“Best conference I’ve ever attended -- balance of head and heart.”

“This experience was a powerful affirmation that my vision for our program MUST include dedicated, intentional outdoor learning spaces.”

“You have all impacted my life beyond measure.”

 --2019 Leadership Institute Participants

About the Institute
Give yourself the gift of new ideas, connections and inspirations at the 2021 Nature Explore/Outdoor Classroom Project Leadership Institute: Embracing the Gifts of Nature for Ourselves, Our Children and Our World. Our gift to you is a great mix of motivational speakers; practical and fun hands-on sessions; discussion groups with peers; nature-based experiences; and inspiring social times. You’ll come away with new ways to keep yourself and your work fresh, enjoyable and effective. Discover ways to use photography with children in nature; strategies for alleviating children’s fears from severe weather experiences; interesting permaculture activities; new hands-on loose parts and  nature art ideas;  and so much more. Join with our ever-growing network of committed and enthusiastic advocates and learn from programs who are celebrating ten years in our network. Treat yourself to this time of rest, reflection, and renewal as you take home gifts to rejuvenate your professional journey.

Choose from one of these interest groups:

• Administrators
• Teachers in elementary programs
• Teachers in preschool programs
• Teachers in infant toddler programs
• Home child care providers
• College/university instructors
• Educational consultants/trainers
• Representatives from educational professional associations, conservation organizations or organizations in public natural settings

Location
Beautiful Lied Lodge and Conference Center and surrounding grounds in Nebraska City, NE
For more information about Lied Lodge and Conference Center please visit www.liedlodge.org

Registration
Early Bird Rate until May 19, 2021= $395
Regular Rate from May 19-July 1, 2021= $425
Click the link to the left to register. The registration fee includes an Opening Reception the evening of July 25 with appetizers and drinks, breakfast and lunch buffets July 26-28, healthy snacks each day, and a Closing Reception on July 28. (Note that dinner on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening will be on your own.) Registration and payment deadline is July 1.  Early bird rate of $395 available until May 19, 2021. Last year we filled early, so be sure to register early to ensure your spot.

Accommodation
Make your room reservation directly with Lied Lodge and Conference Center. Rooms must be booked no later than June 18, 2021. Rooms are $124 per room for single occupancy and $146 per room for double occupancy. There is also a 14.5% lodging tax per night. These rates include a free breakfast buffet. 

To make a reservation, call Lied Lodge & Conference Center at 1-800-546-5433 and reference the Leadership Institute so you receive the reduced rate. 

Shuttle Service from Airport
The shuttle service to and from the Omaha airport is $30 per person per trip. To book a shuttle with Lied Lodge – click here. When you make your room reservation by phone, let Lied Lodge and Conference Center know if you would like a shuttle.

Cancellation Policy
Refunds will be made up until July 1,2021 minus a $50 processing fee. After July 1, 2021 refunds will not be available.