Speaker
When I don’t write about nature connection and outdoor play,
I usually talk about it.
I’m a passionate advocate for children’s right to play outside and for using nature connection as a means to improve personal health and foster environmental stewardship. I’ve been a strong voice in the children and nature movement for over a decade and in that role I’m frequently asked to speak at conferences, workshops and private gatherings, both virtually and in person. Would you like me to speak at your next event? These are a few of my main topics:
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WOODS OVER WORKSHEETS
How climbing trees and jumping in mud puddles can set children up for success at school – and in life. -
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER:
How to raise happy, healthy and resilient children by embracing outdoor play all year. -
OUTDOOR PLAY IS ALL YOU NEED:
The amazing benefits of connecting children with nature in everyday life. -
HOW TO LIVE AN OPEN-AIR LIFE:
Connecting with nature and building family culture through
the Nordic art of friluftsliv. -
GREAT SPEEDS, GREAT HEIGHTS AND DANGEROUS TOOLS:
Why children desperately need “risky” play and how we can give it to them. -
NATURE-BASED EDUCATION IN THE EARLY YEARS:
A practical guide to outdoor learning for beginning early childhood educators.
Not seeing a topic that you’re curious about? I can customize a presentation just for your audience.
Contact me about speaking at your next event.
"It was such an honor to have Linda McGurk as an expert speaker for our parent community at AFineParent.com. Linda has a wealth of information about getting kids outdoors, and she shared this knowledge generously. Her tips were both thought-provoking and practical.
It was an added bonus that she is also very down to earth and such a joy to work with.”
Upcoming Speaking Events and Workshops
Hygge in the Early Years Conference
October 24, 2024, at 10 am – Midnight GMT
Featured keynote speaker
Virtual summit
Past Speaking Events and Workshops
There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather
June 28, 2024, at 11 am @ General Pulaski Park, Anderson, IN
Presentation, Q&A and book signing.
FREE and open to the public. Bring the kids and a picnic lunch!
In collaboration with Anderson Public Library
The Raised Good Online Parenting Summit
September 21-25, 2023
Featured expert
Virtual summit
Camp Renegade Play – Outdoor Play Edition
May 19-21, 2023
Featured expert
Virtual summit
Positive Parenting Conference
May 18-21, 2023
Featured expert
Virtual summit
Woods Over Worksheets
January 27, 2023, at 9am PST
Pasture Raised Kids, CA
Virtual workshop
Getting Kids Outside and Building Family Culture Through the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv
January 5, 2023, at 3-5pm EST
Cool Creek Park, Carmel, IN
Talk, Q&A and book signing with outdoor playgroup – bring the kids!
Register here
Open-Air Life: Getting Kids Outside through the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv
September 18, 2022, at 10am
Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront, VT
Online
“Friluftsliv” as a Driver of Innovation and Inspiration
September, 2019
Lunch workshop in Stockholm for Belgian company Red Zezel
The Nordic Success Story: What Is the Secret Behind the High Global Ranking?”
October, 2018
Moderated discussion at North Park University, Chicago, co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Sweden and the Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce
Woods Over Worksheets: The Amazing Benefits of Nature Play
October, 2018
Speaking and book signing event at the Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park, New Jersey
Why You Should Let Your Kids Play Outside In (Almost) Any Weather
October, 2018
Speaking and book signing event at the Polarn o Pyret flagship store in NYC.