About this event
Interested in connecting with fellow educators?
The Early Childhood Hoosiers Outdoors (ECHO) Network is designed to support education practitioners wanting to get students into outdoor learning settings. We meet on the second Monday of odd months at 4 pm by zoom.
Join us to explore how Bowers School Farm serves as a powerful educational resource and community hub. Discover how the farm’s programs foster hands-on learning, from agriculture and animal care to nature exploration, while creating meaningful connections among students, families, and educators. Learn about the unique ways the farm is integrated into everyday learning, enriching academic experiences and nurturing a sense of community rooted in shared growth and curiosity.
Bios:
- Brooke holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum from Michigan State University, along with a Nature-Based Early Childhood Certificate from Antioch University New England. She works for Bloomfield Hills Schools as the Education Specialist at Bowers School Farm and Johnson Nature Center. She serves in multiple leadership and advocacy roles, including on the policy leadership team for the Michigan Children & Nature Coalition. Her recent publications include Planting the Seeds for Nature-Based Learning (2020) in the NAAEE International Journal for Early Childhood Environmental Education and contributions to The Sky Above and the Mud Below: Lessons from Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens (2020) by David Sobel. Brooke Larm is dedicated to helping students and the community thrive by creating equitable, high-quality educational and recreational opportunities in outdoor and agricultural environments.
- Megan is an experienced outdoor educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts from Central Michigan University, specializing in Outdoor and Environmental Recreation. With a certification in Community Composting from the Institute for Self-Reliance and training as an Adventure Education Facilitator, Megan has a strong foundation in using the outdoors as a dynamic classroom. Her work focuses on fostering environmental stewardship, leadership, and personal development through hands-on, adventure-based learning. Dedicated to creating impactful experiences in nature, Megan believes in the power of the outdoors to inspire growth, build resilience, and connect individuals to the world around them.
The purpose of this network includes:
- A group of peers: Connecting educators and administrators for support, guidance, encouragement, troubleshooting, etc.
- A common space for sharing resources and best practices
- Opportunities for professional development
- Shared advocacy and continuing education around nature-based programs
- Program observation
- and more!
The network was inspired by a surge of interest in program formats such as Nature Preschools, Forest Kindergartens, and Forest Schools; however, it is an inclusive group for those working with young children in any format. Our interests center on developmentally-appropriate educational opportunities for children in outdoor settings, whether in the woods, on the prairie, or in the schoolyard.
We want this network to be dynamic and responsive to emerging needs of participants. We encourage you to join us on this journey of mutual exploration and learning!