This is probably the most common question parents ask both our staff and their children.
The answer varies widely from day to day depending on the weather, the season, the children and who is in the park with us.
Mostly we smile, we laugh, we move our bodies, we sing, we walk, we run, we climb, we fall down and get back up, we listen to one another and to the sounds of the world, we experience what it is like to just be.
That said, yes we have a rough schedule and outline for the day and the session.
An outline of our day is below:
Drop-off/Gear Check – We meet in the field where we begin our day with a gross motor activity/game and our nature museum. We check in with parents and go through a clothing checklist to ensure each child is properly prepared for the adventure ahead.
Activation Game – We slip into our nature awareness by getting playful and practicing skills.
Circle– We begin our day together by settling in for an active circle.
Snack/Story – Before we head out we refuel. We wash our hands, sing a blessing and share food, stories and conversations. Children bring their own litter-free snack to fuel their busy bodies.
Wander – We then set out on a relaxed “hike” to one of our many play sites. Each site takes us a little further into the park and we return to each place for only 3 weeks each season to ensure our landscape has a chance to rest & recover.
Play – The heart of our program is child-led play. Facilitators often have activities or a tool to show/share with the children but children are free to come and go as they please. Facilitators encourage and support the children to learn, explore and play freely & deeply with each other. They are always nearby and attentive to lend a helping hand or suggestions as children learn to communicate with each other.
Wander – With full hearts and dirty hands our backpacks go back on for a joyful hike back through the park to return to the parking lot for pick up. Everyone carries all their things in their pack, including the facilitators!
Pick Up – We wait at the yellow gate for our grown-ups.
Want to know more about the kinds of adventures we’ve had in years gone by?
Visit our Instagram page.