⏰ Discounted Room Rates Closing Soon Register and book your hotel now to lock in the group rate before it's gone.

🏨 Kalahari Block Closes May 16, 2026

🏨 Avid Hotel Block Closes May 22, 2026

Wisconsin Head Start Association

Statewide Leadership Summit

📅 Tuesday June 16 & Wednesday June 17, 2026 📍 Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center — Wisconsin Dells, WI

Bringing Wisconsin Head Start leaders together to learn from experts, share experiences, and connect with peers who truly understand the work.

Who Should Attend

Executive directors and program leaders of Head Start and Early Head Start programs across Wisconsin.

What to Expect

Outdoor and nature access

Peer-to-peer exchange

Conversation with state agency leaders

Facilitated sessions

Optional outdoor activities

Informal networking time

Agenda (tentative — subject to change)

Tuesday, June 16 · 8:30am – 8:00pm

8:30 – 9:30am

Breakfast & Welcome

9:30 – 10:00am

Opening Remarks

10:00am – 12:00pm

State Leadership Panel

A conversation with state leaders on leadership needs and the future of Head Start in Wisconsin.

12:00 – 1:00pm

Working Lunch with State Panel

1:00 – 2:00pm

Connection & Debrief

2:00 – 4:00pm

Choose Your Afternoon

Outdoor Activity

🏃 Blackhawk Island Hike

Paddle over to Blackhawk Island on the barge for a guided hike. ~2 hours.

Base Camp

🔥 Peer Connection & Collaborative Work

A facilitated gathering for peer connection and collaborative problem-solving. Conversation prompts, shared resources, and time to dig into what's working — and what's hard.

6:00 – 8:00pm

Optional Dinner — Ravina Bay Grill

Wisconsin Dells. Individually paid — a great chance to keep the conversation going in a relaxed setting.

Wednesday, June 17 · 9:00am – 4:00pm

9:30 – 10:00am

Informal Arrival

10:00am – 12:00pm

Choose Your Morning

Outdoor Activity

🚣 Canoeing / Kayaking

Guided paddle with all equipment provided. 1.5–2 hours.

Base Camp

🔥 Peer Workshopping Session

A second gathering for peer workshopping, shared problem-solving, and additional time with topic-area resources.

12:00 – 1:00pm

Working Lunch with Abha

1:00 – 3:00pm

Full Group Facilitated Workshop with Abha

Small group discussions on priority topics identified before the summit — including training for supervisors, diversifying funding, HR challenges, budgeting strategies, and organizational wellness. Facilitated to move from understanding challenges to exploring real options and strategies. Attendees will leave with ideas, connections, and next steps.

3:00 – 4:00pm

Closing Remarks

* Schedule is tentative and subject to change. Registered attendees will receive updates as details are finalized.

Cost: $100 per person (WHSA members) · $150 per person (non-members). Includes Tuesday breakfast, Tuesday and Wednesday lunch, and both outdoor activities. Room block information provided upon registration. Lodging arranged separately.

Lodging

⏰ Act Fast — Discounted Rates Won't Last

We've secured group rates at two nearby hotels, but these room blocks are only available for a limited time. Register first, then book your room right away to guarantee you receive the discounted group rate. Once the block closes, standard rates apply.

🏨 Kalahari Resort

$189 / night

Includes 4 waterpark passes. Wisconsin Dells' premier resort — a great option if you're bringing family or staying an extra night.

⚠️ Room Block Closes May 16, 2026

🏨 Avid Hotel Wisconsin Dells

$115 / night

Includes hot breakfast & pool access. A comfortable, modern option at a great value.

⚠️ Room Block Closes May 22, 2026

📋 Booking instructions and room block links will be sent to you directly after you register. Don't wait — the Kalahari block closes May 16, before registration even closes!

Venue

Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center

Along the sandstone bluffs of the Wisconsin River

📍 N194 County Rd N, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

📞 (608) 254-6461

WHSA Statewide Leadership Summit — Registration

Space is limited to 60 participants. Complete this form to secure your spot. Registration: $100 (WHSA members) | $150 (non-members). An invoice will be sent to your billing contact following registration.

Company

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

Name(Required)

First Last

As you'd like it to appear on your name tag

Title/Role(Required)

As you'd like it to appear on your name tag

Program Name(Required)

The Head Start program you represent

Email(Required)

Your direct work email

Cell Phone(Required)

Best number to reach you during the event

Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies(Required)

None

Vegetarian

Gluten-free

Nut allergy

Dairy-free

Vegan

Other *Enter below

Select all that apply: Vegetarian / Vegan / Gluten-free / Nut allergy / Dairy-free

If other Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies, please describe.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

Emergency Contact Name(Required)

First Last

Relationship to Participant(Required)

e.g. Spouse, colleague, family member

Emergency Contact Cell Phone(Required)

BILLING INFORMATION

Billing Contact Name(Required)

First Last

Person who should receive the invoice

Billing Contact Email(Required)

Billing Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Full mailing address for invoice

ACTIVITY PREFERENCES

Both activities are included in your registration fee. Please indicate your interest so we can plan accordingly.

Kayaking(Required)

Count me in

I'll hold down base camp

Not sure yet

Guided paddle on the Wisconsin River, equipment provided. (1.5 - 2 hours)

Blackhawk Island Hike/Barge(Required)

Count me in

I'll hold down base camp

Not sure yet

Barge over to Blackhawk Island for a guided hike. (2 hours)

Would you like to connect with peers for dinner?

Monday evening

Tuesday evening

Dinner is not included — attendees pay individually. Let us know and we'll coordinate.

Lodging Choice

Lodging is not included in your registration fee. To help us finalize room blocks, please indicate which night(s) you plan to stay in the Dells and your preferred property. Booking links are being finalized and will be sent to you once ready.

Which night(s) do you plan to stay in the Dells?(Required)

Monday, June 15

Tuesday, June 16

Wednesday, June 17

Not staying overnight

Select all that apply. Lodging is not included in registration — room block links will be provided after you register.

If staying overnight, which property would you like a room block link for?(Required)

Kalahari Resort $189/night *Run of House. Includes waterpark for 4

Avid Wisconsin Dells $115/night *King Standard. Includes hot breakfast and pool access.

Not staying overnight

Lodging is not included in registration — room block links will be provided after you register.

PAYMENT

$100 (WHSA members) | $150 (non-members). An invoice will be sent to your billing contact following registration. Payment may be made by check (no additional fee) or credit card (5% surcharge).

Membership Status & Registration Fee(Required)

Select your membership status. $100 (WHSA members) | $150 (non-members). An invoice will be sent to your billing contact following registration. Payment may be made by check (no additional fee) or credit card (5% surcharge).

Payment Methods(Required)

Select your preferred payment method

Total

If paying by credit card, a 5% surcharge will be added to your invoice. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt.

CANCELLATION POLICY(Required)

I understand and agree

Registration fees are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to send a colleague in your place. Please notify us of any substitutions five days in advance.

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