Nature and Nurture: An Early Childhood Educator's Whistler Retreat
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Nature and Nurture: An Early Childhood Educator's Whistler Retreat
Friday 26th June 2026 - Sunday 5th July 2026
What's Included:
9 x nights' accommodation - 2 x nights in 3* in Vancouver; 7 x nights in 3* studio apartment in Whistler
Additional Costs:
Flights to YVR - Vancouver
Day 1: Friday - Arrival in Vancouver
Arrival: Arrive at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), then transfer to your hotel for a peaceful first night.
Welcome Dinner: Group dinner at a local restaurant, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Evening Relaxation: Time to relax after travel. Optional self-care activity such as a short walk along the Seawall or a visit to the hotel’s spa.
Welcome Ceremony: Setting intentions for the retreat.
Group Icebreaker Activities: Fun activities to connect with fellow educators.
Evening Workshop:
Discussing Our Why? What Drives Us as Early Childhood Educators
A reflective discussion on the personal and professional motivations behind our work as educators. This session will help participants connect with their purpose and build a sense of community.
Stay in Vancouver.
Day 2: Saturday - Journey to Whistler and Welcome Ceremony
Optional Morning Hike: A 1-hour scenic hike near Vancouver, such as the Seawall Walk, to enjoy the morning outdoors and set a reflective tone.
Morning Breakfast: breakfast before the journey.
Travel to Whistler: Scenic 2-hour drive to Whistler.
Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Whistler, and tour of Whistler town.
Arrival and Check-in: Check-in at the retreat center in Whistler at 3pm
Evening Yoga and Meditation: Gentle session to unwind from the journey.
Group Dinner: Dinner at Whistler restaurant
Stay in Whistler.
Optional Evening Workshop:
Intentional Goal Setting for Educators – Set personal and professional goals for the retreat.
Day 3: Sunday - Building Positive Relationships with Children
Optional Morning Hike: A 1-hour hike through Whistler's stunning nature trails, such as the Whistler Interpretive Forest Trail.
Morning Yoga: Grounding yoga session to start the day.
Workshop: The Foundations of Building Positive Relationships with Children – Learn about attachment, emotional regulation, and trust.
Lunch
Afternoon Session: Strategies for Strengthening Bonds with Children – Practical approaches to creating emotionally safe spaces.
Evening Reflection: Group discussion on relationship-building with children.
Stay in Whistler.
Optional Evening Workshop:
Reflective Journaling for Educators – Techniques for reflective journaling to process and deepen your learning experience.
Day 4: Monday - Understanding Children’s Behaviour
Optional Morning Hike: A 1-hour hike to a scenic lookout point, such as Lost Lake Trail.
Morning Nature Walk: Guided walk through Whistler’s natural landscapes.
Workshop: Understanding and Supporting Children’s Behavior – Explore the root causes of children’s behaviors.
Lunch
Afternoon Session: Tools for Managing Challenging Behaviors – Practical strategies for preventing and transforming challenging behaviors.
Evening Relaxation: Guided meditation or breathing exercises.
Stay in Whistler.
Optional Evening Workshop:
Managing Stress as an Educator – Techniques for handling stress and avoiding burnout in the classroom.
Day 5: Tuesday - Play-Based Learning and Social-Emotional Development
Optional Morning Hike: A 1-hour hike along Cheakamus River to connect with nature.
Morning Yoga: Energizing yoga session to prepare for the day.
Workshop: The Power of Play in Social-Emotional Learning – Learn how play fosters children’s emotional intelligence and communication skills.
Lunch
Afternoon Activity: Hands-on play-based learning session.
Evening Group Sharing: Reflect on the day’s activities and how play supports emotional growth.
Stay in Whistler.
Optional Evening Workshop:
Creative Play-Based Activities for the Classroom – Explore creative and simple play-based activities to enhance social-emotional skills.
Day 6: Wednesday - Relaxation and Reflection Day
Optional Morning Hike: A 1-hour hike along the Valley Trail for a peaceful, nature-filled morning.
Morning Yoga or Meditation: Peaceful session to begin the day.
Leisure Day: Full day of relaxation for self-care and personal reflection. Free time for participants to explore Whistler, take nature walks, or relax at the retreat center.
Optional Activities:
Spa treatments (massages, facials, etc.)
Explore Whistler Village, hiking, or a gondola ride.
Quiet reflection: Journal, meditate, or have personal time for deep reflection.
Group Dinner: Relaxed, informal dinner to share experiences.
Stay in Whistler.
Optional Evening Workshop:
Healing through Nature – Explore how nature and the outdoors can provide restorative and healing experiences.
Day 7: Thursday - Supporting Children’s Emotional Regulation
Optional Morning Hike: A 1-hour hike through the Rainbow Lake Trail
Morning Yoga: Gentle yoga flow to open the body.
Workshop: Supporting Children’s Emotional Regulation – Techniques to help children identify and manage their emotions.
Lunch: Healthy meal with time to reflect.
Afternoon Session: Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation Techniques for Educators – Mindfulness activities to help manage emotions and reduce stress.
Evening Relaxation: Gentle stretching, meditation, or a sound bath.
Stay in Whistler.
Optional Evening Workshop:
Mindfulness for the Educator – A deeper dive into mindfulness practices for self-care and stress management.
Day 8: Friday - Creating a Positive and Inclusive Classroom Environment
Optional Morning Hike: A 1-hour hike through the Whistler Village Trails
Morning Yoga Flow: Energizing flow to start the day.
Workshop: Creating an Inclusive and Positive Classroom Environment – Explore strategies for fostering inclusivity and diversity.
Lunch: Light, nutritious meal.
Afternoon Session: Classroom Management for Positive Behavior – Practical tools for managing behavior in a nurturing way.
Evening Group Activity: A celebratory activity like a community circle or a bonfire.
Stay in Whistler.
Optional Evening Workshop:
Cultural Sensitivity in Early Childhood Education – Learn strategies for ensuring inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in the classroom.
Day 9: Saturday - Reflection, Goal Setting, and Departure to Vancouver
Optional Morning Hike: A final 1-hour hike through the Blackcomb Mountain Trails
Morning Reflection: Group journaling or guided meditation to reflect on the week’s learning.
Goal Setting Workshop: Personal and Professional Goal Setting – Create actionable plans to incorporate what you’ve learned into your work.
Farewell Lunch: Celebratory meal to share experiences.
Travel to Vancouver: Depart Whistler and return to Vancouver.
Evening Relaxation: Check into your hotel in Vancouver for a restful evening.
Stay in Vancouver.
Optional Evening Workshop:
Personal Growth and Reflection – A final session on personal growth strategies.
Day 10: Sunday - Departure from Vancouver
Morning Free Time: Enjoy breakfast and explore Vancouver
Departure: Transfer to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for your flight home, leaving with renewed inspiration and passion for early childhood education.
