Deep roots, open horizons.

Educating through nature, with care and expertise.

Bambini in attività con la natura
Our story

Built in the field, year after year

Selva Maestra APS ASD was born from the meeting of people who share a common vision: the education that matters happens outside school walls — in forests, along rivers, among rocks. Over the years we have built our experience by working alongside organisations already rooted in the local area — sports associations, schools, local communities — and by taking part in sporting and cultural events that allowed us to meet families, young people and diverse realities.

Our training is grounded in solid academic foundations and an equal measure of direct, hands-on experience. We believe that knowledge and practice must walk together: each of us brings a specific expertise to the team — education sciences, cultural heritage, outdoor education, project management — which interweaves with daily fieldwork.

Our approach

Non-formal learning and emotional education

We don't believe that learning means only acquiring knowledge. The non-formal learning we practise is rooted in direct experience, discovery, peer exchange and relationship with the natural world. We are not an after-school programme and we are not a playground: we are a space where every activity is designed to stimulate something deeper.

Nature is our most precious ally. Natural environments have a rare quality: they are places of peace, where the noise of everyday life quietens and children feel truly safe. It is in that setting that it becomes possible to explore one's own emotional world — to recognise emotions, manage them, share them with others. The emotional education we practise does not happen through abstract exercises in a classroom, but through real contact with the earth, the water, the wind.

All our educators are trained in their areas of expertise and hold the qualifications needed to ensure that our activities are never just a pastime, but a genuine learning experience — rigorous, safe and full of joy.
Certified expertise

Every educator holds academic qualifications and specific certifications in their area of competence.

Rooted in the territory

We collaborate with local organisations, building networks of relationships rather than working in isolation.

Nature as classroom

The forest, the river, the mountains are our most authentic and powerful educational environments.

The team

The people of Selva Maestra

The profiles below are still being finalised and will be updated. Formal roles within the association are in the process of being defined and will be announced soon.

NT

Naomi Tinarelli

President

Graduate in Educational Sciences and Primary Teacher Education, and a primary school teacher with experience in outdoor education. She leads creative workshops and designs learning paths for young children, bringing strong pedagogical grounding and a keen ability to read the needs of the youngest participants.

Outdoor Education Teaching Design Primary School
AR

Annalisa Rampiconi

Herbalism & Wild Herbs Expert

Expert in herbalism and wild herbs, passionate about outdoor education and holistic disciplines. She guides children and young people through the forest via the senses, among plants, scents and ancient knowledge.

Herbalism Wild Herbs Holistic Education
AG

Alban Guillon

Actor

Actor, celebrated performer of the "Gnefro" of the Marmore Falls, he accompanies children and adults alike on magical walks between storytelling and nature.

Theatre Storytelling Magical Walks
FS

Francesco Scaccetti

Project Management & Erasmus+

Coordinates Erasmus+ projects and association management. He guides participants on trekking outings and mountain introductions, combining territorial exploration with experiential learning.

Erasmus+ Trekking Project Management
ML

Marta De Luca

Pedagogical Coordinator

Pedagogical coordinator with years of experience managing educational projects, overseeing the development and coordination of educational programmes for children and young people.

Pedagogy Educational Projects Coordination
SV

Stella Volzone

Student of Primary Teacher Education

She brings energy, freshness and a generational perspective that is invaluable in activities with young people. Currently training with the Selva Maestra team, she contributes with passion to creative workshops and nature outings.

Creative Workshops Education Nature

Want to know more?

Write to us or come visit. We'll be happy to tell you what we do and how your children can join us.

Contact us