Friday, June 12th - Arrival & Evening Program

4:00 pm – Check-in at the lodges

5:00 pm – Casual dinner on the deck (participants bring their own dinner)
An informal, relaxed gathering with insect specimens on hand - perfect for conversation, questions, and first sparks of curiosity.

6:00 pm – Presentation & Discussion: INSECTS
An engaging overview of the six-legged organisms that truly run the world, followed by a spirited, democratic moment: voting on the entomo-topics you’re most excited to explore together.

7:30 pm – Blacklight setup & nocturnal insect discovery walk

9:00 pm – Blacklighting
Observe and identify the incredible diversity of insects drawn to ultraviolet light.

Saturday, June 13th - Full Day of Learning & Exploration

9:00 am – Presentation & Discussion: Insects in the Grand Scheme of Life
Exploring insects through the lenses of biodiversity and evolution, with topics related to insect ecology, physiology, and behavior.

10:00 am – Workshop: Learning insect anatomy through scientific illustration.
Slow down and truly see insects through illustrations - an immersive way to understand form, function, and beauty.

12:00 pm – Lunch break

1:30 pm – Outdoor Insect Discovery
Field-based exploration to observe insects in their habitats.

4:00 pm – Break for dinner and rest

7:00 pm – Community Lecture: Cultural Entomology
The Insect Epiphany – How our six-legged allies have shaped human culture, beliefs, stories, and survival.

8:00 pm – Blacklight setup & nocturnal insect discovery walk
Another chance to experience the night world, often different - and just as surprising - as the evening before.

9:00 pm – Blacklighting
Comparing nightly insect visitors and continuing identification and discussion.

10:00 pm – Insect movie night!
A playful and insightful look at insects in film - from the earliest days of moviemaking to modern portrayals - evaluating entomological accuracy and historical context.

Sunday June 14th - Closing Session

9:00 am – Special presentation (topic selected by participant vote!)
A session shaped by the collective interests of the group.

10:00 am – Insect curatorial techniques
Hands-on learning focused on specimen care and curation (or an alternative activity/presentation of choice).

11:00 am – Outdoor insect discovery

12:00 pm – Lunch at the Appalachian Forest Museum
Enjoy a shared meal in a beautiful setting. This meal will be provided.

1:30 pm – Program wrap-up