ROOTED
A Three-Day Gathering for Women in Outdoor Education
Harness the Transformative Power of the Autumn Equinox!
September 19, 20 & 21
Join us for a transformative three-day retreat designed exclusively for women in the field of nature-based education.
ROOTED is more than a conference — it’s a soul-filling, heart-healing experience that honors the wisdom of women, the power of community, and the replenishing force of nature.
Together, we’ll deepen our collective knowledge of outdoor play, experiential learning, and nature-based education through hands-on workshops, panel discussions, shared meals, and immersive time in the wild.
This gathering is about connection —
to the land, to each other, and to the calling that brought us to this work in the first place.
Come to be rewilded.
Come to be replenished.
Come to be rooted
Return to your communities renewed, inspired, and ready to serve with fresh intention.
🌿 Conference Highlights 🌿
16 inspiring session topics to choose from, led by passionate leaders, mothers, environmental educators & program directors.
Hands-on forest free play time to explore and engage with niche forest school concepts
Campfire conversations and community connection under the stars
Retreat-like elements of morning yoga, evening breath work, sunset sound bath, painting, and guided nature walks to begin and end your day grounded
Farm-to-fire meals featuring nourishing, local, seasonal ingredients
Rustic cabin and tent camping in a secluded longleaf pine forest or the option to commute daily
This retreat is intentionally designed for women who feel called to connect, grow, and lead through nature:
Mothers seeking confidence, inspiration, and joy as they explore backyards and local parks — whether they’re creating a magical childhood for their little ones or rediscovering adventure for themselves.
Homeschooling mothers ready to bring education outdoors with practical tools, fresh ideas, more confidence and a supportive community.
Program and school directors looking to empower their teams and deepen their organization’s commitment to outdoor learning.
Aspiring nature school founders preparing to launch their own programs and looking for guidance, encouragement, and clarity in the next steps.
Seasoned nature-based educators commitment to lifelong learning, community building, and mentoring the next generation of outdoor leaders.
If your heart beats for wild spaces, child-led wonder, and authentic connection—this retreat was made for you.
Featured Leaders
At ROOTED, we believe in building constellations — not just contacts. Our speakers are more than presenters; they are storytellers, mentors, and fellow travelers on this path of nature-based education.
This is a space to cultivate a living, breathing ecosystem of mutual support, where we learn from one another’s experiences, wisdom, joys, and even failures. A place to collaborate, share ideas, lend tools, ask meaningful questions, and grow deeply rooted in purpose and community.
Each of these women brings a unique spark — and together, they ignite a collective fire.
Session topics to choose from:
A Look at the Nordic Model of Education
Behind the Scenes: Hiring, Insurance, Marketing & More for Outdoor Programs
Exploring with 4H: Learning Through Head, Heart, Hands & Health
Fire Basics: A Guided (Hands-on) Exploration of the Fire Triangle
Gardening with Children
Forest School for the Neuro-Spicy Kiddo: Appreciating the Benefits and Addressing the Challenges
Mama, look at the moon! Creating cherished memories as a whole family under every full moon
Outdoor Spaces That Inspire: Simple Ways to Support Children’s Growth
Play – the keystone element for optimal development: How an underappreciated childhood occupation is the overlooked developmental powerhouse for future success through a sensory motor and developmental lens
Playful Inquiry
Raising the Brave: Risk, Resilience & the Power of Play
Sandhills Specialties: Flora, Fauna & Forest Trails
Snakes of NC: From Fear to Fascination
The Healing Power of Animals in Education
The Cedarsong Way is generously offering a FREE online Foundations Training Course to all ROOTED attendees! ($125 value) This self-paced course introduces the heart of The Cedarsong Way Pedagogy, exploring their educational philosophy, core principles, and the many benefits of forest kindergarten and nature immersion programs. Thoughtfully designed to be both flexible and enriching, the course includes engaging readings, videos, hands-on activities, and a Learning Guide filled with meaningful reflection prompts. For those looking to deepen their experience, an optional one-hour mentorship session with a Cedarsong Way mentor is available via Zoom for an additional fee.
NOURISH
Farm 2 Fire Nourishing Meal Ticket Option
Gather around the fire and share in the magic of meals prepared in an off-grid woodland kitchen. At ROOTED, we believe food is more than fuel — it’s a moment of connection, nourishment, and inspiration. This experience is designed to highlight the many beautiful ways we can eat outdoors with children, even in the most rustic settings.
Some meals will be lovingly catered using seasonal ingredients from local farms, while others will invite participants to join in — finishing preparations, lending a hand at the fire, or squeezing fresh juice together. Whether you're stirring a pot of soup over an open flame or slicing apples at a picnic table, you’ll be part of something simple and soul-filling.
Come hungry — for food, connection, and the joy of cooking outdoors.
3 Ways to Experience the ROOTED Conference
Whether you're craving quiet solitude, cozy connection, or the comfort of home each night, ROOTED offers three thoughtful accommodation options to match your unique rhythm and retreat needs:
🌿 1) Commuting from Home
For local attendees or those who prefer to sleep in their own beds, commuting is a simple and flexible option. You’ll have full access to the weekend’s workshops, meals, and gatherings — just head home to rest and return refreshed each day.
🛏️ 2) Shared Open-Air Cabins
Reconnect with nature — and community — in our cozy, off-grid cabins. These open-air structures have no electricity, heat, or A/C, but offer an immersive way to rest in rhythm with the natural world.
Each wooden-framed bunk bed includes a cot, mosquito net, and light bedding (first come, first served). We encourage you to bring extra layers for warmth and comfort.
There are four cabins total, sleeping between 4 and 12 guests each.
All cabins are within walking distance of an indoor bathroom and shower house with several private stalls. For a more rustic option, guests can enjoy a private outdoor shower and a covered toothbrushing station under the trees.
⛺ 3) Tent Camping
For those who prefer solitude or a deeper connection with the land, bring your own tent and bedding and choose a peaceful spot in our designated tent camping area, just beyond the main gathering space.
Campers have the same access to indoor bathroom and shower facilities, plus optional use of the outdoor shower and toothbrushing station for a truly rewilded experience.
While ROOTED offers an immersive, off-grid experience, all attendees will have access to a modern, accessible bathroom just a short walk from the main gathering area. This facility includes flush toilets, four private shower stalls, and electric lighting for use after sunset.
For those craving an even more rewilded experience, an outdoor shower and a covered toothbrushing station are also available beneath the trees — allowing you to begin and end your day in connection with nature.
ROOTED Scholarship Opportunity
We are honored to offer five academic and financial aid scholarships to support attendees in joining our ROOTED conference experience.
Application Deadline: June 30
Award Announcements: July 11
All applications will be thoughtfully reviewed by our scholarship committee. We encourage passionate educators, caregivers, and outdoor advocates to apply.
July UPDATE: We were able to award 7 scholarship opportunities due to additional anonymous donors. Thank you to the those individuals in the community for quietly supporting what you believe in, without seeking recognition.
