Training Opportunities: Week of August 29th

  Things to Know:

From Director Miller- 

 2025 Expense Report Forms, the Expense Account Guidance document, and slides from a training FAS conducted-  These documents are great resources to understand how to complete the reports and what is eligible for reimbursement.

Please note that there are two expense report forms: one for full mileage reimbursement and one for half-rate. Full mileage reimbursement applies when no state vehicle is available; if a state vehicle is available and you choose to use a personal vehicle, the half-rate mileage form must be used.  

I'd like to aim for 100% accuracy on expense reports to ensure timely reimbursements. To achieve this, please keep these tips in mind which can cause delays.

Completing the Paperwork

• Make sure to use the current year's expense report.  It should say January 1, 2025.  A new form will be developed for 2026.
• Complete the form using Excel since it will automatically calculate totals (reducing math errors) and is legible.
• Receipts must be itemized, and if you have a grocery receipt, the receipt must indicate which items were for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to ensure per diem limits were met.  
• If attending a training, an agenda is required.
• If hosting a training/meeting, an agenda and list of attendees is required.
• Put your home address at the top of the report, not your work address.
• If leaving from home, make sure to subtract commute miles.
• Put receipts in chronological order, and put the meal and date on the receipt.
• Weeks on expense reports run Sunday to Saturday.  If you travel over a weekend (example 8/30 and 8/31), then Saturday (8/30) would be one expense report, and Sunday (8/31) would be a second report.  Do not combine them into one form.
• Reports may be signed electronically using software like Docusign or Adobe. You may not just type your name using Microsoft Word.

Submitting Reports

• Submit the report and FS-18 to your fiscal officer via email.  This will ensure you have a photocopy of the paperwork and the date/time of submission.
• Submit expense reports right after your travel, or monthly at a minimum.  Receipts must be submitted within 60 days and can be denied for late submission.

Reimbursable Item Clarification

• Lunch is only reimbursable if you qualify for both breakfast and dinner.
• Alcohol is not reimbursable.  Do not put it on your receipt, or cross it off if on the receipt.
• Tips cannot exceed 20%.  If you tip more, only 20% will be reimbursed.
• Tax is reimbursable.

After submitting an expense report, you can contact your regional fiscal officer, If you ever need an update. 

New- 

NEW FY 26 Fuel Logs! 

Accounts Receivable Training Slides

MPS Trainings:

• Sept 8- Mindful Interpretation: Fostering Meaningful Connections Through Programming - learn how to guide visitors in developing meaningful relationships with the natural world and 

CQD is Back! 

The team at Close Quarters Defense has won another grant to be able to offer us this FREE training set. Please consider taking advantage now in case they do not get another grant in the future. 

• September 9-10- Level 2- this is a Refreshers for anyone that has taken Level 1 in the past. This reviews the previously learned skills as well as adding another dimension. 
• Sept 23-24- Level 3- this next level Refresher will also include some park setting scenarios. 

Expanded Opportunities for Supervisors and Leaders!

Sept 22-25 - Supervisor Core Skills Workshop

When: Monday, Sept 22 (12:30 PM) – Wednesday, Sept 24 (12:00 PM)

Who: Current supervisors and managers (Maintenance Supervisors, Administrative Managers, Park Managers, Area Managers, Assistant Managers, Park Supervisors)

What: This workshop is designed to strengthen core skills for Maryland Park Service supervisors through practical, real-world scenarios and expert-led discussions. Topics will include disciplinary procedures, project and budget management, navigating construction and safety protocols, and developing tools for effective communication and leadership. A detailed agenda will be shared soon; come ready to learn, collaborate, and build your supervisory toolkit!

Click here to register!

Leadership and People Skills Development

When: Wednesday, Sept 24 (1:00 PM) – Friday, Sept 26 (12:00 PM)

Who: Open to all classified MPS staff interested in growing their leadership and communication skills

What: This interactive workshop will focus on building strong leadership and people skills for supporting our teammates. Through real-life scenarios, role play, and coaching practice, participants will explore communication challenges, generational dynamics, navigating difficult conversations, and supporting staff during times of stress or uncertainty. We’ll also look at tools for building connection, boosting morale, and leading through change.

Click here to register!

Resources: 

Spanish Translation Team! They are available to translate the amazing flyers and handouts that you are all putting together on Canva. Just fill out a Translation Request Form on the Intranet and attach the document that you would like translated.

Non-MPS Trainings: 

Unfunded but Unrelenting: Trail Stewardship Without Grants, Recognition, or Profit

Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025 Time: 10:00am to 11:00am Pacific (1:00pm to 2:00pm Eastern) Cost: Free (live webinar and for 24 hours after airing) REGISTER NOW

Synopsis In this candid and thought-provoking session, the presenter will share what it’s like to be a mission-driven for-profit business doing trail work and advocacy, without access to grants, and often at a financial loss. Learn more about the webinar including the learning objectives and presenter(s) here. TAPG Webinar Series: Wild Grief: Nature Informed Therapy for Grief and Loss  Wednesday, September 3, 2025      7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EDT) Online - Register for Zoom Link Wild Grief: Nature Informed Therapy for Grief and Loss September 3 | 7-9PM ET Heidi Schreiber-Pan, Phd; LCPC, ACC Discover how nature can support healing in times of loss. This workshop explores the seven principles of human grief and our natural responses to loss, offering insights into how experiences in and with nature can foster solace and renewal. Engage in reflective activities, such as mapping your place on the circle of grief and observing the forest’s cycles of death and rebirth. Uncover how nature serves as both provider and messenger, offering wisdom and comfort as we navigate life’s seasons and find pathways to healing. 1 hr Conceptual Knowledge in AT/TA 1 hr AT/TA Interventions Pricing: Non-Member: $15 for one webinar AEE Member or student: $10 for one webinar Register for this individual webinar Register for the entire series & save! Bundle Price:  $70 Non Members  $45 Members  $45 Students About the Series: The Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group developed the annual webinar series to provide more opportunities for individuals interested in receiving additional training and education specific to working in adventure therapy and therapeutic adventure settings in a more accessible format. Each of these webinars offer two hours of training in the various core competencies required for certification as a Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist or a Certified Therapeutic Adventure Specialist. About the AEE Certification Program