Join us on a professional learning journey in March 7th – 13th 2027
Over seven 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 experts Dr Peter Gray & 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.
Watch the 2026 cohort’s reflections here:
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 – Dr Peter Gray
Dr. Peter Gray is an American research professor of psychology at Boston College, internationally recognised for his pioneering work on self-directed education and the vital role of play in childhood development. Through his research, writing, and advocacy, he has championed the idea that children are biologically wired to learn through curiosity, exploration, and free play rather than rigid systems of compulsory schooling.
Dr. Gray is the author of the acclaimed book Free to Learn and the widely used psychology textbook Psychology. He also writes the “Play Makes Us Human” column for Psychology Today and publishes a popular Substack newsletter exploring education, autonomy, and human development.
With so many shared values around play, freedom, connection, and child-led learning, we are incredibly excited to have Dr. Peter Gray joining us for Mission Outdoor Play the Scottish Way 2027.
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 2027 learning journey, and to introduce them to the exciting world of outdoor play in Scotland.
Your week of learning
The below is an example schedule and is somewhat subject to change
You’ll be accompanied by international play experts Dr Peter Gray, Rusty Keeler and Cameron Sprague throughout your week of visits and activities.
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 Dr Peter Gray & 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 Dr Peter Gray, 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:
