Join us on a professional learning journey from 9-15th March 2026
Over five full-on days, you’ll explore some of Scotland’s most pioneering outdoor nurseries and play environments, guided by the Stramash team and international play expert Rusty Keeler.
With a central base in the Highlands, this carefully curated learning journey blends immersive visits, practical workshops, cultural experiences, and time to connect with fellow educators.
Stramash outdoor nurseries are the largest provider of outdoor nurseries in Scotland, providing fun and inspiring outdoor care and learning for children aged between 2 – 5 years old since 2009.
Their award-winning nurseries lead the way in outdoor early years provision and they can’t wait to share their practice with you.
Join the “Outdoor Play Scotland” trip to learn from some of the most experienced and passionate members of the outdoor early-years industry.
Meet your expert guide – Rusty Keeler
Rusty is a pioneer in the movement to connect children to nature through play.
From Tasmania to Texas, he has spent the last 30 years travelling the world designing and advocating for children’s play.
As an international expert, he is the author of many books on play including the recent ‘Adventures in Risky Play: What is Your Yes?‘
Rusty lives with his family beside a creek in Ithaca, NY, where his backyard is full of fruit trees, treehouses, straw bales, tires, tennis balls, hoola hoops, bubbles, and more!
Meet your host – Cameron Sprague
As Head of Nurseries at Stramash, Cameron inspires individuals and teams to deliver confident, engaging outdoor learning.
He will be a key guide and source of inspiration throughout the week.
Cameron is passionate about sharing the lessons that he has learned as an outdoor early years practitioner and leader.
He can’t wait to welcome delegates on the 2026 learning journey, and to introduce them to the exciting world of outdoor play in Scotland.
Your week of learning
You’ll be accompanied by international play expert Rusty Keeler and Cameron Sprague throughout your week of visits and activities.
| Daily planner | What’s in store on our learning journey |
|---|---|
| Sunday 8th | Join us for a welcome dinner, storytelling and music |
| Monday 9th Immersive Stramash Experience | Step into daily life at Stramash’s Fort William nursery, followed by an interactive workshop on child-led learning — plus a taste of Highland culture and local history. |
Tuesday 10th The Northeast Expedition | A full-day adventure to Tornagrain and Elgin nurseries, exploring unique outdoor learning environments and ideas to adapt in your own setting. |
Wednesday 11th Peer Exchange in Oban | Visit Stramash Oban, join hands-on workshops, and share experiences with peers from around the world at our Networking & Knowledge Fair. |
| Thursday 12th Urban Inspiration | Travel to Glasgow to explore an adventure playground and see how outdoor learning thrives in an urban context. |
Friday 13th Scotland’s Early Years Vision | Hear from leading Scottish voices in early years education & policy, join a reflective action-planning session, and celebrate at our farewell gala dinner. |
| Saturday 14th | Head home with fresh ideas and new connections |
Is this learning journey for me?
YES, if you’re a….
- Preschool + early childhood educator
- Forest school + nature play advocate
- Adventure playground dreamer
- Risky-play supporter
- Someone who knows kids learn best outdoors!
What’s included?
7 Days in Scotland visiting renowned outdoor nurseries & adventure play sites.
Guided Learning Experiences with Scottish play leaders + pre-school directors.
Small-group professional development and personal insights from Rusty Keeler.
All Meals & Hotels Included (farm-to-table meals, renowned Scottish hospitality and cosy accommodation).
Behind-the-Scenes Access to Stramash outdoor nurseries, wild play environments, and adventure playgrounds.
Workshops & Discussions with leading practitioners (including Rusty Keeler).
Community + Connection with like-minded educators.
Highland culture and landscape experiences,
Don’t hang about!
This exclusive learning journey is limited to just 20 places.
Don’t miss your chance to learn from Rusty Keeler and the leading outdoor play practitioners from Stramash in inspirational outdoor settings across Scotland.
Many thanks to our sponsors who have helped support this learning journey:
