Events Archive

March 25, 2024 to March 28, 2024
201 Methodist Camp Road
Jonesborough, TN 37659
FOREST SCHOOL TEACHER INSTITUTE In Partnership with THE DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY Forest School Teacher Certificate plus Level I Naturalist Certificate Training Academic Credit offered through East Tennessee State University March 25-28, 2024 The Camp at Buffalo Mountain, Jonesborough, TN Join Dr. Jean Lomino, Founder and President of Forest School Teacher Institute and ETSU professors of Early Childhood Education, Dr. Jane Broderick and Dr. Pam Evanshen at The Camp at Buffalo Mountain, home of Seedkeeper’s Forest School. This four-day training intensive will provide: observations of children, preschool through middle school, engaged in emergent learning at Seedkeepers Forest School and Fauna Forest Farm. Participants will gain FS skills, knowledge and inspiration by learning about: Observation and Assessment Strategies, Flow Learning, Child-directed Emergent Curriculum in nature-based programs; Introducing Cultural Themes in Forest School; Practicing Mindfulness and Nature Journaling. Participants will earn an additional certification in Level I Forest School Naturallist, with 12 hours of general ecology, hands-on practice developing observation skills and learning field identification of local flora and fauna. Guest instructors include Joe Pounds, Vice-President of Forest School Teacher Institute and Dr. Carl Swafford, Professor Emeritus at Southern Adventist University, MSED in Outdoor Education Program. PARTICIPANT BENEFITS: • Introduction to Forest School online course FREE WITH this REGISTRATION; should be completed before the March training. • Practice observation and assessment strategies at Seedkeepers Forest School and Fauna Forest Farm • Receive a FSTI Certificate of Completion for 24 hours of FS Teacher Training • Receive FSTI Certficate of Completion for 12 hours of Level 1: Forest School Naturalist • Purchase optional Training Supplies: FSTI Naturalist Tool Kit, $30 ($60 value) and FSTI Nature Journaler’s Kit, $20 ($40 value). Must be ordered at time of registration. (See details below) • Network and gain inspiration during our EVENING MEAL with GUEST SPEAKER (TBA), March 25 Visit our website for more details regarding tuition and lodging.
March 7, 2024 to March 10, 2024
2220 County Road
Rio Medina, TX 78066
Join Dr. Jean Lomino, President and Founder of Forest School Teacher Institute and Sloyd & Croft for a one-of-a-kind, four-day intensive training and retreat designed for Forest School Facilitators thriving in unique environments like cactus-filled landscapes, caliche, and road runners. Embrace the beauty of nature even in arid settings! Unique Environment, Unique Certification: Designed for Forest School in arid and alternative landscapes. Tailor-made for the Cactus School Teacher. Beat the Heat with Siesta Sessions: Embrace the Texas sun and lifestyle. Courses run from 8 am to 8 pm daily, with built-in siesta time during the hottest part of the day. Learn how to adapt teaching strategies to hot, dry climates and create an enriching experience for you and your learners. Paradise Found in Rio Medina: Nestled in the Paradise Canyon, on the far west side of San Antonio, enjoy the perfect backdrop for a transformative training experience. Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings of the canyon and it’s distinctive semi-arid and desert landscape in one location. Explore the challenges and opportunities unique to these climates through field observations and hands-on activities. ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 23, 2024 FEE: Forest School Teacher Institute Certificate Training Fee $1450.00 (Early discount $200, apply by 1/6/24.) Fee Includes: Tuition, meals, certificates, and all training materials.
February 21, 2024 to February 23, 2024
2152 S 425 W Albion
Merry Lea Farmstead
Albion, IN 46701
Join Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center and the Forest School Teacher Institute (FSTI) for a two-day immersion into nature-based learning. At the core of this professional development opportunity will be multiple nature-based site visits to observe preschool and elementary children along with their teachers.
February 20, 2024
Join Wildsight educators Patty Kolesnichenko and Jill Jennings as they dive into a world of mystery and intrigue, of tracks and traces, of clues left behind by creatures you often do not see – a world of animal signs. Animal tracks and signs create the perfect scaffolding to storytelling, investigation, imagination, and FUN – all found in nearby nature. Patty and Jill will share Wildsight’s “Stories in the Wild: Animal Tracks and Traces”, a resource that will bring the stories of the snow (or mud) to life! A track sheet with life-size tracks and accompanying lesson plan, activities, and natural history cards will help educators to teach their learners how to become nature detectives and solve the mysteries left behind by our wild neighbors.
February 20, 2024
How can our understanding of empathy be deepened through respectful engagement with the wisdom, perspectives, and traditions of Indigenous peoples? This is the question a community of practice (CoP) of early childhood professionals engaged with over the course of 7 months, utilizing Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition as a guiding text. Led by the CoP co-facilitators, Dr. Thelma Nayquonabe and Claire Underwood, this webinar shares a deepened understanding of empathy, affirms the role of all our relatives in the empathy cycle, and offers concrete strategies to support the empathy development of children and teachers alike. This hands-on workshop will offer space for reflection and action within each of our empathy journeys to support equitable and inclusive nature-based learning in your unique context. This webinar will take place on Tuesday, February 20, 4:00-5:30PM EST.
February 6, 2024
Join Qultultun and Seabacola to learn about authentic Indigenous Learning Resources that connect educators with the Land from across Turtle Island. From traditional to modern stories, educational books and resources, this workshop will connect you with the wealth of authentic Indigenous resources available on The Outdoor Learning Store in partnership with Strong Nations – an Indigenous owned and operated publishing house.
January 23, 2024
When we think of astronomy, we usually think of the night sky and that doesn’t work too well with regular classroom schedules. But there are many ways to teach astronomy, and bringing the students outdoors is a great way to start! Whether you’re starting to observe the daytime sky (yes, there’s plenty to see and do during the day!), or using the great outdoors to create scale models, we’ll show you many activities for different grade levels.
January 16, 2024 to February 27, 2024
6 FREE Winter Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshops: Jan 16: Managing Eco-Anxiety through Outdoor Learning Jan 23: Outdoor Learning Astronomy Feb 6: Indigenous Resources for Outdoor Learning Feb 13: Apprentissage de l'astronomie en plein air Feb 20: Stories in the Wild: Animal Tracks & Traces Feb 27: Enhancing Climate Education through Active Learning
January 16, 2024
When kids are worried about the environment, they can feel scared, overwhelmed and even hopeless. This is called eco-anxiety. But what can we do about it? How about turning Eco-Anxiety into Eco-Action? Eco-anxiety is a valid response to the real challenges our kids see around them. As adults, our job isn’t to make their concerns go away; it’s to help channel them into positive action. Join Stephanie and Nicole who will share research and practical ways on how Outdoor Learning and Environmental Action can help to manage Eco-Anxiety.
January 11, 2024
Join us for a 4-part course each season to dive into a topic or resource with a skilled group of facilitators. For 2024, we are pleased to offer these Seasonal Courses: Winter: Nature Activities for Educators Spring: Wild Learning Summer: Connecting to the Land, the Métis Way Fall: Naturally Inclusive – Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors
December 9, 2023
Robinson Nature Center
6692 Cedar Lane
Columbia, MD 21044
Join ERAFANS at Robinson Nature Center in Columbia, MD for this 6-clock hour Professional Development Institute (MSDE-approved). With a focus on nature-based learning, we will spend the day immersed activities centered on the Winter Solstice. ERAFANS will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as 100% of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Note: We strive to make our training events zero waste, so please bring your canteen for drinks. Light breakfast and lunch are provided. Visit www.erafans.org/MD-2023 to learn more!
November 28, 2023
Join us for a short and sweet launch party to learn from the authors about this exciting new Outdoor Learning resource 'A Walking Curriculum for the Early Years': https://outdoorlearningstore.com/product/a-walking-curriculum-for-the-early-years/ There will be activities shared, plenty of prizes, and time for Q&A with the authors!
November 4, 2023 to November 5, 2023
Big Oak Canyon
Silverado Canyon, CA 92678
Reaching Nature Connection Fields Of Play November 4-5, 2023 Silverado Canyon, California cosponsored by Earthroots Field School with Lia Grippo + Erin Boehme Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers Friday evening option + Saturday, November 4 + Sunday, November 5 camping and meals included, sliding scale fee Learn more + Register here Join us at Earthroots Field School, as we travel together through the stages of play, deepening our understanding of why and how we humans play, when we’re young and when we’re not. Deepen your capacity for mentoring children and explore our role in supporting, nourishing, and protecting healthy play, a state of kinship, reciprocity, and learning. With this year’s theme, Fields of Play, presenters Lia Grippo and Erin Boehme will immerse participants in an experiential process that will reveal how humans learn best through play and by building relationships with one another and to the natural world. Since play is the brain’s favorite way to learn, joyful singing, games, and humor will be woven throughout our weekend in the spirit of the young child and young at heart. This annual conference is a program of The Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers, co-sponsored by Earthroots Field School.
November 2, 2023 to November 4, 2023
3060 S Kinney Coulee Road
Onalaska, WI 54650
Place and Land (with a capital ‘P’ and ‘L’) have always been relevant to environmental education. This year, our conference will highlight the increasing importance of place-based relationships to a sustainable future. This requires particular attention to justice for Indigenous people. The theme serves as a call to support communities that must fight against displacement. Likewise, we must address the linkages between such displacement and environmental degradation. Hinųkwaseja is the Ho-Chunk name for the settlement at La Crosse. With this language, we show gratitude to our meeting Place. The 2023 Midwest EE Conference is hosted at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in Onalaska, Wis., about 15 minutes from downtown La Crosse. Stoney Creek features access right outside the door to miles of hiking trails along the La Crosse River, and is in easy to access location close to I-90. Parking is onsite and free.
October 28, 2023
Hartsbrook School
193 Bay Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Bundle up and join us in Hartsbrook's beautiful Forest Classroom for a highly-immersive, 1-day Wilderness First Aid Certification experience where you will learn to prevent and treat a wide range of medical emergencies that you're most likely to encounter with kids in nature so you can stay safe and adventure with abandon! Prior to the in-person Skills Lab Day, you will complete approximately 8 hours of self-directed Online coursework including CPR (unless you hold a current CPR certification). Most people don't know how to relieve choking, control a major bleed, or use critical life-saving tools such as an Epipen, AED, or Tourniquet. And so, they limit their experiences, their healthy risk-taking, their adventures or worse yet, when they encounter emergencies they feel frozen and unprepared. Your mission is to learn these and many other life-saving skills so you can bring a sense of trusting calm and peace of mind to your class that will allow kids to deepen their play and Adventure with Abandon. After this highly immersive day, you will have the skills to prevent emergencies and effectively respond to those that can not be prevented. Imagine setting off on adventures feeling relaxed, self-reliant, and ready for anything!
October 22, 2023 to October 26, 2023
Wind Ridge Schoolhouse
Duluth, MN 55806
As a part of the The Cedarsong Way On-site Teacher Training, you will learn about the distinguishing features of The Cedarsong Way Nature Pedagogy; specifically, unstructured nature immersion, interest-led flow learning, inquiry-based teaching style, child-inspired emergent curriculum, and promoting social and emotional development through a positive reinforcement approach. You will also learn how to make your program a success by understanding the most critical elements, such as appropriate clothing, building parent community, developing the aptitudes of a nature-based teacher, and risk management. The Cedarsong Way Teacher Training involves a total of 35 hours of training, including topic discussions, direct observation of a Cedarsong Accredited school program, practicum opportunity, and valuable question and answer time with highly skilled Cedarsong Certified Trainers. This training will be led by Nicole Corbo.
October 20, 2023 to October 22, 2023
Steckel Park Campground, 8080 Mistletoe Rd
Santa Paula, CA 93060
A village gathering that brings together leaders in nature-connection, educators, individuals, and parents who long for a deeper connection with the wild. Join us and be guided by skilled nature-based mentors, as they facilitate experiences to help you find the end of your comfort zone and lean into your learning edge. This weekend is deeply inspired by the 8 Shields Coyote Mentoring model gathered by Jon Young and practiced by nature schools around the world, including Wilderness Awareness School. Rather than formal instruction, the focus of this gathering will be on the embodied experience. We will practice core routines including sit-spot, bird language, ancestral skills, singing, working with fire, entering ceremony, council, and more!
October 16, 2023 to November 13, 2023
What is possible in outdoor play-based learning? How can we keep ourselves from reproducing our indoor challenges outdoors? What is the role of the educator in play-based learning? What practices invite self-agency and freedom? What do interactions between educator and child look like in outdoor play-based learning? This 6-part virtual series invites educators and play practitioners to wonder and uncover our assumptions and expectations for play. We will work towards collective transformation through outdoor play-based learning by weaving together research, practical experience, individual reflection and insights for a playful future.
October 11, 2023
9 1/2 Market Street
Northampton, MA 01060
This free, 45-minute webinar is designed to provide an inspirational look into wonder and how we, as grown ups, can support kids at boosting their wonder muscles at home, school and all of the places in between! We’ll examine the science and magic of wonder and share a brand-new “Teaching with Wonder” PDF guide full of actionable ways caregivers and teachers like can support each part of kids’ wonder cycle. Plus, every attendee will be entered to win a full year subscription of Tinkergarten.
October 9, 2023 to October 30, 2023
1500 E. Park Place
Milwaukee, WI 53211
In partnership with the Urban Ecology Center, Alverno College is proud to offer a digital badge in Urban Early Childhood Outdoor Preschool Environmental Education. This groundbreaking program prepares educators to meet the growing demand for nature-based preschool teachers and early childhood educators with nature-based education training. Urban Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Four-week Course Monday evenings, online, October 9–30: 5:30–8:30 p.m. Instructor: Matt Flower, Urban Ecology Center Cost: $400 per registrant Discounted rate for organizations sending three or more educators: $300 per registrant