Over the years participants and leaders of individual projects have stayed in touch, by email and social media. The time seems right to organize a Partners in the Parks Alumni Retreat, bringing together alumni from projects over the twelve year span. As with all Partners projects there would be elements of Recreation, Education and Stewardship. The last of these, stewardship, will be an emphasis of this project in light of the ongoing fiscal challenges faced by the National Park Service and ongoing budget cuts, and the rising concern of losing public lands to development and resource extraction. In addition to recreation, there will be workshops that will help prepare participants to meet with Senators and Congressmen from their districts on the final day of the project to advocate for the National Park Service and federally protected lands.

Lodging

This trip will provide both camping or hostel options for lodging. For those now wanting to camp, you are welcome to stay at the Harpers Ferry Hostel, and will cost an approximate extra $25/night, and would be paid separately to the hostel itself. Those interested in reserving space at the hostel should contact trip facilitator, Christina McIntyre. 

Schedule
Thursday – participants should fly in to Dulles Airport Thursday night. Friday morning – Shuttle to Harpers Ferry or Shepherdstown, WV. Individuals who are located within driving distance could drive directly to either location.

Friday
Welcome
Recreation: Programming around site location Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, Appalachian Trail, C&O National Historic Trail programming.
Evening – In true Partners in the Parks tradition the evening circle chat would be maintained. Depending on size this may include a jam session, talent show, coffeehouse, and storytelling.

Saturday
Workshop on upcoming legislation related to NPS and public lands
Alumni generated programming – a good way to benefit and capture what work the Partners in the Parks alumni have been up to.
Evening – circle chat, jam session, talent show, storytelling

Sunday
Workshop on developing and clarifying our message, practicing for Monday’s meetings.
Coordination of pairs/teams of individuals and Monday schedule of appointments
Evening – circle chat, early to be for early rising to travel to D.C.

Monday
Train from Harper’s Ferry to Union Station; walk to Capitol Hill to meet with Senators and Congressmen from our respective states/districts to advocate for the national parks.
End of day – Group takes Metro-Silver line to its Reston terminus. A group dinner would be organized at a site in the Dulles area and end of project “presentations” sharing/reporting out on the day’s visits on the Hill. We’ll set up a block of hotel rooms to be individually reserved near the airport for those flying in.

Trip Facilitator

Christina McIntyre, Virginia Tech

Refunds

All requests for refunds MUST be submitted in writing to the national office and RECEIVED no later than thirty days in advance of the trip departure date.

• Received prior to 30 days before trip departure:          Full refund, less a $50 per person administrative fee
• Received within 30 days before trip departure:            No refunds granted