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Workshops & Discussions

The Art of Hugging - Allen Ellis

The Art of Hugging explains all those tricky nuisances and gotchas associated with the long-time tradition of hugging. Learn the preferred way to hug people of different heights, how to negotiate that sometimes-awkward approach & ending, and ultimately all the subtle and not-so-subtle qualities that create a warm, fulfilling hug for both parties. Covering unpreferred concepts such as "the A-frame" or forgetting eye contact, balancing different extremes (somewhere between the "100mph Bear Hug" and the "I'm afraid to crush you! Hug")-all the way to "fail-safe" fallbacks like the "I'm Not Gay Hug," all with demonstrations from self-proclaimed hugging-enthusiast Allen Ellis. Join us for an hour of engaging fun and laughter and become equipped to start enjoying all those wonderful hugs you've been missing!

Tools for Transformation: Journaling to Create Your Future- Miranda Hull
Understanding that words are "containers for power" is perhaps one of the most important realizations that we can make in assuming responsibility for the creation of our lives. As an academic, a teacher, and a writer, Miranda has been studying journaling and journaling regularly using a variety of formats since she was 18 years old in 1977. In this session she will offer you clear, simple, and effective techniques for writing your way to the future you hope to create. No specific previous writing experience is required and participants will not be asked to share their work with others during the session. You may bring your own journal or use materials, which will be provided. Session length is 70 minutes and session is open to 20 participants. Please dress comfortably and attend with an open mind and heart.

Origami - Brenna McBroom

Come explore this timeless and beautiful art form emphasizing patience and precision. Lots of books, colorful paper, and patient assistance will be provided. Intended for the young and young at heart, although those with tiny fingers might want to bring along a parent, sibling or friend to help with any tricky parts that could arise. We will explore traditional forms such as the crane and the frog, as well as more modern forms such as tessellations, peace signs and christmas ornaments.

 

How to See Eye to Eye When You Don't See Eye to Eye- Clint Stonebraker

One of the main ways people sabotage relationships is through poor communication. Sometimes this happens because people aren't sure how to have conversations with their kids. Sometimes it's because your son or daughter doesn't want to talk to you. Occasionally we see this in our relationships with our partners or other adults. We may see a situation from two completely different perspectives. Potential disaster, right? Either way, a lot of problems can be resolved or avoided by focusing on some basic techniques. The purpose of this discussion is to bring up some of the difficulties people have in communication and to share with each other effective ways to resolve these discrepancies.

Henna Bomb- Madeline Trainor

Mendhi is a body painting tradition from Eastern lands of heat and brilliant sunshine where the beautiful henna plant (Lawsonia Inermis) offers its potent oils and pigments as a medium for temporary tattooing of the skin and dyeing of the hair. Madeline has been studying and practicing the art of mendhi for several years and is eager to share her knowledge and skills. Expose your skin to some marvelous art: get decorated, or decorate someone else! Or both!


Radical Unschooling 101 - Kelly Lovejoy

Unschooling is a word that takes on the meaning of the owner of the process: you can get as many definitions as people you ask. For me, it means the whole process, from the roots up. I believe that unschooling is not only about the academics; it is not about any one thing, for that matter. I believe that unschooling is found in the questioning and that, once you start questioning the institution of schooling, you may find yourself naturally questioning other "institutions" as well. For me, it's examining the reasons for the institutions or a certain way of life, turning that completely inside out, and taking the parts I want and adding those to other things I hold true to rebuild the lifestyle I and my family want together.

I'll talk about different areas of unschooling that tend to be overlooked when the focus is too much on the academics. Practicing peaceful parenting, pursuing dreams vs just talking about them, and embracing an unschooling lifestyle are just a few of the topics we'll discuss. I'll include the academic part in my discussion but talk more about finding the learning that occurs naturally in a gentle, radically unschooling home.

Play With Your Food! - Kelly Lovejoy

"Don't play with your food!" Many of us grew up with that admonition. But food (especially fruits and vegetables) is quite playful! At one time or another, we've all seen something other than the vegetable itself: a funny face, a cute animal, a monster, a bug. Fruits and vegetables seem to invent their own visual puns! Our goal will be to "produce" new images suggested by the fruits and vegetables themselves. We will look to be empowered to create—to make art out of food. We will be using some "tools of the trade"—knives and such, so please be sure that the younger child has an adult by his side. We will provide some knives and other kitchen tools, but feel free to bring your own. And if you have some unusual fruits and vegies to share, please bring them.


Examining Sustainability Holistically- Sean Ritchey and Sophie Theriault

So often we attend workshops, see films, and read books that look to address the challenges our planet faces today, and we leave with the resounding message that the goal is to "do less bad." In this workshop we will challenge this way of looking at our lives and empower each other to ask the questions "What do I do in this world that is good?" and "What can I do in the world that is good?" In the second half of this workshop, we will move from the theoretical examination of these questions, to looking at current examples of how humans are using this positive approach to create the loving, joyous and sustainable world they envision.

Vida Samiha: Wisdom Shared- Sean Ritchey and Sophie Theriault

In the spring of 2009, Sophie Theriault and Sean Ritchey co-founded a non-profit called Vida Samiha (a sanskrit phrase which means "wisdom shared.") Vida Samiha's work is based on the belief that while perhaps we cannot create community, we can create the circumstances under which community may occur, and thrive. They also see the same idea applying to both "learning" and "sustainability." The organization creates programs for people of all walks of life, ranging from events and workshops, to trips and semester long courses. These programs are designed to be spaces where we can empower each other to create personal lives, projects, and communities that are visionary, conscious and holistically sustainable. In this workshop, Sophie and Sean will share the successes and learnings from the programs Vida Samiha has created so far, and the projects that are currently in the development stages.

Blues Baby!!! - Autumn Star
Don't think too hard; it's time to have fun and dance to some groovy music! Ever been intimidated by dance? A few too many steps involved? This is a great way to learn to groove to the music, partner dance, and forget about the steps! Blues dancing can be as easy or hard as you make it, but it is incredibly fun the whole way through!

SSUDS: Secret Society of Unschooling Dads- Ben Lovejoy

This session is open for dads, granddads, and dads-to-be to discuss unschooling with other guys only. As the one most often away from the home when all the fun is taking place, when all the learning is happening, and when many of the good things are shared, dads have a unique perspective about unschooling, peaceful parenting, and this exciting journey we're all on. SSUDs gives dads the opportunity to connect with other men and ask questions about some of the things that might be on paternal minds. No guarantees, but many of these sessions have had huge impacts on those new to unschooling and given different perspectives to some of the old heads.

Altered Tees/T-shirt Surgery - Brenna McBroom

Do you have a closetful of baggy T-shirts that you avoid wearing because they don't fit well? Bring them with you (or just use your super cool new conference Tee) and jump on the Altered T-shirt Bandwagon! We'll have everything you need, including a bunch of awesome alteration ideas, to make your T-shirt something you're excited to wear. You'll be the coolest cat at the conference after you transform your T-shirt into a ribbed tank top, a skirt, or even a bookbag!

Mandala Art: A Tool For Reducing Anxiety and Creating Possibility- Miranda Hull
Miranda was first introduced to the benefits of mandala art a decade ago and has since incorporated it in teaching students of all ages and backgrounds for a variety of practical applications. "The word mandala is derived from the root manda, which means essence, to which the suffix la, meaning container, has been added. Thus, one connotation of mandala is that it is a container of essence. As an image, a mandala may symbolize both the mind and the body… ." When we create our own mandalas, we connect ourselves to the wisdom within us. Mandalas have existed in myriad forms and for a variety of uses in diverse global wisdom traditions. In mandala art we set aside a sacred space outside of everyday time and place in which we can calm the body and mind and realize the possibilities that exist for us without anxiety and fear. Since there is no right or wrong or lack of skill in mandala art for anxiety reduction, no artistic experience or skill level is required. Please dress comfortably and attend the session with an open mind and heart.

Discover the Greatness Within- Debbie Eaton
True learning and finding one's passion have a lot to do with the concepts of balance, freedom and fearlessness. Debbie Eaton has been an unschooling mother since her boys, John and Michael, were babies. She has found that the work of best-selling author, Guy Finley, has positively impacted her life, and, as a result, she has become an affiliate of his "Life of Learning Foundation", a non-profit organization founded for the purpose of helping people to realize their full potential. Debbie felt that this symposium would be an ideal place to introduce Guy's work. Much of it, in some very practical ways, assists people to discover the importance of living fully in the present moment which can't help but lead to more balance, fearlessness and inner freedom. She will present a DVD produced by the Life of Learning Foundation with a discussion on the topic of balance. This DVD will introduce ideas that have the potential to help us see that "We're not meant to live imbalanced." We can begin to start to "recognize that at every given moment, we already live within something in ourselves that has the capacity to bring balance to every moment." Here is an excerpt about Guy and his journey:

Founding director of non-profit Life of Learning Foundation in Merlin, Oregon, Guy Finley is the author of the best-selling "The Secret of Letting Go" and 36 other books and audio albums that have sold over a million copies in 18 languages. For more than 30 years Guy has been speaking to men and women around the world, showing them how to find a life of true purpose and freedom. Guy has been a guest on hundreds of television and radio shows including national appearances on ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, NPR, Wisdom Network, and many others. His radio program "Letting Go with Guy Finley" airs internationally and his popular Key Lesson e-mails are read by 150,000 subscribers in 142 countries each week. Guy offers over 200 original lectures each year to audiences across the country including seminars at the Omega Institute and the Conference of Science and Consciousness.


Laughteryoga: Tool for Transformation- Miranda Hull
Created by Indian physician Dr. Madan Kataria and his partner Madhuri Kataria, Laughter Yoga is a global movement for stress reduction with practices that marry Eastern energy and breathing work with laughter. Laughter yoga sessions require no special physical posturing or previous experience and offer an excellent cardiac workout with significant respiratory benefits. Most of all, Laughter Yoga sessions are FUN! Please see the Laughter Yoga website to learn more about this great tool for stress and anxiety reduction and personal growth. Miranda, an internationally-certified Laughter Yoga Leader, respectfully requests that you dress comfortably and approach the session with an open mind and heart. Laughteryoga


Knitting & Crocheting- Kelli and Abbi Traaseth
Do you like to crochet or knit? Or would you like to learn how to do either of those? If so, come check out our crocheting/knitting workshop. We'll be working on various projects that we have going right now and we'll also show anyone who is interested in learning how to do various stitches. I'll bring some hooks, needles and various yarn; but if you'd like to continue your work after the workshop bring some of your own supplies. Just a note: I know a lot more about crocheting than knitting, but I'm willing to help others start out with the knitting also. We'll learn together! Come on and join in on the fun!

Take it Apart! - Logan McBroom
Do you ever wonder what it looks like on the inside of a toaster, or cell phone, or computer, or iPod? Come take electronics apart with us and see what lives inside these amazing tools we use every day! If you have any old, broken toys like this bring them along to we can take it apart!

Letterboxing- Danielle Conger
Great for families and young children, letterboxing is an outdoor treasure-hunt adventure with a creative twist in its hand-carved stamps. Begun in Dartmoor, England, in 1854, letterboxing has evolved into part hike, part puzzle, part art. Popularized by a 1998 Smithsonian article, North American Letterboxing has grown over the past decade and a half to an estimated 5000 boxers scattered across the country. We'll carve our own stamps, talk about the history and ethics of letterboxing, box placement, stamp and clue design and how to get started with our very own Symposium letterbox at the picnic! Letterboxing North America

Safe Space - Autumn Star
Share, discuss, ask questions, and tell stories. We will be creating a safe space for people to come and learn about sexual identity, sexual orientation, and sexuality. There is more than just one way out there, and here is a great way to learn about all the possibilities! Open to everyone - straight, intersex, gay, female, transgender, lesbian, male, bisexual, queer, transsexual, and you! Everybody is somebody!

Thoughts without a Thinker: A Drawing Meditation - Patrick Morris
Through simple meditative attention while drawing, we'll excavate edges, shapes, forms, images and relationships. These personal artifacts uncover un-thought emotions and ideas. Meaning will accrue; insights will be revealed. If not, it's always fun to scribble.

Discover Yourself - Amy Childs
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?  A sensory-based person or an intuitively-based person? A thinker or feeler?  And what does all that mean anyway?
In this workshop we'll use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator - one of the most widely used personality assessments - which measures preferences in how we perceive the world and make decisions.  
Participants will answer a questionnaire of 72 questions, determining your type, and then we'll go from there.

I've had a bit of experience and a lot of fun using these types to understand myself as well as my friends, family members and clients.  The better we understand ourselves and each other, the more compassion we have for ourselves and others, and the better we can learn how to build on our strengths and navigate our weaknesses.
 
Sharpie "Tie-Dye" Design Workshop - Laura Bowman
This is a fun and easy "tie dye" project using cups, rubber bands, Sharpies and rubbing alcohol. Bring a t-shirt or some other cotton item you'd like to create a design on; all other supplies will be provided.  The process is quick and easy with no mess!!  Using a cup and rubber band to secure the fabric, we will then use Sharpie markers to make a small design in the center of the circle created by the cup.  Then we put a few drops of rubbing alcohol in the center and watch as the design spreads out and creates a cool effect.

"Yes, And…" - Comedy Improv 101 - Jessica Barker
Ever seen the guys on "Whose Line is it Anyway?" and wondered how they were able to perform an entire sketch just by making it up as they went along?  Ever got together some friends, tried a game for yourself, and found it wasn't as easy as it looked?  Well, all your wondering and frustration will vanish in this workshop, where you will learn the few but vital fundamentals of improvisation, like "Yes, And…" and CROW, and how to implement those into fun improv exercises and games.  Improv is a great skill to have, both on the stage and in every day life.  Come one, come all!

Miming Out of the Box  - Jessica Barker
Most likely you have seen, in real life or a movie, the guy in the park with his face painted, silently miming being stuck in a box.  Now take that concept, and remove all presuppositions from your mind about what miming is, and imagine that you could mime not just boxes and ropes, but that you could mime anything.  At this workshop, you will learn just that: Free Form Miming can be used anytime, anywhere, to convey anything of any level of importance, often using speech or at least gibberish.  Join us for an hour of fun-filled and action-packed miming exercises and games that are completely hands-on!      

Thriller Dance - Audrey Smith

Transform yourself into a dancing zombie - you can learn the entire dance, or just what you can, and join the other zombies at the sock hop for a fun, deadly performance.  Even if you've never danced, we're certain you will find the thrill in Thriller at this workshop.
**  Performance at the sock hop is not mandatory.

Thriller Zombies - Stephanie Smith

In preparation for the Thriller performance at the sock hop, we'll transform ourselves into the living-dead.  We'll provide limited makeup and hair accessories, but please bring a shirt that can be shredded; along with anything else you want to wear as a zombie (coats, gloves, etc….but they need to be corpse-ish!).  Even if you don't want to dance, feel free to become a zombie and hang out in the "graveyard" with the dancers.


Poi - Nic Smith
 
Twirling poi is fun, exciting, and something everyone can do.  In this workshop we'll hang out, have a good time, and learn some basic poi tricks.  I'll have poi that you can use and/or purchase at the symposium.  If you would prefer to make your own before coming, please email me at rivalhawk@hotmail.com, and I will send you the instructions.  Please wear comfortable clothing; something you can move in, but not too baggy. For more information on poi, visit Home of Poi - including Fire,Led and Glow twirling/juggling community

Fluffy Puff Marshmallows   - Kelly Lovejoy
They're fluffity! They're puffity! Play and build with marshmallows and toothpicks. (Vegans, please bring your *own* marshmallows!)

Rag Rug - Kelly Lovejoy
Don't forget to pack your scraps as you head to Columbia! Well use them to make a beautiful rag rug wall hanging which will be auctioned off at the Symposium. We'll tear old sheets, shirts, dresses, scraps, etc. into 1" x 10" strips and use them to create a unique rag rug. No need to pre-rip, as you can enjoy that process with the rest of us—it's part of the fun! Great for ALL ages, as we just rip and tie! Please bring as many different fabrics as you can. The more varied, the more spectacular the rug will be!

Artist Trading Cards(ATCs) - Erika Davis-Pitre
What are Artist Trading Cards?
Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are simply pieces of art that are made out of cards measuring 2.5"by 3.5".
You can buy special paper already cut to this size, or better yet, simply use sturdy paper you already have at home. Old file folders, card stock, greeting cards - any paper that is not flimsy - can be cut to the right dimensions and used as an ATC. Think about baseball trading cards and look for paper about that weight. Or, be creative and use materials other than paper. Just keep to the 2.5" x 3.5" size.
Once you have your 2.5 x 3.5" card, what you do with it is up to you. Draw on it, paint, collage, sew, embellish, write words.
In an ATCs funshop, all of the participants share materials, themes, techniques and ideas with others in the funshop to make unique ATCs. And we always schedule time for trading/swapping finished cards too. Please no glitter or glitter glue!

ATCs Supplies needed from Home for this Funshop:
Cardstock-Cut to the 2.5"x 3.5" size and leftover scraps.
Colored paper of various weights and sizes.
Old gift wrap, Magazines and Catalogs for collage cards.
Fabric scraps, Buttons and other sewing notions for embellishment.
Watercolor paints, Crayons, Colored Markers, Gel Pens, Colored Pencils etc.
Scissors, Paper Punches, Glue, Tape, etc.
And any other Arts and Crafts supplies that you would like to share(Most Scrapbooking Supplies work well for making ATCs).

Yoga - Stephanie Jackson
Start your morning with an invigorating group yoga session.  We'll open up our hearts and tap into our true source of strength.  All experience levels welcome.  Please come to class hydrated and bring your mat and a small towel.  See you there!

Making Rain - Quinn Trainor
Fashioned after the traditional sound maker used by various native peoples of South America, we'll decorate and fill an assortment of tubes with sticks and stones, then make a joyful noise with our rainsticks…and maybe make some rain!

Wizards & Warriors:  Camp Counseling at a LARPing Camp for Kids - Christine Yablonski
A "LARP" is a live action role playing game.   I've been working as a counselor at one that is designed specifically for kids ages 10 & up called Wizards & Warriors.  It takes place in a land called Sidelterra, a medieval-ish place inhabited by creatures & humans alike.  This is a summer camp experience that includes improvisational acting, character development, theatrical makeup & costuming, special effects design & foam-sword fighting.

It is an unique camp to attend, & to work at.  So, what characteristics make a great LARPing camp counselor?  There are important qualities that I have found to be valuable if you are looking to work with children & adolescents.  I'll be sharing my experiences of creating my character "Chrysalis, Master Healer & Alchemist", of working as a camp counselor, & working as a Parent Liaison.  I am currently Director of Human Resources for Guard Up, Inc., which runs the W&W camps, so I can also talk about my experiences working for a sword fighting school in a human resources position.

Popsicle Stick Creations- Wyatt & Judi Keller
Bring your imagination and come build with us!  We will have popsicle sticks, glue guns, and foil to create whatever your young or older heart desires!  Feel free to bring your own glue guns if you have them.  Parents, please accompany younger hands!

Events

Speed Dating and Mentor Mixer
This is a chance to meet the Symposium Mentors and Presenters on a personal level. We will begin with an introduction of each mentor, follow with a speed dating session for everyone interested, and end with a more mellow conversational evening among mentors, presenters and attendees.

Young Persons' Room
For children and those who just want to play, we'll have a small room set up with blocks, costumes for dressing up, and other fun toys open all weekend!

Organic Farming/Sustainable Agriculture Discussion
Several of our presenters and a few Symposium attendees own, work on, or are in some way affiliated with organic farms of varying sizes around the country. Offering many views on this age-old, yet ever-growing movement, these passionate farmers are able to answer questions, give perspective, and discuss the slow food movement.

A Look Inside Not Back to School Camp - A Documentary and Q&A with Allen Ellis
Nestled in the woods of Vermont and Oregon lies a week-long camp for Unschoolers, "Not Back to School Camp." Now in its fifteenth year, this camp is a gathering for teens (13-18) to learn from and inspire each other by sharing their talents, interests and skills in true unschooler fashion.
I was a camper for six years in this community and last year returned to produce a documentary film about this incredible place.
Join us to see this documentary and a Q&A about what makes this camp special for so many who go there.

Teen/Young Adult Panel
Autodidacts of different ages and unschooling backgrounds will answer questions and share their views on their lives and self-directed learning.

The Symposium Sock Hop
Join our freestyle dance celebration on Saturday night with music from around the world and across the decades. Show off your skills from dance workshops earlier in the day, go crazy with some new friends, enjoy a late evening of dance in a safe atmosphere, and get down to a wide range of music at the Symposium Sock Hop!

Entrepreneurial Fair
Unschoolers are often budding entrepreneurs, so the Symposium is holding an entrepreneurial fair all weekend for you to sell your crafts, books, goods, and wares!

The Raffle- Organized by Gail and Broc Higgins
The Raffle will be ongoing all day Friday and Saturday with the drawing held Saturday night. Items range from clothing, books, games, toys, artwork, videos and more! Please bring donations!

Passion Baskets- Organized by Gail and Broc Higgins
This silent auction offers personally created collections of one's own passion arranged in an attractive basket.

For example: if my passion were drumming, I would include a couple pairs of drumsticks, a beginner video, my favorite drummer's album, a practice pad, and a metronome arranged neatly in a wicker basket.

This donation is your own, so be creative!

Post Symposium Picnic in the Park
Stay through Monday and plan on spending an afternoon at lovely Finlay Park. This beautiful 18-acre park is about a mile from the hotel. Finlay has 2 playground areas, a man-made lake, waterfalls, a fountain, a pergola with swings, and enough grassy field for half the city! Take a stroll with friends, bring a picnic lunch for you and your family and enjoy great conversation with new and old friends, play games, play music, wind down, make some last minute connections, and get all those hugs in before taking off.