Spring is in the air and we can't wait to celebrate with you! Join us for an event that 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. 

Friday will feature a gentle start to the retreat with sunset forest bathing and a campfire networking opportunity. On Saturday we will dive into a full day of nature-based workshops crafted to inspire, reset, and rejuvenate!

This event is pending for 8hrs Missouri State Early Childhood Continuing Education clock hours. 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. 

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, child care settings, and more.

Lodging 

The following locations are recommended for lodging should you be travelling from outside the area: 

Drury Inn & Suites: Columbia Stadium Blvd.

(~11min away)

Holiday Inn Executive Center - Columbia Mall

(~10min away)

On-site lodging of many different types (tent camping, cabin, RV etc) at Camp Takimina is also available. Email friendsoftakamina@gmail.com or call (573) 445-7536 for inquiries. 

Workshop Descriptions

Guided Forest Bathing Experience

with Susie Van de Riet

During this forest bathing experience, we will spend approximately 2 hours connecting with our natural surroundings through bodyfulness and mindfulness invitations. It will not be a physically exerting activity. You'll want to dress comfortably for light movement and being outdoors in the evening. I invite you to bring a blanket, mat, or camping chair – whatever you feel most comfortable sitting on in the out of doors.

Spring Foraging: Tricks of the Trade

with Angela Wildermuth

Wild edible plants are all around us - in every season and every locale. The benefits of knowing what plants can be safely eaten are many - for us and for the children we serve. This workshop will serve as an introduction to Foraging for beginners - including how to forage safely, what are common wild edible plants to find in Spring, and what are best practices for educators looking to share the joys of foraging with children.

A hike will be included in order to enjoy nature together and gain real practice identifying plants in the wild. In particular, we will keep an eye out for spring greens and edible mushrooms - pulling from our collective knowledge - and, if we're lucky, cook up something tasty with our finds!

Slowing Down with Sit Spots

with Jenn Thrasher

Participants will learn the difference between sit spots and nature journaling, as well as, brainstorm ideas of how the two can work together. We will then spend some time discussing safety in outdoor experiences, role of the teacher, and curriculum integration. With a hands on opportunity to journal in nature, participants will feel more confident teaching a variety of ways to integrate sit spots into their school day.

Plant Identification

with Steve Buback

This will be a field-based session where we learn to identify native plants found at Camp Takimina. We will use field characters including texture, smell, sight, and occasionally taste to learn a few plant families, and explore the historic and contemporary relevance of these plants to people and ecosystems.

Meet Your Presenters!

Susie Van de Riet (she/her) - ANFT (Association of Nature & Forest Therapy) Certified Guide

Susie has a background in horticulture and arboriculture and is a native plant specialist. She founded St. Louis Native Plants LLC in 2014 to provide homeowners with native garden design/consulting/coaching. Acquiring an ANFT Guide certification in 2021 was a logical next step. Susie loves to provide the space for others to connect with the more-than-human world through guided forest bathing walks/experiences, and this practice goes hand-in-hand beautifully with native landscapes and ecosystems.

Angela Wildermuth - Founder of Wilderkids Urban Forest School

Angela Wildermuth is a Mom, Forager, and Outdoor Educator. She founded Wilderkids Urban Forest School in 2017 in order to share the wonders of nature with children and families in St. Louis. For the last 10+ years, Angela has helped children of all ages connect to nearby nature through outdoor play and emotionally sensitive guided exploration. She has a degree in Psychology and graduate work in Theological Studies. She has given teacher trainings and foraging workshops for the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Raintree Forest School, South City Community School, Brightpoint of Southern Illinois, and at the SIUC Rooted in Play Conference.

Jenn Thrasher (she/her) - Missouri Certified Teacher Trainer

Jenn has a degree in Early Care and Education and works as a Reggio teacher in Columbia, MO. Her passion for both loose parts and the great outdoors guided her towards the forest school pedagogy. Jenn founded Wild Tykes in 2019 and loves supporting the vision as it grows. In addition to President of the Board, Jenn is also a MO Certified Teacher Trainer.

Steve Buback (he/him) - Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Natural History Biologist

Steve works with rare plants, insects, animals, and ecosystems at the Missouri Department of Conservation. He has worked coast-to-coast but is a Missouri native. He has been active in the conservation field for 20 years, and currently lives in Columbia with his family.