Last year's conference theme was Critical Leadership Skills: The Art of Communication. We spent a day learning to communicate with people outside of TRR (pitching TRR, approaching donors, and using social media) as well as within the organization (confrontation skills, de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and using the chain of command). We met our grant deliverables through two days of SWR certification training and TRR-specific adaptive paddling training. We finished the event with a day of kayaking and rafting on the American River!
Team River Runner CoMO is raising $3,000 to send 2 TRR Veterans or volunteers who 1) are members of active TRR chapters as documented in ORS reporting, 2) have an established history of participating in their chapter, and 3) are involved in or aspire to be involved in chapter leadership responsibilities in the future. Attendance requires a commitment to provide active and ongoing support in Team River Runner.
Attendance is NOT restricted to Veterans - volunteers are encouraged to attend; they just need to meet the above requirements. We may limit to one participant per chapter, so if you recommend more than that, please make sure we know which should get priority.
Team River Runner will provide costs for training, training materials, lodging, and food. Chapters are encouraged to provide the cost of travel for their participants.
Team River Runner endeavors to create a safe, healthy, and healing environment for all participants. To help promote this, the 2025 national conference will be alcohol-free. Completion of registration indicates a willingness to respect the designation of this as an alcohol-free event and to not consume alcohol during the event dates.
Packing List
Team River Runner National Adaptive Leadership Conference
This list includes items you might find useful, but it is not inclusive.
If you are paddling a hard boat or inflatable kayak on Sunday please bring your helmet, pfd, and sprayskirt (sprayskirt for kayaks only, of course).
Personal items:
• Medications
• Toiletries
• Water clothes (expect to get wet – air temp 80+, water temp 80+)
o Bathing suit or quick dry shorts
o Water shoes – anything that can get wet. Closed-toed shoes mandatory!
o Base layers, wet or dry pants/top/suit (if you are prone to getting cold)
o Gloves (if you wear them paddling)
• If you are paddling a kayak or IK, please bring your pfd, helmet, and sprayskirt
• A large trashbag to pack your wet gear home after the conference
• Long sleeve quick dry shirt for sun protection (non-cotton preferred)
• Quick dry pants for extra sun protection if you would like
• Hat – wide-brimmed if you want any sun-protection for your face
• Beach towel or quick-dry towel
• Sunscreen (some will be provided)
• Lip balm with sunscreen (one will be provided)
• 3 changes of clothes (at least)
• Something to sleep in
• Dry shoes or sandals
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Phone charger
• Sunglasses – well, if you need them or style them
• Headphones or earplugs for sleeping if you need them
• Special snacks or food items that you prefer (optional)
• Bug spray (optional)
• Water bottle with carabiner (one will be provided)
• Waterproof bag (one will be provided)
• Travel mug (optional)
• Camera (optional)
• Anything else that you can’t live without!