Nature Classes

All nature classes are held outdoors, rain or shine. Every week we travel to different locations so the children can explore a diversity of ecosystems, habitats and environments. We learn about the flora and fauna at each of the different locations, and we observe the changes that take place throughout the seasons. We also learn how to identify the different plants we encounter on our hikes so we can have a deeper connection to nature.

Our core values include creating a culture of kindness and respect for ourselves, each other, and for nature. Learning occurs naturally and organically through our discoveries and explorations in nature. We encourage children to take risks and learn to know their boundaries and comfort levels. This creates confident, independent children who take the lead in exploring and trying new things.

Subjects may include a rotation of the following:

nature study

nature journaling

Math

STEM/STEAM

Process Art

Hiking

Stories/storytelling

music

yoga/mindfulness

Little Scouts

Our Little Scouts program is designed for ages 4-6. Our curriculum is inspired by Forest School Root Skills, the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the seasonal cycles of nature, and children’s interests. ​We also integrate Wild Reading, Wild Math and Kids for Peace. We nurture and support each child: mind, body and spirit through mindfulness, growth mindset, and life skills. We share gratitude daily, have compliment circles and recognize each other for acts of kindness.

Daily Rhythm
  • 10:00 Arrival and Exploration Stations-includes STEAM, fine motor, math, literacy and multi-sensory activities
  • 10:45Morning Circle-includes yoga, mindfulness, songs, sign language, movement
  • 11:00Snack/Story
  • 11:30 Child-Led Hike-includes nature scavenger hunts, foraging, child-led discoveries, nature journaling
  • 12:30 Circletime-includes gratitude/compliment circle, sharing observations/discoveries from the hike
  • 12:45 Lunch/Free Play-includes group games, including teamwork, cooperation, gross motor skills
  • 1:15 Creation Stations-includes nature process art, mandalas, recycled materials
  • 1:45 Closing Circle-sharing highlights of the day, goodbye songs
  • 2:00  Dismissal

Junior Scouts & Survival Scouts

Our Junior Scouts program is designed for ages 6-9. Our Survival Scouts program is designed for ages 9-12. Our curriculum is inspired by naturalist skills, survival skills, the seasonal cycles of nature, and children’s interests. We infuse the history about the parks that we’re visiting and practice mapping skills. We incorporate STEAM activities, group discussions, project-based learning, mindfulness and growth mindset.

Daily Rhythm
  • 10:00 Arrival and Free Exploration
  • 10:30 Gather/Story
  • 11:00 STEAM Group Activity
  • 11:45 Foray/Expedition
  • 12:45 Lunch/Free Play
  • 1:15 Sit Spot/Nature Journaling
  • 1:45 Closing Circle
  • 2:00 Dismissal
Join Our Nature Classes

Community Events

Community and connection are the foundation of our program. We greatly value parent involvement and strive to create a community of connected families that extend beyond the classes. That is why we offer field trip/community days each month, as well as seasonal events and family camping trips, to continue to foster community and connection among the families and children. All families are welcome and encouraged to participate on these days!

Some examples of fields trips and community days include: farm tours, beach clean-ups, writing letters to seniors, gardening, cooking classes, food/toy drives, etc.