Get a Head Start!

July 25, 2024, Feature, by NRPA Staff

0824 conference get a head start 410

For an enhanced digital experience, read this story in the ezine.

Register for Pre-Conference Workshops to advance your professional development goals

The 2024 NRPA Annual Conference boasts a jam-packed agenda full of networking and educational opportunities. Sessions officially begin on Tuesday, October 8, but Pre-Conference Workshops (PCWs) start even sooner! From certifications to health and wellness, leadership networks, and sustainability, there are so many PCWs to choose from. Here are just a few options:

Aquatic Facility Supervisor (AFO) Courses and Exams

Raise the bar for safe and healthy aquatics facilities by receiving the most comprehensive training in aquatics, including information on water chemistry, disinfection, mechanical systems, operations, healthy pools and safety. Our AFO Blended Learning Course is a combination of the AFO Online Learning Course, one day of training with an AFO Instructor and the exam administered at the end of the day.

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Exam Prep Courses

The CPRP is the national standard for all park and recreation professionals who want to be at the forefront of their profession, while the CPRE establishes a national standard for managerial, administrative and executive park and recreation professionals. Prep courses for both exams include prep tips, shared sample questions and areas of discussion that have historically been challenging to other professionals.

Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Course and Exam

The CPSI course is for individuals in school districts, municipalities, playground manufacturers, childcare facilities, insurance companies and other organizations responsible for playgrounds and playground equipment. Certified individuals are trained to properly inspect playgrounds for safety hazards and ensure compliance with national standards set by ASTM and Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Girls of Color Rising Through Mentorship, Wellness and Storytelling

The Black and Brown Girl Movement is a dynamic force that celebrates, uplifts and honors Black and brown girls and femmes. Participants will delve into the heart of youth development programs, empowering staff, volunteers and community members to become true champions for these remarkable young women. Well-being and storytelling are core focuses of this movement and the workshop will provide practical activities that promote mental, emotional and physical health, while providing strategies to amplify youth voice and prioritize space for girls of color to express their authentic selves.

Promoting Physical Activity Among Older Adults

This interactive workshop focuses on increasing physical activity among older adults. Presenters will share key findings from the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report, resources from the Move Your Way® campaign, and highlight how communities have successfully promoted physical activity. Attendees will collaborate to share best practices and develop their own strategy to promote physical activity among older adults.

Supporting Youth in Park and Recreation Programs

This interactive workshop will build social and emotional learning; diversity, equity and inclusion; and positive youth development skills to ensure young people in your programs feel valued and supported. 

Sustainability in Practice

Through interactive group activities and facilitated peer learning, this 2.5-hour workshop will serve as an incubator for park and recreation leaders to learn to identify key areas to advance their sustainability practices and plans. Leaders will also learn to build strategic partnerships in a creative and equitable way that grows their ability to effectively implement environmental- and sustainability-focused efforts.

You can add PCWs to your initial conference registration or modify your registration later here. Interested in learning more? View the full list of PCWs here. After all, our 2024 Pre-Conference Workshops are “Where You Belong.”