Forest Schooled

Probably the greatest thing I've learned from living in multiple countries is how much the place, climate, landscape etc. matters in the work we do. Some of the Land-based skills I used in forest school in the UK just don't make sense where I live now. And equally there are a lot of skills needed for a Canadian context I still need to learn. I'm only 10 minutes into this podcast and it's taught me SO MUCH I didn't know about snow, despite living in a snowy climate for 4 years now.... whether you live in Canada or not I highly recommend checking out these podcasts with wilderness survival instructor, and Anishinaabe storyteller Caleb Musgrave https://podcasts.apple.com//the-science-of-s/id1508024616

What are wellness practices for educators? And why is our new online learning community called REST ourselves to nurture others? REST stands for Reflect, Encourage, and Share Together. to support wellbeing for nature educators. This is an exciting collaboration between Caylin (Forest Schooled) and Molly (Cultivate Balance), to bring a community together to learn with and from one another, while being guided by the resources from Molly's incredible online course, The Art of W...ork Life Balance. Caylin and Molly are both advocates for RESTING and NOURISHING ourselves... so we may better support and nurture others - including the children and families we work with! This is how this community works... 1. Join a group of nature educators from a wide variety of backgrounds who are dedicated to cultivating wellbeing for themselves and others. 2. Get discounted access to Part 1 of Molly's online course The Art of Work Life Balance. 3. Be invited to 3 live Zoom calls with Caylin, Molly, and others in our community to dive deeper into the topics discussed on the course, ask questions, and get more personalized support. (Note: if you can't make the calls, they will be recorded so you may watch them later!) SCHEDULE FOR LIVE CALLS: - Tuesday January 26th, 4-5:30pm EST (Suggested Topic: Daily Routine) - Tuesday February 23rd, 4-5:30pm EST (Suggested Topic: Radical Self Care) - Tuesday March 23rd, 4-5:30pm EST (Suggested Topic: Thoughtful Action) *Recordings will be available for those who can't make the live calls* There are only a couple of places left and enrollment closes Friday January 8th at 7pm EST (or when no more spaces are left). For more information, the link for REST ourselves to nurture others https://forestschooled.podia.com/rest-ourselves-winter With love, Caylin & Molly *I believe everyone deserves access to learning. Pay What You Can options and Scholarships available for those who need it! Email [email protected] for more info or follow the link and select an appropriate coupon below* WEREST20 - 20% Off WEREST40 - 40% Off #forestschool #forestschoolleaders #natureeducators #natureschool #wellnessforeducators

I so need this right now and I'm excited to get to know this amazing community better too

The last post of this calendar year, and reflections on what a year it's been... "I stood at what seemed like the edge, but the truth was I couldn’t really tell where it ended or began. An expanse of pure white stretching from where I stood out to the hills I could just make out on the other side. Deceiving to think that beneath it all, the snow and the thick ice that carried the weight of trucks and ice fishing huts, was water... This was our first introduction. I’d been her...e 7 months by then, but we had somehow never met. Sometimes that happens when you move to a new place. You have no idea what’s just under your nose until you lift your head and begin to look around. I didn’t really know why I’d come there but I knew something inside of me wanted to go. And this was my year of learning to listen to that. That little intuitive voice I so often ignored in order to prioritize rational thinking, logic and reason. I’m too busy, there’s not enough time, I could be doing something more productive right now. Shush. Time to quiet those thoughts. And listen. When I left I didn’t anticipate how much would change by the time we saw each other again. Change. In the seasons. In me. In the rest of the world too. I spent those months of separation wandering the forests instead. I was lucky those trails were close to home and I could go in spite of everything else being shut down. It was those forests which brought me calm in the midst of anxiety and inspired me to write Thinking of Cedar. But when I did make it back to that edge once again. The expanse of white stillness was gone. Replaced with glimmering sunlit motion, crashing waves spurred on by the wind. A river..." - follow the link to keep reading... https://www.forestschooled.com//a-year-of-learning-to-list

I remember exactly how I felt when I took this photo. I was exhausted yet planned a trip to the mountains seeking something. I seem to have this knack for simultaneously wanting adventure and the safety of a home, both at the same time. Even though that seems to be contradictory.. perhaps. I think what I really wanted at that moment was somewhere quiet. The busyness of life wasn't working very well for me. And at that point I felt that was something I couldn't change, so may...be a few days to "get away" could help. I've learned a lot since then. And have changed a lot about the way I live my life so I don't need to get away to find some rest. Changes as small as not looking at my phone first thing in the morning and, instead, enjoying a hot cup of tea while watching the sunrise. And changes as big as leaving a full-time job and salary to start my own business so I could work at my own pace. This is all tied in with why I've put together a new professional learning community called *REST ourselves to nurture others* to learn and integrate changes, however big or small, to prioritize wellbeing. Because when we're well, we're better able to care for others and do the work we're meant to do! I think perhaps this is more important now more than ever, as this year has taken a toll on all of us We already have an amazing group of people registered to join me and Molly from @cultivate.balance in this new professional learning community (from January to March 2021) to learn about wellness practices for educators. Thank you to everyone who's signed up! I can't wait to gather together in the new year. There are also a few spaces left and we're inviting others to join us too. You can message me for more info, or check out the link here https://forestschooled.podia.com/rest-ourselves-winter And whether you join us or not, I hope you take some time for some REST

Just reflecting on this important election week coming up, and how it's all connected to the work I do as an educator... https://www.forestschooled.com//childhood-is-not-a-democra

Last night was the final zoom gathering this year for one of the most inspiring groups of people I’ve ever had the privilege to get to know. People who’ve been planning, starting and running businesses all over the world in the midst of global pandemic and economic turmoil. People who really care about others and the natural world and are fearless in working to protect and honour those that are vulnerable.... Even when our systems are not created to do that or make it easy to try. Our group of nature-based entrepreneurs met over the course of 7 months to learn with and from each other about how to create social enterprises to prioritize community wellbeing over profit, how to communicate the value of what we do in ethical rather than manipulative sales pitch-y ways, and how to determine our pricing structures so they may be equitable and also enable us to thrive. I have learned SO MUCH with these amazing people and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to come together again in the new year once we’ve all had some time to rest... and perhaps some more of you out there will join us too! Look out for more info on that in the new year. Subscribing to my email list from my website is probably the best way to make sure you hear about it. And anyone who missed it but would like to watch the recordings and access all the resources now can (link to REST your nature-based business is at the bottom of this post). To Honeysuckle Hugs Samara Early Learning Cultivate Balance Blue Jay Botanicals The Healing Circle Farm and many more who aren’t tagged, thank you!! You’ve made navigating this business world so much more encouraging and nourishing for me. Like ripples in a pond I know we’re creating change. I hope to see you all again soon With love, Caylin (Forest Schooled) https://forestschooled.podia.com/nature-based-business-autu

(Part 4/4) I started to feel so much better as well as more deeply connected to nature in my daily life. And I could pursue the work I love instead of feeling sick all the time. These are some of the reasons I’ve become passionate about advocating for wellbeing, especially for educators. When we are well, we are better able to nurture the children, teens, or other adults in our care. So it’s crucial, not a luxury!!... I’m really grateful to be collaborating with Molly (Cultivate Balance) to offer an online professional learning community designed around wellness practices for educators and inspired by the principles of Ayurveda. It's called "REST ourselves to nurture others" and will be starting in January (enrollment will open on Dec 7th at 12pm EST). If this interests you, I'd recommend registering your interest now through the link below. Spaces are limited and those who pre-register will be given priority enrollment. But first! We'd like to invite you to join us on Sunday December 6th at 3pm EST for an Instagram live chat with me and Molly. Molly and I wanted to host this event to give an introduction to Ayurveda, as well as our new professional learning community, and answer any questions you might have before committing to it. It would be so great to see you there! And please feel welcome to share your stories about how your own wellbeing is connected to the natural world too - I know I'm not alone https://forestschooled.podia.com/rest-ourselves-winter

Who here runs their own nature-based business? I love hearing about the different forms our businesses can take, and all the amazing things we do! Especially while holding true to our values of community and care for the natural world. If you'd like, tell us a bit about your business in the comments. And if connecting with a community of like-minded people to talk about doing business while prioritizing community well-being interests you, please feel welcome to join our onlin...e community (see link). We've already had one meeting, but there are two more coming up and a recording from the first one is already available if you'd like to catch up. Recording now available - Topic: Social Enterprise Business Models Next gathering - Tuesday November 10th, 5-6:30pm EST (Suggested Topic: Ethical Marketing & Communication) And another one - Tuesday December 8th, 6-7:30pm EST (Suggested Topic: Equitable Pricing Structures that Enable us to Thrive) https://forestschooled.podia.com/nature-based-business-autu

TRACKS is the programming branch of Forest Schooled... here's a little sneak peak into what we've been up to out in the "real world"!

These colours existed only in stories to me as a child (I grew up in the tropics) and to experience them now is pure #magic [Pictures show various scenes of autumn landscapes with colourful leaves in colours reds, yellows, oranges, golds] #thankyouforest #autumncolours

I’ve been hinting at this for weeks now and finally feel ready to share more.... https://www.forestschooled.com//starting-a-program-from-sc

For Forest School Day, I'm taking a moment to feel grateful for the international experiences and community I've been able to be a part of. Forest School isn't always what we call it in name, depending on where we live, but we are all connected to the Land and the communities we build "And perhaps it’s also about remembering that from our various places around the world, we all inhabit the very same planet. We may be separated by our country’s boundaries, but ultimately th...ese boundaries are of our own imagining. Rivers flow past such arbitrary country lines, birds and butterflies migrate, oceans span the spaces between the Land and connect us within the swell and movement of their underwater currents. I may not see the beloved bluebells in the spring here in Ottawa, but I see the starlings. And I feel the nettles that sting my fingers just as much as another who brushes up against them someplace else far away. The stars that glow at night are the same stars I used to gaze at almost every night from my home in Hawaii over a decade ago. If we allow ourselves to think in this way, maybe our diversity may not be so much an expression of our differences, but rather a celebration of the many gifts the world has to offer?" https://www.forestschooled.com//forest-school-perspectives

Just in case you need a little porcupine in your day. I sure did.

Offering support for those of us who run our own businesses! Sign up by Thursday Oct 8th, 8pm EST, and here is an outline of topics for the calls: - Tuesday October 13th, 4-5:30pm* EST (Suggested Topic: Social Enterprise Business Models) - Tuesday November 10th, 5-6:30pm* EST (Suggested Topic: Ethical Marketing & Communication)... - Tuesday December 8th, 6-7:30pm* EST (Suggested Topic: Equitable Pricing Structures that Enable us to Thrive) Over the summer we called this online professional learning community GROW which stood for Gatherings for Reflection, Observation, and shared Wisdom. Now that it's autumn (at least in the N. hemisphere where I live) we're setting intentions to make space for REST so these are now opportunities to Reflect, Encourage, and Share Together (can you tell I like my acronyms? ) https://forestschooled.podia.com/nature-based-business-autu

I feel inspired and deeply grateful to have co-hosted a workshop last weekend with my friend and colleague, Seth Kipavare. In it we shared guidance, strategies, and our personal stories of working outdoors in urban spaces with diverse communities. A huge thank you to those who were able to make it live, and for those who couldn't be with us a recording* is now available at https://forestschooled.podia.com/intro-to-urban-nature. This video gives a preview. Let's keep working to break down barriers for people to connect with, learn, play, and love the natural world - wherever we may live! *Pay What You Can option is always available for those who need it! Just email [email protected].

Register for Urban Nature Workshop here: https://forestschooled.podia.com/urban-nature. Registration will be closing by 8pm EST tonight! Hence this live video Pay What You Can options available if you follow the link

I'm really looking forward to these opportunities coming up. Registration for the Urban Nature Workshop closes tomorrow at 8pm EST (or when all spaces are filled, whichever comes first). Feel welcome to use a coupon code below to Pay What You Can if you'd like to join us. There are also some scholarship spaces available too for those who need it. Please reach out by messenger or email if you are interested in this ([email protected]). Urban Nature: Designing Accessible... Programs for the City REGISTER HERE: https://forestschooled.podia.com/urban-nature URBNAT25 - 25% Off ($30 CAD) URBNAT50 - 50% Off ($20 CAD) URBNAT75 - 75% Off ($10 CAD) And GROW your nature-based business is an online Professional Learning Community for nature-based entrepreneurs. The last live call for our summer sessions is Sept. 30th and you can use the Pay What You Can coupons below to join us and access extra business resources and recordings of our previous calls. SIGN UP HERE: https://forestschooled.podia.com/grow-your-nature-based-bus SUMMERGROW20 - 20% off ($84 CAD) SUMMERGROW40 - 40% off ($63 CAD) SUMMERGROW60 - 60% off ($42 CAD) SUMMERGROW80 - 80% off ($21 CAD)

Note, registration for this event is closing this Thursday! Use this link and let me know if you need a Pay What You Can Option or a Scholarship (send me a message or email at [email protected] and I'll share coupon codes to make sure you get access, no questions asked). Let's work to make programs accessible for city dwellers too :) https://forestschooled.podia.com/urban-nature

Here? How are we going to do it here? When nature programs are often thought to need vast "wild" spaces, how can you deliver something with a patch of grass and a chain link fence? The short answer is, you have to shift your perspective... and get creative. Cities are where most people live and so we need to consider them in programs that connect people to nature... My friend Seth and I will be delivering a workshop in a week on Saturday Sept. 19th 11am-12:30pm where we'll sh...are our experiences and some tips for designing accessible programs for diverse, urban populations. Hope you can join us! And if not, no problem - you can pre-purchase access to the recording. Follow this link for more info: https://forestschooled.podia.com/urban-nature NOTE: Registration for the live workshop will close on Thursday Sept 17th, or when all spaces have been filled, whichever comes first!

Can you deliver a nature program in a city? What do you think? It's not the same as a forest, meadow, or beach... and yet with most of the population living in cities we need to. And it's possible! Seth and I will be hosting this online interactive workshop on September 19th 11am-12:30pm. Registration will close at 8pm EST Thursday September 17th, or when spaces are filled (whichever comes first). *Pay What you Can Option and Scholarships available for those who need it! Ema...il [email protected] for more info* https://forestschooled.podia.com/urban-nature

Seth and I are collaborating on a few things, and you can join us for one of them! https://forestschooled.podia.com/urban-nature Urban Nature: Designing accessible programs for the city is a workshop where we'll touch upon the following topics: - Working together with your community to design relevant programs... - Considerations for working in publicly accessible sites Reframing our ideas of what Nature looks and feels like in the city - Helping communities feel welcome and comfortable in green spaces - Restoring and enhancing spaces to inspire play Join the live workshop on Saturday September 19th, 11-12:30am EST https://forestschooled.podia.com/urban-nature (spaces limited, so book now) OR pre-purchase access to the recording: https://forestschooled.podia.com/intro-to-urban-nature

When I decided (or rather it feels like the universe decided) to turn Forest Schooled into my main work, and business, I wasn’t sure what form it would take. I DID NOT anticipate that I would be offering online professional learning events, consultancy, and mentorship. And yet here I am finding it utterly rewarding. But my first love is the land. And being outdoors creating communities of learning with others. It’s why I started Tracks back in 2018, to deliver on-the-ground p...rogramming. But TRACKS has been dormant since I moved over a year ago... and this week it’s stirring back to life. Plans are forming and I’ll share more soon. It is SO DIFFERENT from anything I’ve ever done. But I have never felt more sure of where things are headed.... send me your positive vibes as I start this next venture #forestschool #notforestschool #thisisdifferent #andimportant #accessandequity

Working while being eaten by mosquitoes. Nothing is more my style . I have overhauled my email newsletter and I’m pretty proud of what I’m about to send out later today. It’s got some creative nature-flair to it and I hope it’s refreshing for people. If you’re not subscribed and want to receive it you can simply sign up on my website (https://www.forestschooled.com). I also hope it’s worth all the mosquito bites #nowimitchy #workingoutdoors #naturebusiness #nofilter #passthecalominelotion

I've been going through old blog posts to find some material for a resource I'm working on and was reminded of this one written by a special guest. I love it so much I wanted to share it again! "What if we are wrong? We may think we know because we have gone through school and are certified teachers but where do the young children get their knowledge and who are we to say that our western scientific rules of thumb are more valid? What beautiful fragile crucial knowledge are w...e potentially squashing in children if we project our own adult agendas onto them rather then letting them share their ways of knowing with us? Perhaps it isn't the scientists and engineers and politicians or even the grassroots organizations that are going to save the earth, perhaps it is the children. If we let them." https://www.forestschooled.com//guest-blog-early-childhood