Continuing Education

Youth Safety Summit

Join K-12, non-profit leaders and university personnel for two days of learning and improving our youth safety protocols at the Youth Safety Summit 2025! This engaging conference will bring together educators, administrators, and safety experts to share innovative strategies, best practices, and real-world solutions for creating safer environments for our youth. Together, we will explore critical topics such as mental health awareness, digital safety, emergency preparedness, and community engagement. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the dialogue that empowers our youth and strengthens our commitment to their safety and well-being.

Thursday, February 20-Friday, February 21, 2025
Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells


Registration

Click Here To Register

Registration is accepted until Thursday, February 13 at 11:59pm. Walk-up registration are not available.

Full session descriptions and topics are being finalized and will be shared with registered participants prior to the event. Please see current themes, presenters and information below.

Pre-Conference: Youth Mental Health First Aid Certificate

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders. Isaac Sandidge, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Centerstone and Kristina Sandidge, Peer Support Specialist, Chestnut Health Systems.

Main Conference

Peer to Peer Abuse

Addressing allegations of abuse in youth settings is challenging, particularly when the accused is also a minor. This session provides essential guidance for professionals dealing with such complex situations. attendees will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate these sensitive cases with confidence and care, prioritizing the well-being of all young people involved. Glen Pounder, Chief Safeguarding Officer, Scouting America.

Boundaries and Buy-In for Abuse Prevention: This comprehensive session addresses the critical intersection of risk mitigation and leadership development in the context of abuse prevention. By the end of this session, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to lead their organizations in creating safer environments through proactive risk management and empowered leadership, including creating buy-in with staff and volunteers. Glen Pounder, Chief Safeguarding Officer, Scouting America.

Navigating Legal Landscapes

This session features experts from the Universities of Wisconsin legal and youth protection teams as we explore the critical intersection of proactive risk management and reactive response in the context of mandated reporting. This session will equip attendees with essential knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of legal obligations and protections surrounding child abuse reporting. Matt Lind, System Legal, and Melissa Vergara, Compliance Specialist.

Responding to Child Abuse Disclosures

If you find yourself hearing a disclosure of abuse from a child, you've already done something right. They have identified you as a safe adult. This session helps you gain confidence in how to respond, while both caring for the child and the subsequent investigation. Kayla Lauderdale, Program Director, Tree House Family and Children Center.

Signs & Symptoms of Child Maltreatment

Learn to identify signs of possible child neglect, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. This session is geared to professionals in K-12, nonprofits, and youth-serving agencies who already know the basics but want to elevate their skills. Kayla Lauderdale, Program Director, Tree House Family and Children Center.

Conference - $200*

The full conference registration fee includes a half-day session and catered afternoon break, beginning at 1:00pm on February 20th along with a full-day conference with continental breakfast, lunch buffet and catered afternoon break on February 21st.

Pre-Conference Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification - $150

The pre-conference add-on includes pre-work required to be completed prior to February 18th. The on-site training will be led by a nationally trained Youth Mental Health First Aid facilitator. The session includes continental breakfast and lunch buffet.

The final step in the registration process will give you two Payment Plan options. If you prefer to pay the whole amount of the order, you can select that option. However, if you choose to select a payment plan, you will only be required to pay a $150 non-refundable deposit, which will be deducted from the total event fee. Get more information about final payments, which are due at a later date.

A surcharge of 2.85% will be added to the final purchase price for all credit/debit card transactions, applied at checkout, to cover processing costs. Payment by check will be exempt from the additional surcharge. Checks can made out to "UW-Whitewater" and mailed to UW-Whitewater Camps and Conferences, 800 West Main Street, Room 2005 Roseman Hall, Whitewater WI 53190.

All registrant accounts must be paid in by the date indicated on the program website, a minimum of 10 days prior to the event. Registrants with outstanding balances after payment is due in full are subject to being removed from the event roster without refund. Payment deadlines are included on individual event webpages. Please contact Continuing Education Services at cesevents@uww.edu prior to this deadline if extenuating circumstances prevent you from completing a payment.

Your online registration and payment are always safe and secure. We accept MasterCard and Visa credit card payments in our online registration system. We will NOT accept credit card payments over the phone. We will accept checks made out to "UW-Whitewater" and mailed to UW-Whitewater Camps and Conferences, 800 West Main Street, Room 2005 Roseman Hall, Whitewater WI 53190.


Confirmation Emails
Once you register to attend an event (including waitlisted), a confirmation email will be sent to the email address you registered with. Contact cesevents@uww.edu if you do not receive this confirmation email. You must have a working email address on file with us to be able to receive important announcements and updates about this event.

For participants who will be receiving a sponsorship to attend this event, please follow these steps to redeem your sponsorship:

  • Register for the event and use the promo code provided by your sponsor during checkout.
  • The sponsorship amount will be deducted from your invoice. Any remaining balance will be the participant's responsibility.
  • If you need to cancel your registration, please note that the sponsorship funds will be returned to the supporting organization.

Please note that any qualifying discounts given by the event will not be applied after you have paid in full. Be sure to use the promo code during checkout to receive your discount. You will be charged if you do not qualify for the requested discount at the start of the event.

If a refund is issued due to overpayment on your account, a processing fee will be assessed.

If you have received an award or scholarship without a promo code or want to use two promo codes, please call Continuing Education Services at 262-472-3165 or email cesevents@uww.edu before registering to avoid overpayment fees.

Want to Sponsor a Registrant?
If you would like to sponsor a registrant and cover all or partial fees, you can request a promo code to give to your chosen registrant. Get more information about sponsoring a registrant.

Event Partners

weca sponsorSponsors

Preparing for the Event

Room block options are available for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night at the Wilderness Resort. When reserving your stay, please reference Leader #A93798 to be eligible for the discounted rate. Room reservations must be made by January 20th. Guest services can be contacted at 1-800-867-9453.

Wilderness Resort, 511 E Adams Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

  • Double Queen Sofa Room – Single Occupancy $107.00
  • Double Queen Sofa Room – Double, Triple or Quad Occupancy $129.00

 Rates are subject to 12.25% sales tax unless proper tax-exempt documentation is provided prior to check-in. Rates include waterpark admission for up to 4 people in the room. All rooms are non-smoking. Please visit our website for details on room amenities, waterparks and other resort attractions.

February 20: Continental breakfast and lunch buffet will be provided to pre-conference event registrants. Continental breakfast will include a yogurt parfait bar, pastries, coffee, tea and water. Lunch will include Cheesy Baked Potato and Chicken with Wild Rice Soups, Cold Sandwich Buffet (Shaved ham, turkey and roast beef) and Salad Buffet. A serviced afternoon break will be provided to all conference registrants.

February 21: Continental breakfast buffet featuring crème brulee French toast, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon and smoked sausage links, assorted pastries, seasonal fruit, juices, coffee and tea. Lunch will include Oven Roasted Chicken, Green Salad, Seasonal Vegetables, Pasta Primavera and dinner rolls. A serviced afternoon break will be provided to all conference registrants.

Menus are subject to change. For accommodations, please complete the registration form and/or contact cesevents@uww.edu.

All sessions will take place at the Wilderness Resort, 511 E Adams Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965. Calculate your travel time.

Complimentary self-parking is available to all participants.

By registering for an event, you agree to our Registration Terms and Conditions. We will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items. UW-Whitewater will hold all registrants responsible for their conduct. Serious misconduct or disruption will lead to immediate dismissal from event. Registrants dismissed from the event will not receive a refund. Please review the Terms and Conditions for more details.  

Refunds: In the event of a cancellation, Continuing Education Services should be notified no later than 21 days before the start of the event to receive a refund, less the 20% administration fee. Cancellation requests received less than 21 days from the start of camp will receive a refund minus a 50% late cancellation fee. Cancellations due to medical reasons will receive a full refund, less the 20% administration fee if the cancellation is requested and medical documentation is provided prior to the start of the event. Valid medical cancellations must include a signed letter from a licensed physician to qualify. NO REFUNDS will be given for withdrawal due to early departures, disciplinary reasons, or no-shows after the camp has started. 

All cancellation requests must be submitted to cesevents@uww.edu; provide the registrant’s name, camp title, and medical documentation, if applicable. Refunds will be returned to the name and address of the payer. 

We reserve the right to cancel any event for any reason; in such case, all fees paid will be refunded, or contact cesevents@uww.edu for alternate arrangements.

Cancellations and payments: All registrant accounts must be paid in full 21 days prior to the start of the event. Registrants with outstanding balances after payment is due in full are subject to being removed from the event roster without a refund. Please contact Continuing Education Services at cesevents@uww.edu prior to this deadline if extenuating circumstances prevent you from completing a payment.

Meet the Instructors

Glen Pounder | Photo submitted by Glen Pounder

Glen Pounder
Keynote

Kayla Lauderdale | Photo submitted by Kayla Lauderdale

Kayla Lauderdale
Program Director

Matt Lind | Photo submitted by Matt Lind

Matt Lind
Senior System Legal Counsel

Isaac Sandidge | Photo submitted by Isaac Sandidge

Isaac Sandidge
Mental Health First Aid Instructor

Kristina Sandidge | Photo submitted by Isaac Sandidge

Kristina Sandidge
Peer Support Specialist

Melissa Vergara | Photo submitted by Melissa Vergara

Melissa Vergara
Senior System Legal Counsel

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