All Nature Scouts classes are held outdoors, rain or shine, in various natural spaces throughout North County San Diego. Children have the opportunity to explore a wide range of ecosystems, habitats, and environments while developing meaningful connections with the plants, animals, and seasonal rhythms of the natural world.
We believe childhood should be rooted in joy, curiosity, and connection. Our program nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—through nature immersion, mindfulness practices, growth mindset, and life skills development. We cultivate a culture of kindness and respect for self, others, and nature through daily gratitude, compliment circles, conflict resolution, and opportunities for community building.
As a child-led, inquiry-based program, learning unfolds naturally through exploration, discovery, and play. We encourage children to take appropriate risks, develop awareness of their boundaries, build confidence in their abilities, and become active participants in their own learning. Through meaningful experiences in nature, children grow into capable, resilient, and independent individuals who feel empowered to engage with the world around them.
Subjects may include a rotation of the following:
nature study
nature journaling
Wild Math
STEM/STEAM
Process Art
Hiking
Wild Reading
Survival Skills
Mindfulness
Tiny Scouts
Our Tiny Scouts program is thoughtfully designed for children ages 2–5 and their parent or caregiver. It offers a gentle introduction to our nature-based philosophy, giving young children the freedom to explore, discover, and play at their own pace with the comfort and support of a trusted adult by their side. Younger siblings and babies are welcome to attend, and children under age 2 may join free of charge. Tiny Scouts also provides opportunities for caregivers to slow down, connect with their children, and build community with other families through shared experiences in nature.
Inspired by Forest School principles, Nature Pedagogy, and the Reggio Emilia approach, our curriculum follows the rhythms of the seasons and the natural curiosity of young children. Each class includes songs, stories, sensory-rich experiences, hands-on activities, and plenty of time for outdoor exploration, helping children build confidence, wonder, and a meaningful connection to the natural world.
Daily Rhythm
10:00 Arrival & Invitation Stations – open-ended sensory play, nature exploration, and hands-on learning invitations
10:30 Greet & Gather – songs, sign language, movement, mindfulness, and community connection
10:45 Snack & Story – snack, storytelling, and seasonal nature themes
11:00 Nature Walk & Exploration – guided nature walks, scavenger hunts, sensory experiences, and child-led discovery
11:20 Closing Circle – nature sharing, gratitude, reflection, and goodbye songs
11:30 Dismissal
Little Scouts
Our Little Scouts program is designed for children ages 4–6 and provides a rich, play-based learning experience rooted in nature. Inspired by Forest School practices, Nature Pedagogy, the Reggio Emilia approach, seasonal rhythms, and children’s emerging interests, our curriculum fosters curiosity, creativity, and meaningful exploration. Early literacy and numeracy skills are naturally woven into daily experiences through storytelling, games, observation, and hands-on discovery.
We nurture the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—through mindfulness, growth mindset, resilience, and life skills development. Through child-led exploration, nature study, process art, and collaborative projects, children develop confidence, independence, empathy, and a deep connection to the natural world. Daily practices such as gratitude sharing, compliment circles, and celebrating acts of kindness help build emotional intelligence and a strong sense of belonging within our community.
Daily Rhythm
10:00 Arrival & Free Play – open-ended play, exploration, and social connection
10:30 Greet & Gather – songs, movement, mindfulness, and community building
10:50 Snack & Story – snack, storytelling, and introduction to the day’s theme
11:10 Invitation Stations – hands-on art, nature study, sensory play, literacy, math, and STEAM experiences
11:45 Nature Expedition – child-led hikes, nature games, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures
12:45 Lunch & Sit Spots – lunch, quiet reflection, nature observation, and journaling opportunities
1:15 Free Play & Discovery – imaginative play and self-directed exploration
1:45 Closing Circle – sharing, gratitude, reflection, and goodbye songs
2:00 Dismissal
Junior Scouts
Our Junior Scouts program is designed for curious and adventurous children ages 7–11 who are ready to deepen their connection with nature through exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning. Inspired by Forest School principles, naturalist knowledge, seasonal rhythms, and the interests of each group, children engage in nature study, plant and wildlife identification, mapping and navigation, nature journaling, and STEAM-based projects that foster curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and environmental stewardship.
As children grow, they are introduced to increasingly advanced outdoor skills such as shelter building, knot-tying, fire safety, navigation, tool use, and other age-appropriate survival skills that build confidence and self-reliance. Through collaborative projects, leadership opportunities, mindfulness practices, and community stewardship, Junior Scouts develop resilience, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a growth mindset while cultivating a deep and lasting connection to the natural world.
Daily Rhythm
10:00 Arrival & Free Play – open-ended play, social connection, and outdoor exploration
10:30 Greet & Gather – group discussion, mindfulness, snack, and introduction to the day’s learning
11:00 Investigation & Project Work – nature study, STEAM challenges, mapping and navigation, journaling, survival skills, and collaborative projects
11:45 Nature Expedition – hiking, wildlife observation, ecological exploration, nature games, and place-based learning experiences
12:45 Lunch & Sit Spots – lunch, quiet reflection, nature observation, and journaling opportunities
1:15 Free Play & Leadership Challenges – imaginative play, cooperative games, outdoor skills, and child-led projects
1:45 Closing Circle – sharing discoveries, gratitude, reflection, and community connection
2:00 Dismissal
Community Events
Community and connection are the foundation of our program. We greatly value parent involvement and strive to create a community of connected families that extend beyond the classes. That is why we offer field trip & community days, as well as seasonal events and family camping trips, to continue to foster community and connection among the families and children. All families are welcome and encouraged to participate on these days!
