Projects and Programs
Tracks are not just physical entities left behind on the ground. We also leave 'tracks' on each other as we build relationships and memories. The more thoughtful we are about where we leave our tracks, the more positive our connections with others and the natural world can be.
About TRACKS
Three passionate educators, Caylin Gans, Landere Naisbitt, and Emily Champigny, started Tracks Forest School and Outdoor Learning in January 2018 with the mission to deliver Forest School programming for children and young people. We partnered with local nonprofits and public schools to create weekend, after-school, and school-based programs for 5 to 13 year olds. The work has since evolved from direct program delivery, to consultancy and mentorship for teachers to build the skills and capacity to deliver programs themselves, to designing resources, workshops, and webinars for adults to inspire and enable others to do this work too.
When Tracks first started we were graduate students in Environmental Education at Antioch University New England in Keene, New Hampshire, USA. Since graduating in 2019 our passions have led us to new opportunities and places. Despite physical distance from each other and the move away from direct on the ground programming for children (at least for now), we are continuing to collaborate on various projects including resource development, workshops, and courses for adults interested in Forest School. So the momentum started by Tracks is continuing and evolving.
This website is a space to find out more about our past and current projects, access information and resources, and hopefully feel inspired to learn more about a Forest School approach (just like we do every day!). We hope you enjoy exploring, learning, and most of all playing alongside us as we work towards building strong connections with ourselves, each other, and the natural world.
Please get in touch if you want to learn more about our work and to discuss any interests in collaboration! You can also view our Facebook page for more information about our projects and programs.
Meet The Tracks Team
Caylin Gans
Caylin Gans has a passion for nature-based, experiential, and holistic approaches to education and 10 years of experience working with people of all ages in a variety of outdoor settings, including national parks, nature centers, educational farms, and city parks. Caylin spent 4 years living in the UK from 2013 to 2017 where she trained and worked as a Forest School Leader, delivering programs for toddlers, elementary, and middle school-aged children, including those with learning differences. Caylin has an MS in Environmental Education from Antioch University New England and is currently living in Ottawa, Canada. She's happiest being outdoors and has an unusual love of rainy weather!
Landere Naisbitt
Landere Naisbitt grew up roaming the woods, fields, and waters of coastal Maine which inspired a love for the land that she is passionate about sharing with others. For the past 10 years Landere has worked in the field of education in various capacities: public school, Waldorf and homeschooling programs, and outdoor learning including, farm-based education, summit stewarding, and forest school. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine and a masters in Environmental Studies and Education from Antioch University, New England. She is currently employed by Blue Hill heritage Trust as their Outreach Coordinator. Plants, poetry, and jellyfish are three of her favorite things.
Emily Champigny
Emily Champigny is passionate about connecting people to the natural world around them. She grew up on the north shore of Massachusetts, spending most of her time outside with family and friends. She has an undergraduate degree in Biology and a Master’s of Science in Environmental Education. Emily has experience working with people of all ages in various settings including state parks, schools, mountain summits, summer camps, and nature based programs. You can almost always find her hiking, swimming, gardening, or eating pizza. She currently lives in Springfield, MA with her dog Rocky.
Projects & Resources
Find out more about past projects and resources created and delivered through Tracks
