Forest School Trainings in the United States,.....Who's doing it?

[Amy Butler]

Hello Everyone!

I am looking to create a network of people who are teaching and mentoring children outdoors with a forest school approach. I am located in Vermont, and I am hoping to connect with others here in the northeastern part of the U.S.

I just found out I missed the opportunity to be a part of conference that Claire Warden was presenting at in Chicago! Feeling a little disappointed, I have been searching for equivalent opportunities to learn from our forest school practitioners from overseas.

Is there anything on the horizon here in the states?

Thanks!

-Amy Butler

teacher/naturalist in Montpelier, VT.

[Susie]

Hi Amy, 
I am in NY (Long Island) and unfortunately, there do not seem to be many opportunities for training here in the states.  I do know that Cedarsong School will allow you to come to their location (Vashon Island, Washington-I believe) to observe for a few days and ask questions.  You are then given their forest kindergarten certificate.  

If you find any opportunities can you please post,  I'd love to attend.  Thanks!

Susie Maguire

[Amy Butler]

Thanks Susie for getting in touch with me. I am planning on a "training" for area teachers here in Vermont, based on the work I have been doing. I'll keep you posted!

Are you a teacher in a school, daycare provider, parent, naturalist,...?

best,

amy

Susie said:

Hi Amy, 
I am in NY (Long Island) and unfortunately, there do not seem to be many opportunities for training here in the states.  I do know that Cedarsong School will allow you to come to their location (Vashon Island, Washington-I believe) to observe for a few days and ask questions.  You are then given their forest kindergarten certificate.  

If you find any opportunities can you please post,  I'd love to attend.  Thanks!

Susie Maguire

[Susie]

Hi Amy,

Sorry it took so long to respond.  I am a teacher and a NYS Naturalist.  Right now I am working in a traditional school setting, but am very interested in applying the ideas of Cedarsong to work with older children (for an outdoor afterschool program, family nature club, etc...)  I am also interested in a program offered by Wilderness Awareness School called "the Art of Mentoring".   

Please keep me posted about your Vermont program!  Thanks

Susie

[Amy Butler]

Hi Susie!

We should talk over the phone at some point. I worked for 5 years with an organization very similar to the Wilderness Awareness School and I now work in public schools applying much of those philosophies.

I work at the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier Vermont. I am in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lets find a time to chat!

I have posted some blog posts on my CNN page about my work.

best,

amy

[John Thielbahr]

Amy and Susie,

You have both made my heart sing.  This connection and information sharing is exactly the reason we started this social media network.  You are not next door neighbors but I do hope you can make a personal connection at some point.  I live near by Vashon Island.  I have been to Vashon many times to visit friends but not to Cedarsong.  They have a great program with lots to learn.  Thanks for sharing on this network.  John

[Susie]

Hi Amy and John,

Amy, I'd love to talk at some point.  Your program sounds great- it is so nice to be in touch with like-minded people and share ideas.  I will call the Center (if that's ok) and we can chat.

John, this site is such a great resource for me- there are so many ideas being shared here!

Susie

[Amy Butler]

Susie and John,

What a great opportunity to network here on C&NN! It would be great to talk, so please call me. I'll be in the office all day on Thursday of this week.

Also, something to think about, I have been in contact with Forest Schools about hosting a training here in the northeast. http://www.forestschools.com/

This would be a possibility in the spring of 2013 as I plan to attend a conference in Scotland this October. If you haven't check out their website, you should! There are many organizations doing this work in Scotland and the UK. Juliet Robertson is also an excellent person to talk to as well! 

best,

amy