Wild Roots is a place-based, nature immersion program that nourishes children’s relationship between the natural world, themselves, and each other. The Program offers children ages 5-6 a learning community that engages the whole child; mind, body, and spirit. We engage children’s passions as an education tool as well as the foundation for learning about nature awareness. Our nature games and explorations blend sensation, feeling, action, inquiry, investigation, imagination and creative expression together to create a well round and holistic child of the earth.

Our day at a glance…

Wild Roots maintains a low child to mentor ratio with one instructor per 6 children. We also may be accompanied by teen mentors in training or parent volunteers. Our day begins with games in the field; Opening Circle follows and includes giving thanks, songs and movement. Storytelling and snack take place at our special fire circle in the woods. The group then sets off for an adventure to explore the woodland trails or beaches: guided wanderings, games, awareness skills, creative play, natural movement, songs, scavenger hunts, drawing, and more help us to explore the theme of the day. With nature being our guide, our day can often unfold in many a variety of ways! Lunch happens on the trail or back at our fire circle. We conclude our day with Stories of the Day, an opportunity to reflect upon our day and share through words, songs, movement or funny skits.

Our mentors help each child discover their own unique gifts, foster their growing self-reliance, and cultivate community among these young earth stewards. In this way, children come to feel at home with their own inner self and that of the earth. Throughout the year, and moving with the seasons, our curriculum offers explorations that are exciting, safe and fun:

• Seasonal rhythms

• Space, time, and the four directions

• Knowledge of place with local heritage and history

• Stories, song, movement, imaginative play, nature art

• Natural communities living in peace