ANNUAL STATEWIDE CONFERENCE 2026

Conference Theme: Stronger Together

Date: May 1-3, 2026

Location: SCICON, the Outdoor School of Science and Conservation operated by Tulare County Office of Education

Address: 41569 Bear Creek Dr, Springville, CA 93265

Join us for a weekend of learning, networking, and fun at SCICON Outdoor School in Tulare County, the gateway to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks! Located at an elevation of 2,000 feet, SCICON consists of 1,100-acres of oaks, wildlife, streams, and solitude. 

The conference is held Friday afternoon through Sunday lunch and includes 40+ workshops, a keynote speaker, an awards ceremony, resource fair, live and silent auction, EE Certification Program presentations, evening entertainment, and more. Lodging and meals are offered onsite starting with dinner on Friday and going through lunch on Sunday. Both camping and cabin dorm accommodations are available for Friday and Saturday night.

1 graduate unit is available to purchase from University of San Diego for those attending the full conference. 

Is this your first time attending an AEOE conference and you aren't sure what to expect? Do you have specific dietary needs or other accommodations that you want to make sure we can support? Want to see the draft conference schedule and photos of the site? Please read through our FAQs and contact us at aeoe@aeoe.org if your question or concern isn't addressed. 

CONFERENCE WORKSHOP PROPOSALS

The call for workshop proposals is now open! We are seeking facilitators to lead engaging, informative workshops that will increase our individual and collective knowledge, skills, and capacity. Additionally, we are also looking for facilitators to lead breakout sessions for folks to connect with job-alike peers and with others with shared identities. Help us to grow stronger together by sharing your expertise at the statewide conference. Click here to learn more about become a workshop presenter and submit your application today!

Workshop Proposal Deadline: February 1, 2026 

(Pictured, the hills around SCICON in spring)

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Registration is now open! There are several options available. Members and workshop presenters receive discounted rates, as well as staff of our organizational members (if you are the organizational member contact, log in and then click on membership benefits to access the discount code or contact aeoe@aeoe.org). Non-participating adults and youth are also welcome to attend (youth must be in accompanied by a guardian at all times). 

• Early bird deadline: March 1, 2026
• Regular registration deadline: April 20, 2026 (walk-in available through May 2, 2026)

Registration rates Click the option at right to register	Full weekend with lodging (Early bird / regular / walk-in)	Full weekend without lodging (Early bird / regular / walk-in)	Saturday only (Early bird / regular / walk-in)
AEOE Members	$255 / $285 / $335	$205 / $235 / $285	$170 / $185 / $200
Organizational member staff	$265 / $295 / $345	$215 / $245 / $295	$180 / $195 / $210
Non members	$270 / $300 / $350	$220 / $250 / $300	$185 / $200 / $215

CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Conference scholarships are available through Joie's Daisies Scholarship Fund, named after beloved outdoor educator Joie Armstrong. Joie was a bright light to all who knew her. In honor of her legacy, AEOE offers scholarships to support the attendance of environmental and outdoor educators who need financial assistance. A minimum of 50% of scholarships will be offered to individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) and/or LGBTQIA+ to decrease barriers and increase access to participation. Ten $100 scholarships and ten $50 scholarships are available based on expressed need (offered as a discount to the prices listed above). 

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PRIORITY DEADLINE: February 15, 2026. Applications submitted after then will be considered on a rolling basis if funds allow. 

Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Volunteering Opportunities

Interested in directing your talents and skills towards helping us to put on a successful conference? Consider being a volunteer! We need support in a number of areas:

• Affinity group leaders (multiple people needed, presenter registration discount applies): Job-alike affinity groups: formal educators, early childhood educators, program leaders, novice outdoor educators, and experienced outdoor educators. Identity-based affinity groups: Black, Indigenous, and/or Person of Color, LGBTQIA+. You are also welcome to propose an additional group. Affinity group session leaders must have strong facilitation skills and experience managing large groups. Learn more and apply here. 
• Live auction auctioneer (registration discount applies): Help generate enthusiasm and manage winning bids with the crowd during Saturday night's live auction in coordination with the talent show MC. Experience hosting a live auction strongly preferred. Registration discount applies
• Talent show MC (registration discount applies): Help generate crowd enthusiasm and manage the line-up during Saturday night's talent show in coordination with the auctioneer. Experience managing or performing in front of a crowd strongly preferred. Registration discount applies. 
• On site medic (1-2 needed depending on shift length, registration discount applies): Conference attendee who is on-call to assist with any first aid or medical emergencies. Medic must have current EMT, WFR, or WFA. Must be able to provide your own first aid kit. 

• On-site support (multiple): We will also need assistance with arrival/welcome, sign crew, registration, parking, and clean-up. While these roles don't come with a registration discount, they are a great way to connect with other participants and get involved in a meaningful way. 

Please contact info@aeoe.org if you are interested in volunteering. And thank you to committee members Nadia Van Lynn, Sha Houck, Mindy Schwartz, Emelie Traub, and Robb Stolberg for serving on our Conferences & Awards Committee, helping us to make this a great event!

CONFERENCE SPONSORS

The Statewide Conference offers a premier opportunity to strengthen environmental education and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability while elevating your brand with our community. Please checkout our sponsor packet if you are interested in supporting this event. 

Sponsorship levels come with a wide range of benefits and can be customized to suit your needs. Ready to support this premier event? Click here to make a secure donation or contact us to explore gift options. 

Want more information or would like to discuss this opportunity with a member of our team? Please contact AEOE's Executive Director Estrella Risinger at director@aeoe.org.

Join us in thanking this year's sponsors!

         

CONFERENCE PHOTOS

Is this your first time attending an AEOE conference? Want a better sense of what to expect? Excited to see more of SCICON's gorgeous campus? Scroll through the photo album of past SCICON conference pics below!