Our Outdoor Classroom

Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program

All of our nature classes are 100% outdoors, rain or shine, in the beautiful coastal areas of North County, San Diego. We are a place-based program, offering classes at multiple locations to give children the opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems, habitats, and natural environments. Along our hikes, we learn to identify local plants and animals, deepening our connection to the natural world.

We believe childhood should be filled with joy, wonder, and meaningful connection. Our program nurtures each child through mindfulness, a growth mindset, and life skills rooted in kindness and respect—for ourselves, each other, and nature. Daily gratitude practices, compliment circles, and acts of kindness are woven into our rhythm.

As a child-led program, learning happens organically through exploration and discovery. We encourage children to take healthy risks, build self-awareness, and stretch their comfort zones, helping them grow into confident, capable, and curious individuals.

Subjects may include a rotation of the following:
Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program

nature study

Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program

nature journaling

Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program

Wild Math

Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program

STEM/STEAM

Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program

Process Art

Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program

Hiking

Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program

Wild Reading

Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program

music

Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program

yoga/mindfulness

Tiny Scouts

Our Tiny Scouts program (register here) is thoughtfully created for children ages 2–5 and their parent or caregiver. It offers a gentle introduction to our nature-based approach, giving young explorers the freedom to discover the world around them at their own pace, with the comfort and support of a trusted adult by their side. Younger siblings and babies are welcome to attend.
The curriculum is rooted in Forest School principles, Nature Pedagogy, and the Reggio Emilia philosophy. We follow the rhythms of the seasons and respond to the natural curiosity and interests of the children. Each class includes hands-on activities, sensory-rich experiences, and plenty of time for outdoor exploration and play.
April 4-Week Session 2026: April 9, 16, 23, 30
Thursdays from 10:00-11:30am at Guajome Park

Tuition: $120 per child (siblings under 2 are free of charge)

Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program
Daily Rhythm
  • 10:00Arrival – invitation stations
  • 10:30 Circle Time – songs, sign language, yoga, movement
  • 10:45 Story and Snack – read aloud and big book, storytelling
  • 11:00 Nature Walk – guided scavenger hunts, child-led hike
  • 11:20 Gather – nature share & goodbye songs
  • 11:30 Pickup

Little Scouts

Our Little Scouts program (new student application) is designed for children ages 4–6 and offers a rich, play-based learning experience grounded in nature. The curriculum draws inspiration from Forest School practices, Nature Pedagogy, the Reggio Emilia approach, seasonal rhythms, and the unique interests of the children. We also incorporate the Wild Learning curriculum, including Wild Reading and Wild Math, to support early literacy and numeracy in a nature-connected way.

Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program
Daily Rhythm
  • 10:00 Arrival and Exploration Stations-includes STEAM, fine motor, math, literacy and multi-sensory activities
  • 10:45Morning Circle-includes yoga, mindfulness, songs, sign language, movement
  • 11:00Snack/Story
  • 11:30 Child-Led Hike-includes nature scavenger hunts, foraging, child-led discoveries, nature journaling
  • 12:30 Circletime – includes gratitude/compliment circle, sharing observations/discoveries from the hike
  • 12:45  Lunch/Free Play – includes group games, including teamwork, cooperation, gross motor skills
  • 1:15 Creation Stations-includes nature process art, mandalas, recycled materials
  • 1:45 Closing Circle-sharing highlights of the day, goodbye songs
  • 2:00 Pickup

Adventure Scouts

Our Adventure Scouts program (register here) is designed for curious, active explorers ages 5–10 who are ready for a more dynamic, nomadic outdoor experience. With a four-location rotation, children discover diverse natural landscapes and ecosystems throughout the seasons, traveling on foot with their backpacks as they explore, observe, and learn directly from the environment.

Blending hands-on nature immersion with foundational naturalist and survival skills, Adventure Scouts also incorporates mapping, navigation, and STEAM-based projects that spark creativity and curiosity. Through teamwork, mindfulness, and a growth mindset, children build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the outdoors. 

April 4-Week Session 2026: April 9, 16, 23, 30

Thursdays from 10:00-2:00

Four Location Rotation: San Dieguito Park, Annie’s Canyon, Moonlight Beach, Seaside Beach

Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program
Daily Rhythm
  • 10:00 Arrival & First Expedition: Hike to first spot
  • 10:45 Greet & Gather: Includes group discussions, games, snack
  • 11:30 Second Expedition: Hike to second spot
  • 12:45 Lunch & Sit Spots: Nature study & journaling
  • 1:15 Third Expedition: Hike back to base camp
  • 1:45 Gather: Gratitude, retell of the day
  • 2:00 Pick-up

Junior Scouts

Our Junior Scouts program (new student application) is designed for ages 6-9. Our curriculum is inspired by naturalist skills, survival skills, the seasonal cycles of nature, and children’s interests. We infuse the history about the parks that we’re visiting and practice mapping skills. We incorporate STEAM activities, group discussions, project-based learning, mindfulness and growth mindset.

Daily Rhythm
  • 10:00 Arrival and Free Exploration
  • 10:30 Gather/Story
  • 11:00 STEAM Group Activity
  • 11:45 Foray/Expedition
  • 12:45 Lunch/Free Play
  • 1:15 Sit Spot/Nature Journaling
  • 1:45 Closing Circle
  • 2:00 Dismissal

Survival Scouts

Survival Scouts (new student application) is for ages 9-12 on Mondays at San Dieguito Park. Your child will be immersed in nature for 4 hours learning things such as: Living History and Nature Science, heritage skills, survival skills, woodworking, community service, and project-based learning. Students will be reading the novel “My Side of the Mountain” and creating activities and projects based on the novel. Miss Jenny will be following the CA state standards for Science and Social Studies and providing work samples for parents. Miss Jenny has had a love of learning in nature since she was in school herself. Just out of high school she joined a wilderness survival group and spent 3 months living in the deserts and mountains of Arizona. That experience had such an impact on her and the direction of her teaching.

Daily Rhythm
  • 10:00 Arrival and Free Exploration
  • 10:30 Gather/Story
  • 11:00 STEAM Group Activity
  • 11:45 Foray/Expedition
  • 12:45 Lunch/Free Play
  • 1:15 Sit Spot/Nature Journaling
  • 1:45 Closing Circle
  • 2:00 Dismissal
Nature Scouts Collective | Our Program

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!

PAST EVENTS:

🌸 SPRING EQUINOX GATHERING 🌸

Join us on Friday, March 20 from 3:30–5:00 PM at San Dieguito Park (lower level) to celebrate the official arrival of spring!

The Spring Equinox is a time of balance, renewal, and new beginnings. Come gather in community to welcome the season with rhythm, intention, and hands-on planting fun.

We’re honored to have Erika Lee, Yoga Therapist & Reiki Master leading the Opening Ceremony and Drum Circle.

This is a free community event and open to all ages — bring the whole family! Bring a blanket to sit on, water, and anything you’d like for comfort. Let’s welcome spring together 🌷

FUTURE EVENTS:

End of year beach gathering. Stay tuned for details….