Join us outdoors to explore the wonders of nature thru free play and hands-on activities that encourage creativity and observation while introducing participants to the joys of learning about the natural world and universe.
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM
WHO:
*Children 5-11 y/o with their parent/caregiver (Must be 5 y/o before September 1, 2024. Younger/older tagalongs are welcome to register with their 5-11y/o sibling.)
WHEN:
2024 Summer
Up to 8 Fridays
June 7, 14 / July 5, 12, 19 / Aug 2, 9, 16
Time varies by event but generally will be 2-4 hours in the 11:30a-3:30p timeframe
WHERE:
Various nature spaces along the Gulf Coast
Click here to view map of tentative locations
HOW MUCH:
One-time season registration fee of $30/family + $3/child (3-17 y/o)
Plus pay per person per event*.
(Only pay for events you’ll attend. Average event fee <$10/person.)
Fees payable via PayPal (PayPal.me/childowild)
WHAT:
Fun Filled Field Trips and Play the Forest School Way throughout the Summer at which children will be free to play and explore at their own pace. In addition to lots of free play, participants will explore nature through hands-on activities and investigation of new discoveries as they arise. Children will be introduced to a variety of outdoor and nature themed topics.
With a growing concern that today’s children are deprived of nature immersion experiences, our aim is to provide those experiences and reconnect children and their families to the natural world. Our focus is on child-led free play and learning in the natural environment so the children develop a connection to the land, wildlife, and each other, as well as come to know themselves better. The natural environment provides opportunities that challenge, develop persistence and resilience, and offer the chance to make thoughtful decisions about safety and risks.
We view children as competent, capable and curious learners and hope to create a setting where we all learn together; sharing both knowledge and experience equally. We practice play-based and inquiry-based learning in which we observe, document and plan according to the children’s interests and developmental needs.
Key Principles of our Approach:
•Child-led
•Play-based
•Emergent curriculum
•Environmental stewardship
•Nature immersion in a variety of weather
•Respect for ourselves, each other, and the environment
•Study of the natural world and local habitats
•Participation of children in decision making which affects them individually and collectively
This secular, community-based program brings parents/caregivers into the mix which gives everyone the unique opportunity to work together in a setting ripe for learning. Our facilitators will lead the activities and keep the flow of the day on track. The parents/caregivers will be there to assist in activities, provide support should their child(ren) require it, and ensure the safety of their child(ren).
Our Community is our most important asset at Child of the Wild. As a community, we will help the children work together, respect one another, and value the ideas of others. As a group, we will work through challenges that arise, ensuring that children’s concerns are heard and their feelings are validated.
Outdoor learning opportunities allow us to experience the environment under a variety of conditions. Our programs take place rain or shine; however, we may cancel for severe weather such as lightning storms, flooding, wind, tornadoes, hurricanes, ice, snow, and extreme heat. Should the need arise, we will cancel our sessions as early as possible to give parents/caregivers time to properly plan.
SUPPLIES:
At each event session, parents/caregivers should provide these items for themselves and their child(ren): filled water bottle, lunch/snacks, hand towel, and change of clothes. You are welcome to bring other items such as chairs, hammocks, ground covers, and books. At times, we will provide some basic community supplies such as digging tools, blocks, rocks, and chalk. Some locations may provide items with which to play and explore.
PAYMENTS:
To secure your spot in our Summer of Fun, your family’s registration fee is due via PayPal upon registration confirmation for this program.
Notes:
*This group is for families with children ages 5-11 years of age. Younger and/or Older siblings are welcome to register with their 5-11 y/o sibling.
*[Children must be able to stay in a group, follow instructions, and show respect towards peers, leaders, nature, and property.]
*[Spaces are limited. Enrollment applications are processed on a first come, first served basis with the exception that key ages may be given priority at our discretion.]
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM