The Forest School Pedagogy and Instructor Training was carried out in Denizli through the cooperation of Pamukkale University Children and Youth Application and Research Center (PAU Children’s University) and Isparta University of Applied Sciences (ISUBU) Children’s Academy. Theoretical training began on March 23, 2025, and was conducted on April 1, 2026 with a total of 33 participants from professions such as forestry engineers, teachers, and other fields. The 33 participants took part in practical training sessions on April 4 and 5 at PAU Children’s University indoor and outdoor areas, PAU Forest School area, and PAU Botanical Garden area.

The online theoretical courses aimed to provide participants with a multifaceted perspective on the theoretical foundations of nature-based education. Within the scope of the Forest School Pedagogy and Instructor Certificate Program, topics such as forest school approach and pedagogical foundations, nature and human development, ecology, biodiversity, wildlife, and elements of natural life were addressed, while applied topics such as disaster education, risk and safety analysis, learning processes in nature, and activity design were also included. In addition, interdisciplinary content such as biomimicry, ecomusicology, creative writing, and game-based learning enriched the connection between nature and learning. In the final section of the program, sustainability, social responsibility, and assessment and evaluation approaches were addressed, aiming to enable participants to plan forest school practices with a holistic perspective.

The two-day face-to-face practical training process of the Forest School Pedagogy and Instructor Certificate Program consisted of rich and multifaceted activities that enabled participants to directly experience nature-based learning. Starting with morning circles, participants had the opportunity to experience workshop planning processes in line with the Türkiye Century Education Model, camping and survival skills in nature, knot techniques, and risk and safety analysis. While learning environments integrated with nature were supported through activities such as forest bathing, socio-cultural walks, insect observation, and rhythm activities in nature, production-oriented workshops such as paracord bracelet making, art with natural materials, and staff design also added color to the program. On the second day, interdisciplinary activities such as philosophy in nature, tree species identification, orienteering, biomimicry, and creative writing aimed at both cognitive and affective development of participants. Enriched with creative drama, game-based learning, and digital assessment practices, the program concluded with themes of sustainability and wildlife and ended with a closing and certificate ceremony.

PAU Children’s University Director and Faculty of Education member Prof. Dr. Fatma Taşkın Ekici provided the following information about the training: “I would like to especially emphasize that the Forest School approach is not merely about spending time in nature but is based on a strong pedagogical foundation. In this program, participants have the opportunity to address nature-based learning processes within a scientific and pedagogical framework. In our trainings designed in line with the Türkiye Century Education Model; process-oriented learning, game-based activities, interdisciplinary approach, and sustainability are prioritized. The PAU Children’s University educational areas located within the Pamukkale University campus are actively used to provide participants with a real forest school experience. We are very pleased to host participants and trainers from different regions of Türkiye here. Participants not only gain knowledge but also develop their professional competencies by practicing in many areas such as survival skills in nature, camping, biodiversity, disaster awareness, and game-based learning. With the e-Government approved certificate awarded at the end of the training, our trainees are equipped to implement forest school practices in their own provinces. One of the most valuable outcomes of the program is that participants will carry the experiences they gain here to their own educational environments. We thank our university administration and all stakeholders who have always supported us throughout this process.”

ISUBU Children’s Academy Coordinator and Faculty of Forestry member Associate Professor Dr. Yasin Ünal stated: “The new term of our Forest School Trainer Training program is being carried out in Denizli in cooperation with Pamukkale University within PAU Children’s University. This year, our program has been enriched with a holistic structure including both online theoretical courses and two days of intensive practical activities. Teachers and field experts from different cities of Türkiye have the opportunity to experience nature-based learning in a multifaceted way. We are very pleased that this program, which will contribute to raising children as responsible and productive individuals who connect with nature, continues to grow stronger each year.”

In the practical training delivered by expert instructors, participants experiencing different types of educational content during the application process enriches forest school education and provides diversity in practice.