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, and conservation community leaders to shape an even brighter future for the children of Texas. TCiNN will convene over 300 community leaders to strengthen the network and develop opportunities and policies to connect more children and families.

Volunteer opportunities at the Summit are available - for more information email Alice Jansen.

Conference at a Glance

• Wednesday

• 10-11:30: Regional Collaborative Meetings

• 12-4: Workshops around Waco

• 5-6:30: Summit Happy Hour

• Thursday

• 8-6: Conference Sessions

• 6 -9: Night Out Evening Event

• Friday

• 8-12:30:Conference Sessions

Keynote Speakers:

Dec. 12, 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

• 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 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.

Dec. 13, 8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

• 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.

Special Presentation:

Dec. 13, 10:15-11:45 a.m.

• 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

Every year Texas Children in Nature Network honors individuals or organizations that have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of children through strengthening their connection with nature. We will honor our award winners during our 2024 Summit in Waco, Texas.

Summit Session Strands

• Physical & Mental Health

• Formal and Informal Education (Elementary through College)

• Early Childhood Education Outdoor Learning Environments

• Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Nature for All

• Access to Nature

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

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

Wednesday Workshops

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

You will be asked to choose a workshop upon registration. Please make note of the workshop you selected for future reference. All workshop registration changes must be given prior approval and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

A full listing of the workshops with descriptions can be found here (https://tinyurl.com/Summit-2024-Workshops). NOTE: When registering if you do not see a workshop on the registration form, then it is full and no longer available.

IMPORTANT: All workshops are held rain or shine.

Our Wednesday Workshops are:

1. Blue Spaces and Connection to Nature (FULL)

• Location: Brazos River, Waco, TX 76701 (exact location TBD), 1-4 p.m.
• Presenters: Dr. Jay Maddock, Director-Center for Health & Nature, Professor – Texas A&M University School of Public Health
• Dr. Debra Kellstedt, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension
• Maximum Number of Participants: 13
• Strands: Physical & Mental Health, Nature for All

• 2. Changing Perspectives: Shadow Day - Forest School activities for ages 18 months to 5th grade. Pond Water Testing, Sit Spots, & Tour (FULL)
• Presenters: Mr. Peter Holmstrom, Ms. Camree Schraeder & Mrs. Melissa Skrhak
• Location: Summit School, 1-4 p.m.
• 3701 Mockingbird Ln, Lorena, TX 76655
• Maximum Number of Participants: 30
• Strands: Early Education Outdoor Learning Environments, Formal & Informal Education

3. Collaborating for Coastal Education: Chasing the Tide Learning Resources

• Presenter: Anne Marie Fayen, Curriculum Developer for Chasing the Tide Film, Fayen Consulting
• Location: Mayborn Museum Complex, Baylor University, 1-4 p.m.
• 1300 S. University Parks Dr., Waco, TX 76706
• Maximum Number of Participants: 30
• Strands: Formal & Informal Education, Community Engagement & Partnership

4. Designing Natural Play Spaces in Urban Centers, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds

• Presenters: Adam & Jill Bienenstock, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds
• Location: Cameron Park, Redwood Shelter, 1-4 p.m.
• 2300 Cameron Park Dr., Waco, TX 76707
• Maximum Number of Participants: 50
• Strands: Formal & Informal Education, Early Education Outdoor Learning Environments, Greenspace Conservation & Development

5. Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities by Sustaining Healthy Partnerships

• Presenters: April Strickland - Better Living for Texans, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Libby Barnhill - Mission Waco, Gabriel Garmelo - GTG Outdoors, Emily Hills - Urban Reap, Rae Lucas - Waco Family Medicine
• Location: Mission Waco, 1315 N. 15th St, Waco, TX 76707, 1-4 p.m.
• Maximum Number of Participants: 30
• Strands: Community Engagement & Partnership, Nature for All, Physical & Mental Health

6. Guided Forest Therapy Walk: Engage your senses, quiet your mind, and immerse yourself in nature (FULL)

• Presenters: Courtney Crim, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Department of Education, Trinity University
• Laura Allen, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Education, Trinity University
• Location: Cameron Park at Lawson’s Point, 1-4 p.m.
• 2601 N University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76708
• Maximum Number of Participants: 30
• Strands: Nature for All, Physical & Mental Health

7. Nature Play & Learning in the Museum

• Presenter: Mayborn Museum Staff
• Location: Mayborn Museum Complex, Baylor University, 1-4 p.m.
• 1300 S. University Parks Dr., Waco, TX 76706
• Maximum Number of Participants: 40
• Strands: Formal & Informal Education, Community Engagement & Partnership, Nature for All

8. The Lake Waco Wetlands – Wading thru the Wetlands (FULL)

• Lake Waco Wetlands
• Presenter: Nora Schell, City of Waco Lake Waco Wetlands, Program Coordinator
• Location: Lake Waco Wetlands, 1-4 p.m.
• 1752 Eichelberger Crossing Road, Waco, TX 76633
• Maximum Number of Participants: 30
• Strands: Formal & Informal Education, Community Engagement & Partnership

9. The Power of Outdoor Play

• Presenters: Dr. Debbie Rhea, Professor, LiiNK Project Director, Texas Christian University
• Cheryl Potemkin, Early Childhood Program Manager, Fort Worth Botanic Garden
• Location: Dewey Park, 1-4 p.m.
• 925 N. Ninth Street, Waco, TX 76707
• Maximum Number of Participants: 30
• Strands: Physical & Mental Health, Formal & Informal Education

10. Waco Mammoth National Monument: Community Partnerships for Preserving and Protecting (FULL)

• Presenters: Christine Jacobs (National Park Service), Raegan King and Kaitlyn Holyfield (City of Waco), Staff (Mayborn Museum-Baylor University), Priscilla Martinez and Hector Sabido (Waco Mammoth Foundation)
• Location: Waco Mammoth National Monument, 1-4 p.m.
• 6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive, Waco, TX 76708
• Maximum Number of Participants: 25
• Strands: Formal & Informal Education, Community Engagement & Partnership, Nature for All

Wednesday Evening Happy Hour

Wind down after the Wednesday Workshops at a special TCiNN Happy Hour from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at Brotherwell Brewing!

Brotherwell Brewing offers a variety of local brews, hard seltzers, and non-alcoholic options like soda, homemade lemonade, and sparkling hopwater. Complimentary light bar snacks are provided.

The Waco Downtown Farmers Market will also be happening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. that evening and will have food options. You can also find many downtown Waco restaurants in the area.

Brotherwell Brewing is approximately a half-mile or 12-minute walk from the convention center.

Texas Children in Nature Network Night Out - Thursday Evening

Join us on Thursday, December 12th, at the Cameron Park Zoo from 6:00-9:00 p.m. for an exciting evening of food, drinks, animals, Wild Lights, and networking. Enjoy a night out filled with wild fun and play at the zoo!

Transportation to Cameron Park Zoo (1701 N 4th St.) is NOT provided.

Public transportation is available through the Waco Transit System.

Ridesharing options include Uber, Lyft, and Micro Dash.

Parking is available at the zoo.

Conference Lodging Options

Texas Children in Nature Network has a conference block at both the Hilton Waco (254-754-8484), the Courtyard Marriott Waco (254-752-8686), and the Element Waco (254-452-3111). Room block is available for booking until November 10, 2024

• Room rate at the Hilton Waco is $129/night + taxes/fees.
• Room rate at the Courtyard Waco is $109/night + taxes/fees.
• Room rate at the Element Waco is $129/night + taxes.fees

Parking and Transportation

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

Bike racks are located around the convention center. They are shaped in Art Deco forms and they are located on the Washington Avenue and Franklin Avenue sides of the convention center.

We encourage our Summit attendees to carpool and use Waco public transportation while in town.

Public transportation is available through the Waco Transit System.

Ridesharing options include Uber, Lyft, and Micro Dash.

Meals and Happy Hours

Full registration includes the following meals:

• Wednesday Lunch
• Coffee and pastries on Thursday and Friday Mornings
• Thursday Lunch
• Dinner will be served at our Thursday Night Out evening event.
• Thursday Poster Session. This event will feature light snacks free and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Dinner on Wednesday is not included and is on your own.

Single-day tickets will include the meals for the day the ticket was purchased.

Registration Pricing

Full Registration

• Early Bird: $300
• Regular: $375
• Late: $450
• Student: $175

Single-Day Tickets

• Wednesday Single Day: $125
• Thursday Single Day: $200
• Friday Single Day $125

Keynote Ticket

• Keynote Only: $45

Vendor Booth: $1000

Regular registration ends November 30.

Late registration begins December 1.

Once late registration begins, any cancellations will not be refunded.