More than 100 early childhood professionals, technical assistance providers, and state partners gathered at Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Gardens for the 2026 Grow Outdoors South Carolina Annual Convening, united by a shared commitment to expanding outdoor play and learning opportunities for young children.

Hosted by the South Carolina Department of Social Services, the South Carolina Department of Public Health, the SC Program for Infant/Toddler Care, the Natural Learning Initiative (NLI), and Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO), the convening featured inspiring presentations from Audrey Rowland, CEO of Green Space Learning, on the importance of outdoor play in early childhood and practical ways to create nature-rich learning experiences.

Attendees also participated in rotating sessions that included a Nature Preschool tour, design discussions, and hands-on exploration of plant resources, followed by zoo exploration and a collaborative Goosechase scavenger hunt.

The afternoon concluded with Grow Outdoors SC program updates and evaluation findings from the Natural Learning Initiative, highlighting the continued impact of outdoor learning initiatives across the state. Participants also received outdoor learning materials, including blankets and loose parts, to support nature-based play in their own programs.

Thank you to all who attended and helped make this year’s convening a success. Together, we are building a statewide community dedicated to helping South Carolina’s youngest learners explore, play, and thrive outdoors.