Some of our earliest childhood memories are moments of stepping into the outdoors - feeling the cold squish of mud between our toes, filling pockets with treasures of acorns and feathers, following deer tracks in the snow, watching the movements of ants and dragonflies, catching frogs and turtles at the edges of ponds, and finding our balance across a fallen-log bridge. 

These simple and meaningful experiences shape our connection to the natural world all throughout our lives - Children who build relationships with the outdoors during these early developmental stages grow up with a different perspective - they know and feel a deeper sense of connection and oneness to the world and living things around them. They understand and find comfort in the changes and cycles of life and growth. They hold respect for the importance of diversity - inwardly and outwardly - and how each wild, strange, and wonderful life form has its own unique purpose and place in the world. They remember that nature is a safe space, a place where they can go to be quiet, to listen, to think, to feel calm - and also to run wild, to be loud, to take risks, and feel alive - a place where they can be fully held. 

Our walnut group is a space for young explorers to take those first steps into the forest - to discover connection, friendship, community, and to begin building a sense of independence and belonging in the natural world. This introductory program is for curious kiddos ages 3 & 4. We will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am - Noon. Our Walnut group will begin their days combined with the Cedar Group for the first 30-45 minutes (open play, morning gathering, snack) before splitting off into separate groups for our hiking adventures! During our weekly 2-hour sessions, we will focus on building friendships, getting familiar with the daily routines and rhythms of Nature School, developing independence and confidence as individuals, learning the importance of safety and personal boundaries, practicing communication and problem solving in a group setting, and connecting to the magic of the forest - through child-led activities, songs and stories, inquisitive journeys, active and silly games, sensory-focused play, imaginative worlds, observing all things (big and little) around us, exploring, working on creative ventures of all kinds, and building deep and meaningful relationship to the lands and living things around us. 

This group is an important first stepping stone for children planning to enter our Cedar Group Program (ages 4-9). During their time in our Walnut Program, we will regularly observe, discuss, and share with families each child's growth and developments, discoveries, challenges, and exciting moments. We will also assess readiness to move up to the Cedar Group on a seasonal basis.