EEASC 2026 Conference Camp Compass: Full Schedule

1:30pm EDT

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

Artificial Intelligence (AI) must serve environmental education, not redefine it. Yet most professional development focuses on how to use AI, not whether or when we should. This interactive session examines AI through three lenses: the good, how it might support idea generation and data analysis; the bad, how it can mislead, oversimplify, or weaken authentic connection to people and place; and the ugly, the hidden environmental, social, and ethical costs with its use. Rather than promoting or dismissing AI, this session initiates the process for environmental educators to critically assess AI’s role, if any, in their work.
Participants will engage in small and large group discussions and collaborative brainstorming to evaluate real-world examples in using AI. Through guided reflection and movement-based activities, attendees will practice asking the essential questions that must come before adopting AI tools. Participants will leave with a Before You Use AI Field Card, a concise tool to help environmental educators pause and evaluate AI decisions before adopting them.

Speakers

Laura Beltran

Interpretive Naturalist, Nature Investigations, LLC

Laura Beltran is an interpretive naturalist and Certified Interpretive Guide who has worked in nonprofit and government agencies across the eastern U.S. She leads programs through Nature Investigations, LLC, and writes Reflections from the Field for interpretive professionals. She... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Informal Eductors
All age levels All age levels

1:30pm EDT

Compass and Outdoor Skills

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170

For this session, we will need an indoor space to do the primary compass education, and possibly the knots...if it is really hot out. We will also need outdoor space for the orienteering, setting up shelters and definitely the fire starting. However, if there is inclement weather, all can be done indoors. We will start off with parts of a compass and how to use it, discover how many steps it takes to go 10 feet and basic orienteering. Then we will run a simple course and discuss how a compass could help with no bearings or even knowing where you are. We will then go into how long a human can generally survive without certain things and what to secure first in a survival situation. We will learn 3 knots that can be used to secure a tarp for shelter and then try our hands at getting smoke with a fire bow and board, flint and steel, and glasses lens, plastic bag with water, or magnifying glass.

Speakers

Beth Button

Watershed Ecology Center

Beth grew up spending weekends and summers at her family cabin on the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. She enjoyed animals, all things water and learning about being outdoors. She graduated college with degrees in studio art and elementary education with a specialization in... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

1:30pm EDT

Lessons from the Lorax: Activities for Young Ecologists

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260

In this hands-on, interdisciplinary session, I will facilitate classroom activities that help elementary students explore interconnections in nature and introduce concepts of environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management. At the same time, these activities build academic skills in elementary mathematics, science, social studies and English language arts.
After a brief introduction on the ecology concepts to be presented, I will lead participants in several hands-on activities. These include a cooperative board game based on the Dr. Seuss classic, The Lorax, to model reforesting an area to restore biodiversity; a 3-D activity to model resource extraction and environmental considerations for the area; an interactive story on a local habitat and a game of strategy on managing a shared resource. All presented activities are matched to state standards for several subject areas. The presented activities use a variety of strategies and modalities to be inclusive of all types of learners in a formal or informal educational setting. Participants will receive activity instructions and background materials in an electronic format, with access to a password-protected website.

Speakers

Brooke Hardin

University of South Carolina, Upstate

Brooke Hardin is Assistant Professor of Elementary Education at University of South Carolina Upstate, where she teaches future teachers. She was formerly a classroom teacher, media specialist and Literacy Curriculum Coordinator. Dr. Hardin is also a volunteer workshop facilitator... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

3:15pm EDT

Geocaching - A High Tech Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170

The presenter will talk about the hobby of Geocaching and how to incorporate it into Environmental Education programs. After this short talk, participants will track a nearby cache to get a feel for how to participate.

Speakers

John Ratterree

Operations Coordinator, The Watershed Ecology Center @ USC Upstate

John Ratterree, a retired science teacher currently working at the Watershed Ecology Center at USC Upstate, developed his passion for the outdoors through family camping trips and the Boy Scouts. One of the outdoor hobbies he enjoys is orienteering. Geocaching allows him to combine... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels
about <br>

3:15pm EDT

Slowing Down with Sit Spot: Where Wonder Grows

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

Sit Spot is a deceptively simple practice: participants return regularly to the same outdoor place to observe, reflect, and notice change over time. Yet research with former students reveals that this slow, recurring routine can foster deep environmental connection and long-term care for place. In this session, we will briefly explore key findings about Sit Spot’s enduring impact on holistic well-being, engagement with affect (wonder, calm, reflection), and connection to nature.Participants will then engage in a guided mini Sit Spot experience outdoors, followed by structured reflection and discussion about implementation in formal and informal environmental education settings. We will discuss practical considerations such as scaffolding trust, journaling prompts, group culture, and adapting Sit Spot for different age groups and contexts. Educators will leave inspired and equipped to create space for stillness in their own programs.

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels
about <br>

3:15pm EDT

Team Ecology Event for all 3rd Graders

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260

Team Ecology: An educational adventure for third grade students that brings together a community for the purpose of teaching students about the importance of our environment and their role in protecting its future. This event is entirely run by volunteers and sponsored by local businesses who are investing in the future of our natural resources.

Speakers

Renee Gibbs

Laurens County Conservation District

Renee Gibbs is the District Coordinator for the Laurens County Conservation District.

Tanya Towne

Joe Adair Outdoor

Tanya Towne is a certified teacher and the director of the Joe Adair Outdoor Education Center and a graduate of the PEEC program.

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Informal Eductors
All age levels Elementary School

4:15pm EDT

Cramped Camps: Navigating Outdoor Education in Indoor Spaces

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

Within the world of environmental education, the obvious goal is to allow students to spend time in the environment....What do you do when that isn't possible? How do we as educators work to recreate the wonder of being outdoors when we are confined to classrooms, labs, and indoor workspaces? We will explore the effective use of space, thematic learning environments, storytelling, and other methods as ways to create lasting impact with less than ideal conditions. We will focus specifically on effective curriculum design for summer day camps and how to "bring the outdoors in."

Speakers

John Schmid

Spartanburg Science Center

John is the Director of Education at the Spartanburg Science Center and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus in Organizational Leadership. Passionate about thematic design and exhibit development, he integrates storytelling, creative problem-solving, and innovative... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Informal Educators
All age levels Early Childhood/Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School
about John is the Director of Education at the Spartanburg Science Center and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus in Organizational Leadership. Passionate about thematic design and exhibit development, he integrates storytelling, creative problem-solving, and innovative thinking to create engaging lessons and immersive learning environments.

4:15pm EDT

Engaging Older Adults Through Purposeful Workshops

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260

Older adults are an eager, curious, and deeply engaged population ready to explore the world in new ways. Many now have the time to dive into environmental and science topics they once set aside—and an added bonus is they can bring grandchildren along for the adventure. Research shows young adults and children thrive socially and emotionally when learning alongside a trusted mentor that helps them stay more focused and connected to the material. This creates powerful opportunities to design workshops that spark curiosity, strengthen relationships, and build a more sustainable future. We will brainstorm together on creative programs that invite both generations to learn, explore, and make an impact together.

Speakers

Lucy Woodhouse

Lifelong Learning at Wofford

Lucy Woodhouse has spent 20 years creating programs for older adults across the Carolinas and beyond. Now Director of Lifelong Learning at Wofford, she helped launch the program after leading OLLI at Furman. She’s known for her passion, high energy, creative problem‑solving, and... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Informal
All age levels All age levels

4:15pm EDT

There is an ENVIRONMENT in the Clouds too!

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170

Looking for a new avenue and partner for Environmental Education? It may be right in your city or town and one that you may never think about! Learn how a local non-profit reached out to an airport and developed one of the most creative program for students 16-20 years of age. It is totally scholarship for the students and has touched well over 100 students and counting. Working with 6 students at a time, three times a year, and learning about aviation is a dream reached! Join us!

Speakers

Mary Levens

Spartanburg Science Center

Mary taught for 43 years in public schools, retiring in 2015 to a job at the Spartanburg Science Center. In January 2020, she accepted the position of Executive Director and continues to this day. During her time in the classroom, she used science as the center of her classroom... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels High School, College/University

9:00am EDT

Edible and Accurate Scat Modeling

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170

Taboo is titillating. Engage learners with a hands-on wildlife ecology activity that uses measurement and modeling to recreate accurate scat samples from edible, classroom-safe dough. Participants will practice the full activity, discuss extensions for different grade levels, consider accommodations for allergies and diverse learning needs, and explore ways to integrate the lesson into STEM, natural resources, and environmental education programs. Leave equipped with a ready-to-use, standards‑aligned activity that sparks curiosity and invites learners to investigate the natural world.

Speakers

Lillian Ledford

4-H Youth Development Agent, Clemson Extension - Oconee 4-H

Lil Ledford came to Oconee 4‑H in 2024 from a background in archaeology and over a decade of experience teaching outdoor environmental education at Blandy Experimental Farm. She now creates hands-on STEM and natural resources programs that make science accessible, engaging, and... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

9:00am EDT

Exploring NASA Online Resources To Learn & Teach About Earth's Environment.

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

Come and experience several NASA created environmental related games to gain a greater understanding of the planet Earth and its place in our solar system. Participants will also explore numerous NASA environmental online resources to learn about the Earth's atmosphere, water resources, land use, weather & climate, and much more. Time will also be spent comparing Earth's with its closest planet neighbors - Mars and Venus.

Speakers

Dr. Edward P Donovan

Adjunct STEM Professor, USC Upstate

Dr. Donovan is a veteran STEM educator with more than 50 years of teaching experience spanning grades 4 through graduate school. A NASA Educator and current Adjunct Science Education Professor at USC Upstate, he has delivered over 400 professional workshops and presentations focused... Read More →

Marilyn Bertok

Clemson University

Sharon Donovan

Retired

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

9:00am EDT

Navigating with Kon-Tiki

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260

Learn about a real history-changing trip while you learn to make a compass so easy even an adult can dot it! All materials supplied, but if you already have a nature journal, you may want to bring it along to capture the essence of the voyage.

Speakers

Thomas Mancke

Board member, EEASC/RSWCD

Tom Mancke has been the Naturalist-in-Residence at a large independent school in Columbia for 38 years. He has been an observer and "user" of nature ever since he was a child, and enjoys sharing this passion for Natural History with others, as long as he can tell a good story and... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

11:45am EDT

Central Section Meetup

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

Connect with environmental educators and partners from your region during these informal EEASC sectional meetups. These gatherings provide an opportunity to network, share ideas and resources, discuss regional opportunities and challenges, and strengthen connections within the environmental education community across South Carolina. Whether you are a classroom teacher, nonformal educator, agency partner, student, or volunteer, sectional meetups are a great way to build relationships and learn more about how to become involved with Environmental Education Association of South Carolina programs and activities in your area.

Speakers

Holly DeVault

EEASC Central Section Director, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, UGA

Holly is an Environmental Educator with the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. With degrees in Biology and Horticulture, she is passionate about native plants, school gardens, and environmental outreach. Holly enjoys connecting people with nature through hands-on education, live animal... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout

11:45am EDT

Eastern Section Meetup

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170

Speakers

Elizabeth (E.V.) Bell

Program Coordinator, EEASC

Elizabeth “E.V.” Bell is Program Coordinator for the EEASC, supporting Green Step Schools and statewide professional development programs. Formerly with the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, she developed the nationally recognized Palmetto Environmental Education Certification... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout

11:45am EDT

Western Section Meetup

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260

Speakers

Samantha Hart

Western Section Director, Watershed Ecology Center - USC Upstate

Samantha Hart is an environmental educator with the Watershed Ecology Center at University of South Carolina Upstate. She holds degrees in Forest Resources and Environmental and Natural Resources from Clemson University and has experience in environmental field research, soils instruction... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout

2:15pm EDT

Action For A Cleaner Tomorrow

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Greenhouse

This session explores lessons from Action For A Cleaner Tomorrow, a SC curriculum supplement that helps students explore their Environment with hands-on activities.Participants will receive the "Action" notebook, aligned to the SC Science Standards, along with Environmental Posters.
Lessons on Recycling, Composting, Air, Water, Energy and Litter Prevention are presented.The "Action" lessons integrate the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) and follow the 5E Model.The "Action" lessons supports the Conserve, Protect and Restore steps to the Green Steps projects.

Speakers

Mary Margaret Mendenhall

Environmental Educator, SC DES

Mary Margaret Mendenhall is the Teacher Trainer for the Action For A Cleaner Tomorrow Environmental Curriculum.Her passion and enthusiasm for Recycling and the Environment is evident in the way she presents pertinent information to teachers.Mary Margaret has a BS and MED from Winthrop... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Greenhouse 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

2:15pm EDT

Designing Nature: Student-Built Sustainable Gardens

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

Designing Nature: Student-Built Sustainable Gardens highlights how students transformed a school courtyard into a living outdoor classroom through interdisciplinary learning and hands-on design. Agriculture, engineering, astronomy, art, and environmental science classes collaborated to plan and build a native-plant garden that supports biodiversity and sustainability. Students mapped the local watershed, created light-intensity maps using astronomy concepts, designed artistic features such as murals, and applied agricultural practices to establish healthy native plant systems. This session shares how real-world problem solving, design thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration empowered students to build a functional, beautiful, and sustainable space while developing scientific, technical, and creative skills.

Speakers

Dr Deborah Ezell

Science Teacher/ Robotics Coach, Blue Ridge High School

Dr. Deborah Ezell is a STEM educator at Blue Ridge High School who brings engineering, marine science, and sustainability to life through hands-on learning. She leads robotics teams, develops PLTW engineering programs, and guides students in real-world projects—from ROV design to... Read More →

Melissa Champion

Melissa Campion is a science educator dedicated to engaging students through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. She focuses on connecting classroom science to real-world environmental and sustainability topics while encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and curiosity in the... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels Middle School, High School, College/University

2:15pm EDT

State of the Bats

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260

Join State Bat Biologist, Jennifer Kindel, to learn more about the state of South Carolina’s 15 species of bats and what the SCDNR bat program has accomplished thus far. Then we’ll ask for your help and ideas, and provide some of our own, to better educate South Carolinians on the importance of these fascinating and beneficial creatures in decline.

Speakers

Jennifer Kindel

SC Dept of Natural Resources

Jennifer Kindel serves as the SCDNR State Bat Biologist and manages federally funded bat projects to understand, manage, and protect populations of our state's secretive and beneficial flying mammals. She grew up on a farm in Oregon, received her master's in Wildlife Biology from... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

9:00am EDT

Native Plant Walk

Friday June 19, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

TBA

Join Rick Huffman for an engaging guided walk exploring the beauty and importance of native plants in South Carolina landscapes. Participants will learn to identify a variety of native species while discussing their ecological benefits, role in supporting wildlife and pollinators, and use in sustainable landscape design. Along the way, Rick will share insights from his extensive experience in landscape architecture, environmental stewardship, and outdoor education. Whether you are new to native plants or an experienced plant enthusiast, this walk offers a wonderful opportunity to deepen your connection to the natural world and gain ideas for bringing native plants into your own community, school, or outdoor space.

Speakers

Rick Huffman

Upstate Chapter President, SC Native Plants

Rick Huffman is an award-winning landscape architect, educator, and advocate for sustainable design and environmental stewardship. A 2025 Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Rick has dedicated his career to connecting people, education, and the environment through... Read More →

Friday June 19, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

9:00am EDT

Project Learning Tree

LIMITED

Friday June 19, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm EDT

USC Watershed Ecology Center

Limited Capacity seats available

**This event requires seperate registration**

Project Learning Tree (PLT) workshop is where you will participate in hands-on, multi-disciplinary, and STEM-focused training to integrate environmental education into your curriculum. This workshop will focus on active learning, modeling activities that encourage students to explore, discover, and communicate while meeting academic standards. Participants will leave with the guide and materials to start using PLT in their lessons.

Speakers

John Ratterree

Operations Coordinator, The Watershed Ecology Center @ USC Upstate

Samantha Hart

Western Section Director, Watershed Ecology Center - USC Upstate

Friday June 19, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm EDT
USC Watershed Ecology Center 8000 Valley Falls Road Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels Elementary School, High School, Middle School

10:00am EDT

Science Center Tour: Hands-On Learning, Programs, and Community Engagement

Friday June 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

Spartanburg Science Center

Join us as we explore this unique space that excites, engages, and educates students and the public through hands-on learning and discovery. Director of Education John Schmid will lead a tour of the facility and share information about on-site programs, outreach opportunities, and community engagement efforts. Participants will also have the opportunity to share ideas and discuss future programming possibilities for the science center.

Speakers

John Schmid

Spartanburg Science Center

Friday June 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Spartanburg Science Center 200 East St. John Street Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

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