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Erica Hermsen

@theforestschooler

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Preserving childhood through nature connection, play, and slow schooling
🌲 Founder of @everwildforestschool & @outdoorlearningalliance

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We are now accepting nominations for our Hope Through Connection Giveaway. Nomination forms and additional details can be found on our website. Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your friends, family, and community.

While we hope this giveaway provides moments of connection, comfort, and joy for a deserving family, we also recognize the profound loss that makes a nomination possible. We hold space for both the hope and the heartbreak, and it is our honor to support bereaved families in this small way. 🩵🪽#treasurevalleygiveaway #boisenonprofit #idahononprofit #childlossawareness #griefsupport

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Starting this evening, our Executive Director will embark on a 4-part online virtual workshop series called “Adopting the Benefits of Forest Schools into your Teaching Practice” 🌳

Hosted by the @outdoorlearningschoolandstore, this exciting weekly professional learning series is designed for educators and program leaders who want to integrate meaningful, evidence based outdoor learning into real world, educational settings - whether they’re enhancing a classroom, leading a program, or building something new.

🦋 4 x 60 minute sessions
🦋 June 3, 10, 17, 24
🦋 4pm PST / 7pm EST

Register at www.outdoorlearning.com.

Sessions will be recorded and made available to registrants the day after the live session for those who can’t attend live.

We hope to see you tonight!

#outdoorlearning #forestschool #natureschool #environmentaleducation #placebasededucation

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📣 Before you start shopping for insurance, read this!

If you’re starting a forest or nature school, you’ll need general liability insurance (at a minimum). Most insurance providers are unfamiliar with forest schools, which can make it tricky for them to identify the proper coverage for your business. ⚠️

Insurance companies base their coverage options on the level of risk associated with your business category. Your business category is determined based on a standardized coding system known as the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

For example, the NAICS code for businesses that operate as recreational and vacation camps is 721214, while the NAICS code for child daycare businesses is 624410.

The level of assumed risk and liability is different for each code, and informs the type of policy the insurance company provides (including cost).

There are over 1000 codes, making it a complex and challenging system to navigate 📖

Further complicating the issue is the fact that most insurance companies are not familiar with forest schools, making it harder for them to understand which code best describes your business. 🤷 This may lead to insurance companies rejecting your inquiry or assigning an inappropriate code to your business (leading to improper coverage or higher premiums).

So, before you go shopping for insurance coverage, do your best to narrow down your NAICS codes to 2-5 possibilities so your potential provider has a place to start. ✨

It’s important to have a good relationship with your insurance agent so they thoroughly understand your business activities and what code might best describe what you do, so that you can get the appropriate coverage to protect your dream!

#forestschool #natureschool #outdoorschool #forestschooling #forestschoolleader #natureschooling #wildschooling #everwildforestschool #nationaloutdoorlearningalliance

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✨ Join the exclusive Forest School Masterclass, guided by industry expert @theforestschooler, founder of the largest forest school in the country, @everwildforestschool, and the @outdoorlearningalliance ! 🌳

Enrollment for this highly anticipated masterclass is now OPEN, and the class is filling up! 🎉 If you aspire to launch a forest or nature school, this course equips you with the essential tools to turn your passion into action. 🦋

Course Details:
🌳 Duration: February 5th - March 1st, 2024
🌳 4 self-paced online modules released every Monday
🌳 4 virtual live sessions featuring an expert panel every Friday
🌳 Access to 10+ business templates and guides
🌳 Topics cover strategic planning, financial management, market analysis, insurance & compliance, program development, hiring & training, marketing, client services, sustainable growth, and MORE!

Visit OutdoorLearningAlliance.org to discover more and enroll. Limited space available, so secure your spot today and nurture your dream! 🌱

#ForestSchool #NatureEducation #OutdoorLearning #WildSchooling #NatureBasedEducation #natureschool

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✨FOREST SCHOOL MASTERCLASS✨

We’re thrilled to announce that enrollment for the long-awaited Forest School Masterclass is now OPEN!! 🎉

If you dream of starting a forest or nature school, this course is for you. With it, you’ll have the tools you need to put your passion into action 🦋

Course Overview
🌳 Runs from February 5th - March 1st 2024
🌳 4 self-paced online modules (6+hrs of content)
🌳 4 virtual live sessions with expert panel
🌳 10+ business templates, guides, & checklists
🌳 Topics include: strategic planning, financial management, market analysis, insurance & compliance, program development, hiring & training, marketing, client services, sustainable growth, and so MUCH MORE!

Visit OutdoorLearningAlliance.org to learn more/enroll.

Space is limited so enroll today to secure your spot and get your dream growing! 🌱

#forestschool #natureschool #forestkindergarten #naturepreschool #natureschooling #naturebasededucation #outdoorlearning #wildschooling #forestschooling #forestschoolleader #forestschoolteacher #natureschoolteacher #naturebased #homeschooling #outdooreducation #placebasededucation #outdoorschool

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“There is no Wi-Fi in the forest, but I promise you will find a better connection.” #naturewalks🌿 #naturelover #forestwalk

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We need your help! 🌟 Our goal is to raise $2,500!

@outdoorlearningalliance is the nonprofit dedicated to providing support and resources for meaningful outdoor education, including our school @everwildforestschool and we rely on your generosity. 🌳

Because of you, we have made a significant impact. 🙌

🌿 Students enrolled in @everwildforestschool programs delight in a total of 22,500 hours outdoors annually.

🌈 Our No School Nature Day program offers over 400 hours of outdoor experiences to K-2nd grade students in public and charter schools.

🦋 We have awarded over $15,000 in scholarship aid to children, enabling their participation in outdoor learning programs.

✏️ 60 educators have received free, industry-leading professional development training

Your support makes a real difference! 🌟 Join us in creating a lasting impact on outdoor education. Donate today and help us continue our mission. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey! 💙

Make a donation at the link in our bio 🔗 or visit www.everwildforestschool.org/donate

🎥 Nature shots of Boise filled by @therealjoshuadavid

#givealittlenature #forestschool #givingtuesday #idahononprofit #outdoorsensoryplay

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Introducing NOLA’s Virtual Networking Series – an exclusive platform for National Outdoor Learning Alliance (NOLA) members. 🐛🦋🐞

Join us for live webinars, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to enhance your outdoor education journey. 🌱

Key Features:

💻 Live Webinars and Panels: Engage with experts, share ideas, and stay updated on outdoor education trends.

🙋‍♀️ Interactive Q&A: Ask questions, seek advice, and connect with experts.

⭐️ Networking: Build lasting connections with like-minded educators.

Join us for our first Virtual Networking event led by @theforestschooler on November 18th and be a part of our community dedicated to outdoor learning excellence. Connect, learn, and thrive with NOLA!

🌲 Become a member today to get access to our virtual networking series: outdoorlearningalliance.org/membership

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When children are in an environment where they feel

✅ safe and connected
✅ have freedom to start and stop when they like
✅ have the time to observe others and day dream

They develop increased security to try new things and edge out of their comfort zone.

A group setting may give children the opportunity to witness others in a dynamic environment and adapt their own physical performance.

👀 "Mirror neurons in our brain respond to the actions we observe in others."

🧠"These mirror neurons fire in the same way we actually create that action in ourselves."

🤸‍♀️"They are responsible for a myriad of sophisticated behaviors and thought processes."

J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2012 Jul-Dec; 3(2): 118–124.
doi: 10.4103/0976-9668.101878

#mudkitchen #mudkitchenideas #sensoryplay #earlylearning #earlyeducation #earlyed #daycare #daycareteacher #daycareprovider #kinder #kindergartenteacher #prek #prekteachers #prekteachersofinstagram #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapyassistant #ot #ota #nature #playoutside #playmatters #sensoryplayideas #sensoryprocessingdisorder #sensoryintegration #boisemom

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🎉 Congratulations to our Founder and Executive Director for being honored as one of Idaho's Women of the Year! 🎉

This esteemed recognition honors women leaders who have made a lasting impact in their communities, while also forging a path for current and future leaders.

Erica's steadfast commitment to the organization, her community, and her family is truly extraordinary. Her ceaseless endeavors have made a lasting impression, molding a world where empowered women support one another, and where leadership goes beyond mere success to make a meaningful impact. ✨We are so proud of you!

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Congratulations to Erica Hermsen, Founder and Executive Director of EverWild Forest School, who is recognized as one of the Idaho Business Review 2023 Women of the Year!

@ibrnews Women of the Year list consists of 50 Idaho women who are inspirational leaders paving the way for the future.

Thank you IBR for recognizing the incredible person Erica is and all of the other remarkable women in our communities making a difference.

We couldn't be more proud of you, Erica!

Read the article here: https://idahobusinessreview.com/2023/06/22/ibr-unveils-2023-women-of-the-year/

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Summer Vacation in Garden Valley

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