Welcome to The Outpost. 

A space designed especially for early childhood educators exploring and implementing outdoor and nature-based learning.

Whether you are discovering new program models in the Basecamp, gearing up to try something new from the Backpack, or looking for navigation tips from the Trail Guide, you’ll find everything you need to lead your children and families through the wonders of outdoor and nature-based learning.

Here, you can lean on the strength of the Deep Roots of research, cross the Bridge to connect with families and engage with your community, and gather with fellow educators to share your stories and learn from each other in the Explorers Club.
A picture of a map.
iStock.com/Alina Kotliar

Let the expedition begin!

Every great educational journey starts with a single step...
​and the right gear.

The content of The Outpost has been developed to support early childhood educators working with mixed-age groups and is specifically designed to address what educators working with infants and toddlers need to know to support children's development and learning. Content is based on standards and requirements outlined for Minnesota educators, but is relevant for those working in other states and can be adapted to support older children. 
Picture
iStock.com/VIJ

Deep Roots

A mother and child sitting under a large tree.
iStock.com/rVera Akulenok
Dive into the research that shows children thrive in outdoor learning environments!

Base Camp

An outdoor nature classroom with stump chairs.
iStock.com/EvgeniiAnd
Investigate outdoor and nature-based learning program models and philosophies that vary to meet the needs of children and families.

Trail Guide

A small child looking at a scoop of dirt in a trowel.
iStock.com/Olena Zalevska
Discover instructional practices for planning activities, lessons, observations, and assessments that teach about, in, with, and for nature.

Back Pack

a young child smiling wearing a backpack.
iStock.com/eggeeggjiew
Prepare with safety protocols, equipment, gear, environmental design, professional development, and funding to successfully implement outdoor and nature-based learning.

Bridge

A young child holding an adults hand crossing a bridge.
iStock.com/Mikhail Mironov
Build a whole-family, community-building approach to Environmental Literacy.

Explorers Club

A group of adults sitting outside a circle having a discussion.
iStock.com/AnnaStills
Whether you are just getting started in nature-based learning or expanding your program, join others and explore new ideas, share learning, discuss practices, and build community.

Website Feedback

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please share your experience and any suggestions for improvement in the visitor survey.​ The survey has 6 brief questions and is anonymous.  

Contact 

If you have additional questions or needs, please email [email protected]