You know that you need a break from the traditional teaching grind and want to rejuvenate your passion for early childhood education, but have not made yourself a priority. You need a supportive community and some practical strategies to make this happen. You have struggles, fears, and questions about early childhood, play, opening a program, running a digital business, and more. You want to share your own experiences to help others that are where you have been.
THIS IS WHAT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR.
The Playcation Mastermind is a transformative 3-day getaway designed to dive into the world of play-based learning, connect with fellow educators, and rejuvenate your passion for teaching. Join me lakeside for meaningful discussions, creative challenges, and plenty of relaxation, all while enjoying the beauty of nature.
You can expect a lot of conversation, laughter, tears, squirrel watching, yummy food, community building, sunsets, creative challenges, campfires, drinks, mosquitoes, play, and daily floating time on the lake (or on sand if you don't do water). Have time to pick Kristen’s brain and the brains of 5 other people who are all like minded in our industry and time to recharge.
While you'll stay in your own accommodations near Kristen's house, the activities will take place from 9am-8pm at Kristen's lakeside home for three full days.
This casual and informal mastermind will revive you for the school year ahead.
SIGN ME UP
HERE'S A GLIMPSE INTO YOUR FUTURE!
- Time away from "the real world" to reset.
- Your questions answered about play based learning, digital business, opening a program, and life.
- Most of the meals will be made for you! You just show up!
- Time in together and alone, sharing, reflecting, experiencing, journaling, creating all put together to give you a break!
- New connections made with like-minded educators.
- Lake time (if the weather is conducive), sunsets, s'mores on the campfire, creative challenges, games, singing (PLAAAYYYYY).
- a large porch for relaxing and squirrel watching
- right on a massive lake
- a floating dock
- kayaks for water adventures
- hammocks to rest and read
- a fire pit for campfires and s'mores
- sunlit and plant filled indoor spaces in case of inclement weather
- snacks and drinks available throughout the day
The Travel and Meal Details
- Arrive to Minnesota on Wednesday, July 10th so you can be ready to show up to Kristen's lake house at 9am CST on Thursday, July 11th.
- Book your own accommodations for lodging (with or without others) from Wednesday, July 10th -Sunday, July 14th. We can provide suggestions after June 1st once we give the go ahead to book.
- The closest airports are:
- MSP (Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, 2 hour drive)
- STC (St. Cloud Regional Airport, 1 hour drive)
- HIA (Hector International Airport, Fargo ND, 1.5 hour drive)
- Rent a car (maybe with others that are making the trek!) to drive the 1-2 hours to Alexandria, MN
- Once registration has been filled, an email will be sent out with information about a closed chat group to connect you with others that are also joining! We are hopeful that people can share cars and/or rides into Alexandria and accommodation if that interests you!
- All meals are covered in the cost of the mastermind. Breakfast will be continental and available as people arrive each morning. Lunch and dinners will be prepared and provided for you. All drinks (coffee, tea, water, alcoholic & non-alcoholic) are included too! Please let us know upon registration if you have any food allergies.
- The mastermind ends after a campfire on Saturday, July 13th, 2024.
And a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, bug repellent, water shoes or waterproof sandals, three of your favorite things to exchange with others, clothes for a campfire (sweatshirt and joggers to keep off the mosquitos).
What not to bring: You won’t need a laptop so leave that at home! This is a chance to disconnect with things and connect with the world and people that will be surrounding you!
- A variety of challenges to get our brains thinking creatively.
- Play!
- Pick each other's brains.
- We need the collective whole to support one another and learn from each other.
- Float on the lake
- Relax on the hammocks
- Visit Butterfly Hill Nature Preschool
- Chat, laugh, cry, eat, create, squirrel watch, recharge, and connect.
Find the payment option that works best for you below. If you have any additional questions, please send us an email at [email protected] so we can help you make the best decision for you!
How can I alert event organizers of my allergies?
Where can I stay?
What will the meals be like?
What will I learn?
Are all people welcome?
Should you join me at Kristen's Summer Playcation Mastermind? Is it a right fit for you?
YOU ARE A GREAT FIT FOR THE PLAYCATION MASTERMIND IF:
- You are open minded.
- You are working towards implementing play based learning in your early childhood environment.
- You want to spend time with like-minded people and walk away with a solid support system.
- You like having fun and playing!
- You need to getaway to reset and rejuvenate your heart and mind so you can give your all to the children in your care.
