_edited.png)
Creekside Nature Unschool
Our Current Schedule
Our gatherings take place twice a week. We have two nature groups that each meet twice weekly between September and May. Group A meets on Monday and Wednesday mornings, and Group B meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We currently only have morning enrichment groups and plan on expanding to add afternoon options in September 2026.
Outdoor Classroom
-
🌳 Gathering Grove
A cozy, central place to come together — for resting, playing simple games, sharing stories, and singing songs in community. -
📘 Knowledge Nook
An intentional learning space where the class gathers for shared instruction, demonstration, discussion, and wonder-filled discovery. -
🥄 The Muddy Spoon
Our outdoor sensory station — a mud and sand kitchen where children mix, scoop, pour, and play through hands-on, earthy exploration. -
🪵 Newton Patio
A dynamic building area filled with loose parts like blocks, sandbags, ramps, wheels, rocks, and balls — perfect for constructing, testing, and experimenting with the laws of motion and architecture. -
🌲 Story Stump
A magical corner that invites imagination, where children can pretend, create characters, and act out their stories and ideas. -
🎨 Woodland Workshop
A dedicated space for artistic expression and tinkering — with natural and open-ended materials, child friendly tools, and opportunities to create from the heart. -
🌼 Wonder Garden
A peaceful gardening space where children observe, tend, and marvel at the small and growing things — from flowers and seedlings to tadpoles and caterpillars — nurturing a sense of care and reverence. -
🏃♀️ Wild Path
A wide-open space designed for big movement and joyful motion. Here, children run, climb, leap, balance, and play games that strengthen their bodies and build confidence. Logs, stumps, and natural materials become invitations to test strength, coordination, and courage. Whether chasing butterflies, balancing along a fallen tree, or playing a group game with friends, the Wild Path supports the development of gross motor skills through freedom, challenge, and delight.
8:30 am - 9:00 am
Drop off and Free Play
As children arrive, they are welcomed into open-ended outdoor play. This unstructured time allows them to settle in at their own pace—digging in the mud kitchen, building with natural materials, climbing, creating, or exploring. It’s a gentle start to the day that supports connection, creativity, and comfort in the natural space.
9:00 am - 9:15 am
Circle Time
Circle time is a daily gathering where we come together in community to begin our shared day. We open with prayer, followed by songs that reflect the seasons, nature, and God’s creation. A story—whether from a book, oral tradition, or nature itself—sets the tone for the day’s theme. We then introduce the questions, ideas, or invitations that connect to our planned exploration or activity. Circle time helps anchor the group, spark curiosity, and foster a sense of belonging and wonder.
9:15 am -10:00 am
Nature Walk or Exploration Activity
This is the heart of our day—time spent moving through and engaging with the natural world. Whether we are walking the trail, observing wildlife, collecting materials, experimenting with water and mud, or exploring an art or craft invitation, this time is rooted in wonder and discovery. Activities may be child-led or guided, but always flexible, allowing space for inquiry, creativity, and deep connection with God’s creation. Children might learn a new skill, investigate a question, or simply play with joy and intention.
10:00 am - 11:15 am
Unstructured Nature Play and Snack
This open-ended play period invites children to follow their own interests, move at their own pace, and engage deeply with the natural environment. Whether working independently or in collaboration with peers, children are free to build, create, explore, rest, or imagine. A variety of thoughtfully chosen materials and loose parts are available to support experimentation, problem-solving, and creativity. Educators observe and support as needed, but this time belongs to the children—uninterrupted, child-directed, and full of possibility.
11:15 am - 11:30 am
Closing Circle and Dismissal
At the end of each day, we gather as a group to slow down and reflect. Children are encouraged to share something they noticed, created, or wondered about, while teachers gently highlight the meaningful moments and connections observed during play. We end with a short prayer of gratitude, helping children leave with a sense of peace, purpose, and appreciation for the day spent in God’s creation.
Indoor Classroom
While Creekside Nature Unschool is rooted in outdoor exploration and child-led learning in nature, the safety and well-being of our children is always our top priority. On days when severe weather — such as thunderstorms, high winds, or sub-freezing temperatures — makes extended outdoor time unsafe, our indoor classroom and gym provide a thoughtful, purposeful alternative.
The indoor nature classroom offers a warm, welcoming space that reflects the same values of curiosity, creativity, and connection found outdoors. With access to natural materials, open-ended play, and hands-on experiences, children are still able to engage deeply with their learning and maintain a sense of rhythm and purpose.
In addition, our indoor gym offers ample room for movement, large motor play, and cooperative games, helping children release energy and stay active even when outdoor exploration isn't possible.
Most importantly, these indoor spaces support continuity and consistency in the children’s experience. By gathering with familiar peers and guides in a shared environment — whether inside or outside — children remain rooted in a trusted routine and community. This consistency is essential for their emotional security and growth and allows the mission of Creekside Nature Unschool to thrive regardless of the weather: nurturing wonder, fostering resilience, and honoring each child’s unique journey of learning.
Location
September through May, we meet outdoors at a camp location in the southwest, Fox Valley Area.
During the summer months, our program breaks for elementary and high school summer camp, where hundreds of children come together to play, have fun, and build friendships. Please get in touch with us for a specific location.