Events Archive
Native American Heritage Month (November)
In honor of Native American Heritage Month (November) we would like to recommend these excellent Indigenous learning resources & opportunities: https://outdoorlearning.com/indigenous-resources-usa These are all made available on the recommendation of Indigenous staff, advisors and partners, and are all written, created, developed and offered by Indigenous authors, educators and artists, and offered in partnership with a variety of Indigenous publishers, partners and organizations.Preschool Naturally: An outdoor and nature based learning campference
This is a professional conference for preschool educators that feels like a summer camp! It is held in a camp-like setting and will be a chance to dig deep into practice through theory and hands-on workshops. Multiple tracks for different experience levels Sessions for both program & classroom leaders Workshops exploring both theory & practical skills Exploration of Ferncliff Nature Preschool facilities On-site Housing & Meals Key Note by Rachel LarimoreNaturally Inclusive – Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors Fall Course
Drawing on her knowledge of research and her decades of work with children in nature, join Ruth as she weaves together advice, real-life examples, and testimonies from educators and families on the healing, nurturing power of nature in the lives of young children with diverse abilities. Joining us too is Karen Lai, Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist who will share expertise and her lived experience perspective on what it means to truly offer inclusive programming.Outdoor Teacher Retreat
11414 OK-33
Coyle, OK 73027
Join us in Coyle, Oklahoma for an engaging day of nature-based training. This retreat brings together experts in the field of nature-based early learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of interactive workshops to choose from.
ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included on Saturday, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day.
Note: We strive for zero waste during our training events; please bring your canteen for drinks.
Who Should Attend?
This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with young children ages 2 to 8. Our participants work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, child care settings, and more.
Workshop Descriptions
Prairie Grass Baskets
Participants will learn to craft beautiful and useful woven baskets with grasses gathered on a Prairie Restoration site using the ethics of honorable harvest. We will walk through the Prairie along the course of a mowed Labyrinth and craft together in the center. Each participant leaves with an instruction card to continue to work on their basket at a later time and to make more baskets in the future.
Felt Fairies
We will be creating needle-felted, or hanging felt fairies. Depending on the number of people, the time for each session, and the level of experience of the participants, we can start with hanging felt Fairies and evolve to needle-felted for those who want the extra experience.
Wildcrafted Ice Creams
Discover edible native plants and how to safely use them with your students as we harvest and process Kentucky Coffee Beans! By the end, we'll have worked together to make a batch of Kentucky Coffee Bean Ice Cream to taste. Everyone will get to take part in this hands-on experience and will receive a recipe card to take home. The recipe card can be used with other wild plants for a differently flavored ice cream based on what grows near you. Indigenous Language Learning Courses
These courses are open to everyone – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants who wish to learn to uplift language revitalization. More information & registration. We know that Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are foundational to outdoor learning and learning from the land, and that learning that language of the local land is a critical part of deepening knowledge and understanding. Non-Indigenous educators can take steps towards reconciliation by participating in language courses like these as a way to uplift language revitalization and deepen their own understanding of local place. Indigenous languages carry connections to lands, ancestors, traditions, and contain ecological knowledge crucial for sustainable living, medicinal practices, and traditional storytelling, enriching our collective wisdom. By supporting Indigenous language revitalization efforts, we not only preserve linguistic diversity but also uphold Indigenous Peoples’ fundamental rights to their languages and cultures.5 Fall Outdoor Learning Online Courses!
We've just opened registration for ALL 5 of our Fall Outdoor Learning Online Courses! https://outdoorlearningstore.com/event These 5 courses will provide you with opportunities to deepen your understanding and knowledge: 1) Outdoor Learning Certification Program 2) Nêhiyawêwin (Cree) Language Course 3) Naturally Inclusive – Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors Fall Course 4) Michif Language Introductory Course 5) 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning 2024-2025 CourseFall Forest School Teacher Training
298 Brymer Road
McDonald, TN 37353
Join us for 3 days of sweet communion amidst stunning fall scenery, with a cadre of like-minded folk from around the US. Dr. Jean Lomino, Founder and President of Forest School Teacher Institute, and Bonnie Cretton, Founder and Director of Woodsong Forest School will co-facilitate FS Teacher Certificate Training at Johnston Woods Retreat Center home of Woodsong Forest School, set amidst 400 acres of forest, meadows, creeks and lakes.
This training intensive will feature observations of children at Woodsong, preschool through elementary. Participants will gain FS skills, knowledge, and inspiration including: Observation and Assessment Strategies, Child-directed Emergent Curriculum in nature-based programs, Cultural Themes in Forest School, Practicing Mindfulness and Nature Journaling, among other offerings.
Experienced naturalists will also be on hand to lead participants into a deeper understanding of general ecology, developing observation skills, and learning field identification of local flora and fauna. Lead naturalist is Dr. Carl Swafford, Professor Emeritus at Southern Adventist University, and founder of the MSED in Outdoor Education Program.
PARTICIPANT BENEFITS: Introduction to Forest School online course FREE with this registration; should be completed before the October training | Receive a FSTI Certificate of Completion for 32 hours of FS Teacher Training | Network and gain inspiration with attendees from around the US and beyond | Gain the many personal benefits of time spent in nature
TRAINING FEE: $850 for three full days of training (Payment information will come to you in email after applying. Payment options include PayPal, Venmo, or Check; credit cards can be used through PayPal or Venmo). $100 Early Bird Discount, apply by 8/31/24. ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: October 9, Maximum participants: 24. Onsite lodging and meals available: $220, includes 3 days and 2 nights, with 8 meals, plus additional options available. The Cedarsong Way Teacher Training
Huckleberry Kids Nature School
Vashon Island, WA 98070
This 35-hour training offers participants an opportunity to explore all aspects of a child-led pedagogy that is rooted in the importance of unstructured time in nature. The Cedarsong Way is interest-led flow learning with an emergent curriculum; it is creating space for authentic play through nature immersion. The Cedarsong Way leans heavily into documentation of the immense learning that takes place when children lead and nature is centered. This unique training experience allows participants to both observe at a Cedarsong Accredited school, as well as practice this award-winning approach to early childhood education.
To register, visit: https://cedarsongway.org/products/
or for more information, email: [email protected] Free Outdoor Learning Seasonal Virtual Workshops!
The Fall Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshops Include: Land-based Learning and Reconciliation: Resources for Teaching TEENS Land-based Learning and Reconciliation: Resources for Teaching CHILDREN How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder, Attention Climate Connections: Climate Change Education in Outdoor Learning FutureMakers: Resources to Inspire Students for SustainabilityRegister Here
Registration is open for our Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshops and our Seasonal Online Courses. There will be plenty of draw prizes for attendees! All registrants will receive a discount code to access outdoor learning resources when they register. All Virtual Workshops are 60 minutes and will take place at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern. Topics: - Land-based Learning and Reconciliation: Resources for Teaching TEENS - Land-based Learning and Reconciliation: Resources for Teaching CHILDREN - How to Teach Nature Journaling - Climate Change Education in Outdoor Learning - FutureMakers: Resources to Inspire Students for Sustainability - Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots - Whispers of the Earth: A Journey through Indigenous WisdomNatStart 24: Charting Our Future
Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
1401 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97201
The Natural Start Alliance's annual conference is the nation's largest professional event for teaching, administration, research, and advocacy in nature-based early learning. In 2024, the conference will showcase outdoor, nature-based learning in Oregon, which is currently developing a new licensing pathway for outdoor, nature-based preschools. Join us for engaging presentations, experiential sessions, site tours, and professional networking with nature-based early childhood professionals from around the country and beyond. Forest School Director Training/Certification, In-Person
3408 Elder Mountain Road
Chattanooga, TN 37419
Join us in Chattanooga, Tennessee for the first-ever, In-Person Director Certificate Training! Our journey will begin at Lookout Lake Farm, the birthplace of Wauhatchie Forest School. Each day we will explore forest schools in the region that were inspired by this small beginning. Training will provide firsthand knowledge and skills to help you plan, develop and manage programs, as we meet with Forest School founders, directors, and teachers as well as community leaders who currently partner with Forest Schools. And perhaps the greatest benefit will be sweet communion with a cohort of like-minded people from around the country.
Participant Benefits:
*24 hours of training which includes presentations, discussions, and individual consultations
*Certificate of Completion for Forest School Director Course of Study
*Follow-up Zoom Meeting to share Synthesis Projects and collaborate
*Online collection of templates for Forest School Management and many other resources
*This event is limited to only 12 participants
Forest Schools we will visit: Woodsong Forest School, Wauhatchie Forest School, Nature Kin Farm & Forest School, & Red Bank Elementary
TUITION: $950 Includes all sessions and the evening meal on 7/25. EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT $50 (if paid in full by 6/01/24)
Meals and Lodging: Participants are responsible for all lodging and meals (except for evening meal 7/25). ECO Institute: Educating Children Outdoors for Early Childhood Educators
713 Elm Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
During this course, we experience a week-long rhythm of place-based curriculum within which, the daily rhythm of the core routines are embedded. This daily rhythm mirrors the experience of Pre-K students during a typical day of learning outdoors. A successful nature immersion model allows for children to have choices, to be respected and trusted, and to take risks. Participants will develop an understanding of risks vs. hazards to prepare for and encourage safe risk taking in the outdoor classroom. Participants will close the week by envisioning integration of the philosophies and practices that are built into a nature immersion experience. NBNC curriculum ideas will be given to participants to use in their own programs. Our emergent and nature based curriculum meets ECE standards. Scaffolding techniques and provocations will be demonstrated during the course. Connecting to the Land, the Métis Way Summer Course
Join Leah Marie Dorian to dive into excellent learning resources for kids to explore Métis knowledge, culture and history connected to the land. Resources include translations into Michif, and offers incredibly vibrant illustrations giving insight into Métis life.ECO Institute: Nature Based Routines for Outdoor Classrooms
713 Elm Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
The purpose of this ECO introductory course for elementary and middle school educators is to apply integrated academic curricula beyond the classroom, while immersing in and participating with nature as a learning partner. The course provides inquiry-based learning through intensive experiential lessons, activities, and discussions held entirely outdoors. Participants will explore, create and experiment with specific ECO (Educating Children Outdoors) lessons catered to the daily topic. Daily reflection and mindfulness practices are an integral part of the nature immersion learning model and will be practiced throughout the course. A successful nature immersion model allows for students to have choices, to be respected and trusted, and to take risks. Students will develop an understanding of risks vs. hazards as to prepare for and encourage safe risk taking in the outdoor classroom.
During this course, we will experience a place-based curriculum which supports the daily rhythm of the core routines. This daily rhythm mirrors the experience of elementary students during a typical day of ECO. Participants will close the week envisioning integration of the philosophies and practices that are built into a nature immersion experience. All lessons given to participants to use in their own classroom will be aligned to Vermont State Standards, Common Core and NGSS when applicable. Preschool Naturally: An Outdoor & Nature-Based Learning Campference
1720 Ferncliff RD
Little Rock, AR 72223
Mark your calendars now for the second annual Preschool Naturally: An Outdoor & Nature-Based Learning Campference, June 5-7, 2024 in Little Rock, Arkansas! This two-day event for preschool educators will be a chance to dig deep into practice through theory and hands-on workshops. Workshops will be led by Dr. Rachel Larimore of Samara Early Learning, Ferncliff Nature Preschool staff, and A-State Childhood services staff. A few other campference highlights include:
Keynote by Dr. Rachel Larimore
Multiple session tracks so that different experience levels
Sessions exploring both theory & practical skills
Exploration of Ferncliff Nature Preschool facilities
On-site Housing & Meals
Evening social events to connect with like-minded educators
Small attendance capacity to maximize dialogue & professional learning
Preschool Naturally will be held at the Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center with more than 1,200 acres of natural space in the Natural State itself–Arkansas! The hills, woods, creek, and lake are the perfect backdrop for nature-based professional learning, networking, and inspiration.
This is sure to be three days of professional learning that will leave you recharged and reinspired to connect young children with the natural world. Mark your calendar now!
If you’re interested in receiving registration information when it's available, click here to share your name and email.
*Thanks to our Australian colleague Tania Moloney for this perfect term for the event–a professional conference with the feel of summer camp!
Free Virtual Workshop: Using Sit Spots and your Senses to Connect with Nature
Join us for an interactive workshop that delves into the world of sit spots and sensory wakeups and their significance in fostering a deeper connection with nature. Designed around the book “Me and My Sit Spot,” this engaging session will equip educators and nature enthusiasts with practical approaches to introducing and incorporating sit spots into their outdoor learning. Through the sit spot routine, we will also investigate how we can develop observational skills, mindfulness, reflection, and overall well-being.Recursos en español para aprender al aire libre
Únase a nosotros para conocer las oportunidades de aprendizaje al aire libre, todas ellas a poca distancia de su lugar de residencia o de su centro de estudios. Salgamos a caminar el plan de estudios ofrece recursos innovadores e interdisciplinarios para aquellos maestros de pre-escolar, educación primaria y educación media superior, que deseen llevar el aprendizaje de sus estudiantes más allá de los muros de la escuela. Sofia Shanahan es educadora, bibliotecaria y madre apasionada por el aprendizaje al aire libre. Mercedes Bosch Toca es la Directora de Programas Móviles de Ocean Wise y es una apasionada de la comunicación de la ciencia y la alfabetización oceánica al mundo. Todos los inscritos podrán ganar fantásticos premios. Tras el taller, recibirás un código de descuento para acceder a los recursos compartidos, a la grabación y a un enlace para acceder a tu certificado de asistencia. Join us for outdoor learning opportunities, all within walking distance of your home or school. Let's go for a walk. The curriculum offers innovative and interdisciplinary resources for those preschool, primary education, and upper secondary education teachers who wish to take their students' learning beyond the walls of the school. Sofia Shanahan is an educator, librarian, and mom with a passion for outdoor learning. Mercedes Bosch Toca is the Director of Mobile Programs at Ocean Wise and is passionate about communicating ocean science and literacy to the world. All registrants can win fantastic prizes. After the workshop, you will receive a discount code to access the shared resources, the recording, and a link to access your certificate of attendance.Wilderness First Aid + CPR
Carry Murray Nature Center
1901 Ridgetop Road
Baltimore, MD 21207
ERAFANS and Wild Med are pairing up to bring Wilderness First Aid + CPR to Nature-Based Educators!
This hybrid course combines self-directed Online Coursework + an experiential in-person Skills Lab.
After you register, you will receive immediate access to your course on our learning platform. Look forward to engaging, dynamic videos, actions, and quizzes. The in-person portion (5/4/24) is a highly immersive experience combining experiential learning games, realistic scenarios, lectures rich with meaningful stories, and opportunity for Q&A.
You will get dirty!
The course is approved for programs seeking state and local licensing.
Saturday May 4, 2024, 9:00-6:00 EST
Carrie Murray Nature Center, Baltimore, MD
Questions? Email [email protected] Free 60-min Virtual Workshop: Developing a Sense of Place by Sparking Curiosity and Wonder
Join our three fantastic educators and authors of ‘A Walking Curriculum for the Early Years’ for a beautiful walk into early years education that sparks curiosity and wonder. They will share their new innovative, interdisciplinary resource designed specifically for Early Years Educators that outlines an imaginative and ecological approach to taking student learning outside school walls. All registrants will be entered into a draw to win some great prizes! Following the workshop, you will receive a discount code to access the resources shared, the recording, and a link to access your Certificate of Attendance.- ‹ previous
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