2011 Ties That Bind Brochure

The Ties That Bind Seminar Is Sponsored By The Following Organizations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teen Program

Teens will enjoy their own Youth Training Seminar designed specifically for their age group. All youth participants this year will enjoy an exciting opportunity for personal growth as well as the opportunity to interact and form connections with other teens. Throughout the weekend, teens will participate in a series of workshops focused overall on improving their interpersonal skills and self-esteem. Some highlights this year include: Self-Development Workshops: In the Diversity Awareness Workshop, teens will develop awareness of issues of diversity and community by identifying similarities and differences among people and challenge assumptions. The Decision-Making Workshop will assist teens in making sound decisions and developing strategies for thinking about positive and negative consequences of their choices, whether these are day-to-day or life-changing choices. New this year is The Ultimate Human Board Game which features a LIFE-SIZE game board where teams compete against each other to win the activity
they land on. The game is enhanced with audio projection. This program encourages character building, teamwork, sportsmanship, and participation! Laughing Matters returns this year to present “Improvisation for Conflict Resolution.” In this interactive improvisational comedy-based workshop, the teens suggest problems for the actors to resolve and even role-play characters from their own lives to explore how and why conflicts begin. Outdoor Festival: As in the past we will be providing another special event for our children and teens. Everyone will enjoy outdoor fun time on a variety
of large inflatable games including the Giant Slide, Obstacle Course, Giant Maze, Bungee Run, and Radar Pitch.

Keynote Speakers

Matt Bellace, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and speaker on youth alcohol and drug prevention. Matt’s dynamic presentation focuses on natural highs and how to be a healthy L.E.A.D.er. It has been described as the perfect combination of stand-up comedy, interactive demonstrations and inspirational stories. Matt empowers teens to be leaders in their lives and make change in their environment. In addition to discussing how to associate having fun with prevention, Matt will encourage teens to learn about natural highs and four things that are necessary to lead a naturally high life: Lean on Healthy People for Support, Express Yourself in a Healthy Way, Achieve Natural Highs, and Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Stand. Motivational speaker, Terry Moorer, will inspire teens with his amazing, triumphant story over his disability with cerebral palsy. Because of his self–belief, Terry has worked over 25 years in the music business with MTV, Queen Latifah, NBA Entertainment, Billboard magazine, and Virgin Records. In addition to speaking, Terry is an author and consultant. His presentation is moving, funny, and uplifting as he tells teens to "Stand Up and Be Counted” to avoid getting lost in the crowd. Terry shares some simple steps on how to stand on center stage, be your own person, and have confidence in yourself

Children's Program

For many adoptive families with children, making arrangements to attend a training seminar may be difficult. For this reason The Ties That Bind Seminar provides quality infant care and age appropriate activities for children of all ages, which is included in your registration fee. By providing these services parents may attend valuable training sessions while still being able to check in on their children. All youth participants will enjoy an exciting opportunity for personal growth. Planned activities will take into consideration the ages and developmental levels of those registered to attend. Some of the highlights of this year’s children’s program will include:

  • Self-Development Workshops Through cooperative games and experiential learning activities children will learn how to work together as a team
    and improve their communication, decision making, and friendship skills. Workshops will encourage cooperation and understanding emotions.
  • New this year is The Ultimate Human Board Game which features a LIFE-SIZE game board where teams compete against each other to win the activity they land on. The game is enhanced with audio projection. This program encourages character building, teamwork, and sportsmanship!
  • Big Thinkers makes science fun this year! All 6 through 11 year olds will explore the properties of air and pressure in the thrilling “Air Up There” workshop. Between the floating beach balls and the floating children (via the Big Thinkers hovercraft), this show is sure to be a BLAST! The 4 & 5 year olds will enjoy the “Wiggly Worms” workshop in which they will explore the life of these friendly animal recyclers and decomposers.
  • Outdoor Fun Festival As in the past we will be providing another special event for our children and teens. Everyone will enjoy outdoor fun time on a variety of large inflatable games including the Giant Slide, Obstacle Course, Giant Maze, and Bungee Run.
  • Wendy Bennett returns this year to entertain preschoolers and elementary age kids with her delightful musical storytelling. Wendy’s amazing voice and her puppets bring storybook characters to life. Children are involved with plenty of audience participation. Wendy encourages children to experience books in a fun interactive way!
  • The musicians and dancers of Celtic Fire will entertain children with “Echoes of Ireland.” The history, culture, and character of the Emerald Isle are communicated through Gaelic words and phrases, charming songs, and exciting
    percussive footwork by the dancers. Children can join in on the dancing and music in celebration of Irish culture!
  • Come one, come all to the Circus Berzerkus Puppet Show! Peter Hart of Atlanta Puppets will engage and entertain the audience in this high energy, audience-interactive show which earns its title of "The Greatest Little Show On Strings"! Following the puppet show, Peter will also lead preschool & elementary age children in a puppet making workshop where children can make their own puppets using a variety of materials, including foam and fabric.
  • The Zoo Atlanta ZooMobile comes to the Ties That Bind to entertain preschool and elementary age kids with an exciting program featuring live animals, such as snakes, lizards, a hedgehog, rabbit, and maybe even a porcupine! Children will gain an appreciation for animals and conservation.