2026 West Virginia Master Naturalist

State Conference Registration

Camp Dawson - Kingwood, WV

 July 24 – 26, 2026

 Hosted by: Kanawha Valley & Monongahela Chapters

Important Registration Information

Please review the following information carefully before completing your registration for the 2026 West Virginia Master Naturalist State Conference at Camp Dawson.

 

Registration Deadline

• Conference registration closes June 15, 2026, or earlier if capacity is reached.
• Registrations cannot be accepted after the deadline due to meal counts and facility requirements.

 

 Registration Completion Requirements

Registration is not considered complete until all of the following have been submitted:

• Completed Conference Registration Form
• Completed Visitor Control Center (VCC) Form required by Camp Dawson - Details on Next Page
• Payment of registration fees

A payment link will be provided as part of this registration process.

 

Individual Registration Requirement

Each person attending the conference must complete their own registration form and payment.

This includes individuals who plan to attend meals or evening conference events but do not intend to participate in classes.

If multiple people are attending, each individual must submit a separate registration.

This ensures that required information is collected for all individuals attending the conference and allows accurate planning for meals and facility access.  Camp Dawson requires this information for facility access and planning purposes.

 

Field Trip Meal Planning

Many field trips take place off-site or at locations a distance from Camp Dawson. Participants attending these trips will not have time to return to Camp Dawson for lunch.

Participants should plan accordingly by either:

• Bringing their own lunch, or
• Purchasing a box lunch during registration

Box lunches will be placed in coolers and will accompany the field trips for convenience.

 

Refund Policy

Registration fees are non-refundable, except in the following circumstances:

• A documented medical emergency, or
• The participant completes the required Visitor Control Center (VCC) form and is denied access to Camp Dawson.

Note: Failure to complete the required VCC form does not qualify for a refund.

 

Lodging Reservations

Lodging at Camp Dawson must be arranged separately and is not included in conference registration.

Participants must contact Camp Dawson directly to reserve accommodations by phone or online. When making a reservation, please reference confirmation number 282351 and identify the block under the West Virginia Master Naturalist Program.

Camp Dawson Reservations
📞 (304) 791-7001

Lodging is limited and early reservations are strongly recommended.

Estimated lodging cost: approximately $75 per night, subject to Camp Dawson availability and pricing.

 

 Additional Conference Information

• Space is limited and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Participants are responsible for reviewing conference details, class descriptions, and schedule information prior to registering.Before registering, please review the conference details and class descriptions available at: https://mnofwv.org/index.php/2026-conference/

• Program details and schedules are subject to change. The most up-to-date conference details and class descriptions are available at: https://mnofwv.org/index.php/2026-conference/ 

Access Requirements for Camp Dawson

 

 Visitor Control Center (VCC) Form

Camp Dawson requires all visitors attending events on the property to complete a Visitor Control Center (VCC) form.

• A link will be provided directing you to the Camp Dawson page where the VCC form must be completed.
• When completing the form, please list the purpose of visit as: “West Virginia Master Naturalist Conference.”
• This form is required for security clearance to enter the facility.
• Camp Dawson conducts background checks for felony offenses only.
• A Social Security number is not required to complete the form; however, Camp Dawson may contact you if additional information is needed to verify your identity.
• Participants who do not complete the VCC form will be denied access to Camp Dawson.

Failure to complete the required VCC form does not qualify for a refund.

If a participant completes the VCC form but is denied access by Camp Dawson, their conference registration fee will be refunded.

 

Identification Requirements

Camp Dawson is a military facility, and visitors must present proper identification to enter the property.

• A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card is required for entry
• REAL ID-compliant licenses typically display a star in the upper corner
• Participants are responsible for bringing appropriate identification with them to the conference

Participants should keep their identification with them at all times, as it may be required for entry when leaving and returning to Camp Dawson.

Failure to present a REAL ID–compliant ID may result in denial of entry to Camp Dawson.

Please note: Failure to meet identification requirements does not qualify for a refund.

 

Meals

Conference registration includes breakfast for all registered participants. Participants who choose not to attend breakfast will not receive a reduction in the registration fee.

Boxed lunches are optional and may be purchased during registration.

Participants registering for the Conference Only option may add evening meals.

Meals Only Option:
This option includes access to morning yoga sessions and evening events only. It does not include access to conference classes or daytime sessions.

Full menus and meal descriptions are available on the conference information page:
https://mnofwv.org/index.php/2026-conference/

Meal tickets for selected options will be included in your registration packet and must be presented at each meal.

⚠️ Field Trip Lunch Notice:

Many field trips take place off-site and will not return to Camp Dawson during lunch hours. Participants attending these trips will not have time to return for lunch.

If you are not bringing your own lunch, please purchase a boxed lunch during registration.

Box lunches will be placed in coolers and will accompany the field trips for convenience.

Note: Conference Cancellation Policy: Refunds will only be issued if VCC access is denied or in cases of a documented medical emergency.  No refunds will be issued for failure to complete the VCC or lack of approparte ID when arriving on site.

Boxed Lunches (Not included in registration – available for $12 per day)

Each boxed lunch includes:

• Side Salad
• Cut Vegetables
• Crackers
• Fruit
• Drink

Meal Choices: Turkey, Ham, or Veggie Wrap *Gluten-free option available

Please select one class for each available time block which you plan to attend.

On Saturday, some classes are offered as full-day sessions. If you select a full-day class, do not select separate morning or afternoon classes for that same day.

Class sizes are limited and registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a class is full, it will no longer appear as an option.

If a class is currently full, you may wish to check back later in case space becomes available.

Please review the class descriptions on the conference website before making your selections:

https://mnofwv.org/index.php/2026-conference/

 

Class times reflect instructional time. Field trips may require earlier meeting times due to travel. Please review the schedule carefully for full details.

Class times reflect instructional time. Field trips may require earlier meeting times due to travel. Please review the schedule carefully for full details.

The keynote follows the banquet but may be attended separately.

Class times reflect instructional time. Field trips may require earlier meeting times due to travel. Please review the schedule carefully for full details.

Camp Dawson requires all visitors attending events on the property to complete a Visitor Control Center (VCC) form prior to arrival.

Please open the link below and complete the form. The link will open in a new tab so you can return to finish your registration.   

👉 Complete Camp Dawson's VCC Form by clicking this link

When completing the VCC form, please list the purpose of visit as:

"West Virginia Master Naturalist Conference"

Camp Dawson conducts background checks for felony offenses only. A Social Security number is not required to complete the form; however, Camp Dawson may contact you if additional information is needed to verify your identity.

Important: A valid REAL ID (driver’s license with holographic star) or other acceptable identification will be required for entry at the gate.

Once you complete and submit the VCC form, please return to this page and continue with payment.

Conference Policies Acknowledgment

I understand that:

• Registration closes June 15 and late registration is not available.
• Refunds will only be issued if VCC access is denied or in the case of a documented medical emergency.
• Payment is required to submit registration.
• A REAL ID (with star) is required to access Camp Dawson.
• The Visitor Control Center (VCC) form must be completed before arrival.