Workshops:



Summerama Camp Staff Training

 June 14, 2024 - Burlington, VT

Click here for more information




Maintenance Workshop

September 24th, 2024 - Rutland, VT

Click here for more information


Courses:



Playground Maintenance Technician Course (PMT)

April 10-11th, 2024 

Burlington, VT

Click here for more information


Playground Maintenance Training

Virtual - February 1-12, 2021

Click here for more information



Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Training Course

March 19th & 20th, 2024 

Burlington, VT

Click here for more information




Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Training Course

Next course in 2025

Click here for more information



Upcoming events

    • April 03, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Virtual - Zoom
    Register



    2024 VRPA Annual Meeting

    Wednesday, April 3, 2024

    Virtual via Zoom



    We are shaking things up a bit this year and hosting our Annual Meeting virtually in 2024. Our Annual Awards will now be presented and awarded as part of our annual VT Conference on Recreation in September. 

    This change is brought on by a few factors, and though we would love to see you all in person again this spring, the VRPA has been facing some challenging budgeting years since 2020 with increased costs on every event that we offer.  Attendance at quarterly meetings and the past few annual meetings has been down as well so we want to adapt to what may be more accessible and needed to our membership


    8:45 AM – 9:00 AM

    Log in & Welcome


    9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

    CEU Session: 

    CPRP, CPRE, & CAPRA Certifications - What are they and why should you pursue them?

    With speakers from the NRPA (National Recreation & Parks Association)


    10: 15 - 10:45 AM

    VRPA 2024/25 Budget Presentation & Discussion


    10:45 - 11:00 AM

    VRPA Swearing in of new committee members


    This year's annual meeting will feature a CEU session followed by a VRPA Executive Committee budget presentation and swearing in of new committee members. Since we will be meeting virtually this April, we hope you will allow more of our members to tune into the meeting to network with amazing colleagues, learn new things, and help support the VRPA and it's mission to provide trainings and resources to all the parks & recreation professionals statewide. 

    -   -   -   REGISTER BY April 1st   -   -   - 



    More details to come!

    • April 10, 2024
    • 8:00 AM
    • April 11, 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • Robert Miller Community Center, Burlington, VT
    Register

              

    Playground Maintenance Technician Course

    (PMT)

    Wednesday & Thursday, April 10th & 11th, 2024

     

    IN PERSON

    Robert Miller Community Center

    130 Gosse Court

    Burlington, VT 05408


    The PMT training program is the most comprehensive, long-standing maintenance and inspection training program for playgrounds in the country. It teaches systems, process, and best practices in proactive maintenance to prevent incidents and minimize liability. 

    The Playground Maintenance Technician training program is designed for front-line, “boots-on-the-ground” staff and their supervisors who are responsible for regular, hands-on inspection and maintenance of playground equipment. 

    The two-day PMT training focuses on practical playground maintenance practices, inspection principles and best practices in making repairs. Course modules explore the maintenance challenges associated with the common materials found in playgrounds, including concrete, metal, wood, plastics, fasteners and various surfacing materials. Through videos and case studies, participants learn about the types of playground inspections, how to repair damaged equipment and associated legal considerations. A virtual playground offers participants the opportunity to apply newly learned skills.

    Study Materials:  At the first day of the course each participant will be given a participant guide along with a manuscript. These materials are yours to keep after the completion of the course. Studying prior to the course is not required. 

    CEU Credits:  You may obtain 1.5 CEU Credits through the VRPA for participation and completion of this course. After the completion of the course participants must get  their CEU form signed and keep for your records.  

    Exam:  The PMT Training Course does not issue a formal, written exam. Instead, it features a Virtual Playground during the second day to showcase your knowledge. Each participant then receives a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course.


    CLICK HERE FOR THE PMT COURSE BROCHURE

    • April 30, 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Virtual via Zoom
    • 250
    Register


    SUMMERAMA


    Director's Webinar Series

    Session 4: Camp Director 101

    Join us to discuss the nuts & bolts of being a camp director. We will discuss check lists, answer questions, and offer support for experienced directors and first time directors.



    For over 40 years, the Vermont Parks & Recreation Association has hosted Summerama, a camp-specific training program for new and seasoned counselors and recreation staff. The purpose of this workshop is to supplement in-house staff orientations with a robust schedule of hands-on education sessions lead by regional camp professionals. Summerama is the first step toward training your staff and initiating a strong team bond that’ll pull through the season.

    New Winter Webinar Series for 2024...This year we are offering more for our year-round camp directors through our winter webinar series covering an array of timely topics as you work to plan your 2024 camps.  Register for each webinar individually. 


    • May 21, 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Virtual via Zoom
    Register


    Aquatic Risk Management Course

    Tuesday, May 21st 2024

    12:00 - 3:00 pm

    Virtual via Zoom

    The Aquatic Risk Management course provides information that complements and enhances aquatic manager certification courses. This course offers practical tools beyond certification requirements to address and manage real risks and serious challenges faced on a daily basis at facilities. Topics or issues that interest you can be addressed & discussed throughout. The course is intended to provide practical ideas & solutions that can be brought back to your facilities.

    Training is based on ASRG's unique, cutting-edge research and more than 40 years of experience in aquatics, taught by two professionals who have dedicated their careers to water safety and aquatic risk management. Real life examples of court cases and drownings will be discussed. Participants will leave the course with practical ideas for helping keep guests safe, while reducing liability at aquatic facilities.

    Participants receive a certificate of completion.

    .03 CEU's will be offered for this course. 

    More details available here.





    • May 28, 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Virtual via Zoom
    • 250
    Register


    SUMMERAMA


    Director's Webinar Series

    Session 5: Getting Back Into The Camp Mindset

    Discuss how to prepare your camp and new counselors for the camp season. New seasonal staff are welcome to join this webinar to listen, learn, and ask any questions they have as well!



    For over 40 years, the Vermont Parks & Recreation Association has hosted Summerama, a camp-specific training program for new and seasoned counselors and recreation staff. The purpose of this workshop is to supplement in-house staff orientations with a robust schedule of hands-on education sessions lead by regional camp professionals. Summerama is the first step toward training your staff and initiating a strong team bond that’ll pull through the season.

    New Winter Webinar Series for 2024...This year we are offering more for our year-round camp directors through our winter webinar series covering an array of timely topics as you work to plan your 2024 camps.  Register for each webinar individually. 


    • June 14, 2024
    • 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Robert Miller Community Center, 130 Gosse Court, Burlington, VT
    • 245
    Register


    SUMMERAMA


    Friday, June 14, 2024
    8:45 am - 1:00 pm

    Robert Miller Community Center

    Burlington, VT



    For over 40 years, the Vermont Parks & Recreation Association has hosted Summerama, a camp-specific training program for new and seasoned counselors and recreation staff. The purpose of this workshop is to supplement in-house staff orientations with a robust schedule of hands-on education sessions lead by regional camp professionals. Summerama is the first step toward training your staff and initiating a strong team bond that’ll pull through the season.

    Bring Your Training to the Next Level...This summer's Summerama schedule includes sessions covering a variety of camp topics. With a mix of interactive and informational, long and short time blocks, and material suited for all experience levels, every member of your staff can customize their training with selections that pique their interest.

    Lasting Benefits... Joining Summerama and the VRPA family will open your organization up to a vast network of opportunity. Connecting with neighboring camps is a great way to share resources and provide a sense of belonging in the greater camp community. Your staff will leave Summerama feeling empowered and eager to kick off a great season!


    SUMMERAMA BROCHURE - coming soon!

    Registration limited to the first 200 registrations. Don't delay!  




    • September 25, 2024
    • 8:00 AM
    • September 26, 2024
    • 4:00 PM
    • Killington Grand Hotel & Resort, Killington, VT
    Register


    81st Annual
    Vermont Conference on Recreation 

    & Trails Symposium

    Wednesday & Thursday, September 25th & 26th, 2024
    Killington Grand Hotel & Resort

    Killington, VT


    EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

     Click here to view the Exhibit Hall Brochure with details & sponsorship opportunities.  

              

     

    We are excited to return to the Killington Grand Hotel again to celebrate our 81st Vermont Conference on Recreation & 2nd Trails Symposium!  We are partnering again this year with the Vermont Trails & Greenways Council (VTGC) who will be hosting the Trails Symposium in tandem with our conference! The Combination of this central location and continued partnership will help maintain our historic attendance and attract new attendees to a state of the art facility.  We hope you will join us for another amazing opportunity to network & learn from some of the top professionals in our region. 

    Without you, we would not be able to sustain the valuable work of VRPA.  Your partnership is an essential part of that reality! Below are some helpful tips to get the most out of this year’s 81st VT Conference on Recreation & Trails Symposium.

    See you in September for great networking, learning, & fireworks at the Killington Grand Hotel!


Past events

March 26, 2024 Summerama Directors Webinar Series - Session 3: Camp DEI
March 19, 2024 CPO (Certified Pool/Spa Operators) Course 2024
February 27, 2024 Summerama Directors Webinar Series - Session 2: Camp Licensing
January 30, 2024 Summerama Directors Webinar Series - Session 1: Hiring & Managing Season Staff
January 23, 2024 AFO (Aquatic Facility Operator) Course 2024
December 06, 2023 VRPA December 2023 Quarterly Meeting
September 27, 2023 80th Vermont Conference on Recreation - Exhibit Hall
September 27, 2023 80th Vermont Conference on Recreation - ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
August 11, 2023 VT State Pickleball Tournament
June 16, 2023 Summerama Camp Staff Training 2023
June 06, 2023 2023 Vermont Maintenance Workshop - Attendees
June 06, 2023 2023 Vermont Maintenance Workshop - Vendors
May 10, 2023 CPR & First Aid Courses
May 10, 2023 2023 VRPA Annual Meeting
April 04, 2023 Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Course 2023
March 23, 2023 CPO (Certified Pool/Spa Operators) Course 2023
March 15, 2023 VRPA March 2023 Quarterly Meeting
February 15, 2023 Playground Maintenance Training (PMT) Course 2023
December 07, 2022 VRPA December 2022 Quarterly Meeting
October 12, 2022 79th Vermont Conference on Recreation - Exhibit Hall
October 12, 2022 79th Vermont Conference on Recreation - ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
June 17, 2022 Summerama Camp Staff Training 2022
June 07, 2022 Aquatic Risk Management Course
June 02, 2022 2022 Vermont Maintenance Workshop - Vendors
June 02, 2022 2022 Vermont Maintenance Workshop - Attendees
May 11, 2022 2022 VRPA Annual Meeting
March 22, 2022 CPO (Certified Pool/Spa Operators) Course 2022
March 09, 2022 VRPA March 2022 Quarterly Meeting
December 02, 2021 VRPA December 2021 Quarterly Meeting
October 13, 2021 78th Vermont Conference on Recreation - Exhibit Hall
October 13, 2021 78th Vermont Conference on Recreation - ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
June 06, 2021 Summerama Camp Staff Training 2021
May 27, 2021 Webinar - "Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Fitness Experience"
May 12, 2021 2021 VRPA Annual Meeting
April 15, 2021 Summerama Camp Call April 15, 2021
April 07, 2021 Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Course
March 24, 2021 CPO (Certified Pool/Spa Operators) Course 2021
March 10, 2021 VRPA March 2021 Quarterly Meeting
February 01, 2021 Playground Maintenance Training (PMT) Course 2021
January 21, 2021 VRPA Safe Outdoor Venues - Zoom Meeting
January 12, 2021 ESPORTS Webinar - CEU Session
December 03, 2020 VRPA December 2020 Quarterly Meeting
September 23, 2020 77th Vermont Conference on Recreation - Exhibit Hall
September 23, 2020 77th Vermont Conference on Recreation - ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
June 09, 2020 Summerama 2020
May 13, 2020 2020 VRPA Annual Meeting
March 12, 2020 VRPA March Quarterly Meeting
December 05, 2019 VRPA December 2019 Quarterly Meeting
November 21, 2019 16th Annual Vermont Performance Showcase - AUDIENCE
November 21, 2019 16th Annual Vermont Performance Showcase - ARTISTS
October 10, 2019 76th Vermont Conference on Recreation - ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
October 10, 2019 76th Vermont Conference on Recreation - Exhibit Hall
June 06, 2019 2019 Vermont Maintenance Workshop - Attendees
June 06, 2019 2019 Vermont Maintenance Workshop - Exhibit Hall
June 02, 2019 Summerama 2019
May 16, 2019 2019 VRPA Annual Meeting
March 26, 2019 Certified Pool/Spa Operators Course
March 14, 2019 VRPA March Quarterly Meeting
December 06, 2018 VRPA December 2018 Quarterly Meeting
November 15, 2018 15th Annual Vermont Performance Showcase - ARTISTS
November 15, 2018 15th Annual Vermont Performance Showcase - AUDIENCE
October 11, 2018 Theresa S. Brungardt Awards Luncheon
October 10, 2018 75th Vermont Conference on Recreation
October 10, 2018 75th Vermont Conference on Recreation - Exhibit Hall
June 03, 2018 Summerama 2018
May 08, 2018 2018 VRPA Annual Meeting
March 27, 2018 Certified Pool/Spa Operators Course
March 15, 2018 VRPA March Quarterly Meeting
December 06, 2017 VRPA December Quarterly Meeting
November 16, 2017 14th Annual Vermont Performance Showcase - ARTISTS
November 16, 2017 14th Annual Vermont Performance Showcase - AUDIENCE
October 11, 2017 2017 Vermont Conference on Recreation
July 29, 2017 VRPA - St. Johnsbury Academy State Track Meet
June 03, 2017 Summerama
May 31, 2017 Maintenance Workshop
May 09, 2017 VRPA Annual Meeting
April 04, 2017 Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Course
March 21, 2017 Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Course
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