Facilitated by: Jacob Rodenburg B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed - Executive Director Camp Kawartha & The Camp Kawartha Outdoor Education Centre/Environment Centre
Join environmental educator and award-winning author Jacob Rodenburg for an engaging, hands-on workshop designed for early years child care providers who want to deepen children’s connection to the natural world through meaningful, play-based experiences. Grounded in the Waldorf philosophy that a child’s work is play, this session explores how thoughtful environments and simple materials can inspire creativity, curiosity, and authentic engagement.
Together you will explore practical and inspiring ways to bring nature back into the outdoor learning areas available to children, transforming everyday outdoor spaces into rich environments that support exploration, creativity, and meaningful connection.
Participants will leave with simple, practical ideas to foster sensory-rich play, inspire curiosity, and nurture a lifelong connection between children and the natural world.
Jacob Rodenburg has taught in the field of Outdoor Education for more than 35 years. He is currently the Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, a summer camp and outdoor/environmental education centre. Jacob is an author, frequent keynote speaker, and presenter.
Recently, Jacob won the Robin Dennis Award from the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario in recognition for his “outstanding contributions to the promotion and development of outdoor education in Ontario.” Jacob conceived of and led the creation of an environmental framework for children of all ages to help promote stewardship through each age and phase of a child’s development. Called the Pathway to Stewardship & Kinship www.pathwayproject.ca, this approach to environmental education helps provide children with the experiences they need in order to become future stewards.
Thursday, June 4, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Cornerview YMCA Child Care
11 Park Ave.
St. Thomas, ON, N5R 4V4
FREE
Registration closes on Thursday, May 28 at 12:00 PM
* Ticket types are based on the county you WORK in.