|
Q. What will my family gain from the conference?
Q. What will be available for children and teens who stutter and their families?
Q. Are there any special events that my family may be interested in?
Q. When should we plan to get to the conference?
Q. While at the conference, who do I consult if I encounter a problem?
Q. Are there other kids my son's/daughter's age at the conference?
Q. What are the age ranges of the children and teen groups?
Q. What about siblings?
Q. Will there be child care available?
Q. How safe is my child when I leave him in a workshop and I go to a parent workshop?
Q. My child is feeling apprehensive about attending. What can I tell him or her?
Q. Are there planned/supervised activities in the evenings?
Q. Who can I contact if I have questions prior to attending the conference?
Q. What will my family gain from the conference?
A. Well, that is a question that cannot be answered in a small amount of space! Rest assured, most conference attendees find it to be "life changing" for themselves and their loved ones. Let me give you an idea of what you can look forward to:
- Family Programs will have a Meet n' Greet on Wednsday afternoon. Our program starts on Thursday morning at 8:30 with an orientation for everyone. We will talk about the conference, the workshops, the schedule, the program and whatever else pops into our heads! At the orientation, you will be introduced to the Family Programs committee and the Teen Advisory Council members. These seven teens are incredible young adults that mentor and act as role models for the newer members of the NSA.
- After the orientation, we break into groups: parents, teens and kids and the fun and the workshops begin!
- The three conference days will be a "life-changing" experience for both parents, teens and kids! We have seen kids and teens at their first conference and the person that walked into the conference was not the person that left! Everyone learns so much about themselves and stuttering during the conference. You will meet parents that have been to many conferences and those that are there for their first. We will all share our stories and support each other through the journey. I promise you that you will be glad that you decided to come!
Go Back to Top
Q. What will be available for children and teens who stutter and their families?
A. We are working hard to make this the best conference for children, teens and families. During the conference, we have simultaneous workshops planned for parents, teens and kids! We also have sibling workshops planned this year! The children can look forward to the popular scavenger hunt, and pool party. We have an icebreaker and open mic planned for the teens. Parents will have the opportunity to meet other parents and support each other during our roundtable discussions, icebreakers and interactive workshops! We have many more workshops and activities planned -- watch the website for the completed list and special updates.
Go Back to Top
Q. Are there any special events that my family may be interested in?
A. Yes, There are a number of special events for families including a pool party for kids and parents on Thursday evening, a Pizza luncheon on Friday, several tours (see registration form), and of course, the banquet, auction and dance on Saturday evening!
Go Back to Top
Q. When should we plan to get to the conference?
A. Family Programs will have a Meet n' Greet on Wednsday afternoon. The offical start witll be Thursday morning at the orientation to our program and a chance to meet other families. You won't want to miss that, so families should plan on being at the hotel Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
Go Back to Top
Q. While at the conference, who do I consult if I encounter a problem?
A. Family Programs committee members and Teen Advisory Council members are always available to help with any questions or problems that parents, teens and kids could have. You will have the opportunity to meet all of them at the orientation. Many of our special volunteers can be identified by coordinating shirts or badge markers!
Go Back to Top
Q. Are there other kids my son's/daughter's age at the conference?
A. We tend to have an assortment of ages represented at the conference. More than likely, your child will have many peers to meet and get to know!
Go Back to Top
Q. What are the age ranges of the children and teen groups?
A. We suggest that children over the age of 7 or 8 are best able to fully participate and comprehend the fast-moving pace of the NSA conference. The children's groups will be from7 or /8 years to 12 years. Teen groups will be from ages 13 to 18 or 19. We encourage young adults 20+ to attend adult sessions.
Go Back to Top
Q. What about siblings?
A. Siblings are welcome to attend sessions IF they are over the age of 7 years. We have planned special sibling workshops this year and we have some wonderful presenters to help siblings better understand stuttering.
Go Back to Top
Q. Will there be child care available?
A. The NSA does not provide child care. If you wish to investigate child care possibilities, please contact the hotel concierge.
Go Back to Top
Q. How safe is my child when I leave him in a workshop and I go to a parent workshop?
A. Your child is safe, as he or she is being supervised by NSA Volunteer presenters and helpers. It is important for you to speak with your child(ren) about staying in the sessions until you pick them up. This way, we can keep your children occupied, safe and happy! All the workshops have volunteers who have been background screened. Your child will never be alone with one adult.
Go Back to Top
Q. My child is feeling apprehensive about attending. What can I tell him or her?
A. This is a normal feeling, especially for first-timers. Rest assured, we have the capability of helping most children though those initial nervous moments. Many of our parents are amazed how quickly their "shy" children get involved with a new group of friends! Parents are allowed to accompany their children to the workshops at their own discretion.
Go Back to Top
Q. Are there planned/supervised activities in the evenings?
A. For the most part, the evenings are left to family time or time to spend with new friends. Families can join the tours offered by the NSA and there are often some activities in the lobby or following the opening and closing ceremonies.
Go Back to Top
Q. Who can I contact if I have questions prior to attending the conference?
A. Please call the NSA national office at 800-937-8888 or write to info@westutter.org. Your questions will be directed to and answered by Family Programs committee leaders and/or member.
Go Back to Top
|
