TRI Call for Proposals

The Therapeutic Branch of the PA Recreation and Park Society is now accepting proposals for presentations at the annual Therapeutic Recreation Institute (TRI) scheduled for September 30- October 1, 2021, in State College, PA, or for one of our bi-monthly Lunchtime Sessions beginning January 21, 2021.  

The 2021 TRI promises to be an exciting and engaging series of events that will provide professionals an opportunity to learn the latest in the field of Therapeutic Recreation. We hope to present a diverse and exciting selection of educational experiences and the opportunity for participants to earn over 20 hours of continuing education credit. 

If you are interested in providing a presentation for either event, please provide a proposal online or complete the form (word document) and return it to Conference Co-Chairs Brittney Sarnese or Dan Hendey. 
 
Presentation topics can include, but are not limited to:  
• Professional Development 
• Therapeutic Programming 
• Treatment Interventions & Strategies 
• Recreation Therapy Competencies 
• Research & Outcomes Measurement 
• Access to & Advocacy of the Profession 
• Curriculum Development & Higher Education 
• Evidence-Based Practice & Outcomes 
• CTRS Specialty Certification Areas 
• Innovative Techniques and Activities 
• Identifying and Developing Community Resources 

Please help us make the 2021 TRI one to remember! 

Therapeutic Recreation Institute

Every year I look forward to attending the TR Institute. In addition to the numerous educational topics offered, I can reconnect with old colleagues and college friends and make new friends as well. When I head home after the TRI, I always feel rejuvenated with exciting new ideas!"


                                         Emily Connors, CTRS, Adjunct Faculty, York College of PA

Register Here to receive education credit for the 2020 TRI Lunchtime Sessions.

To view the speaker bios from the TRI, click here.

TRI Lunchtime Series

Register Here

Beginning January 21st at noon and continuing every other month through 2021,  PRPS will be hosting six Lunchtime TRI Sessions.  These Zoom meetings will feature presenters who will share the latest in techniques, research, and practices for Therapeutic Recreation Professionals.   All sessions will be live and online During the live session attendees will be able to interact with instructors and other participants.  Additionally, each session will also be recorded for later viewing and credit through 2021.

The TRI Lunchtime Sessions Series will provide participants with an opportunity to receive valuable training and education credits without leaving their desk.  Each of the six sessions lasts for 1.5 hours and each will seek approval from NCTRC for 1.5 hrs. of continuing education credit.  Each session will also qualify for .1 CEU from the National Recreation & Park Association.  All presentations will be live, and attendees can pick their programs and days.  Sessions will be available individually or in a discounted package for all six.  This year’s Lunchtime Sessions Series promises to be a unique and exciting method for all TR professionals to receive training, share experiences, and learn new program ideas.

Registration Fees

$20.00 member / $25.00 non-member per session
$100.00/ $125.00 for all six sessions

The registration fee covers educational sessions, and the CEU or NCTRC credits for one individual per event.  Education credits will only be available to registrants or their designee. 

Options are available for organizations to purchase registrations/credits in blocks.  Please call the PRPS Office at 814-234-4272 or email prpsinfo@prps.org.

Reasons Why You Should Attend

  • Six professional workshop sessions
  • Earn up to 9 NCTRC credit hours or .6 Continuing Educational Units (CEUs)
  • Learn at your home or your desk
  • No travel restrictions and no risk to your job site or clients
  • Affordable education and credits

Sessions at a Glance

Thursday, January 21 - Combining Sensory Feedback with Recreational Therapy Activities. -Dr. Raymond Heipp

Thursday, March 18 - Building Rapport with your Clients Through Storytelling -Gael Gilliland

Thursday, May 20 - TBA

Thursday, July 15- TBA

Thursday September 30 - Live presentation from the in-person TRI.  Session TBA 

Thursday, November 11, - TBA

Who Can Benefit ?

Therapeutic Recreation Specialists; Activity Professionals; Consultants; Health Care Administrators; Educators; Students; Nursing Home Administrators; Allied Healthcare Professionals, Senior Center Directors; Adult Day Care Coordinators; Retirement Communities; Park and Recreation Professionals; Nursing/CNA’s; Memory Care Specialists