Welcome to Nature Scouts Collective

Nature Scouts Collective (formerly Little Scouts Nature Classes) offers nature-based enrichment classes with a pod-like teacher-student ratio of 1:6, as well as seasonal camps for children ages 4–12 in coastal North County, San Diego. Rooted in Forest School and Reggio Emilia principles, our 100% outdoor program nurtures curiosity, creativity, and connection through nature-immersive, child-led exploration.

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Core Values

Respect for Self, Others & Nature

Environmental Stewardship

Community & Connection

Emergent & Inquiry-Based Learning

Child-Led Nature Immersion

Place-Based Education

Our Philosophy

We believe children learn best when they have room to move, explore, and follow their natural curiosity. As an outdoor homeschool enrichment program, Nature Scouts Collective embraces child-led learning. Instead of memorizing facts from worksheets, kids absorb the “-ology” subjects through experience in nature: Geology on coastal cliffs, Ecology in the canyons, Archaeology and Anthropology through storytelling and hands-on practice, Geography through mapping our trails, Ornithology while observing local birds, and Botany and Biology through seasonal plant studies. Even Wild Math comes alive when numbers are applied to real-world challenges. When learning is rooted in nature and genuine curiosity, children become confident, capable and deeply engaged thinkers, the kind of learners homeschool families want them to be.

Testimonials

“Nature Scouts Collective is the perfect program to weave into your homeschooling. Erika is a gem. She sees our kids, she honors their uniqueness, she supports their needs, and she creates an environment for them to thrive. Emotional intelligence, courage, kindness, strong communication, and awareness of the environment around are just a few of the life skills that are cultivated at Little Scouts with ease and grace. I could go on and on singing the praises of this program, but I'll end by saying that every time I pick up my happy kiddo, I wish I could have something like this for adults!! It's such a gift.”
-Deena Barselah

“What a blessing, to find Nature Scouts Collective. Being outdoors in a “class” has been so nurturing for my 4 year old son. I love the mixed age style and the child led approach. And most of all, the things they experience and learn about are relevant to our life at home too. Their peaceful place, which my son has been enjoying as a place to recenter and regroup during class, has been re-created in our own home by him. This has inspired me to rearrange a room in my house to create a space like that for myself too. I’m so grateful for this community. They have brought so much peace and love into our lives.”
-Natasha Browdoski

“My children absolutely love Nature Scouts Collective! I’ve sat in on several classes and I’m so in love with the flow and the energy Ms. Erika radiates. It warms my heart to see mindfulness and gratitude so authentically weaved into their days. I value the creativity and playfulness Erika brings to their experience. I can see and feel she genuinely cares for the children and their families. I love how their practices trickle into our daily life, such as singing blessings and mindful minutes during eating times.The seeds Erika is planting into these young hearts are so powerful and I’m honored to have the opportunity for my children to be a part of this wonderful program!”
-Haylea Adams

“I am so happy we made the choice to join Nature Scouts Collective! Erika has not only attracted a wonderful community but her teaching skills are truly impressive. She is someone who listens to the child and shows them the baby steps of inspiration and lets them make the discoveries on their own. I had the opportunity to witness some spontaneous bridge building and it was amazing teaching. She is truly gifted. I am so thankful for all the heart and energy she brings to the kids. It's simply beautiful.”
-Serena Silberman