Events Archive
In-Person Forest School Teacher Certification
Chattanooga, TN
Participants will observe children in FS camps, receive naturalist training and take classes covering all topics included in the FSTI Online Teacher Course of Study. Additional certification hours will be earned during a tour of local public and private schools that have established Forest School programs including Woodsong Forest School, Wauhatchie Forest School, Gilbert Elementary School, Lookout Valley Elementary School, Lester B. Coon Adventist School and others. Panel discussions and conversations with Forest School teachers and leaders will offer participants a wide view of FS perspectives and strategies in the development of forest school programs in varied settings. Enrollment Deadline: June 17 Cedarsong Way Teaching Training (in-person)
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. Preschool in the Natural State: Beginner Teacher Training
1720 Ferncliff RD
Little Rock, AR 72223
Our program is offering a summer workshop for beginner Nature Based Teachers. Whether you are thinking of making the leap into outdoor learning or you have already jumped in but want to learn more, this could be a good fit. The southeast does not have a lot of training opportunities as this model is pretty new in our area, so we wanted to offer something a little closer to home. We hope you can join us in Arkansas this summer! Webinar: Nature Preschool Growth in the United States
In this eeINSPIRE webinar, Natural Start Alliance will discuss the results of their 2022 national survey showing the growth of outdoor preschools in the United States.4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning
Early bird registration is now open for the upcoming 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning! This initiative encourages and empowers educators to deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives while strengthening connections with the local land. This includes an incredible line-up of Indigenous presenters, including: Robin Wall Kimmerer Kevin Lamoureux Dr. Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair Dr. Christopher Horsethief Joe and Sophie Pierre Bonnie Harvey Smokii Sumac Ariana Roundpoint Doug Anderson In addition to the presentations, all registrants will receive: - A Certificate of Attendance upon watching live or recorded versions of all 10 virtual gatherings (10 learning hours) - $25 towards excellent Indigenous Learning Resources - Access to a Learning Community to learn, share and connect with This learning opportunity is open to EVERYONE. Learn more and register: https://outdoorlearningstore.com/event/presentations/Dig In! STEM and Nature in Early Learning
3604 CHATHAM RD
ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21042
The co-authors, Jenny James and Lea Ann Christenson, of Dig In: Outdoor STEM Learning for Young Children will share their experiences writing about their passion, early childhood, and leave participants inspired to share their own stories with others in the profession. Participants will discover the stages of the Learning Lifecycle and use it as a framework to study how the Deep Thinkers, including Indigenous Peoples, Froebel, Montessori, Piaget, Malaguzzi, and Vygotsky use outdoor learning to support STEM.
With this knowledge, participants will be inspired to see themselves as contributors to the work of the Deep Thinkers as they explore the outdoor learning areas on site. A self-assessment will provide an opportunity for participants to see their areas of strength, and a discussion about how to use the strengths and share them with others will complete the session. Wholly Wild Retreat/Workshop
Johnston Woods Retreat Center, 298 Brymer Creek Rd.
McDonald, TN 37353
The staff of Woodsong Forest School would like to invite you to Wholly Wild 2023! Wholly Wild is an invitation to an embodied, experiential retreat that is designed to transform the inner landscape of the teacher. It is a holistic, nature-based retreat for the nourishment of the hearts, minds, and bodies of those who work with children.
We invite you to join us at Johnston Woods Retreat Center (the home of Woodsong) in the beautiful foothills of southeast Appalachia, for this inspirational time together.
www.whollywild.org, [email protected]
The art of teaching flows from the inner landscape of the teacher. The greatest gift we can offer students, and the most transformational learning tool, is a healthy, whole, wonderf-filled human as their teacher. Nature invites us into the fullness of our true selves. The life and beauty of our wholly wild, authentic selves.
Come, join us, and experience this rich time together to cultivate a posture of wholeness and to expansively develop your nature-based programming! Reaching Nature Connection - Utah
Waterford School
1480 East 9400 South
Sandy, UT 84093
Reaching Nature Connection invites you to join in an exciting weekend of hands-on, research-based, and anecdotal learning. As always, the conference will be infused with songs, games, stories, and deeper nature connection.
Reaching Nature Connection is an annual, outdoor conference based on forest schools, wilderness awareness and early childhood education. Participants will be linked to a diverse group of outdoor educators. This conference is designed for beginners and experienced educators alike, as well as therapists, administrators, homeschool families, camp counselors, and parents.
Reaching Nature Connection provides an opportunity to set your watch aside and allow the leaders of the conference to hold time for you. The rhythm of each day is designed to move between active and contemplative learning, with a thematic thread running throughout. We will flow between lecture and hands-on components, weaving together our learning through a variety of approaches, with each new component building on the next. Spring Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshop Series
Our (free!) Spring Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshops are now live and ready for registration, offered in partnership with 70+ partner organizations! Sign-up: https://outdoorlearningstore.com/workshops There is something for every educator at these 60min virtual workshops featuring a diversity of presenters and topics. In addition to ideas & inspiration, you’ll walk away with a certificate of attendance, discounts on outdoor learning resources & entry for some great prizes! These all take place on Tuesdays at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern. If you can't make it in-person, we will record them and send a link to the recording to all registrants. April 11: Resources for Earth Month April 18: Taking a Closer Look: Investigations in Nature April 25: Nature Activities for Year-round Learning May 16: Resources for World Oceans Day May 23: Race and Nature for Educators May 30: How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder, Attention June 6: Walking Together: (Re)Connecting to Nature through Two-Eyed Seeing June 13: Animating Outdoor Learning using Finger PuppetsReaching Nature Connection - East Coast
Earthaven Ecovillage
Asheville, NC
East Coast Outdoor Conference for Early Childhood Educators, Teachers, Counselors, Parents and Mentors
April 1-2, 2023
Earthaven Ecovillage
Near Asheville, NC
With this year’s theme, Fields of Play, presenters Lia Grippo and Sharon Buczaczer will immerse participants in deep learning, joyful singing and the freedom of play in the spirit of the young child and young at heart.
This annual conference is a program of Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers, co-sponsored by School of Integrated Living (SOIL).
Begin your weekend on Friday evening with a storytelling concert with conference favorite, Doug Elliott.
Reaching Nature Connection is an annual outdoor conference based on forest schools, wilderness awareness, and early childhood education. The conference is designed for beginners and experienced educators alike, as well as therapists, administrators, homeschool families, camp counselors, grandparents, and parents who have an interest in developmentally appropriate nature mentoring for children.
Reaching Nature Connection invites you to join in an exciting weekend of hands-on, research-based, and anecdotal learning. As always, the conference will be infused with songs, games, stories, and deeper nature connection. Spring Retreat: Living the Forest School Way
Camp at Buffalo Mountain
201 Methodist Camp Road
Jonesborough, TN
Join us as we welcome spring in the beautiful Cherokee National Forest. This 48 hour respite offers kindling for your good work as a forest school enthusiast-- quiet time in nature, relevant conversations with thought leaders, communion with kindred spirits, site visits to dynamic forest schools, and hands-on workshops designed to spark imaginations. The flow of the retreat centers around choice. You can be still when you like and you can join in the offerings when you like. Topics include: naturalist studies with children, personal journaling, yoga practices with nature, forest school ethos in practice, basket weaving, nature hikes, campfire songs, creating place-based experiences, Shinrin Yoku, and even learning about the forgotten people (Melungeons) of Appalachia from a local historian. Forest School Teacher Institute's Spring Retreat: Living the Forest School Way
Camp at Buffalo Mountain
201 Methodist Camp Road
Jonesborough, TN
Join us as we welcome spring in the beautiful Cherokee National Forest. This 48 hour respite offers kindling for your good work as a forest school enthusiast-- quiet time in nature, relevant conversations with thought leaders, communion with kindred spirits, site visits to dynamic forest schools, and hands-on workshops designed to spark imaginations. The flow of the retreat centers around choice. You can be still when you like and you can join in the offerings when you like. Topics include: naturalist studies with children, personal journaling, yoga practices with nature, forest school ethos in practice, basket weaving, nature hikes, campfire songs, creating place-based experiences, Shinrin Yoku, and even learning about the forgotten people (Melungeons) of Appalachia from a local historian. Outdoor Gear: Access & Equitability Roundtable
We recognize that access to appropriate outdoor gear can be a barrier to learning outdoors. Join the Outdoor School Shop (ODSS) and Inside-Outside for a conversation around the needs and wants with regards to outdoor gear. We need YOUR perspective as we work to create a pathway for getting appropriate gear to all students and educators who are teaching and learning outdoors. ODSS will share examples from the field regarding innovative ways different programs have been able to dress their students for outdoor learning. Registration is FREE and open to all educators and administrators!Outdoor Gear: Access & Equitability Roundtable
We recognize that access to appropriate outdoor gear can be a barrier to learning outdoors. Join the Outdoor School Shop (ODSS) and Inside-Outside for a conversation around the needs and wants with regards to outdoor gear. We need YOUR perspective as we work to create a pathway for getting appropriate gear to all students and educators who are teaching and learning outdoors. ODSS will share examples from the field regarding innovative ways different programs have been able to dress their students for outdoor learning. Registration is FREE and open to all educators and administrators!Gateways to Emergent Learning, In-person Training
Fernandina Beach, FL
BONUS DAY: JANUARY 13..see website for details.
Join Jean Lomino along with Dr. Carl Swafford and other forest school colleagues to take a deep dive into using nature journaling as means to connect with the natural world. We will engage in teaching strategies and activities for interdisciplinary, multi-age learning in nature, while exploring the many social and emotional benefits of nature journaling for children. These benefits include 1) learning how reflection and silence helps us connect with our own bodies and minds, 2) discovering a bigger view of the world, its “wholeness,” interconnections and our place in it all, and 3) respecting the ordinary—which leads us to understand that all things are extraordinary! In these ways children learn about hope and how they can live in a peaceful community with their nature kin. Teachers will leave the training with a seasonal framework using nature journaling to integrate multiple topics and subject areas (and meeting academic standards, if needed.) Gateways to Emergent Learning, In-person Training
Fernandina Beach, FL
Join Jean Lomino along with Dr. Carl Swafford and other forest school colleagues to take a deep dive into using nature journaling as means to connect with the natural world. We will engage in teaching strategies and activities for interdisciplinary, multi-age learning in nature, while exploring the many social and emotional benefits of nature journaling for children. These benefits include 1) learning how reflection and silence helps us connect with our own bodies and minds, 2) discovering a bigger view of the world, its “wholeness,” interconnections and our place in it all, and 3) respecting the ordinary—which leads us to understand that all things are extraordinary! In these ways children learn about hope and how they can live in a peaceful community with their nature kin. Teachers will leave the training with a seasonal framework using nature journaling to integrate multiple topics and subject areas (and meeting academic standards, if needed.)
Participants will receive a FSTI CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION for Developing Emergent Learning Frameworks (16 hours).
Tuition: $395.
BONUS DAY: January 13.
See website for details. Wonders of Winter with April Zajko, M.Ed.
58 Carroll Blvd
Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819
Ready to feel confident and excited to teach in the outdoor classroom this winter? This 20 hour professional development series is designed to equip early childhood educators with the tools and resources to keep children engaged in learning throughout the entire winter. Each session we will dive into practical and actionable steps that educators can take to bring outdoor learning to life!
In this master class series you will have:
Ten live Zoom sessions with interactive group work that will allow you to connect with classmates working with similar aged children
Downloadable resources that can be printed and implemented right away
Q & A session for students to ask questions, work through challenges, and get support overcoming obstacles
Student dashboard with all the materials you need including sample parent letters, information to share in your newsletter, and curriculum activities to keep your children engaged all winter
Private “Wonders of Winter” facebook group to continue to share ideas all winter long. (This short term “pop up” group will open Jan 1st and will stay open until April 2023.) Students can show what’s working in their program, share photographs, ask questions, and continue to build their confidence!
Lifetime access to the student dashboard, so you can rewatch the recordings and access the materials all in one spot.
An uplifting and unique opportunity to engage with like-minded educators who want to embrace winter and expand learning opportunities outdoors! The friendships in this professional learning community will give you something to look forward to during darker and shorter days of winter.
Earn up to 20 hours of Professional Development
Outdoor Teacher Retreat
Robinson Nature Center
6692 Cedar Lane, MD 21044
Bundle up and join ERAFANS at Robinson Nature Center for this 6-clock hour Professional Development Institute (pending MSDE approval)! Get ready to play outdoors as we start the day discovering how to share nature in winter. We will explore ways to welcome the Winter Solstice as we gather ‘round a campfire. A naturalist will get you thinking about maple sugaring activities, which ramp up in late January and February in Maryland. We’ll also touch on essential winter gear for children and teachers. In the afternoon, we’ll focus on our feathered friends and round the day out with a nature-based art experience.
All workshops will be full of practical ideas and activities you can use right away! Presenters share insights and activities based on their work in nature preschools, forest kindergartens, or other nature-based programs.
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. Lunch is included, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day. As regulations for COVID-19 continue to shift, we will maintain health policies to keep everyone safe and healthy. We will email further guidance on our COVID-19 protocol within one month of this scheduled training. FOREST SCHOOL TEACHER INSTITUTE NORTHWOODS 2022 FALL RETREAT
3788 North Arm Road
YMCA Camp Widjiwagan
Ely, MN
Join FSTI Founder and President, Jean Lomino for three mindful, soul-filled days
in the Northwoods at Camp Widjiwagan in Ely, MN.
•Experience wonders of nature and moments of quiet reflection, walking the trails, canoeing the lake, and just being.
•Fellowship with kindred spirits through story-telling, art, naturalist presentations and learning from the native peoples of this place.
•Sample a variety of health and wellness practices including Finnish sauna and works of the hand.
•Enjoy an unforgettable weekend that will nurture your body, mind and soul!
*Limited spaces; Enrollment deadline September 14, 2022
FSTI's Northwoods Fall Retreat at Camp Widjiwagan
YMCA Camp Widjiwagan
3788 North Arm Road
Ely, MN
Join us for three mindful, soul-filled days in the Northwoods.
*Experience the wonders of nature and moments of quiet reflection, walking the trails, canoeing the lake, and just being.
*Fellowship with kindred spirits. Become acquainted through story-telling, art, naturalist presentations and learning from this land’s native people.
*Sample a variety of health and wellness practices including Finnish sauna and works of the hand.
*Come for an unforgettable experience that will nurture your body, mind and soul! - ‹ previous
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