My Backyard – Anywhere, Everywhere, You Can Create a Sense of Place September 20&21
INFUSE NEW EXCITEMENT, ENERGY, AND EXPERIENCES INTO YOUR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE THIS FALL!
Featuring Suzanne Gabli and the team at Building Blocks Preschool in Highland, MI A Reggio Inspired, Nature Based School
Saturday, September 21, 2024 Camp Linden, Linden, MI 10:00am – 3:00pm $150
Includes an exclusive invitation to join us for a “Play Based Adventure” open house on Friday evening at Building Blocks Preschool from 6:30-8:30pm in Highland, MI
Now You can Also Spend Friday Night at Camp Linden with program leaders and other guests for $30!
Brought to You with Gratitude by Our Generous Sponsors…
Suzanne Gabli is a visionary and creative thought leader, early childhood educator, and author with over 20 years of experience as a founder of Building Blocks Preschool in Highland, MI – A Reggio inspired nature based school. She focuses on finding ways to extend curriculum outdoors, making it simple and fun for both children and educators. Suzanne is passionate for children’s childhood: That every child has a right to a childhood, with a dedicated time each day to being outdoors in special places.
Place-Based Education is defined by the Center for Place-Based Learning and Community Engagement as a learning experience that “places students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities and experiences, and uses these as a foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and other subjects across the curriculum.” Place-based education creates such meaningful context, connections and authentic learning opportunities. Natural curiosity and a sense of wonder thrive in these organic domains. Children collaborate with each other to share observations, problem-solve, and create an understanding that sticks. (like mud to our boots down at the field where we take our nature walks) The curriculum comes to life with hands-on experiences and everyone is involved and can experience joy. This natural learning lab lends itself so well to being a special space for discovery, awe, wonder, and inquiry. Where children play and grow holistically.
This gathering will include:
A fresh mix of hands-on indoor and outdoor atelier and forest bathing experiences A balance of discussion times with those who do similar work, and with others who will bring you new ideas Whole-group experiences balanced with small group conversations tailored specifically to the work you do Very practical ideas to implement on Monday! (or share with programs that you support) Inspiring social times, activities, and awe inspiring opportunities Delicious and nourishing food
Come home to the forest Where time goes slow and the breath is mellow Where thoughts find rest and calm comes to nest. Come home to the woods to be friends with trees and listen to the breeze to wander through trails and mend your sails. Come home to nature When your heart is hurting or your soul needs healing. When something feels wrong or you just need a place to belong. The forest awaits Come home, be healed…
Saturday gathering 10am-3pm Claim your bunk for our Friday night “sleep over” in a lodge at camp for only $30! Join us for bonfire stories and s’mores after the open house (weather permitting)!!
Our inspiring Saturday, which includes an opening, hands on breakouts, mindful reflection, creativity, forest bathing, and nature journaling, begins with registration and doors opening for networking at 9:30am with a 10:00am start time. We will celebrate our success at 3pm with the camp space remaining available for reflection, interaction and for networking until 4pm. Included in your experience is an all day snack and beverage self-service, made with love light lunch, all materials needed during the day, an inspiring children’s book, personal engagement with the speakers and other participants, and documentation of 5 early childhood training hours in MiRegistry – plus some fun surprise goodies!
Camp Linden is a short 13 minute drive from downtown Linden, 18 minutes from Fenton, 25 minutes from Highland and 30 minutes from Flint. (5285 Hogan Rd, Linden, MI 48451)
Purposeful Gatherings – Early Childhood My Backyard – Anywhere/Everywhere You Can Create a Sense of Place Registration $150 Optional Overnight Bunk & Smores (Friday) $30
A day-long (and option for overnight!) retreat experience to cultivate meaningful connections, expand your network, and foster collaborations with fellow early childhood professionals and experts that will build and grow well beyond your 1st gathering.
Purposeful Gatherings EC – My Backyard Anywhere, Everywhere
Spark wonder, curiosity, joy and imagination in my backyard!
I’m inspired and motivated to make the change. Starting a journey to change my mindset and priorities!
Anonymous
Purposeful Gatherings EC hosts in-person and virtual gatherings each year, located in intimate and creative venues around Michigan. Participation in a Purposeful Gatherings in-person event includes:
Welcome kit (with early bird registration by 9/1 only) Admission to the gathering and all that happens inside A joy filled day with your hosts Dr. Cheryl Priest and Alex Henry, along with their special guests A beautiful children’s book related to the topic MiRegistry training credit (professionals working in Michigan) or pd certificate (all others) All day beverages & snacks (we love to graze!) and light lunch A cozy and flourishing atmosphere Collaboration and opportunities for lifelong friendships with like minded professionals Special surprises and personal touches throughout the event Ongoing networking and learning at The Cottage Club Early Childhood @Cozy & Flourish
Growing out of these gatherings is a community that engages in ongoing ways as YOU seek the kinds of inspiration that can change the landscape of early childhood and the daily work of the early childhood professional. The activities of the community and future events will grow out of YOUR ideas.
Cozy & Flourish LLC 