As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, we turn again to the natural world to learn, reflect, and be rejuvenated. Dive into the wonder of the shifting seasons through our Outdoor Teacher Retreat, hosted by Green Earth Montessori! This special event brings together experts in the field of nature-based early learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions to choose from. 

Friday will feature a gentle start to the retreat with sunset forest bathing and a campfire networking opportunity. On Saturday we will dive into a full day of nature-based workshops sure to inspire! 

Pending Montana State Continuing Education clock hours. ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day. 

Note: We strive for zero waste during our events; please bring your canteen for drinks.

Who Should Attend?

This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with young children ages 2 to 8. 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.

Lodging 

The following locations are recommended for lodging should you be travelling from outside the area: 

Moosecreek Campground (~15 min away)

Canyon Ferry Lake (Several campgrounds around the lake, between 30 to 45 minute drive from town)

Double Tree

Workshop Descriptions

Loose Parts and Provocations

with Meghan Halsey

Join us for an engaging session focused on nature-based education and the innovative use of loose parts! Discover how to create effective provocations that inspire exploration and creativity among students using natural materials. We’ll guide you through key steps, including identifying learning objectives, selecting appropriate loose parts, creating inviting outdoor spaces, and facilitating meaningful experiences. Learn to document and reflect on student interactions to deepen their connection to the natural world. Equip yourself with practical tools to enhance your teaching practice and ignite curiosity in your students through hands-on, nature-inspired learning!

Traditional Native American Games

with Mike Jetty

Participants in this session will have an opportunity to play some traditional Native American games. For thousands of years Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas played different types of games that taught children valuable lifelong skills and lessons. These games have been revitalized and now students across Montana have the opportunity to experience and play tribal specific games - they get to have fun and learn about tribal traditions at the same time.

The Essential Practice of Risky Play

with Jennifer Walker

Discover how to support children’s development through the exciting and essential practice of risky play, whether you’re a seasoned outdoor educator or new to the field. This session welcomes all perspectives, offering practical strategies to balance safety with exploration, empowering children to build resilience, creativity, and confidence. Learn how to distinguish risks from hazards, adapt activities for diverse needs, and facilitate meaningful outdoor experiences for every child. Whether you’re confident or cautious about risky play, this session will provide tools and inspiration to enhance your outdoor education practice.

Forest Bathing

with Deborah Goslin

Experience and learn how Forest Bathing can be a valuable tool for stress release and boosting the immune system. By moving very slowly in the forest with all the senses open, this this evidence-based wellness practice can ease anxiety and improve sense of well-being in all ages. Also called Forest Therapy or Shinrin-yoku as its called in Japan, meaning "taking in the forest atmosphere".

Meet Your Presenters!

Mike Jetty - Indian Education Specialist

Mike Jetty is an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation and a Turtle Mountain Chippewa descendant. Mike currently works at the Montana Office of Public Instruction as an Indian Education Specialist. He has been working with Indian Education issues for the past 32 years and has teaching experience at both the K-12 and University levels. He has a B.S. in History Education, a Master’s in School Administration.

Jennifer Walker - Lead Teacher Catkins Nature School

As an Outdoor Educator and Master Naturalist, Jennifer has a deep appreciation for the natural world and feel a sense of serenity and connection when immersed in the magic of the outdoors. She loves to share her thirst for adventure, whether it be hiking through forests, camping under the stars, or relaxing by the fire in her own backyard. She considers spending days outside with young wonder-filled learners a true privilege.

Meghan Halsey - Education Specialist with the Association for Nature-Based Education

Meghan brings seventeen years of rich experience in the NBE field. With a strong focus on progressive practices, Meghan dedicated twelve years to fostering a project-style forest school environment. Her educational philosophy centers on meeting students where they are, nurturing their natural curiosity, and amplifying their voices to cultivate a sense of agency and ownership over their learning experiences. Meghan is deeply committed to promoting nature-based learning and actively works to raise awareness within her community. By collaborating with local organizations that share her vision, she continues to advocate for educational practices that connect students with the natural world, enriching their learning experiences and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Deborah Goslin - NatureSpeake Forest Therapy LLC

After a career in field botany and ornithology, I wanted a deeper connection with nature. When I heard about forest bathing my whole body said YES and I took the 9 month certification program and felt I had found my purpose. In retirement my passion is helping people reconnect with nature for wellness.