FORT CARSON, Colo. -- When the term "conference' is included in the title of an event it's easy to assume that panelists will be busy discussing serious topics. Attendees can usually expect to be lectured by experts and the most fun to be had often occurs around the lunch hour, when people mingle, meet new friends and chat about the day's activities.
Participants experienced something much different at the Sept. 25, 2015, Carson Connection Conference, hosted by Army Community Service (ACS), Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
They were treated to an interactive, engaging and empowering experience at one of Colorado Springs' most tranquil settings.
Col. Douglas A. Sims II, chief of staff, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, delivered opening remarks, where he ensured the more than 65 spouses, Soldiers, retirees and Family members that they would indeed walk away from this particular conference with a renewed sense of knowledge and empowerment.
Following Sims' remarks, Brenna Thys, a professional actor and university professor, took to the stage to deliver the keynote address. Her delivery could hardly be referred to as a speech, however. Thys covered a number of topics involving communication, responsiveness and adaptability, involving many of the audience members in role-playing exercises designed to engage their attitudes and perceptions.
"We were looking for a trainer who could provide the audience with inspiration, passion and energy," said Kristen Kea, event facilitator and ACS community programs manager. "Spouses can get burned out, and a renewal of spirit is needed once in awhile to help them find their purpose and keep their Families motivated and charged."
Kea said the venue, The Penrose House and El Pomar Pavilion, provided a serene setting that ACS organizers believed would inspire attendees and provide a getaway experience for the day.
Formerly known as the Spouse Wellness Conference, ACS leaders decided this year to invite Fort Carson Soldiers, Family members and retirees to share in the experience.
Col. Joel D. Hamilton, garrison commander, attended the conference as well and made clear that these types of events are important for Soldiers and Families.
"The Army is very much in the people business," he said. "The nature of our job often puts us in stressful family situations. When Soldiers deploy for long periods a lot of times spouses are left with added responsibilities and they can become overwhelming. So this conference tries to help provide, or reiterate, some useful techniques that help people mitigate stressors. I think it also helps people empathize and connect with the person on their left or right who may be going through many of the same stressors related to the Army mission."
The theme for the conference centered around the idea of game playing. So, following Thys' morning address, attendees played a sort of scavenger hunt game, where they explored the property.
"Each room of the house hosted a different ACS agency," said Kea. "Small groups of attendees rotated around the house and were engaged by the interaction that was happening in each room, and where they learned about many of the resources we have on post, (such as Family Advocacy or the Army Wellness Center)."
Kelly Jensen, whose husband, Maj. John Jensen, a chaplain, is currently deployed with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, said the tour of the venue provided a vital element
to the conference because it introduced people to the different ACS helping agencies.
"I'm excited that they are putting this out there for the spouses," Jensen said. "I can think of many who need this. To bring it all together and provide it (in) one place is wonderful. I should have encouraged more spouses to attend."
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