Mission Statement
Jacob’s Ladder Nature Club has a twofold mission:
To fulfill an unmet need: We provide a safe, neuroaffirming program for children who are homeschooled out of necessity and may not thrive in a traditional classroom. Our goal is to help each child build confidence and develop a positive self-identity in an environment designed around acceptance, regardless of learning or developmental differences.
To foster authentic nature-based learning: We create opportunities for children to understand the natural world and discover meaningful ways to care for it. Through exploring, building, creating and experiencing the outdoors, we aim to ignite each child’s curiosity and passion for the environment.
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As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity, we are committed to making Nature Club accessible to all families by providing scholarships and financial aid to those who qualify.
Our Approach
Learning Beyond the Classroom
We believe authentic learning happens when children are free to explore beyond the four walls of a classroom. Through skilled leadership and scaffolded, experiential learning, participants are given the tools, space, and support to discover, create, and learn with natural materials.
Healthy Risk-Taking and Play
We also provide opportunities for “risky play,” which is increasingly recognized as essential to child development. While our leaders step in when serious danger is present, children are encouraged to climb, balance on logs, embrace mud, and collaborate with one another as they build confidence, judgment, and resilience.
Kindness as Our Guiding Principle
Kindness is our mantra! We encourage kindness toward nature, kindness toward ourselves, and kindness toward one another.
Nurturing a Love for Learning…
Through Nature
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
- John Muir
What was true in the days of John Muir, is so true today, especially with children. Here are 2 videos discussing a need to reframe and regenerate our ways of teaching.
Are you questioning our current educational systems and seeking a new approach? Why are we still separating, sorting and sequencing?