Explore one of San Diego’s longest-running outdoor homeschool enrichment programs, rooted in immersive experiences in nature. Children ages 2–11 learn through STEM, hands-on exploration, nature study, and child-led discovery.
Outdoor Nature Classes for Kids in North County San Diego
Nature Scouts Collective offers outdoor nature classes for children throughout North County San Diego, with programs held outdoors, rain or shine, in a variety of natural settings. 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.
Child-Led Outdoor Learning in North County San Diego
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 nature classes are designed for children ages 2–5 and their parent or caregiver, offering a gentle introduction to outdoor learning and nature-based education. Tiny Scouts gives 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.
Fall 6-Week Session
San Dieguito Park: September 14-October 19
Guajome Park: September 17-October 22
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 nature classes are designed for children ages 4–6 and combine play-based learning, outdoor exploration, and nature-based education in a small-group setting. 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.
Monday: San Dieguito Park
Tuesday/Thursday: Guajome Park
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
Adventure Scouts
Our Adventure Scouts: Coastal Explorers outdoor nature program is designed for curious, active explorers ages 5–9 and combines coastal ecology, marine science, STEM/STEAM learning, and hands-on outdoor exploration throughout North County San Diego. This unique 6-week specialty series rotates through beaches, lagoons, coastal trails, and nature preserves, giving children the opportunity to discover a variety of habitats and ecosystems.
With backpacks on and plenty to discover, Adventure Scouts will hike, explore, observe, and learn from the natural world around them. Each location becomes our classroom as children investigate coastal and marine ecology, observe local plants and wildlife, practice environmental stewardship, and build foundational outdoor skills through hands-on experiences.
Throughout the series, children will engage in nature study, journaling, mapping and navigation, STEAM-based projects, games, and collaborative challenges. Special experiences may also include visits to local nature centers and guest educators who bring additional expertise to our explorations. Guided by the seasonal rhythms of the coast and the interests of the group, Adventure Scouts encourages curiosity, teamwork, confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Fall 6-Week Session
September 16-October 21: North County coastal locations
Daily Rhythm
10:00 Arrival & Expedition – hike, explore, and settle into our first discovery area
10:30 Greet & Gather – group discussion, games, snack, and introduction to the day’s discoveries
11:00 Coastal Exploration – hands-on nature study, investigations, activities, and exploration
11:45 Second Expedition – hike to a new area for continued exploration and discovery
12:15 Lunch, Sit Spots & Nature Journaling – lunch, quiet observation, reflection, and journaling
12:35 Return Expedition – hike back to our base camp/arrival area
12:50 Closing Gather – gratitude, reflections, and highlights from the day
1:00 Dismissal
Junior Scouts
Our Junior Scouts outdoor nature program is designed for curious and adventurous children ages 7–11, combining hands-on learning, nature study, STEAM, and outdoor skills in North County San Diego.. 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.
Monday: San Dieguito Park
Tuesday/Thursday: Guajome Park
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 an important part of the Nature Scouts experience. We value parent involvement and create opportunities for families to build relationships beyond regular classes. Field trips, community days, seasonal events, and family camping trips give children and caregivers more ways to explore, connect, and spend meaningful time together outdoors. All families are welcome and encouraged to participate.
