Nature Retreats and Workshops
Rooted in Wonder Early Years Nature Retreat
Choose an 8 hour day or a 20 hour experience spread over a weekend or 3 week days
Step away from the busy pace of everyday life and return to the wonder of the natural world.
Rooted in Wonder is a professional development workshop and retreat for early childhood educators and parents who want to deepen their connection with nature, cultivate imaginative learning, and bring greater rhythm, movement, and wonder into the early years.
This workshop can be held at the beautiful Apple Blossom Yurts or at an off-site outdoor venue such as a park, garden, or nature area.
Led by Dacia Dauner, an experienced outdoor educator with training in Waldorf pedagogy, this immersive training explores ways to nurture children's innate sense of wonder and foster a lasting relationship with the natural world.
Workshop Topics Include: Preserving and instilling wonder in the early years, Imaginative play as a pathway to ecological literacy, The importance of movement in early childhood, Land as our teacher, Creating daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms, Wonder journals and sit spots, Seasonal foods, activities, and experiences, and Preparing children and educators for changing weather and outdoor learning in every season.
Training includes Tai Chi, Yoga, or Sound Healing. This workshop can be designed as a one day experience or as a weekend retreat, beginning Friday evening and concluding Sunday evening, or as a three-day workshop during the work week, scheduled to meet your group's needs.
Come experience the beauty and peacefulness of the yurts, reconnect with the land, and revive your own sense of wonder.
One Day Retreat for Educators
Learning with the Land: A Day at the Yurts
An 8-hour experiential professional development workshop and retreat exploring the practice and purpose of learning outdoors. Choose your season and book a day at the Yurts or a day at an outdoor venue provided by your organization.
Led by Dacia Dauner, an experienced outdoor educator with training in Waldorf pedagogy, this one-day retreat invites elementary educators and nature-based practitioners to explore the foundations of outdoor learning while experiencing adaptable activities that can be brought directly into nature spaces within programs and schools.
Step outside and reconnect with the land as a place of learning, relationship, and renewal. Together, we will explore what outdoor learning is, why teaching outside matters, and how the natural world can become an active partner in learning. Through discussion, movement, and hands-on experiences, participants will develop a deeper understanding of how to create intentional learning experiences outdoors.
Topics include: Exploring the value of outdoor learning and the many ways that time outside can support curiosity, creativity, and wellbeing, Setting Up for Success & Risk Assessment, Practical strategies for preparing for the weather, Creating safe and engaging outdoor learning environments, Land as Teacher, Seasonal Curriculum, and 3 foundational practices for outdoor learning: Rhythm, Reciprocity & Relationship
The day will be filled with a variety of hands on activities that can be adapted for different ages, settings, and seasons. Examples: the practice of Sit Spots, nature art, and a guided hike or garden walk.
Throughout the retreat, participants will have opportunities to experience outdoor learning rather than simply talk about it. Time will be woven between conversation, hands-on activities, movement, and quiet observation. Yoga, Tai Chi, or Sound Healing will be included in our day.
Speaking Engagements and consulting
Now booking speaking engagements & consultations
What if childhood had more room to breathe?
Looking for inspiration on your journey as a Nature Educator? Come hear the story behind Apple Blossom Village—how it began, what it means to hold school in yurts, and what becomes possible when we create spaces where children can slow down, explore, and simply be.
Dacia is a 2026–27 Minnesota Initiators Fellow with more than 20 years of experience working with children and families, including 10 years of teaching children outdoors.
Through her warm, relatable, and inspiring story, Dacia shares the joys, challenges, and lessons learned along the way—inviting educators, parents, and leaders to reconnect with the magic of childhood and imagine new ways to nurture it.
Leave inspired to slow down, think differently, and create spaces where children can experience freedom, wonder, and connection to the natural world.
Click HERE to explore more options for Shorter Workshops and Afternoon Retreats