PRPS Conference  

by Karen Hammond, Conference Publicity Committee

I know that registering for the annual conference is at the top of your to-do list, so I want to give you a few tips...toga! Seriously. There will be an outstanding Toga party on Monday night and you need to get busy now creating your unique and unusual toga! No more typical white togas at a PRPS party, oh no...let's be creative and kick it up a few notches! Be ready to dance to the Amish Outlaws! Check out their website www.amishoutlaws.com to get a preview of what is in store. You will have a blast!

• Not only are the sessions educational, but "Choose Your Outdoor Adventure: Wherigo.com in Your Parks" will be fun at the same time! Ronnie Loeb and Kevin Richards will show you how your smartphone can work for you to find adventure and possible cache! Be prepared and dress for the weather and walking as you will experience the program right in downtown Lancaster! The session begins at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 22.

• Be prepared to move during this next session! You will not only hear about "Walking & Talking: Make It Mean Something" but you will also discover how to set up your own program through hands on exploration. Chris Kemmerer will bring you great information and provide super experiences at 9:00 am on Monday, March 23...what a great way to start your day!

• Playing, Learning, Forming Teams and so much more describes the sessions offered this year at the conference! Jason Lang will include all in his session "Robotic Lego's: STEM Programming At Its Best". You will walk away knowing more about creating a successful STEM based program, how to implement it, participate in a robotic Lego's Challenge! Monday, March 23 at 3:30 pm will begin your newfound journey of fun and purpose.

• Risk Management is something that we all must deal with, understand, and, let's face it, do it all with a smile. Peter Erndwein has turned it all around with "Park and Rec Risk Management Best Practices - Jeopardy Style" at 1:45 pm on Tuesday, March 24. Cheer on your favorite contestant (or be that contestant) hear some great human interest tales, and have the opportunity to test your knowledge of Aquatics, Contracts, Special Events, and Playgrounds and how to handle the risk management that accompanies them.   

Did you hear? The D-1 Poker Tournament is back! I know that you have all missed Dave Hutner the last couple of years, but I'm sure that you have also missed the tournament that keeps us all on our toes looking for that perfect poker hand to win a place at one of the tables. You can even BUY a spot in the contest for only $50! If you are not into the game and want to promote your township, business, or just your personal generosity, talk with Dave about donating a prize. Your name will be out there beyond just the conference! It is a win win for all! Contact Dave Hutner at dave.hutner@cranberrytownship.org  or 724-776-4806 x1021. Click here to download the flyer.

For more details on the Conference, click here.  Register online! 

(If you are a DVIT Member you receive $100 off your registration if you are one of the first 30 DVIT registrations. Go to page 22 in the registration guide for more details).

District News

PA Therapeutic Recreation Institute

Looking for Session Proposals! 

The session proposal deadline has been extended until February 9, 2015. We are in need of speaker proposals for the TRI. Please submit your proposals now!  Click here to download the form.

Save the Date! 47th Annual Therapeutic Recreation Institute June 3-5, 2015 - DoubleTree Resort, Lancaster, PA

PRPS Building Fund Contributors, January 16-21, 2015