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

Thimbleberries (0-3.5)

Our weekly hour-long classes give you and your infant or toddler (0- 3.5 years) the opportunity to explore nature and make new friends.

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Huckleberries (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.

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Salmonberries (5-11)

This class is a nature immersion program for ages 5-11. In the forest environment, kids learn through direct experience while hiking, playing and exploring at Saint Edward State Park.

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Wildlings (12-15)

This class encourages middle schoolers to revel in the wonder of their still present childhood during this transitional time between childhood and young adulthood.

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Family Program (4-7)

This class gets families outside and exploring together. Each class begins with a morning circle and short yoga practice, followed by a hike.

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Summer Camp (6-11)

Summer 2021

Our summer day camp is open to ages 6-11 and takes place Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm, with morning and evening wrap-around care available.

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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.

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