The Acorn Group – Growing Together in Nature

Acorn Group

On Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM, our Acorn Group gathers at Creekside Nature Unschool for a morning filled with connection, learning, and joy in God’s creation. This small group of curious preschoolers (ages 3–5) spends their days exploring the outdoors, making discoveries, and growing in confidence and community.

One of my favorite parts about beginning a new year with the Acorn Group is the anticipation—watching friendships form, seeing shy smiles turn into belly laughs, and knowing each child will find their place in our little community. The start of the year is full of possibilities, and I can’t wait to see the unique gifts and personalities each child will bring.

A Morning in the Acorn Group

We have so many beautiful spaces that become part of the children’s daily rhythm:

• Gathering Grove – Our morning meeting place where we share songs, stories, have discussions and pray, setting the tone for a day of exploration and connection.

• Muddy Spoon – The heart of imaginative messy play, where mud pies, pretend soups, and “wild recipes” inspire creativity and cooperation.

• Story Stump – A quiet, shaded spot for dramatic play, acting out the stories in their heads and letting their imaginations roam.

• Newton Patio – An open-air space perfect for hands-on building with loose parts and playing with the laws of motion.

• Woodland Workshop – Our art and tinkering corner, where children create with natural materials and explore how ideas come to life in their hands.

• Wild Path – Our natural challenge course for climbing, balancing, and running, helping children grow strong, coordinated, and confident.

• Wonder Garden – A peaceful space for observing the smallest wonders—flowers, insects, and all of God’s tiny, intricate details.

  
  

These spaces aren’t just places to play—they’re places to learn. Child development doesn’t happen in a straight line, and each area uniquely invites growth. Whether it’s building social skills through group play, strengthening gross motor skills on the Wild Path, or developing fine motor control in the Woodland Workshop, every moment here is rich with learning opportunities.

For Parents and Families

One of the things I love most about our co-op model is the chance to connect with other parents who share similar values and a love for giving their children meaningful outdoor experiences. When you volunteer during the year, you’ll not only witness your child’s joy and growth firsthand, but you’ll also gain insights into child development that you can carry back into your daily life at home.

As your child’s first and most important teacher, your role in their learning journey is irreplaceable. I’m excited to share more about what I’ve learned in my years of working with young children—how to support curiosity, nurture independence, and encourage the kind of resilience that comes from time spent in nature. My hope is that your time here benefits you as much as it does your child, and that these mornings in the Acorn Group ripple out into your family life in lasting, beautiful ways.

A Place to Belong

Our group is small by design, so every child is known and valued. This also means that spaces are extremely limited—and right now, only a few openings remain.

If you’ve been thinking about giving your child the gift of time outdoors, connection with peers, and a learning environment that sees nature as the best classroom, now is the time to join us.

➡️ Click here to contact me for enrollment

Let’s grow together—one acorn at a time.