Preconference

Three GREAT Pre-Conferences  
 
Ice Breakers - Initiatives - Strings & Things
Learn to open groups effectively with pizzazz and confidence.  In this workshop participants will be given tools to create a fun learning environment where relationships are built and problem solving skills enhanced. Learn to use strings to create culture and build bonds among any group that you work with.  This fast paced, high energy workshop can be easily executed anyplace, anytime, anywhere.
 
When: March 29, 1:00-4:00 PM
Where:  Camp Young Judaea
 
             
        Greg Glover is a full-time consultant and facilitator with twenty three years of professional experience. In addition to
        corporate groups, he has worked in the adult Corrections system and trains SWAT teams in teamwork and communication skills.
        Greg currently serves as director of experiential learning programs in the Leander, ISD, TX, overseeing five state of the art
        Challenge Course facilities, training and supervising dozens of staff facilitators, and serving thousands of students and community
        groups.  Greg is also a talented musician, actor, avid mountain biker and dedicated parent.
 
 
 
Rock Climbing with Art
The Rock Climbing pre-Conference workshop is designed for the person who’s always wanted to try the sport of rock climbing, or the experienced gym/tower climber with minimal outdoor experience.  We will venture into the canyon for an exciting day of climbing on some premier Texas limestone. You will learn and develop the fundamentals of climbing:  belaying, climbing techniques, gear selection and safety on easy to moderate routes.  The pre-conference workshop emphasizes safety and fun while in a supportive learning environment.  You will leave the workshop with a basic foundation in climbing skills and techniques, and an appetite for wanting to climb more.  While you don’t need to have any experience to join us, you’ll be amped by how much fun, knowledge, and experience you will take away from the workshop.  All ropes and equipment will be provided.  If you need shoes and, or harness, contact Art Ortiz at 210-279-4704 or [ email ].
 
When: March 29th, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Reimers Ranch, Dripping Springs, Texas
What to bring: Dress for the weather (in layers) Loose pants or shorts, shirt or t-shirt, close-toed shoes, backpack to carry your stuff, hat, sunglasses, food, snacks, and water.
 
Mountain Bike Ride with Art  
Reimers Ranch offers some of the best single track mountain bike trails in the Texas Hill Country.  The ranch has nearly 2400 areas, about 35 miles of trails, and borders the Pedernales River.  This workshop will start at 1:30 PM and give you the opportunity to ride and explore this prime hill country land.  The trails are a mixture of dirt and Texas limestone; and the riding is fast, open and rolling, with some amazing scenery and wild life from White-tail deer and Black Buck antelope to Texas cattle.  We will go over riding technique and body mechanics, but most of all get in some awesome riding.
 
So if you’re a new or seasoned rider, come out and ride.  It’s about sharing the experience and having fun, in a supportive and encouraging learning environment.  We will meet in the mountain biking area parking lot.  You will need to bring your own mountain bike, helmet, appropriate riding clothes and gear, hydration system, and your trail kit.  If you have any questions or concerns, contact Art Ortiz at 210-279-4704 or [ email ].
 
When: March 29th, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Where: Reimers Ranch, Dripping Springs, Texas
What to bring: Dress for the weather (in layers) riding shorts, riding jersey, riding shoes, mountain bike, helmet, sunglasses, snacks, water/hydration pack, and bike trail kit.
 
Directions to Reimers Ranch from CYJ
 
        
          Art Ortiz  is a 19-year survivor of leukemia (AML) and has been facilitating and instructing adventure-based experiences for
          the past 17 years.  Art was a former Program Coordinator for the US Army Warrior Adventure Quest program working with redeployed
          Soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan providing adventure-based activities, that included paintball, mountain biking, rock climbing, and
          kayaking.  Prior to that, he taught for eight-years in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at The University of Texas at San
          Antonio, instructing outdoor leadership, sports management, and health safety courses.
  
          Art holds a Masters and Bachelors in Kinesiology and Health with a specialization in outdoor leadership; and is a graduate of the
          National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and American Alpine Institute (AAI); and a member of the American Mountain Guide
          Association (AMGA), American Alpine Club (AAC), and International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).  He enjoys backpacking,
          mountain biking, rock climbing, running and spending time with his family.  He resides in central Texas with his wife, Maura, and their
          two children, Alexander Rainier (9) and Daphne Rose (5).
 
         "The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action.” John Dewey