More than 20 of our hardworking WildLink teachers joined us in Yosemite on October 13-15, some coming from as far away as the Bay area and Los Angeles to attend.

We spent the weekend working to build bridges across many aspects of the program. These included connecting teachers to one another; connecting teachers with local community-based organizations who can help bring the wilderness message home; connecting students to more learning and career opportunities; and strengthening the ways that WildLink is serving both its teachers and students. We shared our challenges as well as our triumphs, and the WildLink program can only improve as a result of the time and effort that everyone put into making this weekend a success.

One attendee really summed it up perfectly when he said, "The most valuable aspect will help my professional growth, but I cannot overlook the personal growth--simply meeting such a varied, dedicated group of individuals has been very gratifying."

WildLink would like to send out a big thank you to everyone who make this weekend possible: the Yosemite Instititute and and its wonderful staff; Cynthia Ramaciotti (WildLink Program Assistant); Mary Ann Bloom, (Turlock High School WildLink teacher); Laurie McLaughlin (River of Words project and WildLink teacher); Jesse Chakrin (NPS Wilderness/WildLink Bridge Project); Sarah Cairns (San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust); and Terry McLaughlin (creator of the Empowerment game). Most of all we'd like to recognize all of our wonderful teachers, who made WildLink a priority by attending this very important event during the busy time of autumn. We couldn't run WildLink without you!

Click here to access your own version of the Empowerment Game.