Excel via Edcamps

Last weekend I had the extreme pleasure of traveling up to Minneapolis-St. Paul to visit many friends in the area.  My main purpose was to also attend Edcamp MSP.  I am by no means new to Edcamps as I began attending these events whenever possible in 2010 at Edcamp Chicago.  Now, with my location I more regularly attend Edcamp Milwaukee, Edcamp Madison, and Edcamp MSP.  I wouldn't count myself out of the running to attend in many other places as well.

This year Edcamp MSP was held at the Minnesota History Center and may I add a breathtaking venue, cool exhibits, and views to explore!

There is something to say about getting to drive my own learning.  I get to choose where I go, what I see and experience.  If I leave unhappy, it is no one else's fault than my own.  We are educators professionals and we have the ability to build a schedule, build considerate learning with the sole purpose to better education, better ourselves, and focus on student learning.  It is truly a remarkable experience and one that keeps me coming back for more and more.

Now, in my process to digest all the conversations, resources, and new ideas I had flowing from this wonderful one day event... I kept focusing and reflecting around a common concept or an idea...

I do NOT go to Edcamps for the learning...
well not exactly.. it's a bonus, so let me explain

I go to Edcamps for the Connections, Collaborations, 

and the Environment!

I kept coming back to the odd (yes, it's a tad odd) concept that I was attending not for the learning but to reconnect and see old friends, and make new ones!  The longer I thought about this it made complete sense.  Those educators that attend these events are in it for the right reasons.  The heart is there, the passion is exploding in every room, and the energy level is something we could only wish to see in our school hallways on a daily basis.  The knowledge and years of experience in each given location is astounding.  So where was I going with this...

I found myself in the sessions, yes, by my decision, but more importantly was the conversations I had with individuals in the entryway walking in feeling the energy of the Hulk, the conversations then spread to the hallway, the auditorium as we prepped the schedule for the day, the reception area holding coffee and donuts, the museum exhibits walking through and seeing others from Edcamp present, and the diner where we sat to catch our breath...  Okay and even the green walls and carpet where we wanted to explore and try out some new things..  Thanks friends for the laughter and fun that still should exist in every learning experience.

Those people are my friends.  I go for the connection to others.  There is nothing like sitting down with a coffee and a shared dream to inspire learners to make you feel like you have won the lottery.  I go to connect, to chat, to build and foster those relationships.  Those people are what make the experience memorable and worthwhile.  We sat and pondered, shared, explored, and questioned one another.  We also challenged one another- their thinking and visions became pushed to an all new level.  AMAZING.. Simply put.  

You have to see it and live it to truly understand.  And as I sat and focused on why I travel hours and hours to attend an education event on a Saturday I keep coming back to.. It's not about the learning... it's about the people, the connections, the conversation that will keep me coming back for years to come!  

Surround yourself with the right people and 

learning comes naturally!

I GO TO EDCAMP FOR THE PEOPLE...

THE LEARNING IS A BONUS!