAL CONFERENCE  APRIL 17 - 19, 2015
PLEASE NOTE: We highly recommend that you complete all the necessary information listed below on a
separate document before you begin the on-line application. You can then cut and paste the
information into the on-line application. It is also advisable to save a copy of your proposal for future
reference. After your proposal is submitted you will not be able to access it to make any changes.
Workshop Title:
Proposal description (300-400 words)
Please address the following in your narrative, keeping in mind the Review Criteria on page 3:

The content of the workshop.

The significance/value of the topic to this audience and to the field of experiential education.

How the workshop integrates theoretical foundations and innovations.

Expected tangible skills and/or outcomes for the attendees.

The format of the workshop in terms of how the presenters engage the attendees. What percentage of the workshop is
experiential/interactive?
Note: Your workshop may describe a unique program if the focus is on the underlying theory on which the program is based.
Workshop description for conference program:
Summarize your proposal in 75 words or less as you would like it to appear in the printed conference program. Include previous
skills or knowledge required of participants.
Qualifications: Please describe specific expertise in the subject area for each presenter.
No résumés!
Biographical sketch:
40 words maximum for each presenter. No résumés. List your name exactly as you want it to appear in the conference program.
Two professional references per presenter:
References must include name, title, relationship and contact information.
Have you ever presented this workshop at any AEE event before?
If yes, please note when, where and how many people were in attendance.
Note: If your proposal is accepted, we reserve the right to edit written materials prior to publication.
AUDIENCE LEVEL
THEMATIC STRAND DESCRIPTIONS
of experiential education and/or new to AEE. No
previous knowledge required.
foster learning and growth in wilderness - and adventure-based programs, outdoor
education, or organized camping. Topics could include, but are not limited to:
challenge course building/design, universal programming/design, initiatives and trustbuilding activities, climbing, boating, expeditions, and wilderness medicine.
Select the one that is most appropriate.
□ Beginner Considers her/himself new to the field
□ Intermediate Has had training and practice in the
field of experiential education and has attended past
AEE conferences. Some previous knowledge required.
□ Advanced Has developed a solid base in both
theory and practice and has significant experience
from which to work.
□ Open to All Topic does not depend on level
of knowledge or involvement with the field of
experiential education.
PRESENTATION STYLE
____% LECTURE Didactic presentation, discussion
Select the one that is the most appropriate
□ Adventure-Based Programming Techniques and models used by practitioners to
□ AEE Leadership Development Workshops designed for AEE current and potential
leaders and presenters. Topics could include, but should not be limited to: first-timer
orientation, how to write a proposal, presenter development process, regional or
Professional Group leader training or development, board and committee
development, how to put on an AEE conference or event, general membership
meeting, and AEE accreditation or publications training or meetings.
□ Art and Science of Teaching We all teach no matter in what thematic strand we
operate. Topics could include, but are not limited to: Techniques of effective teaching
(i.e., what’s in your teaching toolbox?); the “art” of teaching; skills necessary to be an
effective teacher and an efficient learner; techniques to enhance learning; how
multiple ways of seeing and thinking influence learning and teaching.
limited to questions and answers.
□ Schools and Colleges Experiential teaching and learning for primary, secondary
____% INTERACTIVE/EXPERIENTIAL Involves presenter- and higher education. Topics could include, but are not limited to: collaborative
direction, verbal and/or physical participation.
____% CO-CREATION Participants and presenter
create learning content together.
SIZE LIMITS
Minimum # is at least 15.
Maximum #:
.
□ No limits
WORKSHOP LENGTH
□ 90 Minutes
□ 3 Hours
Note: Please only select 90 mins or 3 hours.
LOGISTICAL NEEDS
Select as many as apply
Classroom (chairs/one table provided in each room)
□ Secluded because there will be loud noise.
□ Secluded because we need quiet space.
□ Need a lot of space in which to move around.
AUDIO-VISUAL NEEDS
A flip chart, easel and markers will be provided for all
workshops. Please indicate below if you intend to utilize
audio-visual equipment in your experiential workshop
so that we can be sure that the room properly
equipped with an extension cord and power strip as
well as a projection area/screen. Access to AV
equipment and technical support is limited. Where
absolutely necessary for your presentation, please bring
your own AV equipment. There is no internet access.
□ I will be using my own AV equipment.
□ I will not be using AV equipment.
CHILDREN ALLOWED
As an attempt to reach out to the parents in our
community, this year we will not only be offering our
Kidference, but we would also like to open appropriate
workshops to parents with children. Please indicate in
the notes field if you would be willing to have children
in attendance in your workshop.
□ Yes, I would welcome children (with a parent in
attendance).
□ No, my workshop would not be appropriate for
children.
learning, empowerment-based education, service-learning, adult education, inquiry
and action learning, problem-based instruction, peer education, simulation and role
playing, learning style–appropriate teaching, and lab-based instruction. Workshops
may also focus on unique theories and models of programs including co-curricular
education, integrating adventure into the curriculum, interdisciplinary learning, learning
communities, youth development, values and character development, and
community-based education.
□ Experience-Based Training and Development Techniques and theories to
facilitate growth and development of and within organizations. Topics could include,
but are not limited to: team-building, leadership development, assessing clients' needs,
program design and evaluation, facilitating strategic planning, visioning, business
transformation, and systems thinking.
□ Environmental Education/Nature Study Techniques, models, and curriculum
used by practitioners to foster environmental literacy and learning about
environmental issues and the natural world. Topics could include, but are not limited
to: environmental awareness and stewardship, sustainability, nature studies,
conservation, and minimal-impact techniques.
□ Facilitation/Processing Cross-disciplinary techniques, tools and models for
exploring philosophy, practice, methodology, self-development and growth as a
practitioner working with groups in a variety of settings. Topics could include, but are
not limited to: challenge by choice, full-value contracts, group dynamics and
development, framing, reflection, facilitating the experiential learning cycle,
observation skills, technical skills, collaboration and co-facilitation, and developing
professional skills.
□ Mind/Body/Spirit Integrating all dimensions of the human being as an essential
aspect of experiential education. Topics could include, but are not limited to:
creativity, yoga, meditation, martial arts, personal wellness, prayer and other practices
that involve a synthesis of spirituality, mindfulness and body work.
□ Program Administration Managing risk, responding to trends, promoting and
marketing, maintaining client relations, fiscal management and staff development.
Topics could include, but are not limited to: grant writing, strategic planning, capital
campaigns, partnerships, accreditation, certification, insurance, internship programs,
training, supervision, and site development.
□ Research and Evaluation Theories related to experiential learning, new and
continuing research results, evaluation methods and outcomes.
□ Social Justice and Ethics Social and ethical issues and questions as they relate to
experiential education. Topics could include, but are not limited to: issues of ethnicity,
class, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability and multi-culturalism. Also includes
professional standards, ethics and integrity.
□ Therapeutic Adventure/Adventure Therapy Therapeutic application and
underlying theories and models of adventure-based practice in mental health,
corrections, substance abuse, health and related fields. Topics could include, but are
not limited to: clinical assessment, treatment modalities, ethics of client treatment, and
workshops that blend other forms of experiential practice (art, drama, music, animal
assisted, etc.) for therapeutic purpose.