2023 Adventure Therapy Best Practices Conference

This conference welcomes researchers, practitioners, and innovators from across the adventure therapy field for in-depth learning, growth, and connection.

When? July 27-29

Where? Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR

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This year's theme is "Exploring the Future of AT," inviting us all to consider the history and origins of our field and work, while collaboratively visioning what we hope for it from here. We look forward to rich learning, discussion, and connection, and hope you'll consider joining us!

This July, join TAPG at the 9th Adventure Therapy Best Practices Conference in Portland, Oregon. The Association for Experiential Education (AEE) welcomes researchers, practitioners, and students from across the adventure therapy field for two and a half days of reflection, learning, and connection. This year’s conference will take place July 27-29.

Since 2005, the AEE Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group - the professional group for AEE members working in the fields of health, mental health, corrections, education, and other human service fields - has hosted a conference to explore best practices in adventure therapy. Practices focused on clinical skill building, practical application, and experiential methods are explored and highlighted. This year we are focusing on reflecting on how the field of adventure therapy has developed over time and exploring how the field of adventure therapy will continue to develop over time. 

With this theme in mind, we invite individuals across cultural and professional backgrounds to join us this summer. Workshop programming will prioritize clinical skill building, practical application, and experiential methods and be relevant to not only the seasoned AT practitioner, but also students, guides, field staff, traditional therapists, program directors, administrators, or anyone with an interest in using experiential methods to promote growth and healing. Workshops will also be organized around core training areas for the Clinical Certified Adventure Therapist and Certified Therapeutic Adventure Specialist credentials.

Questions? Please email us and a member of the conference committee will respond to you directly as soon as we are able.

Lodging information:

Lodging is available to attendees at Lewis and Clark College. We will have the opportunity to be in either a single occupancy room or a double occupancy room. Check in begins at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 27th and check-out is before 10:00 a.m. Sunday, July 30th. All meals beginning at dinner on Thursday, July 27th and ending with breakfast on Sunday, July 30th are included in registration rates for both those lodging at Lewis and Clark and those commuting to the conference. 

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Early Bird Rates:

The rate for a single occupancy room is 210.00 for the three nights.

The rate for a double occupancy room is 310.00 for three nights. 

Late Rates:

The rate for a single occupancy room is 235.00 for the three nights.

The rate for a double occupancy room is 350.00 for three nights.

If interested, you are welcome to post on the TAPG Facebook to find a roommate, but TAPG is not responsible for matching individuals for a double occupancy rooms. Please list the individuals who will be sharing double occupancy rooms in the applicable registration field. Linens are included.

Registration Rates

There are a variety of registration rates for individuals attending the Adventure Therapy Best Practices Conference. All meals beginning at dinner on Thursday, July 27th and ending with breakfast on Sunday, July 30th are included in registration rates for both those lodging at Lewis and Clark and those commuting to the conference. Please designate in registration if you have any dietary restrictions. Don’t wait to register, early bird rates end June 30th!

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Early Bird Rates (end June 30):

AEE Member: $400

Non-Member: $485

Student AEE Member: $280

Student Non-Member: $375 

Presenter/TAPG Leadership Council : $305

Late Rates:

AEE Member: $440

Non-Member: $535

Student AEE Member: $310

Student Non-Member: $415

Presenter/TAPG Leadership Council: $335

Service Crew:

Are you passionate about using adventure and outdoor activities to help people overcome challenges and reach their full potential? Join us at the Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group (TAPG) Best Practices Conference in Portland, where you can connect with experts and professionals in the field of Adventure Therapy.

We're looking for Students and First-Time Conference Attendees to join our Service Crew. Service Crew volunteers to help us make this event a success. As part of the Service Crew, you'll have the opportunity to gain valuable experience, build friendships, and have an impact in the field of Adventure Therapy! Plus, all Conference volunteers receive a discount on registration costs ($100 registration rate)! There are only 10 service crew spots available. If you do not see the option to register at the service crew rate, the spots have been taken.

Large Group Registration:

For groups of ten or more individuals, contact us for a group discount code of 10% off each registration. This discount is not eligible for individuals who are receiving a discounted service crew rate.

ATBP Sponsorship:

If you are interested in supporting the Adventure Therapy Best Practices Conference through sponsorship or through donating items for the silent auction, please email Jesy at JesyCordle@gmail.com for more information. 

Exhibit table space for promotional materials

Rate: $500

Includes:

  • Designation on program as sponsor
  • Thank you post on our social media account
Sponsor a Lunch (2 opportunities available)

Rate: $1,500

Includes:

  • Table with promotional materials
  • Designation on program as sponsor
  • Thank you post on our social media account
  • 5-10 Minute introduction presentation to lunch attendees (optional)
  • 1 Comped registration
Sponsor the Social (1 opportunity available)

Rate: $2,000

Includes:

  • Table with promotional materials
  • Designation on program as sponsor
  • Thank you post on our social media account
  • 5-10 Minute introduction presentation to social event attendees (optional)
  • 2 Comped registrations

Scholarships & Awards

Want to come to the Conference and could use some financial assistance; or, know someone who does? We are accepting applications for the Mark Ames Scholarship! TAPG awards the Mark Ames Memorial Scholarship to provide an opportunity to attend TAPG's Pre-Conference workshops to an individual who otherwise could not afford to attend. Mark Ames was a model leader and community member to the Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group (TAPG) of AEE. He contributed so much during his time with us, bringing the true heart of adventure therapy work to our personal and professional development efforts. Click here to complete an application: https://forms.gle/1u6g72ggQJMdjSQo9.

Know of an amazing adventure therapy practitioner or organization that deserves some recognition?!? The Heart of Adventure Therapy Award will be presented at the Pre-Conference/AEE International Conference. The Heart of Adventure Therapy Award is given yearly to either an organization or an individual who embodies the heart of adventure therapy! The purpose of the award is to honor an individual, organization or program that provides exemplary adventure therapy services. This individual or organization should exhibit the mission and vision of the Association for Experiential Education and should also employ TAPG’s Best Practices. Click here to make a nomination: https://forms.gle/Bj3nZu6M7vXZi8YFA.