Maine Early Childhood Outdoors Network

05/27/2026

We're a few days away from the In Bloom conference, presented in partnership with Antioch University.
It's been a great experience supporting this conference as its focus is heavily on nature based education, with ten workshops and two morning key notes.
If you're an educator or run a center that you wish offered more outdoor time and child-led education or you're already offering this, this conference will be a great resource! Learn more and register >> https://continuinged.antioch.edu/professional-development/in-bloom-in-maine-2026/

05/25/2026

We reached out to our community of educators for their favorite seasonal children’s books that shed light on outdoor education, play, and nature. W
These are great to add to share with your own students and family, and see the connections they make and the conversations they start.
✔Hike by Pete Oswald, spreads a positive message about overcoming challenges and focusing on the magic of nature and how it can bring people together; in this case a father and son.
✔Inch by Inch by David Mallett, is a hybrid of a sing-along and book. It tells the story of a gardener and a dog who grow a garden despite rocks, weeds, and crows. It includes musical notation for piano or guitar.
✔Miss Maple’s Seeds, by Eliza Wheeler, beautifully illustrated this book conveys the care one can take in nurturing seeds until it’s time to plant them.
✔Egg by Kevin Henkes, features four eggs with one unexpected hatchling. It explores themes such as tenderness, acceptance, friendship, and love

05/23/2026

MaineECO has partnered with Antioch University to present the In Bloom Conference with a heavy focus on Nature Based Education and two key note speakers.
Learn more and register >> https://continuinged.antioch.edu/professional-development/in-bloom-in-maine-2026/

05/20/2026

Educators, Childcare Providers, After School and Camp Counselors, and Outdoor Guides! This Is For You!🌲🌲
Forest School Training Offered In Maine This Summer. A Few Spots Remaining. Register Today!
https://www.maineeco.org/forest-school

05/19/2026

Presented in partnership with , In Bloom is a conference focused on nature based early education. It offers ten workshops, and two keynotes that highlight topics such as:

✔Little Explorers, Big Adventures: Nature Play for Infants and Toddlers
✔Gathering for Fire: Playful Ways to Collect and Prepare Materials with Young Children
✔Creativity, Wellbeing, the Outdoors and Emotional Regulation
Learn more and register >> https://continuinged.antioch.edu/professional-development/in-bloom-in-maine-2026/

05/18/2026

Outdoor education emergencies don’t always look textbook. Help may be delayed, resources are limited, and you’re often responsible not just for an injured child, but for an entire group.
This Wilderness First Aid course is designed specifically for people who work with youth, blending practical medical skills with real-world decision-making.
Learn more >>

A hands-on Wilderness First Aid course built for educators and youth-focused outdoor professionals—practical skills, realistic scenarios, and the confidence to respond when kids are in your care. Dates: June 6-7 Where: Gray, ME Best For: All genders - educators, outdoor educators, recreation profe...

05/14/2026

Join the Before the Boots Book Club, facilitated by experienced Outdoor Nature-Based educator, Anne Adams and presented in partnership with Maine Roads to Quality.
Explore outdoor nature based learning, pedagogical practices, natural materials, strategies for support, teacher work and presence through "The Honeycomb Hypothesis."
Registration closes May 15th, and the first 20 registrants receive a free copy of the book. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUc-Ui_6MMOU8HjehktFNRnxZW-cb27hvjivUq1gyyGCY-3g/viewform
Learn more about the Before the Boots Book Club: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vBqGG4pLYjsZbH26BwCLoul0dCPDY2GSCUc4zz2NaSk/edit?usp=sharing

05/13/2026

TimberNook of Greater Portland, Maine, also known as Bedrock Play in Gorham is opening enrollment for its summer camps.
Kids can learn skills and then have opportunities to practice them in real-life settings, engaged in meaningful play with peers.
Bedrock Play provides Occupational Therapy support through its outdoor, nature based programming. Learn more about the programming by joining its open house on June 13th or visiting its website: https://www.bedrockplay.com/

05/12/2026

Nature based learning is an invitation.
It calls us to slow down, to notice, to engage each of our senses. Are we hearing the rustle of leaves, feeling the crunch of a pine cone beneath our feet, or watching a bird land on a branch? Do we notice the stickiness of pitch on our hands, the whoosh of wind through the trees, or the scent of damp earth after rain? Is the mud cooling our boots as we walk, or asking us to pause and consider the path ahead—roots, rivers, snowbanks and all?
When we take the time to truly observe, we deepen our connection not only with the Earth, but with ourselves. And from that connection comes a lifelong relationship with the natural world, and a deeper understanding of who we are within it.

05/11/2026

MaineECO’s Early Education Partners are doing incredible work in making sure as many learners possible have access to nature based learning.
Each center approaches ONB in a way that is tailored to those they serve. Nature based learning SHOULD look different to every person teaching it, based on cultural values, access to outdoor space, and demographics.
Educare Central Maine makes sure that every early learner in their program has access to creating a relationship with the land that they’re on regardless of background or zip code. They’re leveling the playing field for all families to receive high-quality care and education, which has a positive ripple effect throughout its entire community.

05/11/2026

Join The “Before the Boots” Book Group! Offering a collaborative, discussion-based learning experience for educators and caregivers interested in infant and toddler nature play.
This summer, participants will explore The Honeycomb Hypothesis by Duncan, Penix, and Haughey in a supportive, book-group-style environment. Meets: Mondays June 1, 15, 29 and July 13, 27 from 6:00-7:30pm virtually.
Register >> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUc-Ui_6MMOU8HjehktFNRnxZW-cb27hvjivUq1gyyGCY-3g/viewform
Learn more about the book club>> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vBqGG4pLYjsZbH26BwCLoul0dCPDY2GSCUc4zz2NaSk/edit?tab=t.0