| Association for Environmental & Outdoor education |
AEOE strengthens environmental education in California by connecting providers, building professional expertise, and championing environmental literacy and outdoor learning.
CONFERENCES, RETREATS, & MEET-ups
AEOE offers several opportunities for environmental education professionals from around the state to connect in person to engage in professional development, share resources, expand your network. We hope to see you at a future event!
ANNUAL STATEWIDE CONFERENCE
The Statewide Conference for Environmental and Outdoor Education offers opportunities for networking, professional development, and connection. Held in the spring, the conference runs Friday through Sunday and include 40+ workshops, a keynote speaker, award ceremonies, entertainment, and more. Lodging and meals are offered onsite and both camping and dorm or cabin accommodations are available. Rotating through sites around California, the annual statewide conference draws ~300 participants for a weekend of learning and fun.
Our 2026 Statewide Conference is planned for May 21-3, 2026 at SCICON Outdoor School in Tulare County, north of Bakersfield. The call for workshop applications is open now - check the conference page for more details.
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Click through the images below to get a taste of the statewide conference. We hope to see you next year!
Past Statewide Conferences
| Year | Site | Theme |
| 2024 | Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center | Reinvigorate |
| 2023 | YMCA Camp Jones Gulch | Educating for Change |
| 2022 | SCICON Outdoor School | CommunityEE |
| 2021 | Virtual conference due to COVID | n/a |
| 2020 | Virtual (conference planned at SCICON postponed due to COVID-19) | n/a |
| 2019 | Westminster Woods | Teaching Outside the Box |
| 2018 | Camp Hess Kramer | Creating a Culture of Science |
| 2017 | YMCA Camp Jones Gulch | The Next Generation |
| 2016 | Camp Hess Kramer | Connecting the Dots |
| 2015 | Walker Creek Ranch | n/a |
| 2014 | SCICON | The Road Less Traveled |
| 2013 | Sierra Outdoor School |
A Climate of Change |
| 2012 | Camp Hess Kramer | Little Blue Marble |
If your site would like to host an upcoming conference or volunteer to plan a future conference, please reach out to AEOE's Executive Director, Estrella Risinger, director@aeoe.org.
FALL REGIONAL MEETUPS
AEOE launched fall regional meetups as a way for our communities across the state to come together for in-person networking and learning. The meetups draw educators from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences and in a range of settings (nature centers, school yards, outdoor science schools, etc.). They are a great opportunity to make local connections, learn about programs near you, and expand your network.Thanks to our sites, partners, sponsors, and everyone who joined us for the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fall Regional Meetups!
If you would like to host a regional meetup in the fall of 2025, please reach out AEOE's Executive Director, Estrella Risinger, director@aeoe.org.
PROGRAM LEADER RETREAT
AEOE convenes program leaders (managers, coordinators, and directors of EE providers) from around the state for a weekend of learning, connection, and fun. Combining both focused professional development and open space sessions, the weekend retreat is a time to connect with others in similar roles, gain help from your peers, and strengthen your program while relaxing on the grounds at Camp Ocean Pines on the beautiful California Coast.
The 2026 Program Leader Retreat will be held over the weekend of January 30 – February 1, 2026. Registration options include Saturday night only, the full weekend, or an option to secure your own lodging if you prefer to stay offsite.