We warmly welcome you to the International Nature-Based Educational Study Visit that is being organised by Learning In Nature in May 2024 in Finland. This is a great opportunity for those who would like to learn more about nature and forest kindergartens and see them in practice. The study visit will be taking place 14-18th May 2024 in Helsinki with Gaye Amus, the founder of Learning In Nature. In this visit the focus will be on outdoor education in early childhood and it will include visits to two kindergartens, a nature centre and an hour workshop on outdoor learning for primary school teachers. The one hour workshop is intented for participants to learn about the Finnish nature and also see how a bridge between kindergartens and primary schools can be created for children to continue to go outdoors.
The international nature-based study visit is a 4 day programme for kindergarten and primary teachers, directors,policy makers,special needs teachers, social workers and those who would like to engage children in nature and outdoor learning. It is planned as 4 days from 14-18th of May 2024 with 4 nights stay. Composed of both indoor and outdoor sessions participants will learn how to spend times with children in nature and experience the basics of nature pedagogy.
Educator: Gaye Amus
Dates: 14-18th May 2024
Place: Helsinki,Finland
Helsinki Nature Based Study Visit Programme is as follows:
14th May Tuesday: Arrival and Welcoming Meeting.
15th May Wednesday: Municipality Kindergarten with Outdoor Forest Group visit and seminar on the Finnish Education System
16th May Thursday : Nature-Based Outdoor Kindergarten Visit and Helsinki City tour
17th May Friday: Nature Centre visit, seminar and outdoor learning workshop
18th May Saturday: Departure
The study visit fee is 1290 eu/person in a two person,shared accomodation (ie two participants in one room) and 1448 euros for a single room. Arrival is on the 14th and departure the 18th of May. The fee includes accomodation in a Green key hotel with organic buffet breakfast, use of sauna and local transport (tram,bus,metro,from-to airport). Flight tickets, lunch, dinner,travel insurance and visa (if needed) are not inluded in the fee and these costs belong to the participant.
After your registeration and payment we shall send you an information package with more details about the study vist to make your experience and stay comfortable.
Limited number of participants: As there will be visits to kindergartens we have a limited number for the study visit. Registeration is until 5th of March however may end earlier in case the max. number of participants is reached.
About the facilitator:
Environmental educator,author, consultant
Feedbacks from participants:
“I recommend this visit to those who want to understand and apply forest pedagogy, who are open to new approaches and to inspiration, as it is a holistic experience.”
“Through this study visit I made new friends and met like-minded colleagues interested in outdoor learning. It helped me learn a lot about how to do things better, especially what to do/not to do in the forest. On-site observation is much more effective than just theoretical knowledge.”
“I would definitely recommend the study visit to other teachers, as it provides very good examples on nature-based learning.”
“ To visit the kindergartens and the nature education centre,observe children as well as teachers and see their effects, strengthened and encouraged my own practices.
“The best part of the study visit was the inspiration of the facilitator Gaye! and the Finnish environment and all places we visited. Thanks for the amazing experience. It was a pleasure to participate in this study visit”
