Rooted In Nature: Transforming outdoor education with Erin Carroll of DPS Outdoor Learning

Life in Motion

In this episode, we chat with Erin Carroll, the Outdoor Learning Specialist at Durham Public Schools Outdoor Learning. Erin shares her journey from growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina, to becoming a passionate advocate for outdoor education. Her childhood summers spent at camp in Maine, disconnected from technology and immersed in nature, sparked her interest in environmental and wildlife sciences, eventually becoming an elementary school teacher.
Now as the Outdoor Learning Specialist at DPS, Erin facilitates professional development sessions for teachers, encouraging them to start with simple outdoor activities like reading under a tree or observing local wildlife. But it doesn't stop there. The diverse spectrum of outdoor education in Durham Public Schools, includes everything from nature walks to financial literacy through camping trips, tailored to meet each teacher's comfort level and students' needs.
If you've ever wondered how you can foster a culture of outdoor education, while empowering students to connect with nature through learning experiences, then this one's for you!
Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.
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