OUTDOOR TEACHER RETREAT

Sat., December 6, 2025
Robinson Nature Center

Columbia, Maryland

About this Nature-Based Training

Winter is on the way! Join us in Columbia, Maryland for an inspiring day of training full of ways to help children welcome the winter season. This hands-on training will awaken your senses, kindle curiosity, and spark more ideas for outdoor learning with young children.

Outdoor Teacher Retreats brings together experts in the field of nature-based early learning to share ideas and practices, with a variety of workshops to choose from. ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event (pending MSDE clock hours). Please dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch are 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.

Click the "register" button for full workshop descriptions, presenter bios, and pricing!

Who Should Attend?

This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with children 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

Winter Forest Bathing, Dhruv Veda of Forest Harmony

Intentionally spending mindful time in nature can help heal relationships with ourselves, our community, and our more-than-human world. Dhruv Veda will lead participants in a forest bathing walk to connect to the restorative effects of nature, supporting mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall well-being.

The Solstice Spark: A Teacher's Guide to Winter Fire-Craft, Joshuah Emery of Roots and Wings

Gather around the fire as we kindle our curiosity and learn to build a warm, crackling flame, even in the heart of winter. This hands-on workshop is designed to build your confidence in safely and joyfully bringing the gift of fire to your students. We'll explore the woods for "5-star" tinder, practice ancient, reliable ways to build a fire on snow or frozen ground and master a child-centered framework for safety and respect. You're invited to spark new ideas and gain the skills to make fire a powerful tool for warmth, community, and connection in your winter programs.

Astronomy for Young Children, 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.

Candle Dipping, Julie Biedrzycki of Ancestral Knowledge

Making candles from scratch is a time tested and fascinating process that requires patience, focus, and care. Participants will create hand-dipped wax candles to take home with them, and learn how to conduct the same activity in a fun and safe fashion with small children!

Winter Woodland Tea Time, Julie Biedrzycki and Monica Wiedel-Lubinski

Cozy up by the fire, share your favorite wild tea recipes, and connect with other nature-based educators to close out the day! In keeping with Solstice traditions, we’ll wild-craft our own Yule Log to take home and celebrate the return of the light.

With special thanks to our partners at:

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.