Here I am, sitting in the computer lab at the 4-H Conference Center on beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. I'm here for the CELT Academy, which runs from today (Monday) through Friday. CELT stands for Consumer Empowerment Leadership Training. It is a training for and run by people living with mental health challenges. We have about 22 people, plus 4 facilitators. I came up here, primarily, to learn how to advocate for others when it comes to mental health. I'm also interested in learning how to use grass-roots efforts to start up a drop-in center in my community.
So far so good. I have been to many trainings and retreats in my professional life, and this one is starting on a good note. The facilitators seem to be less interested in lecture type learning, and more into experiential learning. The group is diverse. . .ranging from young to mature. . .from new with their mental health challenges to more experienced. . .and represent areas from all over the state.
What a beautiful place! I arrived up here today around 2:30, and took a walk around. Spring has yet to poke its head up here in the mountains, but I am looking forward to some spectacular sunsets. I will journal here as I'm able. . .apparently, they keep us busy!
As if it would take a course keeping you busy to slow down your journalling output...
Sunsets of loveliness sound very enticing - this morning's fog has just about lifted.
Ho hum.
Posted by: Timbo | 15 March 2011 at 09:16 AM
Hey Timbo! Yeah, I tend to journal more when I have something to journal about, heh. Fog is nice too. It is still overcast here today, with a chance for rain. I will try to take some pics tomorrow and may have to post them when I get back.
Posted by: metaphileo | 15 March 2011 at 12:46 PM