About this Nature-Based Training

Winter is on the way - how will you celebrate the season? Join us for the 3rd annual winter solstice retreat that focuses on ways to explore nature in winter with young children. This retreat brings together experts in the field of nature-based early learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions 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, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day. Now approved by MSDE for six (6) clock hours of professional development!

Note: We strive for zero waste during our 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, 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. 

Shine A Little Light on Me: The Magic of Light and Winter Solstice Play
Brittany Woodward, Seedlings Nature Playschool
Across the world Winter Solstice brings a sense of renewal and awe in our natural world. Celebrations of light spark joy as we bid farewell to the shortest day, making it the perfect time to share that awe with each other! Following an introduction to child-friendly solstice themes from across world cultures, join Brittany Woodward and Molly McLain in three light-based provocations to de-light the inner (and outer) child. (2.5 hours)

Winter Solstice Ceremony and Songs for the Season
Lida Lawrence, The Waldorf School of Baltimore
The Winter Solstice spiral reminds us to turn inward and kindle our own inner light. Join Lida Lawrence on a spiral walk to celebrate the coming Solstice and explore outdoor activities and seasonal songs to inspire more nature play this winter. This workshop will be hands-on and interactive, so grab your gear and get ready to play! (1.5 hours)

Astronomy for Young Children
Kelly Vogelpohl, Robinson Nature Center
Gaze up at the Planetarium for an “out of this world” experience! Participants will discover stargazing activities and other unearthly ways to teach children about the science of planets, constellations, phases of the moon and other otherworldly delights. (1 hour)

Mindfulness, Nature, and Poetry: Rooting in Awe and Wonder

Jan Hummer, Open Minds, Inc.
This workshop invites you to reconnect with the living universe around you through mindful time outdoors, reflection, and writing. You’ll learn simple practices to stay grounded in the present, helping you navigate fears, anxieties, and judgments with more clarity and choice. Through daily questions, writing prompts, and inspiration, you’ll cultivate a deeper intimacy with yourself, others, and the natural world, enhancing your ability to respond to life with balance and connection. By refining the quality of your attention, you’ll discover new ways to engage with your relationships and embrace the ever-present interconnection between yourself and all that surrounds you. (1hr)

Nesting with Nature
Heather Quinn, Hummingbird Hill Collective, LLC
After winter comes spring and warmer weather brings all the birds back to the yard. In this workshop, you will learn about the birds that migrate back or remain after wintering over to our area in Central Maryland. Heather is sure to turn you into a “bird nerd” while sharing fun ways to explore birds and to make materials such as natural material nests and clay handmade egg activities. You will walk away with a flock of ideas to facilitate bird lessons in your program. (1.5 hours)

Wildcrafting in Winter

Julie Biedryzcki, Ancestral Knowledge

Bundle up for a walk to gather materials perfect for winter crafting. We’ll use plentiful (mostly invasive) plants and vines to make our crafts and creations. Plant ID and collection techniques are essential for nature-based educators and crafting skills also transfer to weaving you can explore with young children. 

Have questions? Email us at programs@anbe.org. Please note that all participants are required to complete this waiver during registration. Our refund policies are found here as well.