Forest Play with Dave Verhulst REGISTRATION CLOSED

Saturday October 21, 2023

10am-3pm

Edworthy Park Calgary

$80.00 + GST

Funding approval for ECEs pending

Rediscover your childlike passion for the world and join us for a fun day of exploring nature and building connections. Grounded in the rhythms of the natural world, Forest Play is a successful outdoor program running in Canmore for 12 years. In this experiential session, Dave will share some of the core elements of the program that help children connect to nature, self, and others.  In this workshop, you will:

  • rediscover a child-like passion for the natural world
  • experience what it is like to participate in a  program based on the Coyote mentoring model
  • be introduced to the natural learning cycle and essential routines that ground and reconnect us with the natural world
  • understanding of how stories can be used to create powerful learning experiences.
dave 2021

Dave believes the natural world is one of our most powerful teachers and mentors. Through sharing stories and experiences in the landscape, he helps children and adults develop a strong connection with themselves and nature. In 2011, he co-founded Forest Play in Canmore based on Forest School models and the 8 Shields Mentoring Model. Over the years, he has developed his own unique leadership style that has been honed through diverse experiences in the private, public and non-profit sectors. With over 20 years professional guiding experience, Dave facilitates programs for children ages 4-14. He also facilitates leadership programs for the Pacific Centre for Leadership, the Banff Centre and has worked as Executive Director of the Interpretive Guides Association and Fire Communications Officer for Banff National Park. He has a Master's Degree in Recreation Management, is an accredited Master Interpretive Guide and is a Wilderness First Responder. Dave is the proud father of 2 girls and enjoys many outdoor adventures with his family.

What educators have said about Dave's workshops.....

Wow. This was a great session. Something about Dave is so captivating. I enjoyed the flow of the session and how he ran different activities. I could FEEL his stories being brought to life when he spoke.

Thank you Dave! Wonder-filled session! Loved it!

Dave was amazing, engaging, and passionate and the session gave us ideas and tools we can use right away in helping our children connect to nature.

Very passionate and knowledgable. The session had a good flow and everyone got a chance to participate.