Climate Change Education: Empowering New Jersey’s Nonformal Educators
2026-06-17 16:00 - 2026-06-18 16:00 (America/New_York) | NJ School of Conservation, 1 Wapalanne Road, Sandyston, 07826, United States
Join us for a field based workshop that will empower NJ’s nonformal educators with tools, activities, and confidence to teach climate change

In 2020, NJ became the first state in the US to incorporate climate change education into all K-12 content areas.
This professional learning workshop is designed to support New Jersey’s nonformal educators in confidently and effectively teaching climate change through engaging, learner-centered experiences. The program focuses on building both content knowledge and instructional capacity, ensuring educators feel prepared to facilitate meaningful climate learning in a variety of nonformal settings.
Participants will deepen their understanding of climate change science while exploring Jersey-centric, hands-on, and outdoor lessons that connect local climate impacts to global systems. Through guided activities and model lessons, educators will experience strategies they can immediately adapt for use with their own audiences.
The workshop also supports educators in aligning existing programs with New Jersey Climate Change Standards, helping them strengthen connections between informal learning experiences and formal education goals. Dedicated time for collaboration and discussion will allow participants to share ideas, refine lessons, and learn from peers across the state.
By the end of the workshop, educators will leave with increased confidence, practical teaching tools, and a supportive professional network—empowered to engage learners in relevant, action-oriented climate change education.

Tentative Schedule (Rain or shine)
WEDNESDAY

4:00 – 5:00pm – Arrive and settle in to cabins
6:00 – 7:00pm – Dinner – please bring your own
7:00 – 7:45pm – Paddle on Lake Wapalanne
8:00pm – Campfire + Storytelling

THURSDAY

7:00 – 8:00am – Morning walk (optional)
8:00 – 8:45am – Breakfast (provided by NJSOC)
9:00 – 9:30am – Welcome and Introductions
9:30 – 10:30am – The Basic Science of Climate Change
10:30am-10:45am- Break
10:45-11:30- The New Jersey Climate-Change Education Standards for Nonformal Educators
11:45 – 12:45pm – Lunch (provided by NJSOC)
1:00 – 2:15pm – Ephemeral Art & Poetry of Climate Change
2:30 – 3:45pm – NJ Wildlife: Using iNaturalist to Explore Climate Change Issues
3:45 – 4:00pm –Workshop Summation & Gratitudes
4:00pm – Departure

Workshop Details:
This workshop is presented through a collaboration of the NJSOC and the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education with generous support from National Geographic and a private donor.
This workshop is open to New Jersey nonformal educators (employed by zoos, nature centers, museums, community organizations, correctional facilities, etc.). Registration fee includes breakfast and lunch, overnight accommodations in cabin-style housing and all workshop materials.
Educators will receive $150 stipends upon completion of the workshop.
Please contact Tanya Sulikowski, NJSOC Director of Education, with any questions. tsulikowski@njsoc.org
Refund Policy:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if canceled 7 or more days before the event. While we appreciate being notified if you are unable to attend an event, refunds are not given for cancellations within 7 days of the event.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

Wapalanne Women's Wellness Weekend -- Summer Edition
2026-06-26 17:00 - 2026-06-28 13:00
Join us for the Wapalanne Women’s Wellness Weekend where you can relax and refresh in nature

Welcome to Wapalanne Women’s Wellness Weekend on the historic NJSOC campus in the middle of beautiful Stokes State Forest!
Come and enjoy a weekend to refresh your mind, body, and spirit with nature journaling, hiking, archery, yoga, boating, campfires, and much more. As we ease into summer take time to relax and center yourself in a beautiful natural setting. Come on your own or bring some friends and stay in our rustic cabins with views of Lake Wapalanne.
The cost of this weekend includes two nights of lodging, six meals and six programs. It also helps us continue our work to foster environmental knowledge and action through education programs that promote sustainability practices, climate change mitigation, and environmental justice.
Programs:
Nature Journaling – Learn how to use nature in your journaling from a Master Educator. Then go for a walk and draw inspiration from nature. All supplies provided.
Wild Plant Hike – Take a hike with a Master Educator and learn about native plants and their uses. Sturdy shoes recommended.
Outdoor Yoga – Join us for an outdoor session to learn why we practice yoga and how important it is to our wellness. Bring a mat or towel as we do some movement and end with a meditation. All levels of experience are welcome.
Boating – Enjoy a peaceful afternoon gliding across Lake Wapalanne and learn some basics of canoeing. No experience needed, life vests are provided.
Archery – Learn all about Archery from a certified instructor. Enjoy learning a new skill in a beautiful setting. No experience needed all equipment is provided.
Campfire – Join us around the campfire for songs and s’mores.

Lodging:
When you register you will be able to choose a cabin with or without an en suite toilet and shower. You will also choose top or bottom bunk in the cabins with an en suite toilet and shower. All accommadations have heat/AC and WiFi. The cabins with en suite toilet and shower also have a mini fridge or full kitchen. You will need to provide your own bedding, pillow, and towel. A detailed packing list will be sent after you register. Remember to let us know if you are coming with friends!

Individuals who identify as women are welcome at this event.

Refund Policy:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if cancelled 14 or more days before the event. While we appreciate being notified if you are unable to attend an event, refunds are not given for cancellations within 14 days of the event. If we must cancel, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.
