Learning in nature’s classroom

With the ever-growing reliance on technology and the decline of forests and open spaces, studies show that the rate of depression, anxiety, and neurological disorders are increasing. It is affecting people of all ages, including children.   But studies also show that reconnecting with nature can improve the quality of life.

The added benefit of Jacob’s Ladder Homeschool Nature Center is the opportunity to develop friendships with other kiddos that love being outside! 

We understand your child can go in a park and play on a playground.  This is different.  We have a variety of activities surrounding that unit’s theme.  Children will experience a playful atmosphere of discovery. Together, the group chooses activities to explore, and they have opportunities to share their interests at the base camp!

With that being said, let’s consider this quote from Fred Rogers: “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning.  But for children, play is serious learning.”  Children learn through play!

We have qualified leaders that serve as “partners in learning.” Parents/ Caregivers that choose to stay will get to share their areas of interest. 

Supervision will absolutely be provided. We use the 2-adult rule with the children.

NOTE: All non-parent/caregiver leaders are background checked.

The day will follow a basic structure as shown below with opportunities for flexibility to allow for further exploration and teachable moments/learning opportunities.

9am – Welcome at basecamp, child-led activity centers.

9:30am – Jacob’s Ladder team warm-up. Greetings! Moving! Sharing! Topic of the day!

10am – Exploring and gathering.

10:30am – Back to base camp. Discovery.

11:30am – Lunch and Play

12:30pm – Instructor-led activity to augment the theme of the day: Art, Music, Microscope, Build

2pm – Creative time.

3pm – Pick up

Jacob’s Ladder Homeschool Nature Center is a nonprofit charity, and we need to make this amazing experience accessible for all.  We do need to cover our costs, so it is not free.  The base cost is $30-$45 per day, depending on whether the guardian drops off or stays to help.  The Spring Session runs twice a week, for ten weeks, 9AM – 3pm (closed week of April 20). We will be offering limited sponsorships based on financial need.  We also offer significant discounts for more than one sibling attending. 

For most children – that’s the fun part  In fact, the purpose of any nature school is to combat what is referred to as “Nature Phobia”. Children will be allowed to play in the dirt, the mud, gathering bugs if they want.  That is up to the child.   We will have a hand washing station and disinfectant after toilet use.

Exploring leads to bumps, bruises, bug bites or scratches from forest playtime, and that should be expected. 

We are an all-weather school.  There will be an open Yurt to protect us from excessive rain, and for shade purposes, but students should dress for the weather.  It is suggested that students wear closed-toe sneakers or boots.  Sunblock, as well as bug spray to protect from mosquitoes and ticks is recommended.  During peak tick season, showering and checking for ticks is best practice after being in the woods. 

On day 1 each student will receive a canvas “gathering” bag to design.  This will be stored onsite for gathering materials while exploring. Each student will also receive their own journal for drawing, writing as desired.  Arts/crafts and building supplies will be provided.  All arts and crafts, and exploring “tools” will be provided! 

Each student must bring their lunch, a refillable water bottle, and an afternoon snack. We request no single-use plastic water bottles. There will be a water refill station.

Each child will have a bin in the storage shed to store the following suggested items: a change of clothes, towel, boots/shoes, poncho, and gloves (if child prefers them).

We are committed to creating an environment that is accessible and inclusive for all brains and abilities! Please contact us so we can accommodate your child’s unique needs.  

Here are some details.

Physical Disabilities: At this time we do not have all terrain wheelchairs, but we are working towards modifying our paths for wheelchair accessibility and/or having all-terrain wheelchairs.

Allergies: We will provide an allergy form, and if student is dropped off, instructions must be given to Jacob’s Ladder leader for your allergy action plan.  Food will not be provided at all due to allergy concerns.

We will have a first aid kit for minor injuries.

Neurodivergence: All brains are welcome!  We want to learn how we can best support your learner, but we value neurodiversity!

Parent/Caregiver will be notified by 8 AM via text if the JL School is closed for that day. This is an all weather school, so unless there is a torrential storm with threats of lightning or snow, we will be open!

Contact Us with your additional questions and we will get back to you within 1-2 business days!