Experiences and Events that have shaped us

Daniel Burton and Trudi Bennett, Educated by Nature’s Co-Directors, believe in the importance of experiential learning, not only for the children who enrol in their programs but also for themselves and their staff. They intentionally invest a substantial amount of time and energy visiting like-minded professionals to be inspired by their settings, programs and research. Daniel and Trudi are excited to have attended and presented at a number of international, national and local conferences and workshops. The following is a list of the places they have gained experience in their careers as educators.

2017

Art of Mentoring, California

Daniel attended a 7 day retreat camp, training in The Art of Mentoring Cultural Mentoring program and assisted as a staff member on the teen 2 night Rites of Passage, Wilderness Trek.

Nature Play WA - Children and Nature Conference 2017

Perth, Australia 

Daniel & Trudi presented Keynote Presentation, ‘A Teacher's Balancing Act’ 

Daniel & Trudi presented a breakout session as Nature Play WA Conusltants "A Kickstart to Outdoor Learning"

Amber and Aimee attended as participants.

Art of Mentoring Leadership: Foundations of Cultural Mentoring

Fortnightly group mentoring calls with Jon Young and the 8 Shields Team

Daniel and Trudi are active members and participants of this group.

Nature Play WA - Is It Worth the Risk? Benefits of Risk in Outdoor Play with Adam Bienenstock 

Perth, Australia

Daniel presented, ‘The Power to Transform: Using tools to develop independence and resilience.’

Early Years Education Society 2017 Conference

Perth, Australia

Daniel presented, ‘The Power to Transform: Using tools to develop independence and resilience.’

Steve Biddulph’s 2017 Perth Tour - The Secret of Happy Children

Perth, Australia

Daniel and Aimee attended as participants.

Malarkey’s Second National Play and Playwork Conference

Melbourne, Australia

Daniel and Trudi presented breakout session, ‘Sensory Risk Taking: More than just the five senses.’

2016

Inspired EC - Pedagogy in Nature Conference with Juliet Robertson

Perth, Australia

Trudi attended as a participant.

Nature Play WA - Children and Nature Conference 2016

Perth, Australia 

Daniel presented concurrent session, ‘Sensory Risk Taking: More than just the five senses.’ Jess, Claire and Aimee attended as participants.

International Association of Pedagogues Conference 2016

Scotland, United Kingdom

Trudi presented, ‘Jellyfish, Chicken Poo and Fish Guts: A sensory exploration of animal anatomy.’ Trudi also visited:

Cowgate Under Fives Early Childhood Centre - Nature Pedagogy, Edinburgh

Auchlone Nature Kindergarten - Founded by Claire Warden, Perthshire

Early Years Education Society 2016 Conference

Perth, Australia

Trudi and Daniel presented breakout session ‘Sensory Risk Taking: More than just the five senses.’

Nature Pedagogy Conference - with Rusty Keeler and Nikki Buchan

Perth, Australia

Daniel and Trudi attended as participants.

USA Study Tour

In August of 2016, Trudi and Daniel embarked upon a self-directed, five week study tour of nature connection programs and adventure playgrounds across the USA. 

IslandWood (Ben Klasky) - Outdoor Learning Centre, Bainbridge Island, Seattle

NatureBridge - Outdoor Learning Centre, Olympics National Park, Washington

Wolf Camp and the Conservation College - Lake Sammamish, Seattle

Wilderness Awareness School - Nature Connection and Survival Skills School, Dauvall

Brightworks (Gever Tulley) - Tinkering School, San Francisco

Nature's Theatre (Lyndsay Dawkins and Jeff Falyn) - Outdoor storytelling, Sacramento

Nature Kids Institute (Kenny Ballentine) - Nature Connection Advocacy and Communication, Sacramento

Berkeley Adventure Playground -  Berkeley, San Francisco

8 Shields (Jon Young) - Art of Mentoring training, Camp Navarro

Ithaca Children's Garden - Anarchy Zone Adventure Playground, Ithaca

Play:Ground and other Adventure Playgrounds -  New York City

2015

Nurture in Nature Conference 2015

Melbourne, Australia

Daniel and Trudi attended as participants.

2013

Nordic Adventure - Connecting Children conference with Nature

Copenhagen, Denmark

Daniel attended as a participant.

Adventure Playgrounds and Nature Based Schools Study Tour with Svane Frode

Berlin, Germany

Daniel attended as a participant.

Bold Park Community School

Classroom & Specialist Teachers.

Trudi and Daniel worked at Bold Park Community School for a combined 17 years, in that time they attended weekly Professional Development sessions as a whole staff, presented at and attended several conferences (both in house and external) and gained valuable experience in a Nature Based, Reggio inspired educational setting, under the guidance of founding Principal - Gillian McAuliffe.