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• Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level III

  • Start
    Wednesday, October 23, 2024
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • End
    Sunday, August 03, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Notchcliff Nature Programs, Glen Arm, MD

  Register

  If you've made it this far, congratulations for progressing to the capstone Level III Nature-Based Teacher Certification course! This registration is for a hybrid course with monthly online learning (October - June 2025) followed by a culminating long weekend of training and celebration (Thurs., July 31st at 6 p.m. to Sun., Aug. 3, 2025 at 12 p.m.).

  Our 36-hour capstone course combines deepening nature connection with a well-rounded approach to nature-based education, advocacy, and leadership. Offered as a hybrid course, the format includes online meetings with both live and self-directed time and field assignments that you will complete in your school or program setting. An in-person gathering is held to further learning, sharing, and celebration as a community.

  Time commitment for the capstone course is 36 clock hours, plus time required to complete field assignments. Prerequisites: Attendees must complete levels 1 & 2 prior to taking level 3; see web for complete description.

  Course Description:
  The capstone level of the certification combines deepening nature connection with a well-rounded approach to nature-based education, advocacy, and leadership. The hybrid course format includes online meetings with both live and self-directed time and a professional practicum that you will complete in your school or program setting. The in-person three-day gathering includes further learning and sharing as a community. The time commitment for the capstone course is 36 clock hours, plus time required to complete the practicum.

  Topics of Study:

  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in NBE: How can nature-based programs provide greater access to nature-based education? How can programs increase advocacy and inclusion efforts to support greater access to programs? Discover real life approaches to DEI and consider how to authentically work toward your own DEI policies and daily practices.

  Mentoring & Reflective Teaching Practices: We know that the most effective teachers reflect on children’s needs and development in highly individualized ways. Likewise, we will consider how to reflect on our own interactions with children, families, colleagues, and the natural world to maintain a positive growth mindset necessary to thrive as a nature-based teacher. We will also consider the role of utilizing (and being) mentors in our teaching journey.

  Financial Planning: Creating, or even just understanding, a program budget need not be complicated! Thoughtful budgets help ensure accessibility to your program with financial assistance and extra gear considerations, but that is only the start. Beyond basic supplies, family events, and guest presenters there are other considerations around liability insurance, gifts for teachers, and a contingency should you need to bring in support staff. These are the tip of the iceberg! Teacher pay is directly related to income and expenses, so this insight is useful whether you are currently a teacher or administrator. This session will examine items to consider in a program budget and get you thinking about how to help fundraise, advocate, and better support your program.  fair teacher pay

  Assessing Your Program: One of the best ways we can improve the quality of what we offer to our learning communities is to actively engage in program assessment. This session explores several approaches to program assessment and helps you hone in on the values and attributes you most want to evaluate as part of the process. 

  Spirituality and Human-Nature Connection: One of the reasons families value a nature-based education is because wonder, awe, and curiosity are central to this approach to learning. Together we examine how these attributes support spirituality and help instill a deeper sense of connectedness to the natural world.  

  Naturalist Knowledge: Nature’s wonders are intricate and complex - we can spend a lifetime discovering them! Integral to our work as nature-based teachers, we will continue to explore the land, building on our naturalist knowledge of local habitats, wildlife, and possible risks to mitigate during outdoor learning. For our in-person gathering, we will incorporate hands-on earth skills as we continue to develop personal nature connection in community as a cohort of teachers.

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• Celebrating Summer!

  • When
    Wednesday, June 04, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Online!

  Register

  
  

  WEBINAR DESCRIPTION

  Early sunrises, the fullness of the dawn bird chorus, the bounty of greenness re-emerging on the carpet of plants and canopy of trees: as the old song says, "Sumer is icumen in!"

  Celebrating the cycles of nature helps us synchronize ourselves with our nature neighborhoods. Join eco-connection mentors Honey Sweet Harmony to honor the coming of Summer! Participants will be guided through activities that help us feel Summer's energy of  - including songs particularly suited to multigenerational, community-style singing. You can then draw inspiration from your participation in this gathering to design activities for your own household, community, and programs.

  These gatherings are interactive and experiential so live attendance is highly encouraged!  

  We'll start at 7pm, with our Zoom gathering space available until 9pm, leaving flexible timing for active participation. 
  

  Practicing diversity, equity, and inclusion, these online gatherings are designed for maximal accessibility. If you need to eat, drink, move/stretch physically, take a break from looking at the digital screen and just listen, have a youngster of your household present with you, or other forms of flexibility that will make live attendance possible, please know those are supported. Reach out to programs@anbe.org if you have any questions.

  A certificate of completion will be provided upon request to those who attend the complete event live.

  A recording of the gathering plus a bundle of gifts to inspire your own Summer activity designs will be emailed to all who register.

  While there is no charge to attend, donations for this event help ANBE continue to offer high quality, accessible programs for everyone. 

  WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  This online gathering is designed for everyone who guides nature-based education and outdoor learning, which may include: teachers, administrators and board members of schools and childcare providers; parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, Big Sisters/Brothers/Siblings; naturalists; environmental educators; outdoor educators; wilderness survival enthusiasts; ancestral skills & nature connection mentors; community story, song, and movement/dance leaders; permaculturists, and more!

  MEET YOUR FACILITATORS

  
  

  Honey Sweet Harmony is an interspecies creativity-catalyzing mentorship constellation. McCadden is the human spokesperson, collaborating with dog and cat helpers. Together kin* are committed to remembering regenerative cultural patterns, and have decades of experience with all ages from toddlers to seniors as deep nature connection mentors and ancestral skills facilitators specializing in stories, music, and movement, eco-spiritual healing arts, ceremony facilitation, and grief / peace tending. For 25 years kin have taught enrichment programs in a diverse range of public and private schools, camps, community centers, spiritual-based and nature-based organizations. Kin have served as facilitators for ANBE webinars, Village Talk (a weekly phone conference for adults committed to nature connection), Community Song Circles and Story Circles, Ancestor Suppers, solar and lunar phase ceremonies, and many more forms of multigenerational community events inspired by nature’s rhythms. Kin also offer private mentoring and eco-healing sessions for individuals, families, and organizations. You'll find seasonal Song Groves and activity ideas that kin have cultivated for ANBE in our Blog pages.

  (*these nature-kinship pronouns, ki/singular like s/he, kin/plural like they, come from Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, and Gathering Moss)

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• Summer Nature-Based Teacher Certification (online course)

  • Start
    Monday, June 23, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Thursday, July 31, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Online!

  Register

  We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification as an online option! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential. To date, we have certified more than one thousand teachers from all 50 states and 24 countries, each gaining strategies and tools for unique nature-based settings. Now it's your turn!

  Our 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting. 
  
  SCHEDULE
  Mondays/Wednesdays: Facilitated discussions on key topics
  Thursdays: Cohort meetings and/or Guest Presenters

  Course meets live from 11AM - 1PM (PST)/ 1PM - 3PM (CST)/ 2PM - 4PM (EST) on Mondays and Wednesdays with additional time built in for on-demand content. Thursdays are reserved for guest presenters and group meeting support. There are a total of six consecutive weeks of online sessions with presenters and within small cohorts. Additional clock hours include a variety of presenters and one-on-one Mentor Meetings. Flexible, self-directed learning will take place centered on outdoor skills and experiences, which you must provide documentation of.  Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course.

  We are delighted to share this course with our international friends and those who cannot travel for training at this time. Please take a look at this FAQ page and feel free to email programs@anbe.org with questions!

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• Nature-Based Teacher Certification - Maryland: Level I

  • Start
    Monday, July 07, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 11, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    The Waldorf School of Baltimore, 4801 Tamarind Rd, Baltimore, MD 21209
  • Spaces left
    17

  Register

  
  

  We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level 1! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential.
  
  This five-day, 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting. (See web for complete description.)
  
  Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided.
  
  Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided.
  
  Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Off-site tours and workshops; lunch provided. 
  
  Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
  Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire
  
  Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course; light breakfast and lunch provided. 

  LODGING OPTIONS

  Hotels

  The Sheraton

  (~20min drive)

  903 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21204

  The Hampton Inn

  (~20min drive)

  21 W Susquehanna Ave, Towson, MD 21204

  The Delta Hotel in North Baltimore 

  (~8 min drive)   

  5100 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, 21210

  
  

  Show details
• Nature-Based Teacher Certification - Maryland: Level II

  • Start
    Monday, July 07, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 11, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    The Waldorf School of Baltimore, 4801 Tamarind Rd, Baltimore, MD 21209

  Register

  
  

  We are excited to learn with you once again during the Level 2: Intermediate Nature-Based Teacher Certification! (Registration is for live, in-person certification.)
  
  This five-day, 36-hour course builds on what you learned during the Level 1 introductory course, diving deeper into best practices and helping you hone approaches to nature-based early childhood education specific to your learning environment. The intermediate course examines more nuanced facets of running a nature-based program, managing/mentoring teachers, and promoting your program.  We continue to draw from experienced educators and explore diverse perspectives in NBECE throughout the week. You will also take time to enhance your personal nature connection as an extension of this deep, important work. (Note: Attendees must complete the level 1 introductory course prior to taking level 2; see web for complete description.)

  Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided daily
  
  Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Off-site tours and workshops
  
  Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops

  Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
  Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire
  
  Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course.

  
  

  LODGING OPTIONS

  Hotels

  The Sheraton

  (~20min drive)

  903 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21204

  
  

  The Hampton Inn

  (~20min drive)

  21 W Susquehanna Ave, Towson, MD 21204

  
  

  The Delta Hotel in North Baltimore 

  (~8 min drive)   

  5100 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, 21210

  
  

  Show details
• Growing Climate-Resilient Kids

  • Start
    Monday, July 14, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Monday, August 11, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions

  Register

  Teaching about climate change may seem like a daunting task, but this 15-clock hour course can help! Here we unpack some of the biggest challenges of climate change in the context of the human-nature [dis]connection. We also examine case studies of real people who are making a difference!

  Nature-based activities and teaching tools are provided throughout to inspire increased environmental literacy and action around climate change. Teachers will examine the many facets of climate change, environmental justice, circular economies and gift economies, energy use, carbon footprints, and ways to be resilient. Lean in with us as we explore hopeful, positive actions that teachers and students can take to have an impact in their schools and communities.  

  Upon registration, we'll provide a link to join each session, along with other materials you will need and additional resources. Grab a cup of tea and join us!

  COURSE FORMAT
  

  Mon., July 14:  7-9 p.m. Online class, (1) additional hour of self study

  Mon., July 21:  7-9 p.m. Online class, (1) additional hour of self study

  Mon., July 28:  7-9 p.m. Online class, (1.5) additional hours of self study
  Mon., Aug. 4:  7-9 p.m. Online class, (1.5) additional hours of self study
  Mon., Aug. 11:  7-9 p.m. Online class (final)

  
  

  Note: Professional development certificate will be provided to those who successfully complete this 15-clock hour course.

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• Nature-Based Teacher Certification - Oklahoma: Level I

  • Start
    Monday, July 21, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 25, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Prairiewood Forest School, Coyle, Oklahoma
  • Spaces left
    43

  Register

  
  

  We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level 1! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential.
  
  This five-day, 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting. (See web for complete description.)
  
  Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Full day of workshops; breakfast and lunch provided.
  
  Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops; breakfast and lunch provided.
  
  Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Off-site tours and workshops; lunch provided. 
  
  Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
  Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire
  
  Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course; breakfast and lunch provided. 

  LODGING OPTIONS

  On-site Cabins, Lodge, & Tent Camping

  On-site accommodations are available for $50/person/night for fully furnished cabins, or $25/tent/night (bring your own tent; access to indoor restrooms with showers is available). A variety of beautiful cabins and lodges are spread throughout our scenic wooded property. For photos and details visit: stfrancisofthewoods.org/lodging. To book your visit call 405.466.3774 or email info@stfrancisofthewoods.org.

  Cottages at Willow Pond

  Three cottages located on a lovely property just 10 miles away. See information or book your stay at https://cottagesatwillowpond.com/.

  Hotels

  The following hotels are a short 15-20 minute drive away:

  Hampton Inn & Suites
  Holiday Inn Express & Suites
  La Quinta Inn & Suites

  Show details
• Nature-Based Teacher Certification - Oklahoma: Level II

  • Start
    Monday, July 21, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 25, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Prariewood Forest School, Coyle, Oklahoma

  Register

  
  

  We are excited to learn with you once again during the Level 2: Intermediate Nature-Based Teacher Certification! (Registration is for live, in-person certification.)
  
  This five-day, 36-hour course builds on what you learned during the Level 1 introductory course, diving deeper into best practices and helping you hone approaches to nature-based early childhood education specific to your learning environment. The intermediate course examines more nuanced facets of running a nature-based program, managing/mentoring teachers, and promoting your program.  We continue to draw from experienced educators and explore diverse perspectives in NBECE throughout the week. You will also take time to enhance your personal nature connection as an extension of this deep, important work. (Note: Attendees must complete the level 1 introductory course prior to taking level 2; see web for complete description.)

  Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Full day of workshops; breakfast and lunch provided daily
  
  Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Off-site tours and workshops
  
  Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops

  Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
  Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire
  
  Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course.

  LODGING OPTIONS

  On-site Cabins, Lodge, & Tent Camping

  On-site accommodations are available for $50/person/night for fully furnished cabins, or $25/tent/night (bring your own tent; access to indoor restrooms with showers is available). A variety of beautiful cabins and lodges are spread throughout our scenic wooded property. For photos and details visit: stfrancisofthewoods.org/lodging. To book your visit call 405.466.3774 or email info@stfrancisofthewoods.org.

  Cottages at Willow Pond

  Three cottages located on a lovely property just 10 miles away. See information or book your stay at https://cottagesatwillowpond.com/.

  Hotels

  The following hotels are a short 15-20 minute drive away:

  Hampton Inn & Suites
  Holiday Inn Express & Suites
  La Quinta Inn & Suites

  
  

  Show details
• Nature-Based Teacher Certification: New York - Level I

  • Start
    Monday, July 28, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Friday, August 01, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Lime Hollow Nature Center, Cortland, NY

  Register

  

  We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential.
  
  This five-day, 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting. (See web for complete description.)
  
  Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Full day of workshops; breakfast and lunch provided.
  
  Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops; breakfast and lunch provided.
  
  Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Off-site tours and workshops; lunch provided. 
  
  Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
  Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire
  
  Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course; breakfast and lunch provided. 

  LODGING:

  
  

  Nearest Airports : Syracruse (SYR) and Ithaca (ITH)

  
  

  While lodging is not provided as part of this course, there are many hotels in Cortland, NY. Some options include:

  
  

  Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, Cortland, NY

  5 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

  
  

  Best Western Plus Finger Lakes Inn
  5 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

  
  

  Hampton Inn Cortland
  11 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

  
  

  Lime Hollow's rustic camping area will be open and available to ANBE attendees. The area is a short 1/4 hike from one of our trailheads and approximately a 15 minute hike from the Visitor Center. The site is truly primitive with no running water or electricity. Composting toilets are available, as well as water for washing hands and drinking, firewood, firepit, and plenty of flat space to set up tents and spread out. Outdoor showers will be available before 8am and after 5pm at Lime Hollow's Education Campus. 

  Click here to reserve a camp site at Lime Hollow!

  Daytime childcare is also available through Lime Hollow Nature Center's outdoor, nature camps! All ANBE participants will receive 10% off of summer camp registration and FREE camp after-care while at the conference. Camp days run 8am-3pm with an aftercare option from 3pm-5pm. Children ages 3 to 16 may attend. Registration for camp is first-come, first-serve, so reserve your spot as soon as possible. Camp registration opens February 1, 2025. Use coupon code "ANBE" to reserve. Payment plans are available.

  For additional questions regarding onsite camping or child-care options, reach out to Rachel at info@limehollow.org or call (607) 662-4632.

  
  

  Show details
• Nature-Based Teacher Certification: New York - Level II

  • Start
    Monday, July 28, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Friday, August 01, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Lime Hollow Nature Center, Cortland, NY

  Register

  
  

  We are excited to learn with you once again during the Level 2: Intermediate Nature-Based Teacher Certification! (Registration is for live, in-person certification.)
  
  This five-day, 36-hour course builds on what you learned during the Level 1 introductory course, diving deeper into best practices and helping you hone approaches to nature-based early childhood education specific to your learning environment. The intermediate course examines more nuanced facets of running a nature-based program, managing/mentoring teachers, and promoting your program.  We continue to draw from experienced educators and explore diverse perspectives in NBECE throughout the week. You will also take time to enhance your personal nature connection as an extension of this deep, important work. (Note: Attendees must complete the level 1 introductory course prior to taking level 2; see web for complete description.)

  Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Full day of workshops; breakfast and lunch provided daily
  
  Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Off-site tours and workshops
  
  Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops

  Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
  Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire
  
  Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course.

  LODGING:

  
  

  Nearest Airports : Syracruse (SYR) and Ithaca (ITH)

  
  

  While lodging is not provided as part of this course, there are many hotels in Cortland, NY. Some options include:

  
  

  Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, Cortland, NY

  5 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

  
  

  Best Western Plus Finger Lakes Inn
  5 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

  
  

  Hampton Inn Cortland
  11 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

  
  

  Lime Hollow's rustic camping area will be open and available to ANBE attendees. The area is a short 1/4 hike from one of our trailheads and approximately a 15 minute hike from the Visitor Center. The site is truly primitive with no running water or electricity. Composting toilets are available, as well as water for washing hands and drinking, firewood, firepit, and plenty of flat space to set up tents and spread out. Outdoor showers will be available before 8am and after 5pm at Lime Hollow's Education Campus. 

  Click here to reserve a camp site at Lime Hollow!

  Daytime childcare is also available through Lime Hollow Nature Center's outdoor, nature camps! All ANBE participants will receive 10% off of summer camp registration and FREE camp after-care while at the conference. Camp days run 8am-3pm with an aftercare option from 3pm-5pm. Children ages 3 to 16 may attend. Registration for camp is first-come, first-serve, so reserve your spot as soon as possible. Camp registration opens February 1, 2025. Use coupon code "ANBE" to reserve. Payment plans are available.

  For additional questions regarding onsite camping or child-care options, reach out to Rachel at info@limehollow.org or call (607) 662-4632.

  Show details