OUR CORE VALUES
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness practices help children and adults develop the simple art of bringing a gentle, focused, and accepting attitude to the present moment. Meditation, reflection and yoga are integrated throughout our programs to deliver the gift of mindfulness to our participants and their families.
STEWARDSHIP
By working, playing, and learning gently and responsibly in our natural spaces, we are also developing the shared values of care, concern and advocacy. We are grounded in the belief that not only do children need nature, nature needs them.
CONNECTION
Through play, exploration and shared time together, we foster deep and lasting connections to the natural world and to each other. The simple act of being in nature is heart affirming and nourishing, brings meaning to our lives, allows us the opportunity to not only connect to each other but also more deeply to our own selves.
PROGRAMS
Summer Camps
ages 4-11
Summer 2021
Our summer day camps are open to ages 4-11 and takes place Monday-Friday at Saint Edward State Park.
Huckleberries
ages 3.5-4
Our days are filled with songs, games, exploration, and play as the children build connections with each other and with the world around them.
Blackberries
age 5-6
Come explore, experiment, learn and play with us! Supported by talented outdoor educators, your child with learn to build and nurture relationships with each other and the natural world in this exclusively outdoor class.
Salmonberries
ages 6-11
Explore the benefits of this multi-age nature immersion program! In the natural habitats that abound at St. Edward State Park, your child will develop and grow in an outdoor environment where children are encouraged to collaborate and learn from each other.
Wildlings
ages 11-14
Nature is for tweens, too! This class is designed to encourage middle schoolers to revel in the wonder of their still present childhood during this transitional time between childhood and young adulthood.
Thimbleberries
ages 0-3.5
Can your little one learn about and enjoy nature, too? Absolutely! Our weekly classes are designed to meet your very young child where they are developemetally, and to give you both the opportunity to explore nature and make new friends.
Family Program
ages 4-7
Get your family outside and exploring together! Including a morning circle, short yoga practice and a hike, this class is designed for parents and children to attend as a team.
After School
K-3rd grade
Elementary School After Care Program
Early Release Wednesdays 2021 School Year
About Us
Tess Golden-Orr and Erin Cole started Heartwood Nature Programs in the Summer of 2020 after the school where they had been teachers closed permanently due to the COVID19 outbreak. Their mission: To connect children and families to nature and to foster communities around a shared commitment to our wild spaces. Tess has a background in outdoor education, and Erin is a former public school teacher turned naturalist. For more information on Tess and Erin and all the teachers at Heartwood, click the button below.
