Upcoming Place-based Events
Teacher Certification
June 1-3, 2023
Chattanooga, Tennessee
SAU/Forest School Teacher Certification
June 19-27
Chattanooga, Tennessee
SAU/Forest School Director Certification
June 28-July 7
Chattanooga, Tennessee
A Calling of Trees Retreat
September 8-10
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California
Teacher Certification and Supporting SE Well-being
Sept. 14-17
Rio Medina, Texas
Special Save the Date Events
DETAILS COMING SOON!
Children's Forest Tour Autumn 2023
"Sussex by the Sea" ENGLAND
Forest School Teacher InstituteIn-Person Forest School Teacher Certification
June 1-3, 2023
Fee: $595
Lookout Lake Farm in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Join Dr. Jean Lomino, Founder and President of Forest School Teacher Institute, at Lookout Lake Farm, the birthplace of Wauhatchie School and the current site of Nature Kin Farm and Forest School for a three-day Forest School Teacher training intensive. Inspiration, wonder, and awe abound on the scenic trails of Reflection Riding Arboretum &Nature Center and the lakeshore, woods, and fields of Lookout Lake Farm. We will observe children learning through exploratory play at local forest school camps, engage in debrief sessions, and participate in classes including Emergent Curriculum in Nature-base Learning, Cultural Themes in FS, Practicing Mindfulness, Nature Journaling, and three hours of Naturalist Training. This session is limited to 25 participants.
Participants will:
- Practice observation and assessment strategies.
- Learn to use questioning for creating on-the-spot activities that enrich/extend children’s
discoveries - Understand backwards-lesson planning and create learning frameworks
- Learn how to incorporate heritage and cultural studies in a forest school setting
- Engage in mindfulness practices including sit spots and nature journaling
- Receive a FSTI Certificate of Completion for 24 hours of FS Teacher Training
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW (8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily)
Day One: Observation of FS students and teachers, followed by a debrief session. Class topics will
include: Observation and Assessment, Integrating Cultural Themes and Activities.
Day Two: Observation of FS students followed by a debrief session. The class topic is Emergent
Learning Frameworks for students, pre-school through Grade 8. Working in teams participants will
create a seasonal, emergent learning framework to take home.
Day Three: Naturalist training and Nature Journaling at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center,
where we will also end our training session with a Synthesis Class (details will be provided on day one.)
Note: A recorded 90-minute session titled Rituals, Mindfulness and Schedules will be sent ahead of
our training session.
Payment in FULL is due at the time of registration. Full refunds are offered if requested two weeks prior to the session.
· 10% discount for two or more from the same school.
· Participants are responsible for lodging and meals.
Questions regarding the sessions, payment, and/or the enrollment process should be directed to [email protected]
Click HERE to Register
Forest School Teacher Institute
in Partnership with Southern Adventist University
School of Education, Outdoor Education MSDE Program
Forest School Teacher Training, June 19-27
Forest School Director Training, June 28-July 7
Fee: $795 per course
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Dr. Jean Lomino will be facilitating two classes:
EDOE 530-A History & Philosophy of Forest Kindergarten & Schools (June 19-27)
EDOE 530 is equivalent to the FSTI Teacher Course of Study. Participants will observe children in FS camps, receive naturalist training and take classes covering all topics included in the FSTI Online Teacher Course of Study. Additional certification hours will be earned during a tour of local public and private schools that have established Forest School programs including Woodsong Forest School, Wauhatchie Forest School, Gilbert Elementary School, Lookout Valley Elementary School, Lester B. Coon Adventist School and others. Panel discussions and conversations with Forest School teachers and leaders will offer participants a wide view of FS perspectives and strategies in the development of forest school programs in varied settings.
EDOE 531-A Developing Forest Kindergarten & School Curriculum (June 28- July 7)
EDOE 531 is equivalent to the FSTI Director Course of Study. Participants in this course will engage in the planning and implementation of a forest kindergarten program at a local parochial elementary school. Classes will cover the nuts and bolts of being a FS Director. Participants will plan and facilitate a FS Camp as pilot program for the school. They will also engage in site development, creating a marketing plan, annual budget, staffing plan, parent orientation, and they will create and present a proposal to the school board.
Sessions for both courses will be held at various locations including, but not limited to, Lookout Lake Farm, Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, and the university campus. You may enroll for 3 hours of graduate credit, for each class, through Southern Adventist University, or you may enroll for certificates of completion through Forest School Teacher Institute for the Teacher/and or Director Courses of Study.
To learn more about graduate credit: https://gradadmissions.e.southern.edu/register/professional
Questions regarding the sessions, payment, and/or the enrollment process should be directed to [email protected]
Click HERE to Register
Forest School Teacher Institute
Nature Journaling: A Gateway to Emergent Learning
A Calling of Trees
September 8-10, 2023
Carlotta, California
Join us for a three-day, place-based retreat, learning from the world's tallest and oldest living beings, the Coastal Redwoods. We will engage in emergent learning amongst the great trees in Humboldt and Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Parks, the Avenue of the Giants and in smaller, less visited forests. We will hear from local experts about the natural and cultural history of the Redwood Ecosystem. And we will explore the shores of the Pacific Ocean and the rivers that nourish these ancient forests. Dr. Jean Lomino and guest presenters will facilitate the sessions, designed to inspire and build skills for both personal and teaching practices. Storytelling, poetry, song, drawing and watercolor will document our wanderings and wonderings. Together we will create interdisciplinary Emergent Learning Frameworks, using trees as the unifying theme, for students of all ages, both indoors and out.
Participants will receive a FSTI Certificate of Completion for 24 hours of Nature Journaling and Emergent Learning.
SCHEDULE (coming soon)
LODGING: Shared space, dormitory style and limited to 15 guests: first-come, first served. *Additional accommodations may become available as needed.
The Lodge (111 Orchard Ave, Carlotta, CA 95528) is located on two forested acres that provide a sublime setting for mindfulness and personal journaling time. Large windows and decks overlook towering Redwoods and the Van Duzen River.
For a video tour of this main lodging space, go to: https://youtu.be/xmVaSpIgIYo
To reserve lodging email: [email protected]
TOTAL RETREAT COST:
With lodging and meals: $1300
No lodging, meals only: $1000
(meals will be catered, vegetarian)
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:
By June 1 $100
By August 1 $75
Registrations DUE no later than August 26. Registration limited to 24 attendees.
Submit payment in full to Paypal @forestteacher
Please enter your name AND the words CA Training in the memo line before submitting payment.
If you prefer, you may send your personal check (written to Forest School Teacher Institute) to this address: 724 Ashley Forest Drive, Hixson, TN 37343.
Questions regarding this application, payment, or the enrollment process should be directed to [email protected].
For questions or more information contact Jean Lomino directly, [email protected]
Registration Form
A Calling of Trees
Forest School Teacher Institute
Forest School Teacher Certification Training with additional certificate in Supporting Children's Emotional Well-being & Health the Forest School Way
Hosted by Sloyd & Croft: An American Slöjd School at Paradise Canyon
September 14-17, 2023
Rio Medina, TEXAS (near San Antonio)
Over 50% of US parents are currently reconsidering their child’s educational environment. They are searching for schools that provide a place for children to experience the joy of learning within a healing environment. Forest School philosophy can provide a solution. Join us for this special training event designed for new and seasoned professionals alike in beautiful Paradise Canyon. Experience a packed, four-day training program that emphasizes the integration of best practices from both education and clinical health into the Forest School setting.
Participants will earn Certificates of Completion for:
- Forest School Teacher Course of Study (24 hours)
- Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being & Health the Forest School Way (8 hours)
Course Objectives:
- Learn and practice proven strategies to support emotional and physical health and well-being in the context of Forest School
- Gain competency-based practical skills as a Forest School Teacher to create engaging and effective learning experiences for learners
- Learn how to incorporate natural, non-intrusive therapeutic well-being strategies and resources through discovery learning
- Learn how to enhance students’ self-care skills in their familiar forest school setting
Training Facilitators:
- Jean Lomino, Ph.D., Founder/President of the Forest School Teacher Institute
- Wanda Hillard, DNP, MBA, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Founder of Thrivability
- Tracy Ziomek, RN, BSN, Founder of Sloyd & Croft\
- Plus guests: Kevin Cooley, Therapeutic Percussion and Amy Sterner, Anxiety Relief with Animals and others
Sessions:
- Observation & Assessment strategies
- Mindful Site Tours of Intentional Outdoor Learning Environments
- Practicing Emergent Learning techniques
- Practicing Place-based Education including: Naturalist Skills, History and Heritage of Place, Nature Journaling, Contemplative Practices
- Special Break-out Sessions to learn practical solutions for children that reduce anxiety and help them develop self-regulation and executive function
All-inclusive fee: $1,450.
Fee covers all training materials plus 10 catered meals, featuring gourmet and local fare. Fee does not include lodging. (See below)
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS
By June 1: $200 discount
By July 1: $100 discount
Registration Deadline is September 2, 2023.
Lodging Options:
ONSITE LODGING INFORMATION -- Limited onsite lodging, first-come, first-served. Shared rooms.
Paradise Canyon is a beautiful resort that brings back memories of summer camps of yesteryear. We encourage you to stay at the Paradise during the training, and begin growing your network of Forest School Leaders.
The LODGE has multiple rooms, with 3 or 4 queen and full-size beds in each room, bathrooms, laundry and gathering area. The CABINS have two full size futon beds and a LOFT with an additional bed, accommodating up to 3 guests as well as a bathroom with shower, and kitchenette. There are also plenty of camp sites should you choose to bring your own trailer or camping gear.
*Prices listed below are for the entire training, check in on the 13th of September and check out on the 17th.
*These rooms are on a first come, first serve basis and are confirmed only upon FULL payment of the invoice. Rooms not paid within 48 hours of the invoice will be returned to the list and a new request will be required.
$275 per person Lodge SHARED room
$250 per person Cabin SHARED room Main Floor futon
$250 per person Cabin SHARED room LOFT
Camp Sites (please text; prices vary depending on hook-ups)
To make LODGING reservation:
- TEXT 830-423-9395 and provide:
- Your email
- Either LODGE, CABIN OR LOFT
- Your First and Last Name
- An invoice will be sent to you. Pay within 48 hours. Reservations are NOT confirmed until they are paid in FULL.
- If you are staying onsite and need transportation from the airport to Paradise Canyon: TEXT your name and the word, Transport. Van transportation is scheduled for 10am, 2pm and 6pm, $50 round trip.
OFFSITE LODGING INFORMATION:
- Castroville: 12 minute drive from Paradise Canyon with little to no traffic. Link for accommodations: www.castroville.com/stay Rooms range from $130/night weeknights and $240/night Saturday and Sunday
- San Antonio: Search for lodging around Sea World which is about a 30-minute drive, depending upon traffic
For more information about the training site and guest presenters:
- Forest School Teacher Institute: https://www.forestteacher.org/
- Sloyd & Croft: https://sloydandcroft.com/
- Wanda Hillard: https://www.thrivabilityfoundation.org/
- Kevin Cooley: https://drummingaround.com/
- Amy Sterner: https://hctherapytails.site.live/
- Paradise Canyon: https://www.paradisecanyon.com/
- Paradise Canyon promo: https://yolotx.com/texas-paradise-canyon/
Submit payment in full to Paypal @forestteacher
Please enter your name AND the words TX Training in the memo line before submitting payment.
If you prefer, you may send your personal check (written to Forest School Teacher Institute) to this address: 724 Ashley Forest Drive, Hixson, TN 37343.
Questions regarding this application, payment, or the enrollment process should be directed to [email protected]
Forest School Teacher Certification Training Registration Form
Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-Being & Health the Forest School Way
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Custom-designed experiences -- professional development, certification training, consulting, site development, travel-studies, and retreats!
- Professional Development: Established private schools and traditional public schools in California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee have networked with FSTI for whole staff training experiences in a variety of formats -- in-person, virtual, one-week intensives, and monthly sessions over the course of a school year. Reach out to us if we can help you solve a problem or better realize your vision.
- In-person Certification Opportunities: Regional, site-based teacher and director certificate courses are offered for individuals, schools and communities. FSTI will come to your neighborhood!
- Consulting Services: Our diverse and experienced team of thought-leaders are available as consultants (by the hour or the project) on topics such as: budget management, site development, fund-raising, forming community partnerships, curriculum frameworks, multi-age learning environments, accessibility for diverse learners, overcoming bias, integrating academic standards, social-emotional wellness, staff training, vision-casting, child development, Montessori immersion, naturalist training, nature journaling, and school management.
- Site Development: We call it Leave-No-Trace Playscapes™. Some people ask, 'what if we don't have a forest?' Forest school principles are not dependent upon the number of trees you have on your campus, but instead on allowing children to engage authentically in their space. We are helping a fifty-year-old, church-based preschool build a native prairie for children to explore. We are helping a public preschool redesign a playground. We are helping a Montessori school discover how nature is both a provocation and an extension of indoor prepared environments. We are helping a homeschool parent design learning centers on her family farm. Let us know if we can collaborate with you for ideas and locally sourced options for your location!
- Travel Studies: Our most recent trip (Spring 2022) to study forest schools in England opened eyes, deepened understandings, and built friendships. We are planning more to other destinations. Requests have come forward for Scotland, South Korea, Colorado, Scandinavia, and Canada. Watch our site or follow our Facebook page for upcoming opportunities.
- Retreats: We call it sweet communion -- seasonal retreats with kindred spirits in beautiful places. Let us know if you are interested in hosting a retreat in your neck of the woods! Our next retreat will be in a spectacular place in Northern Minnesota, October 2022.
Browse Our Archive of Recent Past Events
Forest School Teacher Institute's
In-Person Forest Teacher Certificate Training
September 8-10, 2022
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Join Dr. Jean Lomino on the beaches of northeast Florida for a three-day teacher intensive. Activities include observing children doing “forest school” in the sand and surf and in coastal wetlands, learning together about emergent curriculum, introducing cultural themes into forest school, practicing mindfulness, journaling, and naturalist training. This in-person session is limited to 15 participants (first come, first serve).
Participants will:
- Practice observation and assessment strategies
- Learn to use questioning for creating on-the-spot activities that enrich/extend children’s discoveries
- Understand backwards-lesson planning and create learning frameworks
- Learn how to incorporate heritage and cultural studies in a forest school setting
- Engage in mindfulness practices including sit spots and nature journaling
- Receive a FSTI Certificate of Completion for 22 hours of Forest School Teacher Training
SCHEDULE (Sessions run 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, daily.)
Day One: Observation of students and teachers at Wild Oak Explorers Forest School . Observations will be followed by a debrief session. Class topics will include: Observation and Assessment, Integrating Cultural Themes and Activities (presentation by a museum educator about the history of the Timucua Native Americans and Black History at America Beach) and viewing Developing Rituals, Schedules and Mindfulness, a recorded FSTI session with Windsong Forest School founder Bonnie Cretton. Live discussion will follow.
Day Two: Observation of students at Playgarden on Jacksonville Beach, followed by a debrief session. Classes will include Emergent Learning Frameworks for students pre-school through grade 8, and Nature Journaling.
Day Three: Naturalist training in the morning at Fernandina Beach with a professional naturalist followed by Nature Journaling incorporating interdisciplinary and STEM connections, and a course synthesis project.
TUITION for the 3-day training (Thursday-Saturday): $485* per person
10% discount for two more from the same school
*Price does not include meals, transportation, or lodging.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS 8/31/22
Click HERE to Download Registration FormForest School Teacher Institute's
June 2022 Chattanooga Workshop
Forest Schools: Creating Emergent Learning Frameworks Pre K-5
Join Dr. Jean Lomino at Lookout Lake, the birthplace of Wauhatchie Forest School and the new Nature Kin Farm and Forest School. This training is designed for both experienced forest school practitioners and those who wish to implement emergent learning in their individual teaching practice. Workshop limited to 24 participants.
Location: Nature Kin Farm & Forest School, 3708 Elder Mountain Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Participants will:
- Practice observation strategies to uncover children’s areas of interest during exploratory play
- Learn to use questioning for creating on-the-spot activities that enrich/extend children’s discoveries
- Understand backwards-lesson planning and create learning frameworks
- Discover how to incorporate emergent learning in STEM/STEAM programs
- Take home a seasonal learning framework to use in their individual teaching venues
- Receive a FSTI Certificate of Completion for 14 hours of training (2 days) and 21 hours (3 days)
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE (Daily sessions run 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Day One -- Thursday, June 23: Observation of PreK-5 students and teachers in forest school summer camps. Observations will be followed by debrief sessions to uncover themes of interest arising from the children's explorations. The day will conclude with a presentation on the subject of emergent learning foundations and strategies and a discussion with local forest school teachers and leaders.
Day Two -- Friday, June 24: Participants, working in grade/age groups, will create emergent learning seasonal frameworks, processing through the steps of: 1) studying the children to discover the themes of interest, 2) developing a general outline of follow-up enrichment and lesson extensions, 3) creating lessons and activities and/or finding resources for lessons and activities, and 4) connecting lessons and activities to academic standards.
Day Three -- Saturday, June 25: Naturalist training at Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center guided by a professional naturalist and nature journaling with Jean Lomino.
REGISTRATION FEES: 3-Day Workshop (Thursday-Saturday) $300; 2-Day Workshop (Thursday-Friday) $200
NOT INCLUDED in Registration Fees: Meals, transportation, and lodging.
Participation limited to first 24 reservations.
To learn more about the host site, Nature Kin Farm and Forest School at Lookout Lake, visit www.farmandforestschool.org
Forest School Teacher Institute's
June 2022 Jonesborough, Tennessee Workshop
Forest Schools: Children Learning in Nature
Join Dr. Jean Lomino at The Camp at Buffalo Mountain, the home of Seedkeepers Forest School. Experience three days of sweet communion, nature-inspiration and focused professional growth. The training is designed for both experienced forest school practitioners and those who wish to learn about the philosophy and practice of forest school education. There will be time to explore over one-hundred scenic acres onsite with creek, pond, gentle trails, plus easy access to numerous public trails and waterfalls in the area, including part of the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River. This workshop is conducted in partnership with, and endorsed by, the Early Childhood Education Department of East Tennessee State University. Limited to 15 participants.
Location
The Camp at Buffalo Mountain (and Seedkeepers Forest School), 201 Methodist Camp Road, Jonesborough, Tennessee
For more details about the location and lodging: www.thecampatbuffalo.com
For more details about Seedkeepers Forest School: www.seedkeepersforestschool.org
Included in the workshop:
- Multiple Forest School training sessions
- Observation of students and debrief at Seedkeepers Forest School
- Conversations with FS leaders and teachers in the field
- Nature Journaling, sit spots, and naturalist training
- Personal consultations with Dr. Jean Lomino
- Certificate of Completion for 18 hours of training, endorsed by FSTI and ETSU Department of Early Childhood Education
Lodging
The Director’s House includes 5 bedrooms with accommodations for up to 12 guests with 3.5 bathrooms. Additional cabin space is available if needed. Porches and decks overlook beautiful views of the mountains and forest. Meals are included with lodging fee (continental breakfast, sandwich lunches and catered evening meals) Thursday-Saturday.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE (More details coming soon!)
Day One -- Thursday, June 16
Nature Inspiration: Journaling and Sit Spots
Foundations of Forest School: Philosophy, Key Features, and Benefits
Day Two -- Friday, June 17
Visit Seedkeeper's Forest School: Observations and Debrief
Teaching/Learning Strategies: Place-based Education, Emergent Learning, Inquiry-based Learning, and STEM
Day Three -- Saturday, June 18
Nature Inspiration: Naturalist Training
Developing Emergent Learning Frameworks: Learning Standards, Seasonal Themes, Backwards Lesson Planning
REGISTRATION FEE:
$510 Workshop (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), all Meals (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) and nightly Lodging (Thursday, Friday)
$425 Workshop (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) and all Meals (Thursday, Friday, Saturday); no lodging
$350 Workshop (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) no meals and no lodging
Natural Start Alliance
Nature-Based Early Learning Conference July 27-30, 2022
Cincinnati, Ohio
Jean and Joe will be presenting at the Natural Start Alliance Annual Conference in Cincinnati on July 28.
This is a conference of kindred spirits that will inspire and inform your work. Consider joining us for this interactive session!
Bushwhacking: Untethered and Holistic Learning for Children 6-12
How does nature-based learning work for elementary-age children? How does child-directed learning correlate with academic skill development? These are leading questions as schools expand the use of outdoor learning spaces. Discover how emergent learning integrates seamlessly with academic subjects.
Conference Registration HereApril 2022 SPRING Tour:
Forest Schools in England
Join Dr. Jean Lomino for an inspiring Forest School Learning Odyssey to the South of England. After three days in London, we will lodge in Canterbury and visit surrounding villages for a taste of authentic English living. We will tour forest school programs in various settings in Kent—on the seashore, at a farm, in city centers and in the forest. Our host, Clair Stevens, is a leading forest school global advocate based in England, an author, speaker and a professor of Early Learning at Canterbury Christ Church University. She opened an award-winning nursery school, Manor House Nursery and Forest School, in 2008. Jean and Clair will co-facilitate class sessions designed for trip participants.
Location: Kent County in Southeast England. Historic Canterbury will be our "base-camp"!
Forest School Site Visits:
- Tiny Tribes Outdoors, Whitstable, UK. We will observe and tour the site with founder, author, and forest school trained teacher Tori Buchan. Learn more at https://www.tinytribeoutdoors.co.uk/nature-based-education
- Brightstart Forest School, Margate, UK. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1005622846205763/
- Forest School at Kearnsey Manor, Ewell, UK. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/KearsneyManorForestSchool/
- Lead by the Wild, Whites Wood Farm, Ashford, UK. Learn more at https://ledbythewild.co.uk/
- Manor House Forest School, Margate, Kent https://www.manorhouseforestschool.co.uk/
Itinerary:
Wednesday, April 27 ~ Fly overnight to London
Thursday, April 28 ~ Transfer by public transport to London Hotel. Orientation walk in the hotel's neighborhood.
Friday, April 29 ~ London - group and individual options include Changing the guard at Buckingham Palace, Walks in Regent's Park, British Museum, Evensong at Westminster Abbey. Training overview with Jean.
Saturday, April 30 ~ London - group and individual options include National Gallery, Greenwich Observatory, Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral. Group discussion with Jean and guest.
Sunday, May 1 ~ Travel to Canterbury by train or rental van. Orientation walk and individual/group explorations. Dinner and panel discussion with local forest school leaders: Clair Stevens, Toni Buchan, and Stuart Welby.
Monday, May 2 ~ Tiny Tribe Forest School site visit and conversation with the founder. Lunch over the open fire. Afternoon trip to Quex House Museum and Outdoor Kindergarten and Farm where we will meet founder Clair Stevens. Topic: Site development and engagement with local schools. Evening Forest School debrief.
Tuesday, May 3 ~ Forest School Principles and Practice session with well-known forest school trainer Stuart Welby on the eastern shoreline. visit. Tour Broadstairs Harbor and Bleak House. Evening debrief.
Wednesday, May 4 ~ Meet with director Dr. Alison Body who will lead us in a Conservation study for children and families at the Lead by Wild site. Afternoon visit to Dover Kearnsey Abbey Forest School. Tour Dover Gardens and see White Cliffs of Dover. Visit and collect fossils at Warren County Park.
Thursday, May 5 ~ Naturalist training and Nature Journaling at Larkey Valley Nature Preserve and the Great Stour Way Trail. Return to London Heathrow airport hotel for the night before flying home next day.
6 May ~ Fly back to the USA
PRICE (not including airfare): $1,590 per person in shared twin or double room
Participation limited to first 12 reservations.
INCLUDED in cost:
- Eight nights hotel with breakfast in shared double or twin occupancy
- Transportation (train or car) from London for 5 days in Kent
TERMS
•Minimum deposit of $500 per person due upon reservation. Balance due no later than March 15.
After March 15 all payments are non-refundable.
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
- Airfare
- Meals other than breakfast
- Cost of public transportation in London
- Admission fees to historical sites and museums
For more information, contact trip coordinator Gerald Martin at Star Mountain Travel
www.starmountaintravel.com
157 Star Mountain Road
Florence, MS 39073 USA
Phone (601) 891-0414
Forest School Teacher Institute's
Louisville Forest School Summer Day Visit
July 27, 2022
Louisville, Kentucky
Enjoy a day-long sojourn observing, conversing, and communing with a network of forest schools.
Jean and Joe will be presenting at the Natural Start Alliance Conference in Cincinnati July 28-30.
We plan to spend the day before in Louisville doing some site visits, reflection, and visioning. Would you like to join us?
Forest School Teacher Institute's
June 2022 Jonesborough, Tennessee Workshop
Forest Schools: Children Learning in Nature
Join Dr. Jean Lomino at The Camp at Buffalo Mountain, the home of Seedkeepers Forest School. Experience three days of sweet communion, nature-inspiration and focused professional growth. The training is designed for both experienced forest school practitioners and those who wish to learn about the philosophy and practice of forest school education. There will be time to explore over one-hundred scenic acres onsite with creek, pond, gentle trails, plus easy access to numerous public trails and waterfalls in the area, including part of the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River. This workshop is conducted in partnership with, and endorsed by, the Early Childhood Education Department of East Tennessee State University. Limited to 15 participants.
Location
The Camp at Buffalo Mountain (and Seedkeepers Forest School), 201 Methodist Camp Road, Jonesborough, Tennessee
For more details about the location and lodging: www.thecampatbuffalo.com
For more details about Seedkeepers Forest School: www.seedkeepersforestschool.org
Included in the workshop:
- Multiple Forest School training sessions
- Observation of students and debrief at Seedkeepers Forest School
- Conversations with FS leaders and teachers in the field
- Nature Journaling, sit spots, and naturalist training
- Personal consultations with Dr. Jean Lomino
- Certificate of Completion for 18 hours of training, endorsed by FSTI and ETSU Department of Early Childhood Education
Lodging
The Director’s House includes 5 bedrooms with accommodations for up to 12 guests with 3.5 bathrooms. Additional cabin space is available if needed. Porches and decks overlook beautiful views of the mountains and forest. Meals are included with lodging fee (continental breakfast, sandwich lunches and catered evening meals) Thursday-Saturday.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE (More details coming soon!)
Day One -- Thursday, June 16
Nature Inspiration: Journaling and Sit Spots
Foundations of Forest School: Philosophy, Key Features, and Benefits
Day Two -- Friday, June 17
Visit Seedkeeper's Forest School: Observations and Debrief
Teaching/Learning Strategies: Place-based Education, Emergent Learning, Inquiry-based Learning, and STEM
Day Three -- Saturday, June 18
Nature Inspiration: Naturalist Training
Developing Emergent Learning Frameworks: Learning Standards, Seasonal Themes, Backwards Lesson Planning
REGISTRATION FEE:
$510 Workshop (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), all Meals (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) and nightly Lodging (Thursday, Friday)
$425 Workshop (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) and all Meals (Thursday, Friday, Saturday); no lodging
$350 Workshop (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) no meals and no lodging
Forest School Teacher Institute
Spring 2023 Retreat: Living the Forest School Way
March 31 - April 2, 2023
REGISTRATION CLOSED (March 22)
Location: Camp at Buffalo Mountain, 201 Methodist Camp Road
Jonesborough, Tennessee
Join Forest School friends, fans, and colleagues for a weekend of sweet communion at Camp at Buffalo Mountain Retreat Center. We promise to nurture your body, mind, and soul as we uncover how Forest School ethos can be a way of life. A series of workshops and conversations will address "living the forest school way." Session highlights include:
Friday, March 31 (begins 8:00 a.m.)
- Meet founder Micky Morton and tour Seedkeeper's Forest School
- Meet founders Shae Keane and Taylor Malone and tour Fauna Forest Farm.
- Experience a nature hike through a child's eyes with Dr. Jean Lomino and Dr. Carl Swafford
- Fill your forest school ethos cup with an inspiring evening keynote from Jean Lomino
- Evening campfire with S'more conversations
Saturday, April 1
- Sunrise Yoga with Bonnie Cretton (founder of Woodsong Forest School)
- Morning Workshops
- Journaling Strategies to Form Connections to Nature with Jean Lomino -- Being still, opens the mind to awe and wonder of a place and time. Jean will share some of her methods of accessing nature with a pen and paintbrush.
- Walking Toward the Sunset:The Melungeons of Appalachia -- Local historian and author Wayne Winkler will share the history of this place and the forgotten people of Appalachia known as the Melungeons . . . who may be part of your own lineage.
- Afternoon Workshops (choose two):
- Basket Weaving with Susan Rines -- Local resident Susan Rines will give you all you need (materials, direction, and encouragement) to learn a skill passed down for generations. You will craft a beautiful basket of your own.
- Music and Storytelling in the Forest -- Speaker TBA
- Mindfulness Practices with Bonnie Cretton
- Bird Walk and Watch with Carl Swafford
- Storytelling and Music with Children in the Forest with Erin Dalton
- Dreaming Poetry in the Forest with Jean Lomino
- Nature Discovery Hike with Taylor Malone
- Bonus Evening Session:
- Nature Stroll at Eventide with Carl Swafford
Sunday, April 2 (ends 11:30 a.m.)
- Sunrise yoga with Bonnie Cretton
- Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) with Bonnie Cretton
- Farewells
Fee: $545 (all meals and sessions included); Single-day pass $195
Limited number of on-site lodging options will be available. First Come, First Serve capacity of 30. Shared rooms. A number of hotels and Airbnbs are available in the Jonesborough area. Attendees are responsible for off-site arrangements.
Questions regarding the sessions, payment, and/or the enrollment process should be directed to [email protected]
Click HERE to Register
Forest School Teacher Institute in Partnership withDepartment of Early Childhood Education
Forest School Teacher Certification
March 28-30, 2023
REGISTRATION is CLOSED (January 24, 2023) -- Fee: $429
Camp at Buffalo Mountain, 201 Methodist Camp Road, Jonesborough, Tennessee
Certification is open to anyone who works with children. College credits available.
Join Dr. Jean Lomino (Founder/President of the Forest School Teacher Institute) and professors Dr. Jane Broderick and Dr. Pam Evanshen (ETSU Dept. of Early Childhood Education) at Seedkeepers Forest School and the newly opened Fauna Forest Farm for this three-day intensive. Practical and place-based, hands-on learning will include:
- observation and assessment strategies
- mindful site tours of intentional outdoor learning environments
- practice of emergent learning techniques
- place-based activities including naturalist skills, nature journaling, comtemplative practices, learning frameworks
All participants will earn a Forest School Teacher Institute Training Certificate (Fee: $429) with the option of additional college credit from ETSU.
DATES: March 28-30, 2023
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
Tuesday, March 28, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Forest School Key Features and Benefits
- Observation Strategies and Assessments
- Site Visit and Observation: Seedkeepers
- Debrief and Lunch with founders of Seedkeepers
- Rituals, Schedules, and Mindfulness
- Integration of Cultural Themes and Activities
Wednesday, March 29, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Emergent Learning and Building a Curriculum
- Site Visit and Observation: Fauna Forest Farm
- Debrief and Lunch with founders of Fauna Forest Farm
- Permaculture and Farming in Forest Schools
- Deep Dive into Creating Emergent Learning Seasonal Frameworks
Thursday, March 30, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Naturalist Studies and Best Practices
- Authentic Engagement and Flow Learning
- Course Synthesis and Final Stories
Lodging: Update January 20 -- Onsite lodging is fully booked. Nearby hotel lodging is available in Jonesborough.
Payment in FULL is due at the time of registration. Full refunds are offered if requested two weeks prior to the session.
Questions regarding the sessions, payment, and/or the enrollment process should be directed
to [email protected]
Thank you!
