Professional Development
We offer a full range of inspiring programming options for educators, day home providers, guides and other individuals interested in connecting with nature. We tailor workshops, presentations and keynote addresses to your group and will work with you to build links between our program content and your professional goals. Contact us to discuss how we can build a program for you and your staff!
Here's some comments from past workshop participants:
"The Forest Play workshop that Dave organized for our group of nearly 40 educators was phenomenal. Communication before the event was timely and thorough, and Dave made us feel very confident about how the day would go before it even began. He asked what participants were wanting from the session beforehand, and organized his workshop to meet these needs. The day ran so smoothly, thanks to his expertise, comfort with the material, and organization. Dave modelled best practises by incorporating Coyote's Guide to Mentoring strategies throughout the day, and had every educator involved in each activity. He incorporated a variety of activities that could be used across a wide age range (pre-K to grade 12), and had educators leaving feeling confident about using these strategies with their students right away. He even provided a few additional activity suggestions for us via email, which was an added bonus. This day was filled with fun, hands-on learning, as well as many "Aha!" moments!
Thank you again for a fantastic day!
-Natasha Burgess, Marysville Elementary School, 2016
"I felt this was the most inspiring part of the whole conference for me. Not only did we get to go outside and have go at some activities we could try with students, we also discussed the theory behind it all. It was a very positive experience that shows that you can teach whole sessions, including theory, outside." (Earth Matters conference participant, 2015)
"Absolutely fabulous! Dave is a maverick in his means & methodology for magical outdoor education!" (Earth Matters Conference Participant, 2015)
Here's some comments from past workshop participants:
"The Forest Play workshop that Dave organized for our group of nearly 40 educators was phenomenal. Communication before the event was timely and thorough, and Dave made us feel very confident about how the day would go before it even began. He asked what participants were wanting from the session beforehand, and organized his workshop to meet these needs. The day ran so smoothly, thanks to his expertise, comfort with the material, and organization. Dave modelled best practises by incorporating Coyote's Guide to Mentoring strategies throughout the day, and had every educator involved in each activity. He incorporated a variety of activities that could be used across a wide age range (pre-K to grade 12), and had educators leaving feeling confident about using these strategies with their students right away. He even provided a few additional activity suggestions for us via email, which was an added bonus. This day was filled with fun, hands-on learning, as well as many "Aha!" moments!
Thank you again for a fantastic day!
-Natasha Burgess, Marysville Elementary School, 2016
"I felt this was the most inspiring part of the whole conference for me. Not only did we get to go outside and have go at some activities we could try with students, we also discussed the theory behind it all. It was a very positive experience that shows that you can teach whole sessions, including theory, outside." (Earth Matters conference participant, 2015)
"Absolutely fabulous! Dave is a maverick in his means & methodology for magical outdoor education!" (Earth Matters Conference Participant, 2015)
Samples of Workshop Descriptions
Coyote Mentoring: Exploring the Wonder of
Nature-Based Education
Description: Coyote Mentoring is a powerful nature-based educational model that fosters a deep connection with the natural world. Focusing on play, story telling and nature crafts, Coyote Mentoring is an amazing way of getting both children and adults to learn...without knowing it.
Drawing from our experiences using this model as the foundation for Canmore’s Forest Play programs, this workshop will give you:
Find your childlike passion for the world and join us for a fun day of exploring nature and this amazing educational model
Fire Making Workshop
Length: 4-8 hrs (we can build to suit your needs)
Description: Explore the mysteries of fire making - from the one match fire, to the uber match and the bow and hand drill fire. Through hands on demonstrations and activities, we’ll explore the qualities of good tinder material, tinder fungus, different wood types and techniques of getting a fire quickly in all weather conditions.
Stories of Connection: A Behind the Scenes Look at Forest Play
Length: 1-2 hrs
Description: An inspirational program full of stories about children and nature connection. We'll share experiences from the field and introduce some of the tools and techniques we integrate into our Forest Play programs that get kids learning...without knowing it!
Professional Development for teachers, camp leaders and others
Contact us to set up a program for your staff that promises to be inspirational, educational and fun!
Guided Hikes
Want to explore the Rockies with Professional Hiking Guides? Accredited by the Interpretive Guides Association, Dave and Ronna have been leading hikes for over 15 years and would love to share some of the stories behind this magnificent scenery!
Coyote Mentoring: Exploring the Wonder of
Nature-Based Education
Description: Coyote Mentoring is a powerful nature-based educational model that fosters a deep connection with the natural world. Focusing on play, story telling and nature crafts, Coyote Mentoring is an amazing way of getting both children and adults to learn...without knowing it.
Drawing from our experiences using this model as the foundation for Canmore’s Forest Play programs, this workshop will give you:
- a chance to rediscover a child-like passion for the natural world
- an opportunity to experience what it is like to participate in a program based on the Coyote mentoring program
- an introduction to the natural learning cycle and essential routines that ground and reconnect us with the natural world
- an understanding of how stories can be used to create powerful learning experiences.
Find your childlike passion for the world and join us for a fun day of exploring nature and this amazing educational model
Fire Making Workshop
Length: 4-8 hrs (we can build to suit your needs)
Description: Explore the mysteries of fire making - from the one match fire, to the uber match and the bow and hand drill fire. Through hands on demonstrations and activities, we’ll explore the qualities of good tinder material, tinder fungus, different wood types and techniques of getting a fire quickly in all weather conditions.
Stories of Connection: A Behind the Scenes Look at Forest Play
Length: 1-2 hrs
Description: An inspirational program full of stories about children and nature connection. We'll share experiences from the field and introduce some of the tools and techniques we integrate into our Forest Play programs that get kids learning...without knowing it!
Professional Development for teachers, camp leaders and others
Contact us to set up a program for your staff that promises to be inspirational, educational and fun!
Guided Hikes
Want to explore the Rockies with Professional Hiking Guides? Accredited by the Interpretive Guides Association, Dave and Ronna have been leading hikes for over 15 years and would love to share some of the stories behind this magnificent scenery!