Childhood and nature are two inseparable entities. From exploring the backyard to hiking in the mountains, nature has always been an integral part of my childhood experiences. However, as we progress towards a more technologically advanced era, children are becoming increasingly detached from nature. To bridge this gap, the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning (EOE) organized a conference on “Childhood and Nature” between 19th-23rd of October, 2022 in Marburg. More than 60 professionals from the outdoor education field attended the conference to contribute and explore the subject.
As a future community educator specializing in outdoor & adventure education, and a former teacher, the conference’s theme immediately caught my attention. I vividly remember how nature gifted me with beautiful experiences and a context to develop life skills through adventure within the scout group. As a teacher, every outdoor learning experience shaped new ways for students’ development and growth. As a volunteer at Hyvarila Youth Center, I discovered how empowering it can be for kids to have a place where they can experience outdoor pedagogy as part of their learning. These experiences have instilled in me a deep passion for integrating nature into children’s lives, which has become a constant theme in my work and studies.
The “Childhood and Nature” conference organized by EOE Network in Marburg was a transformative experience for me. Through the conference, I discovered different organizations and initiatives that are actively working towards integrating nature into children’s lives.
One of the organizations that I learned about at the conference was the Cambridge Curiosity and Imagination. Their approach is to create open-ended, playful spaces that invite children to explore and create art in nature. Their programs focus on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, and they believe that children’s natural curiosity and imagination should guide their learning.
Another organization that I discovered was the Curious School of the Wild. They offer nature-based education programs that focus on building resilience, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills. The programs are designed to help children connect with nature, themselves, and others while also fostering a love for learning and discovery. They create a safe and supportive environment for children on low income to learn and grow through outdoor experiences. Their work inspired me so much, about how we can make outdoors accesible for everyone.
In addition to these organizations, I also learned about new spaces in the local area that encourage autonomy and exploration in nature. These spaces are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow through outdoor experiences. By participating in the conference, I was able to connect with these organizations and learn about their approaches and philosophies towards nature-based education, which I can integrate in my future studies and work.
EOE Network, the organizer of this conference, is a network of professionals with expertise in the outdoors and anyone who wants to contribute to the mission of developing research, practices, and collaborations in the outdoor education field. By bringing together professionals from various outdoor education fields, EOE aims to foster innovation and drive change in outdoor education practices.
In conclusion, as a student in the Adventure and Outdoor Education program at Humak University of Applied Sciences, participating in the “Childhood and Nature” conference was a valuable opportunity for me to learn about new approaches and initiatives in the outdoor education field. The conference provided me with insights into the latest research and practices related to nature-based education, which I can incorporate into my studies and future work as a community adventure educator. By connecting with like-minded professionals and organizations, you can drive innovation and positively impact the outdoor education field.
Blog by Angela Dimisca
