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.

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

Stay tuned, more information to come!