Calendar of events

Upcoming Samara events, workshops, & speaking engagements

Interested in scheduling Dr. Rachel A. Larimore for an event? Learn more here.

The Grove Drop-in Community Conversation with Rachel
Nov
19

The Grove Drop-in Community Conversation with Rachel

The Drop-in Community Conversation is a one hour session where Rachel (and some of your peers!) are available on Zoom. This is your opportunity to exchange ideas, ask questions, and engage in casual discussions with colleagues and Rachel at a time that suits you!

This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.

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The Grove Drop-in Community Conversation with Rachel
Dec
3

The Grove Drop-in Community Conversation with Rachel

The Drop-in Community Conversation is a one hour session where Rachel (and some of your peers!) are available on Zoom. This is your opportunity to exchange ideas, ask questions, and engage in casual discussions with colleagues and Rachel at a time that suits you!

This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.

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Preschool Naturally: An outdoor & nature-based learning campference
Jun
4
to Jun 6

Preschool Naturally: An outdoor & nature-based learning campference

We are excited to co-host this event for preschool educators! This conference, in a camp-like setting, will be a chance to dig deep into practice through theory and hands-on workshops. Workshops will be led Dr. Rachel Larimore (Samara’s founder), Ferncliff Nature Preschool staff, and A-State Childhood Services staff.

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The Grove Focused Call: From Disengaged to Active Ally: How to Engage Families in Nature-based Education
Oct
16

The Grove Focused Call: From Disengaged to Active Ally: How to Engage Families in Nature-based Education

Families are essential partners in young children’s learning and development–even in nature-based education programs. Yet creating a successful partnership with families is easier said than done! In this 1-hour webinar Rachel will challenge you to consider the various ways you engage families throughout the year around the nature-based teaching approach.

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The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Oct
1

The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel

Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education, or receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!

This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.

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2024 IPA Conference
Sep
25
to Sep 28

2024 IPA Conference

Join us for the 2024 IPA conference in Greenville, SC! Continuing their quest to celebrate and promote child’s play, the 2024 conference will consist of 4 full days of learning, exploring, connection, and inspiration.

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The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Sep
17

The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel

Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education, or receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!

This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.

View Event →
The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Aug
22

The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel

Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education, or receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!

This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.

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Natural Start Alliance's Nature-based Early Learning Conference
Jul
31
to Aug 3

Natural Start Alliance's Nature-based Early Learning Conference

  • Portland Mariott Downtown Waterfront (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join hundreds of professionals around the globe for the Nature-Based Early Learning Conference, hosted by the Natural Start Alliance. Explore the role of nature and education in promoting healing, addressing injustice, and helping children, families, communities, and the planet thrive.

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The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Jul
9

The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel

Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education, or receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!

This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.

View Event →
The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Jun
27

The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel

Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education, or receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!

This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.

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The Grove Focused Call: Nurturing brain development using nature and classroom design with Dr. Kathryn Murray
Jun
12

The Grove Focused Call: Nurturing brain development using nature and classroom design with Dr. Kathryn Murray

Designing spaces that calm the brain and embrace the sense of safety, emotional connections between people and objects and opportunities to think, imagine, wonder, and learn are dependent on the environment we create. The environment shapes us and we shape the environment to enable rich, playful learning to happen naturally. This session will provide an overview of the Brain-SET Environments Formula, a revolutionary pedagogy being implemented around the world.

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Free to Play Summit
May
18
to May 20

Free to Play Summit

Join us for a complete training on how to talk to parents, colleagues and administrators about play, behavior, and more. You’ll learn to speak powerfully to the brain science and benefits of play and how play nurtures children’s self-regulation, socialization, and focus. And it’s FREE!

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Nature-Based Emergent Curriculum: The Power of Place for Planning (Webinar)
May
16

Nature-Based Emergent Curriculum: The Power of Place for Planning (Webinar)

This edWebinar will first explore the fundamental principles of the nature-based approach. Then, Dr. Rachel Larimore will explore how we can live these principles in day-to-day teaching practices—especially if the goal is an emergent curriculum rooted in play and children’s interests. By focusing on the seasonal events that occur in our local place in the world, we can intentionally integrate nature into teaching practice—no matter our current situation.

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The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
May
15

The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel

Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education, or receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!

This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.

View Event →
Ohio’s Annual AEYC Conference (2024)
Apr
25
to Apr 27

Ohio’s Annual AEYC Conference (2024)

Join thousands of educators from Ohio, across the nation, and around the globe for an extraordinary experience at the foremost event tailored for early childhood educators, directors, and advocates! Samara’s Chief Visionary, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore, will be presenting two concurrent sessions at this year’s conference!

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The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Apr
23

The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel

Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education. This is also a place to receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal and relaxed sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!

This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.

View Event →
The Grove Focused Call: Adults with ADHD and Neurodiverse Characteristics: How Do I Support My Staff… and Myself?
Apr
17

The Grove Focused Call: Adults with ADHD and Neurodiverse Characteristics: How Do I Support My Staff… and Myself?

We know how to serve the children. How about the adults? After this call, you will be ready to clearly recognize and assist staff who have ADHD and neurodiverse characteristics. See how to approach ADHD and neurodiversity not as a problem but an invitation. Walk away with specific tools to enhance the learning environment for everyone! Join us as we gain valuable insights from “The ADHD Whisperer” Rachel B. Selig, M.Ed. Rachel is passionate about removing barriers and supporting inclusivity for adults with ADHD, and neurodiverse characteristics.

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The power of place for planning
Apr
5

The power of place for planning

This workshop, with a mix of presentation and small group work, will focus using the seasons and features of our place in the world to plan for children’s learning. We’ll discuss teacher-led activities as well as materials to include for children’s free play.

This is a private professional development workshop. If you’d like to experience a similar workshop, click here for our speaking services or check out our on-demand workshops.

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The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Mar
27

The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel

Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education. This is also a place to receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal and relaxed sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!

This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.

View Event →
Nature-Based Learning: Inspiring & Supporting Staff to Help Children Learn with Nature
Mar
6

Nature-Based Learning: Inspiring & Supporting Staff to Help Children Learn with Nature

This webinar, designed to support program leaders and administrators, will briefly share the core principles of a nature-based approach and a Trail Map for Leading Change toward that approach. With that common language established, Rachel will focus on the steps to support your team to make the shift to a nature-based approach—and keep them happy and inspired along the way.

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Planning Emergent Curriculum in the Nature-based Classroom
Mar
4

Planning Emergent Curriculum in the Nature-based Classroom

This workshop will explore what we can plan for in implementing nature-based emergent curriculum while also recognizing the parts of emergent curriculum for which we cannot plan.

This is a private professional learning workshop. If you’d like to experience a similar workshop, click here for our speaking services or check out our on-demand workshops.

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