Weekend Nature Education Training
Are you passionate about nature play? Want to set up a nature discovery programme, forest school programme or bush school but aren’t sure what to do to make it happen?
Then, this is the nature education training you have been looking for!
This intensive weekend workshop is full of practical and hands-on training that will give you the knowledge and confidence to get your nature play programme off the ground. Learn exactly what you need to have in place before running a nature programme and the steps you should take to convert your existing space or implement your nature excursions.
If you already have your nature programme up and running, then you will still get plenty of knowledge, reassurance and an opportunity to grow your confidence.
Not only will you walk away from the event with the skills and tools to empower your tamariki with nature play and connection, but you will also create whanaungatanga with other educators doing the same thing.
Specifically designed to be used in the New Zealand environment, everything you learn will be useful and support kaitiakitanga of your nature spaces.
Won’t you join us?
What You Will Gain

Knowledge about nature education (and what it means to NZ), plus how to link nature and outdoor play to Te Whariki or the NZ Curriculum.

Learn exactly how to use your existing outdoor space for nature play or set up a nature excursion programme.

A deeper understanding of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and how to weave a Te Ao Maori perspective into your time in nature.

Day to day planning ideas and clarity around the importance of having a purpose and philosophy that will support outdoor play.

Risk assessment and group management skills, a clear understanding of the Health and Safety legislation and the role of the educator.

Hands on practical sessions: Fire, Knives, Knots and Shelters and Nature crafts.
Further Information
Friday 6-8.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 9-4pm
A mix of both theory and practical – inside and outside no matter what the weather! Having appropriate clothing is essential
It is an intense 2.5 days. We recommend a quiet night on Saturday to allow time to process the information
This is not a residential weekend. We can help find reccomendations of accomadation locally
A certificate of completion will be available when finished

Investment, Dates and Locations
$460 per person (Earlybird – 30 days before course date)
$500 per person (Standard Registration)
HAMILTON
Date: 17-19 March 2023
OTAUTAHI / CHRISTCHRUCH
Date: 8-10 September 2023
Who Are Your Trainers
CELIA HOGAN is the founder of Little Kiwis Nature Play based in Christchurch. Celia is a passionate advocate for getting children outdoors and into nature. With 25 years of outdoor and nature education experience, she runs Bush Kindy sessions for preschoolers in Christchurch and runs professional learning and development for ECE and Primary teachers, educators and parents. Celia loves to share her knowledge to help others better their practice and she stands behind the concept that there is never just one way to do things. Celia is currently trying to change legislation to allow full time bush kindergartens to start in New Zealand.
LEO SMITH is the founder of Nature School NZ is based in Wellington. Leo is a wealth of knowledge coming from an outdoor instructor and ECE/primary/secondary teaching background. Leo has set up some amazing programmes for ECE and primary age groups and works tirelessly to ensure that nature time is accessible for all children of all backgrounds. She runs a successful one day school at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park in Pauahatanui which is another passion project of hers.


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Photos taken by: Stephanie @ www.stephaniedefregger.com and Celia Hogan