2009 Main Sessions

Keynote Presentation: Fort Collins author, speaker and Master Herbalist, Susan E. Mead, will provide simple, inexpensive ideas—plus the necessary inspiration—to set the stage for a lifetime of good health.   A popular breakout speaker at past Journey conferences, Susan’s message will help young women feel good about—and take care of—their bodies and minds, using her uncommon common sense.  Susan’s humor and “upfront approach” regarding the issues of greatest concern to teenage girls will set the stage for our breakout sessions, all of which can help our young women celebrate the past, live in the present and take the reins of their futures.

Lunchtime Presentation: Every time a drum is sounded, there is another voice for Spirit in the world. This drumming circle is so much more than just a bunch of people getting together to beat on their drums.  Imagine -- 300 drums, 300 women, 300 voices all coming together in one powerful opportunity for learning, bonding, and change. Come join Gwilda Wiyaka, Director of Path Home Shamanic Arts School as she leads this one-of a kind drum circle that will unite your hearts and power and will send the voice of young women into the world.

Capstone Presentation: "Until Someone Wakes Up" The Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center brings the theatrical performance of Until Someone Wakes Up to Journey in a special performance. Featuring scenes of comedy, drama, and satire this show explores the complex issues surrounding sexual violence, gender role socialization and healing.  Comprised of a cast of mostly teens and college students, the play approaches the topics with a balance of sensitivity, realism, humor and intensity.

2009 Breakout Sessions

Health-For Girls Only: Everything you’ve always wanted to ask! This session is back by popular demand! This is your chance to sit down with real women doctors and get the information you need! Learn about girl-specific issues and topics that you might be too embarrassed to ask--even your own doctor! Get ready to go way beyond what you’ve learned in health class. Dr. Deborah Archer and Dr. Diana Hornung, Family Physicians.

Use YOUR Unique Talents and Skills to Start and Run Your Own Business. Are you good at something but not sure how you can use that talent to make money? Learn how you can use your unique skills, talents, and life experiences to reach your career goals. Dawn Duncan, President, Broadreach Recruiting.

Food Preparation for Now and the Future. This session is back by popular demand! Learn how to fuel an active lifestyle today and as you head out on your own. We all need to know some techniques of preparing quick and healthy meals. Samples and tasting are included in this educational and delicious session. Linda Hoffman, Owner, Come Back to The Table.

S.H.A.R.P. (Sexual Harassment Assault Rape Prevention) for Teens. Did you ever wonder what happens to your body when you feel your “harm alarm” go off? With a focus on self confidence and self evaluation, this session will address how to reduce your risk of sexual assault. Provided by the Larimer County Sheriff's Department.

Am I what I feel? Am I what I think? The Power of Knowing your Self through Yoga This year’s break-out sessions will consider the emotions and thoughts we have.  Can I believe every single thought I have?  Do I think the same thoughts over and over, and how does that make me feel?  Under all that busy churning inside is a quiet, powerful You.  Find your true calling; find the drive to create your niche in the world!  One of yoga’s mysteries lies in how these issues can be explored through moving our bodies and breathing in ways that affect our thoughts and emotions.  Stretch, make sounds, balance, twist and find strength in your body.  What you do in yoga class follows you into the world.  Come feel who you truly are!Ena Burrud, E-YRT, Tree Top Yoga Studio.

Sexuality, Gender Identity, Safer Sex...and YOU! Know someone who is struggling to feel comfortable about their sexuality or gender because they don't feel they "fit?" Want to know more about safe sex practices? This session offers an open discussion in a supportive environment about the broad spectrum of human sexuality and gender identity. Jen Lowe, Prevention Specialist, Northern Colorado AIDS Project and Suzanne Hartung, Healthy Living Coordinator, Lambda Community Center.

Financial Fitness. You’ve heard the news about how bad the economy is, but what does that have to do with you? Learn what you need to know, as a young woman, about credit cards and saving cash and understand how to stay smart about money matters. Teri Evans, Premier Mortgage Group.

Do You Believe in Miracles? Lauren Myracle has come a looooong way since being a “super-duper ice-cream scooper,” which was her first real job.  Scooping chocolate chip mint was only one of many twists and turns on her journey to becoming a New York Times Bestselling author, however.  She also:

*tracked down run-away dentures more times than she can count at a local nursing home;

*supervised convicted murderers in the Forensics Unit of a state psychiatric hospital;

*learned all she wanted to know and more about wood during a stint at a lumber supply company;

*promptly forgot all she knew about lumber as she sorted screws for hours on end at—prepare yourself—the Colorado Screw Factory;

*and taught seventh grade (for a very short while!) to students who climbed on top of their desks and bellowed, “Bo-o-rring!  This is bo-o-rrring!”

But guess what?  All of these detours were part of Lauren’s journey; without them, she wouldn’t be who she is today.  Come hang with her as she talks about perseverance, positive thinking, and the absolute necessity of being able to laugh—hard!—at the curveballs life throws you.  Oh, and you know what else she’ll tell you?  Never EVER abandon your dreams.

Dance! Come and try some fun dance moves with professional dancers and instructors from Canyon Concert Ballet. This session is for girls who love to dance and for those who wish they knew how or want to get started! Don't worry, you won't be put on the spot!

Step Outside! Is camping, rock climbing, and hiking Fourteeners on your to-do list this summer? Being in the great outdoors can teach us a lot about solving problems in our lives, finding our strength, and living life to the fullest.  Session provided by outdoor adventure experts from the Women's Wilderness Institute and EDUCO.

Find Your Magic - Follow Your Dreams! You can live your dreams! Deep in the heart of every woman is a magic place where the artisan, the healer, and the wise woman reside.  Let the drum carry you to the shamanic land of dreams where you will find your own power animal totem and how to build your life with magic. You can even sing and dance with the drum if you like. Gwilda Wiyaka, Path Home Shamanic Arts School.

The Art of Tattooing: Changes in Body Art over the Years. Join a professional tattoo and piercing artist to discuss the importance of safety in tattooing and body piercing, and how to make sure you receive quality work by your artist.  You’ll learn about the history of body art and why it is viewed so much more positively today versus the past. Ryan Corely, Millennium Gallery of Living Art.