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.

Note: Please bring your canteen for drinks; lunch is provided. Dress for winter weather because we will be outside, snow or shine, for a large portion of this training. While this workshop is open to educators working with children of all ages, the content will be geared towards those working with children ages 3-8 years old.

Who Should Attend?

This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with young children. Our participants work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, childcare centers, daycare, and more.

Workshop Descriptions

This retreat is packed with topics you will love! You can look forward to engaging, immersive sessions on the topics you need to learn, play, and explore with children outside. Workshop descriptions and full schedule coming soon! 

Have questions? Reach out to Emily Woodmansee at emily@erafans.org.