What is a “nature-based” program?
A nature-based program (also sometimes called “forest” or “outdoor”) is a school or program that:
- meets outdoors for all or most classes, preferably in a woodland area
- meets in “all” weather conditions (except hazardous weather)
- enables children to learn at their own pace
- prioritizes play, children’s interests, and choices as channels of learning
- provides children ample opportunities for unstructured play in nature
- promotes the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, collaborative, and creative children.
- allows children the opportunity to take supported risks, appropriate for the situation and their individual abilities
- is run by experienced Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
- cultivates community
Forest schools vary in their structure, content, and activities. Despite common misconception, most are not some version of Bear Grylls for kids.
Note: While our primary groups are nature-based, some of our clubs, workshops, and other events (LEGO Club, Art Club, etc) may meet indoors.
Why is a nature-based program a good choice for my child?
There is an abundance of research that supports the benefits of a forest school or nature-based program.
- Increased physical activity
- Increased healthy habits
- Increased social skills
- Increased body awareness and fine/gross motor skills
- Reduced stress
- Decreased anxiety
- Decreased ADHD symptoms
- Increased confidence
- Increased problem-solving skills
- Sensory needs are met
- Boosted immune system
- Lots of fun!
(Note: Although all the above benefits are generally true, outdoor education isn’t for everyone. Nature isn’t everyone’s happy place. Children (and adults!) who strongly dislike spending time outdoors may be unable to acclimate. Also, it’s important to understand that outdoor education also isn’t a “magic bullet” for all children who struggle in other settings. The sensory input that is calming for some may be distressing to others. As described below, we’re willing to support students and see how we can enable them to enjoy our time together.)
What does it mean to “welcome children with diverse needs”? Is this a special education program?
Nourished Oaks is not a special education program. Nourished Oaks is simply a homeschool group that values inclusion and accessibility.
That means that, to the best of our resources and ability, all students with a genuine desire to be part of our group are welcomed holistically, accommodated, and supported, including students with disabilities and support needs.
So what sort of children are in your groups?
Our groups are pretty diverse! Our groups include “regular homeschool kids” as well as children who have various disabilities and support needs.
Currently we’re mainly geared towards supporting neurodivergent students (e.g. ADHD and autistic) with low-to-moderate support needs, but supports can be added/adjusted.* Feel free to ask about your unique situation!
Is inclusion good for my child?
Yes! We’re convinced that all children have much to gain from building friendships and working in community with peers who think, play, communicate, and/or move differently.
Adaptive, holistic teaching is at the heart of many home education philosophies and forest school pedagogy. Inclusion infuses that heart into our social learning times.
What supports and accommodations do you provide?
It depends on the needs of our current students and which group(s) they attend. Currently we’re mainly geared toward supporting neurodivergent students (e.g. ADHD and autistic) with low-to-moderate support needs. Click here to see a list of our typical supports.
As we get to know incoming students we always explore which aspect of our program is likely to be difficult for this student, and how we can tweak what we do or support our friend so they can enjoy our time together and engage with us at their level.*
What skills does my child need to have in order to participate?
All our groups are for children with a genuine interest in that group’s activities.
In order to be dropped off, students must be able to:
- Demonstrate body and safety awareness to safely participate (at their own level) in group activities with an adult nearby but not within arm’s reach at all times
- Stay within designated boundaries and within eyesight of the group in a wild nature environment without attempting to elope or run away
- Take care of their own primary needs (such as eating, drinking, and using the restroom)
- Communicate their needs to the leader and others (using verbal words or an adaptive device, pictures, facial expressions, gestures, ASL, etc…)
If your child isn’t yet proficient in one of these areas, they may be required to have a parent, guardian, or qualified caregiver accompany them as an aide. Their aide must be willing and able to follow our volunteer policies and procedures, which includes completion of a criminal background check.
Like any group, ours has limitations. Not every group is a perfect fit for every child. We may not be able to provide the level/type of support some children need. Some children may not yet be ready for what we do together.
Because we want to set everyone up for success, during the registration process we’ll take time to get to know your child’s needs better and explore whether we’re a good fit for them right now. Decisions are made based on your child’s social, emotional, and physical needs, as well as our current resources, setting, staff ratios, etc.
Feel free to reach out anytime to discuss your child’s specific needs by emailing nourishedoaks@gmail.com
What ages are your students?
Our groups are designed for ages 6-12. All ages are integrated together in one group.
How do you teach a broad range of ages/grade levels together?
There are many benefits to multi-age group learning. Our groups are small and we use a choice-based, interest-led approach that cultivates self-directed learning. Learning experiences, projects, etc, are adjusted for each student based on their skill level (as opposed to grade level). Students often help one another and collaborate.
How many students are in each class?
Homeschool Enrichment has around 12 students.
Clubs have around 8 students.
Is Nourished Oaks Homeschool Enrichment an all-in-one homeschool co-op?
No. Homeschool parents in our group are responsible for their child(ren)’s foundational academic subjects. Nourished Oaks is an enrichment program. Our students receive their core academic instruction at home, with a tutor, or in an academic homeschool co-op.
What subjects do you teach?
As an enrichment program, we provide invitations to learn elementary-level natural sciences, art, social-emotional skills, literature, and creative writing.
Do you have a curriculum?
Nourished Oaks’ Homeschool Enrichment curriculum is customized each school year in order to be place-based and adaptive, as well as flexible so each cohort can pursue areas of strong interest. It fits nicely into homeschools that use eclectic, Charlotte Mason, and self-directed learning approaches.
(Our seasonal science guides will also be available for purchase at Teachers Pay Teachers soon!)
Our material is strongly influenced by the following resources/philosophies:
Exploring Nature with Children, Teaching for Artistic Behavior, Wonder Art Workshop, Fairy Dust Teaching, Brave Writer, The Brave Learner, Leah McDermott/Your Natural Learner, Charlotte Mason‘s approach to literature and nature study, various resources for sensory integration, interoception, and CBT for kids, and the common fundamentals and classic teaching of forest schools.
What do you do at your meetings?
Click here for an overview of our routine for Homeschool Enrichment and Nature Exploration
Do you require parent volunteer/service hours?
Nope. We do not have mandatory parent volunteer hours and try to keep most activities in a drop-off format.
We love our parent volunteers and appreciate all their efforts – while also acknowledging the limitations that accompany various seasons of life and parents’ need for respite.
Parent volunteers (including those who stay as their child’s aide) receive a discount on their child’s group fees.
Do you accept non-parent volunteers?
Yes! The nature of our programming makes this a great opportunity for college students majoring in health sciences, psychology, or education. We provide training and are willing to write up a summary of your experiences and a recommendation at the end of the term you volunteer. Read more about our requirements here
Are your volunteers background checked?
Yes. Parent volunteers and other volunteers must pass background checks.
Where do you meet?
Our nature-based groups meet outdoors at parks and nature areas in and within a 20-minute drive around Waynesboro, VA.
Clubs and some events are held indoors at a local church or community center.
Participants receive detailed information about location before each term.
What if the weather is bad?
Overall we hold to the principle that “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing (choices).” We enjoy and celebrate all four of the distinct seasons here in Virginia, rain, snow, or shine. In the case of hazardous weather (ice, lightning, high wind advisory, etc…) we will either cancel classes or dismiss early. If a child has sensory aversions or other challenges that affect their ability to tolerate or remain safe in certain weather, then we will problem-solve with the family.
What about cold winter days?
Winters in the Shenandoah Valley are generally mild and can be enjoyed by those who wear adequate clothing. We provide criteria for clothing and encourage students to bring extra layers and helpful tools such as hand warmers. We sometimes utilize the fireplaces available at picnic shelters. If a child has sensory aversions or other challenges that affect their ability to keep warm on cold days, then we will problem-solve with the family.
What about safety?
Safety is our top priority. Outdoor activities carry many inherent risks. Thankfully, most of those risks are easily mitigated through supervision, planning, and preparation. We meet at locations familiar to our leaders who scout the area for hazards before each meeting. Our low adult-to-student ratio enables leaders to keep a close eye on everyone. We also prepare your children by teaching them to assess risks, take appropriate risks, and develop strategies and wisdom to play safely in nature.
We believe it is important for children to learn to prioritize safety and accept that scrapes and bumps happen, and that’s ok. We want them to learn they are capable of working through the problem and moving on with resilience.
If any accident does occur, a full report will be taken and caregivers will be notified at the end of the day, if not sooner.
What does my child need to bring?
For Homeschool Enrichment your child will need:
- a packed lunch and snack
- their own water bottle
- sunscreen
- a sturdy, comfortable well-fitting backpack (or equivalent means of bringing gear)
- clothing suitable for hours outdoors in that day’s current weather
Click here to see our full year-round recommended clothing and equipment.
Where will my child use the restroom?
For our nature-based groups, park restrooms are available most of the year (usually year round) at our meeting locations. During the winter months we will also have a small, private, portable toileting location for children to use in case the park restrooms are closed. As appropriate, we also teach the children to relieve themselves in the forest using Leave No Trace principles.
How much does it cost?
You can find the fees for each group on its information page.
Click here for Homeschool Enrichment Group
Click here for Clubs
What’s your withdrawal policy?
It’s ideal for families to commit to a whole school year, or at least a whole seasonal term (e.g. fall, winter, or spring) so that our student community can be nourished through consistency.
However, we understand from experience how quickly circumstances can change and how difficult it can be for some students to find group learning opportunities that work well for them. Therefore, students can withdraw at any time with a parent’s written notice. (A text or email is fine.) One or more week’s notice is appreciated.
For families who pre-pay a whole term, a partial refund can be made depending on how far into the term you withdraw.
You can click here to read our policies document
Nourished Oaks: nature based homeschool group 