Summer break is almost here! Take a moment to pause and be refreshed at this Outdoor Teacher Retreat hosted by Briya Public Charter School! This special event brings together experts in the field of nature-based learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions geared towards content for children of all ages. 

Pending D.C. 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 children of all ages in programs that prioritize nature-based experiences. 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

Forest Bathing

with Toby Bloom

Realize your connection to the natural world around you. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, Forest Immersion (also known as Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy) has been scientifically proven to boost immune strength, reduce stress, and improve cognitive functioning. By slowing down and carefully observing with all our senses, we escape the rapid pace of our daily routines, and relax into the tranquility of nature.

On your Forest Immersion Experience, a certified guide will offer a series of guided “invitations” to assist you in finding your own authentic way of connecting with Nature. At the end of the walk, we’ll transition back to the “real world” with a tea ceremony where you will enjoy tea made from plants foraged on site, and some healthy snacks. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, and it’s great for people of all ages and abilities. All are welcome in the forest. 

Storytelling in Action

with Kirsten Mize

For centuries humans have been practicing the art of storytelling, whether that be by oral tradition or the written word. Stories have helped people make sense of the world around them, ask deep questions, and just have fun! Stories help us connect with one another and ultimately to the natural world. In this workshop, participants will explore beloved stories, new and old, and gain the tools necessary to bring them to life within their classrooms.

Schemas in the Outdoors: Understanding Children Thinking Through Natural Play

with Susana Robinson and Meylin Rugama

This workshop invites educators to explore how children’s schemas—repeated patterns of action and thinking—become visible and meaningful in outdoor environments. Participants will learn how nature materials and open-ended spaces support schema expression such as transporting, trajectory, enveloping, and connecting. Through concrete examples and reflection, educators will practice observing children’s play with greater intention and learn how to document and respond to schemas outdoors. The session will support teachers in deepening their understanding of children’s thinking while strengthening purposeful, responsive outdoor practice.

From Garden to Classroom: Recipe Making with Kids

with Jillian Fan

Who doesn't love a good snack? This session will explore recipe making with young chefs using garden-fresh ingredients and our favorite pantry staples. City Blossoms' Cooking Box resource highlights kid-friendly tools and techniques, and we will share our favorite family-style dining tips and adaptable recipes from our bilingual cookbook, "Garden Gastronomy/Gastronomía del Jardín". Participants will watch a live cooking demo to learn about accessible and engaging ways to cook with youth and community whether you're indoors or out.

...more coming soon!

Meet Your Presenters!

Toby Bloom (she/her) - Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, Forest Immersion D.C.

For the past 30+ years of her career, Toby has witnessed the power of nature to heal, strengthen, and provide nourishment and income. She lived and worked with communities in the Sacred Valley of Peru during her graduate school fieldwork; in Honduras, where she trained local nature guides and worked with the Ministry of Tourism to develop a certification program for guides; and as the Director of Wildlife Ecotourism for Humane Society International, where she worked with dozens of communities in Central America to develop ecotourism projects as a financial alternative to illegal wildlife trade. Toby has worked for the US Forest Service for the past 15 years and became the first Forest Service employee to become a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide in January 2019.

Kirsten Mize (she/her), ANBE Program Coordinator

Goucher College graduate, Kirsten Mize, is delighted to serve the ANBE community as Program Coordinator, curating high-quality training for nature-based educators of all different walks. With a Masters in Education (Focus: At-Risk and Diverse Students) and a Bachelors in Music (Focus: Vocal Performance), Kirsten brings over a decade of diverse teaching experience and pedagogical knowledge to ANBE. She has always had a deep connection with nature and believes strongly in holistic teaching methods, the power of play, and cultivating wonder. When she is not at ANBE, Kirsten works as a voice actor independently from her home studio in Baltimore, Maryland and has lent her voice to musicals, operas, stage plays, podcasts, video games, and radio plays. She also works as a music teacher at The Music Space in Towson, Maryland. But probably her most important job is that of mother to one sweet little boy who has inherited his mother's love for music and the outdoors. 

Susana Robinson (she/her) - Instructional Coach and PD specialist at Briya Public Charter

Susana Robinson is an Instructional Coach and Professional Development Specialist with a strong focus on outdoor learning and nature-based education in early childhood settings. Her work centers on supporting educators to observe children’s thinking, recognize schemas in play, and design responsive curriculum both indoors and outdoors. She collaborates closely with teachers to strengthen documentation, reflection, and intentional teaching practices in natural environments. Susana is passionate about creating professional learning experiences that honor educators’ expertise while deepening understanding of how children learn through meaningful outdoor play and relationships.

Jillian Fan (she/her) - Resources and Trainings Coordinator with City Blossoms

Jillian was born and raised in the DMV and grew up running imaginary food stands out of dirt patches in the park. In her current role as City Blossoms' Resources and Trainings Coordinator, she helps to connect folks in DC with collaborative learning opportunities and accessible tools to support sustainable outdoor learning programs. She got her start in gardens as a CB Fellow in 2023 and has loved learning and growing alongside our young gardeners and enthusiastic educators ever since. Outside of resourcing and training, you will likely find her covered in flour baking or floating around the local food system for good eats!