2025 Georgia Facilitator Summit
Date: Saturday, November 8th | 9:00am - 5:00pm
Location: WinShape Foundation | 2277 Martha Berry Hwy, Mt Berry GA 30149
GFS is a one-day event designed to encourage community, connection and learning for challenge course facilitators across the State of Georgia. If you are involved in facilitating team building experiences or experiential education in Georgia, or our neighboring states, this event is for you!
2025 Prospective schedule
8:30-9:00 am - Arrival and check in
9:00 - 10:15 am - Welcome & Breakout Session Planning
10:30 am - Breakout sessions.
12:15 pm - Lunch
1:15 - 4:45 pm - Breakout Sessions, Activities & Break
4:45 - 5:00 pm - Closing
Frequently asked questions
+ what are breakout sessions?
GFS thrives because we believe we can all learn from each other. All attendees are welcome to propose, lead, and attend breakout sessions. Breakout sessions can take the form of activity, discussion, or presentation (be sure to bring anything you need for leading a session). We highly encourage everyone to attend the sessions most helpful to them.
+ Can I tell/bring others?
Absolutely! All are welcome and there will be something for every interest. This event is best suited for those who currently or in the future might work in the fields of experiential learning, adventure education, challenge courses, camps, and experiential-based teaching or corporate training.
+ Can I get involved?
This is an annual event, which requires special people who are willing to jump in and help each year, so YES!. If you are interested in being involved in this year or next year’s event, please chat with any member of this year’s planning committee (see their info below...)
+ What about kids?
This conference is for Challenge Course Practitioners or individuals aspiring to be in the experiential industry in any capacity. No childcare will be provided.
+ My Plans changed, can I get a refund?
Thank you for inquiring. However, there are no refunds. You may transfer your fee to someone else of your choice or donate it to the scholarship fund.
+ Who is planning this event?
GFS is an event co-planned as a grass-roots collaborative effort by representatives from a number of different organizations in Georgia. The intention is to create a local space for facilitators of all types to come together to network, share, learn, and grow. All of the people involved in creating the event are volunteers who believe strongly in this vision. The 2025 Planning Committee includes:
Arielle Mindigo - Berry College amindigo@berry.edu
Asa Rankin - Berry College Asa.rankin@viking.berry.edu
Bradley Joseph - WinShape Foundation bjoseph@winshape.org
Brian Kellert - Camp Coleman Bryan.kellert@gmail.com
Heather Flanagan - Sojourn Adventures heatherbflanagan@gmail.com
Jennifer Heard - Sojourn Adventures JenniferH@perimeter.org
Lori Smith - GA Tech lorismith@gatech.edu
Michelle Rouleau - Signature Research Michelle@signatureresearch.com
+ Why does GFS exist?
Mission Statement: The Georgia Facilitators Summit (GFS) unites experiential educators and facilitators across Georgia, providing a collaborative and inclusive environment for learning, sharing, and growing while inspiring innovation and fostering meaningful connections.
Vision Statement: To be a go-to hub for experiential education professionals in Georgia, inspiring facilitators to grow, innovate, and deliver unforgettable experiences that transform people through the power of experiential learning.
Purpose Statement: Our purpose is to create a space which elevates the experiential education field. Where facilitators of all backgrounds and experiences can connect to learn, share knowledge, challenge ideas, and grow, enhancing their personal and professional development in a supportive and empowering environment.
Core Values:
- Community: We foster connections and support networks that inspire and uplift our members.
- Collaboration: We believe in the power of shared knowledge, experiences, and resources to achieve common goals.
- Creativity: We embrace innovation and new ideas to enhance the practice of experiential education.
- Content: We are committed to continuous learning, professional development, and personal growth. Creating meaningful experiences that will impact the greater world around us
- Cheerfulness: We emphasize the importance of enjoyment, creativity, and play in the learning process.
