Basic Wilderness Education for Educators
About this Class
Connected to nature, safe, and confident outdoors with children
Children want to get outside into nature: discover animals and plants, climb trees, play in the mud, and experience the world with all their senses. But as education professionals, we are often faced with a mountain of questions:
What about our duty to supervise and liability in the forest?
How do we deal with ticks, bathroom breaks, and hygiene?
How should we answer the many questions children ask?
How can we foster a truly deep connection with nature?
In this two-day professional development course for educators, you will gain genuine insight into wilderness education, along with the essential background knowledge.
Available dates
Contents
The seminar content at a glance
Introduction to wilderness education & nature mentoring
Safety and dealing with risks
Legal questions – duty of supervision, liability, forests & nature (please note: this is not legal training or advice)
The following topics are part of the training and will be covered to varying degrees depending on the group’s interests and needs:
Natural cycles – orientation and structure
Wilderness skills & nature-based crafts
People & nervous systems – self-care & co-regulation in everyday educational practice
Developing awareness, perspectives & relationships
Challenging behaviour and inclusion
Community & circle culture
Connections with the Bavarian Education and Upbringing Plan (BEP) and Montessori education
Solid practical knowledge built on many years of experience
I understand the challenge of putting educational goals into practice within the conditions of childcare settings. For many years, I have supported both children and colleagues on their journey outdoors into nature. I look forward to sharing my experience and the knowledge I have gathered with you—as equals.
15 years of experience as a state-certified early childhood educator (forest kindergarten, “traditional” kindergarten, inclusive kindergarten, Montessori education, cross-group coordinator for nature connection)
Over 10 years of experience as a freelance instructor & wilderness educator
Experience as an educational consultant for after-school care programs, as well as a lecturer in practical training & methodology
State-certified paramedic (since 1999) and instructor in outdoor first aid
Your benefits
Wilderness education as a valuable tool for your professional practice
In-depth professional training for educators
Learn, try things out and reflect in a practical setting
Certificate of attendance for your employer
Structure
The seminar takes place outdoors on a nature-rich site at the edge of fields and forest. We gather in a circle, exchange ideas, and discuss participants’ questions. Weather permitting, we light a campfire. We go exploring in the forest and practise on site. This gives you the practical knowledge and confidence you need to get started right away.
In case of rain, there is a dry place to shelter.
We foster a friendly and respectful atmosphere—all exercises are, of course, voluntary.
Duration: 2 days of in-person training (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. each day)
Location: South of Munich—a nature-rich site on the edge of the forest/town in Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn (parking available on site; also accessible by S-Bahn (S5) and an approx. 2.2 km walk)
Prerequisites
Who is this professional training for?
Educational professionals and support staff who work with children aged 3 to 12 (with a particular focus on kindergarten):
Early childhood educators & childcare assistants
Childhood educators & social pedagogues
Primary school teachers
Childminders & other professionals in educational settings (e.g. after-school care)
If you have any questions about the participation requirements, please feel free to contact us.
Parents or others interested in the course who do not work in educational professions should take a look at our other events (e.g. Wilderness Education in a Nutshell for Parents).
Packing List
Weather-appropriate clothing
Sitting mat
Food/snacks (no shopping facilities on site)
Writing materials for notes, if needed
Small towel (to dry your feet if you want to go barefoot)
Board & Overnight
Important: There are no shops on site, so please bring your own food and snacks.
We provide coffee, tea, and small snacks such as cookies, nuts, and fruit.
Drinking water is available.
Certificate
You will receive a certificate of participation for your employer
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Basiswissen Wildnispädagogik für Pädagog*innen
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About the Organizer
Initiative Naturverbindung München
The Naturverbindung München Initiative accompanies people on their own unique journeys: out into the wilderness—and back to themselves.
We offer wilderness education events, professional development, and counseling for adults, parents, and families. For educators and institutions, our focus is on specialist consulting and professional development.
The initiative is a project by David Döring, in collaboration with other partners. We work in the Munich area, throughout Bavaria, and beyond.
Do you have any questions? We look forward to hearing from you!
Die Initiative Naturverbindung München begleitet Menschen auf ihrem ganz eigenen Weg: Raus in die Wildnis – zurück zu sich selbst.
Für Erwachsene, Eltern und Familien bieten wir wildnispädagogische Veranstaltungen, Fortbildungen und Beratung. Für Pädagog*innen und Einrichtungen stehen Fachberatung und Fachfortbildungen im Mittelpunkt.
Die Initiative ist ein Projekt von David Döring in Zusammenarbeit mit weiteren Kooperationspartner*innen. Wir arbeiten im Raum München, Bayern und darüber hinaus.
Haben Sie Fragen? Wir freuen uns, von Ihnen zu hören!
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