Outdoor School

WILDERNESS GATHERINGS OUTDOOR SCHOOL

The Wilderness Gatherings Mission

At Wilderness Gatherings Outdoor School, our mission is to kindle a profound and enduring love for nature in young hearts. We immerse children in the wild, where the boundless wonders of the outdoors become their classroom. Through the unspoiled splendor of Central California’s ecosystems and landscapes, we nurture their innate curiosity, independence, and sense of wonder. We reveal the seamless harmony and interconnections within nature, illustrating how every element compliments the whole, and encourage children to explore and learn through the harmonious dance
of discovery, exploration, and play.

Wilderness Gatherings Outdoor School believes early childhood education belongs to outside. The idea is simple: Use the outdoors as a backdrop for a solid, hands-on education and a sorely needed way to help a new generation connect with the real world.

It’s no secret that children thrive outside. We would like to host space to foster your child’s outdoor learning. Our annual curriculum focuses on learner-led outdoor play that encourages curiosity and exploration. This opportunity allows children to explore their own personal curiosities, develop confidence and independence.

Wilderness Gatherings Outdoor School is play-based learning that encourages active exploration, inquiry, independence, choice, problem solving, wonder and discovery. No tests or assignments, just observation and documentation for the parents who choose to participate.

What do outdoor schools teach?

Outdoor schools focus on hands-on educational and experimental activities individually and within groups. Children build interpersonal skills like teamwork, communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. They also build spatial and motor development, as much of the day is spent in movement with full-body sensory activities.
One of the most important aspects of outdoor school is that the lessons are held completely outside. We hold lessons outside 100% of the time, unless the weather is deemed dangerous. Children are encouraged to dress appropriately for all kinds of weather and outdoor activities. After all, we want them to understand there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad preparation.
Our biggest hope is that any child participating develops a bond with nature and a deeper understanding of the environment around them.

FAQs

Is this a drop-off school, or do you offer family-style classes?

Wilderness Gatherings Outdoor School is a family-style program. A parent or caregiver must remain on-site. We believe in learning together - through play, discovery, and connection, and that the presence of a trusted adult is a vital part of the experience.

If this is a parent-involved class, how involved do I need to be?

The level of involvement is ultimately up to you but your presence matters more than perfection.

We encourage parents to let their children take the lead, especially during craft or exploration time. That might mean resisting the urge to "fix" or direct their creations, and instead stepping back to watch them find their own way. You're welcome to give initial help or support when needed, but creativity thrives when kids feel safe to make their own decisions - messy or imperfect as they may be.

Parent support is most helpful when it's relational: offering guidance during social conflicts, modeling kindness and responsibility, and encouraging participation in group efforts like cleanup. Children learn so much by watching us respond rather than direct.

You don’t need to entertain or instruct—just be present, available, and gently supportive as your child navigates the world around them.

What will you do if it's raining or snowing?

Rain, snow, sunshine, fog, it's all weather that we can learn in and about. We will dress for the weather and have a blast! In the case of dangerous weather, we have a safe, indoor gathering space.

What does my child need to bring?

Students will need to bring a water bottle, snacks, and lunch with them as well as things like weather-appropriate shoes and clothing, and bug spray is good to have on hand. Picnic blankets are also always encouraged for families to have a spot to sit. We provide all outdoor equipment and many learning supplies for students to use.

Can you share a sample topic from your curriculum?

Our curriculum follows the seasons and highlights the natural beauty of Central California. We explore topics like local wildlife, trees, and weather — sometimes even learning how to make pine needle tea or visiting a mushroom farm. Each class includes story, movement, hands-on activities, and nature-based crafts, all anchored in a gentle rhythm that leaves room for curiosity to lead the way.

What does the class rhythm look like?

While nothing is rigid, we follow a gentle rhythm that helps anchor our mornings. We usually begin with a short circle time — often including a hand poem, a welcome, and an introduction to the day’s topic. From there, we explore through stories, hands-on activities, movement, and nature-based crafts. Occasionally, we’ll incorporate a sensory bin to enrich the theme. We also leave room for unstructured play and curiosity-led moments.

Why is Wilderness Gatherings Outdoor School for mixed ages (3–8)?

We believe children thrive in natural, family-style groupings. In mixed-age settings, younger children learn through observation and imitation, while older children gain confidence by nurturing and guiding. This fosters empathy, collaboration, and leadership in a way that mirrors real-life community.

Mixed-age learning also invites children to revisit skills across seasons and developmental stages—each year layering deeper understanding through play, repetition, and shared experience.

Do you accept charter funds?

Not at this time. We’re a small, grassroots operation and currently operate independently — but becoming a charter vendor is one of our near-future goals. We’ll be sure to share updates as soon as that becomes available!

What does the $125 session fee include?

Each 5-week session is thoughtfully designed around seasonal rhythms, introducing your child to nature-based topics, skills, gentle movement, storytelling, and hand poems teaching ASL.

Your fee covers:

Quality hands-on materials (clay, beeswax, felting wool, tea herbs, natural paints, etc.)
Take-home creations like journals, crafts, badges, and nature treasures
Sensory-rich play, curated learning environments, and connection to local wild spaces
A consistent rhythm that helps children feel safe, engaged, and excited to return each week

It also supports the time, care, and preparation poured into every detail, from selecting gathering spots to creating meaningful hand poems, to setting up crafts and guiding group flow.

At $25 per week, this is more than a class, it's a grounded, community-centered experience that fosters wonder, kinship, and confidence in the natural world.