New ideas, new connections and new inspirations are waiting for you at the 2019 Nature Explore/Outdoor Classroom Project Leadership Institute: Sustaining Ourselves, Sustaining Our Work, Sustaining Our World. Enjoy a great mix of hands-on sessions, discussion groups, nature-based experiences and inspiring social times.  Discover new ways to keep your work fresh and growing such as innovative uses of loose parts (and you’ll get to create with them yourselves) and out-of-the-box thinking on appropriate ways to use technology in nature (yes, it really can be done). Gain engaging new ideas for renewing yourself in mind, body and spirit through nature connections. Learn inspiring, yet practical ideas for sustaining our world through practices such as permaculture.  Join with our growing network and treat yourself to a time of rest, reflection and rejuvenation that will reinvigorate you for 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

Highlights of this year’s Leadership Institute:

* A fresh mix of indoor and outdoor experiences – with more hands-on experiences than ever before.
* A balance of discussion times with those who do similar work, and others who will bring you new ideas.
* Whole-group experiences balanced with a chance to choose sessions tailored specifically to the work you do.
* Inspiring social times; many outdoor activities and experiences
* New ideas never yet explored at the Institute
* Delicious breakfasts and lunches in Timber Dining Room, included in the price of registration

Registration
Early Bird Rate until May 15, 2019= $395
Regular Rate from May 15-July 1, 2019= $425
Click the link to the left to register. The registration fee includes an Opening Reception the evening of July 21, lunch buffet July 22-24, optional evening activities, healthy snacks each day, and a Closing Reception on July 24. (Note that dinner on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening will be on your own.) Registration and payment deadline is July 1.   

Accommodation
Make your room reservation directly with Lied Lodge and Conference Center. Rooms must be booked no later than June 20, 2019. Rooms are $121 per room for single occupancy and $143 per room for double occupancy. There is also a 14.5% lodging tax per night. These rates include a free breakfast buffet. For more information about Lied Lodge and Conference Center please visit www.liedlodge.org

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. If the room block is sold out, please contact Tara Schroder at taras@natureexplore.org or 402-467-6112 (ext. 101) to inquire about additional possible availability.  

Other Nebraska City hotel options (would require a car to travel back and forth to Lied Lodge):
Holiday Inn Express https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/
Best Western https://www.bestwestern.com/
Deluxe Inn https://www.deluxeinnne.com/en-us
Super 8 https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/
Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast https://bbwhisperingpines.com/
Hillden Falls https://www.hiddenfallscabinsrvpark.com/

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. If 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 minus a $50 processing fee. After July 1, refunds will not be available.