• Event date: December 2, 2021 - 8:30 am
• Event end: December 3, 2021 - 12:00 pm

We are four weeks away from the start of our 2021 Texas Children in Nature Network Summit: Inspiring Leaders for Healthier, Happier, and Smarter Kids will take place on December 2-3, 2021. Learn more about our Summit

This year’s Summit promises to be a wonderful chance to hear from amazing speakers, learn from each other and wonderful networking. You will have a chance to learn about Forest Bathing, Story Walks, Nature Play and so much more!

You won’t want to miss the 2021 Summit – Register Today

2021 Texas Children in Nature Network Summit: Inspiring Leaders for Healthier, Happier Smarter Kids

About this event
The 2021 Texas Children in Nature Network Summit: Inspiring Leaders for Healthier, Happier, and Smarter Kids will take place on December 2-3, 2021 at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107. The Summit is a full day (8:30-6:00) Thursday, and a half-day (8:30-12:00) Friday with optional post-conference workshops on Friday afternoon.

During this two-day Summit, TCiNN will bring together health, education, built environment, faith and conservation community leaders to shape an even brighter future for the children of Texas. TCiNN will convene over 250 community leaders to strengthen the network and develop opportunities and policies that will connect more children and families in nature.

During 2020 many things changed in the world and for Texas Children in Nature Network. One of the biggest lessons from the pandemic has been in importance of equitable access to nature for our health and the need for more space for us to live, learn and play outdoors. With this in mind TCiNN has planned this year’s Summit with a focus on our lessons learned this past year, and how to move forward in a world looking for more opportunities in nature.

If you are needing to pay for our Summit via check please email Sarah at: scoles@texaschildreninnature.org

Key-note speakers:

Thursday afternoon – Angela Hanscom, author of Balanced and Barefoot. As an occupational therapist Angela has specialized in nature interventions for children and the need for natural environments for child development. She will be speaking on her work and what she has learned through her work at the TimberNook Center in New Hampshire.
Friday morning – Lisa Carlson, Past President of the American Public Health Association. During her time with APHA Lisa has advocated for nature as a public health strategy, she will be sharing her insights on how we can make strides for a healthier community by incorporating more nature into our communities.
Equity Panel

Friday morning, December 3rd, will feature a panel discussion of the importance of creating a more equitable outdoors, and creating a welcoming experience at our nature sites. Panel speakers will include: David Buggs, Melinda Chow, Alex Bailey, Rocio Villalobos, and Jaime Gonzalez.
Summit Session Strands

Access to Nature
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Equity and Inclusion
Formal and Informal Education
OLE! Texas (Outdoor Learning Environments in Early Childhood Settings)
Physical and Mental Health
Post-Conference Workshops

Forest Bathing
Conference Lodging Options

Texas Children in Nature Network has a conference block of 50 rooms at the SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University, 3250 Lovell Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76117. The hotel features a free breakfast, fitness center, free WiFi and outdoor pool. Room rate in the conference block is $109/night (plus tax) for either a single king or double queen room. Room block will be held until November 12, 2021. Call 817-878-2554 and state you are attending our Summit in order to book within our room block. Or, you can register with this link.
Other nearby hotels
A shuttle service will be available from the SpringHill Suites to the conference at set times during the day. Parking is also available at the Botanic Garden and BRIT if you choose to drive yourself to the Summit.
Meals and Happy Hours

Lunch at the BRIT on Thursday (December 2) is included with full registration. Lunch at the BRIT on Friday (December 3) will be included in tickets for any post-conference workshops.
Happy Hour on Thursday (December 2) is included with full registration.
Breakfast and dinner is on you own.
Program and Schedule

Find updated schedules, information and conference details on our conference webpage.
Summit COVID-Protocols

All Attendees will be required to show either proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from no earlier than November 29 upon check-in at the Summit. This will apply to all attendees, presenters, exhibitors, staff, volunteers, and sponsors.
Wearing a mask while indoors and interacting with others will be encouraged, masks will be available anyone who needs one
We will have three lanyard colors for you to choose from at check-in: Green – open to all interactions, Yellow – I am still cautious, please ask, Red- Please maintain 6′ social distance
This conference is a “bring your own tote bag” conference. Please bring your favorite tote bag to show off to everyone at the Summit.

Texas Children in Nature Network is a 501c3 Public Charity. As of January 2021 we became an independent non-profit, leaving our incubation period under Texas Parks and Wildlife. We are excited to work with TPWD as a founding partner of TCiNN as we plan this year’s Summit.