This workshop explores common barriers that impact parents' and practitioners' ability to engage in outdoor play with their students or children. Many caregivers and educators understand the benefits of time in nature; translating that knowledge into practice remains a challenge. Rather than offering “tips and tricks,” this session introduces gamification as a strategy for creating lifestyle changes. Discover how the use of challenges, rewards, storytelling, and more, can spark lasting lifestyle change. Collaborate with peers to design your own gamified tool, ready to use in your classroom or home.
What happens when original storytelling and live animals travel from the North Carolina Zoo to libraries across the state? This summer, we found out and measured it. We'll share the successes and honest challenges of our 2026 Summer Library Program alongside a practical evaluation framework for assessing environmental empathy and stewardship identity, one you can adapt for your own informal EE setting.
Through stories of Black environmental leaders, explorers, scientists, and outdoor pioneers, participants will explore ways to foster belonging in nature-based education. This interactive session introduces a “Nature Heroes Passport” framework that combines picture books, outdoor exploration, literacy, and stewardship activities to support inclusive environmental education across classrooms, camps, libraries, and community programs.
