The Outside The Box Podcast

Running a nature- and play-based program comes with beautiful, meaningful work—but also incredibly hard, often invisible decisions. In this episode, we talk about what it really looks like to lead when things feel uncertain, emotional, and high-stakes. From questioning whether a family is the right fit mid-year, to navigating weather cancellations and running out of snow days, to holding firm to policies when your heart wants to bend—this is the side of leadership no one prepares you for. If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing decisions, people-pleasing, or quietly holding the weight of your program alone, this episode will remind you that you’re not doing it wrong—you’re doing the real work of leadership.

Show Notes & Links: Referenced in this episode: Episode 25: Three Steps to Launching Your Nature-Based Program from Scratch The Nature Play Blueprint: 4-Week Intensive Mentorship 1:1 Mentorship with Ade — individualized support for directors, founders, and facilitators Topics covered: Defining and refining your vision Creating systems that support your energy and growth The importance of mentorship and community Why sustainability is more than just funding Ideal for: Nature-based educators, directors, and founders looking to strengthen their foundation and prevent burnout.

🌿 Episode Overview In today’s episode, Ade breaks down a challenge every outdoor educator faces: big emotions in big spaces. While nature is calming, children still bring their full nervous systems outside—and dysregulation can feel even louder in the woods. Ade shares simple, research-backed strategies to help you support children with confidence while also protecting your own peace. You’ll learn why emotions often feel bigger outdoors, what mistakes even seasoned educators make, and the three-step rhythm that helps bring kids (and adults) back to center in wild, unstructured spaces. 🌲 What You’ll Learn Why outdoor environments can amplify big emotions The difference between harsh boundaries and clear boundaries in forest settings Three grounding strategies that work every time How to shrink the learning environment when a child is overwhelmed The power of narrating—not fixing—during emotional moments Common pitfalls that drain educators Why rhythms and routines matter more outdoors than anywhere else ✨ Key Takeaways You can’t co-regulate from a dysregulated nervous system—you go first. Freedom can be beautiful and overwhelming; shrinking the environment helps. Short, simple language reaches dysregulated kids best. Outdoor behavior challenges are normal—and often a sign children finally feel safe enough to release. You deserve systems and support that make this work sustainable. 🎧 Listen If You Are… A nature-based educator or forest school leader A classroom teacher transitioning to outdoor learning A founder of (or dreaming of building) your own nature- or play-based program Someone who wants clearer, calmer days with children outside 🧭 Mentioned in This Episode The Nature Play Blueprint — Ade’s signature mentorship for educators who want to build a sustainable, joy-filled outdoor program with strong rhythms, emotional support tools, and systems that actually work. A supportive path for teachers, assistants, directors, and program founders who don’t want to build their dream alone. 💛 Stay Connected If this episode encouraged you or gave you a strategy you can use this week, please share it with another outdoor educator. It helps more nature programs thrive—and helps others feel less alone in this work.

Episode Summary: Think creating an outdoor classroom has to cost thousands? Think again. In this episode, I’m sharing four practical and budget-friendly ways to design essential outdoor learning spaces—without draining your wallet. From community gathering spots to mud kitchens, art areas, and climbing spaces, you’ll walk away with clear, creative ideas for how to source materials, ask for donations, and make the most of what you already have. This episode is perfect for educators, childcare providers, and leaders who want to bring nature-based learning to life—even on a shoestring budget. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to set up a community/gathering space for free or cheap using secondhand seating and found materials. Ways to create a makerspace with tools, loose parts, and upcycled supplies that spark creativity. How to design a mud kitchen or play kitchen using old cookware, pallets, and donations. Affordable options for gross motor play spaces—from hammocks to climbing setups—without buying expensive equipment. Simple strategies for asking families and your community for support through donations, swaps, and “buy nothing” groups. Why Listen: If you’ve ever felt like budget is the biggest barrier to starting or expanding your outdoor classroom, this episode will give you the inspiration and practical steps to make it happen right now. Resources & Links: Connect with me on Instagram @natureplayallday Join my mentorship program: The Nature Play Blueprint (a 4-week intensive designed to help you create a thriving outdoor classroom with confidence and clarity). This program goes deeper into planning, routines, and communication strategies that make outdoor teaching sustainable—so you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. https://www.natureplayallday.org/nature-play-blueprint

Learn how to implement five simple rhythms to bring more flow, less stress, and more child-centered connection to your outdoor days. Perfect for educators feeling stuck, scattered, or just ready to create more ease in the day. In This Episode: How to structure your day without rigidity Why circle time might actually work long-term Anchoring transitions with real intention Protecting unstructured play time Creating closure that supports regulation Resources Mentioned: 🌿 Nature Play Blueprint Mentorship — A 4-week intensive mentorship for educators and program founders. Build strong rhythms and systems with full support. https://www.natureplayallday.org/nature-play-blueprint ⏰15 Minute Rule- How to gradually build in more time for uninterupted exploration and play.  https://www.natureplayallday.org/signup-3249d9ff-e126-4b5e-8329-87628aa2db8c  

Hidden under that mountain of laundry and dishes in the sink, buried within the catacombs of your to-do list - there's a message for future you. Walk with Ade as she shares how to move through seasons of overwhelm and give action steps on how to make your daily "grind" 5-10% more enjoyable. Hint: the little things are the big things. Tune into episode 24 for more details!

In this episode of The Outside The Box Podcast, we explore how optimizing energy isn’t just about food and movement—but also about sleep. After working with a nutritionist in preparation for USS Nationals, I discovered that despite doing everything “right,” my sleep was the missing piece. Join me as we dive into sleep cycles, daily habits, and how aligning our personal energy affects how we show up in the spaces we share with children. Plus, practical steps to investigate your own energy layers and make sustainable changes. Tune in and start building a more energized, present version of yourself—one layer at a time. UPDATE: Turns out that my percentages aren't too terrible! How about you? Use the link below to learn more about sleep cycles and how much time is recommended to be in each stage. More info on sleep stages and cycles: https://www.simplypsychology.org/sleep-stages.html

No description provided.

In this episode, The Discipline of Freedom: How Structure Sets Us Free in Nature-Based Education, we explore the transformative power of routines and rhythms in outdoor learning. Discover how intentional structure creates safety and trust, empowering children to take risks, explore, and build meaningful connections with the natural world—and with the educators who guide them. Join us as we redefine discipline, not as control, but as the foundation for freedom and growth in nature-based education.   FREE DOWNLOAD: The 15 Minute Rule