PROGRAM LEADERS RETREAT

Join us for the 2027 Program Leaders Retreat: January 29-31, 2027

Location: Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria, CA

Description: Join program leaders (managers, coordinators, and directors of EE providers) from around the state for a weekend of learning, connection, and fun. This annual event combines 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 beautiful grounds of Camp Ocean Pines on the stunning California Coast. 

Site accessibility: The communal meeting spaces are ADA accessible, as are several restrooms on site. One cabin is ADA accessible, but please note that the path from the meeting area to the lodging area is uphill, on uneven terrain (we recommend driving if you plan to stay overnight).

In 2027 we will be sharing the site with a group training guide dogs as service animals for the blind and visually impaired. While we will have separate lodging and meeting spaces, we will be sharing the communal areas such as the dining hall and some other spaces at camp. Keep this in mind if you have allergies or any aversions towards being in the vicinity of dogs. Please note that the dogs will be actively working so we will be appreciating their cuteness from afar.

Please contact us at aeoe@aeoe.org if you have additional questions or specific needs.

DRAFT AGENDA

• Friday afternoon – check in and get settled into housing
• Friday dinner
• Friday evening social (optional)
• Saturday breakfast
• Saturday morning – nature journaling session with Wild Wonder Foundation
• Saturday late morning – optional field trip up the coast to see the elephant seals
• Saturday lunch 
  
• Saturday afternoon – professional development session (TBD)
• Saturday dinner
• Saturday evening – statewide updates, networking, and prep for open space
• Sunday morning walk (optional) 
• Sunday breakfast
• Sunday morning – Open Space discussions
• Sunday late morning: departure

What are Open Space discussions? 

Open Space is an approach where the participants engage in peer learning by creating and managing the agenda themselves. Participants will brainstorm topics, agree on the areas of discussion that have importance for them, and then take responsibility for facilitating the sessions. 

REGISTRATION

This event has several registration options. You can join us for the full weekend (Friday and Saturday night) with lodging and all five meals included; secure your own lodging nearby and enjoy meals and all programming with us at Camp Ocean Pines; or stay for just Saturday night, with three meals included. Discounts are available to individual AEOE members, staff of our organizational members, and assisted rates are available for those needing financial support to attend. Click on the registration links below for more information:

	AEOE Member	Org Member Staff	Nonmember	Assisted	Contributor
Saturday night only	$175	$185	$190	$160	$195
Full weekend with lodging	$250	$260	$265	$235	$270
Full weekend without lodging	$185	$195	$200	$170	$205

Registration deadline: January 29, 2027. Note that cancellations can be made up to two weeks prior to the event start date. For cancellations within two weeks of the event, please contact aeoe@aeoe.org. 

"The retreat was such an amazing experience. It helped me feel rejuvenated, connected, and part of a larger community...I really appreciated the amount of time allocated for just talking and connecting with others. The open space part was great too! I feel so fortunate to be part of this community."    - 2025 Participant