2024 Texas Children in Nature Network Summit

December 11-13, 2024 at the Waco Convention Center in Waco, Texas

Presented by H-E-B.

Location: 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701

During this three-day Summit, TCiNN will bring together health, education, built environment, faith, conservation, and community leaders to shape an even brighter future for the children of Texas. Over 300 community leaders from across the state will gather to strengthen the network and develop opportunities and policies that will connect more children and families in nature.

Conference at a Glance

• Wednesday

• 10-11:30: Regional Collaborative Meetings

• 1-4: Workshops around Waco

• 5-6:30: Summit Happy Hour

• Thursday

• 8-6: Conference Sessions

• 6 -9: Evening Event

• Friday

• 8-12:30:Conference Sessions

Keynote Speakers:

• David Vela: David Vela retired from the National Park Service in September 2020 after 30 years with the agency, most recently serving as Deputy Director, Exercising the Authority of the Director. He also served as Chair of the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. David was the first Latino to be nominated by the President of the United States to serve as Director of the National Park Service.

  David held numerous leadership and executive-level assignments in the National Park Service including serving as a Superintendent, Regional Director, and Associate Director. In addition, he served as Director of the Texas Child Support program under the Attorney General of Texas. In retirement, David serves on several national nonprofit boards and is the founder and president of Vela Heritage Consulting, LLC.

• Adam Bienenstock: Adam is an internationally acclaimed designer, builder, and researcher of nature-based play spaces and the founder of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds. Adam has traveled globally to advocate for children’s rights and nature play and to design spectacular natural parks and playgrounds. Adam lives and works at the forefront of the movement to connect children to nature. His bold, charismatic personality sets the tone for the entire company. His comprehensive experience in design, advocacy, education, research, and construction makes Adam one of the most thoroughly seasoned veterans in the nature play industry.

Chasing the Tide

• Presentation from Jay Kleberg and his new project Chasing the Tide: In October 2023, Chrissy and Jay Kleberg were the first to walk every inch of Texas’ seven barrier islands - more than 370 miles in just 21 days. A team of cinematographers and photographers joined them. This film series tells the story of that journey along a vibrant and resilient coast. Join us to watch two episodes of the special and a panel discussion with experts from the film

Celebrate our 2024 Children in Nature Network Champions

Nominations will open this summer for our 2024 Champions.

Summit Session Strands

• Physical & Mental Health

• Formal and Informal Education (Elementary through College)

• Early Education Outdoor Learning Environments

• Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Nature for All

• Access to Nature

• Greenspace Conservation and Development

• Nature Administration (marketing, social media, fundraising, center management, etc.)

Concurrent sessions will take place on Thursday of the Summit and are one hour long.

RFP for Session Proposals will open on May 1st and will close on June 14th.

Wednesday Workshops

We are doing half-day workshops on Wednesday afternoon, December 11th. These workshops will feature some great programs our partners are doing and highlight wonderful nature spaces across the Waco area.

You will be asked to choose a workshop upon registration, all workshop registration changes must be given prior approval and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Conference Lodging Options

• Texas Children in Nature Network has a conference block at both the Hilton Waco and the Courtyard Waco.

Parking and Transportation

Free Parking is available at the Waco Convention Center. Parking information for Wednesday workshops will be provided as we approach the event.

Meals and Happy Hours

Full registration includes the following meals:

• Coffee and pastries on Thursday and Friday Mornings
• Thursday Lunch
• A boxed lunch for Wednesday (Dec. 11) will be available for purchase with your registration.
• Hors d'oeuvres will be served at our Thursday evening event.
• Thursday Happy Hour is part of our Poster Session time. This event will feature free non-alcoholic beverages and a cash bar for beer and wine.
• Dinner is not included and is on your own.