The Children Learning with Nature Institute is an amazing teacher and parent training program that is based on the simple premise that just as children learn best by doing, rather than being shown or told abstractly what to do, so to adults do as well. The CLN Institute is quite different because more than half of the program is held outdoors, and much of the program is in small group experiential workshops. Our focus is on the precious years from birth to 8 years old, but the topics and skills you learn are applicable all children and teens.

The Institute is three full days and it will provide an unforgettable experience.  Come prepared to get your hands dirty, to play hard and to learn many invaluable skills for working with children. More than 93% of our participants rate the CLN Institute as “Excellent” or “Best Conference Ever” so you know it has to be great.

The skills you will learn are immediately applicable to your work with young children and because you have had an opportunity to experience these activities for yourself you’ll have more confidence and understanding in your work with children. We provide you with the tools for bringing a rich nature experience into children’s lives. These experiences are relevant whether you live I the forest, the suburbs or in the heart of the city.

Just some of workshop topics include: Mud Kitchens; Water Explorations; Making Fire; Cooking with Children; Ephemeral Art; Infants and Toddlers in Nature; Plant Dyes; Small Worlds & Fairies; Music with Children; Storytelling; Den Building; Inclusive Environments; Managing Benefit & Risk; and Learning Stories.

Our team of workshop leaders come from around the world.  These are the “best of the best” and they are passionate about working with teachers and children. We keep the Institute small by design and because of that you get a chance to mingle and really get to know them, and the other participants over three days. Almost of our outdoor workshops have less than 25 attendees so the learning experience is personal and powerful. These are skills you will carry for a lifetime and transform your work with children.